Come admire the unfiltered coastal scenery of Ireland. From County Donegal to the historic city of Cork, drive the iconic Wild Atlantic Way route. A truly Irish journey that will take you past soaring cliffs, buzzing towns, epic bays and hidden beaches. Our itinerary will allow you to enjoy the famous sights such as the Cliffs of Moher, as well as take in the rugged beauty and hidden gems of the Emerald Isle.
Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.
A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.
Upon your arrival in Dublin, make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. You may choose to take a taxi or use public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable ride, we will be happy to organise a private airport transfer for you.
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 passing through the beautiful midlands of Ireland. Your first stop is Trim Castle where you can learn about Irish history at the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Cross into Northern Ireland to explore the stunning Crom Estate sitting along the shores of Lough Erne. It is one of the most beautiful Irish nature conservation areas. Continue to the charming town of Donegal, your first port of call on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Spend the night in the Donegal area.
Driving distance: 244 km / 152 miles
Start the day at Glenveagh National Park where you can admire towering mountains, lakes, valleys and woodlands. Drive past the imposing Mount Errigal and over the winding Glengesh Pass to Glencolumbkille, one of Ireland’s best living-history museums. Then experience breathtaking views at the imposing cliffs of Slieve League, which, at 600m, are some of the highest marine cliffs in Europe. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely day in the beautiful town of Donegal.
Spend another night in the Donegal area.
Driving distance: 223 km / 138 miles
Head south to County Sligo, driving past the stunning Ben Bulben, perhaps one of Ireland’s most recognisable mountains. Visit the small fishing village of Mullaghmore with its lovely sandy beach. Here, you’ll find Mullaghmore Head, one of the signature discovery points along the Wild Atlantic Way. We also recommend a visit to the atmospheric Carrowmore, Ireland’s largest Stone Age cemetery where you can roam around megalithic tombs and stone circles. Continue your drive to Downpatrick Head to enjoy a walk along the majestic sea cliffs and take in the vast views of the rugged coastline.
Spend the night in the Westport area.
Driving distance: 241 km / 150 miles
Explore the charming town of Westport, dotted with delightful shops, cafés and pubs. Tour the Georgian mansion Westport House and stroll around the beautiful gardens. You can also choose to visit the remote and beautiful Achill Island. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, you can follow the Wild Atlantic Way around the island. Admire the views from the top of Minaun Heights and stop at the beautiful bays of Keel and Keem with their white sandy beaches and clear waters. We also recommend stopping by Slievemore, an abandoned village with the ruins of traditional stone cottages.
Spend another night in the Westport area.
Driving distance: 149 km / 93 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 with spectacular Gothic architecture and where you can take a stroll in the Victorian Walled Garden.
Stop by the Connemara National Park Visitor Centre to follow scenic walking trails. Drive the circular Sky Road near Clifden for broad views of the Atlantic and arrive in Galway, a lively and colourful city.
Spend the night in the Galway area.
Driving distance: 182 km / 113 miles
Enjoy the Galway area at your leisure. We highly recommend taking a ferry to the Aran Islands. These three windswept islands are one of the few places where the Gaelic language, culture and music still truly thrive. On the island of Inis Mór, opt for a traditional horse & carriage tour, the most popular way to get around. Don’t miss the prehistoric fort Dun Aengus overlooking the Atlantic. The ideal way to end the day is to visit one of Galway’s restaurants, join in with the locals and experience traditional live music.
Spend another night in the Galway area.
Driving distance: 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: 115 km / 69 miles
Start the morning visiting the 15th-century Bunratty Castle. Here you’ll also find the Bunratty Folk Park, where you can experience what Irish rural life used to be like a century ago. 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. Visit the 19th-century mansion of Muckross House set within atmospheric woodlands or take an optional 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
Explore the rugged Dingle Peninsula, characterised by mountains and stunning coastal scenery. Visit the charming town of Dingle, a lively and colourful fishing port. You’ll then join Slea Head Drive, one of the most spectacular routes in Ireland. Along the way, make stops at Coumeenoole beach, the picturesque Dunquin harbour and the Blasket Centre, which tells the story of the Blasket Islanders. Further along, admire the unique Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian stone church steeped in mystery. Later, drive over the Conor pass, Ireland’s highest road, offering expansive views across the peninsula.
Spend another night in the Killarney/Tralee area.
Driving distance: 187 km / 116 miles
Travel over the scenic, winding Caha Pass to the colourful village of Glengarriff. We then recommend taking a short boat trip, with the opportunity to spot a seal colony on the way, to Garnish Island, featuring a world-renowned garden. Continue your journey across the Mizen Head Peninsula all the way to windswept Mizen Head, where you can admire the sea views of Ireland’s most southerly point.
Alternatively, travel via Kinsale, a popular resort town with its picturesque yachting harbour and historic forts, all the way to Cork, a buzzing city with a vibrant cultural scene.
Spend the night in the Cork area.
Driving distance via Mizen Head: 260 km / 162 miles
Driving distance via Kinsale: 209 km / 130 miles
Today’s journey will take you back to Dublin. We recommend stopping at a few worthwhile sights along the way. Don’t miss Blarney Castle, a legendary medieval stronghold that houses the Blarney Stone, surrounded by many myths and tales. Later, explore the spectacular Rock of Cashel, a historic site containing a fantastic collection of medieval buildings that span over 1000 years of history. 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: 272 km / 169 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.
Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.
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.
Our best price per person when booking for two.
Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.
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We recommend that all our travellers read through the following information about driving in Ireland, what the tour includes, the accommodation, and other useful information for your travels.
ABOUT OUR SELF-DRIVE TOURS
This is a self-drive tour, which means you will follow a detailed and personalised itinerary during your road trip in Ireland. No dedicated driver or tour guide is included. All accommodation, rental vehicle, and other planned activities or added services will be pre-booked by Nordic Visitor (as specified in the itinerary). As this is a self-drive tour, you are welcome to stop when and where you wish on your drive. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.
ACCOMMODATION AND ROOM TYPE
Our team of local travel experts carefully selects hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses around the country based on excellent ratings, personal experience and comfort. Generally, in Ireland, whilst room sizes may vary, our room types are based on European standard sizes. Please note that twin rooms, triple and family rooms are not commonly available in Ireland, so please contact us for booking assistance if that is something you would like. Please also be aware that, due to the historic nature of some of the properties we select, sometimes rooms are only accessible by going up stairs, with no lifts available. Please contact us if you are not able to walk up stairs.
SAFE DRIVING IN IRELAND
The roads in Ireland are usually in good conditions all year long and are renowned for their road trip worthiness. Please be aware that motorists drive on the left side of the road (and on the right side of the car). If you are not used to driving on the left, we highly recommend choosing a vehicle with automatic transmission for your self-drive tour. If you want a manual transmission vehicle, keep in mind that you will need to shift gears with your left hand (floor pedals are the same). Drivers will also have to get used to the narrower roads of Ireland as well as the rural single-track roads with passing places and be careful of animals on the road.
SAFETY & WEATHER CONDITIONS
Please note that sightseeing and transport is dependent on weather and road conditions and might need to be altered if conditions are not favourable. This includes ferries and drives. If something unexpected occurs, you can call our 24-hour helpline to speak directly with a Nordic Visitor staff member.
CURRENCY RATE
All bookings are charged in Euros (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. Therefore, conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.
AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR
After booking your package with Nordic Visitor, you will be contacted within two business days by one of our travel consultants who will serve as your dedicated contact person for all your travel needs before, during and even after your holiday. Your travel consultant will provide you with details about your booking and your remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.
Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.
