Luxury self-drive operator Celtic Routes has announced the launch of a new Heritage Ireland tour for 2026, alongside extensive updates to four existing itineraries, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the Irish market.
Known as the UK’s leading Land Rover self-drive tour provider, Celtic Routes has confirmed that the expanded Ireland programme represents its most significant investment in the destination to date. Central to the update is an eight-day Heritage Ireland journey designed to showcase a different side of the country.
Unlike the operator’s popular Wild Atlantic Way routes, the new itinerary focuses on Ireland’s south and east, taking guests on what the company calls a “deep dive drive from the dawn of time to 19th century emigration.” The route places emphasis on cultural history, geological landmarks and the social forces that have shaped modern Ireland.
The tour starts and ends in Dublin and includes visits to Neolithic tombs, medieval strongholds and the Copper Coast, alongside historically significant emigration sites such as Cobh and the Dunbrody Famine Ship. Other highlights include the early monastic site of Glendalough, Kilkenny’s preserved medieval streets, Cork’s iconic English Market and the culinary destination of Kinsale.
James Markwell, Head of Marketing at Celtic Routes, said: “Ireland has always been one of our most popular destinations, and this refresh represents our biggest investment in the programme to date. Heritage Ireland fills a gap we’ve identified for travellers who want to understand what makes the country tick rather than simply admire its coastline. The itinerary explores Ireland’s lesser-known corners while telling the story of a nation shaped by religion, invasion and famine.”
The 2026 collection also features enhanced versions of four established itineraries. A Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way offers a six-day introduction to one of the world’s great coastal drives, while the nine-day Classic Wild Atlantic Way provides a more comprehensive exploration from Connemara to the Beara Peninsula. The 13-day Two Irelands combines the Republic with Northern Ireland, and The Best of the Causeway Coast delivers a concentrated four-day experience of Northern Ireland’s dramatic coastal scenery.
All tours include premium vehicle hire from Celtic Routes’ fleet of Land Rover Defenders, Discoverys, Range Rover Evoques and Minis, handpicked high quality accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, a personalised mobile app with day-by-day navigation and recommendations, and 24/7 support throughout the trip. Tours operate from March to October 2026.
