Strong Travel – Ireland Southwest Self Drive V2

Day 1 - Thursday 19^th September - Arrival in Ireland

Arriving in to Dublin airport this morning, pick up your rental car and make your way outside of the city. Westmeath, located in the heart of Ireland, is a county steeped in history, and offers offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Athlone sits on the banks of the River Shannon and is known for its historic castle, bustling streets, and lively atmosphere. Nearby, the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise stands as a testament to Westmeath’s rich heritage, with its iconic round tower and intricately carved crosses drawing visitors from near and far.

Driving time: 1hr 27 mins

Overnight: Glasson Lakehouse
Room Type: x1 lakeview delxue
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Friday 20^th September - Killary Fjord & Connemara National Park

Making your way further west this morning, as you head in to the expanses of Connemara. Start your Wild Atlantic Way self drive trip off with a treat, feasting your eyes upon the breathtaking shores of one of Ireland’s only three fjords. Once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde, explore the wild, windswept region. Stops include a sheep farm and a neo-gothic abbey before hiking in the Connemara National Park.

Overnight: Clifden | The Ardagh
Room Type: Standard Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 3 - Saturday 21^st September - Connemara & A Pirate’s Island

Explore the ancient mysteries of Connemara with a local archeologist who will bring the landscape, traditions and mythology of the region alive. Our route takes us to a hauntingly beautiful island where you’ll hear tales of pirates and invasions. Be sure to taste some of the spectacular local seafood in an idyllic island pub. Back on the mainland this evening, we recommend heading into one of the towns lively pubs.

Overnight: Clifden | The Ardagh
Room Type: Standard Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Sunday 22^nd September - Galway City’s Colourful Centre

With its cobbled pavement and street performers, Galway is the west coast’s most vibrant urban centre and a great place to visit. As you continue your adventure south, visit such places as botanical perfumeries, perfectly preserved historic cottages complete with thatched roofs and turf fires or short hikes to breathe some of Europe’s freshest air right off the Atlantic!

Overnight: Doolin | Fiddle & Bow
Room Type: Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Monday 23^rd September - The Burren National Park

The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy – and on your guided hike through this other-worldly region, it’s easy to see why! Home to a plethora of unique wildflowers, you will learn about the human history of the area dating back thousands of years.

*Optional Upgrade: join a local farming couple for a tour of The Burren, wrapped up with a farm-sourced home cooked lunch in their farm house.

Overnight: Doolin | Fiddle & Bow
Room Type: Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Tuesday 24^th September - Kenmare via Killarney National Park

This morning you’ll make your way further south to the the charming town of Kenmare – a hidden gem on the southwest coast of Ireland. En route, you’ll stop at Killarney National Park,  the most famous of Ireland’s national parks – and with good reason! Discover some of Killarney’s most breathtaking mountains, lakes and waterfalls. Historic manor houses and abbeys makes for an interesting visit but Killarney is best explored via its beautiful looped forested and mountain hikes or by heading out onto the lakes of Killarney in a traditional boat.

*Torc Waterfall is located just outside of Killarney National Park

Overnight: Kenmare | Lansdowne Hotel
Room Type: Super Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Wednesday 25^th September - The Ring of Kerry & Kerry Coast

Into the southern part of the Ring of Kerry, the landscape becomes wilder and more rugged. At a secluded bay, join a foraging and foodie expert for a seaweed discovery and tasting walk to uncover the Kerry coast’s edible gems. Together, discover how to sustainably harvest these sea plants, learning how they earned their reputation as a super-food. Enjoy a few nibbles of seaweed yourself, including the flavoursome variety, Duilleasc, which sustained the monks on Skellig Island, the rock pinnacles rising dramatically from the sea on the horizon, or Nori, the famous Sushi roll wrapping.

Overnight: Kenmare | Lansdowne Hotel
Room Type: Super Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Thursday 26^th September - The Beara Peninsula

The least visited of Kerry’s peninsulas, the Beara Peninsula is wonderfully wild. Along the way to an even wilder mountain pass, opt for the scenic rather than most direct route south which brings you to a paradisal island garden or even head over to an island accessed only by cable car.

*optional upgrade: a hike with an expert hiking guide

Overnight: Kenmare | The Lansdowne
Room Type: Super Twin Room

Day 9 - Friday 27^th September - Kenmare to Dublin

Dublin, Ireland’s capital has been described as the ‘city with a village feel’  and as you explore its cobbled streets and historical monuments it will be easy to see why. Dublin is best explored on foot or using public transport such as the LUAS, our light rail system. Many of Dublin’s highlights are within walking distance and indeed you will discover it is in the act of wandering from one to another where you will soak up Dublin’s authentic atmosphere.

Overnight: Dublin | The Wilder Townhouse
Room Type: Popular Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Saturday 28^th September - Departure from Dublin

After a leisurely breakfast in your Dublin townhouse, make your way to the airport in your own time to drop off your car in preparation for your return flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast