Southwest Ireland Getaway
Countryside and coast
The beautiful and iconic southwest of Ireland awaits. Spend 5, 7 or 9 nights driving the scenic highlights of Ireland's most popular region.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Shannon (SNN)
- Manual economy car rental for the duration - upgrade to automatic available
- 2 nights in Galway at Clayton Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Dublin at Maldron Newlands Cross Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Cork at Blarney Hotel & Golf Resort
- 2 nights in Killarney at Scotts Hotel Killarney
- 1 night in Clare at The Inn at Dromoland
Great Ways to Explore
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The best way to see the Emerald Isle is by car, which you will have on this vacation.
- Stand at the top of the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's most-visited natural attraction.
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Experience history come alive in the capital of Dublin.
-
Explore charming towns in County Cork like Cobh and Kinsale.
-
Listen to the sounds of traditional Irish music in Ennis, capital of County Clare.
Explore the counties of Cork, Kerry, Dublin and Galway on this 9-night vacation. Arrive in Shannon and drive to your first destination of Galway, known as Ireland's most "Irish" city. Drive down to the Cliffs of Moher and be astonished as you gaze upon the country's most famous attraction.
Arrive in Dublin and tour the highlights of Ireland's capital city like the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College. Continue south to Cork, Ireland's largest county. Pay a visit to the medieval Blarney Castle, before heading to County Kerry where Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry await. Spend your final night in County Clare and toast to a great vacation with a pint and a trad.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
Add the following to your vacation:
- Breakfast (in Galway, Cork and Clare)
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Bunratty Castle
- Admission to Blarney Castle
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Shannon (SNN)
- Manual economy car rental for the duration - upgrade to automatic available
- 2 nights in Galway at Clayton Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Dublin at Maldron Newlands Cross Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Cork at Blarney Hotel & Golf Resort
- 2 nights in Killarney at Scotts Hotel Killarney
- 1 night in Clare at The Inn at Dromoland
-
The best way to see the Emerald Isle is by car, which you will have on this vacation.
- Stand at the top of the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's most-visited natural attraction.
-
Experience history come alive in the capital of Dublin.
-
Explore charming towns in County Cork like Cobh and Kinsale.
-
Listen to the sounds of traditional Irish music in Ennis, capital of County Clare.
Explore the counties of Cork, Kerry, Dublin and Galway on this 9-night vacation. Arrive in Shannon and drive to your first destination of Galway, known as Ireland's most "Irish" city. Drive down to the Cliffs of Moher and be astonished as you gaze upon the country's most famous attraction.
Arrive in Dublin and tour the highlights of Ireland's capital city like the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College. Continue south to Cork, Ireland's largest county. Pay a visit to the medieval Blarney Castle, before heading to County Kerry where Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry await. Spend your final night in County Clare and toast to a great vacation with a pint and a trad.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
Add the following to your vacation:
- Breakfast (in Galway, Cork and Clare)
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Bunratty Castle
- Admission to Blarney Castle
Day 1. Welcome to Shannon!
Welcome to Shannon, Ireland! Pick up your rental car from the airport, then drive approximately one hour to your first accommodation in Galway. After settling in, stroll through its picturesque streets and enjoy your first Irish meal, with a pint of Guinness of course.
Check-in - Clayton Hotel Galway
The Clayton Hotel is only minutes from Galway city center, with 195 spacious & luxurious bedrooms, and complimentary parking and Wi-fi for all guests. At the Clayton Hotel Galway you are guaranteed a warm welcome and professional service delivered with a friendly smile throughout your stay. A great day starts with a great night's sleep! Relax at this Galway hotel in one of our contemporary and chic bedrooms and enjoy the comfort of a pillow topped mattress, complete with crisp white linen, fluffy duvets and comfy pillows.
Day 2. Galway
This morning, consider driving down to the Cliffs of Moher! These scenic cliffs are one of the most visited sights in Ireland, and for good reason! You'll enjoy sweeping views atop these cliffs that soar up to 702 feet from the coast. Pay close attention to the variety of birds that call the Cliffs home, you may even be able to spot a puffin or two!
On your way back to Galway, stop in the charming port village of Kinvara. Walk over to Dunguaire Castle, a 16th-century tower house overlooking Galway Bay.
Day 3. Galway - Dublin
Leave Galway and drive approximately 2 hours east to Ireland's capital, Dublin!
Start with a stroll down lively Grafton Street - who says it's too early for souvenir shopping? Treat yourself to a pint at iconic Temple Bar and hear traditional folk music float through the air.
Located just outside Dublin's city center, you'll have easy access to Ireland's vibrant capital by either local bus or taxi. Enjoy close smooth access to the M50 for day trips, sightseeing, and self-guided tours. Start each morning with the hotel's Vitality Breakfast, which offers a wide selection of cooked foods, cereals, pastries, fruit, and more. An on-site bar and lounge, as well as restaurant Grain & Grill, are also open daily for lunch and dinner. 297 spacious guestroom are brightly decorated and are soundproofed to ensure the best night's sleep possible.
