Independent Ireland

Independent Ireland offers a joint collaboration that merges your vision with the expertise of a specialized Ireland vacation consultant. The end result is the creation of the ultimate custom-made travel experience. This trip is all about YOU. Your personal discovery of a grand destination, your connection to the sights, your reaction to the sounds…take it all in at your own pace, it’s your adventure and our expertise.

Today’s traveler is not yesterday’s tourist . you can book a trip with a click of a button, and soon after be on your way, check off all the major tourist attractions that destination has to offer, and come back with another country “explored” on your world map. but did you really see it, experience it, feel it… did you gain a better understanding of the local culture , did you make any meaningful interactions with its people, did you actually see their true way of life, we, here at independent ireland, want to help you create experiences that let you open yourself up to a broad range of cultural interactions., we strive to design itineraries that entice all your senses, after all..., the most precious memories in life are captured and later triggered by something we see, hear, taste, touch, or smell., happiness project, considered the irish friendly, hospitable people, felt safe and secure while in ireland, cosidered the landscape to be a natural, unspoiled environment, felt that there was a good range of natural attractions, catch your breath, chat up the locals, get inspired, travel through time, taste the difference, learn a new skill, shatter your comfort zone, take the road less travelled, some of the challenges facing the modern traveler:, wasted time.

The average person visits 38 Websites before booking a single component and even then is unsure after purchasing.

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Cost v value, at independent ireland we want to offer you a choice of solutions, based on your needs and requirments, collaborate.

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Our itinerary review level, we work with you to create an itinerary, or perhaps you just want assistance in fine tuning your trip. Ideal for the Do-it-Yourself traveler. A 50 minute call to help you get the most out of your time in Ireland and tie up those loose ends.

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As you and your clients navigate travel in the complicated times, it’s often nice to have a second pair of eyes on your client’s itinerary, to bring peace of mind that their expectations are met and managed. A true destination specialist to support, review, and validate your decisions, and recommendations.

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Frequently asked questions

WHY DO I NEED AN IRELAND SPECIALIST?

Selecting an Ireland Specialist is the single best way to guarantee that you have support every step of the way. We know the destination inside out, we know its people, and we’ve explored those hard to find gems that visitors aren’t aware of. It is our pleasure and mission to craft the best itinerary, tailored around your specific interests and your personal style of traveling. Your Adventure, Our Expertise.

WHAT AREAS OF INTEREST DO YOU COVER?

What level should i select, my trip is a year away, can we select the collaborate level to start planning and then upgrade later, how is payment handled, can you help if i'm staying with friends, using airbnb/hostels, or help with a groupon that i bought, can you work with families or groups, at the consultation/concierge level, will my trip be more expensive if i book though you, do you offer assistance while traveling, can i purchase a giftcard for services, small / private / affinity groups.

Group Travel isn’t what it used to be, fifty people packed into a bus is nobody’s idea of a good time. We build our groups around  you and your interests. Travel is the ultimate connector, whether it’s with Friends or Family. Or prehaps you what to travel to an event or have festival in mind. Or have a group of people interesting in the same theme eg. Adventure, Wellness, Culinary… You name it, we can do it.

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The Irish Road Trip

The Best Ireland Itinerary (Irishman’s 2024 Guide)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 15, 2024

The Best Ireland Itinerary (Irishman’s 2024 Guide)

We spent 8 months and €15,728 building what is, in my opinion, the best Ireland itinerary library available anywhere.

It became clear long ago that there is no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ Ireland travel itinerary.

For example, some of you will have a car while others will be relying on public transport.

So, we created a library of Ireland itineraries that let you pick a starting point, trip length, method of transport and much  more.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about our Ireland itinerary library

best ireland trip itinerary

Click to enlarge

WAIT – please take 10 seconds to read the points below before you scroll. It’ll make finding your perfect Ireland trip itinerary easier:

1. You can pick your trip length and starting point

Two of the key elements in any Ireland itinerary are the length and the start point. Our road trip itineraries range from 3 days right the way up to 4 weeks. There are also multiple start points including the main ferry terminals and airports in Ireland .

2. You can pick a mode of transport

You can pick an Ireland trip itinerary based on how you plan on getting around Ireland . We have Ireland itineraries that  only  use public transport for those of you doing Ireland without a car . We also have itineraries for those of you that plan on renting a car in Ireland .

3. You can decide how fast you want to travel

Love to squeeze as much as possible into each day? Our ‘Fast Trips’ are just for you! Prefer to take it easy and avoid moving accommodation too often? You’ll love our ‘Slow Trips’.

4. You can choose a travel itinerary for Ireland to suit your fitness

Travelling with someone that has poor mobility? No problem – we have low fitness Ireland itineraries. Want to tackle some of the different hikes in Ireland? We’ve medium-high fitness itineraries just for you!

5. You’ll find our different itineraries starting from 3 days below

Now it’s time for you to find the best Ireland itinerary for  you . We’re gong to start at the 3 day Ireland itineraries and then work our way up to 21 days. Dive on in!

3 days in Ireland

3 days in Ireland

3 days in Ireland is a fairly small amount of time, so you need to be careful – you can easily fall into the trap of trying to do much.

The result is that your itinerary will be over-packed and you’ll spend most of your time in the car/on public transport.

The best Ireland itinerary for 3 days is one that finds a central base and that sees you explore around you on day trips.

Some people with a small amount of time like this can feel disheartened, but don’t – you can see many of the best things to do in Ireland in 3 days. You just need a logical itinerary.

4 days in Ireland

ireland itinerary 4 days

4 days in Ireland is a decent chunk of time. However, if you have the flexibility to chose when to visit Ireland (many don’t), try and arrive during summer or spring.

These two seasons boast plenty of daylight hours so, although you only have 4 days, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore.

These shorter road trips can be tricky to map out at times so, when it comes to planning a trip to Ireland with only 4 days to work with, take your time.

The best Ireland itinerary for 4 days is one that uses 1 – 2 ‘bases’ max and that explores a specific corner of Ireland, e.g. Kerry and West Cork.

5 days in Ireland

ireland itinerary 5 days

Click to enlarge map

5 days in Ireland is arguably the perfect amount of time to explore a section of Ireland.

These are our most popular Ireland itineraries and it’s a trip length that many people visiting Ireland choose.

If it was me, I’d try and fly into either Shannon or Dublin. Landing in Shannon places you right on the Wild Atlantic Way with everywhere from the Aran Islands to the Cliffs of Moher close by.

We’ve had our Ireland vacation itinerary guides live on our site for over a year and they’ve racked up some great reviews. Enjoy!

6 days in Ireland

6 day Ireland itinerary

6 days in Ireland is a lovely amount of time to play with and you can easily cover a decent bit of land during this time.

The beauty of 6 days, also, is that if you’re flying a good distance to get to Ireland, you can take some time out to banish the jet lag.

The best Ireland itinerary for 6 days, in my opinion, is one that doesn’t stretch itself too thin.

If you’re starting in Belfast, for example, tackle the Causeway Coastal Route and then explore the many places to visit in Donegal .

7 days in Ireland

ireland itinerary 7 days

Our itineraries for spending 7 days in Ireland mark the start of our longer Irish road trips.

Trips of this length are great as they give you a lot of flexibility when it comes to what you can do (even if it’ll see the cost of a trip to Ireland increase steadily).

If you’re visiting for 7 days, try and visit during summer or spring as the weather in Ireland tends to be better then and you’ll get more bang-for-your-buck.

8 days in Ireland

8 days in Ireland

8 days in Ireland provides you with options. You aren’t too hard pressed for time and 8 days ensures you don’t have to rush at any point (unless you want to!).

With 8 days, you can explore several counties in depth or you can go full-steam-ahead and try and squeeze in as much as possible.

The best Ireland trip itinerary for 8 days, for me, would be starting in Dublin and then working down through Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and then around through Cork and Kerry.

9 days in Ireland

9 days in Ireland

So, you’re spending 9 days in Ireland . Wonderful! However, you want to see all of the ‘main’ attractions during this time and you’re worried it’s too much.

It’s likely (and I’m basing this on getting emails from endless visitors) that you’re trying to pack in too much to the point that you’ll spend all your time moving accommodation and travelling.

9 days is a lovely chunk of time. But don’t get carried away. You can see and do  a lot  during this time frame. You just need to decide how much travelling about is ‘too much’.

10 days in Ireland

10 days in Ireland

The second most popular of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides are the ones focused on spending 10 days in Ireland .

This is a mighty amount of time for an Irish road trip and it gives you a huge amount of flexibility.

For this trip length, you could easily pick 3-4 bases and fit a huge amount in while still taking it nice and handy. Or, you could go full whack and try and see as much of the island as possible!

11 days in Ireland

11 day Ireland itinerary

Our itineraries for spending 11 days in Ireland have gone down well since we published them last year.

In particular, the ones that use public transport have received good feedback, especially as planning buses and trains for this number of days was a nightmare .

The best Ireland itinerary for 11 days is up for debate. Personally, I think if you have this amount of time to play with the island is your oyster – you just need to pick a well-thought-out route, which is our Ireland trip itinerary library comes in.

12 days in Ireland

12 day Ireland itinerary

If you’re spending 12 days in Ireland , you’re in for a treat. You can see a whole lot in 12 days, from the  many  castles in Ireland to islands, cliffs and lots more.

You don’t have to worry too much when it comes to picking a start point for a trip of this length, as you’ve a bit of room for error.

If I had the option, I’d start in Cork and drive the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in the likes of Kinsale , the Beara Peninsula , Doolin and Achill Island .

