Ireland Round Trip - On the whiskey trail

In general, Ireland is considered a year-round destination. If the best time to travel is determined by the weather, the months of May to September are recommended, because at this time it is warmest with temperatures around 20 °C and the likelihood of rain decreases.

The vibrant capital, Dublin, welcomes you on your arrival day with the typical Irish flair that no visitor can resist. With your rental car, you will drive from the airport to your accommodation and can already fall into the vacation mood on the first day. Numerous pubs and little alleys invite you to linger and stroll. But this trip is not only about the well-known sights, such as the Irish Whiskey Museum, but about the little gems that represent the history of Irish whiskey. After all, whiskey has been produced in Ireland since the 1400s, about 100 years before Scotland.

On the first day, visit the Teeling Distillery right in the heart of the Liberties, Dublin's historic whiskey district. What few people know is that it is the first new distillery in the city for over 125 years and the only fully operating distillery left in Dublin.

Dublin Airport - Dublin city center: about 30 minutes / about 11 kilometers

1 night including breakfast in Dublin, Ireland

Today is time to get out of the city and into rural Ireland. This stage takes you to County Mayo. As you drive from the east to the west coast, the scenery changes and you'll notice how entertaining the ride is.

Why not take the first break in your journey at Tullamore? Nearby is Kilbeggan, home to the eponymous and oldest copper pot still in the world. The distillery found its home in the remains of an old Cistercian monastery, which then offered the best conditions for producing whiskey. Since its founding in 1757, the distillery has experienced some ups and downs, but to this day it remains an establishment of great prestige.

Dublin city center - Mayo County : approx. 4 hours / approx. 270 kilometers

1 night with breakfast included in County Mayo, Ireland

Today you will set off for your next stop. In County Mayo, on the banks of the River Moy, is the Connacht Whiskey Distillery, which distills whiskey and ages it in wooden barrels in the rural and rugged surroundings. The air in the distillery smells of evaporating portions of the whiskey known as Angel's Share - a pleasant scent that you will encounter more often on the tour.

On your trip, of course, nature should not be neglected. Take a detour through Connemara. The bucholic landscape belongs to the so-called Gaeltacht regions, where Gaelic is still widely spoken and the old traditions still live. Here you can take a detour to Eddie's Bar, which lures you in with a its whiskey selection and traditional dishes (served with whiskey).

County Mayo - County Galway: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes / approx. 90 kilometers

1 night with breakfast in County Galway, Ireland

Enjoy a day in nature today. The karst region of Burren, which was shaped by the ice age, offers an impressive scenery. From this area, the road leads to County Clare. On the spectacular west coast, a stop at the Cliffs of Moher is essential. These drop steeply over 200 meters into the rough Atlantic Ocean. Drive to the top of the Loop Head: From here, you'll have the best view of the Shannon Estuary, where schools of dolphins often hang out.

As you continue on your way, you'll pass the impressive Bunratty Castle, which dates back to Norman times. Stretch your feet a bit here and take a break at the Creamery Bar. Here you will be served a perfectly tapped pint of Guinness or choose your favorite from the 25 varieties of whiskey.

County Galway - County Kerry: approx. 2 hours 45 minutes / approx. 200 kilometers

1 night with breakfast in County Kerry, Ireland

The western coast of Ireland surprises above all with varied nature. Drive to the Dingle Peninsula today, which offers endless beaches, gentle bays and views over the Atlantic coast. The drive to Slea Head is especially recommended, as here you will experience excellent views of the offshore Blasket Islands, if the weather allows it.

Even though this trip is all about whiskey, don't be confused by the name of the Dingle Gin Distillery. Until 2015, only the westernmost gin in Europe was produced here, but now triple-distilled single pot still whiskeys and single malts are also produced.

1 night with breakfast in County Kerry, Ireland

Today, it's worth taking a detour across pristine and unspoiled Beara, which you'll experience on a panoramic road about 140 kilometers long. Did you know that Ireland's only cable car is here? It takes you 250 meters above the water to Dursey Island.

Further along, you'll come to the Clonakilty Distillery, which opened its doors in early 2019. The location gives the whiskey a special touch, because the barley grown there benefits from the generally Mediterranean climate of the Atlantic coast. One of the fields is spectacularly located between two cliffs directly on the sea. The salty air current has a particularly strong influence on the barley and, therefore, on the flavor of the whiskey.

County Kerry - County Cork: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes / approx. 150 kilometers

1 night with breakfast in County Cork, Ireland

Today is already the last leg of the journey back to the area around Dublin. Near Cork is probably the most famous of all distilleries: the Jameson Midleton Distillery. The flagship of the distillery is without a doubt the Jameson Whiskey, which leads the production and sales figures of the Irish distillery. The 56 million bottles sold worldwide in 2014 speak volumes. Here you will experience the contrast with the small distilleries of days gone by and the impressive mass production of the island's most famous whiskey.

