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Ireland’s Heartland; Self-Drive Tour
Summary
Day 1: Dublin
Day 2: Galway
Day 3: Clare
Day 4: The Midlands and Return to Dublin
Day 5: Departure
Discover the rugged beauty, rich heritage and enchanting culture of Ireland through our ‘Ireland’s Heartland’ self-driving tour. What better way to explore all the intricate nooks and cranny’s of one of the world’s most scenic countries, than by hitting the open road at your own pace and in the comfort of a private car.
This tour encompasses some of the greatest attractions in Ireland, from the pulsating capital city of Dublin, to the quiet and calm corners of the West coast. Taking you through the heartland of Ireland, you’ll experience first-hand the legends, iconic sights and hidden gems that make Ireland so loved and famed across the globe.
Day 1: Dublin
Highlights
• Trinity College
• Book of Kells
• Chester Beatty Library
• Temple Bar
• The Guinness Storehouse
• Old Jameson Distillery
• National Museum of Ireland
• Christchurch Cathedral
• Kilmainham Gaol
The cultural capital of Ireland and the stage of countless chapters in Irish history, Dublin is renowned for its rich and fascinating history, lively arts and literature culture, a buzzing social scene and a host of interesting characters from all over the country, and the world. The city is anything you want to make of it; it’s just waiting to be uncovered by curious visitors eager to explore.
Whether your interests include shopping in some of Europe’s best malls and stores, or taking a quiet stroll down narrow cobblestone streets to discover boutique restaurants and pubs bursting with character, Dublin is the perfect place to begin your journey through this fascinating small country.
Take a walk through Ireland’s rich history, from the historical and spectacular grounds of Trinity College, containing the world renowned Book of Kells, to the beautiful Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle. Discover the hub of Ireland’s social and arts scene along Temple Bar’s winding streets, delve into the methods used to create Ireland’s favourite drinks, Guinness and Jameson whisky, or walk through history at the haunting Kilmainham Gaol. You’ll never be stuck for something fun and interesting to do in Dublin, come rain or shine!
Day 2: Galway
Highlights
• Galway City
• Galway Crystal
• Kylemore Abbey
• Galway Music & Theatre Venues
• Dunguaire Castle
• Aran Islands
On Ireland’s most famous coast, sits visitors’ most beloved city of Galway. Steeped in a long tradition of music, art, literature and sports, Galway is home to an eclectic mix of old traditional souls and bohemian youths. In Galway, everyone is welcomed with friendly smiles and open doors.
Visit the weatherworn coast, where the great Atlantic crashes onto the shores, and batters the steep cliff face. Drive along miles of ancient stone walls, fields and mountains speckled with the bright outline of grazing sheep, and smoke rising from country homes signifying a warm welcome.
The west coast of Ireland is pure magic; breathtaking landscapes, incredible sights and some of the friendliest people in the country (but don’t tell the rest of them that we said that!).
Day 3: Clare
Highlights
• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
• Cliffs of Moher
• The Poulnabrone Dolmen
• The Burren
• Jane O’Brien’s Ennis Walking Tour
• Doolin Village
Experience timeless beauty along Clare’s stunning coast. No other site in Ireland personifies the sheer grandeur and fierce power of Ireland’s natural scenery quite like the Cliffs of Moher. Their magnitude and splendor have enchanted visitors to Ireland for decades.
After being windswept atop the Cliffs of Moher, warm up your hands (and feet) to the beat of the bodhrán in one of the legendary traditional Irish music sessions which Doolin village is renowned for. You’ll quickly realize that it’s impossible to resist the infectious beat of wonderful live Irish music.
The Burren, a unique and treasured landscape of exposed limestone slabs, is an other-worldly sight along Clare’s rugged coast. Walk for miles atop the hard, limestone slabs and wonder whether it was nature, or magic that created this beautiful landscape.
Day 4: The Midlands to Dublin
Highlights
• Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
• Fore Monastic Site
• Belvedere House & Gardens
Making your way through the heartland of Ireland, the midlands offer up a surprising mix of medieval history and modern-day splendor. Stop for a cup of tea and a walk around the impeccably manicured gardens of Belvedere House, and immerse yourself in a fascinating era of Irish history almost forgotten at Clonmacnoice Monastic Site and Fore Monastic Site. Finish off the day by heading back to the bright lights of Dublin, for your final night in Ireland.
Day 5: Goodbye Ireland
Get ready to depart Ireland after an exhilarating and memorable 4-night self-driving tour of some of the most beautiful and iconic sights in the country. We’re sure you’ll never forget your incredible experience driving through the magical and mysterious lands of the Republic. Just remember, before you leave, you’re always welcome back home to Ireland!