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Overview

Self-driving trip in Ireland

Ireland is prettier than pretty.... This a place of fairies, warriors, poets, saints. Ireland is also of course the motherland of the Celtic culture that holds its early origins from the Vikings and the Normans. The land of Ireland gives a striking impression to those who venture there: a travel adventure in Ireland is like a return to some innocent times, we come back from Ireland with the nostalgic feeling of having found a lost garden...

An exceptional trip, tailor-made according to your needs, which enables you to discover the natural wonders of Ireland along with its rich cultural and historical sights. This private self driving tour, that starts and finishes in Dublin, will give you the opportunity to visit Ireland at your own pace. This tour, which circles the island, will lead you from Belfast to the spectacular site of the Giant's Causeway in Ulster, Northern Ireland. From there, you will be able to visit the Connemara area, the brown earth of Mayo, which is home of the sacred mountain of Ireland Mt. Croagh Patrick, and the wild mountains of the Donegal. The journey ends in Dublin where we conclude this trip by visiting this attractive city but not before visiting a famous distillery in Middleton. Encompassed in this adventure travel are: charming hotels, deep fjords, rolling hills, deserted beaches and historical castles. In short, a self-drive trip that covers the most beautiful areas of Ireland.

Do not hesitate to contact our expert specialist on Ireland for more information on this wonderful tailor-made travel!

Itinerary

Day 1| International flight

Day 2| Dublin
Arrival at Dublin airport. Pick up the vehicule at the rental desk and departure to Dublin. Time at leisure in the afternoon.

Day 3| Dublin
Discover Dublin's Fair City. Your tour will take you to all the sights including Trinity College, the oldest University in Ireland, which was founded in 1592 by Elizabeth 1st. Within its walls, you will be able to admire Parliament Square and its 18th Century edifices. The visit of the ancient library, containing over twenty thousand manuscripts, is often surprising by its splendour. The ninth Century Book of Kells, famous for its precious illuminations, is exhibited in these premises.

The sight is followed by a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is an Anglican cathedral built in 1213; it is the largest in Ireland. This Gothic Cathedral with a splendid interior is adorned with Funeral Monuments, for example The Boyle family and the grave of Dean Jonathan Swift (Dean of St. Patrick's 1713-1745). The Chancel with its ornate stained-glass windows, some by Harry Clarke, are some of the magnificent features to behold. Important restoration during the 19th Century. St Patricks Cathedral also carries its own ghost. The ghost of Captain Boyd's dog sitting beside his statue erected by Dublin citizens for his bravery during a storm in Dun Laoghaire (South of Dublin) where he tried to save bodies from the wreckages.
Overnight and full Irish Breakfast in Dublin.

Day 4| Belfast (~ 170 km)
Today travel Northwards to Belfast. On route discover the Boyne Valley. It is without a doubt the most historical region of the whole island, therefore it is not surprising to find here the most important Irish monuments such as Newgrange, Knowth or Loughcrew Cairns. These are megalithic tombs, dating from 2500 B.C, located along the valley of the river Boyne. Newgrange is the finest passage tomb in Ireland. It pre-dates the Pyramids of Egypt by about six centuries and is regarded as one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. From the outside it is a large grass covered mount about 8-m in diameter and 13m in height. Visits to these prehistoric sites are limited.

On arrival enjoy a city tour of Belfast. A guided city tour is an excellent way to discover Belfast City. The tour will take in the leaning Albert Memorial Clock tower (Irelands answer to the Tower of Pisa) and the Opera House, which is one of Belfast's great landmarks. Your tour will pass by the City Hall, the Opera house, The Crown Bar (dates from 1885), Queens University and the Botanic Gardens. Some tours will take in a visit to the Harland and Wolfe Shipyard, where the Titanic was built and launched in 1912. A visit to the Shankill and Falls road will be of interest as it will give the visitor an indication of how life was in Belfast during the troubles.

