Self Drive Tour - Southwestern Ireland

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One could fairly argue that nine days is not nearly enough time to properly take in the beauties of even a part of Ireland, particularly its lovely and enticing south west, but with a hire car at your disposal and an approximate idea of the delights the area has to offer, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you can accomplish in such a space of time. Of course, there’s still no guarantee you won’t want to stay even longer when you’re done!

After arriving in Shannon Airport, you will want to hire your car and start south into Killarney, which affords sumptuous views and great shopping. Among the many top quality places to stay, Kathleen's Country House is well recommended. On your second day you will start along the south side of the Ring of Kerry, and may want to visit some of the historic sites along the way.

Day three offers you the chance to visit such curiosities as the Slate Quarry, where they still cut slate right out of the hill, and the fifth century monastic ruins on Skellig Rock. The seafood in this area is scrumptious; you can’t miss it!

On day four you will be travelling the north side of the Ring of Kerry, and can pay a visit to the Milltown abbey remains, or perhaps take a leisurely break at Inch beach before venturing in to the delightful little town of Dingle. Day five can be devoted to exploring the westernmost points of Ireland, and stopping in to see some of the archaeological sites that document early Christianity before venturing into county Clare.

Day seven can be spent exploring the Burren, or perhaps paying a visit to the lovely Aran Islands before your drive on day eight to Ballyvaughan, where a beautiful twelfth-century abbey awaits your viewing pleasure.

Then you can venture south to Limerick, and spend a restful night before your drive on the ninth day to Shannon airport to return your rental car and board the plane for your trip home again— if you can bring yourself to get on the plane!