Luxury Ireland Chauffeur Tour for Seniors – South & West Coast
- Jun 23, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Luxury Chauffeur Tour of South & West Coast Ireland for Seniors (14 Days)
From north to south, east to west, Ireland is world-renowned for its stunning driving routes, making it by far the most exciting way to explore this wild and rugged country. As a senior traveler, an Irish road trip is much more suitable with a private chauffeur who can take all the responsibility of driving so that you can concentrate on enjoying the incredible Irish scenery at a pace that suits you.
On this luxury South and West Coast road trip itinerary, your private chauffeur will navigate you from the medieval walls of Cork and through the region’s most adorable fishing towns towards the wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way. Along the way, delight in the cinematic scenery provided by the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, and the Cliffs of Moher before finally reaching the undulating landscapes of Connemara. Read on to find out more about the exciting stops this route takes as well as the activities it offers and the luxurious castle hotels that await.
South Ireland Days 1-5
Day 1 + 2: Cork & English Market Food Tour
Your luxury South & West Coast private tour of Ireland begins in Cork, a small but major city surrounded by beautiful nature and fascinating history. After a morning of travel, take the rest of your first day to relax and settle into your first luxury stay of the trip, the elegant Hayfield Manor Hotel, a 5-star country estate with a spa and gourmet dining in the heart of Cork. Massages, wine tastings, and private dining are just some of the luxuries you can treat yourself to during your stay.
Feeling refreshed on your second day, it’s time for a private tour of Cork starting with a trip to Cork City Gaol, a castle-like 19th-century prison that famously held political prisoners during the Civil War and The Troubles. Having worked up an appetite, spend the rest of the afternoon on an English Food Market tour where you’ll sample some of Ireland’s best local produce, Cork’s delicacies, and enjoy the jolly atmosphere.
Day 3: Blarney Castle & Kinsale
This morning you’ll be chauffeured to Ireland’s most impressive medieval stronghold Blarney Castle, located on the outskirts of Cork. Whilst here, don’t forget to take the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone which is said to give those who touch it with their lips the ‘gift of the gab’.
Afterward, you’ll be driven 30 minutes west of Cork to the tiny port town of Kinsale, often considered the cutest town in Ireland thanks to its rainbow-coloured terraces. Despite having a population barely passing 5,000, Kinsale is considered the gourmet capital of Ireland. So after browsing the town’s adorable independent shops, it’s time to choose between its exceptional line-up of cafes, pubs, and restaurants for a bite to eat.
Day 4: Cobh & Midleton Distillery
This morning you’ll be driven to Cobh, the once-unassuming town that became the last port of call for the Titanic before it sank in 1912. Learn all about it at Titanic Experience Cobh, housed in the former White Star Line ticket office. For an even deeper look into the Titanic story, and Cobh’s history as a major emigration harbour, take some extra time to browse the Cobh Heritage Centre.
After a morning filled with stories of tragedy and bravery, change things up with an afternoon of whisky tasting at Midleton Distillery for a tasting tour of one of Ireland’s most successful whiskies at The Jameson Experience.
Day 5: Inchydoney Beach & Glengariff
For the final day in County Cork, you’ll be chauffeured to the best beach on Ireland’s south coast, Inchydoney Beach. The long, whistful white sands stretch out over Inchydoney, a wild and rugged island hugged by the coast. The perfect place for a peaceful coastal walk followed by lunch in the tiny village’s luxury lodge and spa.
Feeling refreshed, you’ll get your first proper glimpse of Ireland’s impressive beauty as your driver takes you along the southwest’s scenic route to Glengariff, a charming village sandwiched by the Caha Mountains and Atlantic Sea. While a small hike through the mountains will gift you with incredible views, a serene afternoon spent perusing the village is equally rewarding.
West Ireland Days 6-14
Day 6 + 7: Killarney National Park
Check into the Park Hotel Kenmare, a charming seafront estate by Relais & Chateaux featuring antique-filled Victorian rooms, a spa, dining, and a cinema. The next two days will be spent between luxuriating in the hotel’s amenities and indulging in the beauty of Killarney National Park’s mountains, lakes, and forests.
