The Coast to Coast 5-day self-driving tour of Ireland is one of our zingiest Irish Adventure Tours to date! So, if you want the perfect mix of culture and adventure, then look no further. Your tour along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way has everything we could possibly fit into a 5 day Ireland road trip itinerary. Because we use local guides, you’re guaranteed to have a genuine Irish experience.
This tour of Ireland begins in the Viking capital of Ireland – Dublin and it carries you all the way to the wonderful Wild Atlantic Way. We provide you with an expertly packaged 5-day itinerary throughout Ireland to take at your own pace.
You will visit some of the most stunning sights of the Ring of Kerry. Put some zing into your tour by kayaking with dolphins in Dingle Bay. This really is an action-packed adventure in Ireland bursting at the seams with rich scenery, heritage, history, culture, castles, and experiences. Cycle through the lakes and mountains of Killarney National Park and go off the beaten path on the Dingle Peninsula and kiss the Blarney Stone.
Take a walk along the stunning Cliffs of Moher on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Soak up the unique atmosphere in the bustling bohemian city of Galway. Taste modern Irish cuisine paired with Irish craft beer, and experience the warmth of our legendary Irish hospitality.
Book with Confidence
Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Every Self-Drive Tour booked with Overland Ireland comes with exceptional service, guided itinerary and extras, such as our Paddy the Pocket Pilot App, as standard. So, if you’re looking for an independent way to see Ireland with all the benefits and surprises of a guided tour with pre-booked “tried & loved” accommodation, you’re in good hands. But don’t take our word for it, check out our tour group reviews here.
We are one of the only tour companies to include as much as we can into your tour price. We aim to have no hidden surprises or unexpected charges on your tour.
Our quest is to keep costs down and experiences up! We have worked really hard to get you the best deals up and down the country for you.
We can cater this tour to vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians. All seafood served to our guests on our tours is responsibly sourced and as fresh as it gets!
It’s time to fire up your Paddy the Pocket Pilot App and leave Dublin to start your adventure of a lifetime. You will make your way to the rebel, County Cork located in the stunning south west.
Make a stop en-route for a fantastic tour at the famous medieval round tower, chapel and cathedral of The Rock of Cashel.
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 favourite locations is the historic port and fishing town of Kinsale. The town is known for its castles, forts, galleries and shops, arts & crafts, and the recently launched Kinsale Gourmet Academy. You will spend the first night of your Irish Tour in this stunning harbour 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 & time: 300km – 4 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Today you will drive into the Kingdom of Kerry. The Ring of Kerryawaits you with many hidden gems as you journey through Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and take on a two-hour cycle around Killarney National Park. Your cycle through the park is a nature lover’s dream and you will have a choice of trails to follow, each offering their own unique splendour. You can also go jaunting (horse and cart) through the park.
Tonight, you will stay in the celebrated, cosy coastal town of Dingle. The evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs, fantastic restaurants and stumble across unforgettable traditional music sessions. This just might be the location for that perfect pint of Guinness.
Total driving distance & time: 150km – 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
No Overland tour could be complete without a morning kayaking trip in Dingle Bay where you will meet the town’s most famous local, Fungie the dolphin. 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 send you on a breath-taking trip along the Slea Head Drive. You will spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcases. Just relax and enjoy your carefully handpicked accommodation.
Total driving distance & time: 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops – leisurely drive
Your self-drive adventure continues as you leave Dingle and travel North over the Conor Pass and take in the stunning views of Castlegregory Beach. Then cross the River Shannon by ferry to leave the South West behind.
The ferry brings you to County Clare which is home to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Today you will explore the cliffs by foot on a two and half hour breath-taking wander while the fresh air and dramatic coastline embraces us! We send you off the beaten track and guide you to all the secret passages that truly outshine the main tourist hot spots. Capture this experience with envy-inducing photos. The views are steeped in myth and wonder. Listen to the roar of the Wild Atlantic Ocean echo your name on the waves of bliss.
Spend the evening in the most welcoming and colorful village of Doolin, the home-town of traditional Irish music.
Total driving distance & time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Say goodbye to Doolin via the Burren National Park en-route to Galway. Your route takes in a visit to the portal tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen.
You are in for a treat 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 castle, 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 true 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.
If you have more time left in Ireland we can link you up to some of our other magnificent self-drive experiences.
Total driving distance & time: 1 hour 30 minutes, excluding stops
Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Note: This is our current itinerary for this year. If you’re booking for next year, the plan could change slightly. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about this or our other tours!
