Southern Ireland Self-Drive

9 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
View all 10 photos
Video not provided by operator
4.1/5 Great
100+ reviews  
88%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
See the true beauty of Ireland on this once-in-a-lifetime road! From city, to country, to coast, you'll experience the best of the Emerald Isle. From Dublin, you'll drive to the picturesque town of Waterford on the southern east coast, then head to County Cork! From colorful Cobh Harbor and Kinsale to the rugged cliffs of Mizen Head, Cork is a wonderland of p...
$1,852
From$1,582
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Want to stay longer? You can extend this trip up to a total of 10 days!

What's this trip about?

    See the true beauty of Ireland on this once-in-a-lifetime road! From city, to country, to coast, you'll experience the best of the Emerald Isle. From Dublin, you'll drive to the picturesque town of Waterford on the southern east coast, then head to County Cork! From colorful Cobh Harbor and Kinsale to the rugged cliffs of Mizen Head, Cork is a wonderland of postcard-worthy scenery. Next, drive to the one and only town of Dingle. Known to be one of Ireland's most charming town, Dingle is surrounded by exquisite natural beauty. Drive the Slea Head Loop, and consider a drive along the Ring of Kerry near Killarney National Park. After Dingle, you'll continue on to the village of Adare. Famous for its thatched roof cottages and charming old-world feel, Adare is the Ireland you've always dreamed of!  Last but not least, you'll finish with a stay in the capital city of Dublin. Clink glasses at Temple Bar, visit Dublin Castle, go shopping on Grafton Street, and catch some live music at The Brazen Head! Filled with history, architecture, and culture, Dublin is the perfect ending to a beautiful Irish journey! 

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityWaterford
End CityIreland

Destinations

Activities

  • Independent

Trip includes

    • Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
    • Manual rental car- upgrade to automatic available Pick up at Dublin Airport on day 1, drop off in Dublin city center on day 7 2 nights in Waterford at Granville Hotel, or similar
    • 2 night in County Cork at the Garryvoe Hotel, or similar
    • 1 night in Dingle at the Dingle Skellig Hotel or Dingle Benners
    • 1 night in Adare at the Fitzgerald Woodlands House Hotel or The Dunraven Adare
    • 2 nights in Dublin at the Chancery Hotel, or similar
    • Breakfast Daily

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Waterford!

Touch down in Dublin, then pick up your rental car and drive south to Waterford! Settle in, then treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal at a local pub.

Day 2 Waterford

Discover the highlights of Waterford today! Founded by Vikings in 914 A.D., this is the oldest city in Ireland with tons to do and see. Be sure to check out the  Waterford Crystal, Viking Triangle, Reginald’s Tower,  and Medieval Museum for some amazing sights.

Day 3 Waterford - County Cork

Upon arrival in Cork, head to your hotel and get settled in.

Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Cork to visit the Blarney Castle & Stone, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. That might have someth...

Day 4 County Cork

Spend the day exploring the breathtaking scenery of West Cork. Drive down to Mizen Head for eye-widening natural beauty, then stop in the colorful town of Schull! There are so many adorable towns in West Cork - try to see as many as you can!

Day 5 County Cork - Dingle

Today, you'll drive to one of Ireland's most scenic areas - Dingle! You may want to make a stop at the one and only Killarney National Park and/or the Ring of Kerry along the way.

Check-in to your hotel, then get lost in the beauty of this picturesque coastal town of Dingle. With plenty of pubs, shops, and restaurants around, you'll be immersed in the spirit of Ireland! 

Day 6 Dingle - Adare

Today, you'll make your way north to the adorable village of Adare. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and explore the quaint shops and restaurants that surround you! Admire the charming streets lined with thatched cottages and beautiful gardens. 

Consider heading into nearby Limerick for some fun! Check out King John's Castle and explore the city. 

Day 7 Adare - Dublin

Today's the day for Dublin! Drive east to Ireland's vibrant capital, return your rental car, and check-in to your hotel. Once you get settled, head out and explore! Treat yourself to a pint at Temple Bar, or catch some live music at Dublin's oldest pub, The Brazen Head!

Day 8 Dublin

Enjoy a full day in Dublin! Consider a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, skip over the Ha'Penny Bridge, and do some souvenir shopping on Grafton Street. Feel your eyes widen as you enter the Trinity College Library, and stand in front of Dublin Castle. With so much to do, you'll be busy all day!

Day 9 Depart Ireland

Head to the airport for your flight home. Spend your journey replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure! 

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,582
Price per day$176
Last Updated: 4/18/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Great Value Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.1/5  Great
Excellent
12,302
Great
5,559
Average
2,731
Disappointing
1,248
Terrible
1,694
Write a Review

Other Great Value Vacations Reviews

K

Kathleen Kay Markofski

Feb 2025

Written on
Great Value Vacations Company Reviewsby Great Value Vacations

All was awesome

All was awesome

R

ROBERT LEWIS MERGENS

Feb 2025

Written on
Great Value Vacations Company Reviewsby Great Value Vacations

Iceland did not disappoint

Hotel was nice and quiet. Tours were wonderful - transportation was comfortable and the guide, Philip, made our experience memorable by combining his story, facts a...

D

Drrobi

Feb 2025

Written on
Great Value Vacations Company Reviewsby Great Value Vacations

Everything went smoothly

Everything went smoothly other than having to wait several hours to get into our hotel room. The resort is nice but very pricey and it is difficult to eat anywhere e...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
Greatvaluevacations-PK-GC4P-SH-SISD-DUBAIR

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save