Hidden Gems of Ireland
Incredible Irish cities!
Rediscover the power of travel with a trip that moves you. This autumn, follow the call of your untamed heart to a place that awakens the spirit and ignites the soul. It's time to immerse yourself in the wild beauty and irresistible magnetism of Ireland. This trip advances you beyond the average and into the exceptional. Marvel at the centuries-old history of Kilkenny then give in to the surging energy of Limerick. Contemplate the unparalleled might of Mayo's coastlines and stumble upon the local treasures of Wicklow. Whenever you're ready for Ireland, Ireland is ready for you.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy-class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual shift economy car rental for the duration of trip
- 1 night in Kilkenny at Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Limerick at Absolute Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Mayo at Ellison Hotel or similar
- 1 night in Wicklow at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort or similar
Great Ways to Explore
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Drive through the unparalleled beauty of the Ring of Kerry.
Get to know Mayo, Kilkenny, Limerick, and more.
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Find hidden gem pubs have a pint of beer and mingle with the locals.
-
Explore historic Viking castles and ancient ruins.
-
Discover new ways to fall in love with Ireland every single day!
Explore Ireland's hidden gem locales and top attractions! This vacation takes you to small towns with cozy pubs, sprawling greenery, and craggy cliffs. Â Start your vacation in Kilkenny. You'll pick up your rental car to drive throughout the trip. Explore Kilkenny Castle if you wish!
Next, spend some time in Limerick! You'll can see the Ring of Kerry while you're here, one of the most photogenic routes in all of Ireland. Next, you'll stay in Mayo, where you can see the famous Cliffs of Moher! These jaw-dropping views and fresh air go perfectly with your scenic drive through the country.Â
For the final leg of your journey, stay in Wicklow! You might want to tour Mount Usher Gardens, or just have a pint of Guinness to celebrate your fantastic journey through charming Ireland!Â
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:
Plus for $99 per person, include:Â
- Admission to Kilkenny Castle
- Admission to Smitwicks Experience in Kilkenny
- Kildare Village 10% discount voucherÂ
- Guinness Storehouse 10% off adult admission
- Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Ailwee Caves
- 2 for 1 Admission at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin
- Glendalough Visitor Center
- Round-trip economy-class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual shift economy car rental for the duration of trip
- 1 night in Kilkenny at Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Limerick at Absolute Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Mayo at Ellison Hotel or similar
- 1 night in Wicklow at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort or similar
-
Drive through the unparalleled beauty of the Ring of Kerry.
Get to know Mayo, Kilkenny, Limerick, and more.
-
Find hidden gem pubs have a pint of beer and mingle with the locals.
-
Explore historic Viking castles and ancient ruins.
-
Discover new ways to fall in love with Ireland every single day!
Explore Ireland's hidden gem locales and top attractions! This vacation takes you to small towns with cozy pubs, sprawling greenery, and craggy cliffs. Â Start your vacation in Kilkenny. You'll pick up your rental car to drive throughout the trip. Explore Kilkenny Castle if you wish!
Next, spend some time in Limerick! You'll can see the Ring of Kerry while you're here, one of the most photogenic routes in all of Ireland. Next, you'll stay in Mayo, where you can see the famous Cliffs of Moher! These jaw-dropping views and fresh air go perfectly with your scenic drive through the country.Â
For the final leg of your journey, stay in Wicklow! You might want to tour Mount Usher Gardens, or just have a pint of Guinness to celebrate your fantastic journey through charming Ireland!Â
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:
Plus for $99 per person, include:Â
- Admission to Kilkenny Castle
- Admission to Smitwicks Experience in Kilkenny
- Kildare Village 10% discount voucherÂ
- Guinness Storehouse 10% off adult admission
- Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Ailwee Caves
- 2 for 1 Admission at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin
- Glendalough Visitor Center
Day 1. Welcome to Kilkenny!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and charming culture of Ireland! Pick up your manual economy car from the airport, and then you’re on your way! This self-drive vacation gives you the flexibility to drive and sightsee as you please. Spend your day in Kilkenny, where you can visit St. Canice’s Cathedral, Rothe House, Butler Gallery, or any other destination you decide to!
The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is an exceptionally beautiful hotel with 118 spacious guestrooms all complete with free Wi-Fi, comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the city. Although you will be within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and pubs in Kilkenny, the hotel also offers its guests the option to dine on site. Try out the Ormonde Lounge for a comfortable yet sumptuous bite to eat paired with a cocktail. There is also O'Reilly's Restaurant for a more vibrant atmosphere and a more extensive menu, or Savour where you can browse a creative dinner menu incorporating the best local produce. Enjoy the hotel's many other amenities including the KO Spa, fitness center and more!
Situated on Kilkenny’s most exclusive street, the Pembroke Hotel is right in the center of action. Just a 4-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle, you'll be able to walk to all of the city's top attractions with ease. The hotel offers luxury 4-star accommodation with 74 quiet, spacious guest rooms all featuring air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. Statham’s Restaurant combines traditional hospitality with delicious local Kilkenny produce. Statham's Bar, with its easygoing and relaxed atmosphere, is a great place to meet, drink and dine in Kilkenny city center. From brunch to lunch, from afternoon tea, to all day dining specials, they offer something for everyone throughout the day and evening.
