Self Drive Car Tours - Ireland at a Glance

Your tour commences and finishes in lively Dublin and incorporates the two most beautiful areas of Ireland, Connemara and Killarney. From Connemara with its vast open expanses of bog bordered by breathtaking mountains to the ruggedness of Killarney dotted with mystical lakes. You can choose from our selected hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation or a 'Combined stay' that includes 3 nights in Hotel, 3 nights in a Bed and Breakfast and one night in a castle.

Locations Visited: Dublin x 1 night / Mayo x 1 night / Connemara x 2 nights / Killarney x 2 nights / Kildare or Offaly x 1 night.

Day 1- Dublin	Arrive in Irelands capital city and overnight in Cosmopolitan Dublin. Dublin has a wealth of treasures for the visitor with cultural delights like St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College to name but a few! For those who prefer a more relaxed look at the capital, a leisurely browse through the main shopping area of Grafton Street is an absolute must.
Day 2 - Dublin to Mayo	Depart Dublin and travel west across the rolling plains of central Ireland. En route you will pass through the town of Kilbeggan where you may like to pause to visit the old Johnny Locke's Distillery. Later at Athlone, you may like to visit the nearby 6th century monastic settlement at Clonmacnoise, one of Irelands most treasured sites. Continue for Mayo for overnight.
Day 3 - Mayo to Connemara	Leave Castlebar and travel to one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty in Ireland. Connemara is a region to be explored for a true taste of Gaelic Culture. Travel through Louisburg and Delphi to Leenane, one of the most important fishing ports in the west. Travel through the majestic Maam Valley to Maam Cross. Then later through Recess and Lough Inagh Valley to Kylemore Abbey. A visit to Connemara National Park at Letterfrack is very worthwhile. Overnight in Connemara.
Day 4 - Connemara	A chance to further enhance your acquaintance with Connemara today. The area of the south Connemara is yours to discover. From Clifden, travel south via Ballyconneely with its wonderful golf course, through Roundstone and onto Ballynahinch, famous for its salmon fishing. Later you may wish to make the short ferry journey across to the Aran Islands from Rossaveal (30mins). You can fly there if you wish for IR£40 return or IR£18 by ferry. Overnight in Connemara.
Day 5 - Connemara to Killarney	Travel south to Kerry - the heart of traditional Ireland passing through Ennis and taking the Killimer / Tarbert Ferry which crosses the River Shannon. Drive through Listowel, famous for its annual horse racing event and continue in a southerly direction until you reach Tralee. Possible visit to 'Kerry the Kingdom' exhibition before continuing to Killarney. Overnight in Killarney.
Day 6 - Killarney	Today you may choose to explore the 170 kilometres of scenic splendour, which makes up the famed Ring of Kerry. Stop at all the well known beauty spots such as Lady's View, Moll's Gap and Torc Waterfall. Alternatively you may spend your day enjoying the sights of Muckross House set in the Killarney National Park or trek out to the Gap of Dunloe on horseback. Return to Killarney for your second overnight.
Day 7 - Killarney to Kildare or Offaly	Depart Killarney and travel toward the South East of Ireland taking in the provincial towns of Mallow and Clonmel. Stop off in the medieval Capital of Ireland for a visit to Kilkenny Castle and perhaps the Kilkenny Design Centre. If on the 'Combined stay' your last night is in Kilkea Castle or Kinnitty Castle.
Day 8 - Departure	Depart for the return flight home from Dublin Airport.