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12 Day Self Drive Tour

Soturas 12-Day Grand Self-Drive Tour of Ireland

A relaxed, in-depth journey across the Republic of Ireland, rich in scenery, history, and unforgettable moments.
This revised 12-day sample itinerary focuses solely on the Republic of Ireland, allowing more time to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s heartlands, while still ending with a final, stress-free night in County Meath, close to Dublin Airport. As always, every Soturas tour is fully bespoke.
Day 1 — Arrive in Dublin
Highlights:
  • Trinity College & the Book of Kells
  • Temple Bar
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Old Jameson Distillery
  • Christchurch Cathedral
  • Kilmainham Gaol
  • Overnight: Dublin
Arrive in Dublin and settle into your centrally located hotel. Spend the day exploring at your own pace, visit Trinity College, stroll through St Stephen’s Green, or soak up the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar. Enjoy your first evening experiencing Irish food, music, and hospitality.
Highlights:
  • Glendalough
  • Kilkenny Castle
  • Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile
  • Overnight: Kilkenny

Collect your rental car and drive south to the medieval city of Kilkenny. Explore Kilkenny Castle, walk the Medieval Mile, and enjoy the relaxed charm of this historic riverside town, an ideal first driving day.

Highlights:
  • Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills
  • Cobh Heritage Centre
  • Cork City
  • Kinsale
  • Overnight: Cork or Kinsale
Enjoy a slower-paced day discovering West Cork, known for its rugged coastline, creative spirit, and colourful villages. Visit places such as Clonakilty, Baltimore, or Kinsale, or simply follow coastal roads with stunning Atlantic views.
Highlights:
  • Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills
  • Cobh Heritage Centre
  • Cork City
  • Kinsale
  • Overnight: Cork or Kinsale
Continue south through rolling countryside to County Cork. Stop at the dramatic Rock of Cashel before visiting Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone. End your day in vibrant Cork City or the picturesque harbour town of Kinsale.
Highlights:
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Staigue Fort
  • Killarney National Park
  • Muckross House & Gardens
  • Overnight: Killarney
Travel west into County Kerry, arriving in Killarney, beautifully set beside lakes and mountains. Spend the afternoon in Killarney National Park, visiting Muckross House & Gardens, or enjoying the town’s welcoming pubs and restaurants.
Highlights:
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Staigue Fort
  • Killarney National Park
  • Muckross House & Gardens
  • Overnight: Killarney
Drive the world-famous Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes. Expect sweeping coastal views, mountain passes, ancient forts, and charming villages. Take your time, this day is about enjoying the journey as much as the destinations.
Highlights:
  • Inch Beach
  • Slea Head Drive
  • Blasket Islands Views
  • Dingle
  • Overnight: Dingle
Head west to the spectacular Dingle Peninsula. Follow the iconic Slea Head Drive, where dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and early Christian sites meet the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight in the lively town of Dingle, known for music, food, and warm hospitality.
Highlights:
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • The Burren
  • Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
  • Doolin Village
  • Overnight: Doolin or Lahinch
Travel north via the Shannon Estuary into County Clare. Visit the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, explore the unique limestone landscape of The Burren, and settle into a coastal village famous for traditional music and relaxed charm.
Highlights:
  • Connemara National Park
  • Galway
  • Kylemore Abbey
  • Overnight: Connemara or Clifden
Drive north to Connemara, a region of rugged mountains, lakes, and open bogland. Visit the stunning Kylemore Abbey, and enjoy scenic walks or drives through Connemara National Park, one of Ireland’s most unspoiled landscapes.
Highlights:
  • Westport
  • Achill Island
  • Overnight: Westport, Mayo, or Achill Island
Continue north into County Mayo, home to wild Atlantic scenery and fewer crowds. Visit Achill Island for dramatic coastal drives and beaches, or base yourself in the lively town of Westport, consistently voted one of Ireland’s most charming towns.
Highlights:
  • Newgrange
  • Trim Castle
  • Overnight: County Meath
Begin your journey east through Ireland’s heartlands to County Meath, part of the historic Boyne Valley. Visit landmarks such as Trim Castle or simply relax and enjoy your final night in peaceful countryside, perfectly located for an easy departure.
After breakfast, enjoy a short, straightforward drive to Dublin Airport. Depart Ireland feeling unhurried, fulfilled, and deeply connected to the landscapes and stories you’ve experienced.
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Why This 12-Day Tour Works Beautifully

  • Focuses entirely on the Republic of Ireland
  • Extra time along the Wild Atlantic Way
  • A relaxed pace with minimal backtracking
  • Final night in Meath for a smooth departure
This itinerary is a starting point. With Soturas, we’ll tailor every route, stay, and experience to suit you—and we’ll be with you every step of the way, from planning to homecoming.
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