13 days in Ireland

13 day Ireland itinerary

If you have 13 days in Ireland you’ll be the envy of many, and for good reason – you can cover a lot of ground in a 13 day Ireland trip itinerary.

We’ve created 56 different Ireland itineraries for a 13-day trip (yes, 56) and they’ve been used by over 100,000 people in only a few short months.

The different routes take in everywhere from County Mayo and County Clare to some of the most charming small towns in Ireland . Check ’em out below!

14 days in Ireland

2 week Ireland itinerary

Our 14 days in Ireland itineraries were some of the most enjoyable to research, plan and write as we had a fair idea that this trip length would be popular.

Thankfully, it was! Those of you planning a 2-week Ireland trip itinerary are on the cusp of a bucket list road trip that you’ll remember for a life time.

Although I’d argue that there’s no best Ireland itinerary for a trip this length, we’ve created 56 different options for you to choose from at the link below.

15 days in Ireland

15 days in Ireland

15 days in Ireland poses a great number of adventure opportunities. If you’re doing Ireland on a budget , you’ll need to be careful about where you pick as your bases.

I’d avoid the various cities in Ireland along with key tourist towns and, if you can, stay slightly off-the-beaten-path.

We spent a huge amount of time mapping out our 17-day Ireland itineraries and, based on initial feedback, they’re going down very well already!

16 days in Ireland

16 day ireland itinerary

16 days in Ireland is the stuff of road-trip-envy. You’ll have the chance to see a massive amount of Ireland during this time.

As was the case with all of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides, we spent a lot of time planning our 16-day routes.

At the link below, you’ll be able to pick a trip based on start point, fitness level, mode of transport and how fast you like to travel.

17 days in Ireland

17 days in Ireland

17 days in Ireland is, yep, a good chunk of time. We found these Ireland itineraries tricky to plan out at times, especially the ones that use public transport.

However, we got there in the end and these routes have been read over 70,000 times in recent months.

The best Ireland itinerary for this length of time is one that doesn’t go overboard when it comes to moving hotels and that takes the time to experience each of the areas it uses as a base.

18 days in Ireland

18 day ireland itinerary

18 days in Ireland is a massive amount of time to work with. However, it’s worth getting a sense of the lay of the land with a trip of this length.

Although you can see plenty on an 18-day Ireland travel itinerary, the aul trap of spreading yourself too thin is an easy one to fall into.

Our 18-day Ireland itineraries took a fair bit of time to map out and I’m confident you’ll find them  very  useful.

19 days in Ireland

19 day Ireland itinerary

19 days in Ireland is another considerable amount of time. However, and I’ll sound like a broken record, it comes with advantages and disadvantages.

It’s easy to fall into a trap when planning an Ireland itinerary of this length and think,  ‘Ah, sure we’ve loads of time – we’ll just head over and play it by ear!” .

19 days requires a lot of planning as there are  many  moving parts with a trip of this length. Luckily, you’ll find the best Ireland itinerary for 19 days at the link below.

20 days in Ireland

20 day ireland itinerary

Few people, aside from those of us that live here, get to spend 20 days in Ireland .

This is a massive amount of time and it gives you the opportunity to either explore one corner of Ireland in depth or squeeze in as much as possible.

For example, you could explore Kerry (the Ring of Kerry , Dingle Peninsula , etc) and then work your way through West Cork, Waterford, Wexford and more.

The best Ireland itinerary for 20 days is one picks an adequate number of bases near key areas of interest and that avoids falling into the trap of trying to ‘fit everything in’.

21 days in Ireland

21 days in Ireland

21 days in Ireland is a huge amount of time, and this comes with both pros and cons.

You could arguably map out the best Ireland itinerary imaginable with 3 weeks, but you’ll also need to spend a lot of time planning.

This was the hardest of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides to create and the research phase took over 12 days. We did the hard work for you – cheers!

FAQs about the best Ireland trip itinerary 

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from Ireland vacation ideas to detailed train itineraries.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What is the best Ireland itinerary?

I’d argue that there is no best Ireland travel itinerary – no ‘one size fits all’. We’ve created hundreds of Ireland itineraries for you to choose from, in an attempt to help you find the best Ireland itinerary based on your situation.

How many days in Ireland is enough?

It depends. If you’re looking to see specific things and they’re close together, 5 days could be plenty. If you’re looking to see the West of Ireland, you’ll want at least 7. There is one one clear answer.

Is Rick Steves Ireland itinerary good?

By all accounts, Rick Steves Ireland itinerary guides are pretty good. I’ve spoken to many Americans, in particular, visiting Ireland for the first time who swear by Rick’s itineraries.

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Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Nicola Doyle

Thursday 7th of April 2022

Do you have a guide to travelling around Ireland with a dog?

Keith O'Hara

Friday 8th of April 2022

Hey Nicola - I don't, but this is weird timing. Myself and my dad have been chatting about doing a trip with our dog who's an absolute nightmare in the car. So, while we've nothing on planning a trip in Ireland for those with a dog yet, but hopefully it's on the horizon!

Friday 6th of August 2021

Hello. Thanks for all your posts. They are very informative and helpful.

One questions, when planning can we assume the driving times we see on Google Maps are more or less accurate? I know there are a lot of country roads and I didn't know if this was taken into account by Google.

Thanks again!

Heather Cripe

Sunday 18th of April 2021

Hello Keith,

I’m just writing to thank you for doing this. I do not have a set date for when I can come to Ireland but reading the info you provided and the extensive comments you’ve answered, I almost feel like I’ve been to Ireland already! I know that’s when I can finally plan my trip, this website will be my go to for planning my trip! God bless you Keith!

Monday 19th of April 2021

A fine message to wake up to! Thanks a million Heather - I'm glad you found it useful. Hopefully your visit is just over the horizon.

Cheers from a cold and sunny Dublin!

Sunday 17th of May 2020

Hi Keith, I am planning to take my grandparents to Ireland next spring. My grandmother has always wanted to go and never got the chance to travel. However, they are not in the best of health and I don't think they could handle walking an hour+ (which seems to be the best/only way to see some of the main spots you mention in your recommended itineraries).

Do you have any recommendations for best places to go that don't require much of a hike? My Grandparents would love: beautiful landscapes, local places that don't feel touristy (they always manage to make friends with locals while out eating, etc), places of historical significance.

Hey! A lot of people planning a visit to Ireland have this problem, but it can definitely be worked around.

Say, for example, they're very limited mobility wise, if you took them to Donegal, there's plenty of places where you can literally drive right up to for an incredible view.

Here's a couple of examples:

- The Slieve League Cliffs: you can drive right up to the 'main' view - Ballymastocker Bay: you can pull in on the road above and grab an incredible view - The Inishowen 100 drive: there's an endless number of great views on this (the one at Tra Na Rossan is unreal!

If you're looking for lovely little towns, you can't bate Ardara (Nancy's pub, in particular, is lovely!).

I hope this helps!

Lynda rendell

Wednesday 29th of April 2020

Hi Keith Just found your page. It’s brilliant My husband retires 2021 and we are planning on visiting his great great grandfathers Museum in Mayo His mother’s birthplace in Connemara and auntie in Newlawn we then want to end up in Galway and Dublin Have you any advice of B&B pubs en route to these places We are hoping to go for 15 days so any advice or help would be greatly appreciated we will be travelling from Heathrow Airport UK We’ve never been to Ireland before so we are really really looking forward to it thank you

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Ireland with its compact size and wealth of stunning historic and cultural sites makes Ireland a dream destination for independent travelers. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the country by embarking on self-guided walking tours of Ireland to iconic locations like the Kerry Way and Killarney National Park . Explore the fascinating history of Clonegal, an old wool and iron working village, at your own pace. Or you can also opt for self-guided driving tours of Ireland with pre-planned accommodations, allowing freedom to navigate the charming Irish countryside, visit the charming village of Ballydavid and explore Annascaul Lake. Whether you hike or drive, Ireland offers an abundance of experiences for independent travelers to uncover the wonders of the beautiful Irish landscape.

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  • Our team of experienced travel advisors will work with you to design a customized itinerary that includes accommodations, transportation, and activities. We offer a variety of accommodations to suit your preferences and budget, from charming bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels. We can also arrange car rentals, private transfers, or other transportation options to help you get around Ireland easily.t
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Your Ireland vacation starts here!  Imagine yourself sipping Guinness in a cozy pub, overlooking the Emerald Isle's rolling hills. Tell us your Ireland dreams, and our vacation consultants will craft a tailor-made package that brings them to life!  Our Ireland experts, brimming with local knowledge and passion, will jump on your inquiry like leprechauns chasing rainbows. With their magic touch, you'll have a dream itinerary and pricing options in your inbox within 24 hours

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Magical Ireland (Self Drive - Dublin - Cork - Killarney - Galway - Limerick)

9 nights from $699*

A favorite vacation package that allows you to experience the best of Ireland on your own terms!. Spend a pleasant stay in Dublin (home to a rich literary tradition, stunning scenery, and fantastic food). On your last morning, pick up your rental car and head for Cork (the `Rebel City,` where you can see the charming Blarney Castle, whimsical sculpture gardens, and moody Drombeg Stone Circle); continue to Killarney (the unforgettable Muckross House and Gardens are a must see as is the breathtaking Ring of Kerry) and Galway (Connemara and Kylemore Abbey are simply stunning). Finish your stay in lively Limerick (a bubbling, revitalized city that honors its past as it looks to the future). Return flight will be out of nearby Shannon Airport. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Hotel for 3 nights in Dublin
  • Rental Car for 7 days
  • Pick Up: Dublin Downtown/Drop Off: Shannon Airport
  • Hotel for 1 night in Cork
  • Hotel for 2 nights in Killarney
  • Hotel for 2 nights in Galway
  • Hotel for 1 night in Limerick

Driving Time Dublin - Cork: 2 hrs. 50 mins. approx. Cork - Killarney: 1 hr. 20 mins. approx. Killarney - Galway: 2 hrs. 40 mins. approx. Galway - Limerick: 1 hr. 25 mins. approx. Limerick - Shannon Airport: 30 mins. approx.

