| Day 1 |
Arrival at Shannon airport and collect your hire car. Drive south to Killarney via the quaint village of Adare. Explore the Killarney area, famous for its lakes and mountains and the National Park. Your town centre accommodation affords ample opportunity to explore – and walking distance from a wonderful world of shopping!
(Drive time 2 1/2 hours). |
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| Day 2 |
Drive on the south side of the Ring of Kerry, stopping to visit 3rd century Staigue Fort, Derrynane House where you can walk the mass path from the beach to Abbey Island. Drive over the Beenarourke Pass from Kenmare Bay to Ballinskelligs Bay and into Waterville village.
(Drive Time 2 hours) |
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| Day 3 |
Visit the lovely Valentia Island, site of the first Atlantic Telegraph. The Slate Quarry still cuts slate from the hill – the coffee is served overlooking the sweep of the Atlantic and Dingle Bay. Knightstown is a gem, harking to our colonial past and somewhere to watch life pass.
Or take a boat trip of a lifetime to the World Heritage Site, 5th century monastic remains on the remote Skellig Rock. Nearby Little Skellig is home to 20000 pairs of breeding gannets, as well as puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and storm petrels. Quite a sight and smell! And on your return boat trip there’ll be fresh mackerel on the barbecue!
(Drive time 2 hours). |
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| Day 4 |
Follow the north side of the Ring of Kerry through the market town of Cahervciveen to Killorglin. See 12th century abbey remains in Milltown and stop at glorious Inch beach before climbing the foothills of the Sliabh Mish mountains to the fishing town of Dingle.
(Drive time 2 1/2 hours). |
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| Day 5 |
Explore the western extremity of Ireland. Our earliest Christian heritage remains are littered here, coupled with breathtaking Atlantic views. Gallarus Oratory, Kilmalkeadar Church, Riasc Monastic settlement, Loch a Dúin…it was a busy place in the 6th century!
Or take a boat trip to the Blasket Islands, uninhabited since 1953. The source of the lyrical literature of some of the best Gaelic authors. Sit amongst the ruins of their homes and watch the Atlantic dance below you. |
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Day 6
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Cross the famous Connor Pass to the north side of the Dingle Peninsula to Tralee and across the Shannon river into county Clare. See the Cliffs of Moher and take a walk on the edge of Ireland! O’Connor’s pub is sure to have a traditional session on the go.
(Drive time 4 hours). |
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| Day 7 |
A free day to explore the Burren or take the opportunity to visit the Aran Islands- wild flowers, limestone ridges, island communities, fishing currachs, stone forts, Gaelic culture. Alive and well and awaiting you…
(Drive time 2 hours). |
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| Day 8 |
Drive Corkscrew Hill over the Burren plateau to Ballyvaughan. Walk through 12th century Corcomroe Abbey overlooking Galway Bay and watch the traditional Galway Hookers in Kinvara Harbour. Turn south to Limerick to see St. John’s Castle and the Hunt Museum.
(Drive time 2 hours). |
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| Day 9 |
Return to Shannon airport and depart.
(Drive time 1 hour). |
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