Visit of the Queens University: Queens University is undoubtedly one of the most attractive buildings in Belfast. The Architect Charles Lanyon designed this Tudor styled building which was founded in 1845 as University Queens College. The Queen referred to in its name is Queen Victoria who was present for the laying of the foundation stone in 1845. Queens today has 8500 students and is Northern Ireland's most prestigious University. The university has a very fine entrance and its Grand-hall has portraits of many of its famous students. The monument at the entrance to the university is dedicated to its teaching staff and students who lost their lives during the two world wars.

Mount Stewart is an 18th-century house and garden in Northern Ireland owned by the National Trust. Situated on the east shore of Strangford Lough, a few miles outside the town of Newtownards and near Greyabbey, it was the home of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family, Marquesses of Londonderry. The house and its contents reflect the history of the Vane-Tempest-Stewarts, who played a leading role in British social and political life. Come time at leisure in Belfast. Check in to Hotel. Overnight, bed and full Irish breakfast at Hotel in Belfast or region.

Day 5| « Glens of Antrim » and Giants Causeway (~184 km)
Travel along the coast of Northern Ireland. Visit the Giants Causeway. The Causeway was formed more than 60 million years ago when red-hot lava erupted onto the surface of the earth. It was quickly cooled by the sea, which crystallised it and formed it into the 40,000 basalt polygonal columns, which today form the Giants Causeway. A must on any visit to the North of Ireland, the Causeway is an UNESCO World Heritage site, and is often referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. The Visitor Centre hosts a multi-lingual audio-visual show, which explains the origin, and the geology of the Causeway as well as adding credence to the various legends told of the Giants Causeway. There is a bus service from the heritage centre to the Causeway.

Continue for a visit of Old Bushmills Distillery. The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery having received its licence to distil in 1608. In that year Sir Thomas Phillips was granted a licence to distil whiskey by James 1 of England ~ however, distilling traditions in the area date back to 1276. The present distillery was built in 1885 after the original had been destroyed by fire. Guided tours of the distillery are available daily. The visit commences with an excellent short film on the history and distillation of Irish whiskey, followed by a 20-minute tour of the distillery. The visit finishes in the distillery pub where all are invited to partake of a wee Bush (a sample of Bushmills Whiskey). The distillery has a restaurant and a sales outlet.

Then continuation towards Derry. Founded in the 6th century is situated between the sea and mountains, on the River Foyle that flows finally into in a large fjord. Derry was created during the Plantation: a network of streets stretch from a central square to the four medieval doors. The old city, at the top of the hill, has maintained its walls intact, which date from the 17th century. Derry has a heavy historical past: the siege of 1689, the -Troubles- of the 60's and 70's and the Orange Parades marching in the summer months. All these events have been violent ... between loyalist and nationalist communities. Nowadays, Derry is enjoying the advantages of the new peaceful situation and its city centre is again lively and pleasant. Overnight, bed and full Irish breakfast at Derry.

Day 6| Donegal
Its location in the North west of Ireland has kept Donegal secret and wild. The Irish consider it to be the most beautiful county In Ireland because of the great diversity of scenery. Donegal is formed by coastal scenery, mountains, lakes and bogs covered in heather ~ all of which combine to give it a unique charm. Its roads are narrow and will lead you to tranquil and deep bays, long deserted beaches inhabited only by the sea birds and high cliffs and a coastline dotted with small islands. The narrow winding roads force you to take your time and allow you to enjoy the wild and unspoiled nature.

Enjoy a full day touring in the Donegal region passing through Killybegs, a famous fishing village and the Glenties. Donegal matches anywhere else in Ireland for bleakness, dramatic cliffs and hectares of peat bogs. Visit the Glenveagh National Park, in many ways one of Ireland's hidden treasures - it's 10,000 acres of protected wilderness are there to be explored as well as Glenveagh Castle and the splendid gardens which surround it. Donegal town is a pleasant and popular place and the castle that dominates the town is impressive.