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Highlights & Attractions

independent ireland travel

Other Ireland Vacation Packages

Dublin - Galway - Limerick (Self Drive)

Dublin - Galway - Limerick (Self Drive)

7 nights from $1,189*

A fantastic opportunity to see glorious Ireland with this Self-Drive package. Spend your desired stay in Dublin (rich literary history, quaint authentic pubs and trendy coffee houses amid lush backdrops); then pick up your car and drive to Galway (Connemara, Kylemore Abbey). Then, continue to the stunning medieval city of Limerick (King John`s Castle, Lough Gur Neolithic Settlement and Stone Age Centre); and return to Dublin for one last night stay. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Hotel for 2 nights in Dublin
  • Rental Car for 6 days
  • Hotel for 2 nights in Limerick
  • Hotel for 1 night in Dublin

Driving Time Dublin - Galway: 2 hrs. 20 mins. approx. Galway - Limerick: 1 hr. 20 mins. approx. Limerick - Dublin: 2 hrs. 15 mins. approx.

Limerick - Killarney - Dublin (Self Drive)

Limerick - Killarney - Dublin (Self Drive)

6 nights from $479*

This Self-Drive, independent vacation package will introduce you to all the most breathtaking aspects of Ireland . Pick up your car in Shannon and drive to Medieval Limerick (King John`s Castle, Lough Gur Neolithic Settlement and Stone Age Centre); then proceed to Killarney (Muckross House and Gardens, Ring of Kerry); and finally, visit the Irish capital city Dublin (rimming with tradition; old pubs and trendy coffee shops). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Driving Time Shannon Airport - Limerick: 30 mins. approx. Limerick - Killarney: 2 hrs. approx. Killarney - Dublin: 3 hrs. 45 mins. approx.

Dublin - Waterford - Killarney - Galway - Westport - Sligo (Self Drive)

Dublin - Waterford - Killarney - Galway - Westport - Sligo (Self Drive)

10 nights from $1,249*

With a Rental Car you have the flexibility to visit several of the most beautiful destinations in Ireland , on your terms!. Begin your desired stay in Dublin (centuries of literary tradition, intimate pubs and trendy cafes all set among lush green backdrops); then, pick up your car and visit Waterford (home to famous Waterford Crystal; clear, pristine beaches and pretty villages perched on the edge of beautiful bays). Continue to Killarney (Muckross House and Gardens, Ring of Kerry); then, to Galway (Connemara and Kylemore Abbey are stunning and not to be missed places to discover). From here, you continue to Westport , in county Mayo (a quaint Georgian Estate town); and finally, visit Sligo (Yeats County) before returning to Dublin for one last stay . This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Rental Car for 9 days
  • Hotel for 1 night in Waterford
  • Hotel for 1 night in Westport
  • Hotel for 1 night in Sligo

Driving Time Dublin - Waterford: 2 hrs. approx. Waterford - Killarney: 2 hrs. 50 mins. approx. Killarney - Galway: 2 hrs. 40 mins. approx. Galway - Westport: 1 hr. 20 mins. approx. Westport- Sligo: 1 hr. 25 mins. approx. Sligo - Dublin: 2 hrs. 40 mins. approx.

Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford - Cork - Killarney - Limerick (Self Drive)

Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford - Cork - Killarney - Limerick (Self Drive)

10 nights from $995*

A self-drive vacation package through Ireland allows you the flexibility to explore at your own leisure. Start, in Dublin (where intimate, authentic pubs and trendy coffee houses will surely delight) then, pick up your car and drive along the country visiting: Kilkenny (full of large castles and beautiful abbeys), then, Waterford (the world famous home of Waterford Crystal; splendid clear, pristine beaches and charming villages) and Cork (Blarney Castle, Old Midleton Distillery, Drombeg Stone Circle). Continue to Killarney (Muckross House and Gardens, Ring of Kerry) and the beautiful medieval city of Limerick (King John`s Castle, Lough Gur Neolithic Settlement and Stone Age Centre). Drive to Shannon to catch your flight back home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Hotel for 1 night in Kilkenny
  • Hotel for 2 nights in Waterford

Driving Time Dublin - Kilkenny: 1 hr. 30 mins. approx. Kilkenny - Waterford: 45 mins. approx. Waterford - Cork: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx. Cork - Killarney: 1 hr. 20 mins. approx. Killarney - Limerick: 1 hr. 35 mins. approx. Limerick - Shannon Airport: 30 mins. approx.

Ireland Suggested Vacation Packages

Live Like a Lord

Live Like a Lord

7 nights from $1,184*

Any reservation made within one month from the booking date will be on request and we cannot guarantee services will be confirmed on short notice. A self drive through Ireland in style! Spend your days traveling across rich midland pastures and spend your nights in castle (or manor home) style hotels, ranging from the 11th century to the 18th century. An unrivaled experience! Visit Dublin (a city rich in literary history; trendy cafes and intimate pubs with authentic regional food), Galway (famous for its castles) Connemara (wild and rugged; famous for its unparalelled beauty) and Clare; lastly visit the charming medieval city Limerick . This is a pre-set, independent, SELF DRIVE package. You may choose to visit any, all, or none of the suggested sites. Please note: Castles are not open during Christmas Season. This package is available between February and November.

  • Flight into and out of Dublin
  • Rent a car for 8 days
  • 2 nights in Dublin - Fitzpatrick or Clontarf Castle Hotel or similar
  • 2 nights in Clifden - Abbeyglen Castle Hotel or similar
  • 2 nights in Tralee - Ballyseede Castle Hotel or similar
  • 1 night in Kildare - Barberstown Castle Hotel or similar
  • **Hotel choices are based on availability**
  • 7 Irish breakfasts (based on hotel`s set menu; substitutions or special requests incur additional charges)

Dublin - Cork - Killarney - Limerick (Self Drive)

Dublin - Cork - Killarney - Limerick (Self Drive)

8 nights from $777*

Explore cities that form part of the Irish folklore during your vacations in Ireland with a Rental Car . Begin, with a stay in Dublin (with its castles, pubs and stunning scenery) and then, pick up your car and visit Cork (Blarney Castle, Old Midleton Distillery, Drombeg Stone Circle), after that, continue to Killarney (Muckross House and Gardens, Ring of Kerry) and finally, spend nice moments in the medieval Limerick (with King John`s Castle, Lough Gur Neolithic Settlement and Stone Age Centre). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Hotel for 2 nights in Cork

Driving Time Dublin - Cork: 2 hrs. 50 mins. approx. Cork - Killarney: 1 hr. 20 mins. approx. Killarney - Limerick: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx. Limerick - Shannon Airport: 30 mins. approx.

Galway - Dingle - Cork - Kilkenny - Dublin (Self Drive)

Galway - Dingle - Cork - Kilkenny - Dublin (Self Drive)

7 nights from $475*

Escape to Ireland with this Self-Drive Package!. Immerse yourself in an incredible experience, spending amazing days in Galway (Connemara, Kylemore Abbey) then, continue south to Dingle and after that, visit Cork (with Blarney Castle, Old Midleton Distillery and Drombeg Stone Circle). Continue to historic Kilkenny (with its large number of castles and abbey`s). Drive back to Dublin to finish this fantastic trip!. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Rent a car for 6 days
  • Hotel for 1 night in Dingle

Driving Time Shannon Airport - Galway: 1 hr. 10 mins. approx. Galway - Dingle: 3 hrs. 10 mins. approx. Dingle - Cork: 2 hrs. 20 mins. approx. Cork - Kilkenny: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx. Kilkenny - Dublin: 1 hr. 30 mins. approx.

London and Dublin by Air

London and Dublin by Air

6 nights from $709*

Experience two fascinating cities in England and Ireland with this customizable vacation package. Visit London (a world center of theatre, art, music, literature and culture) and then, fly to Dublin (a delightful mix of history and culture, with medieval, georgian and modern architecture). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Hotel for 3 nights in London
  • Flight from London to Dublin

London - Edinburgh - Dublin by Air

London - Edinburgh - Dublin by Air

9 nights from $1,039*

An exhilarating vacation package leading you through beautiful cities in England , Scotland and Ireland . Begin in London (a city rich in history, pubs, shopping, food and nightlife); then, continue to Edinburgh (a cozy capital city with a fairytale feel); and finally, visit Dublin (mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture, a wealth of history and culture). These destinations are connected by flights. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Flight from London to Edinburgh
  • Hotel for 3 nights in Edinburgh
  • Flight from Edinburgh to Dublin

London - Dublin - Cork - Killarney - Dublin

London - Dublin - Cork - Killarney - Dublin

9 nights from $1,644*

An exhilarating vacation package through beautiful cities in England and Ireland . Begin in London (a city rich in history; pubs, shopping, food and nightlife), then, take a flight to Dublin (a delightful mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture). Base yourself in Dublin and explore its beautiful surrounding areas with a Rental Car , visiting Cork and Killarney (both equally beautiful and with a timeless essence). Drive back for one last night in Dublin before returning home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Hotel for 2 nights in London

Driving Time Dublin- Cork: 3 hrs. approx. Cork - Killarney: 1 hr. 15 mins. approx. Killarney - Dublin: 3 hrs. 25 mins. approx.

