If you want the perfect mix of culture and adventure, look no further. Our Coast to Coast 5-day Driving Tour of Ireland takes you from Dublin, the Viking capital of Ireland, all the way across to the incredible Wild Atlantic Way!
This Self-Drive Tour of Ireland has everything you could possibly fit into a 5-day trip, making it perfect for those who want to explore but only have a short amount of time. Visit some of the most stunning sights of the Ring of Kerry, go kayaking in Dingle Bay, and cycle through the lakes and mountains of Killarney National Park. You can even go off the beaten path on the Dingle Peninsula and kiss the Blarney Stone!
Towards the end of your journey, walk along the iconic Cliffs of Moher, right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Then, immerse yourself in Irish culture, in the bustling bohemian city of Galway. Taste modern Irish cuisine paired with Irish craft beer, and experience the warmth of our legendary hospitality.
We provide you with an expertly packaged itinerary to help you experience the real Ireland by yourself, with the support of our expert local guides. This is an action-packed 5-day driving tour of Ireland, bursting at the seams with rich scenery, heritage, history, culture, castles, and experiences.
Our self-driving tours in Ireland offer you the independence of road-tripping without all the hassle. We create expertly designed itineraries that you can simply follow, complemented by our support concierge service and Overland Ireland Virtual Travel Companion. Don’t worry about insurance — that’s included too!
If you would like more say in your itinerary, we can also design Tailor-Made Tours of Ireland to suit your needs. This is also an excellent option for people who require wheelchair-accessible self-drive tours.
Keep reading below for the full itinerary of this 5-day Ireland road trip. And if 5 days aren’t enough, why not have a look at our Wild Atlantic Wanderer 6-Day Self-Driving Tour Of Ireland for extended time on the coast?
If you want to skip the driving entirely, then check out our Small Group Tours of Ireland, where all of our adventures started.
Every self-driving tour of Ireland booked with Overland Ireland comes with exceptional service, a guided itinerary, and extras, such as our Paddy the Pocket Pilot App. If you’re looking for an independent way to see Ireland with all the benefits and surprises of a guided tour, you’re in good hands. But don’t just take our word for it, check out our tour group reviews here.
Overland Ireland is all about keeping costs down and experiences up! We include as much as we can in your tour price, with all of the inclusions and exclusions listed below.
We’ve searched far and wide to get the best deals up and down the country for you, so the only thing you need to focus on is having the adventure of a lifetime. And if you have any dietary requirements, we can cater this tour to vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians.
Any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Total driving distance and time: 300 km – 4 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
It’s time to fire up your Paddy the Pocket Pilot App and leave Dublin to start your adventure of a lifetime. What better way to begin your Ireland road trip for 5 days than making your way to the rebel county, Cork, located in the stunning southwest?
But before you arrive, this self-driving tour of Ireland makes a stop en route for a fantastic tour at the famous medieval round tower, chapel, and cathedral of The Rock of Cashel. What an introduction to Irish history!
Lonely Planet describes Cork as “at the top of its game, sophisticated, vibrant and diverse” and we completely agree. Locals would argue that it is the REAL capital of Ireland. Begin your Cork experience with a kiss of the Blarney Stone. Then take the time to explore the stunning gardens, castle, and rock close.
One of our favorite locations in Ireland is the historic port and fishing town of Kinsale. The town is known for its castles, forts, galleries and shops, arts and crafts, and the recently launched Kinsale Gourmet Academy. You will spend the first night of your 5-day driving tour of Ireland in this stunning harbor town, which is also renowned for its award-winning restaurants and dramatic scenery. Ask Paddy for some recommendations and reservations this evening.
Total driving distance and time: 150 km – 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Today, your Ireland road trip over 5 days takes you into the Kingdom of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry awaits with hidden gems as you journey through Moll’s Gap and to Torc Waterfall. Then it’s time to enjoy a two-hour cycle in Killarney National Park. This bike ride is a dream for nature lovers! There are various trails to choose from, so which one you follow is up to you! Each has its own unique splendor and charm. You can also go jaunting (horse and cart riding) through the park.
Tonight, you will stay in Dingle, the renowned cozy coastal town full of character. The evening is yours to soak up the atmosphere in its quirky pubs and famous restaurants. There’s a good chance you will stumble into an unforgettable traditional music session too!
If you’re looking for that all-important perfect pint of Guinness, Dingle might just be the place for it!
Total driving distance and time: 10 km – 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops — a leisurely drive
No Overland tour could be complete without a morning kayaking trip in Dingle Bay! On the third morning of this 5-day driving tour of Ireland, you can hit the water and get a completely new perspective of the stunning coastline as you paddle on the open sea. Alternatively, if kayaking is not your thing, you can take an exhilarating hike up Mount Brandon with 360-degree views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory!
We will then send you on a breathtaking trip along the Slea Head Drive. There’s no need to repack your suitcases as you will spend a second night in the bustling town of Dingle. Simply relax and enjoy your carefully handpicked accommodation.
Total driving distance and time: 170 km – 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Your self-driving tour of Ireland continues as you say farewell to Dingle and travel north over the Conor Pass, taking in incredible views of Castlegregory Beach. Cross the River Shannon by ferry and leave southwest Ireland behind.
The ferry brings you to County Clare, home to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Today, you will explore the cliffs by foot on a captivating wander. Feel the fresh, invigorating air and dramatic coastline embrace you! We send you off the beaten path and guide you to all the hidden passages that truly outshine the main tourist hot spots. Capture this experience with photos that will strike envy in everyone back home! The views here are awe-inspiring and steeped in myth and wonder. Listen to the wild roar of the vast Atlantic Ocean as it crashes into the cliffs below.
Spend the evening in the most welcoming and colorful village of Doolin, the hometown of traditional Irish music.
Total driving distance and time: 100 km – 1 hour 30 minutes, excluding stops
Say goodbye to Doolin via the Burren National Park en route to Galway. The route for this Ireland road trip for 5 days takes in a visit to the portal tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen, another fascinating insight into Irish history.
And the treats keep coming this morning! Our local farmer at Caherconnell will amaze you with a sheepdog show! Watching the border collies work with the farmer is fascinating and a true taste of Irish heritage.
As you travel to Galway you will have a quick photo-op at the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle, which is located in the quaint fishing village of Kinvara.
Galway is known globally as a city of festivals and was awarded the European capital of culture in 2020. This medieval city is truly living history as many buildings date back hundreds of years and now serve as shops, restaurants, and bars. Brightly painted pubs heave with live music, while cafés offer front-row seats for observing street performers, musicians, and local characters.
Enjoy a historical walking tour and taste modern Irish cuisines paired with Irish craft beer. After discovering Galway’s hidden gems, enjoy an evening of entertainment, great food, and craic in this much-celebrated city. Watch Irish dancing and feel yourself toe-tapping to the pulse of pure Celtic music and dance.
This may be the end of your 5-day driving tour of Ireland but, if you have more time left in the Emerald Isle, we can link you up to some of our other magnificent self-driving tours of Ireland.
Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations, the size of our vehicles, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Note: To confirm your booking, you are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €300 per person for Self-Drive tours.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this tour or any others we operate. We may have already answered your question on our frequently asked questions page.
