ireland self drive tour itinerary

99+ Free Ireland Self Drive Tours (All Done For You)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: August 21, 2023

We spent 8 months and €16,000 creating the world’s largest collection of free Ireland self drive tours.

Why? Well, planning an Ireland itinerary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know the lay of the land.

So, we’ve done  all the hard work for you ! Each of our self driving tours of Ireland:

• Can be filtered by length, how fast you like to travel + more
• Have been meticulously planned
• Have hour-by-hour itineraries
• Follow logical and scenic routes

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about our Ireland self drive tours

WAIT – please take 10 seconds to read the points below before you scroll. It’ll help when it comes to browsing our Ireland self drive tours:

1. They cover every possible angle

We’ve tried to cover every possible want or need with our itineraries. Below, you’ll be able to pick a free driving tour of Ireland based on:

• Trip length : From 2 to 28 days
• Start point : All major ferry terminals and airports in Ireland
• How fast you like to travel : Fast or slow
• Your fitness level:  High fitness or medium-to-low fitness

2. Our free self drive tours vs what other companies charge for

There are countless companies that charge for creating self guided tours of Ireland. You’ll generally pay them a hefty fee and they’ll customise a trip based on your likes and dislikes. Some also help you book hotels along with renting a car in Ireland . 

We  don’t do any of this . We’ve simply created an extensive library of  detailed  road trip itineraries that we  definitely could charge for – but we don’t.

3. Jump to the tour length you want

Right – time to get stuck in! The easiest way to browse our self drive Ireland tours is to select how much time you have and work from there. Select a trip length below:

3 day driving tours of Ireland

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3 days in Ireland is a  tiny  chunk of time so you need to be careful – it’s easy to end up trying to do way too much.

With this trip length, the danger is that you’ll end up with a packed schedule, and most of your time will be spent in the car.

The best Ireland self drive tours for 3 days is one that uses a central base and that sees you explore around you on day trips.

4 day Ireland self drive itineraries

Those of you with 4 days in Ireland have the ability to explore a corner of Ireland in depth. 

However, a word of caution – if you have the ability to choose  when to visit Ireland , try and visit during spring or summer.

These seasons have the advantage of long and mostly bright days, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore.

These shorter road trips can be tricky to map out at times so, when it comes to planning a trip to Ireland with only 4 days to work with, take your time.

The best Ireland self drive tours for 4 days is one that uses 1 – 2 ‘bases’ max and that explores a specific corner of Ireland, e.g. Kerry and West Cork.

5 day self driving tours of Ireland

Click to enlarge map

5 days in Ireland is arguably the ideal length of time to explore a specific corner of Ireland, e.g. Galway and Mayo.

These 5 day trips our most popular self guided tours of Ireland. The reason for this is people  often  panic trying to squeeze in too much.

Chill! Each of our 5 day self guided tours of Ireland follow clear and logical routes.

6 day self guided Ireland tours

6 days in Ireland is a lovely amount of time that provides you with  endless  opportunities.

The best Ireland self drive tours for 6 days, in my opinion, is one that doesn’t stretch itself too thin.

If you’re starting in Belfast, for example, tackle the Causeway Coastal Route and then explore the many places to visit in Donegal .

7 day self guided tours of Ireland

If you’re spending 7 days in Ireland you’re in for a treat. A week gives you lots of options and a good whack of time to play with.

Longer Irish road trips like these give you loads of flexibility in terms of what you can do (even if it means the cost of a trip to Ireland increases).

If you’re visiting for 7 days, try and visit during summer or spring as the weather in Ireland tends to be better then and you’ll get more bang-for-your-buck.

8 day self drive tours of Ireland

Those with 8 days in Ireland have options, which is a luxury. 

You’re not overly constrained by time, and 8 long days guarantee that you won’t need to hurry at any point (unless you want to, that is!).

With 8 days, you have the chance to explore multiple counties in depth. Or, if you like, you can go all-out and pack in as much as is physically possible.

The best driving tours of Ireland for 8 days, for me, would be starting in Dublin and then working down through Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and then around through Cork and Kerry.

9 day Ireland self drive tours

So, you’re spending 9 days in Ireland . Wonderful! However, you want to see all of the ‘main’ attractions during this time and you’re worried it’s too much.

It’s likely (and I’m basing this on getting emails from endless visitors) that you’re trying to pack in too much to the point that you’ll spend all your time moving accommodation and travelling.

9 days is a lovely chunk of time. But don’t get carried away. You can see and do  a lot  during this time frame. You just need to decide how much travelling about is ‘too much’.

10 day driving tours of Ireland

Our 10 days in Ireland guides are the second most popular trip length and we first published them several years back.

Since then, they’ve been edited based on endless feedback and they have now been refined into tours that we’re proud of!

This is a mighty amount of time for an Irish road trip and it gives you a huge amount of flexibility.

For this trip length, you could easily pick 3-4 bases and fit a huge amount in while still taking it nice and handy. Or, you could go full whack and try and see as much of the island as possible!

11 day Ireland self drive itineraries

Those spending 11 days in Ireland are the envy of many. This is a lovely chunk of time and it allows you to really explore until your heart’s content.

You can pick one of our Ireland self drive tours based on your starting point (e.g. Shannon or Belfast), your fitness level and how fast you like to travel.

Many people doing a trip of this length tend to edge towards fitting in as much as possible. However, avoid going overboard if you can.

12 day self guided Ireland tours

If you’re spending 12 days in Ireland , you’re in for a treat. You can see a whole lot in 12 days, from the  many  castles in Ireland to islands, cliffs and lots more.

You don’t have to worry too much when it comes to picking a start point for a trip of this length, as you’ve a bit of room for error.

If I had the option, I’d start in Cork and drive the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in the likes of Kinsale , the Beara Peninsula , Doolin and Achill Island .

13 day self driving tours of Ireland

If you have 13 days in Ireland you’ll be the envy of many, and for good reason – you can cover a lot of ground on one of our 13 day driving tours of Ireland.

We’ve created 56 different self guided tours of Ireland for a 13-day trip (yes, 56) and they’ve been used by over 100,000 people in only a few short months.

The different routes take in everywhere from County Mayo and County Clare to some of the most charming small towns in Ireland . Check ’em out below!

14 day Ireland self drive tours

Our 14 day self guided Ireland tours were some of the most enjoyable to research, plan and write as we had a fair idea that this trip length would be popular.

Thankfully, it was! Those of you planning a 2-week Ireland trip itinerary are on the cusp of a bucket list road trip that you’ll remember for a life time.

Although I’d argue that there’s no best Ireland itinerary for a trip this length, we’ve created 56 different options for you to choose from at the link below.

15 day self guided tours of Ireland

15 days in Ireland poses an endless amount of adventure opportunities. You have a trip that’ll be the envy of many ahead of you.

Now, with 15 days you have a lot of flexibility. You could easily explore opposite ends of Ireland with this amount of time (e.g. 5 days in Donegal, 3 in Antrim and then remainder in Cork and Kerry).

We spent a huge amount of time mapping out our 17-day Ireland self drive tours and, based on initial feedback, they’re going down very well already!

16 day self guided Irish road trip

16 day Irish road trips give you the chance to see a huge amount of Ireland.

As was the case with all of our self guided tours of Ireland, we spent a lot of time planning our 16-day guides.

At the link below, you’ll be able to pick a trip based on start point, fitness level, mode of transport and how fast you like to travel.

17 day self drive vacations Ireland

Although we don’t encounter many people spending 17 days in Ireland , this trip length does crop up from time-to-time.

To be honest with you, we found the 17 day self guided Ireland tours tricky to plan out.

However, we published and then heavily edited again after 5 months of feedback and our 17-day tour guides have now been read well over 30,000 times.

The best Ireland self drive tours for this length of time are ones that use carefully selected bases and avoid moving accommodation too frequently.

18 day self drive Ireland itinerary

18 day Irish road trips are the stuff of dreams. It’s worth comparing our ‘Fast’ and ‘Slow’ 18-day driving tours of Ireland to see what’s possible with a trip of this length.

Those of you looking to see and do as much as possible will fit plenty into 18 days.

Those looking to explore at a leisurely pace might be surprised at what’s possible when following one of our 18-day self guided Ireland tours.

19 day self guided Ireland tour

A 19 day Irish road trip is hard to bate, however, and I know I’m like a broken record at this stage, it comes with pros and cons.

Planning self guided tours of Ireland of this length often lead people to think, ‘Ah, we’ve plenty of time – we can just head to Ireland and take it as it comes’ .

Don’t be that person as you’ll regret it when you get here. A trip of this length requires careful consideration and a  lot  of planning.

Luckily, we’ve 50+ 19-day driving tours of Ireland for you to browse at the link below.

20 days self driving tours of Ireland

Very few people, aside from those of us who live here, have the chance to spend 20 days in Ireland . This is bucket list territory. 

This trip length provides you with two options:

• Explore a specific region of Ireland in depth
• Cram in as much as possible

For example, you could explore Kerry (the Ring of Kerry , Dingle Peninsula , etc.) and then progress through West Cork, Waterford, Wexford, and more.

The best self guided tours of Ireland for 20 days is one picks an adequate number of bases near key areas of interest and that avoids falling into the trap of trying to ‘fit everything in’.

21 days in Ireland self guided

If you have the luxury of spending 21 days in Ireland , you’re in for a treat. An unforgettable experience awaits.

This was one of the hardest of our Ireland self drive tours to map out as there’s a danger of doing either too much or too little with a trip of this length.

It took us 8 days to research these 21-day itineraries and twice that to write and edit them. Enjoy!

FAQs about the best Ireland self drive tours

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from Ireland vacation ideas to detailed train itineraries.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Can I tour Ireland on my own?

Yes. Although many people tackle driving tours of Ireland with friends or family, many people go it alone. Ireland is relatively small which means that you can see a lot, even on day trips.

How many days do you need to drive around Ireland?

Although we have free self drive Ireland tours ranging from 2 to 28 days, the minimum we’d recommend for driving around Ireland is 7 days. Just keep in mind that you’ll be very limited in what you can see and do.

How do I plan a driving tour of Ireland?

Start with how long you have to play with and work from there. Once you have your trip length, move to when you can visit and then proceed to what part of Ireland you can arrive into.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Ireland Self Drive Tour Itinerary: Curating your Paerfect Adventure

Ireland self drive tour itinerary.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Emerald Isle at your own pace? Look no further than Juniper Tours for the ultimate Ireland self-drive tour experience. With our expert guidance and customizable itineraries , you’ll have the freedom to explore Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage at your leisure. Let’s dive into crafting your perfect adventure with our tailored Ireland self-drive tour itinerary.

Why Choose a Self-Drive Tour in Ireland?

Embarking on a self-drive tour in Ireland offers unparalleled flexibility and freedom to explore this enchanting country on your terms. Here are just a few reasons why a self-drive tour is the ideal way to experience Ireland:

Flexibility : With a self-drive tour, you’re in control of your itinerary. Whether you want to spend an extra day exploring a quaint village or venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems, the choice is yours.

Scenic Drives : Ireland boasts some of the most scenic drives in the world, from the dramatic coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way to the lush green landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. A self-drive tour allows you to soak in these breathtaking views at your own pace.

Immersive Experience : By navigating the roads of Ireland yourself, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, interact with friendly locals, and discover authentic experiences off the tourist trail.

Convenience : With well-maintained roads and clear signage, navigating Ireland by car is a breeze. Plus, you’ll have the convenience of being able to stop whenever and wherever you please, whether it’s to snap a photo of a picturesque castle or sample delicious Irish cuisine at a cozy pub.

Crafting Your Ireland Self Drive Tour Itinerary

At Juniper Tours, we understand that the best itinerary is the one that you can curate yourself. That’s why we offer customizable Ireland self-drive tour packages tailored to your preferences and interests. Here’s how you can craft your perfect adventure:

Start with the Must-See Destinations : Begin by identifying the must-see destinations and attractions you’d like to visit during your time in Ireland. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant streets of Dublin, marveling at the Cliffs of Moher, or visiting the historic Rock of Cashel, we’ll help you prioritize your itinerary based on your interests.

Consider Your Interests : Are you a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie? Tailor your itinerary to include experiences that align with your interests. Whether it’s touring ancient castles, embarking on scenic hikes, or indulging in traditional Irish cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Ireland.

Factor in Driving Time : When planning your itinerary, be sure to factor in driving time between destinations. While Ireland may be small in size, winding country roads and narrow lanes can add extra time to your journey. Allow plenty of time to leisurely explore each destination without feeling rushed.

Leave Room for Spontaneity : While it’s essential to have a rough itinerary in place, don’t be afraid to leave room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries along the way. Some of the most memorable moments of your trip may come from unplanned adventures and serendipitous encounters with locals.

Choose Accommodations Wisely : Selecting the right accommodations can enhance your Ireland self-drive tour experience. Whether you prefer cozy bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, or luxurious countryside retreats, we’ll help you choose accommodations that suit your preferences and budget.

Ready to hit the road and explore the beauty of Ireland at your own pace? Let Juniper Tours be your guide to crafting the ultimate self-drive tour itinerary . With our expertise and personalized service, we’ll help you create an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and authentic experiences.

Contact us today to start planning your dream Ireland self-drive tour .

Thanks for checking out Juniper Tours’ Travel blog! We hope you enjoyed your read and if you’re looking for more content please check out our other blog posts ! If you’re looking for help planning your next travel adventure then book a FREE travel consultation with one of our Travel Specialists today!​

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Sidewalk Safari | Part-time Travel Blog

12 of the best ireland self-driving tours (a local's guide).

Plan a short trip to Ireland by car or plan a longer Ireland self-drive itinerary. You may even consider picking and choosing the best Ireland destinations from among my many Ireland road trip itineraries. Buckle up and let's plan a drive on the Emerald Isle!

