Highlights
- Experience the ancient streets of Dublin
- Visit Ireland's oldest national park at Killarney
- Seek history along the Ring of Kerry
- See the edge of Europe at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher
- Soak up the atmosphere & culture of Galway
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dublin | Dublin |
| Day 2 | Tour the Rock of Cashel - Cork | Cork |
| Day 3 | Killarney National Park | Killarney National Park |
| Day 4 | Ring of Kerry | Killarney National Park |
| Day 5 | Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head | Dingle Town |
| Day 6 | Cliffs of Moher & Galway | Galway |
| Day 7 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin
Welcome to Ireland! After arriving at Dublin Airport (DUB), transfer to your hotel in the city. After you check-in and drop your luggage, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore the city.
Whether you want to travel back in history at Dublin Castle or look into the future with a visit to the modern Spire of Dublin, you're sure to find plenty to do in this global city. Stop in at the library at Trinity College to see the centuries-old Book of Kells, cross over the River Liffey on the Ha'penny Bridge, or stroll through St. Stephen's Green and neighboring Grafton Street for shopping, people watching, and street performers.
Top it all off with a pint in the Guinness Storehouse, or take a whiskey tasting tour.
Day 2: Tour the Rock of Cashel - Cork
After breakfast, pick up your rental car in Dublin and travel south to Cork, Ireland's second-largest city.
Along the way, you can make a stop at the Rock of Cashel. Once home to the High Kings of Ireland, this spectacular group of medieval buildings perched atop a rugged outcrop of limestone. Consider having lunch at one of the many restaurants along the main road leading to the site before continuing your drive.
You'll reach Cork late in the afternoon. After settling into your accommodation, take the rest of the day to explore the city. A great place to start is the central English Market, with its ornate vaulted ceilings, columns, and polished marble fountain. Scores of vendors set up colorful and photogenic displays of the region's very best local produce here, including meat, fish, fruit, cheeses, and takeaway food.
Day 3: Killarney National Park
Today takes you across the mountainous terrain separating County Cork and the kingdom of Kerry to reach the historic town of Killarney and the site of the country's oldest national park.
Spend the afternoon in Killarney National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that's home to the largest expanse of ancient forest in Ireland. Take the opportunity to cycle or hike around the park's three scenic lakes, or embark on a boat cruise or kayaking tour on Lough Leane.
Killarney has a vast history with many ancient buildings and monuments. Don't miss Muckross Park—home to beautiful gardens and a 15th-century Franciscan Friary—and Ross Castle—a medieval fortress on the edge of the national park's lower lakeside.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Ring of Kerry
Venture off the beaten track today to discover the magic of the famous Ring of Kerry. Considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Ireland, this route offers dramatic landscapes of rugged coastline, golden beaches, glistening lakes, picturesque villages, and spectacular mountain ranges.
A perfect walking excursion in the area is the Derrynane Loop, a moderate 5.5 mile (9 km) path around Derrynane National Park near Caherdaniel. This moderate hiking trail follows some of the Kerry Way and the Mass Path pilgrimage route, passing through hillside woodlands above the Derrynane Blue Flag Beach and Derrynane House.
Day 5: Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head
Dingle is your destination today, as you explore this stunningly scenic peninsula littered with archaeological and historical wonders. Your first stop is Inch Beach, famous for being the place where an inch is 3 miles long. Take a stroll along its golden sands, then head west to the remarkable promontory of Slea Head. Take in the breath-taking scenery of its rugged cliffs and windswept beaches, before ending your day in the colorful seaside village of Dingle Town.
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Journey to the far western edge of Europe today to reach the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. Forming a protective barrier from the Wild Atlantic Way to the rich and fertile land at the southern end of the Burren Region, these iconic cliffs run for 5 miles (8 km) along the spectacular coastline. Their towering dominance is best appreciated on foot, so take the morning to explore their wild beauty with a gentle hike—and make sure to bring a camera!
After lunch, make your way to Galway, known as the bohemian capital of Ireland for its thriving music and arts scenes. Get checked in to your base for the night, then head out to soak up the atmosphere of Galway's vibrant streets, sample its wide variety of food offerings, or take a tour exploring its unique historical places of interest.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, drive back east to Dublin Airport to return your car rental and bid farewell to the Emerald Isle.
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