Ireland South - Self Drive Sample Itinerary

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 journey into the city and onwards to the hotel. The rest of the day offers time to explore 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. The drive takes us to the historical fishing town of Kinsale. Famous as the gourmet capital of Ireland, this colourful town is brimming with activity from art galleries to elegant yachts. This evening, enjoy a unique introduction to the town via a ghost tour led by local actors. Learn about Kinsale’s vibrant history while meeting the colourful characters of Kinsale’s past as they come alive during an entertaining evening stroll through Kinsale.

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 which 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 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

The journey today takes us across rolling farmlands with stunning pastoral scenes. Stop at a working Buffalo dairy farm for an immersive tour and tasting, and get up close and personal with a herd of Irish Buffalo! Meet the herd, chat about all things agriculture with John, and finish with a spectacular tasting session of some fine Irish cheese, made right there on the farm.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Forage & Feast

Experience the unique environment of a temperate rainforest valley and bay along the Wild Atlantic Way. Often overlooked by visitors, the Beara Peninsula is a hidden gem of hidden valleys, rocky slopes and sheep-dotted hills. Meet local foraging expert Kloe, who will share her knowledge on the remote southern edge of the peninsula as you forage through its wild landscape. Afterwards, gather around a campfire to enjoy a cooked lunch made from the day’s harvest.

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 an expanse of 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 combination of mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls. Historic manor houses and abbeys make for an interesting visit, but Killarney is best explored via a private boat trip with a Kerryman skipper who has been sailing these lakes since he was a child with his family. Cruise the tranquil lakes with one of the most spectacular backdrops imaginable as you are overlooked by Ireland’s highest mountain peaks.

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.