Taste of South 6 night Tour

 

This 6 night Taste of the South Tour includes the must see locations in the south of Ireland.

Interested in Irish Travel? Spend your honeymoon in Ireland. Stay in an Irish Castle.

This Taste of the South 6 night self drive tour  will ensure that you get to see as much of Southern Ireland as possible during your short stay. Must see locations included in this tour are The Ring of Kerry , Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle and many, many more. You will travel through quaint villages , along magificent coastline and end your tour in the vibrant capital city – Dublin. Why not finish the tour with a pint of the black stuff at the Guinness Storehouse !
This tour is based on arriving and departing through Dublin airport , the itinerary can be amended to suit alternative airports/ferryports. Irish Travel will never be forgotten!

 

Overnight Locations:

Night 1 & 2 : Galway
Night 3 + 4 : Killarney, Kerry
Night 5 : Kilkenny
Night 6 : Dublin

Cliffs of moher 2

Not looking for a bus tour Ireland/holiday to Ireland? Check out Let’s go Travel and Limerick Travel for options to other destinations!

 

 

Low Season B&Bs 3 * Hotel 4* Hotel
Bed & Breakfast for 6 nights and Rental of an Economy Manual car €389 pps €558 pps  €787 pps
High Season B&BS 3* Hotel 4*Hotel
Bed & Breakfast for 6 nights and Rental of an Economy Manual car €512 pps €744 pps  €928 pps

 

Tour package Includes :

  • Economy Manual vehicle eg., Ford Fiesta  with unlimited mileage based on a minimum of 2 people travelling together     Inclusive of : Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP), government tax (VAT) and Location Service Charge.(Upgrade rates for larger or automatic transmissions are available on request)
  • Full breakfast daily except on day one
  • All local taxes and hotel service charges
  • Confirmation documents for each of your accommodations including driving directions
    • All rates above are per adult sharing, child and single supplements apply
    • Low Season includes: Jan  – April  and Oct  – Dec ( Excludes St Patrick’s Day and Christmas )
    • High Season includes: May – September  , St Patrick’s day and Christmas Holidays

 

 

Day 1 – Galway

Your Irish Travel will include many great attractions and sites. Just north of Dublin, you will find Ireland’s most visited attraction, the megalithic tombs in Newgrange. One of the great wonders of the ancient world, Newgrange is older than Stonehenge, Mycenae or even the Pyramids of Egypt. The magnificent entrance slab – ‘one of the most famous stones in the entire repertory of megalithic art’ – is especially satisfying, the confidently executed spiral and lozenge motifs still crisply defined after 5,000 years. Also close by are the Hill of Tara, said to be the seat of the ancient high Kings of Ireland and of course Trim castle, the setting for the Mel Gibson movie ‘Braveheart’. You may of course prefer to travel directly west to Galway City which can now be achieved is just over 2 hours. However, another slight detour at Moate just before the town of Athlone will bring you to the Ancient Monastic Settlement of Clonmacnoise. An early Christian site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon, the site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and large collection of early Christian grave slabs. On to Galway, the ‘City of the Tribes’, also known as Ireland’s Cultural and festival capital. With its street entertainers and traditional pubs with great music, Galway and in particular, the Quays area of the city centre will enthrall you particularly in the evening time. Other sites in Galway include Ireland’s largest medieval parish church, the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra dating back to 1320. Christopher Columbus reputedly worshipped in this church in 1477. Also nearby are Galway Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.

Overnight in Galway

Day 2 – Day Trip to Connemara
Today we travel west of Galway to the hauntingly beautiful Connemara Region. Situated on the most western seaboard of Europe, this unspoilt region boasts breathtaking scenery. The characteristic features of Connemara include its rugged, unpolluted coastline, dramatic mountains, numerous lakes and rivers and woodlands and the renowned Connemara National Park. Visit Kylemore Abbey and the Lough Inagh Valley as well as the spectacular Sky Road near the town of Clifden. You can also visit the fishing village of Roundstone and see how a ‘Bodhran’ (traditional Irish Drum) is made. Alternatively, you may prefer to take the ferry to the Aran Islands. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. Take a pony and trap, or a guided tour from the pier up the island to the stone fort of Dun Aengus. Dún Aengus fort is located on top of a 300ft high sea cliff and is one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Western Europe.

Overnight in Galway

Day 3 – Kerry

The most direct route will take you via Bunratty castle in County Clare, Limerick City of ‘Angela’s Ashes’ fame and the pretty Village of Adare in County Limerick followed by the town of Killarney. The longer more scenic route will take you to killarney via the west coast of County Clare where you will encounter the lunar like Burren Region, the ancient megalithic tombs at Poulnabrone and of course the truly spectacular Sea Cliffs at the Cliffs of Moher. The Burren, from the Gaelic word Boireann is an area of limestone rock covering imposing majestic mountains, and tranquil valleys with gently meandering streams. The Cliffs lay claim to one of the most astonishing views in Ireland, on a clear day the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of the Connemara region. The Cliffs of Moher rise from Hag’s Head to the south and reach their highest point (214 meters) just north of O’Briens Tower. Before the cliffs however is the village of Doolin. Doolin is a small fishing village on the northern end of the Cliffs of Moher. Doolin is world-famous for its wealth of Irish folk music and in recent years has been attracting crowds to spontaneous sessions and festivals or ‘fleadhanna’ of Irish and international music. A ferry operating from Doolin Pier is a daily service that can take groups of up to 150 people across to the islands or to the base of the nearby cliffs. Time permitting, a visit to Muckross House and Gardens in Killarney’s national park is a must as well as a visit to at least one of the great traditional pubs in the town complete with excellent music and company.

