If you’re looking for the ultimate self-drive trip around Ireland, you’ve found it! We have designed an itinerary that provides the most comprehensive Self-Drive Tour of Ireland, showing you nearly every corner of the Emerald Isle.
Over 10 days, you’ll drive from North to South and East to West. We have packed this ultimate Ireland trip with experiences, from kayaking in Dingle Bay to highlights of Killarney National Park. Make unforgettable memories at the Cliffs of Moher, discover vibrant Galway City, and take the ferry to the Aran Islands. You even have the option to spend a night in an exquisite castle!
Of course, no trip around Ireland is complete without kissing the Blarney Stone. We also cross the border into Northern Ireland, where you can feel the awe of Giant’s Causeway before immersing yourself in the Titanic Experience in Belfast. Keep reading to learn more about this unforgettable 10-day self-drive Ireland trip!
We make your trip around Ireland hassle-free by taking care of your itinerary, experiences, accommodation, and bookings. All you need to do is arrive with a sense of adventure! Few self-drive Ireland vacations are this all-inclusive.
Our 10-day driving tour of Ireland comes with an Overland Ireland Virtual Travel Companion, support concierge service on weekdays, and fully comprehensive insurance when you book car rental through us.
If you want the option to customize your trip around Ireland or if you have specific needs like wheelchair-accessible accommodation, then contact us about our Tailor-Made Tours of Ireland.
Keep reading to learn more about this unforgettable 10-day Self-Drive Tour of Ireland. If you’re short on time, we can recommend our Coast to Coast 5-Day Tour of Ireland, traveling from Dublin to Galway. Should you want to skip the driving altogether, have a look at our more traditional Small Group Tours of Ireland!
All our self-drive tours come with a guided itinerary, clear maps, and our renowned exceptional service. One of the extras to help you along the way is our Paddy the Pocket Pilot App! If you want to see Ireland on an independent adventure, but with all the benefits and surprises of a guided tour, Paddy is here to help you along the way. But don’t just take our word for it — read our tour group reviews.
At Overland Ireland, we do everything we can to minimize costs and maximize experiences. By including as much as we can in your tour price, you avoid unexpected fees and hidden surprises.
We have worked tirelessly to ensure you benefit from the best deals across Ireland during your trip.
Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or preferences as soon as possible. We can cater this self-drive tour to vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians.
If you have any questions about our 10-day self-drive Ireland tour, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Total driving distance & time: 180 km – 2 hours 10 minutes, excluding stops
Turn on your Paddy the Pocket Pilot App and get on the road! Your ultimate self-drive tour of Ireland starts with an adventure to Newgrange, a magical Stone Age passage tomb decorated in megalithic art.
After exploring this incredible Neolithic structure, you will travel north to Belfast. Here, you can immerse yourself in the Titanic Experience at the interactive visitor centre of Titanic Belfast.
The wonderful and tragic stories told about the most famous ship in the world, and its doomed fate, is a moving experience.
Finish the day with a fantastic black cab tour of Belfast. Your cab will even pick you up from your hotel! (Optional)
The evening is yours to explore Belfast’s thriving pubs, restaurants, and shops. Get a great night’s sleep at your carefully handpicked accommodation.
Note: Due to the limited availability and popularity of Newgrange, we cannot guarantee a booking to this specific site. This may be exchanged for Knowth or Hill of Tara
Total driving distance & time: 165 km – 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
The second day features one of this tour’s most-anticipated stops — Giant’s Causeway.
But the entire Causeway Coastal Route is just as breathtaking and a joy to drive.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is another highlight. Feel everything from fear to exhilaration as you cross the open ocean with air beneath your feet!
The Paddy App will also guide you to some secret locations off the beaten track.
Your next stop on day two is Derry. Northern Ireland’s second-largest city is steeped in rich and fascinating history.
Enjoy exploring the city at night because you will take a tour of the walled city on day three.
We recommend treating yourself to a gourmet and craft beer experience at the Walled City Brewery.
Total driving distance & time: 110 km – 1 hour 50 minutes, excluding stops
Start the day with a walking tour of Derry led by a local guide. This experience will help you understand our past struggles and the long road to peaceful times in the North.
It’s time to leave Derry and head into the wild northwest. The Hills of Donegal are waiting!
Embark on a memorable drive that takes in the Glengesh Pass and the Assaranca Waterfall.
Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to Grianan of Aileach, a 5th-century stone fort, where you can take in some truly stunning views.
Head to your accommodation in the picturesque village of Ardara, County Donegal, and treat yourself to a night of seafood and “craic” (fun) with the locals.