Ireland's Best Self-Driving Tours

• Drive County Kildare
• Waterford and Wexford by car
• Dublin to Tipperary
• Carlingford Lough
• Drive the Ring of Kerry
• A Poetic and Food-Filled Trip to Sligo
• Donegal Fly and Drive Weekend
• Galway to Connemara
• Dublin to Kinsale
• County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher
• A West Cork Road Trip
• The Dingle Peninsula

Ireland Car Hire Options

Traditional car rentals.

A Luxury Eco-Friendly Self-Drive

Short ireland self-driving tours that are closer to dublin, 1. drive county kildare.

County Kildare is Dublin's closest neighbor. Plan a one day Kildare itinerary for a fun day out. Go shopping at Ireland's top outlet mall or visit the Irish National Stud farm. 

They don't call Kildare Ireland's horse country for nothing! Extend this short Irish road trip from one day to a weekend and venture into South Kildare . Here you'll find tales of Antarctic adventure in Athy which Ernest Shackleton once called home. 

Stay in the historic and posh Kilkea Castle , one of the coolest castles in Ireland . Explore the various manor homes and gardens in South Kildare and you may even come face to face with a smiling donkey! 

2. Waterford and Wexford

Whatever the season, a Waterford and Wexford road trip in Ireland's Ancient East has something special to offer. Wexford is known for having the best strawberries in Ireland so time your Waterford and Wexford road trip for the summer season. 

Dungarvan is a great home base for exploring County Waterford. If you happen to do this Ireland self-drive tour in winter instead, make sure to plan a stop at the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve to see Greenland White-Fronted Geese as they overwinter in Ireland. 

You'll find traces of beloved American President JFK all around Waterford and Wexford. The JFK Arboretum is a great place to stop and stretch your legs with a short hike. 

This Ireland road trip is easily doable in a weekend, but there is plenty to do if you'd like to take a longer or more leisurely Irish road trip in this area.

3. Dublin to Tipperary

Dublin to Tipperary is another fantastic short self-driving tour that can easily be accomplished in a weekend. Make a beeline for the bad-ass Rock of Cashel with detours to discover all the things to do in Kilkenny City and Carlow along the way.

4. Carlingford Lough

Head North from Dublin for an ideal long weekend drive that covers both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Carlingford Lough is the dividing line between the North and South. 

Book in at Ghan House Hotel . From here it takes less than 10 minutes to walk into Carlingford Town with its spectacular colorful pubs and picturesque King John's Castle jutting out into Carlingford Lough. 

Take Carlingford Lough Ferry into Northern Ireland and enjoy views of the Cooley Mountains and Cooley Peninsula from the Mourne Coastal Drive. Discover quaint little towns in Northern Ireland like Rostrevor where echos of C.S. Lewis' Narnia can be felt everywhere. 

This Ireland road trip is ideal if you prefer a more relaxed pace and don't want to be in the car every day. Once you arrive in Carlingford Town, you could cycle to Omeath or take a long hike into the Cooley Mountains.

Short Irish Road Trips That Are Further Afield

5. drive the ring of kerry.

6. A Poetic and Food-Filled Trip to Sligo

7. Donegal Fly and Drive

8. Galway to Connemara

9. Dublin to Kinsale

10. County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher

Longer Ireland Road Trip Itineraries

11. a west cork road trip .

12. The Dingle Peninsula

Places to Stop on an Irish Road Trip

North of dublin.

En Route to the West of Ireland

Ireland's Midlands

Ireland's Northwest

Southwest Ireland

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Ireland Self Drive Tours & Road Trips

A self-drive tour throughout Ireland is the ultimate road trip. Travel off the beaten path, stop for photo breaks whenever you want and create a custom itinerary tailored to you. Whether you hire a car, a campervan or a motorcycle, these 6 tours are guaranteed to deliver an one-of-a-kind experience.

6 Self drive tours in Ireland with reviews

The Best Of Ireland

The communication/paperwork could use a little fine tuning, but overall the value was definitely there. This tour brings you through absolutely spectacular areas of Ireland, with enough downtime to not feel too rushed. The hotels/food was nicer than we expected for the price.

• Christmas & New Year

Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland

Very well organised, all accommodation booked for you. Excellent communication would use again.

• Intl. Flights Included
• Sightseeing

Ireland's Green Magic: Rugged cliffs & Fabulous castles

• Flights included
• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Ireland Road Trip: Coastal Routes & Glamping Nights

EPIC Landscapes, Cities & Castles

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Regions in ireland.

• Ireland Wild Atlantic Way (5)

Travel Styles

• Ireland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 10 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

7-Day Ireland Adventure Route

Arrival in dublin.

Arrive at Dublin Airport and enjoy a convenient airport transfer to Dublin City

Overnight stay in Dublin, where you can explore the vibrant city, visit historical sites like Trinity College or the Guinness Storehouse, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar.

Dublin to Kinsale

Pickup your rental car and embark on a journey south.

Enroute, explore the historic town of Cashel, known for the iconic Rock of Cashel.

Continue to Blarney and kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck.

Overnight stay in the charming coastal town of Kinsale, renowned for its colorful streets, gourmet dining, and maritime heritage.

Kinsale to Killarney

Travel west via scenic West Cork, stopping at picturesque towns and coastal viewpoints.

Overnight stay in Killarney, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Killarney National Park.

Take a stroll through the town or venture to nearby Muckross House for a taste of Victorian elegance.

Day Trip to Dingle

Enjoy a day trip to Dingle, a charming town on the Dingle Peninsula.

Explore the rugged coastline, visit historic sites like Dunquin Pier, and perhaps meet Fungie, the resident dolphin.

Return to Killarney for another overnight stay.

Killarney to Doolin

Tour the Wild Atlantic Way, driving along the breathtaking cliffs and coastline

Arrive in Doolin, a small village famous for its traditional Irish music and proximity to the Cliffs of Moher.

Overnight stay in Doolin, where you can enjoy local music in one of the cozy pubs.

Doolin / Galway

Choose between a day tour to the Aran Islands, known for their rugged beauty and ancient sites, or explore the scenic landscapes of Connemara.

Overnight stay in either Doolin or Galway, both offering unique cultural experiences and vibrant nightlife.

Return to Dublin via Athlone

Depart Doolin and head east towards Dublin.

Optionally, make a stop in Athlone, situated on the banks of the River Shannon.

Return your rental car in Dublin and spend the last night exploring any remaining Dublin attractions.

Enjoy an airport transfer for your departure from Dublin.

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Ireland Self Drive Tours

WE TAILOR DRIVING TOURS TO MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Quality self drive tours with excellent service & backup

• We tailor our self drive tours to suit your individual travel requirements, tastes and preferences.
• Each of our vacation packages come with a personal travel advisor and backup service
• We provide a number of specialist driving tours to cater for all your vacation tastes, such as the Gourmet Tour of Ireland, the 3 Centre Tour of Ireland and the Irish Pub & Folk Tour
• All of our self drive tours are specifically designed to deliver an authentic and rich experience of Ireland.

How to select the right driving tour for your vacation

Begin your tour selection by choosing a duration and interests that suit your requirements.

When you find a tour that interests you, simply send us an enquiry and we will contact you to begin the process of tailoring your dream vacation.

If you do not have time to browse our driving tours you can contact us directly using the details provided at the bottom of this page, and we will help you to select a driving tour that meets your exact requirements.

Holiday Duration? Pick one or more

What kind of experience are you looking for?

History & Heritage

Honeymoon & Romance

Scenic Attractions

What style of tour are you looking for?

• Self Drive Tours Ireland
• Honeymoons in Ireland

87 tours met your criteria

We know that thinking of perfect gift ideas for loved ones can be a chore so why not take the stress out of gift buying with an Irish Tourism gift voucher. An Irish Tourism Gift Voucher is the ideal way for friends and family to join together to give the gift of an unforgettable vacation in Ireland. Our gift vouchers can be purchased up to any amount, they can be used for 3 years from the date of issue and can be used against any Irish Tourism service including self-drive tours, escorted tours, private group tours and tailor made vacations. Please use the form below to send us a gift voucher request, please make sure to include your own contact details so that our sales representatives can contact you for all the necessary information.

IRELAND GIFT VOUCHERS

Stay in some of our finest Irish Castles and Manor Hotels including Ballynahinch Castle, an oasis of calm and luxury in Connemara in Ireland's Wild West!

10 Night Irish Castles and Manors Silver Tour

Stay in some of our finest Irish Castles and Manor Hotels on this 9 day vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands.

8 Night Irish Castles and Manors Silver Tour

Stay in some of our finest Irish Castles and Manor Hotels , a highlight will be the complimentary guided tour of the 15th Century Castle ruins beside Ballinalacken House by the owner

Irish Castles and Manors Silver 7 Night Tour

Highlights of the Irish Castles and Manors Gold tour will be attending the Dunguaire Castle Banquet in Kinvara, the Smithwick’s Brewery Experience Tour in Kilkenny, the Megalithic Tombs at Newgrange and much more.

10 Night Irish Castles and Manors Gold

7 Night Irish Castles and Manors Gold Tour

Stay in some Ireland's Best Castles and Manor Hotels on this 9 day vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to the Aran Islands.

8 Night Irish Castles and Manors Gold Tour

This tour has everything!! Stay in the most luxurious of our Irish Castles and Manor Hotels on this vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to the largest of the Aran Islands.

10 Night Irish Castles and Manors Platinum Tour

Stay in some of the very best Irish Castles and Manors on this 9 day platinum vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and home to the spectacular pre-Christian Dun Aonghus Fort.

7 Night Irish Castles and Manors Platinum Tour

Our most popular Ireland self drive tour - See Ireland’s best attractions and most scenic locations on this 10 night/11 day best of Ireland tour

Best of Ireland Tour (10 Night)

This Best of Ireland Tour, our most popular tour, can be accessed using any of the Irish Airports and is a 12 night tour based on Ireland’s most famous sights.

Best of Ireland Tour (12 Night)

This tour will leave you with a wonderful array of memories of the diverse scenery and cultural differences that they will encounter from one side of the country to the other.

Best of Ireland Tour (14 Night)

This tour based on Ireland’s most famous sights including Trinity College and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Powerscourt House and Blarney Castle, Killarney & much more!

Best of Ireland Tour (7 Night)

See Ireland's best attractions and locations on this comprehensive 8 night best of Ireland self drive tour

Best of Ireland Tour (8 Night)

By far our most popular Ireland vacation, the Best of Ireland tour allows you to appreciate Ireland’s best attractions and most scenic locations in the shortest amount of time.

Best of Ireland Tour 6 Nights

Irish pubs are known throughout the world for the friendliness and warmth of their hospitality and also for being the meeting place for like minded souls who find themselves in search of quality conversation, humour, music and food.

Irish Pub & Folk Tour (12 Night)

Irish Pub & Folk Tour (14 Night)

Irish pubs are known throughout the world for the friendliness and warmth of their hospitality and also for being the meeting place for like-minded souls who find themselves in search of quality conversation, humor, music and food.

Irish Pub & Folk Tour (8 Night)

This Irish Pub & Folk Tour will help you discover great pub locations that are famous for their great atmospheres, food, drink and of course terrific traditional Irish music.

Irish Pub and Folk Tour (6 Night)

The Irish Pub & Folk Tour takes you to towns that offer numerous great pubs renowned for their atmosphere, food and superb traditional music.

Irish Pub and Folk Tour (7 Night)

Discover ireland’s best pub locations on this 10 night Ireland self drive tour. Pubs are well-known for their great atmospheres, food, drink and great music.

Irish Pubs & Folklore 10 Nights

This tour is a seven night tour based on Ireland’s most famous sights including Trinity College and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Blarney Castle in Cork, Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and the ‘Burren Landscape’ as well as the Aran Islands.

Best of Ireland Self Drive Tour & the Rock of Cashel (7 Night)

Your 10 Night Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Self Drive Tour includes the best that Ireland has to offer in terms of service, location and gastronomy. Tasting menus are also available upon request.

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (10 Night)

This luxury tour of Ireland includes overnights in Ireland's premier five star hotels and Castles allowing you to spend your dream Ireland vacation relaxing like a true king or queen.

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (12 Night)

With our Luxury Ireland Vacations you don’t just get to visit many of Ireland’s history laden Castle’s. You stay in some of Ireland’s most prestigious five star castle’s and luxury hotels.

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (6 Night)

This luxury tour of Ireland includes overnights in Ireland's premier five star Hotels and Castles allowing you to spend your dream Ireland vacation relaxing like a true king or queen.

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (7 night)

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (8 Night)

You will have plenty of time to discover the true romance that Ireland has to offer honeymoon couples! Spend time in city of Galway, Kerry, Cork and Clare.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 10 Night Tour

Discover why Ireland is the best honeymoon location on this Romantic 12 Night Tour of Ireland. Spend time in Connemara and vibrant Galway City, Kerry & the luxurious Dromoland Castle.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 12 Night Tour

This tour will give you ample time to discover our most romantic spots including gorgeous Galway, Cork City & Beyond, Waterford, Clare and the super luxurious Dromoland Castle.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 14 Night Tour

This 6 night honeymoon tour of Ireland includes a romantic getaway in the super luxurious Dromoland Castle and five other magnificent days to tour Ireland.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 6 Night Tour

This 7 night romantic getaway will allow you to explore Galway, Kerry and Clare and it includes an overnight stay in luxury Dromoland Castle.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 7 Night Tour

Explore Galway, Cork, Kerry and Clare on this wonderful 8 Night Romantic Tour of Ireland. Spend your final day in the lap of luxury at Romantic Dromoland Castle.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 8 Night Tour

This 5-Star Ireland honeymoon package includes the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, the Cliff House Hotel in Waterford, The Park Hotel in Kenmare, Dromoland Castle and Ashford Castle

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 10 Night Tour

12 Nights in Ireland gives you plenty of time to discover Ireland’s greatest treasures from the Ring of Kerry in the South to Connemara in the West. Stay in the best 5-star hotels as you travel.

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 12 Night Tour

On this 5-Star studded tour you will stay in some of the best hotels in Ireland including the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, The Park Hotel in Kenmare, Dromoland Castle, Ashford Castle and more!