Experience true elegance at the luxurious Citywest Hotel, combining the old world charm of a country house hotel with state-of-the-art amenities and a full array of special services. Walk the lush grounds of this beautiful hotel that boasts 774 well-appointed guestrooms, free parking, WiFi access, and an 18-hole Christy O'Connor Jr.-designed Championship golf course.
After you settle into your stylish, spacious room, head down to the 65-foot heated indoor pool. Take a refreshing dip in the sparkling water or lounge away the rest of your jet lag. Work all your stresses away in the fitness center or pamper yourself with a tranquil treatment in the serene spa. When it's time to eat, enjoy delicious dishes at any of the hotel's several dining options. Indulge in mouthwatering Asian, Mediterranean, or traditional Irish cuisine!
Day 4. Dublin
Start your first full day in Dublin with a stroll through two of Dublin's charming parks: St Stephens Green and Merrion Square. In Merrion Square, say hello to Dublin's famous literary son, Oscar Wilde!
You can then head over to Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university that is home to the illuminated Book of Kells. Don't miss walking through the stunning Long Room library, an absolute architectural marvel.
Day 5. Dublin - Cork
Say goodbye to Dublin today as you drive approximately three hours to Ireland's largest county - Cork! After settling in, head into Cork City and pick up a few tasty treats at the English Market, a covered market dating back to 1788, then take your goodies to the River Lee and enjoy by the riverfront.
Check-in - The Blarney Hotel and Golf Resort
Day 6. Cork
Today, why not just drive 12 minutes from your hotel to the famous Blarney Castle? Built in 1446 by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, this medieval castle is most famous for its stone, which legend tells has the power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.
After touring Blarney Castle, take your pick of Cork's charming seaside towns like Kinsale and Cobh. Both offer relaxing sea views, great dining and shopping and ample opportunity to stroll.
Day 7. Cork - Killarney
Centrally located in the center of Killarney Town, Scotts Hotel Killarney is a stylish, upscale escape perfect for exploring County Kerry and the Ring of Kerry. Over the years, this family run hotel in Killarney has established a reputation for its excellent location, friendly customer service and very welcoming atmosphere. The hotel offers 105 guest rooms and 10 deluxe suites. These spacious rooms feature free Wi-Fi, en suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and flat-screen TVs. Guests are sure to indulge in the cozy comforts during their stay with an on-site restaurant and three bars. The hotel is opposite Killarney train and bus stations and just a 2-minute walk from the shopping district.
Cahernane House Hotel is situated on its own private estate, at the edge of the renowned Killarney National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty with an untamed landscape of mountains, lakes and woodland walks. Only a ten minute walk to Killarney town center, the approach to Cahernane House Hotel is through a tunnel of greenery which frames the long private avenue and instills a slower sweeter tempo and a true sense of tranquility.
Cahernane House Hotel is a unique experience of old Irish history and modern hotel luxuries. All of the sophisticated rooms in the Manor House and newer Garden Wing feature plush furnishings and marble bathrooms, while superior rooms include private garden patios, expanded sitting areas, and Jacuzzis or claw-foot tubs. Dine on local produce in the award winning Herbert Restaurant with Head Chef Eric Kavanagh or relax and enjoy bistro style dining in the old wine cellar now the Cellar Bar.
Day 8. Killarney
Today, consider driving approximately 30 minutes south to Killarney National Park, the first national park in Ireland. From Muckross House to Torc Waterfall, there is so much to see and explore in this beautiful park.
You could also consider driving the Ring of Kerry, a 120-mile tourist route on the Iveragh Peninsula. Over the centuries it has been the inspiration of poets and writers because of its magnificent coastal scenery and rugged countryside.
Day 9. Killarney - Clare
Drive to your last destination in County Clare today. On the way, you may want to stop in the picturesque town of Adare. Designated as a heritage town, Adare is renowned for its fairy tale thatched cottages in bright shades of pink and orange.
After setting in, drive to the nearby town of Ennis and celebrate your last night in Ireland. This historic market town is filled with pubs featuring live sessions almost every night of the week.
Check-in - The Inn at Dromoland
Located in the beautiful County Clare countryside, The Inn at Dromoland commands panoramic views across the Clare Hills and Shannon Estuary - and is ideally situated just eight miles from Shannon Airport, a 15-minute drive from Ennis and a 20-minute drive from Limerick.
The Inn at Dromoland features 181 guestrooms, each individually designed and decorated with guests' comfort and relaxation in mind. Its health and leisure club boasts a large swimming pool and children's pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and plunge pool, plus fully equipped fitness center. The hotel is renowned for its seasonal and fully supervised Blue Dolphin Kids Club, as well as other family friendly activities.
Day 10. Depart Ireland
Your Ireland vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, drive approximately 15 minutes to Shannon airport, drop off your rental car, and head to your departure gate.
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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