Emerald Isle Explorer: Irish Cities & Villages
Pave your own path to the Irish vacation of your dreams
Escape to the Emerald Isle and embark on an unforgettable journey. Hike through lush national parks, unwind with a pint in traditional pubs, climb through castles, and gawk at amazing architecture. Enjoy the freedom of having your own car as you drive to some of Ireland's most iconic cities and villages - and make a few stops off the beaten path, of course.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual economy size rental car for duration, automatic available for upgrade
- 2 nights in County Dublin at Citywest Hotel or similar, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Galway at Clayton Hotel or similar, with breakfast
- 2 nights in Tralee at the Rose Hotel, without breakfast
- 1 night in Killenard at the Heritage Hotel, with breakfast
Great Ways to Explore
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Drive from one unforgettable destination to the next and make amazing stops along the way.
- See why Ireland is nicknamed the Emerald Isle and visit three of its most breathtaking national parks: Connemara, Killarney, and Wicklow!
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Hang out at a traditional pub in each village or city. Experience how local culture changes as you travel throughout Ireland.
-
Enjoy the freedom of having your own car in Ireland! See everything you've dreamed about at your own pace.
-
Experience traditional Irish pub culture on Grafton Street in Dublin and on High Street in Galway.
Feel the luck in the air as you land in Ireland! Begin your Irish expedition in the bustling city of Dublin. Hear live music fill the streets, grab a pint at a traditional brightly-painted pub, and see some of Ireland's architectural gems. Visit Trinity College, stand in front of the Christ Church Cathedral, then head over to the Guinness Storehouse.
Gallivant cross-county to the vibrant city of Galway. Stroll through the quaint Latin Quarter, enjoy gorgeous views of Galway Bay, and hike through Connemara National Park! Take tons of priceless photos at this lush landscape of mountainous greenery. As you drive around the west coast of Ireland, be sure to drive along the breathtakingly beautiful Wild Atlantic Way.
Next, make your way to Tralee and experience true natural beauty at Killarney National Park. Drive through the Ring of Kerry, bike through the Gap of Dunloe, and visit the elegant Muckross House. Spend your last night relaxing in the quaint village of Killenard.
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:
For $99 per person, add the following to your vacation:
- Breakfast in Dublin and Tralee hotels
- Tour of Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
- Admission to the Cliffs of Moher
- Ring of Kerry Tour
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual economy size rental car for duration, automatic available for upgrade
- 2 nights in County Dublin at Citywest Hotel or similar, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Galway at Clayton Hotel or similar, with breakfast
- 2 nights in Tralee at the Rose Hotel, without breakfast
- 1 night in Killenard at the Heritage Hotel, with breakfast
-
Drive from one unforgettable destination to the next and make amazing stops along the way.
- See why Ireland is nicknamed the Emerald Isle and visit three of its most breathtaking national parks: Connemara, Killarney, and Wicklow!
-
Hang out at a traditional pub in each village or city. Experience how local culture changes as you travel throughout Ireland.
-
Enjoy the freedom of having your own car in Ireland! See everything you've dreamed about at your own pace.
-
Experience traditional Irish pub culture on Grafton Street in Dublin and on High Street in Galway.
Feel the luck in the air as you land in Ireland! Begin your Irish expedition in the bustling city of Dublin. Hear live music fill the streets, grab a pint at a traditional brightly-painted pub, and see some of Ireland's architectural gems. Visit Trinity College, stand in front of the Christ Church Cathedral, then head over to the Guinness Storehouse.
Gallivant cross-county to the vibrant city of Galway. Stroll through the quaint Latin Quarter, enjoy gorgeous views of Galway Bay, and hike through Connemara National Park! Take tons of priceless photos at this lush landscape of mountainous greenery. As you drive around the west coast of Ireland, be sure to drive along the breathtakingly beautiful Wild Atlantic Way.
Next, make your way to Tralee and experience true natural beauty at Killarney National Park. Drive through the Ring of Kerry, bike through the Gap of Dunloe, and visit the elegant Muckross House. Spend your last night relaxing in the quaint village of Killenard.
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:
For $99 per person, add the following to your vacation:
- Breakfast in Dublin and Tralee hotels
- Tour of Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
- Admission to the Cliffs of Moher
- Ring of Kerry Tour
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin!
Arrive in the vibrant city of Dublin, pick up your rental car, and take the reigns! Spend your first evening strolling along Grafton Street, then treat yourself to a well-deserved pint at the famous Temple Bar.Â
Drive to your first luxurious accommodation, settle in, and rest up for your next day of adventure. Â
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!
The Address Connolly is ideally located in the heart of Dublin City Centre, just a short walk from all of Dublin’s most popular venues, shopping streets, entertainment districts, and tourist attractions. This design-driven hotel offers an eclectic mix of luxe interiors and traditional design pieces all sourced from and crafted in Ireland.
