Sustainability has become more important than ever and ecotourism has been at the forefront of Overland Ireland’s ethos from the beginning. Now you can enjoy the stunning unspoiled Irish scenery on this 8-day Ireland driving tour!
When crafting this self-drive tour of Ireland, we carefully selected your accommodation with our “Green” hats on. Castles, guesthouses, and hotels alike have come on leaps and bounds over the past couple of years and are very conscious of environmental sustainability. We are confident that our friends will look after you with an Irish “Céad Míle Fáilte” (a hundred thousand welcomes) while doing their bit for the “Green Movement”.
Ireland has embraced the electric revolution with charge points available from bustling Dublin to the remote Ring of Kerry and we have them all mapped out as part of your trip. This is responsible travel without the hassle.
Book with Confidence
Due to our tours’ remote, off-the-beaten-path locations, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps and/or elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
When you book a Self-Drive Tour with Overland Ireland, you get exceptional service, a guided itinerary, and extras, such as our Paddy the Pocket Pilot App, as standard. So, if you’re looking for an independent way to explore Ireland with all the benefits and surprises of a guided tour (including pre-booked “tried & loved” accommodation), you’re in good hands with us. But don’t take our word for it… read our tour group reviews!
Overland Ireland is one of the only tour companies that strives to include as much as we possibly can into your tour price. We do whatever we can to ensure you have no hidden surprises or unexpected charges during your tour.
Our quest is to stack experiences up while keeping costs down! We have worked hard behind the scenes to find you the best deals we can all over Ireland.
We can also cater this tour to vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians, so please let us know if you have any dietary preferences or requirements.
Total driving distance & time: 330 km – 4 hours 10 minutes, excluding stops
Switch on your Paddy the Pocket Pilot App and off you go! Your first stop after leaving the bustling capital behind is Glendalough in the Wicklow mountains, perched centrally in Ireland’s Ancient East. You will be taken on a tour of one of the most important monastic sites, learn about Ireland’s history, and folklore and be suitably impressed by the St. Kevin’s Round Tower, built in the 6th century.
After working up an appetite walking Glendalough, it’s time for a foodie experience at Brooklodge & Macreddin Village nestled in the Wicklow mountains. The Food Village here boasts a selection of wild, organic and locally sourced produce, set in a stunning location.
After your introduction to Irish history, travel south to the Rock of Cashel. Take some jealousy-inducing photos at this famous Irish medieval cathedral and castle.
This afternoon and evening you will stay in the real capital of Ireland – Cork! You can decide if it rivals Dublin’s fair city.
Total driving distance & time: 140 km – 2 hours 10 minutes, excluding stops
No trip to Cork is complete without a trip to Blarney Castle and Gardens. You simply MUST kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the gift of the gab (the ability to tell a good yarn). Take the time to roam the beautiful gardens.
Leave the Rebel County behind for the Kingdom of Kerry. Enjoy lunch in beautiful Kenmare, nestled perfectly between the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula. You’ll feel like you have just stepped onto an old Irish movie set.
Onwards to Killarney. Visit some spectacular views at Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ladies View before exploring Killarney National Park. This afternoon you will jaunt – horse and carriage. If you are feeling energetic you can leisurely cycle around the expanse of this 100km stunning estate taking in Muckross House and Ross Castle.
The evening is yours to spend wandering around the wonderful shops, pubs and eateries in Killarney – The Capital of Kerry!
Total driving distance & time: 179 km – 4 hours, excluding stops
Rise and shine early and start your ultimate road trip along Ireland’s most famous ring road – The Ring of Kerry. Take your time and journey through 10,000 years of Irish history. This drive will take your breath away. Paddy the Pocket Pilot will give you tips on how to get off the beaten track and direct you to all the hidden gems along the route. You might even bump into our friend selling Poitín (Irish Moonshine) but don’t tell anyone you’ve met him!
We recommend taking the whole day to enjoy stopping at all the hotspots along the Ring of Kerry to really soak up the whole experience and stunning views on this majestic stretch of road.
This afternoon you will drive into the wonderful harbour town of Dingle. The evening is yours to relish Dingle’s unique atmosphere, from its famous quirky pubs to its fantastic restaurants. Why not head to Foxy John’s hardware store, order a drink and jump into a conversation with a colourful local?
Total driving distance & time: 275 km – 4 hours, excluding stops
Leave the South West behind and take yourself northwards to the Cliffs of Moher. Paddy will direct you over the panoramic views on the Conor Pass and send you by ferry from Kerry to County Clare.
Your cliffs experience will take you by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing below. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular natural features in Ireland and are sure to leave you lost for words.
After your invigorating cliffs experience it is time to unwind. You will stay at in Doolin. This wonderful fishing village is also famed as being the hometown of traditional Irish music – a great night awaits.
Total driving distance & time: 102 km – 1 hour 30 minutes, excluding stops
This morning take a short drive to Bunratty Castle for a folk and heritage tour.
Your departure from county Clare is the start of your bustling, bohemian Galway experience. Galway was voted European Capital of Culture 2020 and never disappoints. Expect an electric atmosphere with entertaining street performers and plenty of “Craic” (fun) in this much celebrated town. Our friends in Galway will take you on a gourmet historical tour of the city.
Tonight you will be staying a stone’s throw away from the lively hotspots in the centre of Galway City.
Total driving distance & time: 110 km – 1 hour 50 minutes, excluding stops
Your tour continues to the grand Kylemore Abbey in the rugged heart of Connemara. Whether you visit in hail, rain, or shine, Connemara’s wild and beautiful landscape is guaranteed to take your breath away. Roam the Abbey, admire the Victorian walled garden, and marvel at the majesty of this 1,000-acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and Connemara National Park.
We recommend a quick trip for tea and cake in Clifden town or even a delicious seafood lunch.
We are excited to offer the option of upgrading to a castle stay at Ballinahinch Castle this evening. Live like a King or Queen in the lap of luxury.
Total driving distance & time: 120 km – 2 hours, excluding stops
This morning you will challenge yourself to a hike up the holiest mountain in Ireland – Croagh Patrick! This is where St. Patrick himself fasted for forty days at the summit. At the top, you will be treated to jaw-dropping views across Clew Bay. If hiking is not your thing, why not grab a bike and pedal along the Greenway route to Achill Island or enjoy an easygoing walking tour of Westport Town?
This evening on tour is special… Presidents, celebrities, and sports heroes throughout history have been drawn to the fabulous Ashford Castle Hotel, and now it’s time for your turn!
You can take the time to explore the estate and take part in some of their activities on site like falconry, boat trips, archery, horse-riding, or even their award-winning Spa! You will stay at the lakeside property ‘The Lodge at Ashford’ or one of our favourite guesthouses in Cong village – the film location of The Quiet Man starring John Wayne!
Total driving distance & time: 255 km – 3 hours, excluding stops
All good things must come to an end. Journey back to Dublin’s fair city at your leisure today with a stop at the 6th century monastery Clonmacnoise, located on the banks of the Shannon river. The monastery was a centre of excellence for learning and scholars created the finest of Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts over 600 years.
If you have a little time left in Dublin before you fly home we will arm you with fantastic things to see and do in the Capital city and surroundings.
Note: To confirm your booking, you are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €300 per person for Self-Drive tours.
Due to our tours’ remote, off-the-beaten-path locations, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps and/or 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!