Day 2. Kilkenny - Limerick
Drive to Limerick today! Home to Vikings hundreds of years ago, today you can spend hours roaming the streets and touring ancient castles. Visitors love King John’s Castle, a 13th-century structure built by Vikings, near River Shannon. Walk Thomonde Bridge, see St. Mary’s Cathedral, or visit the Limerick Art Gallery! Dine on fresh seafood, and don’t forget to have a pint of locally-crafted beer!
This stunning hotel features 99 contemporary guestrooms with space, style and sophistication. The Absolute Bar & Grill includes an outdoor terrace overlooking the Abbey River and serves fresh and modern international cuisine in relaxed, informal surroundings. The luxurious spa offers a range of relaxing body and beauty treatments, including a salt grotto, tropical showers and a crystal steam room.
Limerick City Hotel is located in the heart of Limerick on Lower Mallow Street, just off Henry Street and on the Shannon Bridge Roundabout at the end of the Dock Road-easily accessible from Shannon, Cork & Kerry.
This hotel is within walking distance from Limerick Colbert Train & Bus Station and near a host of Irish heritage sites including picturesque towns of Adare, Grange and Louch Gur, You can also explore Clare's Burren district, Cliffs of Moher and Ailwee Caves, all just a short 40-minute drive from the Hotel.
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.
Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, Hotel Woodstock is the ideal base to explore many of Ireland’s natural attractions. Situated at the edge of the beautiful medieval market town of Ennis, County Clare yet surrounded by the lush West coast countryside, Hotel Woodstock offers you the best of both worlds. Located within short driving distance of Limerick, Galway and the surfers’ paradise that is Lahinch. Shannon Airport and Lahinch are only a 30-minute drive away. The Cliffs of Moher are less than 30 miles from the hotel.Â
Surrounded by a stunning parkland championship golf course, the hotel in Ennis is situated in 155 acres of beautiful countryside in Ennis. From the moment you step into the wide, airy foyer to be greeted by a sumptuous lounge, roaring log fire and friendly management, you’ll feel the love this family-run hotel. The 4-star Woodstock Hotel offers you a range of spacious bedrooms, decorated in light modern colors, many offering you beautiful views over Woodstock Golf Course. Dining options include the relaxed intimate atmosphere of the Hotel Woodstock Bar, or the family-friendly spacious restaurant. The hotel features impressive facilities – including the newly refurbished deck-level pool, Jacuzzi, refitted sauna and brand new steam room.Â
Day 3. Limerick
Explore Limerick as you wish today! You can also venture to the Ring of Kerry, a stunning drive through some of Ireland's most stunning foliage. See waterfalls and greenery as far as the eye can see! In the evening, stroll the River Shannon and snap pictures of the incredible view!
Day 4. Limerick - Mayo
Today, you’ll drive from Limerick to Mayo. The journey takes about 2.5 hours through the west coast of this gorgeous green island. Consider stopping at the Cliffs of Moher today! These views are spectacular, and you’ll never forget the booming crash of the waves beneath you! In the evening, relax in your hotel or go for a drive. As you explore, try the local cuisine, like Irish soda bread, Botxy, or colcanon!
Enjoy a quiet escape on the Atlantic coast at the Ocean Sands Hotel Sligo. Ideally situated to provide stunning views of Enniscrone Beach and Killala Bay, the hotel oozes coastal charm and Irish hospitality. Equipped with modern comforts and amenities, the property offers fantastic cuisine and unbeatable coastal views. Enjoy high-quality food and live entertainment at the hotel restaurant, as well as close proximity to Enniscrone's championship golf links.Â
Set on beautiful grounds and within walking distance from the bustling town of Sligo, Clayton Hotel Sligo is the perfect retreat in western Ireland. Set in a historic building dating back to 1848, the hotel also boasts two churches on site, Canis Major and Canis Minor. Providing a range of luxurious accommodations, guests can enjoy the utmost comfort from over 162 rooms varying from superior rooms to suites. Enjoy meals and drinks at the two restaurants and lounge, a swimming pool, spa, gym and plenty of family friendly activities.Â
Day 5. Mayo
Spend today exploring as you like! Visit historic Ashford Castle to gaze at Medieval architecture. Go for a stunning hike through Connemara National Park to admire the glassy lakes and lush foliage. Have a pint of beer in the evening and mingle with the locals!
Day 6. Mayo - Wicklow
Today, pack your things and drive to Wicklow! Perhaps you’ll visit Mount Usher Gardens, one of the top 3 gardens in Ireland. You can take a walk around Wicklow Head, a hidden gem of breath-taking beauty.Â
Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort in Wicklow is located only 45 minutes from Dublin City and 25 minutes from the M50. One of the county's most picturesque hotels, Tulfarris boasts spectacular views, deluxe guestrooms, and an 18-hole championship golf course. The hotel is a carefully restored 18th-century manor house on sprawling grounds. Take a lavish afternoon tea at the hotel, relax at Elk Bar, or enjoy a hearty meal at the on-site Lime Tree Restaurant.Â
The Parkview Hotel expertly combines chic decor with cozy furnishing to create a unique and unforgettable experience. Nestled between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea, this well-placed hotel is encircled by world famous golf courses, sublime hiking, and historic sites. Take in the picturesque beauty of the countryside as you explore the town and its offerings. The hotel bar is ideal for relaxing with a drink after an invigorating day of exploring.Â
Day 7. Depart Ireland
Today you’ll depart Ireland. Wave goodbye to the hidden gem pubs and incredible attractions you saw along the way!
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.