Day 1: Arrive into Dublin airport and drive to The Merrion where you can relax after your flight and make a trip into Dublin city centre.
Day 2: Drive to Waterford City for your second night. Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland and it was founded in the 8th century by the vikings, who settled on a river site called Port Lairge, renaming it Vadrafjord (hence the English name Waterford). The city was later extended by the Anglo Normans, rendering it Ireland's most powerful city at the time. The city has continued to prosper, indeed, Waterford's glass industry enjoys a world-wide reputation. An unspoiled, upland county, Waterford provides magnificent mountain settings and a scenic coastline made of sandy beaches.
Day 3: On leaving Waterford City you will enbark on your journey towards Cork, Ireland's third largest city. Cork is built in a valley on the famous River Lee. You can spend part of the day in the city, taking in the attractions or the many shops, restaurants and bars which the city has to offer. From Cork drive onto Kinsale which is a beautiful quaint town also known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland with excellent restaurants & bars to choose from serving the most delicious fresh food.
Day 4: Killarney awaits you today, with its beautiful lakes at the National Park. The Ring of Kerry is a stunning drive around some of the most scenic mountains and coastlines. Bring your camera! As well as Killarney, the towns and villages along the Ring of Kerry are relaxed, pretty and hospitable with great scenery and lots of good restaurants and traditional pubs.
Day 5: From Killarney drive through the town of Tralee on your way to Adare village. Adare is often described as the prettiest village in Ireland. The third Earl of Dunraven built a street with thatched cottages and well trimmed hedges at the gates of his early victorian Manor in the 1820's. Adare has an informative heritage centre which uses models and audiovisual displays to explain the history of the area.
Day 6: From Adare drive up to Cong Co. Mayo for your stay at Ashford Castle . This area was the setting for the movie "The Quiet Man" and you can also take a tour of the old film set which has ben preserved. While in Cong travel to the town of Westport where you can visit the 18th century house and see the elegantly furnished rooms. The views of Clew Bay its islands & Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain are breathtaking. Your stay at Ashford Castle will be a memorable one with its peaceful ambiance and beautiful gardens. It is one of the top luxury castle hotels in the world.
Day 7: Drive towards Connemara for your next 2 nights stay at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. On the way visit the City of the Tribes, otherwise known as Galway City and experience the vibrancy of this cosmopolitan city for the day. From there drive out to Connemara and the scenery certainly is breathtaking with its beautiful rugged landscape. There are also some excellent hillwalking routes to be in found in Connemara while you are there.
Day 8: After your stay in Connemara drive south to Co. Clare for your last night. Ireland's most unusual landscape can be found in Co Clare in The Burren. The rugged Atlantic Coast and the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and golden beaches are but a few attractions to see on your drive down before you spend your last night in the beautiful Dromoland Castle .
Day 9: Today you take your flight home from Shannon with some wonderful memories.
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