Ireland, the Northern Classic Tour - Self Drive

Regular price: $1,855.00
Sale price: $1,855.00

Class

Travel Date

Room Type

Quantity

Self-Drive Independent Holiday with pre-booked accommodation and automatic rental car

8 Days ex Dublin

Departs: Daily

Suggested Touring Itinerary Only (excludes sightseeing and entrance fees). Itinerary can be customised to suit your individual requirements. Option available to upgrade rental car (surcharge applies)

Experience the essence of Ireland on this captivating 8-day self-drive journey through its northern and western treasures. From the lively streets of Belfast to the rugged cliffs of Donegal and the serene beauty of Connemara, this itinerary combines culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Discover ancient castles, coastal wonders, and charming villages where Gaelic traditions remain strong. With the freedom of your own car, you’ll explore at your own pace and uncover the magic and warmth of the Emerald Isle.

Highlights of suggested itinerary:

24/7 local operator support in Ireland
Discover Belfast’s vibrant history and visit the world-class Titanic Experience
Admire the awe-inspiring basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Explore the wild beauty of Donegal and the soaring sea cliffs of Sliabh Liag
Experience the untamed landscapes and Gaelic culture of Connemara
Trace Ireland’s ancient heritage in the historic Boyne Valley of County Meath

Itinerary
Accommodation

Day 1: Dublin - County Loth

Pick up your car and make your way to County Louth. Take the day to discover County Louth, known as the “wee county”. From the River Boyne and the historic Boyne Valley to the dramatic scenery around Carlingford Lough and the mountainous Cooley Peninsula, take some time to discover this region on the Capital’s doorsteps. Overnight: Louth area.

Day 2: Belfast City (B)

Discover Belfast and its rich history. Walk towards Albert Memorial Clock tower and the
Opera House, which is one of Belfast’s great landmarks. You will pass by the City Hall, The Crown Liquor Saloon, Queens University and the Botanic Garden. Visit the Titanic Experience, located in the heart of Belfast, the attraction recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship.
Overnight: Belfast area.

Day 3: Giant's Causeway and Derry (B)

Leave Belfast for a drive along the Antrim Coast, which runs north from Larne and curves around the base of steep headlands, through which the beautiful glens of Antrim open to the sea. On the northern coast the Giant's Causeway is truly awe inspiring. After visiting the famous UNESCO site, continue through Portrush and Portstewart to arrive in Derry. Derry has a heavy historical past and has suffered a lot through violence. Today it enjoys the advantages of the new peaceful atmosphere in Northern Ireland politics. Overnight: Derry area.

Day 4: Glenveagh National Park (B)

Discover one of Ireland’s most secret and wild regions. You can for example explore Glenveagh National Park, formerly an enormous private estate of over 9,500 hectares in extent. The present-day National Park now includes elements of another large estate and has a total area of over 16,500 hectares, making it Ireland's largest. Overnight: Donegal Town area.

Day 5: Donegal - Mayo (B)

Join the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy the scenery of Ireland’s very own Surf Coast. Take the time to stop at Sliabh Liag, one of the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe providing some of the finest views from the Wild Atlantic Way. Continue towards county Mayo along the coast. Your next stop should be at Downpatrick Head. Continue towards County Mayo, your home for the night. Overnight: Mayo area.

Day 6: Connemara (B)

Travel to County Galway and visit Connemara, a land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. On its northern shore the land is harsher and more secret, with spectacular views of the Ocean and the beautiful fjord of Killary Harbour, Connemara is a real paradise for Nature lovers and those in search of strong emotions. Overnight: Mayo area.

Day 7: Mayo - Meath (B)

Leave the West coast of Ireland to return towards Dublin. On the way, get off the beaten track and discover Lough Key Forest Park, a forest park comprising of some 350 hectares of mixed woodlands, a lake and a number of islands. Continue towards county Meath and the Boyne Valley for your last night. Overnight: Meath area.

Day 8: Dublin - Departure (B)

It’s time to bid farewell – drive to Dublin Airport and return your rental car prior to your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

24/7 local operator support in Ireland
7 nights' accommodation with full Irish Breakfast
7 days' car rental, Category F-Automatic (compact Ford Focus or similar)
Ireland Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

International Airfares
Sightseeing and excursions
Meals other than those specified in Itinerary
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
Porterage
Early check in/late check out unless specified
Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
Personal Expenses
Departure taxes
Visas (unless specified)
Fuel surcharges/major currency fluctuations
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the below (or similar):

The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.

Louth

Carrickdale Hotel & Spa (4*)

Belfast/Antrim

Ramada by Wyndham Belfast (3*)

Derry

White Horse Hotel (4*)

Donegal

Mill Park Hotel (4*)

Mayo

Westport Coast (4*)

Meath

Knightsbrook Hotel (4*)

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.