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Dunquin Harbour, Dingle Peninsula

Grand Tour of Ireland

(17 days / 16 nights)

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Tour the Island and prepare to be amazed

You’ll bring home memories of a lifetime with this grand tour of Ireland. Experience the very best of the Emerald Isle, taking in all the classic sights as well as plenty of hidden gems to delve deeper into Ireland’s culture, history and traditions. During your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy scenic drives along the rugged coastline, see the green pastures and walk the towering cliffs. Meet the locals, see the wonders and enjoy it all at your own pace!

17 days / 16 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 3684 EUR

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Quality & value for your money
  • Specialists in Ireland self-drive holidays
  • Great customer reviews

Read more

— Book With Confidence

  • Optional cancellation insurance
  • Affordable deposits from 10%

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the historical and vibrant capitals of Dublin and Belfast
  • See the gems of Ireland’s most iconic driving route, the Ring of Kerry
  • Discover the geological wonders of the Giant’s Causeway with its unique volcanic basalt columns
  • Explore the magic of the lunar-like area of The Burren
  • Discover ancient castles and medieval sites such as Bunratty Castle and The Rock of Cashel
  • Enjoy some quiet time in nature at the Killarney National Park
  • Take in the rugged beauty of Slea Head and the Dingle Peninsula
  • Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and receive the Gift of Gab
  • Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your personal itinerary from a local travel expert

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Best Seller i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Off the Beaten Path i

Season

Apr - Oct

Departure

Daily

Interest

Best Seller i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Off the Beaten Path i

Driving distance

2589/1608 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: ARRIVAL DAY IN DUBLIN

    Upon your arrival in Dublin, make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. You may choose to take a taxi or use public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable ride, we will be happy to organise a private airport transfer for you.

    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, 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 stroll along the characterful O’Connell Street filled with interesting shops and landmark buildings.

    Spend the night in Dublin.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: MEGALITHIC NEWGRANGE & SCENIC LANDSCAPES

    Start your road trip towards Northern Ireland. Your first stop is the charming 12th-century Malahide Castle. 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. Next, stop to admire the high crosses of Monasterboice, the historic ruins of a Christian settlement. Cross into Northern Ireland to reach the capital Belfast.

    Spend the night in Belfast.                                  

    Driving distance: 195 km / 121 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 3: DISCOVER BELFAST

    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, 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.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 4: GIANT’S CAUSEWAY & ANTRIM COAST

    Explore the beautiful Antrim Coast. First, pass by the atmospheric Dark Hedges, a Game of Thrones filming location. Then, enjoy a scenic coastal walk at Carrick-a-Rede to cross its rope bridge swaying 30m above the sea and providing stunning views of the cliffs below. The highlight of the day is the jewel of Northern Ireland and World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, with its iconic basalt columns. Nearby, visit Bushmills Distillery the world’s oldest whiskey distillery. We also recommend stopping for a view of the breathtaking, medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle, located by dramatic coastal cliffs.

    Spend the night in the Donegal area.

    Driving distance: 257 km / 160 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 5: WILD ATLANTIC WAY & CLIFFS OF SLIEVE LEAGUE

    Today, you will get your first taste of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way route, a journey past 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. 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 cliffs of Slieve League, which, at 600m, are some of the highest marine cliffs in Europe. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely day in Donegal. 

    Spend another night in the Donegal area.

    Driving distance: 223 km / 138 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 6: RUGGED COASTLINES & STONE AGE SITES

    Head south to County Sligo, driving past the stunning Ben Bulben, perhaps one of Ireland’s most recognisable mountains. Visit 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. We also recommend a visit to the atmospheric Carrowmore, Ireland’s largest Stone Age cemetery where you can roam around megalithic tombs and stone circles. Continue your drive to Downpatrick Head to 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

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 7: ACHILL ISLAND

    Explore the charming town of Westport, dotted with delightful shops, cafés and pubs. Tour the Georgian mansion Westport House and stroll around the beautiful gardens. You can also choose to visit the remote and beautiful Achill Island. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, you can follow the Wild Atlantic Way around the island. Admire the views from the top of Minaun Heights and stop at the beautiful bays of Keel and Keem with their white sandy beaches and clear waters. We also recommend stopping by Slievemore, an abandoned village with the ruins of traditional stone cottages.

    Spend another night in the Westport area.

    Driving distance: 149 km / 93 miles

    Attractions Attractions
  • Day 8: CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK

    Visit the striking region of Connemara with its landscapes characterised by rugged mountains, white sand beaches, picturesque lakes and heathlands. Stop by Killary harbour, Ireland’s only true fjord with a length of 16km (9.9miles). Further along, visit Kylemore Abbey where you can admire spectacular Gothic architecture and take a stroll in the Victorian Walled Garden.