Finally, visit the Powerscourt Distillery just outside Dublin. Here history meets modernity, because next to the historic mill building from 1890 is the imposing new building in which the production facility is housed. Take a tour and get a glimpse behind the scenes.

County Cork - Dublin: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes / approx. 280 kilometers

1 night stay with breakfast in Dublin, Ireland

We hope you were able to have unforgettable experiences and even acquire a new favorite whiskey during your trip. Or will you stick to the classics?

You would like to get to know even more whiskey distilleries or discover breweries? Contact us - we will be happy to extend your trip or change the itinerary according to your wishes.

itravel - For that moment.

Sheldon Park Hotel***, Dublin, Ireland

Welcome to one of Dublin's most famous 3-star hotels - the Sheldon Park Hotel. You will receive a warm welcome in the 131 tastefully decorated rooms of this family-run hotel. Enjoy dinner in Hueston's Restaurant, where local ingredients are used, or listen to live music each evening in the hotel's Minnie McCabes bar. Take advantage of easy access to travel to Dublin city center, about 10 km away.

Breaffy House****, Mayo, Ireland

In the heart of County Mayo, historic Breaffy House sits amid 36 acres of wooded parkland, making it the perfect stop for a relaxing break. With a spa area that includes a pool and gym, there's nothing here to prevent relaxation after long drives. The hotel is located just outside Castlebar, less than a 5-minute drive from the center. The bright and spacious rooms offer TVs and complimentary tea and coffeemaking equipment. All rooms also have en suite bathrooms with hairdryers.

Foyle's House***, Galway, Ireland

With its unique landscape, the Connemara region is a popular hotspot for active travelers. Foyle's House, in the center of the picturesque village of Clifden, is the longest established. It has been run by the Foyle family since the very beginning. The impressive building underwent renovations a few years ago, but the old charm and rustic atmosphere have been retained. Due to its central location, numerous starting points for activities in Connemara can be reached within a very short time.

Ballyroe Heights Hotel***, Kerry, Ireland

Surrounded by 2.4 acres of gardens and woodland, the Ballyroe Heights Hotel is tucked away. Here you'll enjoy the benefits of modern en suite rooms and impressive views over the Sliabh Mish mountain range and Tralee Bay. Rooms feature walnut and leather furnishings, plus a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer, and tea and coffeemaking facilities.

Blarney Golf Resort****, Cork, Ireland.

Among the best in Ireland, Blarney Golf Resort welcomes you amidst the wooded Shournagh Valley and offers numerous amenities. The resort has a fitness and wellness center with a 20-meter pool, solarium, whirlpool, and steam rooms, as well as several treatment rooms where you can relax after a long day.

Closest airport: Dublin Airport

Duration of the trip: 8 days / 7 nights

Included

• 7 nights in the above mentioned accommodations or similar:

  • 1 night in Sheldon Park Hotel*** with breakfast in a standard room in Dublin.

  • 1 night in Breaffy House**** with breakfast in a standard room in Mayo

  • 1 night's accommodation at Foyle's House*** with breakfast in a standard room in Galway

  • 2 nights' accommodation at Ballyroe Heights Hotel*** with breakfast in a standard room in Kerry

  • 1 night's bed and breakfast at Blarney Golf Resort**** in a standard room in Cork

  • 1 night's accommodation at Sheldon Park Hotel*** with breakfast in a standard room in Dublin

• 8 days of rental car category C (VW Golf or similar) from/to Dublin
• The starting price is valid in the travel period 01.11.21 - 15.12.21

Experiences included

• Dublin:

  • Teeling Distillery (includes seasonal whiskey cocktail) on Day 1.

  • Jameson Midleton Distillery (including 60 minute tour and tasting) on day 7

  • Powerscourt Distillery (60 minute tour and tasting included) on day 7

• Kilbeggan

  • Kilbeggan Distillery (including tour and three tastings)

  • Connacht Whiskey Distillery (including tour and three tastings)

• Dingle

  • Dingle Gin Distillery (including 60 minutes tour and tasting)

• Cork

  • Clonakilty Distillery (including 60 minutes tour and tasting)

Car rental

• Attention: left-hand traffic! Please note that the Irish drive on the other side of the road.
• Insurance with deductible (150€ for a VW Golf)
• Theft protection
• Unlimited kilometers
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - an insurance similar to comprehensive insurance
• Service fee for the rental car station
• Taxes
• Minimum age: 25 years old. Drivers aged 23 and 24 are subject to an additional Young Driver fee.
• Driver must have held a driver's license for at least one year.
• Other car rental categories are available upon request