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 14 Night Tour

Discover Dublin, Waterford, Kerry and Clare on this 5-Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon. On this tour you will stay in some of the best hotels in Ireland.

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 6 Night Tour

On this luxury honeymoon tour of Ireland you will stay in some of our finest hotels including the Shelbourne Hotel In Dublin and the Cliff House Hotel in Waterford, the Park Hotel in Kenmare and Dromoland Castle

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 7 Night Tour

8 nights gives you plenty of time to explore the areas of Dublin, Waterford, Clare and Connemara. In each location you will be staying in some of the finest 5-Star hotels in Ireland.

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 8 Night Tour

10 nights in Ireland gives you great scope for exploring Ireland’s best honeymoon locations on this affordable but unforgettable Irish honeymoon!

Irish Romance 10 Night Tour

This affordable honeymoon tour of Ireland gives you the opportunity to explore Ireland’s most romantic sites from Kylemore Abbey to Blarney Castle in Cork and much more.

Irish Romance 12 Night Tour

Discover romantic Ireland on this 14 night affordable honeymoon tour. Explore Galway with its outstandingly beautiful Connemara area and Kerry including Ring of Kerry.

Irish Romance 14 Night Tour

Discover Kerry, Clare and Galway on this Romantic yet affordable Ireland honeymoon package. Includes a romantic cruise on the lakes of Killarney and a horse and carriage journey through Killarney National Park and much more!

Irish Romance 6 Night Tour

Start 7 Night Irish Romance Tour in Ireland’s largest county, Cork. Famous for Blarney Castle where the stone of eloquence is said to grant the gift of the gab to those that kiss it!

Irish Romance 7 Night Tour

Discover the romance in Cork, Kerry, Galway and Clare on this affordable honeymoon tour of Ireland. Discover the remote Dingle Peninsula, the romantic Connemara region and the stunning Cliffs of Moher and much more

Irish Romance 8 Night Tour

Immerse yourself in one of the top driving routes in the world - The Wild Atlantic Way and discover the Wild Magnificent Ireland of your dreams!

Best of the Wild Atlantic Way (10 Night)

This Best of the Wild Atlantic Way Driving Tour is accessed through Shannon airport and is a 12 night tour based on the highlights of the spectacular coastal route that is the Wild Atlantic Way.

Best of the Wild Atlantic Way (12 Night)

This Best of the Wild Atlantic Way Tour is accessed through Shannon airport and is a comprehensive 14 night tour based on the highlights of the spectacular coastal route that is the Wild Atlantic Way.

Best of the Wild Atlantic Way (14 Night)

This Best of the Wild Atlantic Way Tour is is a 7 night self drive tour based on the highlights of the spectacular coastal route that is the Wild Atlantic Way.

Best of the Wild Atlantic Way (7 Night)

This 10 night tour features one of Ireland's best kept secrets, our northern territories, taking in Belfast, Causeway Coast, Derry/ Londonderry and Donegal & much more.

Northern Territories 10 Nights

A 7 night tour based on Ireland's best kept secret, our very own Northern Territories. Stay in Sligo, Donegal, the North Antrim Coast and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Northern Territories Tour (7 Night)

Discover Northern Ireland's greatest treasures on our Northern Territories 8 night tour.

Northern Territories Tour (8 Night)

This comprehensive All-Ireland tour can be accessed via any of the Irish Airports and encompasses all regions of the country, including Northern Ireland.

All Ireland Tour (12 Night)

This tour does entail quite a bit of driving but it will leave the traveller with a wonderful array of memories of the diverse scenery and cultural differences that they will encounter from one end of the country to the other.

All Ireland Tour (14 Night)

9 days - 8 nights Self Drive Vacation & Tour in Ireland This 3 Centre Tour is perfect for the traveler who prefers to explore the countryside from a number of bases rather than switch accommodations every night or two.

3 Centre Tour of Ireland (8 Night)

Ireland’s South West region offers its visitors a great diversity of scenery, culture and plenty of leisure activities to enjoy. This rugged and mountainous terrain is steeped in ancient history and folklore!

Scenic South West Ireland Tour (6 Night)

This popular driving tour of the picturesque counties of Cork and Kerry, including the towns of Kinsale, Killarney and Dingle has the perfect mix of sightseeing and welcoming pubs, restaurants & hotels.

Scenic South West Ireland Tour (7 Night)

This 5 Centre Tour is perfect for the traveller who prefers to explore the countryside from a number of bases rather than switch accommodations every night or two.

5 Centre Tour of Ireland 14 Nights

The 4 Centre Tour is ideal for the traveller that wishes to see the best parts of Ireland, but would prefer not to be in different accommodation every night.

4 Centre Tour of Ireland 12 Nights

The 3 Centre Tour is ideal for the traveller that wishes to see the best parts of Ireland, but would prefer not to be in different accommodation every night.

3 Centre Tour of Ireland (10 Night)

This tour includes time in some of the most historical and picturesque areas of the southern half of the country.

Southern Tour (12 Night)

This easy-going and relaxing tour includes time in some of the most historical and picturesque areas of the southern half of Ireland

Southern Tour (14 Night)

This driving tour package includes time in some of the most historical and picturesque areas of the southern half of the country.

Southern Tour 10 Night

Explore Ireland with us on this family vacation which includes a combination of our favourite family hotels and an unforgettable overnight family stay in the 5* Dromoland Castle

Ireland with Kids – 5 Star Castle Adventure

This package includes seven nights’ in Adare’s most family friendly hotel and on booking your package with us you will receive a comprehensive tour pack which will include several day tours that you may choose to take from this historic location. .

Ireland with Kids - Adare

Ballycotton Bay in East Cork is your base location for this Ireland Family Vacation. With a rich maritime and historical heritage, East Cork has a unique variety of attractions to offer the discerning family.

Ireland with Kids - Ballycotton 7 Nights

For this Irish Tourism family vacation we have chosen Dingle as your base location. The Dingle Peninsula offers some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery from the towering Brandon Mountains to the spectacular seascapes of Dingle Bay.

Ireland with Kids - Dingle 7 Nights

Kilkenny is famous for its medieval building and castle. The atmosphere and character of this unique city makes it a great base for touring Ireland with kids.

Ireland with Kids - Kilkenny

As well as cosmopolitan Dublin City and traditional Irish music loving Galway City, this tour includes the renowned Cork Film Festival which runs from 09-17th of November.

6 Night Ireland’s Cities Vacation Including Cork Film Festival

Get away from it all to the unspoilt West of Ireland and explore rugged Connemara, Galway City, Cliffs of Moher, Westport & much more!

Way out West Tour (7 Night)

Get away from it all to the unspoilt West of Ireland. By day enjoy the magnificent scenery including, The Cliffs of Moher, The Aran Islands, Killary Harbour and the stark Burren Landscape of County Clare.