London - Paris and Dublin

London - Paris and Dublin

9 nights from $948*

An inspiring vacation package leading you through beautiful cities in England , France and Ireland . Begin in London (a city rich in history and encompassing modern conveniences; pubs, shopping, food and nightlife); then, continue by train to Paris (the romantic City of Lights, incomparable shopping and dining) and finally, fly to Dublin (mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture, with a wealth of history and culture). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Eurostar Train from London to Paris
  • Hotel for 3 nights in Paris
  • Flight from Paris to Dublin
  • The Eurostar does not have guaranteed availability at Christmas, we suggest selecting air between Paris and London during this time

Dublin and Amsterdam by Air

Dublin and Amsterdam by Air

6 nights from $456*

This is a once in a lifetime vacation package, to discover Ireland and The Netherlands . Start with a stay in Dublin (a vibrant city with old castles and trendy pubs) and then, catch a flight to Amsterdam (a diverse, historic city charmingly perched on a series of canals). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Flight from Dublin to Amsterdam
  • Hotel for 3 nights in Amsterdam

Dublin - London - Paris - Rome by Air

Dublin - London - Paris - Rome by Air

12 nights from $1,987*

See Europe and some of its most fascinating cities visiting Ireland , England , France and Italy with this customizable vacation package. Combine Dublin (overflowing with tradition and majestic countryside); London (a bustling city with fabulous shopping and culture); Paris (the romantic City of Lights) and Rome (a city rich in history and artistic achievement); all of them with intercity flights. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Flight from Dublin to London
  • Flight from London to Paris
  • Flight from Paris to Rome
  • Hotel for 3 nights in Rome

Dublin - Amsterdam - Barcelona by Air

Dublin - Amsterdam - Barcelona by Air

9 nights from $957*

A wonderful escape to Ireland, Netherlands and Spain awaits you in this multi-country vacation!. Visit these fascinating cities beginning in Dublin (brimming with tradition; old pubs and trendy coffee shops offer places to stop while exploring the city`s history); continue in Amsterdam (lively nightlife, diversity and rich culture) and finally, visit Barcelona (on the biting edge of fashion, food, music and culture). These destinations are connected by intercity flights. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Flight from Amsterdam to Barcelona
  • Hotel for 3 nights in Barcelona

Dublin and Glasgow - Edinburgh

Dublin and Glasgow - Edinburgh

6 nights from $645*

Witness Ireland and Scotland with this spectacular adventurous vacation package. Start in Dublin (a delightful mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture, a wealth of history and culture, a legendary literary tradition) then, catch a flight to Glasgow (with an amazing portfolio of over 20 museums and galleries). Finally, take a train to Edinburgh (a cozy capital city with a fairytale setting, castles and gorgeous countryside). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Flight from Dublin to Glasgow
  • Hotel for 2 nights in Glasgow
  • Train from Glasgow to Edinburgh
  • Hotel for 2 nights in Edinburgh

Dublin - Edinburgh - London and Paris

Dublin - Edinburgh - London and Paris

12 nights from $1,462*

A fascinating multi-city vacation package with four exciting countries in Europe: Ireland , Scotland , England and France . Visit Dublin (overflowing with tradition; old pubs and trendy coffee shops among castles and majestic countryside) then, catch a flight to Edinburgh (a fairytale setting with gorgeous architecture) and next, to London (a world center of theatre, art, music, literature and culture). Finally, take a train to Paris (the romantic City of Lights). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

  • Flight from Dublin to Edinburgh
  • Flight from Edinburgh to London

Customer Reviews

3,431 Reviews

Cities in Ireland

independent ireland travel

Combine Ireland with...

  • Netherlands

About Ireland

  • Ireland FAQ
  • Best Time To Visit
  • Tipping in Ireland
  • Driving in Ireland
  • Getting Around
  • Wild Atlantic Way

Ireland FAQ's

First and foremost, people think of Ireland as ' the Emerald Isle ', and its verdant beauty can be best seen in its many private and public gardens . It is also known for its castles , of which there once numbered over 30,000 . They dot the Irish countryside, ranging from large stone fortifications to crumbling ruins. The latter castles are just the newest of Ireland's ruins , which are famous in their own right, and stretch back to the time of the Celts. Coupled with backdrops of green fields, mountains, and even cliffsides, is it any wonder why people think Ireland is one of the most picturesque places on Earth, with fantastic views ? Ireland is fiercely proud of its culture, traditions , and native language (Irish Gaelic, or simply called Irish today). Included in Ireland's cultural tradition are very strong literary roots , and the founding fathers of Irish prose and poetry are among the greatest minds of all time. You can also see Irish culture on display in the heritage towns as well as in the Gaeltacht (a predominantly Irish-speaking area of the country) where you can take Irish language lessons or even learn about traditional Celtic music ? If you don't get a chance to learn much about it, at least take some time to listen to it, either at one of a myriad of festivals or in one of Ireland's many pubs . (It isn't an Irish experience without a pint of Guinness !)

Most people who come to Ireland arrive in Dublin , its capital; even if you arrive in the country through another city, you should make time to spend at least three days here. We recommend that you drive so you can explore absolutely everything Ireland -- urban and rural -- has to offer. One of the most popular tourist drives is the Ring of Kerry , a 111-mile route which starts in Killarney (home to a picturesque and serene national park ) and passes through many towns, including Kenmare , located on the rings southeastern edge. If you want to travel north from Dublin instead, be sure to visit County Meath on your way across the border to Northern Ireland , where we definitely recommend stopping to visit in Belfast , the capital, and vibrant Derry (Londonderry) . Derry is just a hop, skip and a jump away from County Donegal , across Northern Ireland's western border in the Republic, which offers some of the most beautiful views in the country, from mountains to cliff sides in mere minutes. For those going to explore the Ring of Kerry, drive up the coast of Western Ireland afterwards and make some time to explore the beautiful and vibrant cities and towns such as Limerick , Shannon , and Galway . Galway, known for its festivals and seafaring traditions, is a great place to explore for a few days before moving on to see more of the country. If more of the coastal Irish life is what you`re after, head south again to South West Ireland and spend some time in Cork and Kinsale . Take a day trip to Blarney Castle , northwest of Cork, and kiss the Blarney Stone! Then head east to South East Ireland , where Waterford , known for its shimmering crystal and Viking traditions, is the region's largest city.

The Emerald Isle of Ireland, with its lush green fields, rocky coastlines, and historic towns and villages, can be enjoyed year-round. However, there are more advantageous times to visit when compared to others. It is recommended to visit in the shoulder season , when accommodations and airfares are not as high as the summer high season, but temperatures are still mild and the rainy season has finally ended. Ideal times to visit Ireland are the latter part of April, May, September , and the early part of October . If you visit between late fall and early spring, note that you will most likely get caught in rain showers. It`s very Irish -- but it can be very dreary for a holiday. For more information, check out: Best Time to Visit Ireland .

We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.

The best way to experience everything that Ireland has to offer, from the big cities to the small, charming villages in the Gaeltacht and even further afield, is to travel by car. Trains in Ireland link large and medium-sized population centers, but do not always travel to smaller villages. By Car: The road network in Ireland has grown to become one of the most developed infrastructures in Western Europe, due largely in part to the `Celtic Boom` of the 1990s. National highways criss-cross the country and expressways link major cities to the suburbs. As you explore the countryside, you will find quaint country lanes that may be as small as a single lane! There are many popular driving routes that connect tourists directly with the culture and landscape of rural Ireland, such as the Burren Loop and the Ring of Kerry, among others. There are minor differences between driving in the Republic and driving in Northern Ireland, mostly confined to signage. (For example, speed limits are posted in miles per hour in the North and in kilometers per hour in the Republic.) For more information on getting around by car, check out: Driving in Ireland . By Train: Rail travel in Ireland is administered by Irish Rail. Rail lines connect nearly every provincial capital, although they do not stop at many villages, especially in the west and north of the country. A rail line connects Dublin and Belfast; Irish Rail offers daily trains from Dublin Connolly train station to Belfast Central; and National Rail offers the same in the other direction. The Republic of Ireland`s hubs for rail transportation are Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, and Galway, with Belfast and Derry being the hubs for rail in Northern Ireland. Train service connects to, or is directly adjacent to, ferry ports in Drogheda, Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Ringaskiddy (Cork), and Rosslare Europort.

The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€). Northern Ireland, like the other constituent nations of the United Kingdom, uses the pound sterling (£). US dollars are not accepted. You will need to exchange Euros for pounds if you enter the North from the Republic, and vice versa, you must exchange your pounds for Euros when entering the Republic from Northern Ireland or any other nation of the United Kingdom. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout Ireland. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here: Tipping in the Republic of Ireland Tipping in the United Kingdom .

Magical Ireland (Self Drive - Dublin - Cork - Killarney - Galway - Limerick) (9 nights)

Ireland Trips. Visit Ireland with these flexible travel packages: Magical Ireland, Dublin - Galway - Limerick ~Self Drive~, Limerick - Killarney - Dublin ~Self Drive~, Combine Dublin, Killarney, Galway with multi-destination packages. Best Tours and Trips to Ancient Ireland, Natural Ireland, Heritage Towns,Western Ireland - Clare - Galway & Mayo.

Dublin - Galway - Limerick (Self Drive) (7 nights)

A fantastic opportunity to see glorious Ireland with this Self-Drive package. Spend your desired stay in Dublin (rich literary history, quaint authentic pubs and trendy coffee houses amid lush backdrops); then pick up your car and drive to Galway (Connemara, Kylemore Abbey). Then, continue to the stunning medieval city of Limerick (King John`s Castle, Lough Gur Neolithic Settlement and Stone Age Centre); and return to Dublin for one last night stay.

