Touring Ireland: Dublin & Southern Highlights from £665pp for 8nts

Designed to combine Ireland’s highlights with special places to stay and hidden gems sought out by McKinlay Kidd, this holiday takes you from the bustle and sophistication of Dublin to the dramatic coastlines, lakes and mountains of the West Coast of Southern Ireland. En route, you will have time to explore the Curragh and National Stud, and stop off in Cashel, following in the footsteps of the Queen’s visit.

Day One - Dublin

You start with three nights in Dublin, just about enough time to explore the city, based in our hand-picked accommodation, conveniently located within easy reach of the city centre.

What to see and do in Dublin

Once home to literary greats such as James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, the city of Dublin boasts an abundance of Georgian architecture, as well as cosy bars and lots of great restaurants. Enjoy them all by walking in the area around Merrion Square and St Stephen’s Green. Wander into Trinity College, and seek out the stunning Book of Kells, the 1,200 year old illuminated manuscript. For a complete contrast, head to the Guinness Storehouse and sample the national drink in its historic homeland. Pay a visit to one or both of the city cathedrals, cross the Liffey on the Ha'penny bridge and visit the GPO, site of the famous 1916 Easter Rising. Take in the Dublin Writers Museum, or catch an Irish play at the Abbey Theatre. We’ll provide recommendations for tours, bars and restaurants to help you make the most of every moment.

Your hotel in Dublin

Enjoy the best of both worlds in this welcoming guest house. Comprising two imposing Georgian townhouses, it is situated in a remarkably peaceful leafy avenue just to the South of Dublin city centre. Yet you are just a short walk from St Stephen’s Green, a pint or two of Guinness in a local bar, or a delicious meal in one of Dublin’s many fine restaurants.

We can also offer a choice fo 4 or 5 star hotels for this holiday - ask us for a quotation.

Day Four - to Kerry

Your self-drive Irish holiday today follows part of the route taken by the Queen past Kildare, the Curragh and Cashel. Whether you have a strong interest in horses or not, we’d recommend a stop at the National Stud to admire past champions, to stretch your legs in the beautiful Japanese gardens, or simply to enjoy some refreshments and gift shopping. Continue your journey to Cashel, where it is worth a short detour to visit the Rock of Cashel, with its dramatic, ruined chapel and well-preserved round tower. Your destination is the far West coast, in county Kerry.

Your hotel in Kerry

Right by the water’s edge, and far from the madding crowds of tourist hotspots such as Kilkenny, this idyllic spot offers the perfect relaxing base from which to explore the Ring of Kerry. Or, if you are anything like us, you might just decide to spend your time wandering in the 14 acres of wooded and landscaped grounds, and splashing about in the little rowing boat in search of basking seals. It’s impossible not to be captivated by the gorgeous views, the elegant statues and the swaying palm trees. Rooms are simple yet spacious, split between two buildings with quirky art deco, 1950s and 1960s touches. Your hosts welcome you into their home, and will make every effort to ensure that you see the best of the local area. Light suppers are available on request, or take a short drive into Sneem or Kenmare for a choice of restaurants.

Day Five - Things to see & do in Kerry

Many will take this chance to drive the famous Ring of Kerry, the 120 mile circular drive and one of the country's most popular tourist trails. Although busy, there are plenty of options to avoid most of the crowds and still enjoy the open views of the mountains, coast and islands of the area. Weather permitting, the boat trip to view the dramatic island monastery ay Skellig Michael is highly recommended and there are also plenty of walking trails around.

Day Six - to Clare

Turning north you cross the Shannon by ferry and reach County Clare, where the true influence of the Atlantic Ocean begins to be felt.  Your next family-run establishment is in the colourful and historic village of Lisdoonvarna, on the edge of the remarkable “Burren.”

Your Hotel

Built in 1860 this country inn - now a destination for food lovers from all over Ireland - has a wealth of old world charm and character, with open log fires, a walled garden and 14 en-suite bedrooms all with views of the surrounding countryside. Recently transformed by a renowned chef and his wife this place offers all the intimacy, charm and service of a family run establishment. Reasonably priced good quality food, and comfortable rooms with stripped floors and rustic furniture, makes this award-winning inn the ideal base for touring the Burren.

Exploring County Clare

You are within a short drive of the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, stretching 5 miles along the coast, at a height of over 200 meters above sea level, with often breathtaking views, or head inland to explore the almost mystical landscape of The Burren, almost 100 square miles of limestone pavement, rich with ancient history, cave systems and unique flora. We can arrange local guide to help you decipher the wonders of this unique area.

Day Seven - to County Galway

For the final leg of your self-drive tour, pass Galway City and head to the west and the mountains, loughs  and coastline of Connemara, where you will once again stay right by the sea, just beyond the traditional village of Clifden.

Day Eight - Connemara

Connemara - one of the last true wild areas of Ireland - is a broad peninsula to the west of Galway city and is bounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean. Its name derives from "Conmhaicne Mara" (meaning: descendants of Con Mhac, of the sea). With dramatic coastlines, high mountains, sandy beaches, great walking and cycling, not to mention colourful villages such as Clifden and Roundstone, with lively bars, lots of live music and great food, you will not be short of diversions.

Your Hotel in Connemara

Gems don’t come much more hidden than this one. As you head through Clifden and out onto a single track road, the wild countryside and panoramic sea views open up in front of you. Arriving at your destination, the building looks quite simple, but on entering you will feel the cares of the world slip away. Wooden floors, natural fabrics, hand-made furniture and many sea-side trinkets give this guest house an exceptional atmosphere. Best of all are the breathtaking views out to the sea, islands and peninsulas from the many picture windows. Clodagh is an infectiously enthusiastic hostess, and will point you in the right direction for walks to empty, secret coves, as well as preparing excellent breakfasts and dinners from fresh, local produce. Whether it is sunny or stormy during your visit, you might find it hard to leave this little haven.

Day Nine- Return Home

Time to turn east and return to Dublin.

Prices & Dates for this tailor-made holiday in Ireland

This Irish holiday can be arranged from mid-March to end October 2012.

The price is £665 per person for March, £675 per person for April & October, £695 per person for May, £715 per person for June, July, August & September, for 8 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

Travel to Ireland

We would be delighted to book your travel to Ireland for this holiday.

The most convenient ferry routes are the services from Holyhead in Wales to Dublin & Dun Laoghaire.

There are also numerous direct flight connections to Dublin airport from the rest of Europe and from many UK airports including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester, Luton, Southampton and Edinburgh.

All our tailor made holidays include a map of Ireland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.

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