The Emerald Island: Grand Tour of Ireland


	This Ireland tour is designed to acquaint visitors with the Emerald Island in all its shades: From the rolling hills and hedge-lined fields in the interior to the rugged coastlines and remote islands with their tiny fishing villages. Emphasis is also placed on culture: medieval castles and monasteries reflect Ireland’s eventful past, lively pubs and modern cities its dynamic present.				17 days USD 2,579.00¹ EUR 1,890.00 Recommended travel period: April – October

1st day: Waterford

		You arrive at the airport in Dublin.

		Rental car pick-up Type: Opel Astra or similar Pick-up location: Dublin Airport		Duration of rental: 17 days

		To southern Ireland Distance: 180 km Travel time: 2:30 h more ... The leg will take you south along the coast. The route leads past the Irish National Heritage Park near Wexford, an open air museum that traces 9,000 years of Irish history from the Stone Age to the Viking invasions to the early Christian period. The museum is definitely worth a stop if time allows.

Tranquil surroundings: A country house near Waterford

Accommodation: A country manor house
The fomer residence of the Chichester family is set in 200 acres of landscaped gardens in County Wexford. The tranquil grounds, the elegant decor and the warm welcome will make you feel at home from the start. Exclusive spa facilities designed by well-being experts from London were added to the hotel in 2005 to enhance the luxurious environment. The restaurant has won numerous awards thanks to the extraordinary culinary creations of master chef Kevin Dundon. The bedrooms represent a unique synthesis of Victorian style and modern comfort.

1 night
Bed & Breakfast

		Waterford more info »

2nd day: Cork

		Blarney, Kinsale Distance: 150 km Travel time: 3:00 h more ... Two interesting towns near Cork are worth a detour: Blarney, famous for its castle with the Kissing Stone (allegedly gives the "gift of gab" to anyone who kisses it) and an old mill converted into an Irish crafts centre; and Kinsale, an ancient resort known for its gourmet restaurants and colourful 18th century architecture.

Former rectory: A Georgian manor house

Accommodation: A 17th century rectory
Since Gillian and her daughter moved into the old rectory in Ballinadee, the Georgian manor house has been brought back to life. The clear lines of the country home dating back to 1690 are now accented by bold colours. The front door, for example, is painted a different colour every year. The exceptional qualities of the building are matched by the hospitality of hostess Gillian, who personally sees to the comfort of each guest and prides herself on the lavish breakfasts served. Guests can relax in the lounge with the old piano or in the well-tended garden containing subtropical plants.

1 night
Bed & Breakfast

		Cobh more info »

3rd day: Bantry

		The coast of southern Ireland Distance: 130 km Travel time: 2:00 h more ... The leg leads around the southern tip of Ireland, which enjoys a mild climate due to the Gulf Stream.

Church-like dining room: Hotel overlooking Dunmanus Bay

A country house overlooking Dunmanus Bay
The property is surrounded by over 4 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens on the tip of Dunmanus Bay. The house and terrace afford magnificent views of the bay and the rolling green hills of southwest Ireland. A widely known feature of the Georgian mansion is the restaurant in the church-like dining room with its high beams. Meats are flame-cooked over a wood-burning grill. Meals are served in the adjoining conservatory on pleasant summer evenings - a common occurrence in the region thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream.

1 night
Bed & Breakfast

		Garinish Island more info »

4th day: Killorglin

		Ring of Kerry Distance: 200 km Travel time: 4:00 h more ... The Ring of Kerry is one of the most spectacular coastal routes in Ireland. It leads around the edge of Iveragh Peninsula with its rugged coastlines, barren moorlands and steep cliffs. A number of idyllic fishing villages line the route. To avoid the heavy tourist traffic in the summer, we recommend starting out early. Tourist busses will usually be travelling in the opposite direction.

