Day 1 - Arrival to Shannon Airport

From Shannon, drive south to Killarney via the pretty 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: 2.5 Hours)

Day 2 - Ring of Kerry

Leave Killarney via Muckross. A lovely walk to Torc Waterfall. Enjoy views of the Lakes from Ladies View as you ascend to Moll's Gap. Drive on the spectacular southern section 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: 2.5 Hours)

Day 3 - Valentia or Skellig Islands

Visit the lovely Valentia Island, site of the first Atlantic Telegraph. A back road tour through the most beautiful scenery. A good walk takes you to top of Geokaun hill on the island, just to see the Atlantic at its best! Or take a boat trip of a lifetime to the World Heritage Site of 5th century monastic remains on the remote Skellig Rock. Nearby Little Skellig is home to 20,000 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!

Day 4 - Waterville to Dingle

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 hours)

Day 5 - Slea Head Drive

Explore the western extremity of Ireland on the circular Slea Head drive from Dingle. 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.

(Drive Time: 1.5 hours)

Day 6 - Dingle to Doolin

Cross the spectacular Connor Pass to the north side of the Dingle Peninsula to Tralee and onwards across the Shannon Estuary into county Clare. Consider a diversion to Loop Head and the spectacular blowhole. Visit the Cliffs of Moher and take a walk on the edge of Ireland! Nearby Doolin is your accommodation base & O’Connor’s pub is sure to have a traditional session on the go.

(Drive Time: 4 hours)

Day 7 - Explore The Burren

Explore the Burren by car and foot. This truly amazing landscape holds surprises in every nook and cranny; arctic flora, geological and Neolithic wonders and everywhere the moonscape of the limestone plateau. Or for sheer exuberance take a boat from Doolin Pier to the Aran Islands - wild flowers, limestone ridges, island communities, fishing currachs, stone forts, Gaelic culture. Alive and well and awaiting you…

Day 8 - Doolin to Ennis

Drive the spectacular North Clare coast road from Doolin to Ballyvaughan via Fanore and Black Head. Walk through 12th century Corcomroe Abbey overlooking Galway Bay and watch the traditional Galway Hookers in Kinvara Harbour. Turn south to the 7th Century tower at Kilmacduagh. Cross wild, bog covered hills to Craggaunowen Megalithic Centre and nearby Quin Abbey before the short drive to the historic town of Ennis.

Day 9 - Departure from Shannon Airport

Return hired car at Shannon airport and depart.