Southwest Ireland Road Trip: Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Dublin - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive at Shannon Airport, Pick Up Rental, Drive to Adare

Your Irish adventure begins at Shannon Airport, where you'll pick up your rental car and head to Adare. Stop by Bunratty Castle and get a taste of life in a 15th-century castle. If you're feeling energetic, tour the Desmond family's fortress at Adare Heritage Centre. Take some time to walk around Adare Village, the prettiest village in Ireland.

Driving distance: 27 miles (43 km)
Driving time: 45 minutes

Day 2: Drive the Cliffs of Moher & the Burren via the Wild Atlantic Way

Today you'll explore two entirely different landscapes, the iconic Cliffs of Moher and the stark Burren. Walk along the edge of the Cliffs of Moher and marvel at the view—and the 702-foot (214-meter) drop. Do a bit of bird-watching along the way, as over 20 species of seabirds make their homes at the Cliffs. Next, drive along the coastal Wild Atlantic Way to the Burren, a stretch of karst (limestone outcroppings) that will make you wonder whether you've entered an alien landscape. Go for a walk or stop at Doolin Cave for an underground adventure. If you're into ancient history, detour to the Poulnabrone Dolmen, which has stood guard over the Burren for over 5,600 years.

Driving distance: 192 miles (308 km)
Driving time: 5.5 hours (stops not included)

Day 3: Drive to Slea Head & the Dingle Peninsula

Today you'll head southwest to Killarney via the Dingle Peninsula, where many people speak Irish as their first language. Slea Head offers spectacular views of the coast and a glimpse of the Blasket Islands. As you head toward Dingle Town, stop at the Fahan Beehive Huts to view these medieval stone dwellings and at Inch Strand, a 3-mile (5-kilometer) beach popular with surfers. In Dingle Town, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore streets lined with colorful homes and shop buildings. Watch a master crystal cutter at work at family-owned Dingle Crystal, a short drive from downtown Dingle.

Driving distance: 141 miles (228 km)
Driving time: 4 hours (not including stops)

Day 4: Drive the Ring of Kerry

Lakes, mountains, dramatic coastlines, and lush green pastures dominate this landscape. County Kerry is a nature lover's paradise, but you'll also find plenty of history here. Drive to the Kerry Cliffs in Portmagee and the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre for views of the Skellig Islands and Puffin Island. Stop by Skelligs Chocolate to see chocolate-makers at work. As you head back toward Killarney, break your journey with a stop in Waterville, a fishing village that was one of Charlie Chaplin's favorite destinations, and Sneem, where you can explore an ancient ring fort or simply relax with a cup of tea. Before returning to your hotel, you'll visit Killarney National Park, a perfect destination for walkers, hikers, and history buffs.

Driving distance: 114 miles (184 km)
Driving time: 4 hours (not including stops)

Day 5: Discover the Lakes of Killarney, Boat Trip & Jarvey Ride

Many of Ireland's highest peaks provide a backdrop to the Emerald Isle's most famous lakes. This morning, you'll explore the lakes by boat, then ride in a jarvey (horse-drawn cart) through the Gap of Dunloe. You'll stop at two historic restaurants, Lord Brandon's Cottage and Kate Kearney's Cottage, along the way.

After your Lakes of Killarney experience, you'll head southeast to Kinsale via Cork.

Driving distance: 71 miles (115 km)
Driving time: 4 hours (not including stops)

Day 6: Cork City & Cobh

Cork is one of Ireland's largest counties, and because of the global Irish diaspora, you will often meet people with family history connections to the area. The town of Cobh was a port of mass migration as well as being the final berth of the Titanic on her ill-fated maiden voyage. Today you'll take a Best of Cork tour, visit Cork's famous English Market, and head to Cobh Heritage Center to learn about the Titanic disaster and the Irish emigration experience. Afterward, you'll visit the Jameson Distillery in Midleton to learn how this world-famous Irish whiskey is made.

Driving time: 2 hours (not including stops)
Driving distance: 72 miles (116 km)

Day 7: Drive to Dublin

Today we say goodbye to Kinsale and travel north to Dublin with some light touring along the way. You'll stop in County Laois to visit the Rock of Dunamase, the ruins of a 13th-century castle. On arrival in Dublin, you will visit the Guinness Storehouse. While driving through the city, your driver-guide will give you an overview of Dublin's history and point out Phoenix Park.

Driving Distance: 181 miles (291 km)
Driving time: 3.5 hours (not including stops)

Day 8: Guided Tour of The Capital

You will have one last day to experience Dublin. Tour Ireland's capital with a guide, who will take you on a three-hour walking tour, or at your own pace. In the evening, you'll attend an Irish "Hooley" night, where you will enjoy food, music, dancing, and entertainment. You'll see the "Book of Kells" and the Long Room of Trinity College, a Viking-era archaeological excavation site at Dublin Castle, buy any last-minute souvenirs on Grafton Street, and learn about Irish emigration in the world's first fully digital museum at EPIC Ireland.

Day 9: Depart Dublin

Return your rental car and depart from Dublin Airport.

Driving distance: 9 miles (15 km)
Driving time: 30 minutes without traffic

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