No trip to Ireland would be complete of course without experiencing the grandeur of the Cliffs of Moher. Your driver will wait so you can take your time to explore and take in the sea breeze on the cliff walk. Standing tall and spectacular at 214 metres above the water and stretching for 8 kilometers in the heart of the Burren National Park, these cliffs are a site to behold. Just a short walk from the car park is St Brigid’s Holy Well. Holy Wells are dotted all over Ireland but this particular one is well worth a visit while you’re nearby. Marked by a statue of St Brigid surrounded by a glass case, it comprises of an upper and lower sanctuary where one can leave offerings or have a moment of reflection and peace.
If you want a taste of some authentic Irish traditional music, there’s nowhere better than Doolin, the nearest village to the cliffs. After the sun goes down, the small local bars come alive with the sounds of lively traditional music with the best musicians of the area joining together to have a “seisiún”, an Irish traditional music session. Your driver will know all the best spots. These gatherings tend to be informal and casual with people being invited to offer their talents such as singing or playing instruments such as the fiddle, concertina, flute, tin whistle and bodhrán. A good seisiún is an unforgettable experience to see the true Irish culture in action.
Heading north, see the famed moon-like landscape of The Burren including Poulnabrone Dolmen – the oldest megalithic monument in Ireland. Your driver will take you on one of Ireland’s most famous drives around Black Head along the Wild Atlantic Way. From here the Aran Islands, Connemara and Galway Bay can all be seen clearly.
Journey through the midwest of Ireland and see some of the most unmissable stops along the Wild Atlantic Way. As a family run business with over 30 years’ experience and based in the west, you couldn’t find a better tour operator than VIP Chauffeur for your vacation around the west of Ireland. Your private chauffeur tour is fully flexible and can be customized to your own tastes for a vacation to remember.
The Kilkee Cliffs Drive is a great way to see the unspoiled coastline along the Wild Atlantic Way. This ends at Loop Head lighthouse located on the very edge of Ireland’s west coast. At 23 metres tall, it offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean below. On the way back, there’s a fantastic small gallery where you can pick up some authentic Irish artwork and souvenirs.
As you move inland, there’s still plenty to see and do. Your driver will offer a guided tour of the small towns and village with unrivaled local knowledge. Quin Abbey is a fantastic example of a 15th century Franciscan Abbey with its cloisters still in excellent condition. The Abbey offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside of East Clare.
Bunratty Castle is also a must see on your itinerary. The castle was built in 1425 and restored to its former glory in 1954. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and artworks which encapsulate the atmosphere of the time. Wander through the hallways and stairwells to catch a glimpse of times gone by and learn about the local history. The grounds are great for photo opportunities too, make sure to visit the two Irish Wolfhounds who call Bunratty home, Meabh and Saoirse. These dogs would have been regular visitors of the Great Hall in Bunratty during banquets so it’s wonderful to see them in their natural surroundings.
The picture-perfect twin towns of Killaloe, Co Clare and Ballina, Co Tipperary, nestled on the banks of the river Shannon, is a great spot to stop for a bit of lunch. Your driver will recommend the best place to catch some great views and taste some of the best locally produced food. The towns are joined by a 13 arched bridge over the Shannon, just south of the beautiful Lough Derg. This was the hometown of the great High King Brian Boru so the area is steeped in history and folklore.
Journey south to the county of Limerick and enjoy the charm of the local towns and the people there. In the city, you can visit one of Ireland’s most intact castles. King John’s Castle, originally built in the 13th century, the site has enjoyed a 21st-century renovation to allow visitors to engage with the history there and learn about it’s rich and fascinating past. The location on the river Shannon overlooking the city is the best way to see Limerick’s city skyline.
Just a five minute walk away is St Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1168 on the site of a palace donated by the King of Munster, Donal Mor O’Brien. It is the oldest building standing in Limerick today. The church is still open for its original purpose today and is well worth a visit while you’re nearby.
On the way back, why not stop at the Hunt Museum? Located in the 18th century Customs House, the private collection was donated by John & Gertrude Hunt, antique dealers and advisors to collectors. This is a museum like no other as you wander through the house, exhibits are located not just on the walls but within drawers of elaborate dressers to give you a feel of walking through someone’s home. Exhibitions of local, national and international artists take place throughout the year to accompany the permanent collection. Well worth the stop while in the city.
Just southwest of the city lies the idyllic village of Adare. Home to some gorgeous boutiques and gift shops full of Irish handmade crafts, this little village is a haven of beauty and charm.
Deep in the county of Limerick is the hidden gem of Lough Gur, a stunning lake nestled in the low hills of the Limerick countryside. Stop off and take a stroll through the woodland surrounding the lake and take in the beautiful landscape of Ireland’s midwest.
The tour of Clare and Limerick is full of breathtaking points of interest and some unmissable stops along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Your driver has in-depth knowledge of the Clare and Limerick area and will be on hand to answer all of your questions while you journey through some of Ireland’s most unforgettable landscapes. Contact Tom or Laura from VIP Chauffeur today. Let’s get started on planning your perfect, tailor made trip around Ireland.
Email: info@vipchauffeur.net
Tom: +353 87 2612131
Laura: +353 87 989 8585