Glenveagh Castle: The castle built by John George Adair in 1870 and was modeled on Balmoral (Royal Castle in Scotland) in miniature. Over 420 Irish families were evicted by Adair to form the estate ~ an event, which lead to a curse being put on all the owners of Glenveagh Castle by an old lady who was evicted from her tiny cottage. As a result of the curse no children were even born to any of the 3 owners of the castle? Henry McIlhenny (its last owner) restored the castle as a comfortable gentleman's home with many reminders of the deer hunting once so important to upper class society life. The castle received many visitors in its time ~ some of the most notable being Greta Gabor and Princess Grace of Monaco.

Glenveagh National Park: Situated in northwest Donegal, the core area of Glenveagh National Park was formerly an enormous private estate of over 9,500 hectares in extent. The present day National Park now includes elements of another large estate and has a total area of over 16,500 hectares, making it Ireland's largest. It boasts, like Killarney, beautiful lakes set in impressive mountain scenery (the Park includes the two highest peaks in Donegal - Errigal and Slieve Snacht). The underlying granite gives to the landscape a quite different character to the sandstone and limestone strata of Killarney however. At the south-west end of the Park are the ice-carved cliffs of the Poisoned Glen and Bingorm, while the north-east end has a gentler array of hills, deep peat bogs and the swampy valley of the Owencarrow river.
Overnight in Donegal or around.

Day 7| County Mayo
The route to Galway goes through Sligo County, a countryside immortalised by the poetry of W.B. Yeats, winner of the Nobel Prize in 1923. Before discovering this area, you will stop at Knock, an important pilgrimage centre.
In 1879 an apparition of St. Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist was recorded, later recognised as authentic, and since then the place has attracted millions of pilgrims each year who gather in front of the Church's wall.

The little village is so visited that an international airport was opened in 1986. Sligo is covered in lush valleys, woods and high mountains. The fantastic contrasts between its lakes, its forests, mountains and bog lands give this region an extraordinary beauty. Coming out of Sligo town, situated on the Garavogue, a river that links Lough Gill with the Atlantic Ocean, you will visit Drumcliff at the feet of Benbulben, where the famous poet W.B Yeats is buried. This mountain, with its strange flat top, is a gigantic and impressive limestone ‘cuesta' rising in front of the ocean. This grandiose scenery is only a taste of what you will discover in Donegal.

Stretching from Lough Corrib in the south to Killala Bay in the north, Mayo boasts many attractions including stunning mounting scenery, megalithic tombs, excellent fishing waters, exciting hiking trails and great golf courses. Westport is one of Mayo's principal tourist orientated towns ~ a charming town, with lively traditional pubs and plenty of Irish music. It lies at the mouth of Clew Bay, where you'll find Achill Island - the largest island off the Irish coast, and probably the most beautiful, with lovely mountains, moors and beaches. Croagh Patrick, Mayo's principal mountain, is where Saint Patrick is said to have banished all snakes from Ireland. Mayo's is also well known for its famous religious site at Knock, which is visited by in excess of 1½ million visitors each year. There is much to see and do in Mayo.
Overnight in Mayo county.

Day 8| The Connemara
Connemara, whose inhabitants still speak Gaelic, is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. It is a vast peninsula bordered by the arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south, a bumpy land famous for its stone walls and thatched cottages. In the northern half, harsher and more secret, you will see the Ocean and the beautiful fjord at Killary Harbour as well as the steep mountains overlooking numerous lakes and large bog areas. You will find again peace and tranquility, which have now disappeared from our overpopulated regions. Connemara is a real paradise for Nature lovers. In the morning visit Connemara National Park and then in the afternoon visit Kylemore Abbey.

Connemara National Park It is a magnificent natural park at the foot of the Diamond Mountain, which is 727 metres high. The park covers 1500 hectares of wood and bog land. An audio-visual and photographic exhibition complete the visit.

