The Grand Tour of Ireland
From Dublin to the cliffs of Kerry, a complete journey through the Celtic soul and wild landscapes of the Emerald Isle.
Duration
15 days
From
€1,900/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
From north to south, Irlande is full of wonders and fabulous landscapes… It would take several months to see everything but this tour will allow you to discover a good part of it!
After two days in the capital, you will head to County Donegal in the far north of the island before heading back down to Kerry by taking the famous Wild Atlantic Way, the road along the west coast of Irlande.
In addition to stunning wild landscapes, you will discover historical treasures like the Boyne Valley, castles, and places where Irish music and culture will enchant you.
A memorable journey for those who want to experience all the facets of Irlande.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Dublin, Guinness Brewery and Temple Bar
Hosting almost a quarter of Ireland's population, Dublin is a European capital renowned for its atmosphere and the richness of its history. The hustle and bustle of its streets and pubs promise epic evenings, punctuated by live music.
Stroll along the Liffey, crossed by the Ha'Penny bridge, as far as St James's Gate. This is where the famous Guinness beer is produced. Discover the secrets of its production through a visit to the brewery and admire the view over Dublin from the panoramic bar at the top of the building.
In the evening, attend a traditional Irish dance show and soak in the vibrant atmosphere in the Temple Bar district.
Overnight in Dublin.
Trinity College, St Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle
On a human scale, the Centre is pleasant to visit on foot, which allows you to appreciate the architecture of Georgian houses and their colorful doors.
To spot the different iconic monuments, don't hesitate to board one of the double-decker buses that travel through the city.
Step through the threshold of Trinity College and its renowned library. Among many treasures, it notably houses the Book of Kells, a medieval manuscript featuring magnificent illuminations.
Visit Saint Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle.
For a breath of fresh air, head to the vast Phoenix Park, where many deer live.
Overnight at the same location as the previous night.
Newgrange and the Hill of Tara
Dublin → Vallée de la Boyne (Brú na Bóinne)
On the way to County Donegal, travel back several millennia to the Boyne Valley (Brú na Bóinne), which is home to some of the world's most important prehistoric monuments.
Even older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, the Newgrange tomb is one of the most impressive sites in Irlande. Built around 3200 BC, its entrance is perfectly aligned to allow the sun to illuminate its corridors during the winter solstice.
Not far away, the Hill of Tara is the ceremonial site where the ancient kings of Irlande were crowned. The Stone of Destiny at its summit features at the heart of many Irish myths.
Vallée de la Boyne (Brú na Bóinne) → Letterkenny
Overnight stay in Letterkenny.
Glenveagh National Park
In the far northwest of Irlande, County Donegal is one of the wildest and most typical counties on the island. It boasts splendid panoramas and Gaelic is still spoken fluently in many villages.
Explore Glenveagh National Park and its castle surrounded by exotic gardens, dominated by Mount Errigal. Visit the Dunfanaghy workhouse to discover life during the famine.
Admire The Bloody Forelands or the bloody cliffs, so named for their scarlet red hue in the setting sun.
Overnight at the same location as the previous night.
Derry and the Inishowen Peninsula
Explore the Inishowen Peninsula to the most northerly point of Irlande, Malin Head, which offers fantastic views over the ocean.
Don't miss stopping at the Grianán of Aileach, a circular fort surrounded by three ramparts at the top of Grianán hill. The fortress dates from the Middle Ages but the site itself goes back to the Bronze Age.
Head towards the fortified city of Derry / Londonderry (Derry). Its loyalist and republican quarters are now connected by the Peace Bridge, or Londonderry Peace Bridge, which spans the River Foyle.
Take a walk on the city walls and include a guided walking tour to discover the Bogside murals.
Overnight at the same location as the previous night.
Alternatively, this day can be replaced by an excursion to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Irlande.
Cliffs of Slieve League and Sligo
Join the coast between Dungloe and the Rosses peninsula, dotted with magnificent sandy beaches.
Take the scenic Glengesh pass route towards Ardara, the tweed capital, and visit the Glencolmcille folk museum.
Enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the Slieve League Cliffs. These are the highest in Irlande, and yet far less crowded than the Cliffs of Moher : you feel at the end of the world !
The day ends at Sligo, at the foot of the iconic Ben Bulben mountain. Heartland of the famous poet W.B. Yeats, Sligo also has excellent pubs where you can listen to a traditional music session.
Overnight in Sligo.
Westport and Killary Fjord
Sligo → Castelbar
Continue your journey south towards Connemara. Along the way, a visit to the National Museum of Rural Life in Castlebar will allow you to discover Irish life from days gone by.
Castelbar → Westport
Have lunch in the charming town of Westport, not far from Croagh Patrick. According to legend, this summit was walked by Saint Patrick himself: every year, thousands of Christians climb it during the Reek Sunday pilgrimage, in the month of July.
From Westport
In the afternoon, join the KILLARY FJORD (KILLARY HARBOUR), Irlande's only fjord. A boat cruise allows you to admire the magnificent landscape and sometimes spot dolphins!
To Oughterard
Night in Oughterard.
Sky Road and Connemara National Park
With its raw and majestic landscapes dotted with sparkling lakes, Connemara and Galway embodies all the magic of Ireland.
Nothing beats a hike in the Connemara National Park to capture all the beauty of the surroundings. The coast is full of charming small villages.
Take the scenic "Sky Road" route towards Clifden then visit the wonderful Kylemore Abbey.
Born from the whim of an English millionaire in 1868, the building has housed a Benedictine convent for nearly a century now. The abbey also features charming Victorian gardens and a café where you can enjoy tea and a scone.
Overnight at the same location as the previous night.
