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Wild Atlantic Way

(10 days / 9 nights)

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Explore the Coast and Admire the Scenery

Explore the Irish coast, admire its stunning scenery and meet the locals with this road trip around the Emerald Isle. From Dublin, you’ll travel to the west coast to experience the iconic Wild Atlantic Way route. This epic journey will take you past charming towns, sweeping bays, white sand beaches and dramatic cliffs. Not only will you be able to enjoy the famous sights such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry, but truly discover Ireland and its hidden gems.

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1283 EUR

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— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Quality & value for your money
  • Specialists in Ireland self-drive holidays
  • Great customer reviews

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Tour Highlights

  • Explore the historic and vibrant Irish capital Dublin
  • Experience the best highlights of the stunning Wild Atlantic Way
  • See the gems of Ireland’s most iconic driving route, the Ring of Kerry
  • Walk along gigantic sea cliffs to take in the beauty of the renowned Cliffs of Moher
  • Explore the windswept Aran Islands and the historic treasures they hold
  • Discover ancient castles and medieval sites such as The Rock of Cashel
  • Enjoy some quiet time in nature at the Connemara National Park
  • Explore the magic of the lunar-like area of The Burren
  • Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and receive the Gift of Gab
  • Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your personal itinerary from a local travel expert

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Off the Beaten Path i

Season

Apr - Oct

Departure

Daily

Driving distance

1742/1083 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

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  • Day 1: ARRIVAL DAY IN DUBLIN

    Upon 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.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 2: THROUGH THE MIDLANDS TO DONEGAL

    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

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: RUGGED COASTLINES & STONE AGE SITES

    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

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK

    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.

    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

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 5: GALWAY & ARAN ISLANDS

    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

    Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 6: CLIFFS OF MOHER & LIMESTONE LANDSCAPES

    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 before arriving at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction, showcasing some of the country’s most iconic coastal scenery. If time allows, you can then visit 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.

    Spend the night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

    Driving distance: 269 km / 167miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 7: RING OF KERRY

    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

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 8: GARNISH ISLAND & IRELAND’S SOUTH COAST

    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 peninsula all the way to windswept Mizen Head, where you can admire the sea views of Ireland’s most southerly point. Alternatively, take the shorter route via Kinsale, a popular resort town with a 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

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 9: ANCIENT CASTLES & THE BLARNEY STONE

    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

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 10: DEPARTURE

    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.

    Optional Extras
View full itinerary

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.