On day 6, hike to The Gap of Dunloe, the country’s most breathtaking mountain pass before taking a boat down the River Loe to Ross Castle. The 15th-century fortress offers an excellent viewpoint over Lough Leane. The next day, opt for another small hike if you’re feeling energised, otherwise consider a horseback ride through the mountains or a round of golf at the lakefront Killarney Golf & Fishing Club.
Day 8 + 9: Ring of Kerry & Dingle
Get ready for another scenic drive today as your chauffeur takes you around Ireland’s most famous driving route, the Ring of Kerry which circumnavigates the long and narrow Iveragh Peninsula. Stop at your leisure along the way for quiet walks along Derrynane Beach, around the Kenmare Stone Circle, and along the Kerry Cliffs.
After stopping for the night in a luxury guesthouse in the small upmarket seaside town of Dingle, you’ll drive over the scenic Conor Pass toward the famous Dingle Viewpoint in the north of the peninsula. But first, enjoy a slow morning with a cup of coffee in the town’s cafe and a walk along the harbour.
Day 10: Cliffs of Moher
From the Iveragh Peninsula, your chauffeur will drive you along the Wild Atlantic Way leaving you to sit back and lose yourself in the beauty of the views from your passenger window. After crossing the mouth of River Shannon by ferry, you will begin to drive along the Cliffs of Moher, a 14-km-long stretch of menacingly tall seacliffs that give Ireland’s West Coast a dramatic edge.
Whether you’re keen for a long hike along the cliffs, a short walk, or just a stop at the main viewpoints, your chauffeur will arrange a smooth and simple drop-off and pick-up process. Complete the day by checking into Dromoland Castle, described as ‘Ireland’s most magical address’.
Day 11 + 12: Dromoland Castle & Galway
As the 16th-century castle of royal Irish ancestry, Dromoland Castle is not just a place to stay it’s a destination. Spend a day here soaking up all the splendour this regal 500-acre estate has to offer by booking in some spa treatments in the morning, teeing off in the afternoon, and eating locally sourced gourmet cuisine under the restaurant Earl of Thomond’s chandeliers in the evening.
The next day, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another road trip, this time to the lyrical lanes of Galway, Ireland’s most musical city. Spend the day and evening hopping from one quaint Irish pub to the next soaking up the soulful sounds of local folk singers accompanied by harps and banjos.
Day 13: Connemara National Park & Leenane
Connemara National Park, home to one of the best driving routes in Western Ireland, has been saved for your last full day. From Galway, the road gets steeper and more winding as it reaches the undulating hills of Connemara. Upon arriving you’ll be greeted by fairytale scenes of Kylemore Abbey overlooking a glassy lough and realise why it is one of the country’s most pictured scenes.
After happily wandering through the abbey’s restored rooms and gardens, your chauffeur will continue the drive toward Leenane, an old-world Irish village sitting pretty at the end of Ireland’s only fjord. Your final night of the luxury South & West Coast private tour of Ireland will be celebrated with dinner and drinks at the magnificent 800-year-old Ashford Castle, now a five-star hotel estate secluded by enchanted Irish forests.
Day 14: Ashford Castle
Wake up slowly this morning in your regal room at Ashford Castle, perhaps taking breakfast in bed. Before you begin your journey home, take some time to explore the castle grounds, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, and take a boat out on the lake.
Start Planning your Luxury South & West Coast Ireland Chauffeur Tour Today
Whether this Luxury South & West Coast Ireland Chauffeur Tour suits you to a T or you’d prefer to make something more bespoke, ensure you book in plenty of time to guarantee the best choice of cars, activities, and hotels. Our UK & Ireland travel experts will create a detailed tailored itinerary that ensures everything from the transport to the accommodation is exactly as you’d like. To book your bespoke Ireland private chauffeur driving itinerary or simply enquire further, get in touch by calling us toll-free at 1 (800) 707-5184/ direct in the UK +44 (0) 2045 781 580 or email us here.
