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Overview

Self-drive trip to Ireland

Ireland... A land of contrasts, where proud nature has always held out against men who built many castles and nobles sanctuaries around the country. This self-drive trip is a unique opportunity to freely discover a magical land and its Celtic traditions as long as an invaluable heritage. Get ready for spectacular landscapes such as the Connemara Lake, the Blasket Isles on the Dingle peninsula and its abundant and vivid natural faun, or even the dramatic Moher Cliffs. Along a journey that will drive you to picturesque cities like Dublin, the capital, or the cosmopolitan Galway, you'll get the chance to dive yourselves into the very Irish soul and its secular customs through the visits of the most symbolic and historic buildings of the country.
With your personal vehicle, you will reach old romantic castles where the refined ambience is only the first step to international standard comfort, and where you'll feel like modern lords and ladies after a day full of enriching emotions. At your own pace, enjoy all the ample opportunities that this amazing week of discoveries in Ireland can offer.

Feel free to contact our Ireland expert at Uniktour to get more information about this self-drive trip!

Itinerary

Day 1| International flight

Day 2| Dublin (12 Km)
Welcome to Dublin Airport, where after picking up your car your will travel into Dublin and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring this vibrant and historic city capital city with its many historic buildings, Georgian streets and colorful gardens. Your first night is spent in Clontarf Castle, which can be dated back to 1172.

Day 3| Dublin
Today why not spend the day exploring some of Dublin's fine Museums and Galleries? Trace its history from early Viking origins, through to the medieval magnificence of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Visit Dublinia at Christchurch, which brings the turbulent History of medieval Dublin vividly to life, Visit 16th Century Trinity College, founded by Elizabeth 1, and now home to the famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells. Don't forget about the Guinness Storehouse for a tasting of this world famous ‘black stuff'. Return to Clontarf Castle for overnight.

Day 4| Galway & Clifden (300 Km)
Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland pastures. Why not visit Belvedere
House, Gardens and Park? The magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort,
Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland's historic houses, and together with gardens and park has been
exquisitely restored. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river you can visit
Clonmacnoise a 6th century Christian site. Arrive into Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences are many in the city. Of note is Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old city walls and the Spanish Parade, where wealthy merchants and their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade. Continue out into the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery and on to Clifden where you shall be staying in the wonderful Abbeyglen Castle which has a panoramic view of Clifden and the bay with a backdrop of the Twelve Bens.

Day 5| Connemara Region (80Km – Based on Clifden)
Today travel through the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Visit the Connemara National Park, where Connemara ponies and Irish red deer roam freely through 5,000 acres of scenic mountains, bogs and grassland. You can also visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey - a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop. Irish Benedictine nuns, with a tradition of over 300 years run this unique Abbey set in the midst of Connemara, overlooking Pollacapul Lake. On your return, you can take a scenic drive through Leenane where you have an option to board the Sea Cruise through Killary Fjord which will reveal some of the many hidden Coastal and Mountain Scenery of Connemara. Another night will be spent in Abbeyglen Castle.

Day 6| Connemara Region (80Km – Based on Clifden)
Leave Clifden this morning, and travel south through Galway and into Clare, known as the -land of castles-. Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the animals being tended, or enjoy a traditional tea and scones break? Travel on through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 200m above sea level. Stop in the heritage town of Kilrush, before boarding a ferry to Tarbert in north County Ferry. Arriving in Tarbert and continue through Listowel and on to Tralee to Ballyseede Castle for overnight.

Day 7| The Dingle Peninsula (145km)
This morning breathtaking landscape will unfold in front of your eyes as you drive around the Dingle Peninsula before arriving in Dunquin, on the westernmost tip of the peninsula, to visit the Blasket Islands. This living history museum explores ll the dimensions of island-living, from the land, the sea, and the language, to the weather and the seasons, as well as the
dstinctive character of the Blasket Islanders. Weather permitting you can embark on a 2 to 3 hour boat trip around the nine main Basket Islands. The islands are remote, unspoilt and unpolluted and spectacularly beautiful and are home to an incredible number of breading seabirds, with the surrounding seas home to dolphins, porpoises, atlantic seals and even the
occasional whale or orca. Return to Ballyseede Castle for overnight.

Day 8| Medieval Limerick, Rock of Cashel & Kildare (290km)
This morning spend an hour or two in the medieval city of Limerick, either exploring its history and architecture or purchasing some of the splendid crafts on offer. Why not visit the Hunt Museum, an exhibit of one of Ireland's greatest private collections of art and antiquities. Leave Limerick and travel eastwards towards Straffan in Co. Kildare. En-route a small detour will bring you to the imposing Rock of Cashel which rises dramatically from the flat countryside. This site has the best set of varied monuments in any Irish site. The rock is crowned by a group of buildings, both ecclesiastical and royal, including a round tower, a 13th century Romanesque chapel and the beautifully restored Hall of the Vicar Choral. Continue through rich pastures of Ireland's midlands before arriving in Kildare for your overnight in Barberstown Castle, a 13th century castle, located in the heart of the horse-breeding county of Kildare.

Day 9| Dublin & Departure (38km)
Today travel to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.

Budget

**Rates published on this website are for information purposes only and are not legally binding (since departure dates are not given). Prices on this website are known to fluctuate frequently in relation to changes in currencies and hotel pricing. In order to obtain a definite quote, please click here.

Other fees

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.