Trip Overview

Explore Ireland’s most popular tourist highlights and discover the country’s hidden secrets as you drive from Dublin to Galway, Doolin to Killarney, and finish your whirlwind Ireland tour in Kilkenny. Be ready to take in the sights from the “wrong side” of the road, wait for herds of sheep in the middle of the highway (yes, they do have the right-of-way), and find yourself lost in an Irish paradise because you’re in the driver’s seat. Tenon Tours understands that some travelers are looking for the opportunity to set their own travel dates and choose their own adventures. We created a distinct tour option for travelers who wish to go-it on their own, placing you in charge. You will experience the hidden secrets of Ireland without a rigid travel itinerary that requires you to be in bed by 10:00PM and up by 7:30AM for the day’s activities – unless, of course, that’s the schedule you select. This Ireland tour package provides the necessary accommodations, tour and event options, but gives you the keys to the car so you choose how much or how little you wish to do, and more importantly, when you want to do it!

The Self-drive Ireland tour sets Tenon Tours apart from other Irish tour operators by allowing you the opportunity to visit our featured hotels, castles, B&Bs, and manors, plus you have the opportunity to explore the featured tours whether you are traveling alone or with friends. YOU have the power to choose your own travel dates and route, no matter what – a difference that puts Tenon Tours above all others.

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Inclusions

Your Irish Voyage to Far & Away Places Includes -

• 10 nights in your choice of accommodations – hotels, B&Bs, castles, manors or a combination of all
• Overnight stays in Dublin, Galway, Killarney, Doolin, and Kilkenny
• Rental Car with available pick-up/drop-off at airport and most city-centers
  • Choose from 9 different vehicle sizes, from compact to mini-bus
• All hotel taxes/fees
• Traditional Irish breakfast every morning
• Emergency Contact available 24/7
• Complete offering of tours and events
• Airfare available from most US departure cities (additional)

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Itinerary

Take a look at the full itinerary and some of the many events and tours you can take advantage of during your Ireland vacation. Remember, the beauty of our trip is that it provides you the necessary transportation, city-center accommodations, and featured tours and events, but you’re in the driver’s seat to give you the power to pick and choose what it is that you really want to do on your Ireland trip. This means, if you wish to stop in mid-route from Galway to Doolin to shop in a little town – that’s ok; you can make that happen!

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin, Ireland

Arrive in the early morning to Dublin International Airport, where you will pick up your rental and begin the drive to your hotel. Upon arrival to your hotel, check-in and enjoy the day at your leisure. For those of you who would like to immerse yourself into the local sporting culture, the featured event will be a Gaelic Football or Hurling Match at Croke Park and be sure not to miss a wild party at any of the many nearby pubs!

Day 2: Dublin to Galway

Spend the morning recovering from last night or begin exploring the streets, shops, and pubs of Dublin. You may choose to join in a tour of the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy a complimentary pint in the top-floor Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin. This afternoon, get ready for a relaxing drive through the Irish countryside to Galway on Ireland’s west coast.

Day 3: Galway

Enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast at your leisure this morning. The day is yours to experience Galway at your own pace or take advantage of the featured tour of the Connemara region, well known and loved by artists for its unspoiled beauty.

Day 4: Galway

Give back to the people of Ireland by participating in the community event pre-arranged by Tenon Tours, challenge your mates to a local pub crawl, or take advantage of the featured tour to the Aran Islands, Europe’s easternmost point where Gaelic is the first language of its residents and is considered the foothold of Irish culture.

Day 5: Galway to Doolin

Wake up to your traditional Irish breakfast, pack up your room, and drive through the countryside to Doolin. Check-in before taking in Doolin at your own speed, or partake in the tour of the Cliffs of Moher before an exciting evening at the local Irish pubs!

Day 6: Doolin to Killarney

Another day to explore Doolin- be sure you stop in at the many tourist shops to collect all your Irish treasures. When your bags are full, head back into the car for your journey to Killarney. Take the afternoon and evening to explore Killarney at your leisure and rest up for a big day tomorrow.

Day 7: Killarney

When you wake up, you may choose to drive around the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most popular scenic areas with the country’s highest mountains on one side and Atlantic coast on the other. Bike tours are also available or you may enjoy the local scene of Killarney, it’s always your choice! Tonight, grab a bite to eat at the local pub for your last chance to enjoy the traditional Irish cuisine.

Day 8: Killarney to Kilkenny

After your traditional Irish breakfast, check out of Killarney and drive to Kilkenny. Continue your journey to Kilkenny and check-in to the Kilkenny River Court Hotel, overlooking the Kilkenny Castle. Spend your night with wine and cheese on the patio (or beer and peanuts…whichever you prefer).

Day 9: Kilkenny

Explore the streets of Kilkenny or head down to Waterford for the day, home of Waterford Crystal. Looking for some entertainment for the night – finish your International Pub Crawl strong at the local pubs.

Day 10: Kilkenny to Dublin

Head back to Dublin and finish your travels with the ultimate farewell toast, last minute shopping and goodbye dinner at your favorite Irish pub.

Day 11: Dublin to Home

Return your car at the airport and have safe travels home. We’ll see you next year!

**Bolded items are completely optional to give you the flexibility to spend your time as you choose!

Itinerary subject to change.

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Featured Hotels

With a commitment to immersing our travelers into each city’s culture, Tenon Tours realizes the importance of selecting your accommodations to enhance your travel experience. Our “Go-as-you-please” B&B vouchers allow you to choose from over 1,100 Bed and Breakfasts and, well… go as you please. Hotels are carefully chosen based on location and quality in an effort to meet your expectations and ensure your satisfaction. Locations are considered to provide the conveniences of the city’s attractions, local restaurants, pubs and public transportation. Whether it’s a boutique hotel or a large chain property, our Premiere hotels will always have a quality rating of 3 or 4 stars, as well as a Trip Advisor rating of 3 or higher. Other hotels, castles, manor, or specific B&Bs are always available upon request.

Bed & Breakfasts (Go-as-you-please)

With the “Go-as-you-please” B&B open vouchers, you can choose from over 1,100 bed and breakfasts throughout Ireland. These vouchers allow you to either pre-book accommodations or simply show up to a participating B&B and stay the night. If you want to capture the true warmth and charm of the Irish, have complete flexibility, and save money at the same time, this is a great option for you!

Dublin Hotels

The Temple Bar Hotel

The Temple Bar Hotel in Dublin offers a prime location with many major attractions just beyond your doorstep, including the infamous shopping areas of Henry Street, O’Connell Street and Grafton Street, and the world renowned Trinity College home to the Book of Kells. This property is a short bus-ride to the Guinness Storehouse, the National Museum of Ireland and many of Dublin’s top visitor attractions. Temple Bar Hotel features 129 bedrooms, dining and bar facilities.

Grafton Capital Hotel

Behind the façade of a traditional Georgian townhouse, the Grafton Capital Hotel offers all the comforts and conveniences of a modern hotel. Spacious accommodation, high standards of service and genuine Dublin hospitality are guaranteed during your stay at this hotel. Theatres, a host of diverse restaurants, vibrant bars and clubs, not to mention, Dublin’s main shopping district of Grafton Street are merely footsteps away from the hotel. Many of Dublin’s top cultural and visitor attractions are located within easy reach of this premiere location.

Drury Court Hotel

The Drury Court Hotel, a modern 42-room hotel which has been completely refurbished. With its very central location in Dublin, you’re within easy reach and walking distance of all the city’s main attractions: theatres, galleries, places of historic interest, great restaurants, friendly bars and Dublin’s best shops.

Galway Hotels

Galway Harbour Hotel

Only a three minute walk from Eyre Square, the Galway Harbour Hotel is conveniently located near all shops, pubs, restaurants, theatres and the business districts. This centrally based Galway Hotel boasts 96- rooms on three individually styled levels. The Harbour Hotel houses a fantastic health and leisure suite, which includes a state of the art gym, steam room, Jacuzzi and two deluxe treatment rooms. Its unique style is distinctively reflected in Krusoes Restaurant and The K Bar.

Park House Hotel

At the Park House Hotel, Galway you are guaranteed a warm welcome, exceptional service, luxury accommodation and an experience that will bring you back for more. With its superb and convenient location in the heart of Galway, the Park House Hotel also offers a private secure car-park on hotel grounds. This Galway Hotel blends the warmth and personality of a boutique hotel with the style and luxury of a contemporary, international 4-star property.

The Western

Standing proudly on Prospect Hill right in the heart of Galway, the Western Hotel boasts a truly enviable location, just a stroll away from Eyre Square. The Western Hotel has forty rooms available offering single, twin and double beds. Each room has a private bathroom, multi-channel TV, telephone and Internet access, tea and coffee-making facilities, hair dryer and toiletries.