Limerick - Killarney - Dublin (Self Drive) (6 nights)

This Self-Drive, independent vacation package will introduce you to all the most breathtaking aspects of Ireland . Pick up your car in Shannon and drive to Medieval Limerick (King John`s Castle, Lough Gur Neolithic Settlement and Stone Age Centre); then proceed to Killarney (Muckross House and Gardens, Ring of Kerry); and finally, visit the Irish capital city Dublin (rimming with tradition; old pubs and trendy coffee shops).

Dublin - Waterford - Killarney - Galway - Westport - Sligo (Self Drive) (10 nights)

With a Rental Car you have the flexibility to visit several of the most beautiful destinations in Ireland , on your terms!. Begin your desired stay in Dublin (centuries of literary tradition, intimate pubs and trendy cafes all set among lush green backdrops); then, pick up your car and visit Waterford (home to famous Waterford Crystal; clear, pristine beaches and pretty villages perched on the edge of beautiful bays). Continue to Killarney (Muckross House and Gardens, Ring of Kerry); then, to Galway (Connemara and Kylemore Abbey are stunning and not to be missed places to discover). From here, you continue to Westport , in county Mayo (a quaint Georgian Estate town); and finally, visit Sligo (Yeats County) before returning to Dublin for one last stay .

Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford - Cork - Killarney - Limerick (Self Drive) (10 nights)

A self-drive vacation package through Ireland allows you the flexibility to explore at your own leisure. Start, in Dublin (where intimate, authentic pubs and trendy coffee houses will surely delight) then, pick up your car and drive along the country visiting: Kilkenny (full of large castles and beautiful abbeys), then, Waterford (the world famous home of Waterford Crystal; splendid clear, pristine beaches and charming villages) and Cork (Blarney Castle, Old Midleton Distillery, Drombeg Stone Circle). Continue to Killarney (Muckross House and Gardens, Ring of Kerry) and the beautiful medieval city of Limerick (King John`s Castle, Lough Gur Neolithic Settlement and Stone Age Centre). Drive to Shannon to catch your flight back home.

Yes, you can combine with: Spain | Scotland | Netherlands | Italy | France | England

  • Live Like a Lord (7 nights from $1184)
  • Dublin - Cork - Killarney - Limerick (Self Drive) (8 nights from $777)
  • Galway - Dingle - Cork - Kilkenny - Dublin (Self Drive) (7 nights from $475)
  • London and Dublin by Air (6 nights from $709)
  • London - Edinburgh - Dublin by Air (9 nights from $1039)
  • London - Dublin - Cork - Killarney - Dublin (9 nights from $1644)
  • London - Paris and Dublin (9 nights from $948)
  • Dublin and Amsterdam by Air (6 nights from $456)
  • Dublin - London - Paris - Rome by Air (12 nights from $1987)
  • Dublin - Amsterdam - Barcelona by Air (9 nights from $957)
  • Dublin and Glasgow - Edinburgh (6 nights from $645)
  • Dublin - Edinburgh - London and Paris (12 nights from $1462)
  • Dublin and Barcelona by Air (6 nights from $535)

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independent ireland travel

  • 12 nights / 13 days
  • 1,460 miles
  • Independent
  • 2 Weeks or less

This fabulous tour of Ireland includes the most scenic and interesting parts of this truly beautiful island. Stay in some of Ireland’s most charming hotels and enjoy delicious meals and the warm and friendly hospitality that is country-wide. Visit the Rock of Cashel, Youghal, Cork, Blarney Castle, the Beara Peninsula, the famed Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, the Cliffs of Moher & the Burren, the captivating west coast region of Connemara, and, of course, the wonderful city of Dublin. Finish the tour via the Wicklow Mountains, Co Kildare and Co Wexford. The trip will be at a leisurely pace giving you plenty of time to explore and relax.

Ireland is a place to explore slowly, roaming through agricultural landscapes scattered with farmhouses, or enjoying a spirited drive across the mountain roads, or along the endlessly indented coastline. Discover traces of culture established long before Christianity, alongside the cosmopolitan energy of the towns and cities.

Tour Highlights

  • Visit some of Ireland’s famous landmarks, such as the Rock of Cashel
  • Drive some of the country’s best scenic drives, such as the Ring of Kerry, Beara & Dingle Peninsulas, & Wicklow Mountains
  • Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
  • Explore charming cities, such as Cork and Dublin
  • See the magnificent Cliffs of Moher
  • Marvel at the ‘moonscape’ of the Burren
  • Visit the Irish National Stud, where some of the world’s best racehorses are bred

independent ireland travel

Take the Stena Line ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare, departing at 14.30 (check timings). The crossing takes just 3 1/2 hours. A short drive of about 75 minutes to our first hotel and stay overnight in a stunning Georgian manor. This country house hotel is also home to one of Ireland’s best chefs, so dinner is a real treat in the Michelin-starred restaurant.

independent ireland travel

Drive to Kilkenny, Ireland’s only inland city, and also one of its finest, brimming with medieval treasures. Head to the Rock of Cashel – Ireland’s most fascinating ecclesiastical site, a lofty citadel that soars above the surrounding vale. Then it’s south to Cahir with its eponymous castle and the Swiss Cottage. Drive over The Vee, a fabulous road over the hills to Lismore. From there drive alongside the River Blackwater to Youghal, on the south coast. There is an optional lunch stop at the famed hotel and cookery school at Ballymaloe. Continue to Cork and visit the renowned Blarney Castle. Stay overnight in a beautiful hotel in Cork.

independent ireland travel

A wonderful drive down to Kinsale and then along the coast to Timoleague and Clonakilty. Visit the Drombeg Stone Circle and continue to Skibbereen, Ireland’s most southerly town, and see the Heritage Centre with its exhibition commemorating the tragic Great Famine. Continue to Ballydehob and Bantry and tour the magnificent Bantry House and Museum. Drive around Bantry Bay to Glengarrif and then drive the spectacular Healy Pass and on to Kenmare. Then it’s over Moll’s Gap and Ladies View to Killarney. Stay in a beautiful five-star hotel for two nights.

independent ireland travel

Drive the stunning and famed Ring of Kerry. This is an very scenic route around the Iveragh peninsula with wonderful coastal and mountain scenery, as well as a warm Gulf Stream climate. Visit the lovely town of Kenmare, a colourful, friendly place and perfect place to while away some time. There is an optional circle to drive to Glengarriff and then over the Healy Pass and back to Kenmare. Continue down to Cahersiveen, and return over the mountains of Macgilycuddy’s Reeks. Take a tour of the splendid Muckross House. Return to the hotel in Killarney.

independent ireland travel

Head down to the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle is a lovely town to spend a while. Explore the Dingle Peninsula and the exceptionally scenic route to Slea Head. Head back over the Connor Pass and then travel north to Tralee. Drive over the mountains to Co Limerick and stay in a beautiful old coaching inn/hotel in one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, Adare.

independent ireland travel

Leave Adare and head onto Limerick, an attractive and lively city, also renowned as a cultural centre. Visit Bunratty Castle, and then drive to the sea at Miltown Malbay and then north, hugging the coastline to see the Cliffs of Moher, rising 213 metres from the sea below and stretching for five miles along the Clare coast. Further north is the Burren National Park, a vast plateau of limestone, which supports the vast majority of Ireland native flora and fauna. Stay in a beautiful manor house hotel for the next three nights, located on the coast near Letterfrack in Connemara.

independent ireland travel

Enjoy a circular drive of Connemara and Co Galway with its beautiful coastal roads. It’s a land of panoramic views, rivers, lakes, endless stone walls, myths and legends. Sparsely populated, Connemara has been by-passed by mass tourism, yet it is much-loved by poets, artists and writers. There is an optional lunch stop at the lovely Ballnahinch Castle, and a chance to stroll around the lovely small town of Clifden.

independent ireland travel

Another day to explore the north of Co Galway. The route takes you past Doo Lough, with its memorial to those who perished in the Famine, and on to Louisburgh. Then skirt along the coast to the beautiful town of Westport, with its octagonal central area and lime tree-lined central canal. Visit the wonderful Westport House, just to the west of the town. Then head back to the manor hotel.

independent ireland travel

Leave Connemara and Galway and head across the centre of Ireland. Visit the Lodge Park House, Garden & Steam Museum at Straffan on the way to Dublin. Spend the next two nights in Dublin’s finest hotel in the centre of the city on the beautiful St Stephen’s Green. Stroll along the banks of the Liffey and indulge in a pint or two of the black stuff (Guinness). Dinner is not included on either evening as there are so many wonderful places to eat in Dublin and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

independent ireland travel

Spend the day exploring the delights of Dublin – magnificent architecture, excellent shopping, lively entertainment and cultural events, superb museums and galleries and a strong sense of history. There’s much to see, including the castle, National Gallery, Temple Bar and Trinity College. But no visit to Dublin would be complete with a visit to the Guinness Hop Store, birthplace of Dublin’s (and Ireland’s) most famous product.

independent ireland travel

Leave Dublin and drive south to Powerscourt House and Gardens, one of the most superb gardens in Europe. Drive through the secluded Wicklow Mountains to the Sally Gap and visit Glendalough, a monastic settlement founded in the 6th century. There is also a visit to the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens near Kildare. Stay overnight at a beautiful country house hotel on the edge of the Wicklow Mountains.

independent ireland travel

Enjoy a lovely day meandering over the Wicklow Mountains again to Avoca and Arklow. Head south to Wexford and visit the Irish National Heritage Park. Spend the final night at a delightful hotel on the water near Wexford.

