On this 2-week journey around the Emerald Isle, you’ll get to see the highlights and hidden gems of both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Let your private driver-guide sweep you between the cities of Dublin, Belfast, Galway and Cork, passing by natural wonders along the way. This is the ideal way to enjoy the sights while taking advantage of a private guide’s insider knowledge and personal attention.
Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.
A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.
Upon your arrival in Dublin, you will be greeted by a private driver who will take you directly to your accommodation. Then it’s time to immerse yourself in the eclectic mixture of heritage sites, museums and historic pubs.
Take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district and grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of the world-famous beer. Or visit the historic Trinity College to see the ancient Book of Kells. You could enjoy an afternoon tea sightseeing tour of the city on a vintage bus or walk along the characterful O’Connell Street filled with interesting shops and landmark buildings.
Spend the night in Dublin.
Today, your private guide picks you up to start your adventure around Ireland. On your way to Belfast, you can decide where to stop with your guide. You could pass by the charming 12th-century Malahide Castle near Dublin. Or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange, where you can see megalithic passage tombs which are believed to be older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt. This is one of Ireland’s most popular and fascinating attractions. Further, you could even admire the high crosses of Monasterboice, the historic ruins of a Christian settlement.
You will then cross into Northern Ireland to reach the capital city.
Spend the night in Belfast.
Driving distance: 191 km / 121 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours
Today you have a full day to explore Belfast, an exciting city with a mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. Don’t miss out on the city’s leading attraction, the Titanic Belfast. Experience the story of the world’s largest and most luxurious ship, which was constructed in Belfast in 1909.
You can also see the Peace Walls and their famous murals and admire the architecture of the City Hall. Or opt to visit the Ulster Folk Museum, a complete recreation of an early 1900s traditional Northern Irish town.
Spend another night in Belfast.
Your private road trip continues along the beautiful Antrim Coast. First, your guide will pass by the atmospheric Dark Hedges, a Game of Thrones filming location. Then, you can decide if you’d like to enjoy a scenic coastal walk at Carrick-a-Rede. Here you can cross its rope bridge swaying 30 metres (98 feet) above the sea and providing stunning views of the cliffs below.
Then your guide will take you to the highlight of the day, the jewel of Northern Ireland and World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway. Nearby, you could pop into Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest whiskey distillery.
Spend the night in the Donegal area.
Driving distance: 257 km / 160 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours
Today you can take in the beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way or enjoy a leisurely day in Donegal. The Wild Atlantic Way is a route along Ireland’s west coast that is dotted with soaring cliffs, buzzing towns, epic bays and hidden beaches.
Your first stop is Glenveagh National Park where you’ll explore towering mountains, lakes, valleys and woodlands. Your guide will drive past the imposing Mount Errigal and over the winding Glengesh Pass to Glencolumbkille, one of Ireland’s best living-history museums. Then experience breathtaking views at the imposing Slieve League cliffs, which are some of the highest marine cliffs in Europe.
Spend another night in the Donegal area.
Driving distance: 223 km / 138 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours
Today you head south to County Sligo, your guide driving past the stunning Ben Bulben, one of Ireland’s most recognisable mountains. Along the way you’ll have the choice of visiting the small fishing village of Mullaghmore with its lovely sandy beach. Here, you’ll find Mullaghmore Head, one of the signature discovery points along the Wild Atlantic Way.
You could also ask your guide to stop by the atmospheric Carrowmore, Ireland’s largest Stone Age cemetery where you can roam around megalithic tombs and stone circles. You’ll then continue to Downpatrick Head where you could enjoy a walk along the majestic sea cliffs and take in the vast views of the rugged coastline.
Spend the night in the Westport area.
Driving distance: 241 km / 150 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours
Enjoy the sights of the striking Connemara region today. Its rugged landscape is famous for its mountains, white sand beaches, picturesque lakes and heathlands. You’ll first stop by Killary harbour, Ireland’s only true fjord with a length of 16 kilometres (9.9 miles). Further along, your guide will also make a stop at Kylemore Abbey. Here you can admire the spectacular Gothic architecture and take a stroll in the Victorian Walled Garden.
Later, you can decide with your guide which of the following you would prefer. You could stop by the Connemara National Park Visitor Centre to follow scenic walking trails. Or let your guide sweep you along the circular Sky Road near Clifden for broad views of the Atlantic. You’ll then arrive in Galway, a lively and colourful city.
Spend the night in the Galway area.
Driving distance: 182 km / 113 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours
You can start the day with a visit to Dunguaire Castle. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking Galway Bay, it is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. Further ahead, your guide will take you to a beautiful spot to experience the surreal landscape of The Burren. You’ll be able to walk around one of Ireland’s oldest megalithic monuments, the portal tomb Poulnabrone Dolmen.
Then you will arrive at the jewel of Ireland, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. This is the top tourist attraction in the country, showcasing some of the most iconic coastal scenery of the island. On a sunny day the views are expansive, but even a stormy day can be exhilarating with the powerful Atlantic below.
