Experience Ireland in Twelve Days.

Experience the enchanting beauty of Ireland on this unforgettable 12-day tour. Embark on a journey that takes you through picturesque landscapes like the Cliffs of Moher, the charming city of Dublin, and historic sites like Kilkenny Castle, immersing yourself in rich Irish culture. Below is a sample itinerary of the cities and sites to take in during your twelve days in Ireland. We can customize this itinerary based on your own travel needs and desires if you have interest in including ancestral exploration, wildlife or castle hopping - we can create the trip around you.

Solis Castle Hotel, Lough Eske, Co Donegal Web Size
$11,250

Starting From 

12

Nights

hand-crafted itinerary

5-Star Hotels

Captivating Experiences

Culinary Delights

Highlights of Ireland: Itinerary Inspiration

  • Day 1 - Journey to Ireland!

    Cead Mile Failte. Welcome to the beautiful Emerald Isle.
    Upon arrival you will be met by your private driver guide for your journey south east to the medieval city of Kilkenny. Along the way travel through the Irish countryside and take in some gorgeous views along your journey. You can take a stop along the way and stretch your legs while exploring the natural scenery of the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough, which features a sixth-century monastic settlement in the glacial valley known as Glendalough, surrounded by the stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park or head straight to Kilkenny City to start to explore this historic city before settling into your beautiful five star hotel for the evening. Experience one of the finest 5-star hotels in Kilkenny. This luxury hotel in Kilkenny offers many distinct experiences: their elegant bedrooms blend rich Irish heritage with modern comfort and warm, attentive service. Relax and enjoy a tee time, falconry, horse riding, archery or fishing before an evening of dining and drinks. You will be offered a truly memorable country retreat where luxury meets timeless tradition.


  • Day 2 - Kilkenny Castle and Historical Walking Tour

    After a full Irish breakfast, your private driver-guide brings you to Kilkenny for a day of exploration. Begin with a visit to Kilkenny Castle, a 13th-century fortress rich in Norman history and home to notable art and medieval artifacts. Enjoy a stroll through the city’s historic landmarks—St. Canice’s Cathedral, Black Abbey, Shee Alms House, and more—before lunch at a local favorite. Then set off on a guided walking tour, uncovering Kilkenny’s stories, legends, and centuries-old streets. Return to your 5-star estate hotel to relax and dine for the evening.

     

  • Day 3 - Kinsale & Cork

    After breakfast, your private driver guide will collect you at the agreed upon time to begin your journey to the beautiful and colourful town of Kinsale. Kinsale is a town on the southern coast of Ireland, in County Cork. Located at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale town is famous for its colourful streetscapes and rich history, great food, and small boutiques. Kinsale is a vibrant coastal town where there are two 17th-century fortresses overlook the River Bandon: the vast, star-shaped Charles Fort to the southeast, and the smaller James Fort on the river's opposite bank. The 16th-century courthouse building houses the Kinsale Regional Museum, with a variety of displays on local history and information about the 1915 sinking of the RMS Lusitania.

    Check into your quaint and historically and an archetecturally beautiful Georgian Period boutique hotel whose rooms have beauty, character and history in this lovely house, Situated in the heart of Kinsale, overlooking the harbour, you will be welcomed and be able to relax and enjoy this period house for the next two evenings.

    We can make dinner recommendations and reservations for you during your stay in the town of Kinsale.

     


  • Day 4 - Food Tour, Historical Forts and Exploring the Coast

    After breakfast you can explore the beautiful town of Kinsale! Your driver guide will collect you to explore historical sites like Charles Fort and James Fort, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as coastal walks, water sports, and golfing at Old Head Golf Links. Other options include visiting the Lusitania Museum, enjoying scenic cruises, or simply wandering the colorful streets of the town.

    Afterwards, an afternoon Kinsale Food Tour where you will meet your guide who will bring you on a walking tour to experience the stories, the scenery, seafood of the coastal town and other tasty treats in the gourmet capital of Ireland. Taste, tour and learn through food, about Irish culture, its makers and suppliers and some characters along the way.

    Afterwards, back to your Georgian hotel to freshen up before dinner and a stroll and drinks in the local pubs.

     


  • Day 5 - West Cork & Killarney

    Today you will head to Kerry, your driver guide will collect you for your journey to your first stop the beautiful town of Killarney. Travel through West Cork towns of Clonakilty, Skibbeereen and Bantry perhaps Afternoon Tea at Estate Bantry House before heading to the famous Kerry town of Killarney .

    Here take a Jaunting Car through the Killarney National Park and a then a visit to Muckross House a 19th-century historical mansion set among mountains and woodland and working a farm set on the Killarney Lakes in the Killarney National Park.

    Then you will head to Kenmare for the evening where you will check into your unique 5 star hotel. Arrive and immerse yourself in the hotel’s luxurious surroundings. This 5 star hotel located in the heart of Kenmare has a range of activities and things to do during your stay such as horse-riding, falconry, clay-pigeon shooting and a luxury spa experiences overlooking the estate'e 300 acre grounds.

     


  • Day 6 - Killarney & Kenmare

    Today the Ring of Kerry! The scenic drive is around Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula. The Ring of Kerry drive is boasting of breath-taking views, historical sites and gorgeous towns and villages such as Killarney, Kenmare, Sneem, Caherdaniel, Waterville, Cahirciveen, Kells, Glenbeigh, Killorglin and Beaufort.

