Ireland Self-Drive Adventure: South Coast

Day 1 - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – one hundred thousand welcomes – to Ireland’s capital, Dublin. Upon arrival, a private transfer will provide a smooth transfer into the city to your hotel. The rest of the day can be spent exploring at a relaxed pace. Dublin reveals itself best on foot or via the LUAS, the city’s light rail system. Many key sites lie within easy reach, with the real charm found in the quiet moments between them – wandering cobbled lanes, browsing independent bookshops, or pausing for a pub lunch. The afternoon is ideal for taking in a few of the capital’s cultural landmarks.

Overnight: Dublin | The FitzWilliam Hotel - Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - The Ghosts of Kinsale

This morning, pick up your rental car and begin your journey south to the historical fishing town of Kinsale. Famous as Ireland’s gourmet capital, this vibrant harbour town offers everything from art galleries to elegant yachts. Enjoy a lively introduction to Kinsale this evening with a ghost tour led by local actors. As you stroll through its streets, encounter colourful figures of the past and uncover the stories that shaped the town’s rich and dramatic history.

Overnight: Kinsale | Actons Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Visit Charles Fort and Discover Kinsale

After breakfast, walk to the historic Charles Fort, a 17th-century military fortress that stretches across the cliffs and down to the seashore. Learn about the turbulent years of the Williamite War and hear the haunting tale of the White Lady. This afternoon, join a local guide for a delicious food tour, discovering Kinsale’s culinary delights. Return to your hotel this evening, perhaps sitting in the blooming courtyard garden to enjoy a cocktail before dinner.

Overnight: Kinsale | Actons Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Local Characters & Local Cheeses

Today’s route winds through gently rolling farmland, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s rural charm. Stop at a working buffalo dairy for an immersive farm experience, where you’ll meet a herd of Irish water buffalo and hear first-hand from farmer John about life on the land. Learn about the unique process behind buffalo farming in Ireland before enjoying a generous tasting of award-winning cheeses, all crafted on-site using the farm’s rich milk. Afterwards, continue to your luxury hotel, which is beautifully situated on the shores of Kenmare Bay.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Forage & Feast

After breakfast, head out to explore the unique environment of a temperate rainforest along the Wild Atlantic Way. Often overlooked by visitors, the wild Beara Peninsula is full of hidden valleys, rocky slopes and sheep-dotted hills. On the remote southern edge of the peninsula, meet local foraging expert Kloe, who will share her knowledge as you enjoy a foraging walk. Afterwards, gather around a campfire to enjoy a cooked lunch made from the day’s harvest. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to relax. 

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - The Skellig Islands

Today, set out by boat to explore the Skellig Islands, two striking rock pinnacles off Ireland’s southwest coast. Land on Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a three-hour visit. Here, follow a steep path to the remains of a 7th-century monastic settlement, where beehive huts still perch on the island’s dramatic slopes. Just across the water lies Little Skellig, home to over 27,000 pairs of gannets—the second-largest colony in the world. The islands are also recognised for their appearance in the Star Wars films of 2015 and 2017. Visiting the Skelligs offers a rare opportunity to step into Ireland’s early Christian past while surrounded by some of its most extraordinary coastal scenery.

Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Killarney National Park

Kerry is a rugged, mountainous country that sweeps down to the world-famous Lakes of Killarney. Here, stretching across 10,000 hectares, lies Killarney National Park, with its unforgettable tapestry of rocky mountains, deep lakes, woodlands and waterfalls. Killarney is perhaps best explored via a private boat trip. Join a local Kerryman skipper, who has been sailing these waters since childhood, for a tranquil cruise across the lakes, fringed by forests and watched over by Ireland’s highest mountains. Learn more about the region before returning to shore and checking into an independent, family-owned five-star hotel.

Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Depart

This morning, drive to Dublin or Shannon airport, drop off your rental car, and say farewell to the South West of Ireland.