Classic Southern Ireland with Galway

Dublin – Galway – Killarney- Waterford – Dublin

Classic Southern Ireland with Galway

Welcome to Ireland

Highlights

The Classic Southern Ireland with Galway is the perfect tour of the Southern Emerald Isle. Venture to the most acclaimed sights and scenic byways of the West and South of Ireland. Visit Kylemore Abbey in beautiful Connemara, raise a glass in Sean’s Bar – Europe’s oldest pub, stroll Kilkenny’s medieval streets, and drive the Ring of Kerry!

Above all, consult with your Destination Specialist. We will ensure that the highlights of your trip are booked in advance so you won’t miss out on the fun! Lots of time at leisure will be built in so you can explore on your own, and at your own pace. Let the journey guide you.

Read more about why we love the Classic Southern Ireland with Galway Tour.

Make it Yours

Accommodation – Ireland offers a wide range of accommodation styles including boutique hotels, charming B&B’s, and luxurious castle hotels. Juniper will select where you stay based on your preferences.
Transportation – All of the dots will be connected based on your preferences and budget. Airport transfers, car rentals, train passes, even private chauffeurs!
Day tours and entrance tickets – pre-scheduled tours and experiences for a seamless and enriching travel experience!

Classic Southern Ireland with Galway Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Dun Laoghaire | Independent Sightseeing

Welcome to Ireland! Pick up your rental car at Dublin Airport upon your arrival. Your hotel is in Dun Laoghaire, a charming seaside suburb of Dublin. Your day is free to explore Dublin with your included vouchers (or you may choose to use your vouchers on Day 8). Take a Hop On Hop Off bus tour and see all the city’s highlights with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. Your Hop On Hop Off bus ticket also gives you admission to the Little Museum of Dublin. Plus you will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions. Choose from Guinness Storehouse, a seven storey attraction telling the story of Dublin’s iconic brew, complete with a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor, Teeling Distillery, the first new whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of the people who left Ireland and how they shaped the world (and winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2019) or the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland’s independence. Dine independently in your choice of Dublin’s restaurants or pubs.

Overnight in Dublin

Day 2: Sean’s Bar | Galway

Head to the vibrant, artistic city of Galway. Along the way, enjoy a drink at Sean’s Bar in Athlone. The oldest pub in Europe, Sean’s Bar has been quenching thirst since 900 AD. Drive to Galway and discover this thriving city of medieval winding lanes and buzzing street life. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Overnight in Galway

Day 3: Connemara | Killary Catamaran Cruise (seasonal) | Kylemore Abbey & Garden

Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Take a short catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (seasonal). Head to Kylemore Abbey set beside a tranquil lake, and see its elegant rooms, the charming church and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Return to Galway where the evening is free to explore the city. (B)

Overnight in Galway

Day 4: Cliffs of Moher | Killarneyingle to Cliffs of Moher to Kilkenny

Travel south around Galway Bay and through the stark beauty of the Burren, a distinctive limestone landscape. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Head to Killarney, where you will end the day with a traditional Irish night. Enjoy a lively show of music and dance with dinner. (B, D)

Overnight in Killarney

Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride | Ring of Kerry Highlights | Kenmare

Watch skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces at the House of Waterford Crystal. Travel through the stunning scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most beautiful destinations. There you’ll explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Continue on to your hotel in Dublin. This evening dine on Irish specialties at the Merry Ploughboy Pub while enjoying a lively show of traditional Irish songs and step-dancing. (B, D)

Overnight in Dublin

Day 6: Blarney Castle | House of Waterford Crystal

Drive through the mountains into rich farming country on the way to Blarney Castle. Climb the stairs to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Continue to Waterford where you will witness skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. (B, D)

Overnight in Waterford

Day 7: Kilkenny | Dinner in Dublin Restaurant

In the morning explore the historic port city of Waterford as you wish. Drive to Kilkenny where you may wish to stroll the Medieval Mile for a look at the fascinating architectural heritage of this small city. Visit the Smithwick’s Experience for a tour and a pint of ale. Travel to Dublin and head to Cleaver East, a popular Dublin restaurant for a glass of wine and dinner. (B, D)

Overnight in Dublin

Day 8: Independent Sightseeing in Dublin

Head out to sightsee in Dublin, with its historic O’Connell Street, Georgian buildings and squares and St Stephen’s Green. If you did not use your Hop On Hop Off and visit vouchers on day one, you may use them today. Or alternatively take a drive out of the city to see some of Dublin’s charming coastal villages and seaside suburbs, like Howth and Dalkey. Splendid ocean views, excellent seafood, and lovely streetscapes await you. Dine independently this evening. (B)

Overnight in Dublin

Day 9: Depart for home

Your tour ends after breakfast. Drop your rental car at Dublin Airport. Prepare to say “Farewell!” to the Emerald Isle.

