Ireland: A Self-Drive Tour in 12 Days

This is a simple guide created to give you a sense of how much can be done in a day in Ireland, while having time to catch your breath and make memories. In Dublin you will visit museums, gardens, and historical sights and still have time for shopping and mingling with locals in this modern artistic city. In Kilkenny you will wander the cobbled streets in the city and walk the paths of Woodstock Gardens after a tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory. As you make your way to Killarney in Co. Kerry you will get a chance to see what is possibly the most famous tourist attraction in Ireland, Blarney Castle (please don’t kiss the Blarney Stone, it isn’t cleaned like ever), and enter into an amazing landscape. While Killarney itself is a very touristy city you will be perfectly placed to view the rest of the region as Kenmare, Skellig Michael (an island and monastic sight), The Dingle Peninsula, and The Killarney National Park are all easily accessible. In Limerick you will see beautiful architecture and visit the Limerick City Gallery—a thriving art space that is integral to the contemporary art scene—and have coffee at Cellar Door before driving out to a medieval experience at Bunratty Castle. In Doolin you will visit the Cliffs of Moher, see some of Ireland’s amazing coastline in Fanore and enjoy traditional music in local pubs. In Ballyvaughan you will move deeper into The Burren and spend the day practically tripping over historical sights, and marveling at the fact that yes, Ireland has palm trees. In Galway you will feel what it’s like to live in a medieval city, pass buskers singing in the streets, visit a Trad music shop, and take a drive into Connemara to see the hills and visit Kylemore Abbey. Then on the return to Dublin you will visit The Hill of Tara and stand in the land of the Irish Kings before enjoying a final night in an amazing city at The School House Hotel...