Day 1 & 2 – Dublin.
Arrive into Dublin Airport and make your way to car hire to pick up your car for the duration of your trip.If you would prefer to use ground transportation for your hotel transfer, and pick up your car in the city centre before leaving Dublin, that can easily be arranged. Your accommodation for your stay in Dublin is THE CONRAD, a 5 star hotel centrally located to all the city’s amenities and attractions.
Your two days in Dublin can be as active or relaxed as you wish. The city is easily accessible on foot, and there are some great walking tours which best illustrate the capital’s rich tradition in architecture, literature and even pubs. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include The Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral, Temple Bar and The Book Of Kells in Trinity College.
The city is awash with great places to eat and drink and we can make recommendations and suggestions to help you choose. We can also arrange private guides and tours which is especially helpful if you are travelling in a small group.
Day 3 – Dunbrody, Co. Wexford
Leaving Dublin, head south into the beautiful mountain scenery of Co Wicklow, and the lovely villages of Laragh, Enniskerry and Avoca. Visit the Round Tower of Glendalough and the spectacular Powerscourt Gardens.
Continue down the east coast to the market town of Wexford, and visit the lovely fishing village of Kilmore Quay before rounding Hook Head en route to DUNBRODY HOUSE, your home for the night. Dunbrody House is a luxurious country house hotel with a reputation for excellent food and beautiful accommodation in a period house that dates back to the 1830s.
Day 4 – Ballyvolane House, Co Cork.
After breakfast, make the short drive to Ballyhack for the ferry across Waterford Harbour to Passage East and Waterford City. The Waterford Crystal factory and showrooms is hugely popular and showcases one of Irelands most iconic brands.
From Waterford, take the coast road to Dungarvan, passing stunning coastal scenery along the Copper Coast Geopark. This road is one of Ireland’s hidden gems. Turn inland at the pretty coastal town of Dungarvan, and follow the lush Blackwater valley to the heritage town of Lismore and its magnificent castle; summer home of the Duke of Devonshire. For those with a horticultural interest, some of Ireland’s finest houses and gardens are in this area.
It is a short journey from Lismore to BALLYVOLANE HOUSE, where the hospitality is warm and genuine, and the food and accommodations are the essence of Irish country house living.
Day 5 – Skibbereen,Co Cork.
It is a 30 minute drive from Ballyvolane to Ireland’s second city, Cork. After a few hours exploring the city’s attractions, it is time to head west. The pretty town of Kinsale can be included in today’s itinerary, as you head towards the wild and beautiful scenery of West Cork, so beloved of British and European visitors and residents. As you get closer to your destination in Skibbereen, turn left to take in the delightful villages of Glandore, Union Hall and Castletownshend.
LISS ARD ESTATE is a restored 19th century house on 100 acres on the outskirts of Skibbereen, which provides luxurious comfort in 25 refurbished bedrooms. The sailing and fishing village of Baltimore is 15 minutes drive from Liss Ard, and ,makes a lovely setting for an evening meal looking out over the islands of Roaringwater Bay.
Day 6 – Kenmare, Co Kerry.
Today’s drive takes you from Skibbereen through Ballydehob and on to Bantry, the gateway to the wild and magnificent Bearra peninsula. The area around Ballydehob is home to some of Irelands most influential artisanal food producers, especially in cheese and charcuterie. We can arrange visits to these fascinating farms if you wish.
From Bantry head towards Glengarriff and its sub-tropical gardens and continue west towards Allihies village and it’s copper mines, one of the most westerly villages in Ireland. The Bearra peninsula is unusual in that the southern half is in County Cork and the northern half in Co Kerry. As you turn back towards Eyeries and Kenmare, the views across the bay towards Cahernageeeha Mountain are breathtaking.
Arrive into the beautiful town of Kenmare, and turn into the driveway of the acclaimed PARK HOTEL, one of Irelands most prestigious addresses. Understated luxury and five star service along with one of Europe’s finest spas are among the highlights of a stay here. The hotel is a 3 minute stroll from Kenmare’s outstanding range of restaurants and pubs.
Day 7 – Dingle, Co Kerry.
After a luxurious night in Kenmare, the following day brings the exciting prospect of driving the “Ring Of Kerry”, and all the glorious scenery that follows. Out through Sneem and Caherdaniel (home of Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most significant historical figures), and on to Waterville, Caherciveen, and Killorglin. Every turn in the road provides another spectacular vista. Stop for lunch in Portmagee at the bridge to Valentia Island, and then on to Killarney for a view of the famous lakes and a potter around one of Irelands most celebrated tourist towns.
Onwards towards Dingle, and the mountains and seascapes of West Kerry, once described by National Geographic magazine as the “most beautiful place on earth”. The views of the Blasket Islands from Slea Head Drive will stay with you forever.
Your last night in Kerry is at the SKELLIG HOTEL in Dingle which is located a 5 minute walk from the town centre, and right on the edge of the harbour. Dingle has some of Ireland’s most iconic pubs and some wonderful seafood restaurants.
DAY 8 – Dublin
You have time for a wander around Dingle in the morning, or a spin around Slea Head before heading back to Dublin, dropping off your hire car and settling into the CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL at Dublin Airport in anticipation of your journey home the following morning.
This is an example of an itinerary which was created for a family of four, who had specific requirements about places they wanted to see, and a general idea of the type of accommodation they required. We do not use pre-determined itineraries. We work with you to flesh out your perfect combination of route, accommodation, attractions, and advice on what is achievable in your time-frame. This level of personalised service is what differentiates us from mass-market operators.