This is a straight trek on the motorway of about one hour but if you wish to add an extra half hour to that journey, you will see more of the real Ireland. @2023 - AvrexTravel.com. The visitor centre provides a huge amount of information about these early villages, their agricultural methods, and the ancient walls preserved beneath the blanket bog. Explore Kilkenny, dubbed Irelands Medieval Capital. Total driving distance & time: 240km 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops. St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, Irelands largest medieval parish church, has operated continuously as a church for over 700 years. The itinerary in this article provides a great way to plan your Ireland road trip with lots of flexibility. Day 7-9. This 6th-century monastic settlement has seven church ruins, graveyard and an intact round tower. The region is the northwestern portion of County Clare. 7 Day Charming Ireland Itinerary Day 1: Arrival and Wicklow Mountains Arrive in Dublin where you will pick up your rental car and drive out of the city to catch your first glimpse of the real Ireland. Sign up to get Crystal Travel news, travel tips, inspiration, and special offers, straight to your inbox. Highlights. Sign up for free and earn commission on every booking by registering as an accredited TourRadar Agent. With one of our self-drive tours, you'll discover Ireland on your own terms and make memories of a lifetime! Galway is a city that has its Medieval history at its very heart. Best of all, meet the locals in their friendly towns, small and large, that define the island. It still provides visitors a great birds eye view to the base of the cliffs. Your first vacation quote, and up to two revisions, for trips of 9 or fewer days, and 45 days in advance of travel, are complimentary. Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland, 7 Day Ultimate Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour, 7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour, Taste of Ireland (Tour A) - 7 Days/6 Nights, Ireland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know. Your personal guide will help you to make the most of your journey by sharing ancient myths and legends and introducing you to local characters. Stop at any of the small towns and villages of the Burren and enjoy the local pubs and restaurants. After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway bay, board the ferry to theAran Islands. How many people will be travelling privately? It is always recommended to take an entire day to travel the Ring of Kerry. Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen nearby, a megalithic tomb which archaeologists have shown was in use between 5,200 and 5,800 years ago. The Wicklow Mountains are one of the most scenic areas in the entire country and will make for a memorable journey. This will be your second day in Galway. See our itineraries below or read our guide to the, Our local travel specialists have been recommended by. . After a day spent exploring the Slea Peninsula and the seaside village of Dingle, you'll head up the west coast to hike along the Cliffs of Moher and spend a final night in Galway, enjoying the music, arts, and "craic" of the European cultural capital. While booking flights can seem straight-forward, there are often hidden fees or classes of service that do not include seat assignments, meals or checked bags. Wake up refreshed and ready to be taken on aguided walking tour through the narrow streets of Kinsale with one of Irelands greatest guides, Barry. Portmagee, a pretty, little town, is famous for the colourful houses along its main street. If you are requesting a quote for a vacation that is 10 days in length, or with travel dates within 45 days, or to a non-core destination, a deposit of $75 per person will be required in order for us to begin working on your proposal. But were it to still form the structure of the existing edifice, the Brazen Head would date to 1198, making it one of the oldest pubs on the planet. You will also be among the first to know about our great special offers, vacation in Ireland deals and trip to Ireland cost! Titanic Belfast, an amazing multi-media experience, is the citys most popular attraction. It is time to get excited about your next destination Dingle. If an itinerary requires further revisions subsequent to this, we will require a non-refundable deposit of $75 per person in order to continue. If you wish to sample a few more bars, Taaffes next door is an old timey bar that serves food and traditional Irish music, as do Tig Coili across the street and Tigh Neachtain just down the street. The immense, thick walls and the roofless shell of the 13th-century St. Patricks Cathedral are incredible. We have been booking flights since 1985 and know the best routings and have great contracts that mean we often have better prices than what you will see online. The best weather is June through August making it peak tourist season. With more time in the area, check out the remains of the ancient 10th century stone fort, Cathair Chonaill. Typically there are very specific time slots where they expect you to come in. Go Irish Tours provides short Ireland self drive tours ranging from 5 to 7 days long - perfect for a mid-year getaway or a romantic honeymoon. These