Kylemore Abbey: It is a gothic style castle, built in the 19th century by a rich Liverpool merchant. Today it belongs to the Benedictine Nuns. Impressive, hidden between mountains and lake and surrounded by rhododendrons, the Abbey is situated in a romantic place of great beauty. Only the entrance hall and three other rooms are open to the public. The sisters use the rest as personal quarters or as the secondary school for girls.
Overnight in Galway.

Day 9| Galway - Burren and the Cliffs of Moher
This morning, discover Galway. The city centre of Galway is mainly pedestrian, so a walking tour is the best way to enjoy its atmosphere and discover some of its most important monument. The tour starts on Eyre Square and finishes at the Claddagh. During the tour you will see Lynch Castle, home to the mayors of Galway, Saint Nicholas Church founded in the 13th century, and the famous Spanish Arch. You can walk along the Corrib river to the Claddagh village or to the majestic Cathedral.

Leave Galway and drive to the Burren, a strange and unique region in Europe. -Burren- means -large stones-: in fact its name describes this impressive scenery perfectly well. Often described as lunar, the Burren is a high plateau of porous limestone situated in Northern Clare between Ballyvaughan and Kilfenora. No trees are growing here, no land is covering the stone, the limestone is bare. But the Burren is not as deserted as we believe: the cracks allow different types of flowers to grow all year round, though Spring would be the best season for the botanists to explore. The rocks hide many caves like Ailwee, as well as -Turloughs-, an interesting phenomenon which transforms lakes into fields during the summer. You will also discover the testimonies of its rich history thanks to countless castles and monastic ruins. The tour includes a stop at The Cliffs of Moher.

The most majestic cliffs in Ireland rise from the Atlantic Ocean at 215 metres and extend for over seven kilometers long. From this height, you can admire the Aran Islands, the Connemara Mountains and the many sea birds that colonise this place to nest in spring. Overnight in Co Limerick, in the village of Adare or area.

Day 10| Ring of Kerry
Today, a superb tour of the Ivreagh Peninsula, will give you the opportunity to discover the Ring of Kerry. Taking in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as one travels along the coast road. Leaving Killarney one passes through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Continuing to Cahirciveen one passes the birthplace of National hero, Daniel O'Connell. Passing through the peat bogs one arrives at the sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous because of its brightly coloured houses. The road continues through the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous lakes of Killarney.

Visit Muckross House, Muckross House, which was built in 1843 by the Herbert Family, in Elizabethan style. This house is one of the most sumptuous residences of Ireland. Muckross, surrounded by beautiful gardens, is in the heart of the Killarney National Park, the first opened in Ireland. Overnight and full Irish Breakfast in Killarney or region.

Day 11| Cork and Kinsale
Departure to Cork (~ 80 km). Cork was designated the European Cultural Capital of Europe for 2005. Located on the south and south-west coasts of Ireland, it is the largest of all the Irish counties and in many ways the most varied. Rich farmlands and river valleys contrast with the wild sandstone hills of the west, and above all there is the magnificent coastline scooped and fretted by the Atlantic into great bays and secret coves, strewn with rocky headlands and long soft golden sands.

Cork has everything that makes Ireland so attractive. The city is engagingly small, but it bustles with visitors and students all year round. The northern part of the county is renowned for fishing, while the main tourist trail leads down to Kinsale, Ireland's gourmet capital and west through the historic towns of Clonakilty and Skibbereen to the peninsulas jutting into the Atlantic. These unpopulated extremities are rich in history and nature and offer wonderful scenery. The county's best-known attraction is the Blarney Stone, located on the ramparts of Blarney Castle. Then continue towards Kinsale.

Kinsale Town: Kinsale is a lovely picturesque little town, considered the gourmet capital of Ireland and famous for its gourmet festival. The town was the site of one of the most important battles in Irish history when in 1601 the Spain and Irish joined forces against a common enemy the English. Despite a defeat the Spanish influences can still be seen in the winding streets and architecture of the town's buildings today. Overnight in Cork.

