Highlights of Ireland Tour — Great British Trips
Aerial view of the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry

Highlights of Ireland Tour

Discover the Emerald Isle in one unforgettable week — Dublin’s historic streets, colourful coastal towns, Kerry’s wild landscapes, and the Atlantic drama of the Cliffs of Moher.

8 Days / 7 Nights Scenic self-drive Dublin → Waterford → Kinsale → Cork → Kerry → Killarney → Galway → Dublin
Why you’ll love this trip
Couples Family Solo Travel With Friends Charming Break Off the Beaten Track
  • Two days in Dublin with St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle
  • A scenic self-drive route through Wexford and Waterford towards the south coast
  • Kinsale’s colourful waterfront, Cork’s culture and the legend of Blarney Castle
  • The world-famous Ring of Kerry, from mountain passes to Atlantic beaches
  • Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Muckross House and a traditional jaunting car ride
  • The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare and an overnight stay in lively Galway

Your Day-by-Day Itinerary

Days1–2
Dublin

Dublin

Begin in Dublin, where two days give you time to settle into the capital’s lively rhythm. Use your Dublin Pass to explore a generous mix of attractions, then step into the story of the city at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a landmark linked to Ireland’s patron saint and centuries of medieval history.

Irish history, music and city life

Taste a true Dublin classic at the Guinness Storehouse, wander through the courtyards of Dublin Castle, and make time for the pubs, bridges and Georgian squares that give the city so much character. Your first two nights are all about easing into Ireland with culture, flavour and warm hospitality.

Fleet Street and Temple Bar in Dublin
☘️ Dublin Pass ⛪ St. Patrick’s Cathedral 🍺 Guinness Storehouse 🏰 Dublin Castle
Day3
Wexford & Waterford

Wexford and Waterford

Collect your hire car in Dublin and begin the scenic drive south. Pause in Wexford, a coastal county with old streets, harbour views and a strong sense of local heritage, before continuing to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city.

In Waterford, layers of Viking, medieval and craft history sit side by side. Explore the historic quarter, trace the old city walls, and discover the artistry behind Waterford Crystal before arriving in Kinsale for a relaxed two-night stay by the sea.

Hand-cut crystal studio in County Waterford
🚗 Self-drive 🌊 Wexford Coast 💎 Waterford Crystal 🏘️ Kinsale Stay
Day4
Kinsale, Blarney & Cork

Kinsale, Blarney Castle and Cork

Spend the day between Kinsale, Blarney Castle and Cork. Kinsale brings colourful shopfronts, harbour views and a reputation for excellent food, making it one of the south coast’s most charming bases.

Colourful streets and Irish luck

Continue to Blarney Castle, where you can climb to the famous stone and add a little Irish luck to the journey, then head into Cork City for markets, museums, shops and traditional pubs. It is a full, lively day with plenty of local flavour.

Colourful shopfronts in Kinsale, County Cork
🏘️ Kinsale 🏰 Blarney Castle ☘️ Blarney Stone 🎻 Cork City
Day5
Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry

Set out on the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most celebrated scenic drives. The route sweeps around the Iveragh Peninsula, with wild Atlantic views, mountain backdrops, quiet villages and winding roads that feel made for slow travel.

Stop at Glenbeigh Beach for golden sand and big coastal scenery, then step into rural Ireland’s past at the Bog Village. By the end of the day, arrive in Killarney for two nights surrounded by lakes, mountains and national park landscapes.

Skellig Ring coastal scenery in County Kerry
🌊 Atlantic Coast ⛰️ Iveragh Peninsula 🏖️ Glenbeigh Beach 🏡 Bog Village
Day6
Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park

Today is for Killarney and its remarkable national park. Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral and Ross Castle, then give most of the day to Killarney National Park, where lakes, woodland, mountain views and wildlife come together in a classic Irish landscape.

Lakes, castles and traditional travel

Explore Muckross House for a glimpse of Victorian grandeur, then enjoy a traditional Killarney jaunting car ride through the park. It is a gentle, atmospheric way to take in hidden corners and views across the Lakes of Killarney.

Jaunting car tour in Killarney National Park
🌿 Killarney National Park 🏰 Ross Castle 🏛️ Muckross House 🐴 Jaunting Car Ride
Day7
County Clare & Galway

County Clare, Cliffs of Moher and Galway

Travel north towards County Clare and the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. These Atlantic cliffs rise dramatically above the ocean, offering sweeping views towards the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and the distant mountains of Connemara.

From O’Brien’s Tower, pause for one of Ireland’s great panoramas before continuing to Galway. Spend the night in this vibrant west-coast city, known for music-filled streets, relaxed pubs, independent shops and the striking Galway Cathedral.

Cliffs of Moher on the County Clare coast
🌊 Cliffs of Moher 🗼 O’Brien’s Tower 🎶 Galway ⛰️ Connemara Views
Day8
Return to Dublin

Return

Your Irish journey finishes with the drive back to Dublin Airport. Return your rental car, say farewell to the Emerald Isle, and head home with a week of coastal roads, lively cities, castle stories and wild Atlantic views behind you.

Returning to Dublin at the end of the Ireland tour
🚗 Return Car ✈️ Dublin Airport ☘️ Ireland Memories

The Route

Why travel with us

👑
Carefully planned
UK & Ireland trips
from people who truly know the destinations
🚗
Flexible itineraries
that feel personal
relaxed, and tailored to you
🏰
Thoughtfully
chosen stays
experiences, and routes that make travelling easy
📞
Friendly support
from real people
who are here to help every step of the way
❤️
Authentic
experiences
that help you travel beyond the usual tourist spots

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