Please e-mail or call us to request information on one of the many other fantastic packages we have to Ireland and Britain.
Emerald Escape Tour
From US$798.00 land only
and automatic shift based on 2 people traveling
together - other cars available.
insurance and government tax (VAT) on car rental.
with private bath/shower for 8 nights.
Fly overnight to Shannon.
Land in Shannon Airport in the morning and pick up your rented car. Galway is 57 miles away and you can drive straight there or travel to view the majestic Cliffs of Moher, rising above the Atlantic breakers, and the rounded limestone hills of the Burren. Drive extra carefully as you will be tired after your plane journey.
Galway city is the gateway to the Connemara region, one of Ireland's scenic areas. The land is stunningly beautiful in all types of weather. See the Twelve Bens, mica-embedded hills that sparkles in sunlight. You may travel to Leenane to take a catamaran cruise or visit Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. There are a number of lovely coastal routes and Clifden, on the western coast, is an interesting town.
This is a distance of 120 miles by the shortest route. Travel through Ennis and Limerick, visiting the Bunratty Folk Park along the way. If you missed the Cliffs of Moher on your way north, you may view them today and then take the ferry from Killimer to Tarbert in County Kerry. Once you enter County Kerry you will see mountains and wonderful shoreline scenery.
Today is a good opportunity to explore the westernmost tip of Dingle. You will enjoy views across the bay to the Iveragh Peninsula to your south. Near Ballyferriter you can see the distinctive shapes of beehive huts, built by monks in the early years of Christianity, when monastic life flourished. Also visit Gallarus Oratory, a tiny church built of unmortared stone about 14 centuries ago.
The distance is about 85 miles between your two hotels. Stop to explore Killarney, famous for its glorious setting beside lakes and mountains. You may visit Muckross House and Gardens, set on the shores of Muckross Lake. Or explore the area around Glengarriff, renowned for its mild climate that permits sub-tropical vegetation to thrive. Drive to Cork by the direct route or by the longer coastal route.
As you don't have to change hotels today, you may explore the hilly Cork city on foot or some of the many interesting places close by. Kinsale, a delightful harbor town with plenty of restaurants and pubs, is 16 miles south. Fota House and Gardens and the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States, are well worth visitin
It is 92 miles by the direct route through the Rock of Cashel. This is a huge limestone outcrop with picturesque church ruins dating from the 11th century perched on top. You may like to drive through the V Gap and the gentle hills of the Knockmealdown Mountains or travel along the south coast to Waterford for a tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory.
Kilkenny is a medieval city and a guided tour around Kilkenny Castle will give you all the local history. Kilkenny Design Centre is located beside the castle and you can watch interesting crafts people working there. Kilkenny is very well situated as there are many sights within easy reach. Jerpoint Abbey is south and is a charming, evocative ruin.
Unfortunately, it's the end of your tour so drive the 72 miles to Dublin Airport in good time to return your hired car and check in for your flight.
