Day 1: Arrival in Dublin
Dublin Airport Collection
On arrival at Dublin Airport, you’ll be met by your private driver-guide and begin your journey into the city. As you travel through Dublin’s streets, your guide introduces the city’s history, from Viking foundations to Georgian expansion, while pointing out key landmarks along the way.
Dublin Castle
Your first visit is to Dublin Castle, once the seat of British administration in Ireland. Inside, you’ll explore the richly decorated State Apartments, ceremonial rooms still used for official events today, and learn how the castle played a central role in Ireland’s political story for centuries.
Trinity College Dublin
Next, you’ll visit Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. Walking through its elegant grounds, your guide explains its place in Irish intellectual life before leading you into the Old Library. Here, you’ll see the Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s most treasured manuscripts, and walk beneath the towering wooden arches of the Long Room.
Guinness Storehouse
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Guinness Storehouse. Moving through the interactive exhibits, you’ll pour your own pint, learn how Ireland’s most famous stout is brewed, and how Guinness became a global symbol of Ireland. The visit concludes at the Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy a pint of the black stuff with panoramic views across Dublin’s rooftops.
Drop-off at Dublin accommodation
Day 2: Wicklow Mountains & Medieval Kilkenny
Powerscourt House & Gardens
Leaving Dublin, you’ll travel south into County Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland.” At Powerscourt, you’ll explore one of Europe’s finest landscaped gardens, with sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes, and views toward the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Your guide allows time to wander at your own pace through the Japanese Garden and formal grounds.
Glendalough Valley
Continuing deeper into the Wicklow Mountains, the scenery becomes increasingly wild. At Glendalough, you’ll explore a glacial valley home to a remarkably preserved early medieval monastic settlement. As you walk along the lakes and stone ruins, your guide explains the site’s spiritual significance and the life of St Kevin.
Kilkenny Castle
The drive south opens into rolling farmland before arriving in Kilkenny. At Kilkenny Castle, you’ll explore elegant rooms, galleries, and corridors that trace centuries of Norman and Anglo-Irish history. Outside, time is allowed to walk through the parkland beside the River Nore.
Drop-off at Kilkenny accommodation
Day 3: Ireland’s Ancient East to Cork
Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience
Leaving Kilkenny, you’ll travel through the fertile southeast to New Ross. At the Dunbrody Famine Ship, you’ll step aboard a full-scale replica of a 19th-century emigrant vessel. The guided experience offers a moving insight into Ireland’s Great Famine and the lives of those who left the country.
Waterford Crystal Factory
Continuing along the coast, you’ll arrive in Waterford for a guided factory tour. You’ll watch master craftsmen shape and cut crystal by hand, gaining a deeper appreciation of the skill behind one of Ireland’s most famous exports.
Jameson Distillery Midleton
The journey into County Cork passes through green countryside and small towns before reaching Midleton. At the Jameson Distillery, you’ll learn the story of Irish whiskey production, touring the historic buildings and finishing with a tasting experience.
Drop-off at Cork accommodation
Day 4: Cork City & Blarney
Blarney Castle
Just outside Cork, you’ll visit Blarney Castle. Climbing through its stone passages, you’ll reach the famous Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence. Afterward, you’ll explore the castle grounds, including woodland paths, gardens, and hidden corners.
English Market
Back in Cork city, your guide brings you to the English Market, a covered food market that has been operating since the 18th century. You’ll have time to browse local produce stalls or enjoy lunch surrounded by Cork’s lively food culture.
Cork City Gaol
Finish the afternoon with a guided tour of Cork City Gaol, a former 19th-century prison overlooking the city. As you walk through the restored cells and corridors, you get a real sense of what daily life was like for the men, women, and even children once held here.
Drop-off at Cork accommodation
Day 5: Killarney National Park
Torc Waterfall
Leaving Cork, the drive west becomes increasingly scenic as mountains and lakes appear. In Killarney National Park, you’ll stop at Torc Waterfall, walking along shaded forest paths to reach the cascading falls.
Jaunting Car Ride through Killarney National Park
Next, you’ll enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride through the park. Travelling at a relaxed pace, you’ll pass lakes, woodlands, and historic estates, while your jarvey shares stories of the area’s heritage.
Drop-off at Killarney accommodation
Day 6: The Ring of Kerry
Today is dedicated to the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most famous scenic drives. Your private driver-guide adjusts the route to avoid crowds where possible and stops at viewpoints overlooking rugged coastline, Atlantic islands, and mountain passes. The ever-changing scenery, from lakes to open moorland, makes the journey itself a highlight.
Celtic Steps – Evening Show
In the evening, you’ll attend Celtic Steps, a lively performance celebrating Irish music and dance. A shuttle service operates from central Killarney, returning you to town after the show.
Drop-off at Killarney accommodation
Day 7: Dingle Peninsula
Dingle Bay & Town
Traveling west, the landscape becomes more rugged as you reach the Dingle Peninsula. In Dingle town, you’ll have time to explore the harbor, colorful streets, and local shops.
