Day 1 Arrive Shannon

Arrive at Shannon Airport, where you will be met by your driver, and driven north to Galway City

Days 1 & 2 Galway

In a recent nationwide survey the people of Galway were found to be Ireland's happiest! And visiting Galway City, the capital of their county it is not hard to see why. It is a lively university city of narrow streets, quaint shopfronts, bustling pubs and stunning surrounding scenery. It has always attracted a bohemian mix of musicians, artists and intellectuals and that attitude is palpable as you walk the streets. Galway has been commercially important since the 11th century when it was a centre for trade with Spain and Portugal. In 1477 Christopher Columbus paid a visit. Galway earned the title “City of the Tribes” around that time, when it was ruled by 14 wealthy merchant families. Today it is lively, with loads of things to do, and is so popular that it can get very crowded in summer, especially during the annual Galway Races. The annual Arts Festival also attracts thousands, especially for its street parade, organized by the multi-award winning production company, Macnas. Its famous Druid Theatre produces and stages plays and has toured internationally, winning awards, including Tonys on Broadway.

While in Galway, possibly daytrip to:

Connemara
Northwest of Galway lies the rocky, barren, but breathtakingly stunning region of Connemara. This area is one of the few remaining in Ireland where the native tongue (Gaeilge) is still fluently spoken as a first language. Stop off in the fishing village of Roundstone, where currachs, old style featherweight rowing boats are still in everyday use. The village also boasts an impressive crafts complex, selling everything from teapots and sweaters to traditional Irish music instruments. Finally arrive in the quaint and beautiful town of Clifden, Connemara's capital.  From here travel north to see the exquisite neo-gothic Kylemore Abbey, nestled in a lush forest on the edge of Kylemore Lake. The Abbey is now a girls boarding school run by the Benedictine order of nuns.

Day 3 Cork City

En route from Galway to Cork, possibly visit:

Doolin & The Cliffs of Moher
The small coastal village of Doolin is located on County Clare’s wild Atlantic coast.  The surrounding area has much of interest including the barren yet strikingly beautiful Burren region with, among other things, the 5,000 year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen. The spectacular 650-foot high Cliffs of Moher are only 3 miles south of Doolin.

Cork City
Designated European Capital of Culture in 2005 Cork City has undergone a transformation in recent years. Always a much prettier and more pleasant city than Dublin, now Cork really sparkles. And so do its residents who claim to be Ireland's friendliest. Whatever the truth of that claim it is certainly true that there is no shortage of characters in "the real capital" as the locals jokingly claim. The city itself dates back to the 7th century and boasts some fine Georgian architecture. There are a number of places worth visiting while in Cork including the imposing St. Finbarr's Cathedral, St Anne's Church, which houses the Shandon Bells and Cork City Gaol (city jail).

From Cork, possibly daytrip to:

Blarney
Blarney, located approx. 5 miles from Cork City is a charming village but is most renowned for its castle and stone. The impressive castle, perched on solid limestone, dates from 1446 and is situated on magnificent grounds.

Days 4 & 5 Killarney

Killarney lies on the edge of the astoundingly beautiful Killarney National Park with its three magnificent lakes and the spectacular MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. The park is also home to Muckross House and Gardens. Killarney is a wonderful base for all manner of activities including angling and water sports, golf, riding, orienteering, hiking, cycling, and canoeing. The town itself is quite small but full of charm as you will soon see as you walk down the brick footpaths and pass curious old-style shop fronts. Killarney is well known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal. It is also renowned for its evening entertainment including many singing pubs, cabarets, dancing venues, and banquets. Traditional Irish music can also be heard in many of the local pubs.

From Killarney, possibly daytrip to:

The Ring of Kerry
Killarney is also the usual starting point for people completing the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's best-known touring route. It is 110 miles (176 km) long and circles the Iveragh Peninsula through mountain passes, forests, bogs, skirting rivers, lakes and beautiful unspoilt beaches. The scenery is truly wonderful and there is much of interest along the route.

Day 5 Optional Activity (See Add an Activity section for more information):
Guided Walk in Killarney National Park 
Horseback Riding in Killarney

Day 6 Bunratty

En route from Killarney to Bunratty, possibly visit:

Adare
Adare is a quaint picturesque village lined with traditional thatched-roof cottages. Snuggled in a wooden and lush countryside setting, Adare is widely regarded as being Ireland's prettiest and most unique village.

Bunratty
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, located just 7 miles from Shannon Airport, is high on the list of Ireland's top visitor attractions. If you want to learn about Ireland and how the Irish lived in earlier times, Bunratty's Folk Park is a must.  Entire houses of various sizes and dates have been taken apart stone-by-stone and reassembled here, along with a school, a pub, a church, a row of shops, and other buildings. What makes it especially enjoyable is watching activities, including scones and bread being made, as well as work being carried out in the little fields. Chat with the staff; they are very friendly and informative. Bunratty's most obvious attraction is its imposing castle which overlooks the river Shannon. Once the stronghold of the O’Briens, kings and later earls of Thomond, it reflects their style and power. Its Great Hall has a very fine collection of 14th-century furniture, paintings and wall hangings and also hosts medieval banquets which anyone can attend with plenty of entertainment as well as food and drink. Finally no visit to Bunratty would be complete without a pint of plain in the world-famous Durty Nelly's Pub located right next to the castle.

