Discover The South Of Ireland On A Scenic Road Trip

The South of Ireland is home to some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Explore the craggy hillsides of the Wild Atlantic Way, quaint villages in Country Clare and mountain-views from Killarney National Park. Then settle down in region’s grand hotels. We’ve rounded up the best places to visit if you’re looking for an adventure in this wild corner of the world.

Cahirciveen

1. Quinlan and Cooke Boutique Townhouse

Hotel

Located along the rugged Wild Atlantic Way, Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse is the perfect boutique bolthole to shelter you from the elements. After walks along blustery beaches, the rooms offer a warming oasis with roll-top baths, snug blankets and Nespresso machines. You’ll even wake up to a basket of freshly baked goods at your door. Don’t miss the in-house seafood restaurant, which serves comforting dishes like steamed local mussels and fish stew bubbling with an aromatic saffron and coconut broth.

2. Valentia Harbour Sea Safari and Beginish Island Tour

Natural Feature

This incredible two-hour tour will get you up close and personal with the magnificent landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way. After boarding a custom-built sea safari boat, you’ll be whisked through Valentia Harbour as your guide runs you through its fascinating history, including the Transatlantic Telegraph Cable that was laid between the harbour and Canada in 1866. You’ll then travel back to the Viking era as you move on to Beginish Island, learning about the impact of the invasion on the area. Keep an eye out for seals as you travel past a 15th-century fort on your way back to the mainland.

Glengarriff

4. Killarney National Park Tour

Natural Feature

Embrace a slower pace of life on this tour, where you’ll be transported around Killarney National Park on a carriage pulled by an Irish Gypsy Vanner Horse. Travelling along routes that aren’t accessible by car, this private tour will take you to corners of the park that not many get to see. Take in the breathtaking views over the mountains and lakes of Killarney, spotting the resident deer as you go. You’ll also stop at the Ross Castle, where you’ll have the chance to explore the grounds and take in this incredible 15th-century structure.

Tralee

5. Ballyroe Heights Hotel

Hotel

Set on more than six acres (2.5ha) of verdant gardens with views over the Slieve Mish Mountains and Tralee Bay, Ballyroe Heights Hotel truly feels wonderfully hidden away from the rest of the world. Rooms are warm and homely, with chestnut wood panelling and earth-toned textiles, while the views over the surrounding countryside are a delight to wake up to. The Wild Atlantic Way is on your doorstep and the town of Tralee (the capital of County Kerry) is just a short drive away, so you’re perfectly positioned for exploring the surrounding area. Just be sure to layer up for the unreliable Irish weather.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.