Ireland, the classic - 7 days

You want the highlights? Here they are. In Dublin, which is rightly proud of its fascinating history, you can explore hidden corners, trendy districts and the world-famous Dublin Doors. Mighty cathedrals such as Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedral dominate the cityscape. In the fantastically beautiful university dating back to 1592, you can marvel at the Book of Kells, the most famous picture book in the world, and in the quaint pubs with traditional live folk music, you will quickly lose your heart to Ireland in good company over golden Guinness and "Molly Malone".
However, this will happen frequently as you explore the rugged, romantic and mysterious landscape. Mysterious stories tell of long-forgotten legends, supernatural powers and magical places, and by the time you drive through Connemara, you will no longer be surprised at the superstition of the Irish. Winding roads, moss-covered stone walls, colorful ferns and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean - welcome to the edge of the world. This really does seem to be the case at the mighty Cliffs of Moher.
You will also be enchanted by the south of the country, where the popular coastal road, the Ring of Kerry, will surprise you with a uniquely beautiful landscape of rugged cliffs, beaches, lakes, hills, untouched nature and magnificent views

Mighty and historic walls lie on your way back to Dublin, where you can enjoy Ireland to the full as you say goodbye. You will certainly be back.

Day 1: Arrival at the capital of Ireland – Dublin - A
You arrive either by plane or ferry at probably the most lovely capital city of Europe, Dublin. Beware, you will definitely fall for the city so take your time to get a first overview of it. Have a Guinness at the hotel bar, probably the best thing for the first evening in Ireland.

Day 2: Through the middle - from Dublin to County Clare – 270 km - F/A
Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or tea and indulge in the typical Irish breakfast, which is usually warm. Bacon, beans and egg are a change of pace in the morning!
Your guide will then take you on a journey through Dublin's history. Sights such as Trinity College (optional), St. Patrick's Cathedral (optional) or the Ha'penny Bridge are of course not to be missed.
Incidentally, the name Ha'penny Bridge comes from the toll that had to be paid to cross the bridge in times gone by.

You should never set off without refreshments, that's for sure! Before continuing inland, it's worth visiting a whiskey distillery. In Dublin you have several options, e.g. the Liberties Distillery (optional) or the Teeling Distillery (optional). The production process - not just for professionals - and the history behind the distilleries make the visit a highlight alongside the tasting.
The mystical 6th century monastery ruins of Clonmacnoise (optional) is a current World Heritage candidate and is located on the way to the rugged west coast of the Emerald Isle. It was a center for Christianity, learning, trade and crafts. As a result, it became a target for raids by the Vikings. Today, only the ruins of the stone monastery remain: a cathedral, several churches, round towers, three high crosses and much more. If you close your eyes and forget everything around you, you can almost feel the presence of the monks. The monastery is located on the banks of the River Shannon and if you wish, you can also approach the monastery by boat on the waterway, just like the Vikings did in 842 (optional).

Day 3: Connemara - A (beautiful) freak of nature – 300 km - F/A
Pure nature is on the agenda today - Connemara! Here you can feel the wind in your hair, the unique nature around you and one thing above all: freedom. The Connemara peninsula is one of the most pristine and untamed regions on the island.
Past Galway, towards Lough Corrib, you travel deeper and deeper into the wilderness of Ireland and away from the hustle and bustle of the city - vastness and greenery as far as the eye can see. Swampland next to peatland, gentle, gliding streams and dark blue lakes next to lush green meadows. Dark red fuchsias next to white, woolly sheep. In the middle of this seemingly unreal fairytale landscape rises, almost regally, the romantic Kylemore Abbey (optional). As peaceful as the former castle may seem, the history of the nuns who have called Kylemore their home since 1920 is all the more exciting. You can learn more about this during the interactive tour - curious? You can review your experiences over tea and scones (optional). After a well-earned break, continue to the secret capital of the west coast: Galway. Life is buzzing here! The locals know how to party, with rousing live music emanating from many tiny pubs and the many different street performers are sure to fascinate you with their skills.

