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Glanmore Lake, Ring of Beara

Best of Ireland

8-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,575 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

From castle towns to the Irish lakes, these are the highlights of the Emerald Isle, linked together by luxury stays and gorgeous drives

Highlights

  • Take in Dublin and Cork’s rich heritage
  • Visit Blarney Castle
  • Enjoy Ireland’s rural idyll and thatched villages
  • Stay in country manors and spa retreats
  • Explore with ultra-scenic country drives

In Brief

  • 2 Nights Dublin
  • 2 Nights Cork
  • 1 Night Killarney
  • 2 Nights Adare

About

Recommended for:
Best of holidays | History & culture | Natural world | Self-drive

Staying in manor houses and spa properties, let gorgeous country roads knit together the finest that Ireland has to offer. In between the Georgian delights and medieval heritage of Dublin, Waterford and Cork, you’ll also get out into everything from thatched villages and 15th-century castle towns to lakeside idylls and rolling countryside. You’ll even have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and enjoy plenty of time to imbibe the local cheer in those oh-so-welcoming pubs. This itinerary is available as a no-fly option.

Day by day itinerary

Days 1-2
Dublin

After a short flight you’ll arrive in the Irish capital for a stay in five-star accommodation in the city’s historic heart. Its chic rooms, cocktail bar and gilded restaurant are just a short stroll from Dublin’s many highlights. Taste your way through the local tipples in traditional pubs and, yes, the Guinness brewery, before turning to the city’ medieval fortifications, Georgian treasures and world-famous galleries. Trinity College and the National Gallery are just two highlights.

Stay: Dylan Hotel, Dublin (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 3-4
Cork

Picking up your hire car, you’ll strike out into the Wicklow Mountains. Known as the “Garden of Ireland”, lush countryside will see you onto Cork, perhaps pausing at Waterford on the way – Ireland’s oldest city, famed for its crystal-ware and imposing town walls. You’ll then have two nights in Cork, staying in a gorgeous manor house that’s a Small Luxury Hotel of the World. Then, Ireland’s second city will woo you with the live music of its snug pubs, nascent café scene and the winding alleyways of its Georgian centre. Of course, medieval Blarney Castle and its world-famous stone demand a visit and a kiss, while nearby Cobh – the Titanic's last port of call – impresses with colourful houses and an imposing cathedral.

Stay: Hayfield Manor, Cork (Deluxe)

Meals: B

Day 5
Cork to Killarney

Heading towards Ireland’s wild west coast, you’ll have the chance to set off along at least some of the Ring of Kerry – a spectacular driving route that brings you among salmon rivers, old-growth forests and dramatic coastal scenery. Then, in Killarney, you’ll stay in a luxurious spa hotel right on the region’s famous lakes, exploring its national-park idyll of waterfalls and woodland on hikes and boat trips. The town’s 15th-century Ross Castle, Roman Catholic Cathedral and famous gastronomy are all further favourites.

Stay: Great Southern, Killarney (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 6-7
Killarney to Adare

After some further time to explore the Ring of Kerry, you’ll continue north through rolling countryside to Adare in County Clare. Here, you’ll stay in one of the region’s finest hotels, a traditional Irish guesthouse converted into a plush spa getaway, replete with piano bar and afternoon teas. Then, Adare, often referred to as “Ireland’s prettiest village”, is a delight of thatched cottages, artisanal shops and lauded restaurants. There’s also plenty of world-class golf courses and hiking nearby.

Stay: Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Adare (Superior)

Meals: B

Day 8
Departure

Adare to Dublin Take a leisurely drive through central Ireland to Dublin, where the tour ends. Return your hire car to the airport and catch your flight home.

Meals: B

Map

Pricing

Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

8-day tailor-made self-drive
from £1,575 pp incl. flights

Superior / Deluxe

Apr / Sep / Oct / Nov

from £1,575 pp. incl. flights

May / Jun / Jul / Aug

from £1,915 pp. incl. flights

Validity : April to November

Includes

  • Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
  • Return flights between UK and Dublin
  • 7 nights accommodation on a BB basis
  • 6 days car hire in and Economy vehicle

If you would like to take your own vehicle to Ireland, please ask your Wexas consultant to arrange your return ferry crossing between Holyhead and Dublin Port or from other UK departure ports

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0618 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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