Ireland: Family Self Drive Adventure

Day 1 - Go West

Collecting your rental car today, you will hit the road west, allowing the rolling green hills and picture-perfect pastures of Ireland’s midlands to unfold before you. We’ll recommend plenty of places to stop along the way so that there are lots of opportunities for everyone to stretch their legs. Ireland is “the land of the horse” and we know the perfect stop where you can learn about the country’s equestrian heritage and meet some of the world’s finest racehorses. History lovers will enjoy the Rock of Cashel – an imposing hilltop ruin that was the ancient home to the Kings of Munster. You will spend the next few nights at a coastal hotel that has plenty of onsite activities – paddle out on the in-house kayaks, walk their many trails or relax in the pool and spa.

Overnight: 4 star | Parknasilla Resort | Sneem

Day 2 - South Kerry Adventure

We will arrange a guided adventure for you today. Meeting a local seaweed forager and storyteller for the morning, explore a hidden beach, spotting shrimp and crabs in tidal pools and getting a first-hand introduction to the many edible seaweeds that grow on the wild Kerry coast. Hear stories of hermit monks, smugglers and one of Ireland’s great national heroes, who’s boyhood home is just around the corner. If seaweed isn’t your thing, how about a bit of fishing in the bay and a family cookery lesson where you learn to make your own ceviche and sushi?

Overnight: 4 star | Parknasilla Resort | Sneem (B)

Day 3 - The Skellig Ring

As your hotel is located along the world-famous Ring of Kerry, we can offer our best recommendations of places to visit that are within easy reach of your hotel. Our favourite, however, is the Skellig Ring. This little detour off the tourist route is worth it for the views across to the Skellig Islands where part of the most recent Star Wars trilogy was filmed. If a day trip is the plan, then include a visit to Valentia Island – here you can find dinosaur footprints and explore the lighthouse perched on the edge of a rocky peninsula.

Overnight: 4 star | Parknasilla Resort | Sneem (B)

Day 4 - Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park really is the jewel in Kerry’s crown. Killarney may be a popular spot, but today you will meet one of our guides who will make sure you discover parts of Killarney that most people miss. Your activity will be tailored to your family’s interests and abilities. You could find yourselves in a traditional wooden boat crossing the Lakes of Killarney or in a horse-drawn carriage trotting through the magical valley that is the Gap of Dunloe. One of the best ways to discover Killarney’s secrets is on foot, and your guide can lead you on an off-the-beaten-path hike that takes in lush green valleys and heathery hilltops. Check in at your castle hotel this evening where we’ve arranged a lavish afternoon tea fit for royalty.

Overnight: 4 star | Ballyseede Castle | Tralee (B)

Day 5 - Wildlife Spotting

Dingle is the very best of Ireland distilled into one peninsula – think grazing sheep, golden sand beaches, windswept mountains and crashing ocean waves. This is Europe’s most westerly point and a great place for wildlife spotting. You will head out today in the company of an experienced skipper who will introduce you to some of the coastline’s wildlife. This is one of Ireland’s best whale watching locations – if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the many species of whale that swim these waters. Dolphins and basking sharks are also regular visitors. This evening you have a treat in store – tickets to Ireland’s National Folk Theatre for an evening of traditional Irish music and dance.

Overnight: 4 star | Ballyseede Castle | Tralee (B)

Day 6 - The Dingle Peninsula

After yesterday’s water-based adventure, today you will travel at your own pace or simply relax back at your hotel. We’ll offer our recommendations of places to explore on the Dingle Peninsula. Perhaps you might visit a sheep farm to watch firsthand as the farmer herds their sheep with one of their clever collie dogs – you may even bottle feed a tiny lamb! Visit ancient churches, 5,000 year old tombs and drive some of the most beautiful roads in Ireland as you explore Slea Head. We recommend stopping for some fish ‘n’ chips on the way back to base – cooked using freshly caught fish straight from the boats in Dingle harbour.

Overnight: 4 star | Ballyseede Castle | Tralee (B)

Day 7 - Depart

This morning you can head back to Dublin or onto Shannon Airport or Kerry Airport on the west coast. And of course, we will offer plenty of recommendations to break up your journey. (B)