If the dates fit, here would be an exceptional opportunity to see the great music and Riverdance show "Trad on the Prom" in the Leisureland Theater. Impressive musicians and dancers show all their skills here - something you will certainly not forget (optional).

Day 4: From the spectacular Cliffs of Moher to Kerry – 200 km - F/A
After a delicious Irish breakfast, the day can begin! You then leave the hotel and your first destination is the Burren region. The stony desert seems to be from another planet - this must have been how Neil Armstrong felt on the moon. The gray and dreary landscape is criss-crossed by caves and strudle holes. There are always colorful, flowery splashes of color in these holes. The local flora shows itself in its most beautiful colors. Depending on your mood, you can make a photo stop at Dunguaire Castle. Small, but in a beautiful romantic location by the sea and directly on the N67. Hold on tight at lunchtime, it could get windy. The Cliffs of Moher (optional) are a masterpiece of nature and are on the bucket list of every visitor to Ireland. Over a length of 8 km, the steep cliffs plunge vertically into the Atlantic Ocean and are met by the wildly lashing waves. A breathtaking spectacle and not for the faint-hearted.
As soon as you have managed to tear yourself away from this unique sight, continue past Limerick and Bunratty Castle (optional) to Kerry. Your hotel for the next two nights is already waiting for you.

Day 5: Green, greener, Ring of Kerry – 200 km - F/A
Let us take you on one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in Europe, the Ring of Kerry. Wild and romantic coastal scenery, majestic mountains and deep blue lakes that stand in stark contrast to the lush green meadows. This is exactly how you imagine Ireland, isn't it? Visit a sheep farm and marvel at the great interaction between the shepherd and his herding dogs (optional).
From Killorglin, the road almost always follows the coast and you can enjoy the magnificent views. In the afternoon, you will drive through Killarney National Park, where you can also take a relaxing carriage ride through the picturesque landscape (optional).
Killarney impresses above all with its Irish small-town flair. Noisy streets flooded with music from the local pubs and people provide a contrast to the tranquillity of the morning. Diving in and out of pub life is definitely recommended. The closing time at 11 pm (last beer!) means you can still be fit the next morning. Someone must have thought ahead...

Day 6: Cork, the metropolis in the south and return to Dublin – 380 km - F/A
You leave Kerry and head south to Cork. In addition to a great university, Cork is known for its good food and as an up-and-coming location for globally renowned companies. A visit to the English market will make any foodie's heart beat faster. What makes it so special? Most of the products are local and handmade.
The Rock of Cashel (optional) is on the way back to Dublin. This is a magical place that tells long-forgotten stories from more than 1,000 years ago. The national saint St. Patrick made the fortress the episcopal see of Ireland in the 5th century.
You have already experienced a lot on your tour of Ireland, do you know what is still missing? Tapping a real Guinness yourself! You can combine this with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in the afternoon (optional). After the tapping course, you will even receive a certificate confirming that you are now a professional.

Day 7: Journey home - F
For now you have to leave the Irish capital but you are welcome every time again! How do the Irish say? "Céad míle fáilte" which literally means a hundred thousand welcomes. You can checkout any time you like but you can never leave, that is what the Eagles said about the Hotel California but it's the same with Dublin: you fall in love with the city, you will never leave completely and will come back some time. Have a safe trip home, folks!

Irish experiences
Admission to Clonmacnoise Abbey
Admission Cliffs of Moher incl. parking fees
Admission Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
approx. 1 hour carriage ride through Killarney National Park

Irish temptations
Admission to Kylemore Abbey and Gardens incl. afternoon tea/coffee and scones
Admission and tour of Guinness Storehouse Dublin incl. 1 pint of Guinness

Irish Highlights
1.5 hour Viking boat trip Althone - Clonmacnoise or vice versa
Admission and tour of Kissane Sheep Farm incl. herding dog demonstration (closed on Sundays)
Entrance to Rock of Cashel

Wichtig:
On some dates, the tour takes place in reverse order.