Tour the Islands of Ireland
Discover the most popular islands of Ireland as well as some hidden gems. This self-drive tour takes you to places that even some of the Irish have never been to! Why not experience the legendary Irish welcome by staying in some wonderful hotels and meet some of the most hospitable people in Ireland!
The west coast of Ireland is dotted with islands. Spend 8 days exploring Ireland’s busiest islands as well as the ones inhabited only by a few sheep!
This package will take you to Dublin City; Achill Island; Clare Island; Killary Harbour; Inishbofin Island; The Aran Islands; The Cliffs of Moher ; The Burran and many other places.
Perfect Time To Go
All Year
Number Of Nights
7
Find out how we can customize this package for you:
For further information and bookings please contact us:
Email: enquiries@best-of-scotland.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1592 752990
Fax: +44 (0)1592 331680
Toll Free: 1-888 678 1567 USA/Canada
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin!
Welcome to Dublin city, you will have today free to explore the sights of Dublin. Visit the Guinness Storehouse for a pint of the national drink, or discover the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Overnight in Dublin.
Day 2. Mayo
Depart for Ireland’s western Atlantic shores, stopping en route at the beautiful Belvedere House & Gardens. Continue your journey to the West of Ireland where dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and panoramic Atlantic drives invite you to stop for ever-changing dramatic views. Overnight in Mayo.
Day 3. Achill Island
Today you visit Achill Island, easily accessible via a bridge in Mulrany. Wild, windy and beautiful – the 40km long Achill Drive takes in the best of the scenery. Visit Heinrich Boell’s House and the Deserted Village he wrote about. Overnight in Mayo.
Day 4. Clare Island
Visit Clare Island; the largest of Clew Bay’s many islands, boasting spectacular views of one of Ireland’s best known peaks, Croagh Patrick. The island has been inhabited for 5,000 years and the remains of promontory forts, a megalithic tomb, ancient field systems and 45 fulachta fiadh (Bronze Age cooking sites) can be visited. Return to the mainland and drive through the valley of Doolough before coming to Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Overnight in Connemara.
Day 5. Inishbofin Island
Take the ferry to Inishbofin Island. Long favoured by fishermen, farmers, exiled monks and fugitive pirates, the island has been inhabited for over 6,000 years. Inishbofin is renowned for its unrestricted and panoramic “Loop Walks”. In the afternoon drive to nearby Claddaghduff. If the tide is low you can drive onto Omey Island. Alternatively you can explore the Roundstone Peninsula. Overnight in Connemara.
Day 6. Aran Islands
Catch a ferry to the Aran Islands. There are three islands; Inish Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. Inish Mór is buzzing with visitors during the summer & the biggest attraction is Dun Aenghus, a massive fort set dramatically on high cliffs. Hire a bicycle or take one of the minibus tours to explore the island. For tranquillity go to Inis Oirr, the smallest island which is best for relaxed walks & where it is easy to get the impression that you have the whole world to yourself. Continue to Galway and enjoy the busy atmosphere in one of the many pubs playing traditional music. Overnight in Galway.
Day 7. Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
Travel along the coast road through the Burren Region. The Burren is a Karst-Limestone area which is particularly renowned for its flowers. You will then reach the Cliffs of Moher, a dramatic coastline of 8km in length with over 200m high sheer cliffs. Depart for the East of the country, stopping en route in Kilbeggan for a visit to Locke’s Distillery, one of the oldest whiskey distilleries in Ireland. Overnight in Dublin.
Day 8. Slán abhaile!!
This is the end of your tour of the islands of Ireland so today you make your way back home.
Overnight In…
- Dublin for 1 night
- Mayo for 2 nights
- Connemara/Galway for 3 nights
- Dublin for 1 night
Included in your price:
- 7 nights accommodation in a 4* hotel
- Full Irish Breakfast each morning
- Rental of automatic estate car
Please note:
Ferry fares to the islands and entry fees are not included in the price