Best of Ireland South Self-Drive

Pick up your Hertz car on arrival at the airport. Head into the city center, where your trip begins with a day of independent touring in Dublin. Take a Hop On Hop Off bus tour, and see all the city's highlights with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. Your Hop On Hop Off bus ticket also gives you admission to the Little Museum of Dublin, an old Georgian townhouse with a fantastic collection of 5,000 objects telling the story of the city. Plus, you will have a voucher to one of Dublin's top attractions : The Guinness Storehouse, a seven storey attraction telling the story of Dublin's iconic brew, complete with a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor, Teeling Whiskey, the first new whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of the people who left Ireland and how they shaped the world (winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction in 2019), or the GPO Museum innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland's independence. Your evening is free to explore Dublin's many bustling pubs and restaurants as you wish.

Continue sightseeing in Dublin. If you still have vouchers, you can continue exploring the city. Or visit some of the charming coastal villages and seaside suburbs: Dalkey, Malahide, Dun Laoghaire or Howth are all worth a visit, with plenty of fantastic seafood restaurants, historic castles and amazing vistas awaiting you. Enjoy dinner in your hotel. (B, D)

Drive through the agricultural midlands to visit Blarney Castle. Climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous 'Stone of Eloquence' or stroll through acres of tranquil gardens. Travel through Macroom and into County Kerry, with its spectacular mountain scenery. Arrive in the friendly town of Killarney, where you will enjoy dinner in your hotel. (B, D)

Discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous in the movies “Ryan's Daughter” and “Far & Away,” which showcased the wonderful scenery found here. Travel to Slea Head at the westernmost tip of the peninsula for awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean, and stop awhile in the charming town of Dingle. Or you may choose to do the Ring of Kerry, perhaps Ireland's best known scenic drive. Either way you will experience spectacular seascapes and charming villages, with plenty of photo stops along the way. Visit Muckross Schoolhouse, a replica schoolhouse from times past, for a fun evening of traditional entertainment over dinner. (B, D)

Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate. You may choose to visit Moriarty's at the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Head to the village of Adare, famous for its main street lined with thatched cottages and colorful gardens. Proceed to County Clare and dinner in your hotel. (B, D)

Travel along the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O'Brien's Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Drive north to Galway to explore this lively, artistic city. Walk through its medieval streetscapes, listen to the buskers performing, enjoy its many shops and cafes. This evening, go to an authentic castle for a medieval-style feast, where lords and ladies will serenade you with music and songs from days of yore. (B, D)

Enjoy the scenic Irish countryside on your way to Kildare where you'll visit the home of equine royalty, The Irish National Stud. Here you'll see impeccably bred stallions alongside protective mares, frolicking foals, and athletic yearlings. Stroll around the delightful grounds to explore St. Fiachra's Garden, including its miniature Japanese Gardens. Continue on to Dublin and dine at your choice of one of the many restaurants or pubs scattered throughout the city. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast today. Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >