On the Map: Killarney is located in County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. Ross was the last Munster stronghold to hold out against Oliver Cromwell's infamous British forces, before eventually being taken by General Ludlow in 1652. The experience starts standing at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass, which rises through the building. But, above all, she was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. View. It is most easily accessed by the R403 & R405 roads, which intersect with the main M4 Motorway connecting Dublin & Galway Cities. Spring Creek was great. On the Map: Kilkenny City is located in County Kilkenny, in the southeast midlands of Ireland. Thank you. The N70 road encircles the entire peninsula. Most of the buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries when the rock was gifted to the Church. On The Map: Temple Bar lies in the heart of Dublin City. Galway has been commercially important since the 11th century when it was a centre for trade with Spain and Portugal. Before you know it, you will have arrived at your Dublin City Center Hotel, and your Irish adventure can truly begin! Visit the iconic sights and discover the lesser known secrets which are always the best part of self drive tours of Scotland. On The Map: Loch Ness is a long stretch of freshwater, extending for approx. The charming towns like Dingle and majestic landscapes like Slea Head are an unique combination of the impressive sights Ireland has to offer. An exhibition brings to life the rich history of the estate, while the double height Georgian ballroom has been restored and hosts weddings and corporate events. Situated on the river Maigue, a tributary of the Shannon river, Adare (Gaelic name: "Ath Dara" - the "ford of the oak" - from the combination of water and woodland) dates back, at least, to the early 13th century. The Ring attracted Ireland’s first settlers, and has a wealth of ancient sites. Your package includes reliable rental car, personalised itinerary and map from local experts, and 24/7 phone support. Once you have collected your luggage, proceed through to the Arrivals Hall, and look for your driver. National Gallery: Here you can admire European works of art from the late Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century. Local stone masters The O’Tooneys carved some of the tombstones many of which are unique to the Cathedral and Kilkenny. *A professional and experienced Driver/Guide. There's a little cafe and plenty of spots to pull in and admire the view that so stimulated the Royal Entourage 150 years ago! The Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare of Old Town Edinburgh, and boasts a number of famous historical sites and buildings, as well as an impressive array of shops, eateries and pubs. Considering all your wishes, they take time to prepare and serve it carefully and full of quality. It is renowned for being a vibrant cultural center, devoted to the musical and visual arts. Just north of Dublin, your luscious manor house sits where two rivers once marked the boundary between ancient Irish kingdoms. Embark on a wonderful 10-night tour of Scotland. View Map. They are ancient celebrations involving the power of fire. I felt very supported. This is also an area of Ogham Stones, the first mysterious forms of writing and art, nestled along the Ring. The salmon leap itself was a pair of large waterfalls which are now gone from view following the installation of a hydroelectric power station in the mid-1940s. The major attractions on the Royal Mile are: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, The National Museum of Scotland & Camera Obscura - Scotland's oldest purpose-built attraction. If you would prefer to discuss your perfect vacation on the phone, we would be delighted to hear from you! Its array of ancient buildings is unrivalled. The Cliffs are accessed via the R478 road that connects Doolin (to the north) and the seaside town of Lahinch (to the southeast). Although Trinity offers much of interest to the visitor, the crown jewel is without doubt the Book of Kells. The native red deer are unique in Ireland, with a presence in the country since the last Ice Age. A flight between the two countries (you pick the cities) cost about $100 more, with easy airport pickup of your cars. With a number of facilities available to guests, The Davenport is the ideal choice for both business and leisure trips. Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles. We appreciate that your time in Ireland is precious, and you simply won't be able to do absolutely everything. There are two paths to take north and south along the cliff edge, providing spectacular views all the way. The Burren, or Boireann, meaning Great Rock, is in County Clare. The house was gutted by fire in 1974 but recently has been reborn as an exceptional tourist destination. The Bonham has been lauded as one of Edinburgh’s most stylish hotels, and you will certainly see this for yourself as you enjoy an upbeat contemporary atmosphere blended within the timelessness of a Victorian townhouse. View. She really goes above and beyond to tailor our trips to our personalities and she knows what we like to do. Best known for being Dublin’s major nightlife center, Temple Bar comes alive after dark, with many pubs, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. My wife and I are looking into taking a trip this coming spring/summer (currently thinking the first part of May). You show up ready to make memories. Highlights include 'Ladies View', so named for the excitement the vista illicited from Queen Victoria's Ladies-in-Waiting, during her famous 1861 visit. The hotel offers a variety of guest rooms, including some with view of the woodlands and some with lakeside view. Its array of ancient buildings is unrivalled. On The Map: The Britannia is berthed at Ocean Terminal, Leith - just 2 miles north of the heart of Edinburgh. Self-Guided Driving Tour of Scotland & Ireland Many of our self-driving tours of Scotland and Ireland routes feature a theme. All guestrooms are spacious and fully equipped with any amenities you might require. Toll-free from the US and Canada: 1-888-443-5259 Rest of World: +1-707-687-0191. On The Map: The Guinness Storehouse is centrally located in Dublin City at St. James Gate, just off Crane Street and south of the River Liffey. Right next the historic Kilkenny Castle lies the four star deluxe Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel. The experience starts standing at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass, which rises through the building. Its two most impressive landmarks are Kilkenny Castle, founded in 1172 and privately owned until 1967, and St. Canice's Cathedral. At Light Fantastic, be dazzled by the spectacular collection of 3D holograms. Inclusions: As someone who enjoys driving I regret not having something a little more sporty! All our Ireland self-drive tours include collision damage waiver insurance, third party liability, road fund licence and theft protection for the duration of the vehicle rental period. On The Map: Ross Castle is located on the southern outskirts of Killarney, County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. Killarney National Park was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Relax in one of the comfortable armchairs or sit back in the high-backed sofas. But, our commitment to creating an authentic travel experience, with unparalleled personal service, remains the same. All the products are locally sourced from Artisan suppliers and herbs come from their very own garden. **Authentic Ireland clients receive a 10% discount on admission - on arrival, show any official Authentic Ireland voucher / document, to avail of the discount.**. Most of what remains of the settlement is in ruins but the Round Tower at Glendalough, built as a refuge from marauding Vikings, is over a 1000 years old and is remarkably well preserved. This itinerary can be completely customized to give you the exact vacation that you want. Stroll and talk to people—this is what makes your travel experience unique. If shopping's not your thing, Grafton Street is still worth checking out. From here you return south to Edinburgh via “Monarch of the Glen” country, stopping in the delightful Pitlochry on the way. Dublin has long been recognized as a center of art & culture. If you’re really struggling with the Ireland vs Scotland debate, why not choose both?When you use this itinerary to travel to Ireland and Scotland you’re getting the best of both wor… Loch Ness holds more water than all the lakes and reservoirs in the U.K. put together. All Guestrooms Feature: At Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, the love for food is unbeatable. Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, and just west of Trinity College and Grafton Street. Loch Ness is almost 1,000 feet deep and, on most days, has unusually black water, owing to the high peat content of the surrounding soil. On the Map: Kenmare is located in scenic County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. We ate at all the best spots, but we watched them turn away customer after customer because they were over booked. Self-drive tours in Scotland. Guided Vacations. Then there's the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. Whatever the real answers, everyone can agree that it is truly a fascinating and mysterious site to visit. Work with your assigned Destination Expert to tweak your quote in any way you wish. On the southwestern edge of Killarney Town lies an untamed, rugged & mountainous country. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home. Just how old the caves are is unknown, but records go as far back as the 18th century and the system appears to be very much older. During the 1850s, the Herberts undertook extensive garden works in preparation for Queen Victoria's visit in 1861. Celbridge Abbey was built in 1703, and is another beautiful structure, with many tales of woe to tell. Accommodation . Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you. For the rest of your time, it is up to you how much you want to pack in. For the rest of your time, it is up to you how much you want to pack in. It has always attracted a bohemian mix of musicians, artists and intellectuals and that attitude is palpable as you walk the streets. The heart of the hotel and the place to make the most of this light-filled hotel. Walks wound through the wooded grounds and a fine tree-lined avenue was created. There are 2 terminals at Dublin Airport, the second of which opened to air traffic in November 2010. Self-Guided trips driving yourself. On The Map: Glencoe runs east-west along the route of the main A82 road. It's not walkable from downtown, but is served by the 3, 3a & 29 buses. 23 miles southwest of the northern city of Inverness. Now in Edinburgh you are welcome on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences. At the Ormonde Hotel, guestroom options include Deluxe, Superior & Executive. For those visiting during the day, the area boasts a timeless charm, with narrow cobbled streets and a plethora of cultural organizations, such as the Irish Film Centre & Project Arts Centre. Meeting place for one or more persecuted religious groups? The Devils Punchbowl Bar Absolutely no problems with bookings that Donna arranged. On The Map: Saint Patrick's Cathedral is located in the heart of Dublin City, just south of the River Liffey, and west of such landmarks as Trinity College and Grafton Street. Traditional Irish music can also be heard in many of the local pubs on a nightly basis. This bucket-list vacation is a fortnight long and will take you on a complete journey of Éire. Scotland invites you to her winter festivals. Arrange your flights into Dublin and back from Edinburgh (or vice versa) and we’ll take care of everything in-between. The M6 connects Dublin City (to the east) and Galway City (to the west). The current structure of the cathedral dates from the 13th century, though this is nowhere near the beginning of its story, which is rich in folklore and legend. We aim to get you off the beaten track and see the most spectacular sights and locations. Killarney is well known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal. It's a 30-minute bus ride - use Bus No. Complimentary audio guide in 22 languages. Other features include a Sunken Garden, Rock Garden and Stream Garden. On The Map: The National Museum of Scotland is located on Chambers Street, in the heart of oldtown Edinburgh. Visit Ireland and Scotland. Adare is a quaint picturesque place, lined with traditional thatched-roof cottages. Kilkenny, or the Marble City as it is known, is one of Ireland's oldest towns, and proud of it. Made sure we were happy and answering a million questions. There has been a fortification of some kind here for thousands of years. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting). Kilkenny is well-served by a good network of roads - the M9/N10 from Dublin (to the northeast) and N9/N10 from Waterford City (to the south). The places we stayed and activities she recommended were all terrific. Explore the ancient castle. Self-drive tours of Scotland include rental car, accommodation, maps and more, but the road trip music is up to you! The flight time from Dublin to Edinburgh is just over an hour, making it by far the best option when travelling between Ireland & Scotland. CST#2126559 | Terms of Use. Check-out before 12.00 noon. The beautiful Manor House Hotel was re-opened in December 2017 having undergone a restoration to its former glory. The Davenport is one of Dublin’s most famous landmark hotels, and offers luxury 4-star accommodation in the heart of the capital. Mid Sept. – Mid Oct.  Daily  9am – 5:30pm  Last admission at 4:45pm The manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin), in a bold and expert version of the script known as 'insular majuscule'. Michelle was amazing at assisting in the planning. Here you can enjoy your lunch, a boat trip (Easter to December - subject to availability) or take a wander along the lochside with spectacular views of the loch. It is on display at the impressive Trinity College, Ireland's first university (founded 1592) in the heart of Dublin. One of the most visited sites in Ireland, The Rock is a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on a rocky outcrop of limestone, looming above the town of Cashel, County Tipperary. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the historic Holyrood Abbey ruins, and learn of the building’s fascinating history through the centuries from its beginnings in 1128. The 8th century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, must be viewed. Breakfast is not simply Breakfast at Sheedy’s Doolin but more of a gourmet experience! The Bonham is a beautiful 4-star boutique hotel in the very heart of Edinburgh’s bustling West End. Independent travel to Europe. We release any unsold rooms for self-drive breaks four-weeks in advance. There are a lot of option with which you can treat yourself with during your stay. The best approach is from the south on the A82, one of the major routes through the Highlands. Lauren has previously sent my husband and I to Ireland and Scotland and we know that with her everything will go absolutely perfect. The interpretive centre named 'Atlantic Edge' contains state of the art displays and visitor facilities. The original high crosses and a selection of grave-slabs are on display in the visitor centre. Sunday Lunch has always been important at Leixlip Manor hotel and Sunday Lunch is served in the Manor rooms. The Castle later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family, and remained so for almost 600 years from 1391 to 1967. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. The boat trip on Loch Ness may not always be available on busy weekends and bank holidays. The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of the Guinness Brewery at St James’s Gate, Dublin. Authentic Vacations began in 2001 with customizable travel packages to Ireland. It’s a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in The Gravity Bar where visitors will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness while relaxing and enjoying spectacular views over Dublin. Meanwhile, enjoy a tasty cappuccino and a fresh homemade cake. We figure we could save a few thousands by doing a self drive tour, but they do not offer anything for Scotland. The brewery moved to St. James’s Gate, Dublin in 1759 and has become one of the best- known global brands. The house, a late 19th century mansion features period furnishings and artefacts and is a major visitor attraction in itself. Only thing we would do differently is upgrade the car. Legend has it that Brian Boru, Ireland's most famous High King was educated on the site of the castle by the Monks in the 9th Century. A visit to Dublin's Temple Bar to experience the lively Dublin pub culture is a must, though many of Dublin's best bars can be found outside this area in the streets and laneways around Grafton Street, the shopper's street of choice. Set high on a rocky ridge, The Gap overlooks mountains, rivers, lush countryside and the famous Lakes of Killarney, with truly breathtaking views - Carrauntoohill, Ireland's highest mountain to one side, the Gap of Dunloe to the other. Or you can visit the Powerscourt Distillery onsite as well. 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