From castle stays to romantic cliff-top walks this self-drive 8-day Ireland tour has it all!
Let us provide you with the perfect itinerary for a luxury 8-day road trip through Ireland, showing you the best of our country has to offer. Begin exploring Ireland’s Ancient East at Glendalough and make your way to the legendary Wild Atlantic Way.
Discover the magical sites on the Ring of Kerry, take a jaunt through Killarney National Park and even steal a kiss from the Blarney Stone. This Ireland self-drive tour has the perfect balance of heritage, culture, and famed Irish “Craic” (fun), all packed into 8 days without ever feeling rushed!
This trip will take you to the famous Cliffs of Moher, through the Bohemian Capital of Culture Galway and finish with a night of opulence at Ashford Castle! If it is good enough for Prince Harry’s Honeymoon, then it is good enough for us!
Book with Confidence
Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Every Self-Drive Tour booked with Overland Ireland comes with exceptional service, guided itinerary and extras, such as our Paddy the Pocket Pilot App, as standard. So, if you’re looking for an independent way to see Ireland with all the benefits and surprises of a guided tour with pre-booked “tried & loved” accommodation, you’re in good hands. But don’t take our word for it, check out our tour group reviews here.
We are one of the only tour companies to include as much as we can into your tour price. We aim to have no hidden surprises or unexpected charges on your tour.
Our quest is to keep costs down and experiences up! We have worked really hard to get you the best deals up and down the country for you.
If you have any special dietary requirements or preferences, please let us know; we can cater this tour to vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians. It’s also worth noting that all of the fish served to our guests is responsibly sourced and as fresh as it gets!
Switch on your Paddy the Pocket Pilot App and off you go! Your first stop after leaving the bustling capital behind is Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains, perched centrally in Ireland’s Ancient East. You will be taken on a tour of one of the most important monastic sites, learn about Ireland’s history, folklore and be impressed by the St. Kevin’s Round Tower, built in the 6th century.
After your introduction to Irish history, travel south to the Rock of Cashel. Take some jealousy inducing photos at this famous Irish medieval landmark.
This afternoon and evening you will make yourself at home at the luxurious Hayfield Manor in Cork City. You will have an endless choice of places to eat and be entertained this evening or simply relax and enjoy the lavish surroundings of the manor house.
Total driving distance & time: 330km – 4 hours 10 minutes, excluding stops
No trip to Ireland is complete without a trip to Blarney Castle and Gardens. You simply MUST kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the gift of the gab (the ability to tell a good yarn). Take the time to roam the beautiful gardens.
Enjoy lunch in Kenmare, nestled perfectly between the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.
Onwards to Killarney. Visit some spectacular views at Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ladies View before exploring Killarney National Park. This afternoon you will jaunt – horse and carriage. If you are feeling energetic you can cycle this 100km stunning estate taking in Muckross House and Ross Castle.
The evening is yours to spend wandering around the wonderful shops, pubs and eateries in Killarney – The Capital of Kerry!
You will stay at the magnificent four-star Lake Hotel where you will receive a traditional Irish welcome with stunning surroundings. All of this has been prearranged for you by our expert team at Overland.
Total driving distance & time: 140km – 2 hours 10 minutes, excluding stops
Rise and shine early and start your ultimate road trip along Ireland’s most famous ring road – The Ring of Kerry. Take your time and take yourself on a journey through 10,000 years of Irish history. This drive will take your breath away. We will give you tips on how to get off the beaten track and direct you to all the hidden gems along the route. You might even bump into our friend selling Poitín (Irish Moonshine) but don’t tell anyone you’ve met him!
This evening you will drive into the famous harbor town of Dingle, home to one of our most famous Irish legends – Fungie the Dolphin.
This evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs and fantastic restaurants. Why not sit in Foxy John’s hardware store, order yourself a drink and strike up a conversation with a colourful local!
Stay at the award-winning Heaton’s Guesthouse and get excited about their wonderful breakfast feast tomorrow morning.
Total driving distance & time: 179km – 4 hours, excluding stops
Leave the South West behind and take yourself northwards to the Cliffs of Moher. Your cliffs experience will take you by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing below. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular natural features in Ireland and are sure to leave you lost for words. We will send you on a wonderful route off the beaten track.
After your invigorating cliffs experience it is time to unwind, live like a King and Queen in the celebrated Dromoland 5-star Castle.
Total driving distance & time: 275km – 4 hours, excluding stops
This morning, take your time to enjoy the activities and estate at Dromoland or take a short drive to Bunratty Castle for a folk and heritage tour.
Your departure from county Clare is the start of your bustling, bohemian Galway adventure. Galway, voted European Capital of Culture 2020 and will not disappoint. Expect an electric atmosphere with entertaining street performers and plenty of “craic” (fun) in this much celebrated town.
Our friends in Galway will take you on a gourmet historical tour of the city.
Tonight you will be staying a stone’s throw away from the lively hotspots at the historical Hardiman Hotel on Eyre Square.
Total driving distance & time: 72km – 1 hour, excluding stops
Your next stop on tour is Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara. The rugged landscape of Connemara come hail, rain or shine is guaranteed to take your breath away. Spend time roaming the abbey and the Victorian walled garden on this 1000-acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.
We recommend a quick trip for tea and cake in Clifden town or even a delicious seafood lunch.
Ballynahinch Castle awaits you. Let them serve up a sumptuous afternoon tea in one of their luxurious rooms. Once you park up at this hidden gem you will not want to leave.
Total driving distance & time: 110km – 1 hour 50 minutes, excluding stops
This morning you will challenge yourself to a hike up Ireland’s holiest mountain – Croagh Patrick. It was made famous by St. Patrick himself. At the top you will be treated to panoramic views of Clew Bay. If hiking is not your thing, why not grab a bike and cycle along the Greenway route to Achill Island or have a relaxed walking tour of Westport Town.
Your last night of your trip will be your finest. Presidents, celebrities, sports heroes throughout history have been drawn to the fabulous Ashford Castle Hotel. This really is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Ireland teeming with rich history and heritage. What a way to finish off your whirlwind tour of Ireland.
There are never-ending activities to enjoy on the estate like falconry, boat trips, archery, horse-riding or even their award-winning Spa!
Total driving distance & time: 120km – 2 hours, excluding stops
All good things must come to an end. Journey back to Dublin’s fair city at your leisure today with a stop at the 6th century monastery Clonmacnoise.
If you have a little time left in Dublin before you fly home we will arm you with fantastic things to see and do in the Capital city and surroundings. Let Paddy the Pocket Pilot guide you back to Dublin and make some reservations for you.
Or…. Why not stay longer and link up with another one of our wonderful self-drive itineraries? The choices are endless with Overland Ireland.
Total driving distance & time: 255km – 3 hours, excluding stops
Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Note: This is our current itinerary for this year. If you’re booking for next year, the plan could change slightly. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about this or our other tours!