Day 12| Middleton and Waterford (~ 125 km)
Departure to Waterford. On the road, you stop and visit Middleton distillery. Whiskey has been distilled in the town of Midleton since the early 9th Century. The Old Midleton Distillery, founded by the Murphy Brothers in 1825, still produces in excess of 24 million bottle of whiskey each year. It also houses the largest Alembic in the world. A haven for all Whiskey connoisseurs, it is also the ideal place, for amateurs to learn the secrets of good Irish Whiskey. The 45 minute guided tour of the distillery commences with a short audio-visual, after which visitors are taken on a tour of the old distillery by local guides. The tour ends in the Distillery pub, where all are invited to enjoy a glass of Irish Whiskey before leaving the Distillery. Continue to Waterford.

Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland. A walled city of Viking origins, it retains much of its medieval character together with the graceful buildings from its 18th century expansion. Like Kilkenny, Waterford feels medieval, with narrow alleyways leading off many of the larger streets. Reginald's Tower marks the city's Viking heart and the surrounding area is particularly attractive. Georgian times left a legacy of fine houses and commercial buildings particularly around The Mall, George's street and O'Connell Street. Visitors should include the French church and Christchurch Cathedral on their tour of the city. Today Waterford is best known as a port and commercial city. Visit of the Waterford crystal factory.

The first Waterford crystal factory was founded in 1783 but it only operated until 1851 when it had to close due to punitive taxation. The current factory was opened in 1971. Today it employs a skilled workforce of glass blowers, cutters and engravers who can take from 8 to 10 years to learn their craft. The crystal is produced using red lead, silica sand and potash. Visitors are guided through the different stages of production from the blowing, cutting and engraving areas to seeing the finished product on display in the magnificent showrooms. Overnight in Waterford.

Day 13| Wicklow
Back to Dublin, you will cross the County Wicklow. It is said to be a microcosm of all the landscapes and colours of Ireland. You can pay a visit to Powerscourt House & Garden and to Glendalough, a 6th century monastic site founded by St Kevin in the beautiful "Valley of the two Lakes".
Powerscourt House: A residence of Palladian style, built in 1731 by Richard Castle. The house was burnt down in 1974 and a restoration project was started in 1996. You can take a tour of the -Ballroom- and the -Garden Room- and watch an audio-visual presentation describing the history of the house. A visit to the refurbished house is a highly enjoyable experience.

Powerscourt Gardens are beautifully situated with views of the Wicklow Mountains and are famous for their Italian and Japanese style gardens. The Italian gardens alone took 100 men 12 years to complete! The 20-hectare formal gardens were created in the 19th century, and the great Sugar Loaf Mountain provides a magnificent natural backdrop to the east.

Glendalough is an ancient monastic city, established in the 6th century by St. Kevin, in the heart of -the Valley of the two Lakes- (Gleann da Loch). The Interpretative Centre retraces the history of its community through an exhibition and an audio-visual presentation. You can then take a guided tour of the site, which includes a Round Tower, the ruins of the Cathedral and St. Kevin's Church, which is surrounded by an old cemetery.
Overnight in Dublin or region.

Day 14| Departure - International flight
Arrival at the airport, car drop off and departure.

Budget

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Lodging

Overview

With its flavours and colors that seem as if they were taken away from another time, it is hard to believe that a land as mysterious and unspoiled as Ireland lies only a short flight away from the bright lights of Paris and London. Yet this island has been the source of countless legends and still inspires many more, will give any first time visitor the impression of having reached the edge of the world. From the water that is always just a stone's throw away to the gentle hills that are scattered throughout the country, Ireland possesses landscapes that are both stunning and awe inspiring. On the Burren, Connemara or Donegal itinerary routes, we invite you to get off the beaten path and to be delighted by some places that are the result of our patient quest. Here the traveller's horizon carries colors and flavours that originate from another world. Beauty, wild atmosphere, sweet life; but also hospitality and conviviality of the Bed & Breakfast, hotels of charm and Irish Pubs... All the ingredients are here to entice even the most demanding travelers! Among The strengths of our journeys in Ireland: The in-depth discovery of a particular region or the country as a whole within a wide range of itineraries that are tailor made for your needs and are suitable to all kinds of travels; The outstanding comfort and quality of all accommodation in various B&B; guesthouses and hotels of charm that have been carefully selected. These unusual and original all-inclusive programs that are the brainchild of our specialist on Ireland will give every traveler the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of this amazing country.

