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- Tailor made self-drive tour in Ireland
- Ireland is a land of contrasts where spectacular natural wonders lie next to historic sanctuaries, monuments and castles. This tailor made tour is a unique opportunity to freely discover a magical land that has preserved its heritage and unparalleled Celtic traditions. Discover the breathtaking landscapes like the mythical lake of Connemara, see the abundant wildlife of the Blasket Islands, and admire the impressive Cliffs of Moher.
This tour allows you to freely explore the most scenic parts of the country as well as the dynamic cosmopolitan cities of Dublin and Galway. This provides ample opportunity to dive into the soul of the Irish, penetrate their immemorial traditions, and visit the landmarks that trace the country's history.
Throughout this self-drive tour your vehicle will take you to the foot of ancient castles and amongst a mythical and refined atmosphere.
Do not hesitate to consult our Uniktour Ireland expert for more information on this customized self-drive tour!
- Day 1 | International Flight
International flight to Dublin.
- Day 2 | Dublin
Arrive at the international airport of Dublin and after picking up your rental car, head towards Dublin and your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is spent exploring this historic capital, with its numerous monuments, and amongst the Georgian-era streetscape. Dublin streets are full of life and its parks are full of colorful sights. Night in 3* accommodation.
- Day 3 | Dublin
What about a day spent strolling amongst the artefacts in the finest museums in Dublin? Follow the city’s history from its viking origins to the magnificence of St. Patrick's Cathedral. An even older second cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, founded in the year c.1030, is also worth checking out for its Hiberno-Norse origins. Spend some time at Dublinia, a theme park that revives Dublin from the viking and medieval era and takes you through this turbulent time. You can then direct yourselves to historic Trinity College erected in the sixteenth century, which now houses the Book of Kells, a magnificent illuminated manuscript. Remember to save some time to go to the Guinness Storehouse, where you can enjoy this world famous stout. Seven floors feature interactive exhibitions, leading up to a memorable tasting with a view across Dublin,“sláinte!”
Night in 3* accommodation.
- Day 4 | Dublin - Galway - Clifden (300 Km)
You leave Dublin in the morning and drive through rolling green meadows. Belvedere House, its pleasure gardens and a large park await you. The beautiful mansion built in the 18th century for Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in the middle of a 60 acre property near the shores of Lake Enell. Before crossing the Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, you can visit Clonmacnoise, a preserved ruin of a wonderful Christian site from the sixth century. Upon arrival in Galway, you’ll note the multiple spanish influences, witness to the commercial ties that united the city to Spain. The most famous reminder of those days is ceann an bhalla ("the end of the wall"), now known as the Spanish Arch, constructed during 1519–20. There is also the Spanish Parade in the historic center, where rich merchants and their families came to show off. Continue your journey to the rugged Connemara region, famous for the harsh beauty of its lake and mountain landscapes. When motoring towards Clifden, you can stop at Ardagh, enjoy a view of Clifden and the bay background with the Twelve Bens mountain range. Night in 3* accommodation.
- Day 5 | Connemara Region (80 km - around Clifden)
Today you can visit the Connemara National Park, where wild ponies and Irish red deer frolic freely throughout more than 2,000 acres of mountain heaths, bogs and vast grasslands. You can also visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, located in a neo-Gothic mansion between the shores of Lake Pollacapul and the flanks of the mountain. Benedictine sisters run the abbey in the heart of Connemara in a tradition that has lasted over 300 years without cease. Upon your return, crossing the picturesque village of Leenane, you will be able to board a sea cruise to admire the Killary fjord, revealing some of the most beautiful landscapes of Connemara.
Night in 3* hotel.
- Day 6 | Connemara Region - Cliffs of Moher - Ballyseede (200 km – around Clifden)
Leaving Clifden in the morning, head back through Galway towards Clare, roaming through what is known as the "land of castles". You will have the opportunity to visit a traditional farm at Rathbaun, see how they care for the animals before a morning-tea of gourmet scones and tea. The farm needs 24 hours advance warning before your arrival -number phone available upon request- to ensure that the hosts will be present to receive you. Then cross the strange lunar landscape in the Burren National Park, before taking in the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, (8 km long and rising more than 200 m from the sea). You can stop in the historic town of Kilrush before taking a car ferry to Tarbert. From here, continue to Listowel, Tralee and then on to Ballyseede. Night in 3 * hotel.
- Day 7 | The Dingle peninsula (145 km)
A breathtaking landscape will unfold before your eyes in the morning, as you follow the Dingle Peninsula before to Dunquin, perched atop the highest western point of the peninsula. From there, go visit Dún Chaoin, where a remarkable museum traces the various aspects of life on the Blasket Islands. The visitor centre is based on the mainland, and depicts the natural and human perspective of the Blaskets, focusing on the unique characteristics of the residents and their history. Boat tours run in the warmer months if the weather permits. The archipelago is free of any degradation, and is absolutely gorgeous and a natural refuge for a variety of seabirds, near the natural habitat of colonies of dolphins, porpoises and atlantic seals. During the best days you'll even have the opportunity to see whales and orcas.
Night in 3 * hotel.
- Day 8 | Medieval Limerick - Rock of Cashel - Kildare (290 km)
You can spend an hour or two in the medieval city of Limerick to discover its history and heritage, or do some shopping and enjoy the charming locally made crafts. The Hunt Museum contains one of the most comprehensive collections of private art and Irish antiquities. Leave the city and travel east towards Straffan, County Kildare. A detour on the road will take you to the imposing Rock of Cashel, which dominates and overlooking the moor near Tipperary. This site contains the largest variety of Celtic and medieval monuments in the country. The rock, crowned by a set of religious and royal buildings, includes an amazing circular tower, Romanesque chapel from the thirteenth century and the great Hall of the Vicar's Choral. Continue your drive through the bright green pastures of County Kildare known for its horse farms.
Night in 3 * hotel.
- Day 9 | Dublin - Depart (38km)
Return to Dublin, drop back your rental car at the airport, and await your international flight.
| Fares (on-site) | |
|---|---|
| Price per person | 2500$CAD |
** Budgets displayed on this website are provided for information purpose only and do not have any contractual value, Uniktour cannot be held responsible for any consequences related to this information (departure dates are not indicated). Fares are led to change on a regular basis, depending on exchange rates and the fluctuation in the hospitality industry. For a precise quotation, you may click here.
** Fares applying to the on-site itinerary are not subject to applicable GST (TPS) & QST (TVQ). The displayed budget does not include 0.1% FICAV contribution (The Compensation fund for customers of travel agents)
| Other fees | |
|---|---|
| International Flight | Contact us |
| Deluxe travel insurance (estimated cost) | 205 $ |
| Deposit required for land portion | 764 $ |
| Single occupancy supplement | Contact us |
| Contact us |
- The budget of this trip includes:
- 7 nights’ accommodation in hotel 3* or in B + B in double or twin occupancy
- Breakfasts
- Car rental for 8 days including all insurances (including purchase of no excess insurance)
- Detailed road book
- The Irish government tax
- 24h /24h assistance
- The budget of this trip doesn't include:
- Evening meals and lunches
- Drinks
- Cost of activities or visits mentioned in this itinerary
- Gas
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- All that is not mentioned in the section that includes ‘the budget of this trip doesn't include’
Next departure dates for this travel
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