Ireland roundtrip — From cliffs, Guinness and green fields

Céad míle fáilte (Gaelic for a warm welcome and excellent hospitality)! Welcome to the green island of Ireland, home to picturesque landscapes, delicious Guinness beer, and warm hospitality. After landing at the airport, collect your luggage, pick up your rental car, and begin your Irish adventure! What revelations await you on this journey? One thing you will learn during this roundtrip will be the Irish pride wrapped within their culture.

On your way to the first bed & breakfast accommodation, stop in Kildare and take a stroll through the charming Irish National Stud Gardens. Admire the home of Irish horse breeding; the locals are very prideful of this unique activity. The sprawling stud farm is the best way to admire internationally acclaimed stallions. As you continue your stroll, don't miss the beautiful Japanese gardens! The lovingly maintained green gardens are adorned with exotic plants and exude a distinctive flair.

As you continue toward your first destination, drive through Ireland's renowned green landscapes. The shamrock is the unofficial national symbol of Ireland and connected to the popular Guinness beer. When the bartender slow-pours your Guinness, the Irish say to place an Irish penny on top of the foam, and it won't sink; shamrock is the name of this trick. Want to see this trick for yourself? Then end your day in a typical Irish pub! At the cozy wooden pub, locals meet after work to drink a pint of Guinness and socialize the pub regulars. When visiting Ireland, it's the people's warm hospitality that you will remember forever.

Pay attention to left-hand traffic! Please note that the Irish drive on the other side of the road.

Travel time: approx. 120 km / approx. 1.5 hours

Overnight with breakfast in Carlow/Portlaoise, Ireland

Yesterday the green country's landscape made a great first impression; today, you'll start your journey into Ireland's past.

Drive back to the Middle Ages for your first stop of the day: Kilkenny. Stroll along the decorated alleys, dotted with colorful houses, and listen to stories about the Irish culture. The medieval town boasts a unique cityscape, its famous beer, and a 12th-century majestic castle.

For several centuries, the Kilkenny Castle belonged to the influential Butler family before it became city property in 1967. Its 800 years of existence are marked by numerous expansions and changes, resulting in a developed, complex structure of different architectural styles. In the former stables of the castle is the Kilkenny Design Center, you can also see some of Kilkenny's famous arts and crafts.

Continue to the Smithwick's Brewery, home to the famous Kilkenny beer. If you visit during the week, take the opportunity to join a guided tour! The experts will show you the production of the delicious beer and tell you some secrets about the famous red ale. Of course, at the end of the tour, a delicious tasting at the bar won't be missed!

Toward the end of the day, you will drive to your next accommodation in County Kerry. Once you arrive, head back to a local pub for a pint and traditional meal. Do you notice small stages around town? You can find up-and-coming bands and classic Irish musicians playing in front of a small audience on the weekend! The sounds of Irish guitars, tin whistles, button accordions, and violins (also called fiddle) will create unique experiences you will never forget.

Travel time: approx. 250 km / 3.5 hours

Overnight with breakfast in County Kerry, Ireland

After learning all about the history and culture of the city, today's adventure takes you to Ireland's most beautiful coastal road: Ring of Kerry. The 170-kilometer Ring of Kerry takes you past pretty little villages and surprises you with magnificent views over the Atlantic coast. No need to rush! Stop for short breaks at beautiful viewpoints to take pictures or enjoy the silence of the unspoiled nature.

Our tip: Drive the route clockwise, so you start the tour at Killarney National Park south of Killarney. You will begin the exploration at the scenic point, Ladies View, where you can admire an incomparable view over the Killarney Lakes. You can also find the Derrynane House on this route, the old family estate of the Irish national hero, Daniel O'Connell. Visit the numerous exhibitions that relate to his life and his political engagement during the 19th century. You can learn all about one of the most influential Irish people at a beautiful destination!

A short detour is also worthwhile on the Valentia Islands, where you can stroll through the pretty fishing village of Portmagee. We also recommended visiting the Skelling Islands. The visitor center gives you information on the formation and importance of the small islands off the coast of Kerry. Did you know that the rocky islands are considered to be the places of the earliest Christianization of Ireland and can be reached by boat from Portmagee? If the weather permits, how about a boat tour to discover the historical place for yourself? Design the day according to your wishes!

Travel time: approx. 200 km / approx. 4 hours

Overnight with breakfast in County Kerry, Ireland

After breakfast, pack your bags and load them into the back of your rental car because today you are making your way to Claire! As you get closer to Claire, you will feel the goosebumps rise, knowing you're closer to the majestic Cliffs of Moher.

Your adventure around the famous cliffs is entirely up to you! Take the Shannon Ferry over to Tarbert Island. The little island offers you breathtaking views and gives you an extraordinary experience to discover nature from a new perspective. The Cliffs of Moher invite you to leave the car and admire the stunning views from the 200 meters cliffs sloping down into the Atlantic Ocean. If the weather permits, you can enjoy a view over the sea to the offshores of the Aran Islands. To learn more about the stunning nature, head to the information center! On a boat tour from Doolin, you can admire the cliffs from a different perspective.

