Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Self-Drive

Pick up your Hertz rental car upon your arrival at Dublin airport. Your tour begins at the Clontarf Castle Hotel, a short drive from Dublin Airport and a few miles north of Dublin city center. Head out to discover 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. You will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions: Choose from the Guinness Storehouse, a seven-story attraction telling the story of Dublin’s iconic beverage, complete with a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor; Teeling Distillery, 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; or the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland’s independence. Return to enjoy dinner in your hotel this evening. (D)

You’ll drive to Donegal today. If your route takes you through Enniskillen, you might choose to stop in for refreshment at Blakes of the Hollow Pub, a Victorian bar that retains many features original to its founding in 1887. Famed author John McGahern, a regular visitor, described it as “one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland”. Take a photo by its official “Game of Thrones” door highlighting the series’ sixth season. Continue your travels north to Donegal, where you will dine in your hotel this evening. With its windswept hills where only sheep can thrive, Donegal is renowned for woolen production and tweeds. (B, D)

Today you might choose to see the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe. Take in the incredible ocean views from these spectacular cliffs. Travel up through beautiful views of Donegal; you may want to visit Triona Design Donegal Tweed Center in Ardara, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, where spinners and weavers will demonstrate their crafts. Head back to your hotel in Donegal town, a busy little town that was once a Viking port. Enjoy dinner independently this evening. (B)

Continue toward County Mayo. Your hotel is in Westport, a heritage town with riverside walks, tree-lined promenades and lovely stone bridges; the design for the town was laid out in 1780 in the Georgian architectural style. Among the sights to see are Westport House, the ancestral home of the famed pirate queen Grace O’Malley. There are plenty of charming pubs to explore this evening, some with live music. (B, D)

Travel to bustling, creative Galway. Check out its medieval streetscape, its charming shops, and many cafes and restaurants. Continue on south to Adare, County Limerick, known as one of Ireland's prettiest villages. Enjoy dinner at your hotel, and explore the little village as you choose. (B, D)

Begin your journey to Kerry. You might choose to visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the cliffs to see spectacular vistas, including Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, along with miles of cliffside. Make your way to Tralee, where you will dine in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Today is a great day to check out the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most famous and popular scenic drive. You might choose to stop at Moriarty’s in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Continuing on the scenic drive, pause for panoramic mountain views at Moll’s Gap. Or you might choose to explore the wonders of the Dingle Peninsula, for its spectacular seascapes and the charm of its villages. (B)

You’ll travel across the country to Dubin today. Along the way you might visit Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains. Climb the winding stairs to kiss the famed Blarney Stone; legend says if you do you’ll be given the gift of eloquence. Explore the castle’s extensive gardens, set on 60 acres of parkland. Next, head to your hotel in Dublin. Dine in the nearby seaside suburb of Howth at the Abbey Tavern, enjoying Irish cuisine and an evening of lively entertainment. (B, D)

Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure while enjoying the sights of 18th century Georgian houses with brightly painted doors, tranquil parks, and historic O’Connell Street, or you might choose to explore some of Ireland’s charming seaside suburbs, like Dalkey or Malahide. You could even go further afield, by driving into the Wicklow Mountains and seeing Glendalough, the romantic ruins of a sixth-century monastery established by St Kevin, and complete with high stone crosses, a picturesque round tower, and several churches. Or if you haven’t yet used your vouchers from Day 1, enjoy some city sightseeing. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast. Return your rental at the airport. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>