Slea Head Drive
The Slea Head Drive is a circular coastal route that loops around the westernmost tip of the Dingle Peninsula, following some of the most exposed and dramatic coastline in Ireland. As you travel along the narrow road, you’ll have views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and views across to the Blasket Islands on the other. Your guide will stop at key viewpoints and historic sites along the drive, explaining how the landscape, weather, and remoteness shaped both the scenery and the culture of the peninsula.
Drop-off at Dingle accommodation
Day 8: Clare Coast & The Burren
Cliffs of Moher
Leaving Dingle, you’ll cross into County Clare. At the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll walk along the cliff paths, taking in sweeping ocean views from one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Doolin
Nearby, you’ll visit the beautiful, colorful village of Doolin. You’ll feel like you’ve walked into a typical storybook Irish coastal village, known for its traditional music scene and Atlantic atmosphere.
Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstration
In the Burren, you’ll visit Caherconnell Stone Fort. Alongside exploring the ancient ring fort, you’ll enjoy a sheepdog demonstration that brings the region’s farming traditions to life.
Drop-off at Galway accommodation
Day 9: Connemara
Killary Fjord Boat Tour
Heading into Connemara, the scenery becomes remote and dramatic. On Killary Fjord, you’ll take a boat tour through Ireland’s only fjord, surrounded by steep mountains and changing light.
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
At Kylemore Abbey, you’ll visit this former Victorian home set on the edge of a lake in the heart of Connemara. Inside, you’ll walk through a series of restored rooms that show how the original family lived here, with your guide explaining why the house was built in such a remote setting and how it later became a Benedictine abbey. You’ll then spend time in the walled garden, walking through the flower beds and glasshouses that once supplied the estate.
Drop-off at Galway accommodation
Day 10: Sligo & Donegal
Sligo Abbey
Traveling north, you’ll stop at Sligo Abbey, where atmospheric ruins reflect the region’s medieval past. Founded in the 13th century by the Dominicans, the abbey has survived centuries of conflict, fire, and rebuilding. Inside, you’ll see tombs and memorials that reflect the families and figures connected to Sligo over the centuries
Glencar Waterfall
Nearby Glencar Waterfall offers a peaceful stop in nature, with a short walk to view the cascading water surrounded by woodland.
Donegal Castle
In Donegal town, you’ll visit Donegal Castle, a restored stronghold overlooking the River Eske, offering insight into Gaelic lordship in the northwest.
Drop-off at Donegal accommodation
Day 11: Wild Donegal
Slieve League
Today’s drive explores some of Ireland’s wildest scenery. At Slieve League, you’ll stand atop some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, with vast Atlantic views stretching below.
Mountcharles & Killybegs
Passing through small coastal towns, you’ll stop in Killybegs, one of Ireland’s busiest fishing ports. You’ll see trawlers docked along the quay and get a sense of the industry that still supports much of the local community. Your driver-guide can suggest a relaxed stop here, whether for a short walk along the harbour or a seafood lunch, depending on your timing.
Glencolumbkille Folk Village
From the coast, you’ll travel inland to Glencolumbkille, a quiet and isolated part of Donegal. Here, you’ll visit the folk village, where a series of traditional thatched cottages recreate life in rural Ireland across different centuries. Walking between the houses, you’ll see how living conditions changed over time, from simple one-room dwellings to more modern homes.
Ardara
Your route continues through hills and open countryside to the village of Ardara, long associated with tweed weaving and local craftsmanship.
From here, your driver-guide continues east toward Northern Ireland, arriving in Derry in the early evening.
Drop off at your Derry accommodation.
Day 12: The Antrim Coast
Dunluce Castle
Leaving Derry, you’ll follow the Antrim Coast Road. Dunluce Castle appears dramatically on a cliff edge. As you walk through the ruins, you’ll hear stories about the MacDonnell clan that this castle was once a stronghold for.
Giant’s Causeway
At the Giant’s Causeway, you’ll walk among the hexagonal basalt columns, learning both the geological explanation and the legendary tales associated with the site.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
For those who wish, you can cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended above the sea. The views from the bridge are simply incredible and one of the highlights of your time in Northern Ireland.
Drop-off at Belfast accommodation
Day 13: Belfast & Northern Ireland’s History
Titanic Belfast
Your morning begins at Titanic Belfast museum, located on the very slipways where the ship was designed and built. As you move through the galleries, you trace Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage, the ambition behind the Titanic’s construction, and the lives of the workers who built her.
Crumlin Road Gaol
From the docks, you travel a short distance to Crumlin Road Gaol, one of Belfast’s most important historic buildings. Inside, you walk through preserved wings, cells, and corridors that operated for over 150 years. Your guide will explain how the prison functioned in the 19th century before discussing its later role during periods of political unrest in Northern Ireland.
Peace Wall & Murals
Your guide leads you along Belfast’s Peace Walls and murals, explaining how neighborhoods developed, how tensions escalated, and how the peace process reshaped daily life.
It’s the perfect end to your time in Belfast, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s history and identity, before your driver-guide takes you back to Dublin.
Drop-off at Dublin accommodation
Day 14: Departure
Dublin Airport Drop-off
Your private driver-guide transfers you to Dublin Airport, bringing your 14-day journey across Ireland to a close.