This Ireland Unrushed itinerary is designed for travellers who prefer a relaxed pace, charming accommodations and time to truly connect with the local culture. Staying in a mix of 3- and 4-star hotels and handpicked B&Bs, discover Ireland’s Ancient East and the Hidden Heartlands. Enjoy serene countryside, artisan villages, ancient monuments and coastal gems without packing and unpacking every night. 

Over 8 nights, you’ll get to explore: County Wicklow, with its fairytale valleys and vibrant food scene, walk medieval streets in Waterford, experience the soulful maritime town of Cobh, delve into ancient legends in Offaly and Meath and wrap up your adventure in historic surroundings. This is Ireland beyond the script–where time slows down and every turn brings a story.

10 days | 8 nights

Format

• Self-guided tour

Trip Highlights

• Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
• Ireland
• Wicklow 
• Waterford 
• Cork 
• Meath

Inclusions

• Round-trip flights to Dublin (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
• 8 nights of comfort accommodation including breakfast, a combination of 3*, 4* hotels and traditional Irish B&B’s
• 8-day car rental in selected category
• Hertz Ireland Standard Package Inclusions:  CDW, Theft Protection Insurance, Airport Location Fees , Road Fund Tax, sales Tax, Unlimited Mileage, Third Party Liability Insurance, 14/7 Support during your trip
• Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour

Itinerary

Day 1 | Depart Canada

• Fly to Dublin.

Day 2 | Arrive Dublin – Wicklow (approx. 90km)

• Arrive in Dublin, collect your car and ease into your journey with a scenic drive to the breathtaking landscapes of County Wicklow. If you’re feeling energetic, dip into Dublin’s cultural buzz or skip the city rush and head straight to Ireland’s ‘Garden County.’ Stop at Dalkey Village, a celebrity seaside gem with celebrity homes, coastal walks and quaint bistros. Other highlights include Avoca Village, Meeting of the Waters, Sally Gap and Guinness Lake, Powerscourt Estate & Gardens and Wicklow Wolf Brewery.
• Overnight: County Wicklow area

Day 3 | Explore Rural County Wicklow - Sightseeing

• Slow it down and discover hidden Wicklow. From ancient monastic sites to forest adventures and foodie experiences, this is a day to follow your curiosity. Suggested experiences include: Glendalough Monastic City, Beyond the Trees at Avondale, a cookery class at Ballyknocken Cookery School, Kilmacurragh National Botanic Gardens, Falconry Ireland or stop at Hollywood Village and snap a photo at the original Hollywood sign!
• Overnight: County Wicklow area
• Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4 | Wicklow to Waterford (approx. 140km)

• Leave the mountains behind and travel south toward Ireland’s oldest city via stunning coastal and heritage routes. Stand on the golden sands of Curracloe Beach or step aboard a full-scale replica at Dunbrody Famine Ship. Other treats include Hook Lighthouse, House of Waterford Crystal and Waterford Treasures & Medieval Museum in a city more than a thousand years old.
• Overnight: County Waterford area
• Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5 | Explore Waterford - Sightseeing

• Spend the day exploring Waterford’s rich blend of heritage, creativity and natural beauty. Cycle or stroll the Waterford Greenway, a 46km trail where you’ll pass by viaducts, cliffs and castles. Explore Mount Congreve Gardens, The Irish Wake Museum and catch live traditional music at The Reg or Tully’s Bar. Browse an eclectic mix of boutiques, craft stores and gift shops or take a fun Viking Cruise.
• Overnight: County Waterford area
• Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6 | Waterford to Cobh (via Youghal & Midleton) (approx. 140km)

• Wind along the scenic Copper Coast to the charming harbour town of Cobh. This town once served as the last port of call for the Titanic and holds powerful emigration stories. Enjoy the seaside town of Youghal, dive into whiskey heritage at Jameson Distillery Midleton before arriving at your next port of call. Explore Titanic Experience Cobh, Cobh Heritage Centre and St. Colman’s Cathedral.
• Overnight: County Cork area
• Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7 | Cobh & Cork - Sightseeing

• Spend your day continuing to see what Cobh has to offer including Fota Wildlife Park, Fota House & Gardens, a tranquil Harbour Boat Tour or a short ferry ride to notorious Spike Island, a former home to monks, military and miscreants. Finish your day with a traditional music session and a pint at The Roaring Donkey pub.
• Overnight: County Cork area
• Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8 | Cobh to Meath (approx. 300km)

• Time to enjoy Ireland’s fabulous Hidden Heartlands. With castles, distilleries and ancient sites, this is a day full of stories and surprises. Cahir Castle is a towering, atmospheric fortress on the River Suir in County Tipperary. Alternatively, explore nearby Swiss Cottage, a romantic, thatched retreat with whimsical charm. Other suggestions include Mitchelstown Cave, Hushabye Farm Alpacas and Kilbeggan —the world’s oldest distillery. This evening, why not settle with a relaxing drink at the James Griffin Pub, noted for live acoustic and traditional music sessions. 
• Overnight: County Meath area
• Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 9 | Discover Meath’s Ancient East - Sightseeing

• Wrap up your journey exploring the sacred and political sites that shaped Ireland’s early history. Step back over five thousand years at Newgrange UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Trim Castle, or take in the spirituality and power of the Hills of Slane and Tara. Get back to nature with a greenway walk or forest cycle, or for the more adventurous, choose your favourite rollercoaster ride at Emerald Park!
• Overnight: County Meath area
• Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 10 | Return Home

• After breakfast, return your car at Dublin airport, before boarding your return flight home to Canada. As most flights depart early, please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental.
• Meal(s): Breakfast

Accommodations

• The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Comfort Accommodation

•  Wicklow: Coolakay B&B (or similar)
•  Waterford: Granville (or similar)
•  Cork: Commodore Hotel (or similar)
•  Meath: Trim Castle (or similar)

Departure Dates

• April 2026 – November 2026

Not included

• Meals and beverages, unless specified
• GPS, fuel, parking fees, traffic violation tickets, car upgrades, inter city toll fees, 
• additional insurance coverage, child car seats, luggage racks, additional rental nights, 
• late drop off fees, cross border fees
• Damage to tires, damaged wheels, lost keys
• Gratuities               
• Local city taxes (payable in Euro at destination)
• Porterage               

Transportation

• CAR INFORMATION
• Hertz, Republic of Ireland
• ECMN - Manual / Economy / Opel Corsa 2 pax
• CCMN - Manual / Compact / Ford Focus / max 3 pax
• CCAN - Automatic / Compact / Ford Focus / max 3 pax
• ECAN - Automatic / Economy / VW Up / max 2 pax 

Important Note

• The order of the itinerary may be altered, operate in reverse, sequence of consecutive overnights could vary, due to accommodation availability. The itinerary above is for reference only.
• Kilometres are estimated and presented as a guideline, depending on route taken, main roads vs country side roads.
• Accommodation is provided within the general area or county.

Check In, Check Out

• Check in: 3:00 p.m. Must advise hotels if arriving after 6:00PM
• Check out: 12:00 p.m.

City Tax

• If applicable, payable in local currency directly to hotels