Ireland's Famous Cities & Favorite Resorts
Stunning nature & Irish charm!
Spend 6 or 8 nights exploring Ireland in your own rental car! Visit Ireland’s best cities, like Cork, Killarney, Wicklow, and more! Discover castles that are hundreds of years old, pubs full of friendly locals, and jaw-dropping nature views. This self-drive vacation lets you soak in the culture of Ireland with the freedom to drive anywhere you wish!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual rental car - upgrade to automatic available
- Pick-up and drop-off at Dublin Airport
- 1 night in Waterford at the Granville Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Cork at Hayfield Manor, or similar
- 2 nights in Killarney at the Scotts Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in Co. Wicklow at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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Explore Waterford, home to the famous Waterford Crystal Factory!
Drive the Ring of Kerry for a look at Ireland's roaring waterfalls and spectacular views.Â
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Drive along the Irish Coast line! You'll see flocks of sheep, green fields for miles, and picture-perfect rolling hills!
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See Ross Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney!
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Visit the Jameson Distillery for authentic Irish whiskey!
Ancient castles, scenic drives, and luxurious lodging? You’ll find all that and more on this exciting self-drive Irish adventure! Your journey begins with a day of sightseeing in Waterford, home to the famous crystal factory and centuries-old castles.
You’ll spend time in Cork next! You can explore more castles, such as Blackrock Castle. Drive through small towns and see landmarks along the way. You’ll drive to Killarney for the next portion of your journey. A popular attraction is the Ring of Kerry - snap stunning pictures of all the natural beauty you find along the way!
The last leg of your journey brings you to Wicklow, where you can wander through Mount Usher Gardens to admire the foliage! Spend a day here before flying home to share your memories with friends and family.
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.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual rental car - upgrade to automatic available
- Pick-up and drop-off at Dublin Airport
- 1 night in Waterford at the Granville Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Cork at Hayfield Manor, or similar
- 2 nights in Killarney at the Scotts Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in Co. Wicklow at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort, or similar
- Breakfast daily
-
Explore Waterford, home to the famous Waterford Crystal Factory!
Drive the Ring of Kerry for a look at Ireland's roaring waterfalls and spectacular views.Â
-
Drive along the Irish Coast line! You'll see flocks of sheep, green fields for miles, and picture-perfect rolling hills!
-
See Ross Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney!
-
Visit the Jameson Distillery for authentic Irish whiskey!
Ancient castles, scenic drives, and luxurious lodging? You’ll find all that and more on this exciting self-drive Irish adventure! Your journey begins with a day of sightseeing in Waterford, home to the famous crystal factory and centuries-old castles.
You’ll spend time in Cork next! You can explore more castles, such as Blackrock Castle. Drive through small towns and see landmarks along the way. You’ll drive to Killarney for the next portion of your journey. A popular attraction is the Ring of Kerry - snap stunning pictures of all the natural beauty you find along the way!
The last leg of your journey brings you to Wicklow, where you can wander through Mount Usher Gardens to admire the foliage! Spend a day here before flying home to share your memories with friends and family.
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.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Waterford!
Welcome to Ireland! Land in Dublin airport and pick up the manual rental car that you’ll drive throughout your trip.
You begin your trip to Waterford, home of the famous crystal design factory, the Waterford Crystal Factory! You can drive to 13th-century Reginald’s Tower, or walk along the seaport as you settle in.
Steeped in the history of the city. The Granville Hotel provides its guests with a warm Irish welcome and all the comforts of home. Serving visitors since the late 70s, owners Liam and Anne Cusack delight in the Granville's heritage (the building dates back to the 1700s!), and vigorously pursue the hotel's long tradition of hospitality, friendliness and comfort. From the moment you walk through the doors of the Granville Hotel in Waterford city center you will experience the professionalism & hospitality that is the essence of the hotel. A dedicated team of management and staff are on hand to ensure that your stay in Waterford is pleasant and memorable.
In the center of Waterford, Dooley's is a family-run hotel offering spacious rooms and full Irish breakfasts. Guests can enjoy weekend live music, and Christchurch Cathedral is just a 10-minute walk away. Rooms at Dooley's Hotel are brightly furnished and all feature a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Each room provides a TV, free tea and coffee, and ironing facilities. The New Ship Restaurant serves creative Irish cuisine and desserts. The bar offers a range of dishes, including light snacks, cooked breakfasts, and lunch, afternoon, and evening menus.
Come to Faithlegg House Hotel for exquisite spa and hotel accommodations! Unwind at The Treatment Suites with a pool, steam room, sauna, spa treatments, and a fitness center. Have a bite to eat at The Roseville Room or a cocktail in the Aylward Lounge. Rooms at Faithlegg House Hotel offer TVs, hairdryers, and coffee and tea making facilities.
Day 2. Waterford - Cork
Today, you’ll drive about 2 hours from Waterford to Cork. Exploration is encouraged with this self-drive vacation - stop at the coast along the way to snap pictures! Once you arrive in Cork, you can begin exploring! A popular attraction is Blarney Castle, home to the Blarney Stone. You can visit the Wishing Steps and surrounding gardens. Or perhaps get a taste of the culture at the English Market!
