2026 Irish Legends Self-Drive - 10 Days/9 Nights

Your tour begins at Dunboyne Castle Hotel, a Georgian mansion built in 1764, with 21 acres of gardens in historic County Meath. The local area is rich in historic activities to choose from or just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Dine in your hotel this evening. (D)

Discover its fascinating architectural heritage by taking a walk down the Medieval Mile along the city’s main street; see its 13th-century cathedral and its grand castle, built by the Anglo-Normans in 1195. (B)

One notable fact about the port of New Ross is that it’s the port from which Patrick Kennedy, the great-grandfather of President John F. Kennedy, departed for America; JFK returned to New Ross and gave a memorable address from the quay in 1963. Return to Kilkenny to dine in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Along the way you might stop in Cobh, a charming harbor town that was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912. Condé Nast recently named it as one of the 25 most beautiful small towns in Europe, praising “its rows of candy-colored homes along the water and towering cathedral standing sentry over the harbor.” Millions of emigrants left that harbor in the 19th and 20th centuries, when it was the main point of embarkation for ships going to America. Perhaps you’ll visit the Cobh Heritage Centre to explore this fascinating history. You might then choose to proceed on to visit Blarney Castle, climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous stone and earn the legendary gift of the gab, or simply stroll through the gardens. Head on to the friendly town of Killarney, where you will dine in your hotel. (B, D) 

Then go to discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula as you drive along the south shore to admire views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. Browse around the town of Dingle. Or you may choose to explore the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s best-known scenic drive. Dine independently this evening and return to your hotel in Killarney. (B)

On a clear day you can see great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Continue on to Galway, where your hotel is on the promenade in the seaside suburb of Salthill; there are many lively pubs nearby or you may choose to explore the buzzing city of Galway, with its street performers, medieval buildings, and charming shops. Dine in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

You can book online with Aran Island Ferries and get the ferry from Galway City to get to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. These austere, rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintain traditional fishing and farming methods, and who still speak the Irish language. You might choose to hike or hire a bike at the pier to cycle to Dun Aengus, a huge Iron Age fortress perched on sheer cliffs above the Atlantic; it was described by a 19th-century archaeologist as “the most magnificent barbaric monument extant in Europe”. There are a variety of tours available if you’d prefer to be driven around the island. Explore Kilronan, the island’s small main village – it’s a good spot to enjoy a casual lunch before returning by ferry, and then on back to Salthill for the evening. (B)

Along the way, you might stop in Athlone, where you might choose to have lunch in one of the many restaurants and cafes in the center of town and perhaps visit Sean’s Bar for a drink, as thirsty patrons have for centuries. This pub has a documented history going back to 900 AD – and is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest pub in Europe. During renovations in 1970, ancient walls and old coins dating back centuries were discovered. Head on to Dublin for the evening, where you will enjoy dinner and a lively show of traditional entertainment at the Abbey Tavern in the seaside suburb of Howth. (B, D)

Your Hop-On, Hop-Off bus ticket also gives you admission to the Little Museum of Dublin, an old Georgian townhouse with a fantastic collection of 5,000 objects telling the story of the city. Plus, you will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions