Castle stays, romantic cliff-top walks, rides in horse-drawn carriages — this 8-day road trip through Ireland has it all!
Overland Ireland has created the perfect itinerary for a luxury Ireland self-drive tour, taking you from Ireland’s Ancient East to the legendary Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll cover famous locations across the country, but you’ll never tire of the spectacular sights and experiences.
Discover the magical Ring of Kerry, take a jaunt through Killarney National Park, and even steal a kiss from the Blarney Stone. This Self-Drive Tour of Ireland has the perfect balance of heritage, culture, and famed Irish “Craic” (fun).
On your journey, you’ll travel to the famous Cliffs of Moher, through Bohemian Galway, and finish with a night of opulence at Ashford Castle. If it’s good enough for Prince Harry’s honeymoon, then it’s good enough for us!
Our 8-day road trip through Ireland comes with expertly designed itineraries and fully comprehensive insurance. We also provide support concierge services on weekdays and an Overland Ireland Virtual Travel Companion! This ensures you will never go without help.
Should you want more say in your itinerary, our Tailor-Made Tours of Ireland allow you to customize your experience. We can also arrange the tour to suit the needs of wheelchair users, making this an accessible touring option.
Keep reading for the full itinerary of our High Life 8-Day Self-Drive Road Trip Through Ireland. Would you like to drive even further? Then have a look at our Ultimate 10-Day Self-Driving Tour Of Ireland! For a more traditional tour guide-led experience without the drive, browse our Small-Group Tours of Ireland.
Every Ireland self-drive tour booked with us comes with a guided itinerary, exceptional service, and a host of extras, including Paddy the Pocket Pilot App. Even though you hit the road solo, you will still get all the insights of a guided tour from Paddy, as well as pre-booked “tried & loved” accommodation. Check out our tour group reviews to see how highly other travelers rate us!’
At Overland Ireland, we are proud to be one of the only tour companies that includes as much as we can in your tour price.
We are always finding ways to keep experiences up! You can be sure that our team has worked tirelessly to find the best deals across the Emerald Isle.
Do you have special dietary requirements or food-based preferences? Please inform us as soon as possible so we can make the necessary adjustments. Overland Ireland can cater this tour to pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans.
Should you have any questions about this 8-day road trip through Ireland, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Total driving distance & time: 330 km – 4 hours 10 minutes, excluding stops
Turn on your Paddy the Pocket Pilot App and hit the road! Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains, perched centrally in Ireland’s Ancient East, is the first stop after leaving the hustle and bustle of Dublin behind.
You will take a guided tour of an important monastic site, learn about Ireland’s history and folklore, and take in the impressive St. Kevin’s Round Tower, built back in the 6th century.
After this introduction to Irish history, it’s time to travel south, where the Rock of Cashel awaits. Prepare to take plenty of jealousy-inducing photos at this famous medieval landmark.
In the afternoon and evening, you will make yourself at home in the luxurious Hayfield Manor in Cork City. You will have an endless choice of places to eat and be entertained this evening or simply relax and enjoy the lavish surroundings of the manor house.
Total driving distance & time: 140 km – 2 hours 10 minutes, excluding stops
You simply cannot visit Ireland without a trip to Blarney Castle and Gardens. Kissing the Blarney Stone (and receiving the gift of the gab…hopefully!) is an absolute must. Take the time to roam and admire the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle.
Then it’s off to Kenmare, nestled between the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula, where you will enjoy lunch.
Killarney, the Capital of Kerry, is your next destination. Here, you will marvel at the spectacular views at Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, and Torc Waterfall before exploring the natural wonderland of Killarney National Park. In the afternoon you will enjoy a jaunt – riding in a horse-pulled carriage. And if you have the energy, you can cycle around this stunning 100km estate, taking in Muckross House, Ross Castle, and much more.
The evening is yours to spend wandering around Killarney’s wonderful shops, pubs, and eateries.
You will stay at the magnificent four-star Lake Hotel where you will receive a traditional Irish welcome with stunning surroundings. All of this has been prearranged for you by our expert team at Overland.
Total driving distance & time: 179 km – 4 hours, excluding stops
Rise and shine nice and early because it’s time to start the ultimate road trip on Ireland’s most famous driving route – The Ring of Kerry! Be sure to take your time and enjoy every part of this journey through 10,000 years of Irish history. This truly is a breathtaking drive. Our expert team will share tips on how to get off the beaten track, directing you to hidden gems along the way. You may even bump into our old friend selling Poitín (Irish Moonshine), but don’t tell anyone!
This evening you drive to the famous harbour town of Dingle, one of our most famous Irish legends!
The evening is yours to absorb Dingle’s famous atmosphere, from its quirky pubs to its fantastic restaurants. We recommend heading to Foxy John’s hardware store, ordering yourself a drink, and striking up a conversation with a friendly local!
Stay at the award-winning Heaton’s Guesthouse and get excited about their wonderful breakfast feast tomorrow morning.
Total driving distance & time: 275 km – 4 hours, excluding stops
In the morning, you leave the South West behind and head northwards to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. Here, you walk across the clifftop, exploring the stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing below. The Cliffs of Moher are an icon of Ireland for a good reason; we are sure they will astound you! We will also send you on a wonderful route off the beaten track.
After your invigorating cliffs experience, you deserve to unwind! Live like royalty in the celebrated, 5-star Dromoland Castle.
Total driving distance & time: 72 km – 1 hour, excluding stops
This morning, you can either take your time to enjoy the activities and estate at Dromoland or make the short drive to Bunratty Castle where you can join a folk and heritage tour.
As you depart County Clare, your bustling, bohemian Galway adventure begins. Voted European Capital of Culture 2020, this city will not disappoint. Embrace the electric atmosphere, watch the entertaining street performers, and enjoy plenty of “craic” (fun). Our friends in Galway will then lead you on a gourmet historical city tour.
Your overnight accommodation is at the historical Hardiman Hotel on Eyre Square, a stone’s throw from the liveliest hotspots.
Total driving distance & time: 110 km – 1 hour 50 minutes, excluding stops
The next stop on your self-drive Ireland tour is Kylemore Abbey, set in the heart of Connemara. This incredible landscape is rugged, beautiful, and breathtaking in all conditions, be it hail, rain, or sunshine. While you’re here, enjoy some time roaming the abbey, in the Victorian walled garden, and near Kylemore Lake. Soak up the splendour of this 1000-acre estate overlooking the majestic Connemara National Park.
We recommend making the quick trip to Clifden for tea and cake, or even a delicious seafood lunch.
Ballynahinch Castle awaits you. Let them serve up a sumptuous afternoon tea in one of their luxurious rooms. Once you park up at this hidden gem, you will not want to leave.
Total driving distance & time: 120 km – 2 hours, excluding stops
Ready for a challenge? Then spend your morning hiking up Ireland’s holiest mountain – Croagh Patrick – made famous by St. Patrick himself! Awe-inspiring panoramic views of Clew Bay await at the top. If this doesn’t sound like your thing, you can hop on a bike and cycle the Greenway route to Achill Island. There’s also the choice to have a relaxed walking tour of Westport.
This is the last night of your trip, so we have made sure you go out in style! The fabulous Ashford Castle Hotel has attracted presidents, sports heroes, and celebrities throughout history — and now it’s your turn! Infused with rich history and heritage, this really is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Ireland. What a way to finish your whirlwind tour of Ireland!
There are countless activities to enjoy on the estate, like archery, falconry, horse riding, and boat trips. Of course, you can also just head for their award-winning Spa!
Total driving distance & time: 255 km – 3 hours, excluding stops
Sadly, every good thing must come to an end. Today, you head back to Dublin’s fair city at your leisure, stopping off at the 6th-century monastery Clonmacnoise.
If you have some time left in Dublin before your flight home, we can arm you with fantastic recommendations for things to see and do in our capital and the surrounding areas. Let Paddy the Pocket Pilot guide you back to Dublin and make some reservations for you.
Or…. Why not stay longer and link up with another one of our wonderful self-drive itineraries? The choices are endless with Overland 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.