Way out West Tour (8 Night)

Spend 10 nights exploring Ireland while staying in the comfort of some of our best 4-star hotels. Highlights include the stunning Waterford Castle and Greagan's Castle Hotel.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 10 Night Tour

Spend time in the cosmopolitan city of Dublin, Romantic Waterford, Historic Cork, Beautiful Kerry, Clare, Connemara and the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow. Stay in beautiful 4-star hotels and castles.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 12 Night Tour

Ireland will give you a great opportunity to see all aspects of our culture and history. Spend time in the city of Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Clare, Galway.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 14 Night Tour

Experience some great 4* luxury hotels on this honeymoon tour of Ireland. Package includes Dublin and scenic Kerry as well as an overnight stay at Waterford Castle.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 6 Night Tour

This honeymoon tour of Ireland will help you experience some great 4* luxury hotel. Package includes Dublin and scenic Kerry as well as an overnight stay at Waterford Castle and Gregan's Castle in Clare.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 7 Night Tour

Discover Dublin, Waterford, Kerry and Clare on this honeymoon tour of Ireland. The accommodations we have chosen for this tour are all four star luxury and you will stay at the authentic Waterford Castle.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 8 Night Tour

Our Irish Welcome tour will give you a taste of both traditional community life and the spectacular natural scenery that it nestles in.

10 Night Irish Welcome Tour

See locations associated with Ireland's contribution to world literature. Many world famous writers, poets and playwrights were born and lived here and were inspired to write about the spectacular beauty, culture and history of their native isle.

Literary Tour of Ireland (8 Night)

Join us in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, feel the energy, enjoy the sights and sounds and marvel at the spectacular performance of the parade participants. .

St. Patrick’s Day Festival Tour

Get involved and celebrate being Irish with the Gathering Ireland. Ireland will open its arms to the many millions of friends, family, loved ones and connections overseas, inviting them home to celebrate.

The Gathering Ireland Tour (8 Night)

Discover Viking Ireland for yourself on this six night tour of Ireland.

6 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

Discover how the Vikings influenced the development of the modern Ireland that we know today.

7 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

This 8 night/9 day tour of Ireland will take you through Ireland’s Viking heritage beginning in the city of Dublin where our Viking history can easily be seen.

8 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

The counties of Cork & Kerry, including the towns of Kinsale, Killarney and Dingle lay claim to some of the most varied and spectacular scenery in the country.

Scenic South West Ireland Tour (8 Night)

If so, Go-As-You-Please Ireland B&B Vouchers are for you. The ideal alternative for the independent traveller, Go-As-You-Please Ireland B&B Vouchers provide total flexibility.

Bed and Breakfast Vouchers Ireland

Nothing captures the romance, architecture and history like the castles of Ireland do.

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (14 Night)

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Ireland Self Drive Tour Packages

Discover miles and miles of rugged coastline, open country roads and stunning scenery on our self-drive tours. Enjoy an independent tour of our beautiful country while benefiting from our expert local knowledge, love of Ireland and friendly guides the length and breadth of Ireland. Your ultimate road trip awaits.

Your Perfectly Crafted Self Drive Ireland itinerary

For the uninitiated, a  self-drive tour of Ireland is designed to give you the independence of doing your own road trip, but with the knowledge and resources of taking a guided trip.

A self-guided trip to Ireland offers the best of both worlds.

You can explore Ireland at your own pace while getting a little help along the way from our expert guided itineraries and complementary Paddy the Pocket Pilot virtual tour guide app.

Prebook ‘tried & loved’ accommodations ranging from friendly guest houses to 4-star hotels and historical castles.

Tell us what kind of Overland self-guided tour of Ireland you want to experience and our team will craft the road trip of a lifetime.

This is the perfect time to draw up an Irish ‘bucket list’ and create a tour that is uniquely yours.

If having absolute control over your Ireland self-drive package sounds appealing, then you may be interested in our Ireland private guided tours  instead.

Choose one of our expertly planned Ireland self-guided tour packages! There is something for everyone; we’ve gone to great lengths to make as many Irish dream vacations as possible.

Whether you choose the Coast to Coast Self-Drive or the Greenway Self-Drive know you are in great hands and you will be treated to amazing experiences at every turn.

Our  Paddy the Pocket Pilot app stores all your passes, vouchers, and hotel information, as well as history that comes alive as you drive.

Note: If required, all tours can be catered to vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians.

The Ultimate 10-Day Self-Drive Ireland Tour

The High Life 8-Day Self-Drive Road Trip Through Ireland

The Green Way 8-Day Self Driving Tour of Ireland

South and West Wanderer 8-Day Self-Drive Ireland Tour

The Emerald Route 7-Day Self-Driving Tour of Ireland

Ancient East 6-Day Ireland Road Trip

Coast to Coast 5-Day Driving Tour of Ireland

The Northern Way 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Ireland

Wild Atlantic Wanderer 6-Day Self-Driving Tour of Ireland

Every Self-Drive Tour booked with Overland Ireland comes with exceptional service, detailed  itinerary and extras, such as our  Paddy the Pocket Pilot App , as standard. So, if you’re looking for an independent way to see Ireland with all the benefits and surprises of a guided tour with pre-booked “tried & loved” accommodation, you’re in good hands. But don’t take our word for it, check out  our tour group reviews here .

Get The ‘Full Irish’, Proudly Local, Fáilte Ireland Approved, Guided Experience

If you’d prefer the traditional tour experience, we have an incredible range of Small Group Tours of Ireland where you tour our beautiful little country in one of our Overland Ireland minivans driven by your own local guide.

Our small group tours are designed to take you off the beaten track and range from the relaxed to the active, allowing you to tailor the style and length of adventure to suit you.

Our Jewel tours (relaxed) let you experience Ireland’s most loved landmarks and many hidden gems at an easy-going pace.

Zest tours (active) are designed with adventure in mind and are perfect for those who want ​ their  ​Ireland with a bit of zing; like kayaking with dolphins, hiking peaks or biking with red deer. Experience Ireland through adventure.

Our local guides know every boreen (country lane) and bawn (enclosed tower) in the 32 counties and are just bursting to share their stories, hidden histories and local knowledge.

Did we mention our tours are ​award winning​ and have been ​reviewed​ by the world’s toughest critics – our previous tour groupies?

It’s Your Holiday in Ireland. Do It Your Way!

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ALL OUR TOURS are fully customizable We offer 24/7 customer care on arrival in Ireland

Where the Love for Ireland Begins

• SELF DRIVE TOURS OF IRELAND

Ireland Self Drive Tours with 24/7 Customer Care on Arrival

Our team and expert guides are on hand to ensure that you have a truly memorable driving tour of Ireland, seeing the best of what our beautiful country has to offer. Embrace the warm welcome, delicious food, bustling cities, remarkable culture and stunning landscapes along the route. We will make sure you have a memorable trip of a lifetime, by providing excellent service 24/7 on arrival.

Ireland Self Drive Vacation Packages (Fully Customisable)

Choose from our self drive tour itineraries such as our 5 day tour of Ireland , our 8 day tour , the 2 week tour of Ireland , or we can help you customise the perfect self drive tour for you.  We have tours to suit every budget.