Geography

Geography

Ireland might be known as the land of 40 shades of green but not necessarily all the natural sites of the island reflect this color. The Burren for instance, is an suprising area which was created 340 million years ago and stretches on the western shores of Ireland, from the northern county of Clare to the southern county of Galway
This unique spectacular landscape of limestone plateau is crossed by winding rivers and lakes. Its rich flora represents 70% of the indigenous vegetation found on the island. The Burren also has a rich cultural heritage with more than 500 circular forts and 80 Neolithic gravestones.

The mysterious lunar landscape of the Giant's Causeway has probably been created by several volcanic eruptions followed by the solidification of the lava. However, the legend tells another story. The Causeway (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is an impressive set of columns made of basalt that are cut apart from the Antrim plateau's cliffs . Ireland has a spectacular coastline of 1500 km which is battered by the powerful currants of the Atlantic from the west and the sea of Ireland from the east. . The Irish coast has a wealth of treasures to be discovered: steep cliffs, crystal waters, unspoiled beaches, lovely fishing villages where we can taste some of the best seafood in the world.

Ireland is also a heaven for nautical sports. Among the highlights: Kinsale in Cork county, Dunmore East in Waterford county, Roundstone in Gaway county and Kilcar in Donegal. The Shannon River is 344 km long and is the longest river of the British Isles and one of the most beautiful of all Europe. The crystal clear waters, the abundant wildlife and flora and the charming villages are all attributes that make the Shannon a paradise for nature lovers.

The Irish Islands remain secluded possess a mystical beauty related to them. They are the perfect place to those want to get away from our fast pace lifestyle. many of these islands did not have the electricity until the 1970's. The islands of Coney, Tory, Clare, Rathlin et the legendary Arans are among the most popular ones.

Culture

Culture

The Irish culture has been building its identity throughout thousands of years.....You will appreciate it through all the discoveries this country has to offer.

However the two Irish traditions that are well known around the world remain the music and the traditional dances. Everywhere you go in Ireland, from the simple pub to the big festivals, is an opportunity to listen to some Irish music.

The Irish dance is for its part a dance of competition and is taken very seriously during the regional and and national championships. If you want to try it, do it during a Ceilidh (Irish festival).

In northern Ireland, the Ulster-Scot culture is currently going through a revival. This culture expresses itself essentially through the dance and the music. Violin, tambourine and flute are the main instruments of this music which is played along different types of traditional dances (Highland dancing, Scottish country dancing, Ulster-Scot Square and Courity dancing). These events are becoming more and more popular so do not hesitate to participate in one.

The history of Ireland is filled of myths and legends, from epic warriors and saints tales to magical stories about fairies and sprites. This Celtic mythology is without a doubt the building block of the Irish culture. Among these tales, the one of Finn McCool is the most beloved.

The pub is at the heart of the social, cultural and musical life of every Irish town. People do not go there only to have a drink but rather to philosophize on life, to exchange political views, to listen recitals, to sample a local dish, to listen to some traditional music or simply to enjoy a pint of Guinness in front of a camp fire. Whether you want to meet the locals or only indulge the atmosphere of the place, visiting an Irish pub is intimately connected with the experience of traveling in Ireland.

Climate

Climate

Ireland is blessed with a mild oceanic climate that people can enjoy year round.
During the Summer months the temperatures vary between 15ºC and 20ºC.
Spring and Autumn bring temperatures around 10ºC.
In Winter, the temperatures range between 5ºC and 8ºC but it rarely snows. However it can rain at any time of the year in Ireland so be prepared. The southeast part of the country is the driest, having a continental-like climate.