Dublin City Centre has many areas of historical importance dating from ancient times to recent history, dominated by the struggle of independence from Britain. The National Museum, Natural History Museum, and National Gallery are all wonderful places to delve into Ireland's past from a natural, historic, and artistic perspective. These are all located in the same area surrounded by Georgian buildings, and government and presidential offices. We also recommend visiting Christchurch Cathedral, a historic Viking and Norse building. Kilmainham Jail is a fascinating reminder of the struggles with Britain, and is a magnificently preserved historical experience. 

Overnight in Dublin.

Today, you will head out with your expert guide, traversing through South Tippery, in your Mercedes-Benz® luxury touring van. South Tippery is renowned for its rustic castles, ancient abbeys, and lush farming landscapes. The World Heritage town of Cashel lies at the foot of the world famous Rock of Cashel. This towering monument has a unique collection of medieval buildings, including a fortified castle, atmospheric cathedral, Romanesque chapel, and round tower. The town of Cahir is famous for its Norman fortification, Cahir Castle, as well as the associated hunting lodge, known simply as the Swiss Cottage. Also in the immediate area, there are the remains of once thriving monasteries at Cashel, Holy Cross, and Attassel. Tipperary is also associated with evergreen valleys, and mountainscapes of the Glen of Aherlow, and the Vee Valley Drives. This afternoon, enjoy Cork's Old English Market, a unique covered food and artisan market that dates back to the middle ages. Origins of the market can be traced back to James I in 1610, but the present building dates from 1786. Local artisans have been trading here for almost two centuries. The center is also populated with some of Ireland's finest gourmet restaurants. 

Overnight in Cork. 

Kinsale Town is known worldwide as the gourmet capital of Ireland, with a myriad of pubs, restaurants, and cafes. Charles Fort, on the hillside outside the town, was designed just for the purpose of protecting the historical trading town from invaders. The streets are colorful and eclectic, with influences from the English, Italian, and French visitors. There are many beautiful beaches around the town, as well as the Old Head Golf Links, perhaps the most spectacular golf location in the world. 

Overnight in Killarney.

Kenmare is one of Ireland's prettiest towns, nestled between the imposing Ring of Kerry mountain range, and the Caha Mountains on the Kenmare River. The town has numerous shops that specialize in all kinds of fine antiques, laces & linen, gourmet food, and fine arts. Close by is Kenmare Stone Circle, an unusual egg shaped circle, and one of the oldest and largest in the southwest. During the summer months, boat trips from the pier, touring the magnificent Bay of Kenmare can be arranged. There are wonderful tree lined walks from the five-star Park Hotel to the Bay, via pretty inlets. On the outskirts of the town are the pretty waterfalls on the Sheen River,  where the Sheen Falls Hotel is located. 

Our highlights of the Ring of Kerry tour takes in the very best of this magical landscape in a unique and unforgettable drive through the gems of the Killarney National Park. From Killarney and the Muckross Estate, the narrow road winds up to the Ladies View and Molls Gap, where a panoramic view of the lake and distant peaks form a picturesque stop. Returning to the town of Killarney, the beautiful Ross Castle is nested on a serene lakeshore with a small wooden boat trips available to the nearby islands. A walk through the lively streets of Killarney is also recommended, with many fine craft stores in the town center. 

Overnight in Killarney.

From the town of Dingle, the Slea Head Drive is simply one of the most beautiful coastal drives through rugged landscapes, epic mountains, deep coastlines, and serene villages. The Blasket Islands are a group of historical islands are a group of historical islands located on the tip of the peninsula in Ireland's most westerly point. The Blasket Islands Heritage Center celebrates the story of the Blasket Islands, their writers, the native language, culture, and tradition. There are also ancient beehive huts, a perfectly formed miniature oratory at Gallarus, and countless ancient sights dotted amongst the vast landscapes, which were the setting for many epics movies. 

Overnight in Killarney. 

Adare is one of Ireland's prettiest and most historic villages. which is ideal for some time at leisure to enjoy the quaint village and numerous points of interest on foot. There are three abbeys in the village: the Augustinian, Franciscan, and Trinitarian, which is now the local church. Many of the thatched cottages are boutiques, tea rooms, and fine dining restaurants. The famous Dunraven Arms and Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Club are excellent choices for a bite to eat. We also recommend a stroll in the town park. A visit to the ruins of Desmond Castle is also worth the walk, as it is located on the banks of the River Maigue, just minutes from the village center. 

Self Guided:

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is one of the finest medieval attractions in Ireland, with a wonderful Banqueting Hall, which relives the lifestyle of Ireland in medieval times. Attached to the castle, is a restore Folk Park with buildings dating back 300 years, perfectly restored to their original decor. There is excellent shopping in the area at Blarney Woollen Mills, and Meadows and Byrne. Durty Nelly's, on the banks of the River Fergus, has been serving Ale since the middle ages, and today the dark lighting and sawdust floors retain its air of authenticity. It serves both bar and restaurant food, as well as the option to pull your own pint. 

Overnight in Galway. 

West Clare is among Ireland's most rugged and dramatic landscapes, with shifting and sculpting stone creating unforgettable scenery, such as the Cliffs of Moher, Burren Plateau, and the Aran Islands. The Cliff of Moher is the highlight of the region, and can be experienced from the lofty heights looking down into the abyss of Atlantic rollers below. An alternative way to enjoy is with a cliff cruise from Doolin Pier, which can be arranged depending on the time of day, and of course the unpredictable west coast weather. 

•We suggest lunch at Gus O'Connor's Pub

Overnight in Galway.

Westport is one of Ireland's most beautiful, vibrant, and beloved coastal towns. The design of the town is symmetrical, designed by the eminent British architect James Wyatt. The flow of the town is wonderful for strolling through the streets enjoying the ambiance, the music, and the culture of this popular destination. On the edge of town, dominating the skyline, is Croagh Patrick, Ireland's Holy Mountain which is a popular hiking and pilgrimage trail. Westport House is a fine Palladian mansion with gardens, tours, and excellent picnic areas to enjoy the panoramas over the bay. 

Overnight in Galway. 

Newgrange (Bru Na Boinne) is one of the wonders of neolithic western civilization that dates for pre-pyramid times. Newgrange is a large, grass-covered mound covering an area of over one acre with large kerb stones, which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The tour of the monument involves traveling through a chamber into the center of the tomb. Here you will experience a reenactment of the magical process of the center chamber lighting up with a thin shaft of early morning winter sunshine. There is an exhibition of ancient life in the Boyne Valley to support the monument that is worthy of a visit, as well as an excellent audio visual show. The tour can be combined with visits to the lesser known monuments Knowth and Dowth, and also Ireland's most important battle site, where the Battle of Boyne took place in 1690. 

Overnight in Dublin.