8-Night Southern Ireland Tour – A Private 9-Day Itinerary
Discover the beauty of Southern Ireland on a private tour designed around you.
Experience Ireland’s spectacular scenery, fascinating history and welcoming towns on an unforgettable 8-night private Irish tour. With your own experienced Irish driver-guide and luxury touring vehicle, you can explore at your own pace, enjoy the places that interest you most, and discover hidden gems along the way.
From the historic streets of Dublin and the charm of Cork to the breathtaking landscapes of the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, this journey showcases some of the very best of Ireland.
This suggested itinerary is a starting point for your own Irish adventure. Your tour can be customised to suit your interests, preferred pace and travel dates.
Your tour at a glance
- Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
- Tour type: Private guided tour of Ireland
- Starting and finishing point: Dublin
- Accommodation: Selected and booked separately, unless otherwise arranged
- Travel: Private luxury touring vehicle with your own Irish driver-guide
- Ideal for: Couples, families, friends and small private groups
Highlights of Your Private Southern Ireland Tour
- Explore Dublin’s historic landmarks and vibrant streets.
- Visit the National Stud and Japanese Gardens.
- Discover the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle.
- Experience Cork, Cobh and Ireland’s fascinating emigration history.
- Enjoy the spectacular scenery of West Cork and the Beara Peninsula.
- Travel through the dramatic mountain landscapes of Healy Pass.
- Discover Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry.
- Explore the Dingle Peninsula and the famous Slea Head Drive.
- Visit Bunratty Castle and the world-famous Cliffs of Moher.
- Discover Galway and the mountains, lakes and villages of Connemara.
Your 8-Night Southern Ireland Route
Follow the journey from Dublin through Ireland’s historic heartland to the south coast, the mountains and peninsulas of Kerry, and the spectacular Atlantic coastline before returning to Dublin.
The route provides a wonderful introduction to Ireland’s history, culture and natural beauty, with opportunities to adjust the itinerary to suit your interests.
Why Choose a Private Southern Ireland Tour with Glenbeg Tours?
A private tour of Ireland offers a more personal and flexible way to discover the country. With Glenbeg Tours, you travel with your own experienced Irish driver-guide, enjoying the freedom to explore at a pace that suits you.
A Personalised Irish Experience
Your journey can be tailored to your interests, whether you love history, castles, gardens, dramatic coastal scenery, traditional music, Irish genealogy or discovering small towns and villages.
Your Own Experienced Driver-Guide
Benefit from local knowledge, fascinating stories and recommendations that help bring Ireland’s history, culture and landscapes to life.
Flexibility Along the Way
Enjoy opportunities to stop for photographs, explore an interesting village, visit a local attraction or spend extra time somewhere that captures your imagination.
Discover Ireland Beyond the Usual Tourist Routes
Alongside Ireland’s best-known destinations, your driver-guide can help you discover quieter roads, scenic viewpoints and lesser-known places that make your holiday uniquely yours.
A Tour Designed Around You
From your preferred travel dates to your interests and accommodation preferences, your itinerary can be discussed and tailored to help create the Irish holiday you have in mind.
Day 1 – Discover Dublin
Your Irish adventure begins with collection at your preferred location in Dublin, whether at the airport or your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided introduction to Ireland’s capital. Possible visits include historic Malahide Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, a panoramic city tour and, time permitting, the Guinness Storehouse.
Dublin offers a fascinating mix of history, architecture, lively streets and traditional Irish culture.
Overnight: Dublin
Day 2 – Dublin to Cork via the National Stud, Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle
Leave Dublin behind and travel south through Ireland’s historic countryside.
Your first stop is the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, offering an unusual combination of equestrian heritage and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Continue to the magnificent Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most recognisable historic landmarks, dramatically set above the surrounding countryside.
Later, visit Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone, before continuing to Cork.
Overnight: Cork
Day 3 – Cork, Cobh and Midleton
Today is devoted to Cork and its surrounding attractions.
Begin with a panoramic tour of Cork city, with possible stops at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the English Market and other historic sights.
