An old horse-drawn cart is transformed into a floral display in County Kerry
Day 1:
Arrival at Dublin International Airport
Dublin (1)
You're met by James, your driver and guide at the airport. We travel about half an hour to the southern side of the city where rooms at a lovely, quiet Bed and Breakfast will have been arranged for your extra early check-in. You have breakfast (skip the awful one on the plane!) and then you get horizontal for a few hours. You'll need it. Trust us, after leading more than 300 tours in my career, to try and hit the ground running is a mistake which will cost you several days of exhaustion.
Later, we venture into the city center for some low-impact sightseeing. Of course visiting a pub will be of the utmost importance! We have dinner in our suburb at the local pub, within walking distance of our B&B.
Days 2 and 3:
Dublin and Cashel (2)
We see the ancient hand illustrated Book of Kells and Trinity College this morning. James likes to hire the local student guides, they're funny and informative. We leave Dublin around lunchtime, heading up into the hills for lunch at Ireland's highest and perhaps most atmospheric pub. The pub was voted "Top 10 Best Seafood Chowders of Ireland" by our last clients who visited Ireland with James. See if you agree!
After lunch we roll down to County Tipperary for a two-night stay in Cashel, once the seat of the Kings of Munster (a part of ancient Ireland) and the site of one of the most impressive castle and cathedral ruins in Ireland. The "Rock of Cashel" is a "Wow" factor whether at the last few minutes of the day or at night when it is illuminated.
We will explore this ancient monastery near Cashel
Two nights in a small boutique hotel in the center of Cashel. There are numerous pubs and good places to eat within easy walking distance.
Our hotel in Cashel
Making friends on the Ring of Kerry
Days 4, 5 and 6:
County Kerry and Kenmare (3)
We head south with a stop in Cobh, former Queenstown. This was the departure point for more than 2 million Irish who emigrated during the famine years. There is a good museum dedicated to this part of history, plus a mass grave for the victims of the Lusitania, which sank not far from here.
The famous "Rock of Cashel," one of the oldest religious and power centers in Ireland with the
best-preserved ancient chapel on the island
After lunch in Cobh we head for County Kerry, the prettiest county (in our opinion) in Ireland. We stay three nights in a gracious B&B hosted by a lovely, warm family. Maura is a chef who prepares the most excellent breakfasts. Tom keeps the fire burning in the comfy lounge night and day in the colder months. This is a place you will absolutely not want to leave, ever.
Picture yourself here
During our time here, explore the Ring of Kerry, high cliffs, sweeping vistas and the lesser-known but equally stunning Ring of Beara on the peninsula by the same name. Plenty of low and higher impact hiking opportunities for those who are interested.
Enjoy luxury breakfast at most of our B&Bs
Days 7 and 8:
County Kerry, Dingle (2)
We travel up to the Dingle Peninsula for two nights in Ireland's westernmost town. Colorful Dingle is a mecca for live pub music, great food and super views. Get to know the locals, eat wonderful food (Dingle is one of the culinary capitals of Ireland) and walk it all off in the surrounding landscape.
We stay in a modern B&B with sweeping views over Dingle Bay and the town. Pubs and restaurants are within an easy walk.
We stay in a modern B&B with sweeping views over Dingle Bay and the town. Pubs and restaurants are within an easy walk.
Gorgeous scenery on the Dingle Peninsula
Day 9:
County Clare, Bunratty (1)
Your final night in Ireland is spent in the crossroads
hamlet of Bunratty, which is just a crossroads really, but which features Ireland's best castle and folk park. See how the Irish lived 100 or more years ago in small cottages faithfully recreated and staffed by helpful people who tell you stories of daily life. Those who don't mind a lot of stairs can tour the excellent castle and later, have your farewell to Ireland dinner at a pub right next to our B&B.
Water, water everywhere in Ireland
Day 10:
Departure from Shannon International Airport
The airport is only 10 minutes away. James drops you off and wishes you fair winds and following seas until the next time.
YOUR PRIVATE TOUR IN IRELAND
Total days away from home: 11 Interested in my "Best of Ireland" 10-day tour?
Special Offer for 2020:
Includes:
- Lodging in fine quality B&Bs and small hotels with luxury breakfasts in most of them
- Transportation by SUV or minivan with three seated in the back seat and one up front
- Minimal packing requirement due to space limitations, opportunity to do laundry in Kenmare midway through trip so you only need to pack for 5 days
- Fuel, tolls, parking, cost of the rental vehicle
- James' fee and his logistical costs from Germany to Ireland and back
- Incredible scenery, off the beaten track places, friendly hosts and unforgettable fun
Not included:
Airfare, lunches and dinners and trip insurance
This trip is limited to no more than four persons.
This trip can be for just two, as well.
Prices happily supplied without obligation.
Offered whenever I have a gap in my calendar. If this does not work for you in 2019 then perhaps it will another year.