Get Ready to Travel!

Your Classic Southern Ireland with Galway at a glance:

Self Drive Tour of Ireland Highlights:

Selected activities based on your interests

Explore More Ireland Itineraries

Complete Ireland Voyage

Irish City Break

Best of Ireland

Castles and Whiskey

Self Drive Tour of Ireland

Gaelic Opulence

Southwest Ireland

Why We Love this Tour

Your Self Drive Tour of Ireland is the perfect introductory tour of the Emerald Isle. It offers the freedom and flexibility of a chauffeured experience with a price point closer to a group guided tour. You and your loved ones can have the best of Ireland!

We love this itinerary because it allows you to see the highlights of Ireland as a first-time visitor. Or you can relive the best of Ireland if you’ve been before. By staying in Dublin, swinging down to Kilkenny, then continuing to the beloved County Kerry you’ll have many sightseeing and touring opportunities.

Why We Love Dublin

Ireland’s capital city of Dublin blends modern amenities with charming historic neighborhoods. A flourishing food scene for everyone to enjoy. Explore the iconic sites such as the Guinness Storehouse, the Glasnevin Cemetery, and the Kilmainham Gaol. Enjoy a pint and live music in a pub in the famous Temple Bar neighborhood. Join a walking tour about the Easter Rising or Ireland’s rich literature, or take a day trip up to Belfast for a bit of Northern Ireland.

Why We Love Kilkenny

Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s oldest cities, dating as far back as the 6th century. On the way there take some time to hike the stunning Wicklow Mountains. Then visit Powerscourt Estate to see the impressive house and manicured gardens.

Why We Love Country Kerry

County Kerry is ideal for those partaking in a self-drive tour of Ireland. The rambling roadways of County Kerry cut through patchwork fields. Drive alongside the dramatic and rocky coastline. It’s home to some of the most striking castle ruins and charming villages Ireland has to offer.
Make this independent adventure yours!

Nights can be added or reduced, your route can be changed. Tours and activity options can be selected based on your interests and purpose of travel. Having a rental car allows you to visit the pockets of Ireland that the train doesn’t reach. All of this without the expense of constraints of a private chauffeur. Come and go as you please. You never know what you’ll discover when you’re exploring this special country at your own pace!

Your Destination Specialist knows Ireland and will take the time to learn what’s important to you. Your itinerary will be designed just for you, to make the most of your time and experience in the Emerald Isle!

Classic Southern Ireland with Galway

Classic Southern Ireland with Galway

Welcome to Ireland

Highlights

Make it Yours

Classic Southern Ireland with Galway Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Dun Laoghaire | Independent Sightseeing

Day 2: Sean’s Bar | Galway

Day 3: Connemara | Killary Catamaran Cruise (seasonal) | Kylemore Abbey & Garden

Day 4: Cliffs of Moher | Killarneyingle to Cliffs of Moher to Kilkenny

Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride | Ring of Kerry Highlights | Kenmare

Day 6: Blarney Castle | House of Waterford Crystal

Day 7: Kilkenny | Dinner in Dublin Restaurant

Day 8: Independent Sightseeing in Dublin

Day 9: Depart for home

Get Ready to Travel!

Your Classic Southern Ireland with Galway at a glance:

Self Drive Tour of Ireland Highlights:

Selected activities based on your interests

Explore More Ireland Itineraries

Complete Ireland Voyage

Irish City Break

Best of Ireland

Castles and Whiskey

Self Drive Tour of Ireland

Gaelic Opulence

Southwest Ireland

Why We Love this Tour

Why We Love Dublin

Why We Love Kilkenny

Why We Love Country Kerry

Speak with our Travel Specialists