It’s an early start to drive the 20 minutes to Rosslare to catch the ferry back to Wales at 09.00. Arrive in Fishguard at 12.30 and depart for home.

Where we'll stay

All the accommodation is in individual, unique hotels that are of a very high standard, and often five-star. Due to the nature and age of these hotels the rooms vary from charmingly comfortable to utter luxury. We have hand-picked the accommodation for their unique atmosphere and style. Suitable parking is available each night. “Thank you for all the hard work that went into planning the trip – and the lovely hotels.” C.C., East Sussex

independent ireland travel

What's included

  • An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
  • Tour book – includes a brief history of Ireland, emergency details, maps and directions, accommodation information, and a very detailed account of sights and visits for each day. The book eliminates the need for any guide books

Requirements

Travel to Ireland: Return ferry crossing from Fishguard, Wales to Rosslare, Ireland can be booked with Stena Line .

  • Each person must have a passport (and any necessary visas for non-EU passport holders) valid for Ireland. All passports must be valid for six months after the end of the tour.
  • You will also need your vehicle registration documents, driving licence (a photo-card licence or international permit is best), and an international insurance green card.
  • Please check with your travel and motor insurers that you are covered for travel in Ireland.
  • You are also required to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, two fluorescent jackets, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
  • The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, and relish individual, character hotels.

Recommended Road Atlas

Click image below to purchase

independent ireland travel

Price from Tour Book: £200 (incl UK P&P)

independent ireland travel

Founded 2003

Since 2003 Classic Travelling has  specialised in driving tours and motoring holidays for classic, vintage, and sports cars of all ages in the UK, Europe, USA and South Africa.

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© Copyright 2024 | Site by Roundbear Ltd.

Lynott Tours, Inc.

  • Self-drive Irish car rental with unlimited mileage and tax. Large cars, minibuses and automatics are available. Pick up you car rental at Shannon Airport, Cork, Dublin or elsewhere. You can prepay your car insurance. Please click here to go to the Car Information page.
  • Accommodations at your choice of Irish B&B's, farms , hotels, guesthouses, Irish castles or manors. Choose some of each for maximum flexibility. Rooms are with private bath at all properties. We will reserve them all before you go, OR you can have "open" prepaid vouchers to use wherever you roam.
  • Full hearty Irish breakfast is served each day. This may include home-baked breads, farm-fresh eggs, cereal, sausage and bacon.
  • Value-Added Tax (V.A.T.) and service charges.
  • Passport Case with "What You Need To Know Before You Go"
  • Travel Insurance is available

Bonus: Stay 7 nights : PICK YOUR UNIQUE EXPEREIENCE: See our recommendations

Bed and Breakfasts, Farmhouses and Country Homes

Family Friendly

Need an Ireland hotel with a swimming pool, or a hotel in Ireland with air conditioning? Just ask.

RED HOTELS are individually priced. Please ask for rates.

The minimum number of nights on this program is 3. Car Insurance CDW : You can prepay your car insurance. Prepay: CDW, Theft Protection, Location surcharge & Tax per day for one low price. Save up to 30% over buying the insurance at the airport when you pick up your car.

Ten Best Things To Do In Ireland

Top Ten Towns in Ireland

Suggested itineraries.

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Adventure at your own pace

Enjoy the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, backed by CIE Tours' over 90 years’ experience helping visitors make the most of their vacation.  

We have solutions for every type of independent traveler, from people who want to be in the driver’s seat in their own rental car to those who are looking for a more custom solution including a private driver and guide.

What Type of Independent Adventurer are You?

Classic Itineraries

Headline Classic Itineraries

Enjoy an Ireland vacation with all the planning done for you. Drive yourself on one of our popular vacation itineraries - we'll book your hotels and suggest some attractions!  

Traveler's waking outdoor

Headline Traveler’s Choice

Designed for the more adventurous, you can create your own self-drive route and pick your hotels or B&Bs.  

Lough Eske castle

Headline Custom Private Driver

Combine the privacy and personalization of an independent trip with the benefits of a guided tour.

Plan ahead—or follow your whims

independent ireland travel

Accommodations

Depending on your travel style, you’ll stay in either pre-selected hotels or stay in your choice of accommodations including hotels, B&Bs, castles and manors. Full breakfast included daily

independent ireland travel

Transportation

Classic Itineraries Self-Drive & Traveler’s Choice include your own rental car • Your choice of manual or automatic transmission • Includes: Unlimited mileage, Complimentary GPS navigation system and Airport location service charges included Private Driver Vacations & Classic Itineraries with Driver come complete with car and driver • Mercedes S-Class, Viano or Sprinter depending on size of group • Complimentary pick up and drop off at any airport in Ireland or Britain

independent ireland travel

CIE Tours Expertise

• The assistance of our experienced CIE Tours reservation staff by telephone • Pre-planned itineraries, if you choose –or create your own. The choice is yours! • CIE Tours Go-To Guide –your handbook for the journey filled with important information • Private Driver vacations include an experienced driver guide for the entirety of your tour

independent ireland travel

Plus these great extras

• Explore Ireland guide • Heritage Island Pass that provides discounted admission to popular sites throughout the country • FexcoHorizon Tax Free Shopping card -the fast and convenient way to track and redeem your VAT refund • Document holder, luggage tags, strap and universal travel adapter to keep your devices charged

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See why real travelers love CIE Tours

We loved our self-drive adventure around Ireland - and CIE Tours made it so easy.

10 Night Self Drive Packages

  • 10 Night Packages

In This Section

  • 6 Night Self Drive Packages
  • 7 Night Packages
  • 8 night Packages
  • 12 Night Packages
  • 14 Night Packages

Travel at your own pace with our 10 Days in Ireland tour

independent ireland travel

If you have 10 days in Ireland, at Discovering Ireland Vacations we have some of the best tours and packages perfect for your vacation. The tours and packages outlined in our Ireland self drive tours section are just some of the sample travel packages available, so please speak to one of our expert vacation consultants to arrange your own custom independent  Ireland vacation  itinerary for 10 days and visit anywhere in Ireland at your own pace. Use prepaid vouchers for accommodation and have the option of adding on activities such as golfing, fishing, cycling and hiking. Versatile and adaptable, an independent Ireland Self Drive vacation makes the ideal Ireland honeymoon , so contact our experienced Discovering Ireland Vacations specialists today to book and plan your fly drive go-as-you please tour to ensure that you get the most from a self drive vacation trip of Ireland.

Independent self drive tours also allow you to spend as long as you wish to learning about the ancient history and folklore at some of Irelands well known heritage sites and places of interest, as well as giving you the flexibility to stay a night or two in that town or city that captures your heart as you enjoy the friendliness, humour and Irish welcome.

A self drive vacation offers visitors the chance to experience Ireland’s diverse culture, scenery and leisure activities whilst navigating and exploring a variety of spectacular landscapes.

Wild Atlantic Way 10 Nights

The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s iconic driving route.

The FairyTale 10 Nights

Discover some of Ireland’s best luxurious and romantic 5-star hotels and Castles on this wonderful luxury getaway in Ireland! You have the option of upgrading your accommodation should you require it.

Irish Pubs & Folklore 10 Nights

Get a real flavor and understanding of Irish folklore and enjoy some craic and music with this tour.

Irish Romance 10 Nights

With a 10 night tour of Ireland, you will get the opportunity to explore a host of Irelands best honeymoon location.

Highlights of Ireland 10 Nights

The Highlights of Ireland self-drive 10-night tour is one of our most popular tours and is based on Ireland’s most iconic and world-renowned attractions.

3 Centre Tour of Ireland 10 Nights

The 3 Center Tour is ideal for the traveler that wishes to see the best parts of Ireland but would prefer not to be in different accommodation every night.

Silver Irish Castles and Manors

Enjoy the superb quality of some of Ireland's most well-known Castles and Manor Houses, while enjoying the magnificent scenery and Irish hospitality.

Gold Irish Castles and Manors

Stay in some of our finest Irish Castles and Manor Hotels in Ireland’s most iconic locations Whether a family vacation or romantic Irish honeymoon, this is the perfect vacation package for you.

Platinum Irish Castles and Manors

This superior tour lets you enjoy the very best of Superior Irish Castles and Manors in Ireland.

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Sign up now for the official Discovering Ireland Vacations Update e-newsletter, designed to keep you up-to-date on what's new and exciting at Discovering Ireland and indeed in Ireland travel itself! You will also be among the first to know about our great special offers, vacation in Ireland deals and trip to Ireland cost!

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Find Your Tour:

  • England, Ireland and Scotland Tours
  • Ireland Castle Tours
  • Tour for max. 8 guests
  • Tours for Solos
  • Adults Only Tours
  • Wild Atlantic Way
  • Ireland's Ancient East
  • Ireland Tours from Dublin
  • Wild Atlantic Way Tours
  • Ireland's Ancient East Tours

Arrange a Tour:

  • Private Tours
  • Private Tour Attractions
  • Example Itineraries
  • Genealogy Tours & Family Tree
  • Golf Vacations
  • Garden Tours

2024 Tour Packages:

  • All Ireland Tours & Vacations
  • Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4390 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Iconic Britain Tour 10 Days | From €2490 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2890 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1590 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 6 Days | From €990 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Historic Irish Castle Tour 7 Days | From €1790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
  • Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
  • Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €995 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.