    Stretch at some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland and a stop for some lunch of fresh seafood in a traditional Irish pub (could be some traditional music as well!)

    Return to your five star hotel in Kenmare for the evening to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

     

    A scenic view of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland, featuring rolling emerald hills, rugged coastline, and sparkling lakes, with a winding road leading to distant mountains under a cloudy sky.


  • Day 7 - Galway

    Say goodbye to Kerry as your driver-guide collects you for the journey northwest to County Galway. En route, enjoy a scenic drive through the Burren National Park—its lunar-like landscape, rare flora, and wildlife making it one of Ireland’s natural wonders. After a rest stop, continue to Galway City to stroll Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter, and its lively streets filled with pubs, shops, and cafés. Then check in to your five-star estate hotel on a 138-acre private property along Lough Corrib. Relax, dine, and enjoy the estate for the evening.

     


  • Day 8 - Aran Islands Day Trip

    Today, you will be collected by your private driver guide to bring you to the Galway City for your ferry ride from Galway City to Inis Mor the largest island of the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands are located just off Galway and Doolin. A true Irish experience awaits, locals speak Irish as well as English in a setting of Celtic churches of historical significance including World Heritage site Dun Aonghasa which is set on dramatic 300 ft cliff edge.

    You will be met by a tour guide on InisMor to tour the many cultural and heritage sites on the largest of the three Aran Islands, Inis Mór. The local tour guide will show the unique Irish speaking island with a keen insight into the islands history and its lore .

    Return to five star estate for the evening. Dinner recommendation at the hotel.


  • Day 9 - Kylemore Abbey to Donegal

    After your breakfast, your driver guide will collect you to head North along the Wild Atlantic Way to Donegal for your Castle stay this evening! You will drive through Connemara National Park! Connemara is a place of legend, folklore and profound beauty.

    Perhaps a visit to Kylemore Abbey built as a breathtaking castle in 1868 it has been through owners and inhabitants and change throughout its 150 year history. A victorian house, abbey and a Victorian Walled Garden.

    Journey north with a stop to stretch your legs at the beautiful Streedagh beach in Sligo then to your Castle in Donegal.

    Relax and enjoy the surroundings on this fabulous estate for your Castle stay! Dining recommendation at the Castle this evening!


  • Day 10 - Donegal

    This morning after breakfast, you can enjoy your castle surroundings, you can explore the lake with activities like fishing and kayaking, hike the various loops on the Castle grounds and enjoy the history and grounds of the Castle Hotel.

    Your driver guide will collect you and you can visit some popular nearby attractions including the Barnesmore Gap, Donegal Town, Glenveagh National Park, and the Slieve League cliffs.

    Return to the Castle for a relaxing evening and dinner at the Castle!


  • Day 11 - Dublin

    Today your driver guide will collect you to take you to Dublin. Enjoy the ride through the Irish countryside passing through Irish towns and villages along the way that you can stop to stretch your legs.

    A stop at Newgrange Bru Na Boinne or the Irish Stud Farm and Japanese Gardens before arriving at your Dublin hotel for the evening.

    Say goodbye to your driver and check in to your centrally located Dublin hotel! Check in relax and head out for a dinner and some traditional Irish music in an Irish pub nearby the hotel.


  • Day 12 - Guinness Storehouse & City Exploring

    After breakfast and for your first full day in Dublin you will start by being met by your private tour guide for your walking tour of Dublin. Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel this morning to set off to explore Dublin which is rife with history and culture. Your guide will show you the best landmarks. With your private guide, you will walk through the cobblestone streets of the city and stop at various points of interest including Temple Bar, Ha’penny Bridge, Trinity College, and the Molly Malone statue. While you explore, your guide sheds light on the history of each location.

    Afterwards, some lunch near the famous Grafton Street before you head to Guinness Storehouse to learn how to pour a proper Pint of the Black Stuff (Guinness). At Guinness Storehouse you will experience the history, heart, and soul of Ireland's most beloved beer. Here you will explore the story of Guinness past and present. The seven floors of the Storehouse bring to life the rich heritage of Guinness, telling the story from its origins at St James's Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand, known all around the world. Included with your admission is a free Guinness at the end of your self-guided tour.

    Return to your hotel freshen up and head out to enjoy dinner, pints and music as well as the famous Irish fun on your last night in Ireland!

     


  • Day 13 - Farewell to Ireland

    You will be collected by your private driver to bring you to the airport to begin your journey home! Slan Abhaile!

     

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Who Is Old Sod Travel?

We are a small, independent business specializing in planning luxurious trips to Ireland, Scotland, and England. We work with you to create a tailor-made Ireland tour filled with the amazing scenery, singular experiences, and lifelong memories you’ve been dreaming of.

Our focus is solely on highly customized travel to Ireland and the British Isles. This allows us to identify the best hotels and guesthouses, and to know the owners personally. We know the best hiking trails, golf courses, and fishing guides. The best restaurants, pubs, and scenic vistas.

We know where the good seats are at the Edinburgh Tattoo and how to get tickets for Wimbledon, Premier League Soccer games or a Hurling match at Croke Park. We know which sites and attractions are truly worth seeing and where you’ll want to spend extra time.

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