Further Afield: Private Tours of Ireland
West of Ireland/Cliffs of Moher (12 hours)
King John's Castle - The Cliffs of Moher - Lunch in Doolin - The Burren - Galway Bay
King John's Castle
King John's Castle is a 13th-century castle located on King's Island in Limerick, next to the River Shannon. Although the site dates back to 922 when the Vikings lived on the Island, the castle itself was built on the orders of King John in 1200. One of the best preserved Norman castles in Europe, the walls, towers and fortifications remain today. Explore the brand new visitor centre with state of the art interpretive activities and exhibitions.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions and are a designated UNESCO Geo Park. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. 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. A visit to the cliffs gives an insight into the power and ferocity of the Atlantic Ocean as it pounds into the west coast.
Doolin
back to 1795. Take a journey through history and see the old kilns, mills and malting, water wheel and old warehouses. Whiskey comes from the Gaelic words "Uisce Beatha" which means "Water of Life"
The Burren
The name Burren comes from the Gaelic word 'Boirinn' which means 'Great Rock'. The rolling hills of Burren are composed of limestone pavements with criss-crossing cracks known as "grikes". It is a most unusual landscape which surprisingly supportsa remarkable assemblage of plants and animals. The region supports many rare Irish species, some of which are only found in this area. This area has been inhabited by humans for many, many thousands of years and there are some excellent historical sites within the Burren. You have the medieval stone Celtic crosses in Kilfenora and the Neolithic portal tomb or Dolmen at Poulnabrone.
"The Burren is a country where there is not enough water to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him... and yet their cattle are very fat; for the grass growing in turfs of earth, of two or three foot square, that lie between the rocks, which are of limestone, is very sweet and nourishing." (Edmund Ludlow)
Galway Bay
You will return to the motorway to Dublin via the coastal road along Galway Bay which is a very scenic drive.
Cork/Blarney Castle (12 hours)
The Rock of Cashel - Blarney Castle - Lunch in Blair's Inn - Jameson Distillery
Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most important historical sites. It houses a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the GoldenVale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. Attractions include an audio-visual show and exhibitions.
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, makingit a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Climb to the top of the castle and kiss the Blarney Stone. The castle in set in fabulous grounds also.
Jameson Distillery in Midleton
Set on 15 acres and beautifully restored, this is where the true heart of Irish whiskey is born. The old distillery is a unique experience with some of the buildings dating back to 1795. Take a journey through history and see the old kilns, mills and malting,water wheel and old warehouses. Whiskey comes from the Gaelic words "Uisce Beatha" which means "Water of Life"
Giant's Causeway/Antrim Coastal Route (12 hours)
Larne - Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge - Dunluce Castle - Giant's Causeway - Bushmills Distillery
Antrim Coastal Route
Drive from Dublin up to the north of Ireland and travel along the Antrim coast taking in some spectacular scenery. A fabulous drive.
Dunluce Castle
The limestone cliffs of the White Rocks ends abruptly against a dark basalt outcrop which is majestically crowned by the Dunluce Castle joined to the mainland by an arched walkway. Underneath lies the Mermaid's Cave with its legend of a lost soldiertaken to the deep by a beautiful mermaid, other stories tell of smugglers and Spanishtreasure being hauled from boats in the secrecy of the cave.
Bushmills Distillery
Bushmills Irish Whiskey is made at Ireland's oldest working distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland on the beautiful North Coast. Their original grant to distil was signed in 1608 by King James 1st and there has been distillation on this site since then, using the unique water from their own stream and Irish barley.
Giant's Causeway
Travelling further north you will visit the wonderful Giants Causeway formed millions of years ago from cooling lava from an underwater volcano and leaving 40000 basaltcolumns for us to wonder at. The Giants Causeway was included on the World Heritage site list in November 1986. It is on the list as both a cultural and natural site,one of only 25 in the world to achieve this status.
Wicklow/Kilkenny (10 hours)
Glendalough - Wicklow Gap - Kilkenny City
Glendalough
Gleann da Loch (Valley of the Two Lakes): One of our favourite places. Not only is the site of great historical significance it is also spectacularly set in a deep valley beside two ancient lakes. Tranquil, remote and beautiful, Glendalough was a place ofpilgrimage for centuries following its establishment as a monastic centre by St. Kevinin the 6th century. Surrounded by the Wicklow Mountains and forests that sweep down to the lakes it is one of Ireland's most popular and important attractions.
100 foot high Round Tower (10-12th century) that was used as a bell tower, store and as a beacon/landmark to guide pilgrims from afar, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul (10th century) and the remarkably well preserved St. Kevin's Church (also known as St. Kevin?s Kitchen). Also on show is the 11ft St Kevin's Cross. The settlement was over the years attacked by Vikings but the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in Ireland sealed the fate of Glendalough. In 1214 the Diocese of Glendalough was united with the See of Dublin. After that, Glendalough went into decline as a monastic establishment and gradually it became deserted.
A must see
Wicklow Gap
You would take a drive up and over the Wicklow Mountains to the village of Hollywood through the Wicklow Gap. This is a very scenic drive made famous by themovie Braveheart.
Kilkenny
The medieval city of Kilkenny is just under two hours from Dublin. It is a charming place with the excellent Kilkenny Castle at its heart. Carefully restored over many years it affords the visitor to see how the great and the good lived in splendour. Across the road are the Kilkenny Design Centre and The National Craft Centre. Bothare housed in the Castle Yard, the former stables of Kilkenny Castle.
St Canice's Cathedral, an Anglo-Norman cathedral from the 13th century, is also an excellent site worth visiting. The grounds also contain an iconic symbol of Ireland, a Round Tower. The brave among you can take the chance to climb the 121 ladder steps to take in some spectacular views from the top. It is a rare opportunity and a unique experience.
The Rock of Cashel/Cahir Castle/Kilkenny (10 hours)
The Rock of Cashel - Cahir Castle - Kilkenny
Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most important historical sites. It A spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the GoldenVale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. Attractions include an audio-visual show and exhibitions.
Cahir Castle
Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family the castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. The castle's attractions include an excellent audio-visual show, models and exhibitions. The castle was one of the locations for the BBC television series 'The Tudors' and home of the only working portcullis in Ireland.
Kilkenny
The medieval city of Kilkenny is just under two hours from Dublin. It is a charming place with the excellent Kilkenny Castle at its heart. Carefully restored over many years it affords the visitor to see how the great and the good lived in splendour. Across the road are the Kilkenny Design Centre and The National Craft Centre. Bothare housed in the Castle Yard, the former stables of Kilkenny Castle.
St Canice's Cathedral, an Anglo-Norman cathedral from the 13th century, is also an excellent site worth visiting. The grounds also contain an iconic symbol of Ireland, a Round Tower. The brave among you can take the chance to climb the 121 ladder steps to take in some spectacular views from the top. It is a rare opportunity and a unique experience.
Kilkenny/Dunmore East/Waterford (10 hours)
Kikenny - Seafood lunch in Dunmore East - Waterford Crystal
Kilkenny
The medieval city of Kilkenny is just under two hours from Dublin. It is a charming place with the excellent Kilkenny Castle at its heart. Carefully restored over many years it affords the visitor to see how the great and the good lived in splendour. Across the road are the Kilkenny Design Centre and The National Craft Centre. Bothare housed in the Castle Yard, the former stables of Kilkenny Castle.
St Canice's Cathedral, an Anglo-Norman cathedral from the 13th century, is also an excellent site worth visiting. The grounds also contain an iconic symbol of Ireland, a Round Tower. The brave among you can take the chance to climb the 121 ladder steps to take in some spectacular views from the top. It is a rare opportunity and a unique experience.
Waterford
Founded in the 9th century by the Vikings it is the oldest city in Ireland. As such it has a long and interesting history. Visit the oldest medieval building in Ireland, Reginald's Tower and the main attraction in Waterford is of course the world famous House of Waterford Crystal with a factory tour and their retail store.
Dunmore East
Dunmore is a perfect example of all that is good about Ireland. A small fishing port and village on the rugged southern Irish coast, it is quaint, relaxed and picturesque. Small coves, cliffs, pubs, traditional thatched cottages, seafood by the water. You get the picture. A fabulous spot and representative of many such places dotted around Ireland.
Newgrange/Belfast/Titanic Exhibition (10 hours)
Newgrange - Belfast City and Murals tour - Titanic Exhibition
Newgrange
This Neolithic burial mound was constructed over 5,000 years ago (about 3,200 B.C.), making it older than Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Newgrange was built during the Neolithic or New Stone Age by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley. Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that together with Newgrange have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Belfast
Stop on Falls Road and see the Republican murals and the International Wall depicting conflicts around the world. There will also be visits to the Republican Museum and Garden of Remembrance. You will drive through the peace wall that divides Catholic and Protestant communities and see the Loyalist murals.
Titanic Exhibition
You will also visit the Titanic Quarter to see where the great ship was built and enjoy the highly acclaimed Titanic Experience.
Fee
10 hour tour
1-6 people €500. Entrance fees and lunch not included.
Payments subject to 3% transaction fee.
12 hour tour
1-6 people €600. Entrance fees and lunch not included.
Payments subject to 3% transaction fee.
All tours listed on this page start at 08.00h.
Prices are per group size indicated.
You would be collected from and returned to your hotel.
Driving Services
Tour Dublin also offers drive only services. Airport transfers, concert/sporting event collect and return, conferences and weddings. Please contact us for further information.