Make sure you visit the towns, cities, beaches, coasts and everything else you want to experience in Ireland. We can recommend plenty of hidden gems that will make your experience enriching and enjoyable, as well as the famous Giant’s Causeway, the Ring of Kerry, beautiful Connemara, Dublin city, the Cliffs of Moher and more. Self drive tours are a great way to explore Ireland the way you want to, for a truly relaxing experience.

If you prefer to see Ireland with an expert guide leading the way, check out our private tours or our bus tours of Ireland  and meet new people to share the travel experience with.

5 DAY WEE SAMPLE OF IRELAND

• 6 Day Hunt for the Throne

6 DAY LEGENDARY IRELAND TOUR

7 DAY HONEYMOON TOUR

7 DAY LUXURY CASTLE TOUR

7 DAY NORTHERN IRELAND

7 DAY THE GREAT NORTHERN IRELAND

8 DAY LOVE IRELAND TOUR

10 DAY IRELAND'S CLASSICAL TOUR

12 DAY IRELAND'S ALL YOU CAN SEE

14 DAY IRELAND'S FULL LOOP

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Self Drive Tours of Ireland

Travel at your own pace on one of our ireland fly drive vacations with a self drive ireland itinerary. read more ->.

When it comes to the best independent vacations Ireland has to offer, look no further than Discovering Ireland Vacations. All of our self drive and fly drive tour packages are designed and tailored to deliver an authentic and rich experience of the Emerald Isle.

Self-Drive Vacations

Our wide range of self-drive vacations around Ireland allow you to spend as long as you wish in each location, giving you the option to stay just one night in that town or city that captures your heart as you enjoy the friendliness, humour and Irish welcome.  

As experienced Irish vacation specialists, we offer visitors the chance to experience Ireland’s diverse scenery, culture and leisure activities whilst driving around and exploring a variety of spectacular landscapes. When you aren’t limited by a schedule, you can also spend time learning and basking in the ancient history and folklore at some of Ireland’s well known heritage sites and places of interest at your leisure.

One of the main benefits of a vacation in Ireland is how small it is - it's relatively easy to fit a lot in to a small trip and driving is the best way to do it. Visitors to Ireland love self-drive vacations as it offers the option to make your own way to everything independently, enjoy flexibility and explore hidden gems and make unplanned stops along the way. 

Fly Drive Vacations  

A fly drive vacation to Ireland is ideal for the independent traveler looking to explore all that Ireland has to offer at their own pace, offering the best way to enjoy a relaxing break and meet the people, with the flexibility of being your own driver. They are ideal for people who enjoy the freedom seek to make their own plans. Versatile and adaptable, these tours make the ideal  honeymoon in Ireland , so contact our experienced specialists today to book and plan your tour of Ireland to ensure that you get the most from a self-drive vacation.

The tours and packages outlined in our Ireland fly drive vacation section are just some of the sample travel packages available, so please do talk to one of our expert vacation guides to arrange your own customised tour. Given the country is so small, the driving distances In Ireland are never too long. We will provide you with a rented car and thoroughly plan your itinerary for you. Enjoy the ease of using prepaid vouchers for each night's accommodation, and our self-drive tours with airfaire are a popular choice. There is also the option to add on activities such as  golfing , fishing, cycling and hiking.

We offer, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14 night Ireland self-drive vacations including the popular " Highlights of Ireland " tour which takes in Waterford, Dublin, Kerry and Galway. This is one of our most popular tours and it can be commenced from any Irish Airport and includes many of the most popular visitor attractions in the country. Take in the historic history of Trinity College and Kilmainham Gaol in Ireland's capital city of Dublin. Enjoy Powerscourt House in the Sunny South East, Blarney Castle in Cork and soak up the magical scenery along the Ring of Kerry with a visit to the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney. A trip the famous Cliffs of Moher is a must as well as the stunning Burren landscape, followed by a visit to Galway, the Aran Islands and Connemara.

We additionally have a range of  Irish castles and manors tours  available where visitors can enjoy overnight stays in the majestic Ballyseede Castle in Kerry, Gregans Castle in Clare, Dromoland Castle and Merrion Hotel in Dublin. Ideal for honeymoons, these Irish castles and manors tours include gourmet meals in some of Irelands most prestigious culinary locations.

Elements of our self-drive tours of Ireland can be tailored and customized to suit your needs and if you have any special requests please mention to our travel advisors who will be more than happy to set them up for you. Your dream vacation starts here with Discovering Ireland Vacations.

6 Night Self Drive Tours of Ireland

7 Night Ireland Self Drive Tours

8 Night Ireland Fly Drive Vacations

10 Night Self Drive Vacations in Ireland

12 Night Ireland Self Drive Tours

14 Night Independent Vacations in Ireland

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Irish Legends Self-Drive

Starting from $1,645

• The Experience
• 10 Days in 2024 - Self-Drive
• 10 Days in 2025 - Self-Drive

A mythic journey through the Emerald Isle

Trip details.

Tour start Dublin

Tour end Dublin

Available Promotions for this tour

Featured Attractions

Irish Night in The Abbey Tavern

Enjoy an evening at the Abbey Tavern with an Irish dinner and a lively show.

Dublin Bus Tour

Dublin's hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Dublin provides a convenient and immersive way to discover the city's iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and fascinating history at your own pace.

Dublin Sightseeing

When in Dublin, choose one of the city's top four attractions to visit with your included voucher. You might choose to discover the significance of the GPO Museum, where you can step into history and learn about its pivotal role in the 1916 Easter Rising.

Irish National Stud & Gardens 

You might choose to visit the home of equine royalty to see some of the world's finest thoroughbreds.

Cliffs of Moher

We recommend a stop at the Cliffs of Moher, where you'll marvel at the stunning views 700 feet above the Atlantic.

Aran Islands

These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintain traditional fishing and farming methods - you can choose to visit them from Galway. 

Cobh Heritage Centre

History buffs might enjoy Cobh Heritage Centre, where captivating stories of emigration and the Titanic's last port of call await.

Sean's Bar in Athlone

Perhaps you'll grab a pint or two in the oldest pub in Europe, which may have served your ancestors 1,000 years ago.

Dunbrody Famine Ship

Perhaps you'll explore a replica of the vessel used during the 1840s famine to transport emigrants to North America.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Dublin Arrival

Day 2 kilkenny, day 3 kilkenny, day 4 killarney, day 5 killarney, day 6 salthill | galway, day 7 salthill | galway, day 8 dublin | abbey tavern, day 9 dublin sightseeing, day 10 tour ends in dublin, where you’ll stay.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel Dunboyne, Ireland

Luxury estate, nestled in 21 acres of lush green Meath countryside. The Georgian mansion which...

Newpark Hotel Kilkenny, Ireland

With a stunning outdoor infinity pool, a hot tub, and an Aveda spa, Newpark Hotel is 10 minutes’...

Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney, Ireland

The Killarney Towers Hotel is the perfect location from which to explore the excitement and...

Salthill Hotel Galway, Ireland

Overlooking the famous Salthill Promenade, Galway Bay and the Clare Hills, this elegant hotel...

