Do you love the idea of guided travel but not the constant presence of a guide? There is a solution that includes all the benefits of an experienced guide leading the way, all with the comfort of just being with your favorite travel companions. Enjoy local knowledge, no itinerary to plan yourself, and the comfort of knowing your trip is planned well.
Self-drive vacations are designed to give you the independence of your own trip but with the knowledge and resources of a guided excursion. This blog focuses on the best self-drive vacations in Ireland, diving into the many treasures that the Emerald Isle has to offer. Discover rugged coastlines, the stunning scenery Ireland is famous for, and charming country roads from your own car.
About Overland Ireland’s Self-drive Tours
Self-drive tours of Ireland are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the best that this area has to offer, allowing you to travel at your own pace with the assistance of expertly guided itineraries and the complementary Paddy the Pocket Pilot virtual tour guide app.
Pre-book accommodations that have been tried and loved by many others, from small, friendly guest houses to historic castles! The choice is yours. Tell us what kind of self-drive itinerary you want to enjoy and the Overland team will craft an amazing road trip to be remembered.
It’s your adventure, so have it your way! There’s even an 8-day tailor-made road trip called The Green Way for those using electric vehicles.
Self-Drive Ireland’s Ancient East
For those who want a true taste of Ireland’s rich history, the Ancient East 6-day self-drive tour is a great choice. Traveling from Ireland’s capital Dublin, you will take several stops before ending in the Viking city of Waterford, the oldest in Ireland.
You will also explore the monastic city of Glendalough, hidden in the Wicklow Mountains, with beautiful monuments and lakes accessible all year round. As well as the Midleton Whiskey Experience in County Cork, ready to reveal the secrets behind the most famous Irish whiskey, Jameson.
Kilkenny Castle is one of the largest and most well-maintained Irish castles. On this stop of the Ancient East self-drive tour, you can admire the grand rooms, artwork, and furnishings of the lords and ladies of the ancient great families who once owned it. Then, after a Kilkenny local walks you through the medieval quarter, you can finish the day at Ireland’s oldest brewery with a pint of Smithwicks!
Another great stop to mention is the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone. Scheduled for the last morning of this self-drive tour of Ireland, a big upside-down kiss (yes, there’s a bit of work involved) of the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle is said to give you the ‘gift of the gab’. Legends say you will receive greater powers of eloquence — especially with respect to flattery.
Self Drive The Wild Atlantic Way
The West Coast of Ireland has so much to offer, especially for those looking for an active adventure exploring the great outdoors of the Emerald Isle. Taking you from the heights of Croagh Patrick to the vast Burren National Park, the Wild Atlantic Wanderer self-driving tour from Overland makes sure your road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way is planned to perfection.
This six-day trip lets you experience the scenic gardens of Kylemore Abbey, hike in Connemara National Park, and even island hop to Achill and the Aran islands. So much is packed into this epic getaway, but if time is even tighter you might want to consider the Coast To Coast 5-Day Driving Tour Of Ireland.
There is ample opportunity for ditching the car for two wheels or taking the chance to hike amongst beautiful countryside along the Wild Atlantic Way. Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain, provides a moderate hike and amazing views over Clew Bay. An evening of fun awaits at Westport town in County Mayo, with traditional music from local musicians.
For keen cyclists, even those willing to give it a go, you can take the Greenway cycle route from Mulranny to Achill Island – the largest of Ireland’s islands. Foodies can enjoy the culinary delights of the fine eateries in Clifden, nestled at the base of the Twelve Bens mountain range. You can add a bit of luxury to your road trip with a stay at a stunning castle!
Self-Driving Ireland’s Northern Way
If you have a full week to play with, why not fall in love with the north? The Northern Way self-drive tour of Ireland takes you from Dublin, counter-clockwise through Belfast, Derry, Sligo, and Galway for a comprehensive road trip with your favorite travel pals. Along the way, you can roam the hills of Donegal, or take in the majestic views of the Antrim coastline, while soaking up the rich culture, heritage, and history of Northern Ireland.
A trip to this part of the world would not be right without experiencing the Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Causeway Coastal Route passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland, leading to an attraction, not for the faint of heart: the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Indiana Jones, eat your heart out!
In Derry, you can also learn about Ireland’s troubled past from the tour guide. While exploring Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, you can also get the Derry Girls experience for those who loved the Channel 4 TV show that made this area so famous in recent years.
Other notable stops include the photo-worthy Slieve Leauge Cliffs and Glencar Waterfall beneath Benbulbin Mountain. Not to mention the guided walking tour of bohemian Galway City.
The Ultimate Ireland Self-drive Tour
With 10 days jam-packed full of sightseeing, the Ultimate Ireland self-drive tour is a cross-country adventure showing almost every corner of Ireland. You’ll drive from north to south and east to west with a plethora of experiences to make those back home jealous of your travels. It’s not called the ‘ultimate’ for nothing!
A snapshot of activities includes kayaking in Dingle Bay, exploring Killarney National Park, taking the ferry to the Aran Islands, and crossing the border to see the Giant’s Causeway and the immersive Titanic Experience in Belfast. It’s several vacations in one.
History buffs can marvel at the famous ancient structures named Dolmen (also known as the portal tombs) at Poulmabrone. Those wanting to experience some country living can watch a sheep-dog trial at Caherconnell, and then it’s onto the celebrated harbor town of Dingle to enjoy great restaurants and quirky pubs.
The hills of Donegal are a sight to behold, taking in the Glengesh Pass and the Assaranca Waterfall. Another stop that is very impressive is Kylemore Abbey in County Galway, an impressive 1,000-acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake. The walled garden there is a must-see.
The itinerary provides the most comprehensive self-drive tour of Ireland, including as much as possible in 10 days. Adventure awaits… To learn more about this fantastic corner of the world, be sure to read our other insightful blogs What Makes Ireland Such a Unique Travel Destination? and the Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Ireland.
For those wanting more control over their itineraries, Overland also offers tailor-made tours of Ireland designed exactly to your specifications. There’s also the classic small group tours of Ireland if you would rather leave all that driving to someone else!