Like a painting: View from a hideaway on the Ring of Kerry

Stunning scenery away from it all: A former hunting lodge

Accommodation: A hunting lodge on the shores of Caragh Lake
The Victorian residence was originally built in 1850 for use as a hunting lodge by Lord Brockett. Today it is one of the most renowned "hideaways" in Ireland and has attracted numerous nature-lovers, adventurers and poets to its doors. The property sits on an isolated spot directly on the shore of Caragh Lake. Guests cherish the clean air, the beautiful gardens framed by natural green woodlands and the gorgeous views of the Kerry Mountains across the lake.

Possible activities include hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, fishing and sailing, or just relaxing in front of the fireplace in the lounge with a good book. The critically acclaimed restaurant is regarded by many as one of the best in Ireland.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Killarney more info »

6th day: Dingle

		To Dingle Peninsula Distance: 70 km Travel time: 1:00 h more ... The short drive follows the southern coast of the Dingle Peninsula.

On the shores of Dingle Bay: A luxury guesthouse

Accommodation: A luxury guesthouse on Dingle Bay
The modern 4-star hotel on the southern coast of the Dingle Peninsula is only a 10-minute walk from the Dingle town centre. All 12 bedrooms are large, bright and furnished to the highest standard. Several superb golf courses are located in the vicinity. The vibrant town of Dingle offers a surprising array of pubs and restaurants, many of which feature live music. The luxurious guesthouse makes an excellent base for exploring the Dingle Peninsula.

1 night
Bed & Breakfast

		Dingle more info »

7th day: Cliffs of Moher

		Cliffs of Moher Distance: 200 km Travel time: 4:00 h more ... Travellers should allow time for a leisurely drive along the western coast. The route will lead along the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular section of coastline that is considered one of Ireland top scenic attractions. A car ferry will take you across the estuary from Tarbert to Killimer. The ferry leaves every hour at half-past the hour during the off season and every 30 minutes from mid-May to the end of September. The trip takes about a quarter of an hour and costs € 15. No reservation is necessary.

Award-winning guesthouse off the Aran Islands

Accommodation: A country house off the Aran Islands
The award-winning guesthouse is located in the picturesque fishing village of Doolin in County Clare, the birthplace of Irish folklore music. The oldest part of the building served as a farm cottage in the 19th century. Following its refurbishment in 2004 the inn was awarded a 5 diamond rating by the AA. Each of the comfortable rooms is equipped with a marble spa or Jacuzzi. The lavish breakfast offers something for every appetite, such as pancakes, fresh Atlantic fish, omelettes and fruit. The location is perfect for exploring the Cliffs of Moher, Burren National Park and the Aran Islands.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Aran Islands more info »

9th day: Galway

		Around Galway Bay Distance: 100 km Travel time: 2:00 h more ... The leg leads around Galway Bay to the town of the same name, situated on the mouth of the River Corrib. The quaint west coast community has benefited particularly well from the economic boom that Ireland has enjoyed in recent years.

Idyllic setting: A lodge on the shores of Lough Corrib

Accommodation: A lodge by the shores of Lough Corrib
The elegant early Victorian mansion is set in 180 acres of parkland on the shores of idyllic Lough Corrib. The informal country atmosphere and unpretentious hospitality enable guests to relax and feel at home from the moment they enter the door. The 15 bedrooms have enchanting views of the lake or mountains. Guests can relax in any of three drawing rooms equipped with rows of book-filled shelves. The generous breakfast buffet is laid out on the dining room sideboard each morning, and a five-course - highly recommended - dinner is available in the evening.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Connemara more info »

11th day: Ballina

		Croagh Patrick Distance: 250 km Travel time: 3:00 h more ... The route via Westport on Clew Bay is worth a short detour. If time and fitness allow, a walk to the summit of Croagh Patrick to enjoy the view of Clew Bay is recommended (753 m, 2,500 ft). At the top of the popular pilgrimage site is a chaple dedicated to St. Patrick, who is said to have fasted on top of the mountain for 40 days.

