Live Like a Lord - Self Drive

Regular price: $2,640.00
Sale price: $2,640.00

Class

Travel Date

Room Type

Quantity

Self-Drive Holiday with pre-booked Manor House accommodation

8 Days ex Dublin

Departs Daily, year round

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)

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day self-drive adventure through Ireland, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come to life. Lord it over your peers staying in elegant manor house properties as you journey from the vibrant streets of Dublin to the lively city of Galway, the wild beauty of Connemara, the otherworldly Burren, and the stunning Dingle Peninsula. Explore ancient ruins, dramatic coastlines, and charming villages at your own pace, soaking in the magic of Ireland’s rugged west. With stays in historic settings, this trip offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, ensuring an authentic and memorable Irish experience.

Highlights:

Explore some of Dublin’s fine Museums and Galleries
Visit Dublinia at Christchurch, which brings the turbulent History of medieval Dublin to life

and 16th Century Trinity College, founded by Elizabeth 1
Experience Galway with its Spanish influences
Visit the Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain

scenery
Visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey
Embark on a 2-to-3-hour boat trip around the nine main Basket Islands
Wander around the medieval city of Limerick

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Dublin

Welcome to Dublin! Pick up your car and head to your castle hotel near Dublin. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring this vibrant and historic capital city with its many historic buildings, Georgian streets and colourful gardens. Your first night is spent in a castle in the Dublin area. Overnight in Co. Dublin.

Day 2: Dublin City (B)

Visit some of Dublin’s cultural attractions. Visit Dublinia at Christchurch, which brings the turbulent history of medieval Dublin vividly to life. Stop by the 16th Century Trinity College, founded by Elizabeth 1, and now home to the famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells. Don’t forget about the Guinness Storehouse for a tasting of this world famous ‘black stuff” before you return to your hotel. Overnight in Co. Dublin.

Day 3: Galway and Clifden (B)

Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland pastures. Visit Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, the magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere. Arrive at Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences in the city are many. Continue to the Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery and on to Clifden where you shall be staying in the wonderful Abbeyglen Castle which has a panoramic view of Clifden. Overnight in Co. Galway.

Day 4: Connemara (B)

Explore Connemara National Park, where Connemara ponies and Irish red deer roam freely through 5,000 acres of scenic mountains, bogs and grassland. You can also visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey - a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop. Take a scenic drive through Leenane where you have an option to board the Sea Cruise through Killary Fjord. Another night will be spent in Abbeyglen Castle. Overnight in Co. Galway.

Day 5: Connemara and Clare (B)

Travel south to Clare, known as the “land of castles”. Travel on through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile-long cliff, which rises almost 200m above sea level. Stop in the heritage town of Kilrush, before boarding a ferry to Tarbert (ferry not included) in north County Kerry. Travel on to the hotel for overnight. Overnight Co. Kerry.

Day 6: The Dingle Peninsula (B)

Tour the Dingle Peninsula before arriving in Dunquin, on the westernmost tip of the peninsula, where you can visit the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre. Weather permitting you can embark on a 2-to-3-hour boat trip around the nine main Basket Islands. Return to the hotel for the night. Overnight in Co. Kerry.

Day 7: Limerick - Dublin (B)

Drive to the medieval city of Limerick, either exploring its history and architecture or purchasing some of the splendid crafts on offer. Why not visit the Hunt Museum, an exhibition of one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities. Leave Limerick and travel eastwards towards Straffan in Co. Kildare. Visit the imposing Rock of Cashel which rises dramatically from the flat countryside. Continue through rich pastures of Ireland’s midlands before arriving in Kildare for your overnight in Barberstown Castle, a 13th century castle, located in the heart of the horse-breeding county of Kildare. Overnight in Co. Kildare.

Day 8: Departure (B)

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

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

7 nights’ accommodation in Manor House properties with full Irish breakfast daily
7 days automatic car rental, Category F-compact Ford Focus (or similar)
24/7 local operator support in Ireland
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):

Dublin

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

Galway

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Kerry

Parknasilla Resort

Kildare

Barberstown Castle Hotel

Visa/Entry Requirements
Visa and entry requirements can change without prior notice, and it is the traveller's responsibility to secure necessary visas for all countries visiting. Prior to travel, ensure you verify the latest entry requirements for each country on your itinerary by consulting with your local embassy/consulate, or your travel agent/broker.

***Important Notice*** With effect from 8 January 2025, non-European visitors to the UK from visa-exempt countries will now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This applies to travellers who do not already have a visa or permission to stay in the UK. It does not guarantee entry.

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.