Discover Ireland’s beauty, charm, and culture on a self-drive tour along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Dublin Airport and collection of your rental car.
Explore Ireland’s historic capital and its medieval castle. Overnight in Co. Dublin
Day 2
Drive westward to reach the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit Sligo, a source of inspiration for Irish Nobel laureate W.B. Yeats. Enjoy the beaches and surfing in Strandhill and Mullaghmore. Try a traditional seaweed bath. Overnight in Co. Sligo / Co. Donegal
Day 3
Admire the breathtaking Slieve League Cliffs, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Drive from Sligo via Donegal town and Killybegs, home to Ireland’s largest fishing fleet. Hike to the summit of Knocknarea Mountain and visit Queen Maebh’s Cairn, the legendary warrior queen of Connacht. Overnight in Co. Sligo / Co. Donegal
Day 4
Explore the Céide Fields in Ballycastle, the world’s largest Neolithic site and oldest known field system. Stop in Newport, known for its fishing and for the Great Western Greenway, Ireland’s longest walking and cycling trail. Overnight in Co. Mayo
Day 5
Discover Achill Island, renowned for outdoor activities and scenic views. Visit the charming heritage town of Westport, with its Georgian streets and stone bridges. Explore Westport House and Country Park, offering fun for all the family. Overnight in Co. Mayo
Day 6
Head south to experience the beauty of Connemara. Take a Killary Cruise along Ireland’s only fjord. Visit Clifden and Kylemore Abbey, nestled in a dramatic landscape. Walk to Omey Island at low tide and enjoy local seafood in Roundstone. Visit Malachy Kearns’ Bodhrán workshop, a master craftsman of traditional Irish drums. Overnight in Co. Galway
Day 7
Explore Galway, the City of the Tribes, then drive to County Clare via the scenic Black Head Coastal Route. See the moon-like landscape of the Burren and the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. Overnight in Co. Clare
Day 8
Take the Shannon Car Ferry from Killimer to Tarbert. Continue on to Tralee and the Dingle Peninsula, where some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal scenery awaits. Visit Dingle, a thriving fishing town with true Irish charm. Follow the coastal road to Slea Head and take in the views of the Blasket Islands. Try your hand at pottery at Louis Mulcahy’s workshop. Overnight in Co. Kerry
Day 9
Drive along the Ring of Kerry, stopping at Valentia Island. Visit the Skellig Experience, a heritage centre dedicated to the monastic site of Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour Derrynane House, home of Daniel O’Connell, known as the Liberator. Visit Kenmare, a picturesque town associated with lace-making. Overnight in Co. Kerry Alternative
Day 10
Travel to Cork and continue to Glengarriff. Enjoy views of Bantry Bay and visit the gardens on Ilnacullin (Garinish Island), known for their exotic subtropical plants. Pass by Seal Island, home to a seal colony. Continue to Cork via Clonakilty and Skibbereen. Overnight in Co. Cork Day 10 Visit the famous Victorian English Market in Cork City. Ring the Shandon Bells in the tower of St. Anne’s Church. Stop in Cashel to visit the iconic Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress. Return to Dublin for your final evening. Overnight in Co. Dublin
Day 11
Drive to Dublin Airport, return your rental car, and fly home.
Included:
Excluded:
Recommended Travel Period:
June/July/September