The Manor Houses of Ireland Self Drive

 Priced from $2750 per person 10 days/9 Nights

• Wicklow • Cork • Cobh • Kerry • Clare • Adare

Wonderful stories of feuding dynasties, Gothic architecture, green lands, modern shopping and elegant streets all make Ireland a delight to visit! As you explore the Emerald Isle you can be sure the delightfully gregarious and generous locals will welcome you with open arms. On this independent self-drive journey, you’ll stay at charming and luxurious Manor Houses and Irish Country Hotels which will make your journey all the more memorable.

Day 1: Dublin Stay in the luxurious Brooks Hotel only a stone’s throw away from St Stephens Green and Grafton Street. Of all the things to experience in Dublin, a trip to the Guinness Storehouse and Factory is at the top of everyone’s list. But Dublin isn’t just famous for a pint of the black stuff, some of the world’s most famous writers and poets were born in Dublin and there are numerous walking tours available that will allow you to capture the thoughts of some of these writers. One of the nicest things about the city is the warm Irish welcome that you are guaranteed to receive and the sense of humour and rapport that is unique to Dubliners. We also highly recommend a visit to the Irish Emigration Museum, a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands. This was the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day.

Day 2: Dublin > Macreddin Drive south to Macreddin Village in Co. Wicklow and check in to Brooklodge Hotel & Wells Spa. This hotel is famous for its spectacular location, its luxurious spa and for ‘The Strawberry Tree’, Ireland’s only certified Wild & Organic Restaurant. The hotel is just 15 minutes from Glendalough which is located in ‘the valley of the two lakes’ and is world famous for its ‘Monastic City’ including a superb round tower.

Days 3 & 4: Macreddin > Waterford > Ballycotton Travel the south east of Ireland to Ballycotton. En route visit Waterford, the home of Waterford Crystal. Continue along the south coast of Ireland to the Bayview Hotel overlooking Ballycotton Bay, your base for the next two nights. Explore the beautiful villages of Cork and the beaches and bays of Ballycotton. The village of Cobh is also worth a trip as it has a special place in maritime history. It was from here that the Titanic left land for the final time on its fateful maiden voyage to America.

Days 5 & 6: Ballycotton > Sneem Travel to Sneem for two nights at the luxurious Parknasilla Resort & Spa. This is the perfect spot to explore Dingle, the Ring of Kerry and Kenmare. Perhaps enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through Killarney National Park or follow one of the numerous walking and cycling trails as you make your way up the surrounding hills that look down over the Killarney Lakes.

Day 7: Sneem > Tralee Continue to Ballyseede, Kerry’s only castle hotel and a real treat for any visitor. The castle has a history dating back to the 1590s and is surrounded by enchanting formal gardens. The location is ideal to explore the Dingle Peninsula and the surrounding islands off the coast. There are numerous walks and drives along the Dingle Way, each of which will give you a different perspective of this beautiful part of Kerry.

Day 8: Tralee > Lisdoonvarna As you make your way towards Clare, you will be passing through Adare, Co. Limerick, which is referred to as ‘Ireland’s prettiest village’. The thatched cottages here are a reminder of old Ireland and you will have the chance to see the ruins of some old castles and monasteries. Sheedy’s Country House Hotel is situated in the heart of the Burren and is a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher and ferry for the Aran Islands.

Day 9: Lisdoonvarna > Dublin Return to Dublin and Brooks Hotel for your final night on the Emerald Isle.

Day 10: Dublin Check out after breakfast.