Self Drive Ireland

Live Like a Lord

7 Night Prebooked Self-Drive Tour

Day 1: Dublin City (12 Km)

Welcome to Dublin Airport, where after picking up your car your will travel into Dublin and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring this vibrant and historic city capital city with its many historic buildings, Georgian streets and colorful gardens. Your first night is spent in Clontarf Castle, which can be dated back to 1172.

Day 2: Dublin City

Today why not spend the day exploring some of Dublin’s fine Museums and Galleries? Trace its history from early Viking origins, Through to the medieval magnificence of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Dublinia at Christchurch, which brings the turbulent History of medieval Dublin vividly to life, 16th Century Trinity College, founded by Elizabeth 1, and now home to the famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells. Don’t forget about the Guinness Storehouse for a tasting of this world famous ‘black stuff’. Return to Clontarf Castle for overnight.

Day 3: Galway & Clifden (300 Km)

Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland pastures. Why not visit Belvedere House, Gardens and Park? The magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland's historic houses, and together with gardens and park has been exquisitely restored. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river you can visit Clonmacnoise a 6th century Christian site. Arrive into Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences are many in the city. Of note is Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old city walls and the Spanish Parade, where wealthy merchants and their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade. Continue out into the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery and on to Clifden where you shall be staying in the wonderful Abbeyglen Castle which has a panoramic view of Clifden and the bay with a backdrop of the Twelve Bens.

Day 4: Connemara Region (80Km – Based on Clifden)

Today travel through the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Visit the Connemara National Park, where Connemara ponies and Irish red deer roam freely through 5,000 acres of scenic mountains, bogs and grassland. You can also visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey - a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop. Irish Benedictine nuns, with a tradition of over 300 years run this unique Abbey set in the midst of Connemara, overlooking Pollacapul Lake. On your return, you can take a scenic drive through Leenane where you have an option to board the Sea Cruise through Killary Fjord which will reveal some of the many hidden Coastal and Mountain Scenery of Connemara. Another night will be spent in Abbeyglen Castle.

DAY 5: Connemara Region (80Km – Based on Clifden)

Leave Clifden this morning, and travel south through Galway and into Clare, known as the “land of castles”. Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the animals being tended, or enjoy a traditional tea and scones break? Travel on through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 700 feet above sea level. Stop in the heritage town of Kilrush, before boarding a ferry to Tarbert in north County Ferry. Arriving in Tarbert and continue through Listowel and on to Tralee to Ballyseede Castle for overnight.

DAY 6: The Dingle Peninsula (145km)

This morning the breathtaking landscape will unfold in front of your eyes as you drive around the Dingle Peninsula before arriving in Dunquin, on the westernmost tip of the peninsula, to visit the Blasket Islands. This living history museum explores ll the dimensions of island-living, from the land, the sea, and the language, to the weather and the seasons, as well as the dstinctive character of the Blasket Islanders. Weather permitting you can embark on a 2 to 3 hour boat trip around the nine main Basket Islands. The islands are remote, unspoilt and unpolluted and spectacularly beautiful.

Live Like a Lord – Tour Rates & Information

PRICE INCLUDES:

• 7 nights bed & breakfast accommodation in Castles, based on per person sharing twin/double room with bath/shower inclusive of service charges

• Heritage Island Touring Guide and Explorer Coupon.

• All prices quoted are $AUDp.p. twin share basis

Live Like a Lord 7 Nights Pre-booked Self Drive Tour of Ireland (excluding Car)
Departure Dates	Per Person Sharing	Child ( 3-12 )
January – April	$1160.00	$390.00
May – September	$1320.00	$445.00
October – December	$1160.00	$390.00
Triple Reduction per person	$406.00	N/A
Single Supplement	$540.00	N/A

Suggested Hotels

Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf, Dublin 3

A Stately home since 1172, this wonderful setting has gone through many transformations over the centuries. The Castle is now a 4 star luxury hotel with 111 deluxe bedrooms and suites all finished to the highest of international standards. Located 4km from the city centre and a short distance from Dublin Airport and car ferries with sea, mountains and golf courses nearby. A fine dining restaurant and 2 unique bars complements the extensive conference and banqueting facilities. Experience old world atmosphere with all modern facilities.

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Sky Road, Clifden, Co. Galway

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel was built in 1832 in the heart of Connemara by John D'Arcy of Clifden Castle. It is romantically set in beautiful gardens with waterfalls and streams, has a panoramic view of Clifden and the bay with a backdrop of the Twelve Bens. Abbeyglen has 45 en-suite bedrooms and provides a long list facilities, cuisine of international fame, unique qualities of peace, serenity and ambience. Complimentary afternoon tea a speciality. AA 2 rosettes for good food and service.

Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Ballyseede, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Ballyseede Castle Hotel is a wonderful, intimate 15th century castle set on 35 acres of parkland and garden. The castle has a tradition of excellent cuisine and lovely public areas for morning tea or afternoon coffee. The Castle’s 12 bedrooms are elegant and spacious and come in a large variety from single to mini suite. All the bedrooms have been totally refurbished and are individually designed and are decorated with taste and imagination. The bedrooms offer a magnificent view of the grounds of the castle. All bedrooms are en-suite with direct dial phone and satellite television. The castle is ideally located for touring Kerry, Cork and Clare.

Barberstown Castle, Straffan, Co. Kildare

This 13th century Castle is a 4 Star Castle and Country House Hotel and is located in the heart of the horse-breeding county of Kildare. The castle provides its guests with the unique Castle experience but is only 30 minutes drive away from Dublin airport and the city centre. The restaurant at Barberstown Castle is renowned for the quality of its food and service. All of the 59 en-suite bedrooms are elegantly and luxuriously appointed, laden with antique furniture and provide the highest standard in comfort. A myriad of outdoor county pursuits such as horseback riding, historical and heritage interest are all on the doorstep of Barberstown Castle.