    Stop by the Connemara National Park Visitor Centre to follow scenic walking trails. Drive the circular Sky Road near Clifden for broad views of the Atlantic and arrive in Galway, a lively and colourful city.

    Spend the night in the Galway area.

    Driving distance: 182 km / 113 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 9: GALWAY & ARAN ISLANDS

    Enjoy the Galway area at your leisure. We highly recommend taking a ferry to the Aran Islands. These three windswept islands are one of the few places where the Gaelic language, culture and music still truly thrive. At the island of Inis Mór, opt for a traditional horse & carriage tour, the most popular way to get around. Don’t miss the prehistoric fort Dun Aengus overlooking the Atlantic. The ideal way to end the day is to visit one of Galway’s restaurants, join in with the locals and experience traditional live music.  

    Spend another night in the Galway area.

    Driving distance: 76 km / 47 miles

    Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 10: CLIFFS OF MOHER & LIMESTONE LANDSCAPES

    Start the day by visiting Dunguaire Castle. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking Galway Bay, it is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. Further ahead, explore the unique, lunar-like landscape of The Burren. Here you can visit the iconic portal tomb Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s oldest megalithic monuments.

    Next stop is the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction, showcasing some of the country’s most iconic coastal scenery. 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

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 11: MEDIEVAL CASTLES & KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK

    Start the day visiting the 15th-century Bunratty Castle. Here you’ll also find the Bunratty Folk Park, where you can experience Irish rural life from the 1800s. We then recommend stopping at Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages with its thatched cottages housing craft shops and restaurants. In the afternoon, explore Killarney National Park set beneath Ireland’s highest mountains. Here, you can 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, departing from the medieval Ross Castle.

    Spend the night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

    Driving distance:  206 km / 128 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 12: RING OF KERRY

    Take in the magic of the Ring of Kerry, a classic “must do” scenic drive of the Irish countryside. Stop at Kells Bay House, to see its primeval forest of planted giant ferns. Other highlights include the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue, and Derrynane Bay with its beautiful white sand. Complete the circle with a visit to the picturesque Torc Waterfall. Today, you could also take an optional boat tour from the coast to see the Skellig Islands from up close. These otherworldly islands were recently featured in the Star Wars movies.

    Spend another night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

    Driving distance: 198 km / 123 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 13: DINGLE PENINSULA

    Explore the rugged Dingle Peninsula, characterised by mountains and stunning coastal scenery. Visit the charming town of Dingle, a lively and colourful fishing port. You’ll then join Slea Head Drive, one of the most spectacular routes in Ireland. Along the way, make stops at Coumeenoole beach, the picturesque Dunquin harbour and the Blasket Centre, which tells the story of the Blasket Islanders. Further along, admire the unique Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian stone church steeped in mystery. Later, drive over the Conor pass, Ireland’s highest road, offering expansive views across the peninsula.

    Spend another night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

    Driving distance: 187 km / 116 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 14: GARNISH ISLAND & IRELAND’S SOUTH COAST

    Today, you will travel over the scenic, winding Caha Pass to the colourful village of Glengarriff. From here, we recommend taking a short boat trip, with the opportunity to spot a seal colony on the way, to Garnish Island, which features a world-renowned garden. You could also visit the 18th-century Bantry House. Later, travel via Kinsale, a popular resort town with its picturesque yachting harbour and historic forts. Continue to Cork, a buzzing city with a vibrant cultural scene.

    Spend the night in the Cork area.

    Driving distance 191 km / 119 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 15: ANCIENT CASTLES & THE BLARNEY STONE

    Today, you can visit Blarney Castle, a legendary medieval stronghold that houses the Blarney Stone, surrounded by many myths and tales. Then we recommend stopping at the photogenic harbour town of Cobh. It is known as the last port of call of the Titanic in 1912! Continue to Cashel, where you can visit the spectacular Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most visited attractions. The historic site is a fantastic collection of medieval buildings that span over 1000 years of history. Later, drive to Kilkenny, a medieval town nestled around a majestic 12th-century castle.

    Spend the night in the Kilkenny area.

    Driving distance: 208km / 129 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 16: THROUGH THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS TO DUBLIN

    If you wish to spend more time exploring Dublin, you can opt to head straight to the city this morning.