are lesser traveled part of the country but are no less beautiful. Youll begin by leaving the busy streets of Dublin for the spectacularWild Atlantic Waywhere you will cover over 1,100 km of rugged Irish coastline fromConnemaratoKinsale. Explore their wild beauty with an easy hike along the well-worn trail. We are more than happy to include a flight quote separately to your package so that you can decide if you would like to book with us or on your own. Welcome to the Antrim Coast, complete with dramatic coastlines, windswept cliffs, spectacular scenery, and quiet beaches. The church sits on the site of a 6th or 7th-century monastery. You will feel like you are having a pint in someones kitchen in 1950s Ireland. A fantastic end to your trip. All fish served to our guests is responsibly sourced and as fresh as possible! If you head across the river, you can spend some time in Monroes, The Blue Note, Roisin Dubh, Crane Bar and Massimos. Try onCladdagh Rings, Galway Shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village. Stop for someshopping and lunch in the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare. Coins, too, minted by the landlords of the era, were found in the same Athlone plot. Two of the main necropolis sites are Newgrange and KnowthNewgrange, with its large stone walls topped by a grass dome, is immense at 80 metres in diameter. The monastery was a centre of excellence for learning and scholars created the finest of Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts over 600 years. We also have options of hotels and castle experiences, A hearty breakfast each morning to set you up for the day, Detailed and easy to follow daily itineraries, Simple maps and instructions on how to navigate your way around our beautiful country, All entrance fees to all national parks on your itinerary, Tour support throughout your journey. This tour is set up so that you can also fit in a huge amount of sightseeing during the day before climbing up onto a high stool at night and hearing the history of that pub. Meet the friendly locals and discover stone structures that were built 3,000 years ago. This is the end of the 7-Day Road Trip. When you book with an account, you will be able to track your payment status, track the confirmation and you can also rate the tour after you finished the tour. In the adjoining yard, have some fun searching for the nine cat references and sculptures in the gardens. With more time in Donegal, drive the Inishowen Peninsula. The evening is spent in the hometown of traditional Irish music Doolin. Learn about ancient pirate legends, smugglers, and monks of times past, from Charles Fort to the Skellig Islands. From here it is only a short walk to your B&B. Say a fond farewell to Dingle and journey towards theRing of Kerry. Ireland Self-Drive Tour Your 7-Day to 14-Day Itinerary, Northern Irelands Causeway Coastal Route, Glendalough Monastery and the Best Glendalough Walks. The Wild Atlantic Way is Irelands iconic driving route. We are more than happy to include a flight quote separately to your package so that you can decide if you would like to book with us or on your own. These colourful, pedestrian-only streets are filled with stores and pubs. Today you will go to Athlone, the centre of Ireland geographically. You'll start and end in Dublin, driving clockwise for a stretch on the Wild Atlantic Way, learning about Ireland's fascinating history and traditions as you go. Make sure to bring a camera to capture incredible views of the iconic cliffs and surf beaches. Starting in the ancient streets of Dublin, you'll set off by car to tour wild coastlines and charming towns at your own pace. Interested in more Itineraries? In Ireland, we generally try to book hotels that are at a 4 star level or higher. That means your Ireland 7 day self drive itinerary will involve renting a vehicle or using your own. 2023 Crystal Travel & Tours. The beaches of Westport, in County Mayo, are some of the best on the west coast. Alternatively (or also) try McHughs Bar. 7 Day Ireland Itinerary Day 1 - Galway Day 2 - Cliffs of Moher Day 3 - Killarney National Park, Ballybunion Day 4 - Ring of Kerry Day 5 - The Dingle Peninsula Day 6 - Dublin Day 7 - Dublin Map Things to See in Ireland Road Trip Planning How Much Does Ireland Cost? Whether travelling for one week or two weeks, our itinerary provides all the major highlights of the beautiful Emerald Isle.On this scenic drive, see ancient historic sites and monastic ruins set in the beautiful Irish countryside. 7-Day Ireland Itinerary A 1-week Ireland road trip is a good introduction to the Republic of Ireland. Ireland itinerary 7 Days - Self Drive Tour of Ireland! He delighted in playing close to the tour boats becoming a favourite with locals and tourists alike. These traditional horse-drawn carts are driven by locals who are happy to share their stories about the region with visitors. Its time to drive back to Dublin which is about 3 hours from the Cliffs of Moher. Evidence exists of island habitation for 2500 years up to their abandonment in 1953. At the end of a busy day, stay in Clifdensurrounded by the Twelve Bens mountain range. A guest favourite is the option of kayaking Dingle Bay with the local celebrity Fungie the Dolphin. Learn everything, from the detailed construction of the ship and its outfitting, to the atmosphere of the thriving city and shipyards of Belfast during the early 20th century. