Magical Ireland Family Vacation

Suggested Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN IRELAND
Welcome to Ireland! On arrival you will collect your bags, clear customs, and make your way to your Dooley Rental Car. Drive a short distance to your hotel. Your room will be ready for early check-in. Relax for a few hours and adjust to the time difference. This afternoon, drive to Limerick city center where your first stop will be at King John’s Castle, (admission fee) a 13th century Castle on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City. Discover history at its best, magnificent views and life in Norman times. Explore 800 years of history brought to life in the imaginative historical exhibition, excavated pre-Norman houses, fortifications, siege mines, and the battlement walks. Afterwards, return to Bunratty for a visit to Bunratty Folk Park (included), located across from your hotel and within the grounds of Bunratty Castle. Enjoy the tastes, scents, sights and sounds of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course the pub!

DAY 2: CLIFFS OF MOHER – AILLWEE CAVE – RATHBAUN FARM
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel, before departing on an adventurous and fun filled day for all the family. Travel towards the Clare coast to the Cliffs of Moher (included) where a magical vista awaits you. Afterwards travel in to the heart of the Burren, where lies one of the oldest caves in Ireland. Aillwee Cave (included). This cave was formed by the glacial melt waters of an early ice age. The erosive power of the waters carved out a subterranean river deep underneath Aillwee mountain. This river has subsided since the last ice age, leaving behind one of Ireland's most stunning caves. Next, consider an optional visit to Rathbaun Farm. Its thatched cottage home, turf fire, stone walls and an array of animals will enchant you. Time spent here gives a glimpse into the daily workings of a sheep-farm with plenty of time to see the animals, feed the lambs, talk to the family and explore the farmyard.

Another suggestion would be a visit to Craggaunowen (admission fee) – the Living Past Experience is Ireland’s original award winning Pre-historic Park. Situated on 50 acres of wooded grounds, the Park interprets Ireland’s pre-historic and early Christian eras. It features a stunning recreation of some of the homesteads, animals and artifacts that existed in Ireland over 1,000 years ago. Explore the Crannog, the Ring Fort, the Medieval Castle and the ‘Brendan Boat’ – a leather hulled boat built by Tim Severin who sailed across mid-Atlantic re-enacting the voyage of St. Brendan and the early Christian monks reputed to have discovered America centuries before Columbus. Visit Craggaunowen Castle built in 1550 standing defiantly on a crag overlooking the lake. Later, return to your hotel in Bunratty. Why not enjoy an optional Medieval Banquet in Bunratty Castle.

Total driving distance today: Approximately 187 km

DAY 3: BUNRATTY – FOYNES – BLARNEY – KILLARNEY
After breakfast, depart Limerick and head towards Foynes to visit the Flying Boat Museum, which recreates the early days of aviation. During the 1930’s and 1940’s, this was the landing place for Pan Am Clippers from the US and Europe. Travel onwards towards Cork, and an optional visit to Cobh. The Heritage Center brings the Queenstown (as Cobh was once named) story of emigration to life, with exhibits, photographs and original film footage. Then on to the village of Blarney. There is time to browse through Blarney Woolen Mills to shop for Irish knitwear and crafts. Walk across to Blarney Castle (included) with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Later, travel across the Cork and Kerry mountains to the charming market town of Killarney, your home for the next two nights.

Total driving distance today: Approximately 260 km

DAY 4: RING OF KERRY – JAUNTING CAR RIDE
Travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. A number of stops will allow you to marvel at the spectacular scenery; walk around the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap for amazing views of the Lakes of Killarney. Later return to Killarney, where you enjoy a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride (included) to Muckross House, situated close to the shores of Muckross Lake, amidst the beautiful scenery of Killarney National Park.

Total driving distance today: Approximately 170 km

DAY 5: KILLARNEY – ROCK OF CASHEL – POWERSCOURT
Depart Killarney, and begin your journey towards County Wicklow. We suggest a stop in the small town of Cashel where you will pause to visit the unforgettable Rock of Cashel (admission fee). The dramatic limestone rock crowned with secular and religious buildings dominates the flat countryside for miles around. Onwards towards Powerscourt, and to the luxury Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Total driving distance today: Approximately 320 km

DAY 6: DUBLIN
This morning, take a short drive to Ireland’s Capital, Dublin. Your first visit today will be Dublinia (included) to experience Viking and Medieval Dublin. Go back to Viking times in Dublin! See for yourself what life was like onboard a Viking warship. Learn of their long and challenging voyages, their weaponry and the skills of being a Viking warrior. Visit a smokey and cramped Viking house, learn the Viking runic alphabet and hear their poetry and sagas. Enjoy the myths and learn of the mysteries surrounding the Vikings and their legacy. Afterwards, visit the Guinness Storehouse (admission fee) to learn about the world-famous dark brew and enjoy a pint in the rooftop bar with fantastic panoramic views of Dublin. On then to the seat of learning at the heart of Dublin – Trinity College. Walk across the cobbled squares to the old library and see one of Ireland’s greatest treasures – the famed 8th-century Book of Kells (admission fee). The remainder of your day is at leisure. Perhaps, explore the city’s stylish shops, galleries and museums, stroll through a park or relax in a café or pub. Tonight, we recommend an optional dinner and traditional entertainment excursion to Taylor’s Three Rock Pub.

Total driving distance today: Approximately 80 km

DAY 7:
After breakfast, travel to Dublin Airport. Return your car to Dooley Car, before checking in for your return flight home.