The Address Connolly promises the ultimate 4-star hotel experience full of special touches that surprise and delight. The Address Connolly boasts newly refurbished guestrooms, its own fitness center, and Scandinavian saunas, plus the independently branded bar and restaurant within the hotel, McGettigans Cookhouse. The Cookhouse provides a casual, diverse, and relaxed dining environment serving international cuisine with an extensive cocktail list, craft beers, and specially selected wines. The food curation focuses on sustainability, seasonality, and locality for its inspiration and is open for both lunch and dinner.
Day 2. Dublin
Wake up early and make the most of your full day in Dublin! Stroll through lush Phoenix Park, then admire amazing architecture at St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral.
Sift through rare manuscripts at the Chester Beatty Library, visit the famous Book of Kells at beautiful Trinity College, then end the day with some fun at the Guinness Storehouse!
Day 3. Dublin - Galway
Drive cross-country to Galway! As you make your way west, stop at the immaculately restored 16th-century Dunguaire Castle. Take in breathtaking views of Galway Bay while exploring this historic hidden gem.
Arrive in Galway, known as Ireland's "most Irish city," and treat yourself to delicious meal in an authentic Quay Street pub. Frolic around the Latin Quarter, which is lined with tons of quaint shops, brightly-painted pubs, and stone-faced storefronts.Â
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 4. Galway
Explore Galway's natural beauty in stunning Connemara National Park. Hike through vast greenery, witness postcard-worthy views, and say hello to some friendly, local wildlife.Â
When your legs grow tired, hop in the car and drive along the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. Snap photos of the bright blue ocean and jaw-dropping cliffs as you drive back to your cozy hotel.Â
Day 5. Galway - Tralee
Drive south to Tralee today. On the way down, consider stopping in beautiful County Clare and visiting the majestic Cliffs of Moher.
When you've finally taken enough photos, hop in the car and make another pit stop in the quaint village of Adare. Grab a bite to eat at a traditional pub and take a stroll through fairytale-like cottage-lined streets.Â
Make your final stop at your luxurious Tralee accommodation. Settle in, get to know the area, then cozy up in bed and rest up for another day of adventure.Â
Check-in - The Rose Hotel
The Rose Hotel in Tralee is a modern hotel with a 4-star rating and a warming atmosphere. The hotel is located just under a mile from the popular Tralee town center as well as a handful of other exciting adventures-- including but not limited to cycling, horse riding, amusement parks, and more. You'll also be happy to know that this hotel is just about 15 minutes driving distance away from Kerry Airport.
Included in every room is a private bath, a large window with a gorgeous view, flat screen TV, Wi-Fi access, and a handful of other amenities. As a guest at the Rose Hotel, you'll also be able to use the on-site laundry facility and enjoy easily-accessible room service.
Wake up to breakfast in bed (or at the café) from the hotel's very own kitchen serving traditional Irish cuisine. There's also a bar and lounge, as well as a luxurious spa on-site. The Rose Hotel also features an on-site gym and several lounging areas to help you feel all the more welcome. Nearby attractions include the Kerry County Museum, Tralee Bay Wetlands Center & Nature Reserve, the Aquadome, Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way, and so much more.
Day 6. Tralee
Drive less than one hour south and spend the day in breathtaking Killarney National Park. Hike through its bright green grounds, then visit the Gap of Dunloe and the elegant Muckross House. Be sure to drive through the picturesque Ring of Kerry.Â
Day 7. Tralee - Killenard
Make your way northeast to Killenard today. Why not stop at the famous Bunratty Castle  on the way? Grab a bite to eat in Limerick, then be on your way.
Once in Killenard, check into your hotel, then enjoy a leisurely evening in bustling Kildare Village.Â
Check-in - The Heritage
Immerse yourself in elegant charm at the 5-star Heritage Killenard in County Laois. As soon as you walk through the hotel's doors, you'll step into a state of pure peace and tranquility. Check-in with the friendly reception team and admire the hotel's rich, traditional decor as you make your way up to your room. Open your door and find air conditioning, internet access, large comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and more.
After a quick nap, unpack your swimsuit and take a dip in the Jacuzzi or indoor pool. Take a whack at a match of tennis, bring out your inner-child in the game room, go fishing, or unwind in the sauna or steam rooms. Enjoy a pre-dinner glass of whiskey at the Slieve Bloom Bar, then indulge in a delicious dinner at any of the resort's three restaurants.
Day 8. Depart Ireland
Pack your bags and head to the airport. Check in your car, board your plane, and spend your flight home scrolling through photos and dreaming about your next adventure.Â
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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