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular natural features in Ireland and are sure to leave you lost for words. Listen to buskers and street entertainers. The ferry crosses in the the morning and returns in the evening so you will expect to spend the entire day there. Your 7 Day Luxury Castle Tour of Ireland will begin when you collect your car in Dublin. Day 7: Return Home. Unfortunately, a visit into the fort is no longer allowed, due to cliff erosion. The National Museum Archaeology and History houses Irelands treasures including prehistoric and Viking artifacts. Go all the way out to Clifden. Fall in love with thebustling bohemian city of Galwayand discover the ancient charm of theAran Islands. Continue to the stone-walled Riask Monastic Settlement, thought to be from the 5th or 6th century. While there are several examples of beehive huts along the drive, the huts at Fahan are a popular stop. At Dunquin, the Blasket Centre explains the rich cultural heritage and rugged life of subsistence fishing and farming on the Blasket Islands. Youll land on ruggedInishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. The most westerly peninsula in Europe, Dingle Peninsula has rugged mountains, valley lakes, seaside cliffs and long, sandy beaches. The bridge, 30 metres above the sea, is the same bridge local salmon fishermen have used for centuries to reach Carrick-a-Rede Island (with repairs of course). Total driving distance & time: 50km 2 hour 30 minutes, excluding stops. After walking the ruins, explore the surrounding trails and lakes of the stunning valley, part of Wicklow Mountains National Park. Glenveagh National Park encompasses forests, lakes and bogland in the central Derryveagh Mountains. Please enable it now and reload the page. Versatile and adaptable, aSelf Drive Vacation makes the ideal Ireland honeymoon,so contact our experienced Discovering Ireland Vacations specialists today toplan your fly drive tour to ensure that you get the most from a self drive vacation trip of Ireland. This road trip itinerary concentrates on the highlights of the southern half of the island, beginning and ending in Dublin. Enjoy a lovely stroll on the paths and grassy lawns of adjacent Kilkenny Castle Park. It is only a two hour drive to your next hotel so you can take your time as you drive around Dublin, through Phoenix Park, down OConnells Street and past the GPO. After dinner, enjoy a walk through the lovely cobblestone streets, stopping at pubs along the way for some traditional Irish music. 1. Boat tours of Dingle Bay take visitors out for a different view of the stunning coast. Starting and ending in Killarney National Park, the journey traces the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, taking you through picturesque villages and natural wonders on a mix of inland and coastal routes. The best way to see the islands is by bicycle. Walking into the long tomb, it seems incredible that this structure is well over 5000 years old, older than the Egyptian pyramids. The trip includes guided tours of Boyne Valleys ancient sacred sites, haunted Leap Castle, and a walk around Dublins Medieval Quarter. While you are there you might pick up a few words of Gaelic from the locals and maybe treat yourself to an original Aran Sweater! Climb the 600+ steps, chiselled by the monks into the sandstone, to the ruins of beehive huts, the Church of St. Michael and more. Formerly known as The Liquor Saloon in Great Victoria Street, Belfast, it was one of the mightiest Victorian gin palaces which once flourished in the industrial cities of the British Isles. 14 days Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 5 Days We know that those on the 7-day tour want to stay longer. Learn Gaelic on the go and have 24/7 access to a professional guide via the app. 7 Day Ireland Tours & Trips Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 7 day Ireland tour with TourRadar. The 14-day Ireland road trip ends back in Dublin. See the ruins of a bishops mansion at Downhill Demesne. This evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere inDingles famous quirky pubs and fantastic restaurants. Tonight can certainly be a bar free night if you wish. Cork City is a gastronomic delight, defined by its great food markets and restaurants. It is the earliest known piece of free standing stone architecture in the world. Take the family on an epic adventure through Ireland on this seven-day self-drive tour. . The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre highlights the Skellig Michael Monastery and the Skellig Islands. I brought my own car on the ferry from the UK to Ireland which cost around 200 for one passenger and one car. Belfast to Dublin - the capital cities and everything in between. Brave enough to walk across the swaying Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge? If you have any time left before leaving the Emerald Isle we will give you plenty of amazing recommendations for things to do, eat and entertain you in Dublins fair city. Best way to see Ireland on your 7 day Ireland itinerary The easiest way to see everything in Ireland is by car. 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