    Alternatively, we highly recommend a drive through the scenic Wicklow Mountains to take in the beautiful views. In the area you could visit Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement, and the Powerscourt Estate, featuring the restored mansion Powerscourt House. On the estate, you will find Ireland’s highest waterfall as well as magnificent gardens. Back in Dublin, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps with a fine Irish dinner to top off your amazing journey.

    Spend the night in Dublin.

    Driving distance to Dublin: 123 km / 77 miles
    Driving distance via Wicklow Mountains: 165 km / 102 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 17: DEPARTURE

    To get to Dublin Airport, you can take a taxi, or we can arrange a convenient private transfer directly from your hotel. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can use the morning to enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of the many attractions or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of the city one last time.

    See Activities for this day

Optional extras

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.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Reviews

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Super!

Took away the stress of planning on our own. Jana was super to work with!

The best memories!

I have now used your company twice: once on a Golden Circle Tour of Iceland and now this 21 day self-drive Ireland Tour. I have nothing but the best of memories of working with your people and the packages put together by your advisors.

Went off without a hitch

Everything went off without a hitch. We did not have a lot of questions and there were no problems with any of the hotels. The hotels were all nice, though I thought some of them could have given us a little nicer room with a better view. The hotels were all well-situated and very clean and the staff were always friendly and responsive to our needs.

A very enjoyable trip!

Well organised, excellent travel documents, great accommodation, and truly enjoyed the inclusion of OPW Heritage Card. Overall very enjoyable trip!

Very happy

Excellent outline of an itinerary for us to then choose what we wanted to do most, without feeling that we need to try to fit everything in. Very happy with all our hotels.

Well-planned

Well-planned with a detailed road map and points of interest marked. Good description of each point of interest. All but one hotel met expectations.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with well-appointed guesthouses or country hotels.

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Superior

Standard rooms in four-star hotels or boutique guesthouses in combination with Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

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Rental car

Enjoy your journey with one of these vehicles and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

Opel Astra (Manual)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x2
  • M

Opel Astra (Manual)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 2
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Manual

Kia Picanto (Automatic)
or similar

  • x4
  • x5
  • x2
  • A

Kia Picanto (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 4
  • Luggage: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Toyota Corolla (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x3
  • A

Toyota Corolla (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Skoda Octavia (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A

Skoda Octavia (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Volvo S90 (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A

Volvo S90 (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Premium
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Nissan Qashqai (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x3
  • A

Nissan Qashqai (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Intermediate SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic

Ford Transit (Automatic)
or similar

  • x8
  • x4
  • x6
  • A

Ford Transit (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Luxury Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 8
  • Luggage: 6
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic

Price per person from

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 3684 EUR

Monthly price comparison

Our best price per person when booking for two.

2024

Tour Information

We recommend that all our travellers read through the following information about driving in Ireland, what the tour includes, the accommodation, and other useful information for your travels.

ABOUT OUR SELF-DRIVE TOURS
This is a self-drive tour, which means you will follow a detailed and personalised itinerary during your road trip in Ireland. No dedicated driver or tour guide is included. All accommodation, rental vehicle, and other planned activities or added services will be pre-booked by Nordic Visitor (as specified in the itinerary). As this is a self-drive tour, you are welcome to stop when and where you wish on your drive. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.

ACCOMMODATION AND ROOM TYPE
Our team of local travel experts carefully selects hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses around the country based on excellent ratings, personal experience and comfort. Generally, in Ireland, whilst room sizes may vary, our room types are based on European standard sizes. Please note that twin rooms, triple and family rooms are not commonly available in Ireland, so please contact us for booking assistance if that is something you would like. Please also be aware that, due to the historic nature of some of the properties we select, sometimes rooms are only accessible by going up stairs, with no lifts available. Please contact us if you are not able to walk up stairs.

SAFE DRIVING IN IRELAND
The roads in Ireland are usually in good conditions all year long and are renowned for their road trip worthiness. Please be aware that motorists drive on the left side of the road (and on the right side of the car). If you are not used to driving on the left, we highly recommend choosing a vehicle with automatic transmission for your self-drive tour. If you want a manual transmission vehicle, keep in mind that you will need to shift gears with your left hand (floor pedals are the same). Drivers will also have to get used to the narrower roads of Ireland as well as the rural single-track roads with passing places and be careful of animals on the road.

SAFETY & WEATHER CONDITIONS
Please note that sightseeing and transport is dependent on weather and road conditions and might need to be altered if conditions are not favourable. This includes ferries and drives. If something unexpected occurs, you can call our 24-hour helpline to speak directly with a Nordic Visitor staff member.

CURRENCY RATE
All bookings are charged in Euros (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 two business days by one of our travel consultants who 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 your remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.

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