Day 6 Optional Activities (See Add an Activity section for more information):
Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle
Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty Folk Park

Day 7 Depart from Shannon

About our Drivers

Our drivers are highly trained and extremely good at what they do.  All are chosen for their bright personalities and friendliness, and will have a good general knowledge of Ireland.  Drivers with an Irish Tourist Board qualification can be requested at a supplemental cost for those of you who are particularly hungry for information as you travel!

Driver Testimonials:

‘The trip would not have been the same without our driver/guide Des Murphy.  Des "made" the trip.  He included so much information and history, and was constantly cheerful and accommodating.  He truly went above and beyond anything we expected from a driver/guide.  We felt he welcomed us as friends and the 3 of us felt we were leaving a friend behind in Ireland when we parted with Des on Aug. 14th.  We would never consider a return trip without having Des along to guide us through the country he obviously loves so much.’
      Lauryi, Tennessee (August 2008)

‘Thanks again, it was a grand trip!  The group was ecstatic with our driver Liam Bourke and I am now officially requesting him for our September trip.  Could you please make certain that we will have Liam, and if not, can you get his clone?’
      Allen, Missouri (September 2008)

‘We really enjoyed our driver Kevin Burke - he did a wonderful job & at one point, made a unique moment that I don't think many visitors to Ireland get to have.  After stopping beside the road at an overlook south of Galway Bay, the group was admiring the view, as well as a couple of cows & their newborn calves in the adjacent field.  One of the babies was brand-new & still on the ground with the mamma licking off the afterbirth.  After a while the baby still hadn't gotten up & it appeared that it might not have lived.  As you would guess, this put the group in a sombre mood.  However, Kevin noticed movement from the calf & to our amazement, he jumped into the field to try to save the young cow.  Within moments, he had coaxed the calf to its feet & had gotten it to start suckling.  I don't know if he really saved the calf, but it was one of the most memorable moments of the trip.  Everyone is still talking about Kevin "the Calf Whisperer."’
      Nikki, Maryland (April 2008)

Vehicles - Travel in Style & Comfort

We offer several different vehicle types to comfortably accommodate your group, depending on the number of people traveling.  Please note that all vehicle classes now offer Wi-Fi connectivity

Mercedes Imperial Sprinter: 9 persons or less

Step into the world of sheer comfort and luxury. This vehicle model can usually accommodate 16 persons, but our Sprinters have been specially modified to transport nine passengers. This spacious configuration has been designed to ensure the ultimate in luxury and comfort during your tour. The discreet, simple yet striking design of the vehicles exterior is truly stylish. Would you drive on our narrow, windy roads? Late for a tee time or lost in the countryside, immersed in our captain seats you are safe in the knowledge that you made the best decision of your trip by reserving a chauffeur tour.

Presidential Coach: 10 to 36 persons

Larger groups need look no further!  Our Presidential Class will make you wonder how you ever travelled in anything else. A long distance trip is a wonderful experience you hope will never end. Well spaced, luxurious and comfortable leather seating leaves ample room for you to stretch your legs and enjoy. Complete with on-board bathroom, this coach is unique in Ireland and customers often compare it to a private executive jet on land!  Newspapers and a variety of snacks and refreshments can be provided for your additional touring enjoyment on request.

Enrich your travels

As a traveler, you know that taking a trip is much more than going from point A to point B. It is about experiencing new things, meeting new people and doing something different. Regardless of the tour package you choose, we encourage you to add an activity, experience or excursion. Each of these are uniquely Irish and will enrich your time spent in Ireland. Grab onto whatever experiences speak to your heart and add several to your travels! 

Killarney National Park Guided Walk (Day 5) 2 hours

This is a fantastic guided walk through the idyllic Killarney National Park, where the emphasis is most definitely on fun and relaxation. The walk begins every morning at the same time and place, at a very reasonable cost. The walk takes you through woodland & parkland, along the lake shore and river bank. Beautiful scenery abounds – including the highest mountain range in Ireland. More>>

Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty Folk Park (Day 6)

The Corn Barn in Bunratty Folk Park (located to the rear of Bunratty Castle) is the perfect setting for a celebration of all the best traditions of Ireland today.  You are invited to enjoy the company of the finest singers, dancers and musicians of surrounding towns and villages and experience the homeliness, friendship and warmth of a true traditional Irish evening.  Enjoy top quality home-cooked food, excellent wine and join in the song & dance.......you might even learn a step or two! More>>

Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle (Day 6)

Join the Earl of Thomond in the splendour of the main guard of Bunratty Castle for a dinner experience not to be missed! Bunratty Castle, was built in 1425 by the Earl of Thomond. Following his tradition of hospitality, the world renowned Bunratty Medieval Banquet is held twice nightly throughout the year.

Since 1963, the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl's Banquet at Bunratty Castle.  The entertainment provided by the world renowned Bunratty Singers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception, a four course meal, and of course good wine. More>>