The Emerald Isle Explorer Upgrade
Discover the magic of Ireland
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB)
- Manual economy car for duration - upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in Kilkenny at Kilkenny Ormonde or similar
- 2 nights in Limerick at Limerick City Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Sligo at Ocean Sands Hotel or similar
- 1 night in Dublin at Roganstown Hotel or similar
- Kilkenny Castle admission
- Guided Ring of Kerry tour
- Cliffs of Moher admission
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- Kildare Village Voucher
Great Ways to Explore
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Experience Ireland's top attractions at your leisure with your own rental car.
Be mesmerized by the Emerald Isle's stunning coastlines, rolling hills, and ancient castles.
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See iconic places like Blarney Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral.
-
Feast on your fill of fish n chips, soda bread, and Guinness!
-
Explore ancient Viking caves and magnificent castle ruins.
An epic vacation where you'll journey through some of Ireland's best cities. From ancient castles to Viking caves, to incredible mountains and exquisite cuisine, this trip offers the very best of Ireland. With your own rental car, the Emerald Isle is yours to explore however you please.
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 into Dublin (DUB)
- Manual economy car for duration - upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in Kilkenny at Kilkenny Ormonde or similar
- 2 nights in Limerick at Limerick City Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Sligo at Ocean Sands Hotel or similar
- 1 night in Dublin at Roganstown Hotel or similar
- Kilkenny Castle admission
- Guided Ring of Kerry tour
- Cliffs of Moher admission
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- Kildare Village Voucher
-
Experience Ireland's top attractions at your leisure with your own rental car.
Be mesmerized by the Emerald Isle's stunning coastlines, rolling hills, and ancient castles.
-
See iconic places like Blarney Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral.
-
Feast on your fill of fish n chips, soda bread, and Guinness!
-
Explore ancient Viking caves and magnificent castle ruins.
An epic vacation where you'll journey through some of Ireland's best cities. From ancient castles to Viking caves, to incredible mountains and exquisite cuisine, this trip offers the very best of Ireland. With your own rental car, the Emerald Isle is yours to explore however you please.
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.
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin!
Touch down in Dublin! Pick up your rental car and drive southwest to the medieval city of Kilkenny. Known as the "Marble City", Kilkenny is filled with ancient sites, recognizable landmarks, and cobbled lanes.
Today, you'll get to use your admission into the impressive Kilkenny Castle, which was built in the 12th century and is now open to the public. Relax at the terraced rose garden, walk through the fifty acres of beautiful woodland, and unwind inside the castle's tearoom. Afterwards, get to shopping at the Kildare Village where you can use your discount voucher!
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.
Kilkenny Castle Admission & Self-Guided Tour
Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, it has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Remodeled in Victorian times, this former principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde is a grand country house set on 50 acres of rolling parkland, with mature trees and an abundance of wildlife. It also features a formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and a man-made lake, as well as a tearoom and the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
Kildare Village Discount Voucher
Nestled within landscaped grounds and presented in an authentic village environment, Kildare Village is the perfect luxury shopping destination! You will find it difficult to resist temptation with over 90 brands such as Louise Kennedy, Gucci, Armani, Brooks Brothers, Anya Hindmarch and Hugo Boss offering up to 60% off all year around.
After a long day of shopping, unwind at one of the upscale eateries, such as L'Officina, Dunne & Crescenzi’s, an ultra-modern Italian restaurant offering breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch, and wonderful wines.
The Village is located at exit 13 off the M7 less than an hour's drive from Dublin Airport and Dublin city center.
Day 2. Kilkenny - Limerick
Consider taking a quick detour before going to your next city. About 25 minutes outside of Kilkenny is the Jerpoint Abbey, a mystical National Monument that's a monastic ruin founded in the 12th century. There is also a 15th-century tower where you can climb up the stairs to be rewarded by breathtaking views of the ruins. When you're ready, drive to one of Ireland's oldest cities, Limerick.
Perhaps you want to enjoy a cozy night in at a local pub for your first night in the city, or mix it up with a night of theatre or comedy. Whether you want to relax in a snug pub or have a fun night out, Limerick has everything to offer.
Check-in - Absolute Hotel
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.
Day 3. Limerick
Feel free to visit  King John's Castle today – also known as Limerick Castle. This medieval fortress was built in the 13th-century and stands right beside River Shannon. Now you'll head to one of Ireland's oldest, and most mystical, caves, the Aillwee Caves. You'll feel like you're walking back in time as you explore the over 1.5-million-year-old caves, which can be found in the Burren mountainside. Since the caves are perched high on the cliffs, you'll also be rewarded with magnificent views of Galway Bay.
Next, you'll drive north to the historic town of Sligo, known for its rich history, literary icons, and bustling nightlife. This is the perfect town to find a pub and experience local culture!
Day 4. Limerick - Sligo
A short drive from Limerick is Lough Gur, a sparkling horseshoe lake in a beautiful hilly valley. This countryside has an over 5,000-year-old history of human occupation, meaning you can walk along historic trails where stone-age houses once stood.Â
Next you'll drive north to the historic town of Sligo, known for its rich history, literary icons, and bustling nightlife. On your way, enjoy your guided Ring of Kerry tour - one drive along the Ring of Kerry and you'll understand immediately why the roads are famous.
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
Nestled directly on the Wild Atlantic Way in Enniscrone, Sligo's stunning Killala Bay region, this opulent new hotel offers stunning vistas of Enniscrone's championship golf course and 5 km of pristine beaches and dunes.
With its close proximity to the beach, the Diamond Coast is perfect for indulging in water sports, swimming, and leisurely strolls. The surrounding countryside is an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of cycling and hiking opportunities.
Exuding elegance and comfort, the Diamond Coast Hotel features 98 lavishly furnished rooms, delectable cuisine at the Coral Restaurant, and a serene ambiance at the Stir Bar & Bistro.
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
Welcome to Hotel Westport, where you can look forward to comfortable accommodations and a warm welcome. Located in the charming heart of Westport, this family-owned hotel is the ideal property from which to explore the town. Set out to explore the Westport House, which has a 500-year history and is one of Ireland's only privately owned historic houses. Then, return to Hotel Westport to indulge in a selection of treatments at Senses Spa. Cap off the evening by relaxing at Maple Bar with a bite to eat and a locally crafted beer.Â
Ring of Kerry Guided Bus Tour
The Iveragh Peninsula - which contains Ireland’s most spectacular mountain road - the Ring of Kerry - is situated in the southwest corner of Ireland. Over the centuries it has been the inspiration of poets and writers because of its magnificent coastal scenery and rugged countryside.
This motorcoach tour allows travelers to share in the history, geography, culture, stories and folklore of the enchanting Ring of Kerry. This is an ideal opportunity for you to forget about the left-hand side of the road for a day and relax in worry-free comfort.
The Ring of Kerry is usually done in a counter-clockwise direction along the banks of the River Laune to Killorglin, via Glenbeigh, Kells, Caherciveen and the southern shores of Dingle Bay. The tour continues to Waterville and along the coast via Coomakista Pass and Derrynane and on to Sneem. From Sneem you travel up the mountain road to Molls Gap, then via Ladies’ View and back to Killarney. In addition to stopping at all points of interest en route you also stop for an hour at lunchtime. In the afternoon a stop will be made for tea/coffee/Guinness/refreshments.
Day 5. Sligo
Sligo is a land offering tons of beautiful countryside's, coastlines, and mountains for you to explore. Take today to use your admission to the famous Cliffs of Moher. These sea cliffs offer tremendous views of the Atlantic Ocean and Aran Islands, and has also been the film locations of many iconic movies like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride.
End your night with a Dublin favorite, comforting coddle washed down with some Guinness (or whatever Irish delicacy tickles your fancy).
Cliffs Of Moher Admission
See Ireland's most visited sea cliffs; these dramatic cliffs rise over 700 ft above sea level and offer some of the most breathtaking coastal views.
On a clear day, see as far as the Aran Islands! Take a leisurely stroll along the guided path, climb the castle at the top of the hill, or see how many different species of birds you can spot - you may even see a puffin or two!
Day 6. Sligo - Dublin
It's your last full day in Ireland, take advantage of all the amazing attractions! Use your admission to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which offers interactive learning experiences about the history of Irish emigration. Afterwards, take a walk across the Ha’Penny bridge, stroll along Grafton Street where traditional Irish music or some performance will likely welcome you, or hike through Merrion Square Park where you can check out a smirky statue of Oscar Wilde.
To take in more of Dublin's rural scenes, hike through the urban Phoenix Park where you can visit the Dublin Zoo or see herds of wild deer. You can also take a short drive to Howth Cliff Walk, where you'll be mesmerized by sweeping views of Dublin Bay and Howth Harbor.Â
Check-in - Roganstown Hotel & Country Club
Compliment your trip to Ireland with a stay at Roganstown Hotel & Country Club. Idyllic from top to bottom, the hotel is 10 minutes from the Dublin airport and a short drive from the M50, M1, and M2 motorways. The romantic estate offers 52 inviting guestrooms, including family rooms and master suites. Nestled in the countryside, an 18 hole golf course stretches over 300 acres of meticulous lawns and Japanese gardens. The Roganstown Leisure Centre boasts a gym, heated pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, fitness classes, and more. Pamper yourself with treatments at Sakura Spa or Roganstown Hair Salon during your stay. Spend an afternoon on the links, then discover the fine dining at McLoughlin's Restaurant or kick back at O'Callaghan's Bar with your favorite bar food and a fresh pint.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Irish history should never be a long list of names and dates, it should be an experience. Get hands-on with Irish culture and its past with this fully interactive museum – swipe through video galleries, dance through motion sensor quizzes, listen to remastered audio from 100 years ago and watch videos that bring Irish history to life. At EPIC you’ll discover the far-reaching influence of Irish history, and the impact the 10 million Irish men and women who left Ireland had on the world. Â
Day 7. Depart Dublin
Treat yourself to a full Irish breakfast before leaving Dublin - a scrumptious blend of eggs, baked beans, sausages, and fried tomatoes. If you have the time to take in more of Dublin's rural scenes, hike through the urban Phoenix Park where you can visit the Dublin Zoo or see herds of wild deer. You can also take a short drive to Howth Cliff Walk, where you'll be mesmerized by sweeping views of Dublin Bay and Howth Harbor.Â
When it's time, head to the Dublin Airport where you'll drop off your car and depart for home!