Overnight in Killarney

Day 4 –Ring of Kerry day trip
Leaving Killarney head for the Killorglin , which is famous for the Puck Fair pagan festival dating back 3000 years. Where else but in Ireland would a wild mountain goat be crowned King and reign over a town for three days? Killorglin – where a goat is King and people act the goat!
Next stop is Glenbeigh and its beautiful 3 mile sandy beach at Rossbeigh. Head back to the N70 to Kells or go over the mountain at Cahill’s pub ( cars only ) to join the N70. From the mountain stage there is a great view of Dingle bay, this is a good spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the view.
Leaving Caherciveen on your right hand side you can see Valentia Island. This is where the first Transatlantic Cable was laid all the way to America in 1857. You can also visit the Slate Quarry and the Light House where there are many remains of old structures including Stone Forts and Churches.
From Valentia drive back to the main road and head across the headland to Waterville. Continue along the coast road over the Coomakista Pass where there is a viewing point at 700ft (225m) above sea level affording spectacular views. Travel on through Caherdaniel and Castlecove to Sneem.
The final leg of the tour takes you through some of the most stunning scenery. From Sneem you drive through Parknasilla and Tahilla to Kenmare and then up the mountain road to the infamous Moll’s Gap and Ladies View where you will be treated to unrivalled views of the Killarney Valley. You will pass through the Killarney National Park , the Upper Lake and the Middle Lake before you get to Torc Waterfall on your right and then on to Muckross House and Gardens, well worth a visit and stretch those legs after a great day

Overnight in Killarney

Day 5 – Limerick
The direct route to Kilkenny will take in the region of 3 hours to drive (stops not included). An alternative route would be to travel via Blarney Castle where a climb to the Castle ramparts will allow you the opportunity to ‘Kiss the Blarney Stone’ for the ‘Gift of Eloquence’ in County Cork. Next stop is Cahir Castle, once an important stronghold of the powerful Butler family, which retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. 10 miles further on and you arrive at the Rock of Cashel. Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and capital of this southern province. The Rock of Cashel, which rears above the plain, dominated the land routes southwards. Kings of Ireland as well as Munster came to this spot and St. Patrick is known to have preached on the rock and converted the local King, Aenghus, here in the 5th Century. Brian Boru was also crowned King of Ireland on this spot in the early 11th Century. King Cormac built his superb Royal Chapel in the 12th century. Visit Cashel town to experience and understand the historical relationship between the Rock and the town. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny with it’s excellent night life and numerous historical sites including Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral.
Overnight in Kilkenny

Day 6 – Dublin
This journey will take just under 2 hours. If you wish to make a side trip on route to the capital, a visit to the National Stud & Japanese Gardens just outside Kildare Town would be an option. The Japanese Gardens are situated in the grounds of the Stud Farm and were created between 1906 and 1910. They are planned to symbolise the ‘Life of Man’ from the cradle to the grave. St. Fiachra’s Garden was designed as a Millennium project and has 2.5 hectares (4 acres) of Woodland & Lakeside walks.
You can also visit The National Stud. The National Stud comprises three separate attractions. The 1,000 acre Farm at Tully has been in use as a Stud Farm since 1900 when it was owned by Col. William Hall-Walker. It is home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds. There’s a Horse Museum tracing the history of the horse in Ireland using artifacts, illustrations and text and the skeleton of the legendary steeplechaser ‘Arkle’. In fact the winner of the 2003 Californian ‘Breeders Cup Mile’ race is a National Stud horse, the 3rd in the last 9 years. . The quandary that you will be faced with when you reach Dublin is, not what you should see but that you should leave out. Knee-deep in history and with it’s own unique sense of humour and wit, Dublin is an invigorating city. Take the opportunity to visit some of Ireland’s most history laden locations, including Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, The National History Museum and not forgetting The Guinness Brewery, St. Patrick’s Cathedral & why not finish up the day in Dublin’s Temple Bar section and enjoy the wonderful pubs and music it is famous for.

Overnight in Dublin

Day 7
Travel to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.

 

 

Blarney Castle  Blarney Castle 2
This historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word blarney was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards, (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. Blarney Castle has long been famous because of the Blarney Stone but the less known Rock Close and castle grounds are well worth a visit in their own right. Many different gardens are to be found around the estat and exploration will be rewarded. There is a fern garden with the atmosphere of a tropical jungle to be found deep in the woods. The Poison Garden, adjacent to the battlements, contains an interesting and educational collection of deadly and dangerous plants from around the world, including caged specimens of deadly nightshade, wolfsbane and poison ivy. The Rock Close is a mystical place where majestic yew and oak trees grow around an ancient druidic settlement. Follow the trail through giant gunnera leaves and bamboo and you will find such features as a dolmen, wishing steps and a witch’s kitchen. A water garden with waterfalls adds the soothing sound of water to the visitor’s experience. There are pleasant walks along the riverbanks where you can sit and contemplate the reflections of the castle. In springtime the castle grounds are filled with thousands of bulbs and the ‘Belgian beds’, full of hybrid azaleas are in full flower. In autumn the whole place glows as the leaves turn red, amber and gold

Muckross House & Gardens Muckross House
This magnificent Victorian mansion – one of Ireland’s leading stately homes – is situated amidst the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park in County Kerry. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement you can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House back in the day.
Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craftworkers, who can be seen using skills in the crafts of weaving, pottery and bookbinding. Many exotic trees and shrubs flourish in the mild climate and sheltered location of the Muckross gardens. Attractive features include a fine collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, an outstanding rock garden on a natural rock outcrop and beautiful tree-fringed lawns.