Check-in - Hayfield Manor
Day 3. Cork
Spend the day in Cork, sightseeing as you wish! You can check out Fota Wildlife Park, home to hundreds of animals like giraffes, lemurs, and wallabies. Or drive to the 16-century Blackrock Castle near River Lee! You’ll be amazed by the architecture of old, delicious Irish cuisine, and nearly endless greenery.
Cork Ireland
Day 4. Cork - Killarney
Drive about 90 minutes from Cork to Killarney today. You’ll drive through small towns, taking in the scenery. You’ll want to take in all the incredible landmarks of Killarney - you can start with the Ross Castle Tower and Gardens, dating back to the 15th century. Drive to Muckross House and Abbey, popular Killarney historic sites. Then, picture yourself breathing in the fresh air as you gaze at Torc Waterfall!
Centrally located in the center of Killarney Town, Scotts Hotel Killarney is a stylish, upscale escape perfect for exploring County Kerry and the Ring of Kerry. Over the years, this family run hotel in Killarney has established a reputation for its excellent location, friendly customer service and very welcoming atmosphere. The hotel offers 105 guest rooms and 10 deluxe suites. These spacious rooms feature free Wi-Fi, en suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and flat-screen TVs. Guests are sure to indulge in the cozy comforts during their stay with an on-site restaurant and three bars. The hotel is opposite Killarney train and bus stations and just a 2-minute walk from the shopping district.Â
Opulence awaits at Killarney Royal Hotel in Kerry. Wrap yourself in luxury from the moment you arrive until the moment you depart. Abandon yourself the charms of Killarney Town and the beauty of County Kerry. Upon arrival, you can enjoy the wood burning fire in the lobby with a complimentary cup of tea or bring it up to your spacious guestroom. Slip off to The Candle Room for an intimate meal of locally sourced ingredients and masterful presentation. Afternoon tea is presented daily in the lobby lounge, where you can relax into a hot cup of tea and choose from a selection of warm scones and fresh cream, sandwiches, mini desserts, and biscuits. The Royal Bar & Bistro offers an extensive menu of everything ranging from light options to local favorites. A popular lunch spot for everyone, you can mingle with guests and locals before you venture out to explore the treasures of the city.Â
Day 5. Killarney
Tour Killarney as you wish today. Consider driving the Ring of Kerry! This popular route brings you to stunning waterfalls, historic castles, and glassy lakes. Visit Lough Leane, the largest lake in Killarney. Check out Cahersiveen Heritage Centre to learn local history!
Killarney Ireland
Day 6. Killarney - Wicklow
Travel from Killarney to Wicklow today! The drive takes you through more charming villages and old town roads. You can pass through Limerick and Kildare, or wherever you want to discover! When you get to Wicklow you can explore a historic site like Wicklow Gaol Museum, a prison turned museum. Or, you might want to wander the grounds of the Mount Usher Gardens, admiring the thousands of types of plants.
The 5-star Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort combines the feel of a large resort in the midst of 400 acres of breathtaking scenery and rolling countryside. Located 30 minutes from Dublin, Druids Glen is the perfect place to experience the "Garden of Ireland."
Enjoy the modern comfort from each of the 160 guestrooms, complete with L'Occitane products, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.
The award-winning Bijou Spa at Druids Glen is a pampering haven of calm and tranquility, providing a comprehensive selection of treatments and a truly restorative experience.
Sip a delicious afternoon tea at the Sycamore Lounge and savor a meal at Hugo's Restaurant. Guests can also enjoy additional dining and drinks at the 17th-century Woodstock House, located a few minutes walk from the property.
For golfers, the resort features two championship courses that allow guests to enjoy playing over equally exhilarating landscapes. Once host to the Irish PGA Championship, Druids Heath is known as "nature's gift to golf" as it weaves its way around quarries, trees, lakes, and pot bunkers. Golfers can take advantage of breathtaking settings with views over the Irish Sea, on what was once the doorstep of the ancient Druids of Ireland.
Located on Ireland's beautiful east coast, Powerscourt Hotel is an elegant 5-star Palladian-style hotel tucked away in the woodlands of County Wicklow. Situated on 1,000 acres, it is surrounded by the breathtaking Wicklow Mountains, just 30 minutes outside of Dublin.
Guests will be impressed by the stunning spa and relaxation facilities, which include an award-winning ESPA Spa, indoor Swarovski Crystal-lit swimming pool, fully equipped fitness center and two 18-hole championship golf courses.
The opulently furnished guestrooms all boast marble baths, separate rainforest showers, featherbeds, a seating area and free Wi-Fi; many rooms also offer floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views and terraces.Â
Powerscourt's signature restaurant, Silka, with an emphasis on local excellence and seasonality, presents the best of Irish contemporary cooking against a spectacular backdrop of Wicklow's hills and mountains. Casual dining is also on offer at the Sugar Loaf Lounge (serving traditional Afternoon Tea and more), and the popular Sally Gap Bar & Brasserie.
Day 7. Depart Ireland!
Today, you'll pack up your belongings and fly home to show off your pictures and tell everyone about your Irish road-trip adventure!