Back to Driving Holidays

 Celtic Treasur
es 7 night Pre Booked Deluxe Self Drive Tour An opportunity to tour Ireland in luxury; staying in some of Europe's finest hotels, ranging from a stylish city centre 5 star hotel to Ireland's oldest inhabited Castle. Enjoy the luxuries of country mansions, historic castles, superb restaurants and impeccable service. Experience the pleasures of country pursuits on the extensive estates, which surround many of the hotels. Day 1: Dublin City (12km) Welcome to Dublin Airport, after meeting up with transport, you will travel into the city centre and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring Dublin – trace its history from early Viking origins, through the mediaeval magnificence of St. Patrick’s Cathedral – visits to Dublinia, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Irish Whisky Distillery, Trinity College, and much more. Suggested Hotel: Merrion Hotel or similar 5 star hotel. Day 2: Galway City & Cong, Co. Mayo (265km) 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 f amilies en-joyed a stroll along the promenade. Continue on from Galway to nearby Cong and Ashford Castle your overnight hotel. Suggested Hotel: Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo Day 3: Connemara Tour (200km) Today embark on a tour of the wild & rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Irish is still widely spoken here. Why not 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 heart of Connemara, overlooking Pollacapul Lake. A haven of peace! Visit the magnificent Gothic Church. You can also visit Connemara National Park at Letterfrack, where the indigenous wild Connemara ponies roam freely through the rugged landscape. Suggested Hotel: Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo Day 4: County Clare (170km) Today you leave Ashford Castle & travel through Galway City and into County Clare. Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the animals being tended, or enjoy a traditional tea and scones break? Travel 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. You can also visit the 15th century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where replicas of traditional thatched cottages are arranged in a village setting, complete with village shops including the printers, the confectioners, the post office, the pub and hotel, the doctor's house and the bakers. Stop at some of the many small towns and villages that Ireland is famous for. Suggested Hotel: Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare