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Vacations with Personality

CASTLES AND GARDENS OF IRELAND

Self-Drive Tour

8 days 7 nights
  • About Tour
  • Tour Itinerary
  • Whats Included
  • Important Info
  • Additional Fees
  • T&C
Languages English Duration 8 days 7 nights Airline
This eight-day tour of Ireland begins in Dublin, offering a blend of cultural treasures like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle. From there, explore the scenic beauty of County Wicklow, including the Powerscourt Estate and Glendalough. The journey continues to Limerick and Bunratty Castle, where medieval history comes to life through castles, folk parks, and Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. Highlights include exploring the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula and experiencing the rugged beauty of Ireland’s westernmost point at Slea Head, with views of the Blasket Islands.

The tour also takes visitors along the famous Ring of Kerry, with stops at iconic sites like Lady’s View and the Torc Waterfall, and continues through Cork, Kenmare, and Glengarriff, where Garnish Island’s exotic flora captivates. The journey finishes with visits to Kilkenny and three of Ireland’s most impressive castles, including the Rock of Cashel. With picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and the vibrant culture of Ireland, this tour offers a well-rounded experience of the country’s charm before returning to Dublin for departure.
Highlights
• Departure flight onboard Play on a connecting flight from Hamilton Airport to Dublin Airport on the selected flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on and one piece of checked luggage included when booked on Play Value or Play Flex categories.
• Under 2-hour stop in Keflavik Airport for connecting flights (no check-in or luggage pick-up required)
• Rent Car
• Daily activities as per chosen itinerary.
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan. 
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy additional local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Return flight from Dublin to Keflavik Airport, connecting to Hamilton Airport on a direct flight.

*Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
PLAY BASIC (B) – Personal item max. 10 Kg only. Carry-on, seats and checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY BASIC PLUS (L) - Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max 12 Kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plane). Checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY VALUE (V) – Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked Bag 20 kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plane excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding.
PLAY FLEX F) – Personal item max 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked bag max. 23 kg + Seat selection (excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding + Flight flexibility.
The Tour on Map Tour map image path

Itinerary

Tour day #1 photo
Day 0 Departure from Canada
Arrive on time for your departure from Hamilton Airport to Iceland for your connecting flight to Dublin.

Hop aboard your Play Airlines flight and brace yourself for the adventure!


Tour day #2 photo
Day 1 Welcome to Dublin!
Arrive in Dublin, pick your car up and explore the attractions of Europe’s most popular city. Dublin has a wealth of treasures for the visitor with cultural delights like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College to name but a few! 

For those who prefer a more relaxed look at the capital, a leisurely browse through the main shopping area of Grafton Street is an absolute must. 

Overnight in Dublin.


Tour day #3 photo
Day 2 Dublin and Wicklow
Today visit Co. Wicklow and enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside Ireland has to offer. Travel along the southern coastline to Bray for a photo stop before continuing deep into the heart of Wicklow’s hilly countryside. 

Enjoy the magnificence of the historic house and gardens at Powerscourt Estate. In the heart of Wicklow, you can also visit Glendalough—one of Ireland’s most impressive monastic sites founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century. 

Here you can enjoy a guided tour of this famous site of natural beauty and spiritualism. 

Overnight in Dublin.


Tour day #4 photo
Day 3 Limerick, Bunratty Castle
Depart today for Limerick—Ireland’s fourth city. 

Here you can visit the King John’s Castle, a fortified 13th century Castle on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick. The castle overlooking the River Shannon opens an exciting window on the lives and stories of the people through political upheaval, war and famine. In the afternoon take short drive to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland.

The Folk Park features include a recreated village and a display of 19th century agricultural machinery, experience Ireland as it was in the old days.

Overnight in Limerick.


Tour day #5 photo
Day 4 Dingle Peninsula
Depart Limerick for a full day tour of the Dingle Peninsula with its breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and sandy beaches as well as ancient and early Christian monastic sites and small Irish-speaking villages. 

You will reach the most westerly point of Europe at Slea Head, from where you can watch a view of the offshore Blasket Islands. The largest of these, the Great Blasket island, was abandoned by its inhabitants in 1953. 

Overnight in Kerry.


Tour day #6 photo
Day 5 Ring of Kerry
A full day tour of the famous Ring of Kerry. The drive to Moll’s Gap is breathtaking with the picturesque lakes and mountains at Lady’s View and the Torc Waterfall.

If time allows, take a jaunting car in the Gap of Dunloe or stroll around Muckross House and Gardens where the nineteenth century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney Lakes and National Park. 

Overnight Kerry.


Tour day #7 photo
Day 6 Cork, Kenmare & Garnish Island
Travel to Cork via the picturesque villages of Kenmare and Glengarriff. 

From Glengarriff you can take a ferry to Garnish Island (weather permitting, the boat operates from April to October). The Island has a wonderful history and its unusual micro climate allows a range of exotic subtropical plant species to flourish. 

Then continue to Bantry and visit Bantry House. It is not only one of the finest historic houses in Ireland, but it also commands one of the best views overlooking Bantry Bay in West Cork.

Overnight in Cork.


Tour day #8 photo
Day 7 Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel
In the morning time to discover one of the Ireland’s most popular city—Cork. 

Here you can visit the English Market. This wonderful market is a self-caterer's paradise with so many tasty delicacies to choose from it's hard to show restraint. The emphasis is on local produce, with cheeses, ham, buttered eggs, sausages, bread and smoked salmon on offer. In the afternoon depart Cork for Kilkenny and en route visit 3 of the most impressive castles in Ireland. 

Cahir Castle is one of Ireland's largest and best-preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the river Suir. Then take the direction to the Rock of Cashel. Towering over the town from its perch on a 200-foot-high outcrop of limestone, the Rock was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. 

Finish your day by visiting the Kilkenny Castle. This 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which were the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde.

 Overnight in Kilkenny/Carlow.


Tour day #9 photo
Day 8 Departure Slán abhaile!!
This morning head to Dublin airport and drop your car off.

Arrive on time for your departure from Dublin Airport to Iceland for your connecting flight to Canada.

Whats Included
• Departure flight onboard Play on a connecting flight from Hamilton Airport to Dublin Airport on the selected flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on and one piece of checked luggage included when booked on Play Value or Play Flex categories.
• Under 2-hour stop in Keflavik Airport for connecting flights (no check-in or luggage pick-up required)
• Rent Car
• Daily activities as per chosen itinerary.
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan. 
    • 2 Nights area Dublin
    • 1 Night area Co. Clare/ Limerick
    • 2 Nights area Kerry
    • 1 Night area Cork
    • 1 Night area Kilkenny / Carlow 
• Entrance Powerscourt Gardens (including Waterfalls)
• Entrance King John’s Castle
• Entrance Muckross House & Gardens
• Entrance Kilkenny Castle 
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy additional local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Return flight from Dublin to Keflavik Airport, connecting to Hamilton Airport on a direct flight.

*Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
PLAY BASIC (B) – Personal item max. 10 Kg only. Carry-on, seats and checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY BASIC PLUS (L) - Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max 12 Kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plane). Checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY VALUE (V) – Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked Bag 20 kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plane excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding.
PLAY FLEX F) – Personal item max 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked bag max. 23 kg + Seat selection (excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding + Flight flexibility.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation will be provided in typical of the country middleclass hotels or B&B’s. Breakfast is included.

