A Comprehensive Guide to Planning a Self-Drive Tour from Dublin

Forget the guidebooks and pre-packaged tours. Imagine weaving through the Irish countryside, the wind whispering secrets of ancient times, your Irish ancestry unfolding at every turn.

This is the essence of My Ireland Family Heritage’s self-drive tour from Dublin—a personalized adventure where the open road leads you beyond the typical tourist trail and straight into the heart of your Irish story.

1. Start Where Your Story Begins

Your journey begins in Dublin, a vibrant city buzzing with history and charm. But before hitting the open road, dive into your past. Our expert genealogists will unlock the secrets held within the best genealogy sites, including those for Northern Ireland. Imagine the excitement as you trace your Irish roots, perhaps even discovering your original Irish homestead.

2. Beyond the Sights, Beyond the Stereotypes

Yes, we’ll include iconic landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and Kilkenny Castle. But our focus is on hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Picture quaint villages untouched by time, secret waterfalls cascading through lush valleys, and ancient ruins whispering tales of Celtic warriors and mythical creatures. Our curated itineraries go beyond the mainstream, ensuring you experience the authentic heartbeat of Ireland.

3. Embrace the Spontaneity of the Open Road

The beauty of a self-drive tour lies in its flexibility. Let the wind guide you down a scenic detour, follow a local’s recommendation to a hidden pub, or simply pull over to soak in a breathtaking vista. Our itineraries leave room for these serendipitous moments, ensuring your adventure is as organic and memorable as possible.

4. Immerse Yourself in the Heartbeat of Ireland

From lively céilí dances in traditional pubs to captivating storytelling sessions with local historians, we weave authentic experiences into your journey. Learn a few Gaelic phrases, savour local delicacies like creamy chowder and fresh seafood, and lose yourself in the infectious energy of a pub filled with music and laughter.

5. Travel Like a Local, Not a Tourist

Skip the tourist traps and experience Ireland like a true insider. We’ll recommend charming B&Bs nestled in historic towns, cozy pubs frequented by locals, and restaurants showcasing the freshest seasonal produce. You’ll feel welcomed, engaged, and a part of the vibrant Irish community rather than just another visitor.

Your Trusted Guide on the Emerald Highway

Planning a self-drive tour can be daunting. But fear not! Our team of Irish genealogy research and heritage touring experts at My Ireland Family Heritage takes care of everything, from crafting personalized family history tours to planning cultural tours of Ireland. We’re also your on-the-go resource, offering insider tips, historical insights, and recommendations for every step of your journey.

Unleash your Emerald Journey today! Contact My Ireland Family Heritage and let us transform your vision into reality. Go beyond the usual tourist trail, dive into your family history, and experience the authentic heartbeat of Ireland.

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Customised Genealogy & Historical Tour

Review of My Ireland Heritage Tours Presented on Trip adviser Oct 2024 By • Family TomBarron2013 New York City, NY2

Once in a lifetime experience

Oct 2024 • Family

We highly recommend My Ireland Heritage for anyone who wants to learn and be guided to their Irish “roots” and much, much more. Sean Quinn and Ian Darragh of My Ireland Family Heritage have deep knowledge or the areas we wanted to visit in Meath, Sligo and Kilkenny. While we knew about one side of the family history back to 1690, there was nothing known about the other that arrived in the US in the 1870s.

Ian, Sean, and Nicola did thorough research on our localities and locations from which our ancestors left for America in 1849 and later. In addition, Ian and Sean did separate day-long “recons” in advance of our time with them, seeking out local people and the specific properties with maps and whatever records still available. Their results were absolutely outstanding! In both our cases, they found and took us to our still-existing cottages and shops from the early 1820s.

It was so enjoyable to be with Ian for three days and for a special day with Sean. Whether it was the Newgrange World Heritage sites 5,500 years old , the Battle of the Boyne 1690 , or the local cemeteries and churches of our ancestors. Ian was especially attentive to my wife throughout the travels after she twisted her ankle in a rain-soaked old cemetery.

Throughout the process of trip preparation over months to giving us the final, wonderful books of Meath and Sligo, Aisling was highly professional and responsive with all the many details. The bound books she prepared are treasures! Thanks to all for truly exceptional experiences.

Newgrange World Unesco Site 5500 years old
Battle of the Boyne 1690 AD
Customised Historical Tours Trim Castle
Entrance stone at Newgrange

Self Drive Product

Review of My Ireland Heritage Tours Presented on Trip adviser by Shelley L @ sjlively

Exceptional in every way!

Over the last few months of preparing for our trip, every single detail was meticulously attended, not only professionally, but helpfully, and in such a friendly manner, that I felt as if I knew Sean, Aisling and Ian before I even stepped off the plane.

The amount of work these wonderful people put into our personal history is mindboggling. My mother was an avid amateur genealogist, and had worked for decades to bring to light the trail our family took, but our resources are limited.

Sean knows exactly where to look, and was able to fill in so many gaps that had eluded us for generations. Some of the information he found, unbeknownst even to him, actually solidified the findings we had amassed over the years. Ours was a family in coal mining – I only found on our tour that they had originated from a mining area, and their arrival on the  border coincided exactly with the decline in the mining industry in County Wicklow.

I would have been overjoyed simply with the knowledge of why they left when they did, about 12 years before the famine. Breaking through our brick wall of great grandparents even farther back on the family tree was a dream come true, but to be able to set foot on not only the area they lived, and find that the house is still there was overwhelming. Seeing the family church and cemetery where our ancestors and extended family still rest is a truly moving experience.

The care taken by this company in each and every aspect of the journey cannot be overstated. Only about 2 weeks prior to my trip, Sean contacted me to let me know that he had also stumbled across some of my husband’s family name in the process and included them as well in his research. How often can anyone say that they not only got what they paid for, but more than they ever imagined? I can say that. They were even kind enough to answer a few follow-up questions after my return home, as I was so stunned on my tour with Ian that I didn’t think ask at the time.If you have the opportunity to make the trip to Ireland, contact My Ireland Family Heritage before you go.

If your family was there, Sean will go above and beyond to find them. Even without family, contact them anyway. Ian is a walking encyclopedia of history, and so fun to talk to. Aisling will make sure every “I” is dotted, and every “T” is crossed.  Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime, and the opportunity to pass on everything we have discovered to future generations

The Consultation at Hotel / Office or by Phone opens all doors
Genealogy gets you off the Beaten Track to see the Real Ireland

Unique to Every Address with My Ireland Family Research