The Manor Houses of Ireland Self-Drive

Day 1 : Dublin

Welcome to Dublin! Pick up your car and head to your castle hotel near Dublin. Explore the capital city with its Georgian buildings and parks.

Day 2 : Dublin

Visit some of Dublin’s many cultural attractions. Of all the things to experience in Dublin, a trip to the Guinness Storehouse and Factory is at the top of everyone’s list. But Dublin isn’t just famous for a pint of the black stuff, some of the world’s most famous writers and poets were born in Dublin and there are numerous walking tours available that will allow you to capture the thoughts of some of these writers.

You can visit the Irish Emigration Museum, a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands. This was the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day. Make sure to visit Dublinia, the medieval museum and Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is displayed.

Day 3 : Dublin > Galway > Clifden

Leave Dublin and cross the midlands. Stop at Belvedere House, an 18th century estate. Reach Galway, a charming city with a Spanish influence and a thriving tradition of traditional Irish music, often enjoyed in one of its many cosy pubs. Continue to Connemara, a wild and scenic region, and Clifden, where you will stay in Abbeyglen Castle.

Day 4 : Clifden > Connemara National Park > Leenane > Clifden

Explore Connemara National Park, home to Connemara ponies and Irish red deer. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful mansion by a lake. Take a scenic drive through Leenane and opt for a Sea Cruise through Killary Fjord. This flooded glacial valley acts as a natural border between County Mayo and County Galway, and his home to a bevy of marine life including otters, both grey and harbour seals; even dolphins and sharks have been spotted enjoying the fjord. Overnight in Clifden.

Day 5 : Clifden > Tarbert

Travel south to Clare, the “land of castles”. See the Burren, a geological wonder with over 2000 plants and rare flowers, or the spectacular and dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Take a ferry to the picturesque village of Tarbert in county Kerry and check into your hotel.

Day 6 : Tarbert > Dunquin > Tarbert

Today tour the Dingle Peninsula, a stunning destination frequently used as a movie location. The Peninsula has many ancient sites and is a genuine Irish-speaking area. Reach Dunquin, the westernmost point and visit the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre. The Blasket Centre tells the story of island life, subsistence fishing and farming, traditional life including modes of work and transport, home life, housing and entertainment. Weather permitting, take a boat trip around the islands. Return to your hotel.

Day 7 : Tarbert > Limerick > Straffan

Drive to Limerick, a medieval city with a rich history and culture. Visit the Hunt Museum, with a fine collection of art and antiquities. Leave Limerick and drive to the village of Straffan on the banks of the River Liffey in County Kildare. Visit the Rock of Cashel, home to over 1,000 years of history, and a spectacular group of medieval buildings.

Day 8 : Straffan area > Dublin

Drive to Dublin Airport, where arrangements conclude.