Continue to Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown, a town closely associated with Irish emigration and the story of the Titanic. The Cobh Heritage Centre offers an opportunity to learn more about the millions of people who left Ireland in search of a new life overseas.
Admire the striking St Colman’s Cathedral before travelling to Midleton, where you can visit the Jameson Distillery experience if it interests you.
Return to Cork for the evening.
Overnight: Cork
Day 4 – Cork to Killarney via Kinsale and the Beara Peninsula
Today brings some of the most memorable coastal scenery of your Irish holiday.
Begin in Kinsale, a charming harbour town known for its colourful streets, maritime heritage and excellent local food.
Continue towards the Old Head of Kinsale, a spectacular peninsula offering wonderful Atlantic views.
Travel onwards through West Cork to Glengarriff, with the possibility of a boat trip to Garnish Island, subject to weather and operating schedules.
Continue towards the Beara Peninsula, where the dramatic mountain scenery of Healy Pass provides a particularly memorable photo opportunity. Your journey then takes you to Kenmare, one of Kerry’s most attractive towns, before arriving in Killarney.
Overnight: Killarney
Day 5 – The Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park
Spend the day exploring one of Ireland’s most celebrated scenic routes: the Ring of Kerry.
This beautiful journey combines mountain passes, lakes, coastal viewpoints and charming towns. Your driver-guide can tailor the day around your interests and the conditions.
Possible highlights include Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Gardens, Ross Castle, Ladies View and Moll’s Gap, together with selected stops along the Ring of Kerry.
There will be opportunities to enjoy the scenery, take photographs, explore historic sites and spend time in places that appeal to you.
Overnight: Killarney
Day 6 – Killarney to Dingle via Inch Beach and the Dingle Peninsula
Begin the day with a panoramic view across the lakes and mountains of Killarney from Aghadoe Heights.
Continue towards Inch Beach, a spectacular stretch of sand with expansive views of the Atlantic coastline.
Your journey then takes you to Dingle, a colourful harbour town with a strong Irish cultural identity, traditional music and a fascinating maritime history.
Depending on your interests and available time, possible visits include Dingle Crystal, the local distillery and the town’s shops and cafés.
Later, enjoy the magnificent Slea Head Drive, one of the great coastal journeys of Ireland. Possible stops include the Blasket Centre, Clogher Head, Gallarus Oratory and other scenic viewpoints along the peninsula.
Overnight: Dingle
Day 7 – Dingle to Galway via Adare, Bunratty Castle and the Cliffs of Moher
Today you travel north towards Galway, with a series of memorable stops along the way.
Begin with Adare, one of Ireland’s best-known traditional villages, famous for its thatched cottages, historic buildings and attractive streetscape.
Continue to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where you can explore a restored medieval castle and discover aspects of traditional Irish life.
The journey then takes you to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, where towering cliffs rise above the Atlantic Ocean. Weather permitting, this is one of the most dramatic viewpoints on Ireland’s west coast.
Continue along the coastal route towards Galway, a lively city celebrated for its music, culture and welcoming atmosphere.
Overnight: Galway
Day 8 – Explore Galway and Connemara
Discover the wild beauty of Connemara, a region of rugged mountains, peaceful lakes, traditional villages and sweeping coastal landscapes.
Depending on your interests, the day may begin with a panoramic tour of Galway before heading west into the countryside.
Possible stops include the famous Quiet Man Bridge, the fishing villages of Roundstone and Ballyconneelly, and Mannin Bay, known for its beautiful coastal scenery.
Enjoy time in Clifden, a charming market town and a good place to pause for lunch.
Later, visit Kylemore Abbey and its beautiful gardens before travelling through the scenic Inagh Valley on the return journey to Galway.
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a quieter and more remote side of Ireland.
Overnight: Galway
Day 9 – Return to Dublin
After breakfast, travel back to Dublin for drop-off at your preferred location, whether at your hotel or the airport, depending on your departure arrangements.
Your private Southern Ireland tour concludes with memories of historic castles, dramatic coastlines, traditional towns and some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes.
