Verdant Ireland Self Drive (Dublin - Waterford - County Kerry - County Clare - Galway)

With over 1000 years of history Dublin has experienced many changes, particularly in the last decade. European Union membership and increased prosperity have transformed Dublin into a multicultural city with a thriving economy, ranking it among the top tourist destinations in Europe. An hour walk from the top of Grafton Street, across the Liffey, up O'Connell Street, and farther into north Dublin is a walk through time and, also a glimpse of some of the pieces that must eventually fit together.

Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, Temple Bar, St. Stephen's Green and the National Museums and so much more!

Waterford, located on the River Suir, is the oldest city in the Republic of Ireland and one of the county's largest population centers. The storied history of Waterford started in 914CE, making Waterford older than most European capitals! Not only can people learn a lot about history walking down these winding, hilly streets, they can take a special souvenir home: authentic Waterford crystal!

Visit Reginald's Tower, Bishops' Palace, House of Waterford Crystal, Clock Tower on the Quays, Beach Tower, Double Tower, Treasures of Waterford Museums, Mount Congreve, and so much more!

Offering softly rolling green fields, long sweeping seascapes, and vibrant little towns, the 'Kingdom' has a maze of blissfully quiet country lanes each of which has a story to tell. Around every corner, a piece of history unfolds amidst the most beautiful scenery. There are tiny fishing villages, early Christian ruins, and Ireland's highest mountain.

Visit the Ring of Kerry, Muckross House and Gardens, the Blasket Centre, Kerry Bog Village Museum, Killarney National Park, the Skellig Islands, and Ardfert Cathedral.

Clare is the County of seascapes and landscapes, offering two of Ireland's natural attractions: The Burren, with its great mystery and beauty due to its geology, flora, caves, archaeology and history, and the dramatic stretch of coastline, including the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. For Irish music, be sure to visit the town of Doolin - famed for its tradition of Irish music. This is also an excellent place for those fascinated by the country's ancient history, as it's littered with historic and prehistoric sites, from the Poulnabrone Dolmen to Bunratty Castle.

Explore the Cliffs of Moher, the Aillwee Cave, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Clare Archaeology Centre - Dysert O'Dea Castle, and Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre.

Galway City, the largest city in County Galway, is known as the 'city of the tribes' and is a thriving, bohemian, cultural city on the western coast of Ireland. It is a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches and a long winding promenade and has a buzzing cosmopolitan city center. The city is a joy to explore with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colorful shop facades and busy café and bar culture. The city is renowned for its thriving Irish theatre, arts, music and culture scene and Galway plays host to a number of internationally renowned festivals throughout the year. Eyre Square and the imposing Galway Cathedral are but two of Galway's best-known sights.

Explore the region across Galway Bay, Lynch Castle, Galway City Museum, the National Aquarium, Salthill beach, Spanish Arch, Kylemore Abbey, Ashford Castle, the Aran Islands and Connemara National Park as well as festivals like the annual Galway Arts Festival and much more!

With over 1000 years of history Dublin has experienced many changes, particularly in the last decade. European Union membership and increased prosperity have transformed Dublin into a multicultural city with a thriving economy, ranking it among the top tourist destinations in Europe. An hour walk from the top of Grafton Street, across the Liffey, up O'Connell Street, and farther into north Dublin is a walk through time and, also a glimpse of some of the pieces that must eventually fit together.

Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, Temple Bar, St. Stephen's Green and the National Museums and so much more!