2 Nights area Dublin: Hotel-Example: Maldron Newlands Cross Hotel, or similar - B&B-Example: Riversdale B&B, or similar
1 Night area Co. Clare/ Limerick: Hotel-Example: Limerick City Hotel, or similar - B&B-Example: Armada Lodge B&B, or similar
2 Nights area Kerry: Hotel-Example: Killarney Court, or similar - B&B-Example: Windway House B&B, or similar
1 Night area Cork: Hotel-Example: Celtic Ross Hotel, or similar - B&B-Example: Davmar B&B, or similar
1 Night area Kilkenny / Carlow Hotel-Example: Kilkenny Hotel or similar - B&B-Example: The Rise B&B or similar


Whats Not Included
. Baggage porterage at airport/hotel
. Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
. Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary 
. Guaranteed early check-in
. Guaranteed late check-out 
. Any service not specifically listed under "Included"

Additional information about rent car

• Mileage: Unlimited
• Insurance/ Excess: CDW without excess. Collision damage waiver, airport surcharges, tires and windscreen and 3rd party insurance is included. Excluding from the protection are lost keys, usage of wrong fuel, interior protection, theft protection (Max. EUR 2,700) road site assistance and recovery.
• The costumer must bring a valid credit card which will be used for coverage. The credit card must be issued with the name of the main driver. Debit cards, Pre Paid cards, cheques, cash are not accepted-
• Deposit: ca. EUR 1,500.00 in Ireland. The costumer must bring a valid credit card which will be used for coverage. The credit card must be issued with the name of the main driver. Debit cards, Pre Paid cards, cheques, cash are not accepted.
• Bookings: full names and ages of main driver as well as flight details need to be provided at time of booking.
• Additional Driver‘s: One additional driver is included.
• Age Restriction: 25 to 75 years. Younger/ older driver carry a surcharge and might require a medical certificate, price on request.
• Cross Border Policy: The rental agreement is valid for Republic of Ireland. The vehicle may not be taken outside the agreed rental location. Taking or driving in Northern Ireland is on request and a supplement of ca. EUR 4.00 per day will apply for insurance purpose (Northern Ireland is not part of the EU any longer). If car is taken to NI without prior consultation the provided credit card will be charged. Vehicles cannot be taken from Ireland to mainland UK. TST doesn’t take any liability or costs if the car is driven in NI without notification.
• Driving license: The main driver must be holding a valid driving license for at least 14 years.
• GPS/ Neverlost: can be added at time of booking for ca. EUR 18.00 per day or alternatively at rental station for a higher fee. In that case the credit card of the main driver will be charged.
• Child seat/ infant seat : need to be booked before arrival for ca. EUR 19.00 per seat/ per day. Alternatively bookable and payable on arrival, subject to availability.
• Tank filling: Vehicles have a full tank upon collection and shall be returned with a full tank (otherwise extra charges for fuel may occur and main drivers credit card will be charged)
• Return: The hired car shall be returned at the agreed time and date! Otherwise extra charges for late return may occur and main driver’s credit card will be charged. This includes returning the car to a different rental station than the pick up rental station.
• Tolls/ road charges: Some motorways or bridges in Ireland and UK have tolls/ road charges. These costs are to be paid by the client, this includes London Congestion Charges 
• Pick up/ drop off locations: may not always be inside a terminal building, walks and on occasions bus transfers (included) may have to take place. Full info will be provided with the travel documents
• Cancellation Policy: Cancellations can be made FOC up to 14 days prior to arrival.
• No-Shows: Not used/attended services that are provided with the package cannot be refunded. 100% no show fees apply.

In case of emergency please contact our local Representatives:

Tour Partner Group
Dublin
+353 1 293 3000
ireland@tourpartnergroup.com
Blackthorn Exchange, Bracken Road Sandyford, Ireland D18 W6N4
  • Car Rental
• Handling fee: additional handling fee of EUR 30.00 - EUR 55.00 will be charged for the processing of fines (e.g. parking tickets, road tolls) and claims.
• Tolls/ road charges: Some motorways or bridges in Ireland have tolls/ road charges. These costs are to be paid by the client.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE TOUR OPERATOR

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product offered by THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE AIRLINE

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product or air segment offered by PLAY Airlines.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions applicable to the services offered by Tour Partner Group Ireland and UK (local Destination Management Company in Ireland and UK).
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Vacations with Personality