If your flight departs early, we can discuss the best arrangements for your final night and transfer.
Your Tour, Your Way
The itinerary above is a tried-and-tested example of what you can experience on an 8-night private tour of Southern Ireland. It is not a fixed group tour, and the route can be adapted to reflect your own interests.
Whether you want to explore Irish family history, spend more time in the countryside, visit additional castles, enjoy traditional music or discover places away from the main tourist routes, we can help you create a personalised Irish holiday.
With Glenbeg, you travel privately with your own Irish driver-guide, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the journey without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads or managing a group timetable.
What Is Included?
Your private tour includes:
- The daily services of your qualified Irish driver-guide.
- Use of a luxury touring vehicle.
- Transportation costs associated with the tour.
- Your driver-guide’s daily and overnight expenses.
- Complimentary bottled water and Wi-Fi.
Accommodation, meals, attraction admission tickets and gratuities are not included unless specifically agreed. All-inclusive arrangements may be available on request.
Plan Your Private Southern Ireland Tour
Your Irish holiday should reflect your interests, not simply follow a fixed itinerary.
Our sample tours provide inspiration, but every Glenbeg tour can be customised around your preferred travel dates, interests, pace and group requirements.
Ready to discover Ireland your way?
Contact Glenbeg Tours to discuss your plans and request a personalized quotation for your private 8-night Southern Ireland tour.
Let us help you create an Irish adventure filled with unforgettable scenery, fascinating history and genuine local experiences.
Who Is This 8-Night Southern Ireland Tour Best For?
This private Southern Ireland tour is ideal for travellers who want to experience the highlights of Ireland without the restrictions of a large group tour.
- First-time visitors to Ireland looking to discover the country’s most celebrated scenery, historic sites and welcoming towns.
- Couples seeking a personalised Irish holiday with the freedom to travel at their own pace.
- Families and small groups who prefer to explore together with their own private driver-guide.
- Visitors tracing their Irish ancestry who want to explore family connections and discover the places that form part of their Irish heritage.
- Independent travellers who want the convenience of a private driver-guide without having to navigate unfamiliar roads themselves.
Whether you have a particular interest or simply want to experience the best of Ireland, your tour can be tailored to suit your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our 8-Night Southern Ireland Tour
Is this a private tour of Ireland?
Yes. Glenbeg Tours specialises in private Irish tours with your own driver-guide. Your journey is arranged for you and your travelling party rather than as part of a large coach group.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. The itinerary can be discussed and adapted to your interests, preferred travel dates and the places you most want to visit. We can help you decide which experiences best suit your time in Ireland.
Can Glenbeg help with accommodation?
Your accommodation preferences can be discussed when planning your tour. Any accommodation arrangements and associated costs will be clarified in your personalised quotation.
Do you provide collection from Dublin Airport?
Airport collection can be discussed when arranging your itinerary. Please let us know your arrival details when enquiring so that the arrangements can be confirmed.
Is this tour suitable for families?
A private tour can be a great way for families to discover Ireland together. The pace, stops and experiences can be discussed to suit your family’s interests and requirements.
Can the tour include Irish ancestry research or family-history stops?
If you are tracing your Irish roots, let us know the family names, counties or locations you are interested in exploring. We can discuss how relevant places might be incorporated into your journey.
Are eight nights enough to explore Southern Ireland?
Eight nights allows you to experience many of Southern Ireland’s highlights, including its historic towns, dramatic coastlines and beautiful countryside. A private itinerary helps you make the most of your time, although not every attraction can be included. If you would prefer a more leisurely pace or additional regions, we can also discuss a longer tour.
Looking for a different Irish experience or a longer holiday? Discover our other private touring options:
- 14-Night Private Ireland Tour – Explore more of Ireland on an extended private journey combining spectacular scenery, historic landmarks, charming towns and the freedom to discover Ireland at your own pace.
- 8-Night Northern Ireland Tour – Discover Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway, Derry, Donegal and the beautiful landscapes of Ireland’s northwest with your own private driver-guide.
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