Take the wheel to discover the gems of Ireland on this independent self-drive tour. You’ll see the classic sights of the Emerald Isle on this road trip, taking you from Dublin to the rugged west coast, visiting ancient sites to bring Ireland’s history to life. Not only will you get to admire and experience the iconic Irish landscapes, like the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry, but you’ll also discover plenty of hidden gems along the way.
A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.
Download PDFUpon your arrival in Dublin, you will be greeted by a private driver who will take you directly to your accommodation. Immerse yourself in the eclectic mixture of heritage sites, museums and historic pubs. Take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district, grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of the world-famous beer or visit the historic Trinity College to see the ancient Book of Kells. You could enjoy an afternoon tea sightseeing tour of the city on a vintage bus or stroll along the characterful O’Connell Street filled with interesting shops and landmark buildings.
Spend the night in Dublin.
Today, start your road trip towards the west coast, passing through the beautiful midlands. Your first stop is Trim Castle where you can learn about Irish history at the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. You could also make a pit stop at Kilbeggan Distillery to see how the local whiskey is made. Later, we recommend roaming around the atmospheric ruins of Clonmacnoise. Finally, arrive in Galway, a lively city by the Atlantic Ocean. The colourful city is the perfect place to taste some Irish delicacies with its famous food scene and numerous pubs.
Spend the night in the Galway area.
Driving distance: 229 km / 142 miles
Visit the striking region of Connemara with its landscapes characterised by rugged mountains, white sand beaches, picturesque lakes and heathlands. Stop by Killary harbour, Ireland’s only true fjord with a length of 16km (9.9miles). Further along, visit Kylemore Abbey where you can admire spectacular Gothic architecture and take a stroll in the Victorian Walled Garden.
For a more leisurely day, you can opt for a boat trip to the Aran Islands. These three windswept islands are one of the few places where the Gaelic language, culture and music still truly thrive.
Spend another night in the Galway area.
Driving distance around Connemara: 214 km / 133 miles
Driving distance to Aran Islands: 76 km / 47 miles
Start the day by visiting Dunguaire Castle. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking Galway Bay, it is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. Further ahead, explore the unique, lunar-like landscape of The Burren. Here you can visit the iconic portal tomb Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s oldest megalithic monuments.
Next stop is the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction, showcasing some of the country’s most iconic coastal scenery. On a sunny day the views are expansive, but even a stormy day can be exhilarating with the powerful Atlantic below.
Spend the night in the Doolin/Lisdoonvarna area.
Driving distance 111 km / 69 miles
Start the day visiting the 15th-century Bunratty Castle. Here you’ll also find the Bunratty Folk Park, where you can experience Irish rural life from the 1800s. We then recommend stopping at Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages with its thatched cottages housing craft shops and restaurants. In the afternoon, explore Killarney National Park set beneath Ireland’s highest mountains. Here, you can visit the 19th-century mansion of Muckross House, take an optional Jaunting Car tour of the park or a boat trip on the peaceful Lough Leane, departing from the medieval Ross Castle.
Spend the night in the Killarney/Tralee area.
Driving distance: 206 km / 128 miles
Take in the magic of the Ring of Kerry, a classic “must do” scenic drive of the Irish countryside. Stop at Kells Bay House, to see its primeval forest of planted giant ferns. Other highlights include the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue, and Derrynane Bay with its beautiful white sand. Complete the circle with a visit to the picturesque Torc Waterfall. Today, you could also take an optional boat tour from the coast to see the Skellig Islands from up close. These otherworldly islands were recently featured in the Star Wars movies.
Spend another night in the Killarney/Tralee area.
Driving distance: 198 km / 123 miles
Today, you will travel over the scenic, winding Caha Pass to the colourful village of Glengarriff. From here, we recommend taking a short boat trip, with the opportunity to spot a seal colony on the way, to Garnish Island, which features a world-renowned garden. You could also visit the 18th-century Bantry House.
Later, travel via Kinsale, a popular resort town with its picturesque yachting harbour and historic forts. Continue to Cork, a buzzing city with a vibrant cultural scene.
Spend the night in the Cork area.
Driving distance: 191 km / 119 miles
Today, you can visit Blarney Castle, a legendary medieval stronghold that houses the Blarney Stone, surrounded by many myths and tales. Then we recommend stopping at the photogenic harbour town of Cobh. It is known as the last port of call of the Titanic in 1912! Continue to Cashel, where you can visit the spectacular Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most visited attractions. The historic site is a fantastic collection of medieval buildings that span over 1000 years of history. Later, drive to Kilkenny, a medieval town nestled around a majestic 12th-century castle.
Spend the night in the Kilkenny area.
Driving distance: 208 km / 129 miles
If you wish to spend more time exploring Dublin, you can head straight to the city this morning.
Alternatively, we highly recommend a drive through the scenic Wicklow Mountains to take in the beautiful views. In the area you could visit Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement, and the Powerscourt Estate, featuring the restored mansion Powerscourt House. On the estate, you will find Ireland’s highest waterfall as well as magnificent gardens. Back in Dublin, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps with a fine Irish dinner to top off your amazing journey.
Spend the night in Dublin.
Driving distance to Dublin: 123km / 77 miles
Driving distance via Wicklow Mountains: 165km / 102 miles
To get to Dublin Airport, you can take a taxi, or we can arrange a convenient private transfer directly from your hotel. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can use the morning to enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of the many attractions or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of the city one last time.
Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.
These should tide you over until you’re in Ireland to take your own pictures.
Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.
Enjoy your journey with free GPS and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.
Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.
