Fall in love with Ireland on this 7-Day Northern Ireland self-drive vacation. Roam the hills of Donegal and hug the Antrim Coastline on your way to discover the rich history, heritage, and culture of Northern Ireland.
Get an adrenalin rush braving the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and hike towards the Giant’s Causeway learning about Irish myths and legends!
Take jaw-dropping photos at Slieve League Cliffs and learn all about Ireland’s troubled past on a walking tour of Derry. Castles, stories, colorful locals and lots of “Craic” (fun) awaits on this unforgettable 7-day Ireland road-trip.
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.
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.
Dietary requirements or preferences? Please let us know. We can cater this tour to vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians.
Switch on your Paddy the Pocket Pilot App! Leave the capital city behind and make your way northwards to the most famous megalithic tomb in Ireland – Newgrange. It is said that Newgrange predates the Pyramids in Egypt by 600 years! Spend some time learning from your guide about the archaeology, mythology and astronomy of this special landmark.
It is now time to break the border and enter Northern Ireland and Belfast City. Your first port of call is the Titanic Experience – voted the world’s leading tourist attraction in 2016. All you need to know about the construction, the passengers and the fate of this doomed luxury liner will be revealed during your visit.
Spend the night enjoying Belfast’s fine eateries and lively watering holes.
Total driving distance & time: 180km – 2 hours 10 minutes, excluding stops
This morning begins with a Black Cab or Bike tour of Belfast City. Our friends will pick you up at your hotel and bring you on tour. These are the best ways to see the real Belfast and get an awesome insight into the history and modern times in Northern Ireland’s largest city. Let our local friends be your guides.
After a hearty lunch there is so much more to squeeze into your second day. Visit Stormont Parliament, Crumlin Gael or if you are a Game of Thrones fan take an afternoon trip around the filming locations. St. George’s Market is a treat if your tour falls Friday to Sunday.
You can relax at the end of another exciting day. No need to re-pack your bag tonight as you will spend another night in bustling Belfast and have a great sleep in one of our carefully handpicked accommodation.
Total driving distance & time: 45 minutes, excluding stops – depending on your afternoon options!
Today will be both a test of mental strength and a celebration for your soul. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated features on this self-drive tour of Ireland and never disappoints. The Causeway Coastal Route is breath-taking and while crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge you will feel the exhilaration of the air beneath your feet while the anticipation builds. You will take a refreshing hike between the bridge and the Giant’s Causeway. Prepare yourself for entertaining stories about the giant, Finn McCool.
Make a pit stop at the ruins of the home of the Earl of Antrim at Dunluce Castle. Your next stop is Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second largest city, steeped in rich history.
Explore the city by night and look forward to a tour of the walled city tomorrow.
Total driving distance & time: 175km – 2 hours 20 minutes, excluding stops
Before travelling deep into the wilds of Donegal, let one of our favorite tour guides lead you through the streets of Derry to help you understand the struggles of our past and the long road it has taken to current peaceful times we now enjoy in Northern Ireland.
On route to Glenveagh National Park, treat yourself to a pitstop at Grianan of Alleach, a 6th century hillfort built on top of the 244-meter-high Greenan Mountain at Inishowen, County Donegal.
Perched in the Donegal mountains, Glenveagh castle, gardens and park has so much to offer. The 16,000 hectares of the park includes the Derryveagh mountains, the Poisoned Glen which boasts hills and trails to follow for the afternoon. There are challenging routes for you to enjoy and more relaxed trails to take at your leisure. Why not try the cycle route?
An hour away you will settle in for the evening in the picturesque village of Ardara.
Total driving distance & time: 130km – 2 hours, excluding stops
You will venture further into the Wild North West today!
Travelling south towards Donegal Town, we highly recommend you drive over the Glengesh Pass, make a stop at Assaranca Waterfalland the fabulous Maghera Beach and Caves.
Discover the truly breath-taking cliffs of Slieve League, standing at roughly 600 meters. Although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher, they stand three times as high and even more magnificent. Choose to hike along the cliffs or find your favorite view for some jealousy inducing photos.
Next up is a guided tour of the restored Donegal Castle – home of the wealthy and powerful O’Donnell Clan before enjoying the craic and colorful locals in Donegal Town.
Total driving distance & time: 80km – 1 hour 45 minutes, excluding stops
Rev up your engine and leave the North behind. Today will be spent discovering some of the fantastic sites on the West coast of our beautiful country.
Paddy will guide you on your road trip along the coast through Mullaghmore, Sligo and on to Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery.
Glencar Waterfall lies beneath the Benbulbin Mountain and was the inspiration for many of W.B. Yeats‘ poetry. Pull in and visit his grave on your way into Sligo.
Your road trip will take you to Ireland’s beloved town – Westport. Challenge yourself to climb Ireland’s holiest mountain. Croagh Patrick is 764 meters high and is a rewarding hike for the experienced and novice alike. Learn about the man responsible for St. Patrick’s Day. At its peak, you will be rewarded with a breath-taking, panoramic view of the 365 islands of Clew Bay.
The evening is spent unwinding with some local craft beers and excellent food in Westport Town. And a visit to Westport would not be complete without a bit of “craic” at a traditional Irish music session in Matt Molloy’s bar.
Total driving distance & time: 175km – 2 hours 20 minutes, excluding stops
Today you will take a guided walking tour of Bohemian Galway City. Take your time to soak up the lively atmosphere of the city and wander in and out of the brightly coloured shops and cafes. Try on a Claddagh Ring or a Galway Shawl! Be careful though because you might never leave!
Try to dry your tears and look forward to your journey back to Dublin. Or if you haven’t had enough of our beautiful country why not extend your road trip and link up with an itinerary for the West and South!
Before you turn off the ignition and hand back your car we promise to arm you with plenty of great recommendations of things to do and see in Dublin if you have a couple of days left in Ireland.
Total driving distance & time: 280km – 3 hours 40 minutes, excluding stops
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!