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - Dublin Dublin, Ireland

This stylish hotel is close to many popular attractions in Dublin. The modern hotel rooms ...

Inclusive Self-Drive Packages

What's included?

• Your hotel stay
• Full daily breakfast and many meals*
• An evening of Irish entertainment
• Your choice of Hertz rental cars
• Complimentary GPS
• One additional driver
• Many of your daily attractions
• All entrance fees to attractions
• Comprehensive travel itinerary

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

• A travel backpack
• Travel adapter
• Rain poncho
• Luggage strap and tags
• Documents wallet

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Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Dunboyne

Luxury estate, nestled in 21 acres of lush green Meath countryside. The Georgian mansion which welcomes visitors today was originally built in 1764, on the same site as the original castle. Though it’s been extensively refurbished in the centuries since, it retains the charm of the era it was built in. A sweeping tree lined drive and manicured gardens offer a grand approach, while on the interior, pretty stucco plasterwork cornices decorate the halls and chandeliers glitter from ceiling.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa

• 24-hour Front Desk
• Business Center
• Coffee Shop
• Disabled Facilities
• Dry Cleaning
• Fitness Center
• Laundry Facilities
• Wifi in Public Areas (Complimentary)
• Air Conditioned
• Cable/Satellite Television
• Coffee & Tea-making Facilities in Room
• Complimentary Bottled Water
• Daily Maid Service
• In-Room Wifi (Complimentary)
• Iron/Ironing Board
• Luggage Racks
• Private Bathroom
• Room Service
• Work Desk & Lamp

Hotel Terrace Lounge

Deluxe Bedroom

Front Garden

Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny

With a stunning outdoor infinity pool, a hot tub, and an Aveda spa, Newpark Hotel is 10 minutes’ walk from Kilkenny center. The house is set within 40 acres of parkland and beautiful gardens. The leisure club at the Newpark offers an indoor pool, a spacious sauna, and a steam room. Guests can exercise in the modern gym, and Escape Spa provides a range of relaxing Aveda treatments.

Newpark Hotel

• 24-hour Room Service

Killarney Towers Hotel, Killarney

The Killarney Towers Hotel is the perfect location from which to explore the excitement and culture of Killarney Town. From its town centre location, guests can explore all that The Kingdom has to offer including boat trips to The Gap of Dunloe, exploring Muckross House & Gardens, playing a round of golf in some of the worlds most scenic golf courses, or venturing further afield along the famous Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way.

Killarney Towers Hotel

Salthill Hotel, Galway

Overlooking the famous Salthill Promenade, Galway Bay and the Clare Hills, this elegant hotel features a 100 feet swimming pool, a whirlpool, a full Irish breakfasts served each day, and a large gym. Just 0.6 miles from Galway city center, it is set in Galway’s beautiful countryside on the scenic route to Connemara National Park. Some rooms also enjoy beautiful sea views.

Salthill Hotel

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - Dublin, Dublin

This stylish hotel is close to many popular attractions in Dublin. The modern hotel rooms boast excellent views of the city. Start your day with a satisfying Super Breakfast Buffet at the on-site V’nV Restaurant, and have drinks at one of 3 stylish bars.

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Exterior

Family Bedroom

Standard Bedroom

Vn'V Restaurant

Hotel Lobby

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Your opinion on my itinerary for Oct 3 - 18th, 2024. - Ireland Forum

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Your opinion on my itinerary for Oct 3 - 18th, 2024.

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Hello Everyone, and thank you in advance for your advice!

A bit of background - my friend and I are both in our 50s, active and fit, preferring casual atmospheres to formal. We are history buffs who love the outdoors, with a love for good craic and cold pints in the evenings. We only have two weeks, yet do not want to run ourselves ragged trying to see too much..which I fear we may be doing with this itinerary!

Any and all thoughts/opinions/advice is appreciated - thank you.

Day 1 - land in Dublin , get settled in hotel, wander about

Day 2 - Explore Dublin (I have a dossier of things we can pick from, Trinity college , EPIC, etc.)

Day 3- Day tour of Newgrange /Hills of Tara (possibly with the Unplugged Tour - opinions?)

Day 4 - Explore Dublin some more

Day 5 - Pick up rental car at airport, find a Tesco for road snacks, drive to Galway - settle in

Day 6 - Explore Galway, stay over

Day 7 - Take the a.m. ferry to Ines Mor, explore and stay over

Day 8 - Ferry back to mainland, drive down to cliffs of Moher, then on to Bunratty castle (staying nearby) for the medieval banquet that evening.

Day 9 - Drive to Dingle , hang out there and rest

Day 10 - Drive the Dingle Peninsula, make our way to Killarney that night and get settled in

Day 11 - Get up and drive the Ring of Kerry , stay over in Killarney again

Day 12 - Drive to Cork , explore it, stay over

Day 13 - Drive to either Rock of Cashel or Kilenny (opinions?), stay over

Day 14 - Take our sweet time driving back to Dublin, turn in rental car , take taxi to hotel

Day 15 - Relax in Dublin, see anything last minute or say a tearful goodbye to favorite places

Day 16 - Try to figure out a way to get asylum in Ireland so we can stay, fail miserably and fly home with great sadness.

Whew! So, I tried to build in enough time to stop along the way when driving, as well as keep our planned activities to a minimum so we can be as flexible as possible - but I worry that it is still too much.

I am open to any and all suggestions. So far, I have only booked our initial Dublin hotel (the Harding hotel ) and our rental car (from NewWay Car Hire ). I am considering the Clontarf Castle Hotel for our last two nights, just to end the journey with super comfy beds...and to be able to say we stayed in a castle! but again, totally open to any suggestions for changes, places to stay along the way, etc.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond, I appreciate it!

7 replies to this topic

Such a shame you are missing both Connemara and the Burren. An endless number of historical sites.

If you change your mind about Connemara it's well worth your time and effort to explore these sites.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g5773054-i32866-k10376078-Connemara_Knockbrack_Megalithic_Tomb-Connemara_County_Galway_Western_Ireland.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g5773054-i32866-k10394617-Connemara_Hiking_Walking_in_Cleggan-Connemara_County_Galway_Western_Ireland.html

https://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-g5773054-i32866-k10835914-Connemara_Moyrus_Medieval_Church-Connemara_County_Galway_Western_Ireland.html

https://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-g5773054-i32866-k11382051-Connemara_Glassilaun_Beach-Connemara_County_Galway_Western_Ireland.html

An overnight is ideal, a great time to be on Inis Mór.

You should have time to visit these sites, anyone will point you in the right direction.

Na Seacht Teampaill, Dún Dúchathair, Clochán na Carraige, Dún Aonghasa, Poll naBpèist, Teaghlach Einne.

Inis Mór-based Dara Molloy has compiled a remarkable booklet covering the main historical sites.

https://www.aislingmagazine.com/globalisation/Book_LegendsInTheLandscape.html

This post has been removed at the author's request.

Yikes…… we will be in Ireland in September and most of the places we have booked are already fully booked for our dates. My suggestion would be to try to secure lodging and then compose your itinerary.

I booked our lodging back in November for this September.

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