From Coast Guard to convent: The Star of the Sea

Accommodation: The "Star of the Sea"
The property was built in 1854 as the regional headquarters of the Coast Guard, then served as convent before being converted into a guesthouse in 2002. The members of the Coast Guard required clear, unimpeded views of the sea, one of the many features valued by the hotel's guests today. The Sisters of Mercy gave the building its current name, "Stella Maris," in 1914 and used it as the village schoolhouse. It was the centre of community life for local residents in the 1960s, the site of countless baptisms, weddings and even funerals. The venerable property was converted into a small, charming hotel around the millennium and has since won several awards, including being named "Hideaway of the Year" in 2006. Besides the stunning views of the Atlantic, guests appreciate the attentive service, elegant furnishings and highly rated restaurant.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Céide Fields more info »

13th day: Donegal

		Via Sligo Distance: 150 km Travel time: 2:00 h more ... The route northeastwards along the Atlantic Coast leads past Sligo. The town where the poet Yeats grew up is worth a stop.

Accommodation: A country estate near Donegal
The 150-year-old manor house is tucked away in the rolling hills of Donegal near the border to Northern Ireland. Beautiful beaches, spectacular cliffs and Irish folk music in the pubs of Donegal are all within easy reach. The bedrooms in the main house with their high ceilings and open fireplaces offer a pleasant country house atmosphere. The bedrooms in the older building, the 350-year-old Coach House, successfully combine Georgian charm with modern comfort. The onsite restaurant specializes in Irish and Belgian cuisine, as reflected in many breakfast and dinner items as well as in the wine card. Possible activities include playing golf, hiking (or strolling) on marked paths, exploring the nearby Blue Stack Mountains, enjoying folks music in Donegal, or just relaxing over a pint of Belgian beer.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Lough Erne more info »

15th day: Dublin

		Via Newgrange Distance: 260 km Travel time: 4:00 h more ... The route leads past Newgrange, the famous, 5,000-year-old tomb that is considered the cradle of Irish culture.

Award-winning restaurant: A hotel overlooking the harbour

Accommodation: A hotel on the harbour
The most famous feature of this harbour hotel is its critically acclaimed restaurant specializing in fresh seafood dishes. The property located in the quaint fishing village of Howth offers stunning panoramic views of Balscadden Bay. Since an extensive renovation of the building in 1999, the facility now offers eight comfortable guest rooms in addition to the famous restaurant. The individually decorated bedrooms are named after lighthouses in the region. The city centre of Dublin is an easy 30-minute ride away from this serene location on a local commuter train.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Dublin more info »

17th day: Dublin

		Rental car drop-off Drop-off location: Dublin Airport

		Departure

Rental car: AVIS (Ireland)

Type: Opel Astra or similar (Group B)

Equipment: Air-conditioning, radio/CD

Maximum excess : EUR1200 + VAT (standard cover)

Cost of this tour

The price is per person based on two persons sharing a double room and includes accommodations (meals included as stated above) and rental car.

USD 2,579.00¹
EUR 1,890.00

Should you want to revise this itinerary, we can change any of the following items: the route, the number of persons travelling, the time schedule, the standard of accommodation and the type of vehicle, according to your wishes.

The tour can begin on any date desired.
Recommended travel period: April – October

Upon booking this tour you will receive:

the names, addresses and telephone numbers

for each accommodation

detailed directions to each accommodation

vouchers

If you have any questions, would like to request changes or book this tour, please call your personal consultant Dr. Jerry Crippen on +49 (0)2268 9098-21 or submit an enquiry via the Internet:

17 days

Recommended
travel period:
April – October

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Ireland Tours

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Ireland Package: Dublin and the West Coast

EUR 1,130.00¹ – 11 days

Western Ireland Tour: From Connemara to the Ring of Kerry

EUR 1,520.00¹ – 14 days

1) Price per person based on two people sharing a double room, flights not included. Prices may vary by season and due to differences in available services. All tours are sold in euros. Prices indicated in other currencies are for informational purposes only and may vary in accordance with changes in exchange rates.

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