Killarney Hotels

The Killarney International

The Killarney International Hotel offers the most up to date facilities within a truly luxurious setting. Facilities are of the highest quality and international standards. This property is located in Killarney’s town centre and has been established for almost a century. This old-world hotel provides a range of modern facilities with professional and friendly service while retaining all the charm and elegance of a bygone age.

Randles Court Hotel

Formerly a private home dating back to 1906, this luxury 77-room hotel in Killarney has been tastefully restored giving our guests the comfort and elegance of an era long since past. Relax and enjoy the comfort of an open log fire in the Drawing Room or pass the evening away with your favorite pint in Wiggs Bar.

Kilkenny Hotels

Kilkenny River Court Hotel

In the heart of Kilkenny, but secluded from the bustling and winding city streets, the 90-room Kilkenny River Court Hotel is overlooked by the majestic 12th Century Kilkenny Castle. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will feel a sense of belonging as the hotel staff welcomes you to the finest accommodation Kilkenny City has to offer.

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Featured Tours

Tenon Tours offers a wide range of optional featured tours and events that will make your Ireland vacation more memorable, or in the case of the Countrywide Pub Crawl, a lot less! These featured tours and events will be available for purchase both before you leave and when you arrive. Check out the list below; the town from which each tour leaves from is listed as next to the tour.

Countrywide Pub Crawl (Countrywide)

We’ve planned an event that will surely challenge even the most loyal pub patrons! Visit our hand-picked selection of 20+ of the best pubs across Ireland! Don’t worry…you have seven full days to do this, so pace yourself and remember it’s a marathon, not a race. Visit all 20 and you’ll be rewarded!

*AVAILABLE IN 2009!

Guinness Brewery and Sampling (Dublin)

Join us for a tour and sampling at the Guinness Brewery, Ireland’s #1 International visitor attraction. Since opening in November 2000, the Guinness Storehouse has attracted over 4 million visitors from every corner of the Globe. Enjoy the tour of the Storehouse before sampling the goods at the top-level Gravity Bar as you catch a view of the city.

Sporting Event at Croke Park (Dublin)

Forget Beckham, forget the Super Bowl…for any true-blooded Irishman, Gaelic Football, Rugby and Hurling are the only sports that matter, and they’re played with a vengeance all over Ireland – but nothing beats the live games at Croke Park with 82,000 screaming fans!

Tour of Connemara (Galway)

Connemara is an area of rugged landscape, bogs, and mountains, which is well known and loved by artists for its clear light and unspoiled beauty. This is the Ireland of your dreams and imagination with its rolling hills and mountains, sparkling lakes, and remote cottages.

Aran Islands (Galway)

The Aran Islands are richly unique, offering landscapes of limestone, a stretch of cliffs facing the moods of the Atlantic, large boulders, rock formations, and beautiful beaches. It is also a place of immense cultural heritage and history where Gaelic is the first language of its residents.

Cliffs of Moher (Doolin)

Don’t miss the breath-taking sight that will forever be burned in your memory. The Cliffs of Moher sit just 10 minutes North of Lahinch, stand 700 ft high at the highest point and span a range of 5 miles. If you happen to miss everything else in Ireland (because of the pub crawl perhaps?), you cannot miss the Cliffs of Moher!

Ring of Kerry (Killarney)

The Ring of Kerry is a famous area in the Southwestern corner of Ireland which offers a thoroughly magnificent drive through mountains and by lakes, historical buildings, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

Dingle Peninsula (Killarney)

The Dingle Peninsula has some of the most stunning scenery Ireland has to offer, as showcased in films such as Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away.

Blarney Castle & Stone (Killarney)

The Blarney Castle, located northwest of Cork in Blarney Village, was built by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, almost 600 years ago and still stands as a partial ruin today. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is also home to the Stone of Eloquence, also called the Blarney Stone. Kiss it and gain the gift the eloquence!

Dates/Rates

Pricing and Available Dates-

All rates are protected by our exclusive 30-Day Price Watch, which means we will reprice your trip 30 days after you reserve your trip and adjust the price if the rates go down or you find a cheaper price! (must be at least 30 days prior to departure)

Terms: All rates are per-person based on double occupancy, with two people sharing the expense of a standard transmission compact car. Pricing is based on a Sunday arrival and may vary for other arrival days, holiday weeks, and special events. A deposit of $250 per person is required to hold your reservation, lock in rates, and activate our exclusive 30-day Price Watch. Final balance is due 60 days prior to departure, or at the time of booking if reservation is made less than 60 days prior to departure. Please add $19-$35 to above rates for processing/ticketing fee.

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