2025 Tour Packages:

  • Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4590 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour 9 Days | €2490 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €2090 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1640 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 6 Days | From €1090 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2890 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5690 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
  • Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3290 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
  • Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €1090 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Tour Guides / Drivers
  • Reviews of our Tours

Further Information

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Travelguide

About tour packages

  • Choosing a Tour
  • The Tour Hotels
  • The Tour Buses

About private tours

  • Arranging a Tour
  • Private Tour Accommodation
  • Private Tour Vehicles

My Ireland Tour Logo

Ireland Tours 2024 & 2025

Looking to customize a bespoke vacation? Check out our Private Tours

We are still Ireland's best-reviewed tour operator, with 97.3% five-star reviews.

Our UK & Ireland Tour Packages

Scroll through our Britain and Ireland tour packages for 2024 & 2025. Alternatively, you can also see what's available on your preferred dates .

The London Eye, seen on our Tours of England and Ireland

Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

  • 34 attractions
  • Max. 26 ppl

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.

York Minster, seen on our tours of UK and Ireland

Iconic Britain Tour

  • 14 attractions

Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.

6 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

  • 11 attractions

Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable tour.

Deluxe Castle Tour of Ireland

Deluxe Castle Tour

  • 22 attractions

Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.

Historic Irish Castle Tour of Ireland

Historic Irish Castle Tour

  • 15 attractions

A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.

14 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

  • 25 attractions

Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.

A tour attraction in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.

10 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.

8 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

  • 17 attractions

Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.

A tour attraction in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

  • 8 attractions

Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.

Ancient Tour of Ireland

Ancient Ireland Tour

  • 19 attractions

An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.

A UK tour attration, a castle in Scotland, Great Britain

Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour

  • 24 attractions

Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.

Hello from everyone here at My Ireland Tour

Welcome! We are thrilled that you are interested in visiting our country. We're proud to say that we're still an independent family-run business, based right here in Cork. We offer a range of Britain and Ireland vacation packages , as well as our bespoke private customised tours . We're looking forward to chatting with you and showing you what makes Ireland such a magical place.

Eric O'Gorman Signature

Eric O'Gorman, Founder & Director

Failte Ireland

What are you looking for?

We offer various types of tour to suit all ages, interests and group sizes. What kind of vacation suits you best?

Traditional music enjoyed by Ireland tour guests in an Irish pub

All our Ireland Tours

Ireland's best-loved destinations and its best-kept secrets, all on one magical tour.

The Dark Hedges, visited on a private tour of Ireland

Private Custom Tours

Custom private tours, crafted uniquely for you. All group sizes from two people to 100.

Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara, County Galway

Castle Tours

Live like royalty, staying in real Irish castles steeped in history and tradition.

The UK Houses of Parliament seen on a tour of England and Ireland

UK & Ireland

Tour Ireland and Britain at the same time with a tour that shows you the best of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Jedburgh Abbey, viewed on a tour of Scotland and Ireland

Scotland & Ireland

Two great celtic nations, one unforgettable experience. Visit Scotland and Ireland in one trip.

Three unique tour collections

It's now even easier to find your perfect vacation. We have grouped most of our tour packages into three unique collections. Whatever your interests, whatever your budget, we have the perfect range of Irish tours for you and your group. We also offer our popular Discover Northern Ireland Tour (6 days). Alternatively, you can even customize your own bespoke private tour , just for you and your group.

Cliffs of Moher tourist attraction in Ireland

Iconic Scenes Tours

Discover Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets. All with unbeatable value, while staying in some of Ireland's best four-star hotels.

  • Compare all Iconic Scenes Tours
  • 18-Day Tour (Ireland, England & Scotland)
  • 14-Day Tour (Scotland & Ireland version)
  • 14-Day Tour (Ireland-only version)
  • 10-Day Tour
  • 9-Day Tour (Scotland & Ireland version)

Historical Irish tourist attraction

Ancient Luxury Tours

Get closer to the action on a tour which is limited to max. eight guests. On these luxury tours, you will be staying in four- and five-star hotels and castles.

  • Compare our Ancient Luxury Tours
  • 13-Day Tour (Ireland & Scotland)

An historic Irish Castle in Ireland

Luxury Castle Tours

Live like royalty on a tour that is steeped in the rich history and traditions of the Emerald Isle. Stay in Ireland's best four- and five-star hotels and castles.

  • Compare our Castles Tours
  • 7-Day Historic Irish Castle Tour
  • 10-Day Deluxe Irish Castles Tour

Made in Ireland, by us

We are not a reseller or an agent. We only sell our own tours, designed with care in our family office here in Cork, Ireland.

No Middleman

You will not find our tours on any other website. And with no middleman, we can provide unrivalled value with a much more personal experience.

We're here for you

On the phone, you can chat to Eric, Kristel, Shannon, Shauni, Keith or Catriona. We will be delighted to help with any questions you may have.

Britain & Ireland Tours

Why not add England and Scotland to your Irish tour experience? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compare and contrast these unique but interconnected cultures. Experience a rich and overlapping history, told from three singular perspectives. Three distinct outlooks, three separate national identities — one friendly welcome. Compare the royalty and pageantry of London with the very different majesty you will find in the rolling glens, lochs and highlands of Scotland. Of course, we think that Ireland holds the crown, with a landscape, a culture and a heritage that puts the Emerald Isle among the jewels of all European travel.

England Tour attractions in London, seen on a tour of England and Ireland

Customize your own tour

Looking for something truly unique? Why not arrange a bespoke private tour exclusively for you and your group? Our private tours can be customized to suit any group size, from two guests to a party of 100 or more. We will work with you to create the perfect tour itinerary for your group, taking away all the stress and leaving you with an unforgettable vacation experience that works for everyone. Certain destinations you want to visit? We can make it happen. Want to stay in a castle or on a working farm? Just say the word.

Hookhead Lighthouse, as seen on our Private Tours of Ireland

Stay in real castles

Experience the rich history of Ireland first-hand when you stay in some of the Emerald Isle's most enchanting castles and stately manors. That's right — with our Irish castle tours, you not only visit real Irish castles, you get to stay overnight in them, too. Choose from four castle tour vacation packages , crafted for you by our Irish-born team of tour experts. Whichever tour you choose, you can expect to live like nobility for the duration of your time with us here in Ireland.

Ballynahinch Castle, County Galway, as seen on our Castle Tours of Ireland

Our small groups guarantee Never more than 26 guests per tour

We always keep our tour group sizes small. That's because we want every guest to get the comfort, space and service they deserve. Although many other companies squeeze in groups of up to 50, even the largest of our tour packages are strictly limited to just 26 guests. That leaves empty seats on the coaches. So why do we limit our tours to such small group sizes? Here are six reasons.

Superior Service

Guests consistently list our small group sizes as a top reason why they would book with us again. See our reviews...

More focus on you

With a smaller group, our tour guides have more time to get to know you and your interests.

We deliberately leave empty seats on our coaches, so you can relax and spread out.

Experience each attraction up-close and personal, with more time to ask questions and see what interests you.

Speedier Check-Ins

Compared with many of our rivals, our smaller group sizes make checking in and out of the hotels a breeze.

More Relaxed Pace

Experience Ireland at your own pace. No rushing to keep up and no waiting around for large groups to assemble.

You might also be interested in...

Ireland & Britain Tours

  • Sample Itineraries
  • Transport Options
  • Genealogy Tours

2024 Tour Packages

  • Iconic Britain and Ireland (18 Days)
  • Iconic Britain Tour (10 Days)
  • Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour (14 Days)
  • 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (14 Days)
  • 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (10 Days)
  • 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (8 Days)
  • 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (6 Days)
  • Deluxe Irish Castles Tour (10 Days)
  • Historic Irish Castle Tour (7 Days)
  • Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour (13 Days)
  • Ancient Ireland Tour (8 Days)
  • Discover Northern Ireland (6 Days)

2025 Tour Packages

  • Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour (14 Days)
  • Highlights of Ireland and Scotland Tour (9 Days)

Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Thatched cottages of Adare Village in Limerick, Ireland

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

  • Blarney Woollen Mills

Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield, Scotland

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Glenveagh Castle

Glenveagh Castle, County Donegal

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

King John's Castle, County Limerick

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

Moriarty's, Kerry

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens, County Waterford

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Mount Stewart House & Gardens, County Down

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

Muckross House, Kerry

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

Muckross House Traditional Farms, Kerry

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour Map

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

  • Free time in London
  • Shakespeare's Birthplace
  • Manchester River Cruise
  • Tour of York City
  • York Minster
  • Jedburgh Abbey
  • Tour of Edinburgh City
  • Holyrood Palace
  • Tour of Glasgow City
  • Tour of Belfast City
  • Titanic Belfast
  • Giant's Causeway
  • Kylemore Abbey
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Ring Of Kerry
  • Blarney Castle
  • Irish Emigration Museum
  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Departure flight home

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour Map

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour

  • Roman Baths
  • Broadway to Cheltenham Railway
  • Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel
  • Chatsworth House
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Stirling Castle
  • Loch Lomond Cruise
  • Glasgow City

14 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland and Scotland Map

14-Day Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

  • Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
  • St. Andrews Golf Club
  • Kingsbarns Distillery Tour
  • Loch Ness cruise
  • Glasgow Cathedral
  • Belleek Pottery
  • Sheepdog Demo
  • Blind Piper Pub
  • Rock of Cashel

14 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

  • Trim Castle
  • Belfast City
  • Belfast Murals
  • Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
  • Bushmills Distillery
  • Derry City Walls
  • Lough Erne Cruise
  • Devenish Island
  • Jameson Distillery Midleton

10 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

  • Dublin Airport
  • Clonmacnoise
  • Free time in Galway City
  • Killary Fjord
  • Free time in Cork City
  • Charles Fort
  • Irish National Stud
  • Traditional Farm Lunch

8 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

  • Mikey Ryan's Bar
  • Killarney National Park
  • Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
  • Galway City
  • Free time in Dublin City
  • St Patrick's Cathedral

6 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

  • Glendalough Monastic Site
  • Ring of Kerry

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The top cosiest cottages on Airbnb for an autumn getaway in the UK

Here are some of the best cottages to snuggle down in during an autumn getaway, article bookmarked.