Continue through Burren to Galway, and admire Burren's Karst region-rock formations created during the last ice age. Even from afar, you will recognize the barren landscapes. The lost rock formations reminisce a lunar landscape rather than the typical green scenery. Despite this mystical barrenness, this sensitive ecosystem is home to over 2,000 rare plants and plants.

After today's beautiful discoveries, we recommended joining the locals at the pub! The Irish feel at home in their local pub, and you will quickly understand why. Thanks to rustic decor, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere, you will already feel welcomed. Do you play an instrument and want to try with the Irish? Go ahead; the stage is always open! One thing is sure: No matter what city in Ireland you go to, the local pub promises a relaxed and cozy evening.

Travel time: approx. 280 km / approx. 4 hours

Overnight with breakfast in Galway County, Ireland

On today's route through the vast moorland of Connemara (north of Galway), you'll learn about Ireland's serene, isolated areas. If you thought you had already experienced authentic Ireland, then these motherlands will surprise you. In the Gaeltacht region, many of the country's Irish speakers are prevalent in these counties; as a matter of fact, Gaeltacht is an Irish-language word for any primarily Irish-speaking region. As you drive from city to city, notice the dialects change!

In Connemara National Park, you can climb the 445-meter-high Diamond Hill, from where you have a picturesque view of the coast and hilly landscape. You will also visit Kylemore Abbey, a Victorian castle run by Benedictine nuns. Take a boat trip on the Killary Harbor, Ireland's only fjord, and encounter beautiful views and an unforgettable panorama. Recover from your exciting day of adventure at Leenane village, where you can unwind and have a pint of Guinness. Continue your journey along with the endless green sceneries and take a closer look at the fields peppered with white spots! These spots are woolly sheep grazing in the lush green meadows and shape the unique Irish landscape.

Travel time: approx. 200 km / approx. 2 hours

Overnight with breakfast in Galway County, Ireland

Before you know it, you'll be heading back to Dublin today. But don't worry, on the way you can expect many exciting places where you can take a break and learn more about Irish culture. For example, visit the Kilbeggan Distillery, a disused copper boiler distillery, which has burned whiskey since the mid-18th century. Learn how to distill, stock, and ripen with their almost 200-year-old technique, and complete the tour with a whiskey tasting!

In the early afternoon, you will arrive in Dublin, where you can spend the rest of the day recovering or exploring the city. The Georgian quarter around Merrion Square invites you to stroll around and explore its famous colorful streets. At the 16th century venerable Trinity College, you can visit the famous Book of Kells, also known as the work of the angels. At the General Post Office on O'Connell Street, they open its doors to commemorate the Easter Rising, and you'll also learn all about Dublin and its past. Go to an exhibition to learn more about Irish history! Some of these exhibitions provide you with a comprehensive insight into its political background and developments in Ireland.

As soon as the darkness sets in, you can hear music in the streets, and people pour into the rustic pubs — our recommendation: The Brazen Head. This pub was founded in 1198 and is the oldest in the city! Choose a cozy booth in one of the several rooms, reminisce about the day, and taste the local Irish cuisine.

Enjoy the last two days, relax in Dublin, and explore the different corners of the city. What you do during the remaining days is entirely up to you!

Travel time: approx. 250 km / approx. 3 hours

Two nights with breakfast in Dublin County, Ireland

Dublin is a quaint city with many colorful houses and home to many legends. Stories say that the colors of the houses should help the drunken men find their way home. Use the last few hours before your flight to immerse yourself in the Irish flair.

Finally, the time has come to pack your bags and return the rental car. Gradually, you must say goodbye to the land that you have hopefully learned to love. What did you like better? The untouched nature and loneliness? Or the big cities with the combination of tradition and modernity? Whatever it was, Ireland is always worth a visit, and we will happily organize your adventure.

Please note that the accommodation mentioned is only an example of the B&B category. Your B&B will be booked at the time of booking and is subject to availability. This trip also has more luxurious options available, such as Manor and County Houses (extra charge).

Duration of the trip: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Including

• 7 nights in B&B hotels or similar (see appendix in download area)
  • 1 night at Avlon House B&B with breakfast in a standard room in Carlow
  • 2 nights in the Sea Shore with breakfast in a standard room in Kerry
  • 2 nights at Villa De Porres with breakfast in a standard room in Galway
  • 2 nights in at Ard Cill B&B with breakfast in a standard room in Dublin
• 8 days rental car of category C (VW Golf or similar) from/to Dublin
• The starting price (based on 2 people) is valid during the travel period 01.10.21 - 15.12.21

Rental car

• PLEASE REMEMBER: The traffic is on the LEFTHAND side of the road.
• The minimum age to rent a car is 25 years old. For drivers aged 23 and 24, an additional Young Driver fee applies.
• Insurance with a deductible (150€ for a VW Golf)
• Anti-theft protection
• Unlimited kilometers
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - Insurance similar to fully comprehensive coverage
• Service fee for the rental car station
• Taxes
• Other rental car categories are available upon request.

Excluding

• International flights
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services
• Excursions (sightseeing, admissions, etc.)
• Tips and personal expenses
• Insurances
• Rental car deposit on site
• Additional services: driver & luggage insurance, GPS, children’s car seats, and extra drivers (bookable on-site at the rental car company)

Notes

• B&Bs in Dublin city center are not available - they are mostly on the outskirts of the same region.