5 Day Ireland Highlights Tour – South & West

Arrival in Dublin – Airport Transfer and Orientation

A private luxury airport transfer vehicle will be arranged to bring you to your hotel in Dublin City for some rest and relaxation after your flight. Ireland’s capital has a fascinating history stretching back over 1,000 years. It also has a buzzing night life combined with a vibrant live music scene. Dinner reservations will be arranged on request. ‘KC’s Things to See and Do in Dublin’ guide brochure and ‘KC’s Pubs of Dublin Highlights Tour’ enclosed with maps, will be waiting for you at your hotel reception. Experience Dublin City You will have already been offered the choice of exploring Dublin City’s must see sites with or without your exclusive chauffeur/guide. If you wish to spend the day discovering Ireland’s capital independently, you will have my KC guide brochure to accompany you. Suggested highlights for you include a visit to see the Book of Kells at Trinity College, National Gallery of Ireland, Historic Kilmainham Jail and the Guinness Storehouse.

Day 1: Dublin to Kinsale

I will meet you at your hotel of choice to begin your 5 day Ireland tour this morning. Upon departing Dublin, you will get a chance to experience the magical landscape that is the Curragh of Kildare. There will be ample time for selfies with free ranging sheep and photos of fairy trees! Your guide might even give a rendition of the iconic folk song ‘The Curragh of Kildare’! Ancient history associates St. Bridget with the area and you will get to visit a very special holy well and peace garden dedicated to her memory. Next on today’s itinerary is the spectacular medieval citadel known as the Rock of Cashel with its commanding views of the Golden Vale. Your destination is the pretty harbour town of Kinsale in County Cork, renowned as ‘The Gourmet Capital of Ireland’.

Day 2: Kinsale to Killarney

Today’s first site visit is the world famous Blarney Castle and an opportunity to kiss the ‘Stone of Eloquence’. Next door is the Blarney Woolen Mills where you can find quality Irish made goods and gifts of all types to take home. The afternoon must remain a mystery, only to say that we will visit a magical mountain valley and beautiful island church far way from the tourist throngs! A breathtaking drive over the Caha Mountains then awaits and on to your popular tourist destination – Killarney Town – with its stunning scenery and welcoming people.

Day 3: Dingle Peninsula to County Clare

From Killarney, we will make our way north along the Wild Atlantic Way to Dingle – the most westerly town in Europe. Dingle is home to Fungie the dolphin and if we don’t see him in the blubber, there is an endearing sculpture dedicated to this famous dolphin in the town centre! After a surprise local experience to visit a master craftsman, we will venture out upon the spectacular Slea Head ocean drive, with ample opportunities for photos along the way. An early evening ferry will then take you across the mighty River Shannon estuary to the traditional western county of Clare. Sunsets on Ireland’s Atlantic coastline can be sublime and keep a watch out for neon-like rainbows on showery evenings.

Day 4: Discover the Burren and Cliffs of Moher

County Clare is a truly enchanting county to explore. Both the Burren and Cliffs of Moher are now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Geopark. The ancient landscape of the rocky Burren is like nowhere else on earth and a mecca for botanists from around the world. The Cliffs of Moher rise 200 metres sheer up from the Atlantic Ocean far and offer commanding views of the Aran Islands on a fine day. You will also get a flavour of hill farming in the Burren by a local farmer with a sheepdog demonstration of herding sheep. Lisdoonvarna is always a fun stop – being the matchmaking capital of Europe! Your guide will tell you all about Willie Daly’s magic matchmaking powers and its once famous annual music festival. This evening’s destination is Galway City with breathtaking views overlooking Galway Bay.

Day 5: Galway City & Bay to Trim

Today’s touring will be conducted at a much more leisurely pace, mirroring Galway’s laid back vibe. A morning drive along Galway’s Salthill Promenade with scenic views of Galway Bay will bring us to our first stop. The unique community craft market called An Spiddal and nearby Standun’s Irish store is a great place to pick up special gifts and quality wears. Nearby is a pretty shingle beach to observe locals fishing and watch the world go by. You will then return into town for a visit to stunning Galway Cathedral. Yours truly will then take you on a fascinating one hour storytelling walk through Galway’s narrow, maritime streets where you will hear tales of piracy, the love story behind the Claddagh Ring and an enduring mystery surrounding Christopher Columbus’s visit to the medieval seaport. Galway City is Ireland’s Atlantic cultural capital. It is also a vibrant, romantic place, where buskers and street performers are made welcome, and in return, they compliment its bohemian atmosphere. After lunch, you will enjoy a late afternoon drive across the rural Midlands of Ireland to the heritage town of Trim for your pre-airport transfer night.

Day 6: Airport Transfer

Trim in County Meath is just a 40 minute drive from Dublin Airport. You personal driver/guide will ensure that you enjoy a smooth direct transfer with ample time for pre check-in before your flight departs.