Spend the night in the Doolin/Lisdoonvarna area.
Driving distance: 111 km / 69 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 6-7 hours
Today, you will start the day visiting the 15th-century Bunratty Castle. You could also decide to visit the nearby Bunratty Folk Park, where you can experience Irish rural life from the 1800s. Your guide will then take you to Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages with its thatched cottages housing craft shops and restaurants.
In the afternoon, explore Killarney National Park sitting below Ireland’s highest mountains. Here, you can select your own adventure, whether you want to visit the 19th-century mansion of Muckross House, take an optional Jaunting Car tour of the park or a boat trip on the peaceful Lough Leane.
Spend the night in the Killarney/Tralee area.
Driving distance: 206 km / 128 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours
The Ring of Kerry is a highlight in Ireland and today your private guide takes you around this must-do scenic drive. Your first stop will be at Kells Bay House, to see its primeval forest of planted giant ferns. You’ll also pass by the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue, and Derrynane Bay with its beautiful white sand.
When you complete the circle, you’ll have a chance to see the picturesque Torc Waterfall. If you prefer, today you could also take an optional boat tour from the coast to see the Skellig Islands from up close.
Spend another night in the Killarney/Tralee area.
Driving distance: 198 km / 123 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours
Today, your guide will drive you over the scenic, winding Caha Pass to the colourful village of Glengarriff. From here, you can decide if you’d like to take the short boat trip to Garnish Island. It is renowned for its gardens, and you might spot a seal colony on the way. Or you might prefer to visit the 18th-century Bantry House.
Later, travel to the lively city of Cork via Kinsale, a popular resort town with its picturesque yachting harbour and historic forts.
Spend the night in the Cork area.
Driving distance: 191 km / 119 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours
You have a full day of historic visits ahead of you. The first stop on your journey will be Blarney Castle, a legendary medieval stronghold that houses the Blarney Stone, surrounded by many myths and tales. Then you might decide with your guide to spend some time in the photogenic harbour town of Cobh. It is known as the last port of call of the Titanic in 1912.
You’ll then continue on to explore the spectacular Rock of Cashel, a historic site containing a collection of medieval buildings that span over 1000 years of history. Later, you’ll arrive in Kilkenny, a medieval town nestled around a majestic 12th-century castle.
Spend the night in the Kilkenny area.
Driving distance: 208 km / 129 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours
Today you can decide with your guide what you prefer. You could head straight back to Dublin to spend more time exploring the capital. Or you could check out a few more sights along the way by taking the scenic route. This way you’ll pass through the scenic Wicklow Mountains to visit Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement, and the Powerscourt Estate, featuring the restored mansion Powerscourt House.
Then your guide will drop you off at your accommodation in Dublin. You’ll have the rest of the evening to spend at your leisure, perhaps with a fine Irish dinner to top off your amazing journey.
Spend the night in Dublin.
Driving distance via Wicklow Mountains: 165km / 102 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours
On your day of departure, a private driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you directly to Dublin Airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can use the morning to enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.
We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.
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Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.
Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.
These should tide you over until you’re in Ireland to take your own pictures.
Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.
Our best price per person when booking for two.
We recommend that you read carefully through the following section about what the tour includes, the itinerary, accommodation, and other useful information for your travel.
ABOUT OUR PRIVATE TOURS
This package is a private tour, which means you will have a dedicated, private local guide at your side throughout the trip. This tour also includes private airport transfers on arrival and departure, but it will not be the same driver.
During the guided portion of this tour it will be easy to tailor the itinerary to your unique needs and interests. Get in touch with us if you would like to customise this package further.
YOUR PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE
This tour package includes the professional service of an experienced Irish tour guide. They will drive you around Ireland and share their local knowledge, including hidden gems and stories, with you along the way.
Depending on availability and on the size of your travelling party, we can offer a range of vehicles, such as premium executive cars, 4-wheel drives and a 16-passenger Mercedes-Benz mini-bus. Please contact us if you would like more information about the vehicles.
ACCOMMODATION
Our team of local travel experts carefully selects hotels and guesthouses around the country based on personal experience and comfort. In Ireland, please note that room sizes may vary, but they are based on European standard sizes, which means they may be smaller than in North America.
Please be aware that, due to the historic nature of the properties we often select, most of the rooms are only accessible by going up stairs. In some cases, there are no lifts available. Please contact us if you are not able to walk up stairs.
FOOD & DRINK
A daily breakfast is included at your accommodation for the duration of your stay. Other meals and drinks are not included and will be at your own expense during the trip.
CURRENCY RATE
All bookings are charged in Euro (€, EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. Therefore, conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.
AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR
After booking your package with Nordic Visitor, you will be contacted within 2 business days by one of our travel consultants. They will serve as your dedicated contact person for all your travel needs before, during and even after your holiday.
Your travel consultant will provide you with details about your booking and any remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.
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