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Find the UK cottages with the most spectacular natural beauty on their doorsteps

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As the temperature starts to drop, the swimsuits will be packed away and the woolly jumpers will come out of retirement ready for autumn weather.

The UK is home to some of the cosiest, tranquil cottages, cabins and barns nestled in leafy surroundings, quaint villages and awe-inspiring coastal paths. New data from Airbnb has revealed that this autumn, those travelling in the UK are seeking out quintessential autumnal getaways, booking warm and inviting places while staying not too far away from historic towns and villages, snug pubs and country walks.

Yorkshire and the Cotswolds are among the top trending places to stay in the UK this autumn for English countryside cosiness, while seaside destinations such as Narin and Robin Hood’s Bay are also making waves, showing that the British coast can be enjoyed in any weather.

Here are some of the top stays to get your autumnal off-grid break fix among some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes.

Chic Family Barn with Country Views

Frome, somerset.

Spend an evening around the log burner in this Somerset hideaway

Read more: How to visit this popular Cornwall beach town without the crowds

This four-guest barn on the edge of Frome provides plenty of space while still capturing the homeliness of a cosy cottage, with its snuggly nooks and large plush furniture. The barn is atop a hill, providing sweeping landscapes of the Vallis Vale valley. Complete with a pizza oven, a log burner and a fire pit; the barn has everything guests need for the brisk autumnal nights in this tranquil hideaway. The barn is only a 12-minute walk from the centr of town, where you’ll find a number of independent shops and cafes. The surrounding areas also provide plenty of national parks, rivers and woodlands for seasonal walks.

Cosy Seaside Village Cottage

Robin hood’s bay, north yorkshire.

This little cottage is a warm welcome away from the sea spray

Read more: The best dog-friendly holidays to discover in the UK this autumn

This 18th-century fisherman’s cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay has been beautifully refurbished to offer a more modern feel for the cosy trip to the seaside. Sleeping up to four people, the little three-storey haven is less than a minute’s walk from the beach, leaving no time to waste getting out on gusty autumnal walks along the shoreline. A log stove is right in the heart of the house, surrounded by an open-plan living room and kitchen, which is ideal for cosy nights while still allowing each guest some space. The charming village serves up sandy beaches, rock pools and an opportunity to discover ancient fossils. What was once a place overrun by fishermen and smugglers is now lined with pleasant cafes, pubs and small shops.

Old School Cottage

Langcliffe, yorkshire dales.

Visit the Three Peaks in Yorkshire while visiting this comfortable cottage

Read more: How Somerset became the UK food hotspot you’ve been missing out on

Yorkshire is certainly a trending destination for UK travellers this year, and the characterful Old School Cottage in the Dales does not disappoint. Sleeping four guests, the cottage’s dark-woord theme is complimented by reclaimed materials and antique furniture and fittings. Only a short walk away is Langcliffe, a quiet little village rich with religious history.  However, the area may be best suited for those ready to explore the English countryside by hiking now the weather is cooler. The area provides a great starting point for walkers visiting the nearby Victoria cave, the Three Peaks, the Settle loop and a number of waterfalls and wild swimming spots nearby.

Highland Coastal Cottage

Narin, scotland.

Narin’s brisk autumn weather is soothed by this cosy cottage

Read more: The best hotels in Edinburgh

If you really want to feel off-grid in a little cottage, worlds away from your day-to-day, a trip to the highlands of Scotland may just do the trick. The sweet little Kittiwake Cottage in the coastal town of Narin can sleep up to four and provides guests with a small enclosed garden to catch any last-minute autumn sun. Logs are at the ready to be put on the wood burner for a cosy night in the retreat. A short five-minute walk will land you at the beach, providing views to the North Sea. Not far away from Narin sits historic Scottish castles, such as Cawdor and the 16th-century Brodie, both of which have spectacular gardens.

Eclectic Couples Cabin

Woodmancote, cotswolds.

This stylishy-decorated cabin in the Cotswolds makes for a great hideaway for couples

Read more: Uber has launched seaplane flights over an iconic Scottish loch – and they are completely free

This stylish Cotswolds cabin is the ideal place for a couple to hide away for a few days. Built in 1906, this A-frame cabin comes with an open-plan kitchen, dining and living room area, and its warm wooden tones, copper accents, fluffy cushions, and cosy sofas create an intimate and romantic feel. Situated in the village of Woodmancote, guests have the entire Cotswolds, which has outstanding natural beauty to discover. Explore the picture-perfect villages of Bibury, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold nearby to experience the cosy English autumn in coffee shops, boutiques and historic churches.

Coastal Cottage with Spectacular Sea Views

If countryside views are what you are after in the autumn, look no further than this Cornwall cottage

Read more: How this eco-campsite in North Wales became a haven for frazzled Londoners

Views of the sea do not get much better than this while staying in this remote and relaxing getaway. This white-washed single-storey barn comes with unobstructed views over the lush countryside greenery down to the area at Port Quin , even from the comfort of the living room. Just a short walk from the sea or a few minute’s drive from the popular coastal hotspots of Rock, Polzeath and Daymer Bay, there are plenty of opportunities for brisk autumn walks or nature exploration. Once guests have had a day out in the great outdoors, they are welcomed back to a log-burning stove for cosy evenings,  underfloor heating and a plushy sofa to melt into in the evening. In the morning, enjoy an al fresco breakfast on the sea-facing terraces to soak up the early morning sun.

Romantic Stone-Built Cottage

Cardigan, wales.

Opt for a romantic couples getaway in this Welsh cottage

Read more: The best UK vineyards to visit during harvest season

At the end of a quiet, winding lane in the Welsh countryside lies a newly-converted, one bedroom, stone-built cottage. Large stone beams compliment this unique little haven on its elegant ceiling, and a log burner in the living room makes for some cosy nights in this cottage, which is ideal for a romantic couple’s retreat. The cottage is just three miles from the market town of Cardigan and only five miles from plenty of sandy beaches West Wales has to offer. If the weather permits, the cottage comes with an enclosed private garden, outdoor seating and a barbecue for some early-autumn outdoor eating.

200-year-old Countryside Cottage

Kilrea, ireland.

This dainty 200-year-old cottage is decorated with William Morris designs

Fancy a seasonal retreat to Northern Ireland ? This cosy cottage makes the great base for a couple or a few friends seeking a nature-filled getaway. This 200-year-old property has been refurbished for modern use but has not lost its historic charm. Dainty furniture and William Morris accents add to the Airbnb’s sweet aesthetic. Not far from the cottage is Giants Causeway, a Northern Irish must-see on the coast. Nearby is the little village of Kilrea, boasting a large lake that hosts Ireland’s largest waterpark packed with fun slides and obstacle courses.

Retro 1960s Chalet by the Sea

Heacham, norfolk.

The retro chalet found in Norfolk is perfect for young children for a story-book holiday

This cosy chalet by the Norfolk coastline is a magical place for kids to stay and an inviting place for adults, too. Packed with vintage furnishing and pastel accents, this little hideaway looks as if it has been plucked right out of a doll’s house. Once October hits, the host covers the 1960s chalet with velvet cushions, fur throws and battery-operated candlelight to make guests’ stays extra cosy. The chalet is just a 10-minute stroll from the nearest beach, and the local village of Heacham provides some welcoming pubs to dive into if the weather gets too gusty. The Norfolk coast has plenty of other beach hotspots for walks by the sea , such as Hunstanton, as well as RSPB spots like Snettisham and Titchwell Marsh for some spectacular bird spotting.

West Wing Hideaway in a Country Manor

Hanwood, shropshire.

Wooden beams and leather furniture make up the perfect autumnal getaway in Shropshire

While this listing is technically not a cottage but rather the west wing of a country manor, the cosy atmosphere and homey feel make it feel just as much. Found in the Shropshire countryside, this autumnal stay is equipped with its very wood-burning hot tub situated next to a peaceful stream for ultimate relaxation. The manor wing is filled floor-to-ceiling with magnificent wooden beams, complimented by large leather sofas and a roaring fireplace. If guests can draw themselves away from the spectacular features, such as the large dining room, king bedrooms and hot tub amenities, the property is right next door to a range of outdoor must-sees. While staying in Hanwood, visit the Shropshire Hills, the river Severn and the historic villages dotted amongst the vast countryside.

Read more: The best hotels in the Lake District

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    This Self-Drive, independent vacation package will introduce you to all the most breathtaking aspects of Ireland.Pick up your car in Shannon and drive to Medieval Limerick (King John`s Castle, Lough Gur Neolithic Settlement and Stone Age Centre); then proceed to Killarney (Muckross House and Gardens, Ring of Kerry); and finally, visit the Irish capital city Dublin (rimming with tradition; old ...

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    Adventure in Southern Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 11 Days. On this 11-day journey through southern Ireland, you'll eat, drink, and travel like a local. In Dublin, you'll see highlight landmarks on walking tours plus imbibe at the famous Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse.

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    Nearby is the little village of Kilrea, boasting a large lake that hosts Ireland's largest waterpark packed with fun slides and obstacle courses. Book now Retro 1960s Chalet by the Sea