The Aran Islands
From Oughterard
Bastions of Irish culture, the Aran Islands are among the last places where the Gaelic language is still in use.
The inhabitants have endured winds and tides since prehistoric times, preserving a unique way of life. You can access Inish Mor, the largest of the three islands, by ferry or plane.
On site, it is possible to rent bicycles or tour by horse-drawn carriage. Visit the Dun Aengus fort in Kilronan, the first Christian monastery in Irlande, and stroll along picturesque paths lined with stone walls.
Upon your return from the excursion, enjoy the cheerful atmosphere of pubs and Irish music sessions in the city of Galway.
Overnight stay at the same location as the previous night.
The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
Oughterard → Falaises de Moher
At a height of 214 meters, the Cliffs of Moher are among the must-sees when visiting Ireland.
The path along the ridge offers breathtaking views of the horizon and waves crashing against the wall below. You can also spot multiple bird colonies there.
Falaises de Moher → Parc National De Burren
In the afternoon, take a walk through the Burren National Park, a region with distinctive geology and home to flora found nowhere else.
In this lunar landscape, nature has sculpted the rock into astonishing forms and there is an almost mystical atmosphere.
Parc National De Burren → Doolin
Night in Doolin.
Dingle Peninsula
Doolin → Dingle
In the south-west of Irlande, the coast is jagged into five peninsulas like fingers stretching towards the ocean.
Blessed with splendid panoramas and charming beaches, theDingle Peninsula is the most northerly one. It contains several historical sites, such as the Gallarus Oratory: built from dressed stone, it is thought to have served as a funeral chapel or shelter for pilgrims.
Take the Slea Head road, at the very tip of the peninsula, for a spectacular view over the Blasket Islands.
The Ring of Kerry
One of the most beautiful drives in Irlande ! This superb circuit runs along the coast of the Ivreagh peninsula.
It will take you between steep mountain passes and coastal roads offering you the best panoramic views over the Atlantic and Killarney National Park. The complete loop is approximately 165 km.
Among its many attractions, don't miss Torc Waterfall, the Moll's Gap mountain pass, Ladies View and Muckross Abbey.
Be amazed by the fabulous landscape and enjoy seafood or fresh fish in the charming little villages that dot the route.
Overnight in the same location as the previous night.
The Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a mountain pass between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks and the Purple Mountains. It is a magnificent day trip from Killarney, which can be done in a sporty version or without any effort!
Take the boat from the Ross Castle jetty across the three lakes of the national park to Lord Bandon's cottage.
From there, it is possible to cross the pass on foot, by bike or by horse-drawn carriage to Kate's cottage before returning to Killarney by bus. A splendid day in the heart of nature.
Overnight at the same location as the previous night.
The Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny
Head back to Dublin. On the way, you will visit the Cashel Castle, one of Irlande's iconic monuments: standing on a rock overlooking the horizon, this castle was once the seat of the Kings of Munster.
In the afternoon, explore the streets of the medieval town of Kilkennyand its Kilkenny Castlewhich was founded by the Normans in the 12th century.
For a breathtaking view over the town, climb to the top of the round tower of the Cathedral of St.
Kilkenny is also a major centre of craftsmanship, perfect for finding quality souvenirs.
Night in Kilkenny.
Have a good trip!
Your stay is coming to an end. If your flight schedule allows, head back to Dublin via County Wicklow and visit the monastic site of Glendalough.
Arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure for vehicle return and luggage check-in.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic air travel
- Airport taxes & visas
- Lunches and Dinners
- Beverages, personal expenses & tips
- Travel Insurance & Assistance
- Everything that is not listed in "Inclusions"
Included
- 14 nights in B&B in double or twin room with bathroom and toilet facilities
- 14 Irish or Continental Breakfasts
- Rental of a category 2 vehicle, Opel Corsa 3-door type or equivalent for 2 people, category 3, Opel Astra 5-door type or equivalent for 4 people, manual transmission, unlimited mileage, with comprehensive insurance, theft insurance, airport taxes for 14 days
- Your personalized travel journal
- English-speaking phone assistance 7/7
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Irlande dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport et carte d'identité
L'Irlande est membre de l'Union européenne mais n'est pas partie à l'espace Schengen. Pour les ressortissants de l'EEE et de la Suisse, l'entrée est possible avec un passeport en cours de validité ou, pour les citoyens de l'UE, avec une carte d'identité nationale valide.
Les ressortissants canadiens doivent être titulaires d'un passeport valide pour toute la durée du séjour.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Irlande.
Les citoyens de l'EEE et de la Suisse peuvent séjourner en Irlande sans limitation de durée en tant que ressortissants communautaires. Les ressortissants canadiens bénéficient quant à eux d'une exemption de visa permettant un séjour jusqu'à 90 jours.
Les autorités irlandaises peuvent demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une adresse d'hébergement en Irlande.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
L'Irlande met en place une Autorisation de Voyage Électronique (ETA) pour certains ressortissants étrangers. À ce jour, les citoyens de l'EEE, de la Suisse et du Canada en sont exemptés. Nous vous recommandons toutefois de vérifier la situation auprès des autorités irlandaises avant votre départ, les conditions pouvant évoluer.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport ou carte d'identité valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Irlande de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
No, Ireland is a member of the EU (although outside the Schengen area). French nationals can travel there with a valid ID card or passport. The currency is the euro. Border controls are minimal but do exist.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 200 and 340 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (150-400 euros return) are additional. Car rental is almost essential (left-hand driving).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — East Dublin
Celtic lands accomplice, based in Sligo
Ireland has this rare ability to create genuine connection very quickly. A landscape, some music, a conversation in a pub – and the trip takes on a whole different dimension.
— Charline