Total driving distance & time: 260 km – 4 hours, excluding stops
Today’s road trip has the double joy of passing through Sligo – William Butler Yeats’ County – and making a short trip to Westport – Ireland’s favourite town!
Your time in Westport starts with a charming walking tour of the town followed by a fabulous lunch.
This will fuel you for a delightful journey through Connemara National Park and along part of the famous Famine Trail.
You will then visit Kylemore Abbey, a stunning 1,000-acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake. Enjoy strolling around the abbey and soaking up the beauty of the Victorian Walled Garden.
Your journey continues to Clifden where you will find great bars, restaurants, and nightly music. Don’t be afraid of striking up a conversation with the locals over a tasty pint of the Black Stuff!
If you’ve ever had dreams of becoming a Prince(ss), now’s your chance! We have added the option of staying in Abbeyglen Castle!
Total driving distance & time: 100 km – 1 hour 40 minutes, excluding stops
The morning starts with the short drive to Rossaveal Pier overlooking Galway Bay. Feel the excitement build as you board the ferry to the Aran Islands.
When you land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands, it’s time to explore! If you’d like, you can either cycle or make a special request for a jaunting cart (horse and carriage) against an additional charge.
Your route will take you toward Dún Aonghasa, an ancient, clifftop stone fort standing 100m over the ocean.
It’s then time to circle back toward the ferry and the mainland. On your way, you may pick up a word or two in “Gaelic” from the locals. And why not treat yourself to an authentic Aran Sweater?
When you arrive back at Rossaveal, your Galway adventure begins. Hug the coastline all the way into this bustling, bohemian city.
This much-celebrated place is home to entertaining street performers, an infectious atmosphere, and plenty of craic.
You won’t need your Paddy App to find entertainment this evening! It’s Friday night every night in Galway!
Total driving distance & time: 90 km – 1 hour 45 minutes, excluding stops
Medieval history is at the very heart of Galway. Discover more about this side of the city on a tour led by our local guide.
Head down the narrow streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops. This is the perfect time to try on Galway Shawls and Claddagh Rings!
Pass under the famous Spanish Arch and enjoy the ambience of Claddagh, a delightful fishing village.
Sadly, you’ll have to leave Galway, but the day has more treats in store!
Travelling southwest, it’s time to visit the otherworldly Burren National Park and the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher.
On this adventure, you will visit Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th-century Cistercian Monastery as well as the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara.
At the Cliffs of Moher, you will walk over this awe-inspiring natural feature as the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash into it below.
The cliffs are one of the most iconic sights, and most spectacular natural features, in Ireland. We’re almost certain you’ll be lost for words.
Our itinerary will also send you off the beaten path, so you can enjoy some of the area’s hidden gems.
You’ll spend the evening in Doolin – the hometown of traditional Irish music.
Total driving distance & time: 240 km – 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
A trip to Ireland is not complete without seeing its incredible ancient structures. Today, you drive to the most famous Dolmen (AKA portal tombs) at Poulnabrone.
Dolmen are Neolithic monuments scattered throughout the country marking burial sites and passageways dating back to 3000BC.
After being awed by the Dolmen, it’s time to make the short trip to the farmers at Caherconnell who will treat you to a spectacular sheep-dog trial.
Prepare to be mesmerised by the farmer and his furry friend as they work in tandem to gather up their flock of sheep.
It’s then time to leave the west behind as you cross the border into County Kerry by ferry. Your next destination is the celebrated harbour town of Dingle.
The evening is yours to soak up the atmosphere in Dingle’s fantastic restaurants and famous quirky pubs.
Why not sit in Foxy John’s hardware store, order yourself a drink, and strike up a conversation with a friendly local?
Total driving distance & time: 50 km – 2 hours 30 minutes, at a leisurely pace!
Your morning starts on the water exploring caves and inlets on Dingle Bay by kayak.
If kayaking isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can take a moderate-paced hike up Eask Tower instead. This walk offers the reward of 180-degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay.
Or perhaps you just want to stroll around this colourful town teeming with charming cafes and original local craft shops? Take it at your own pace. It’s your holiday – Do it your way.
In the afternoon, jump in your car and take a delightful trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads – The Slea Head Drive.
You spend a second night in the buzzing town of Dingle – relax and enjoy.
Total driving distance & time: 200 km – 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
After saying a fond farewell to Dingle, you will journey Killarney National Park, one of Ireland’s largest national parks.
Killarney National Park and the surrounding area is the very definition of the word “scenic”. You will discover famous sights and hidden gems along the way, including Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall, and Ross Castle.
We will arrange a guided tour of Ross Castle for you. Here, you will learn what life was really like behind those imposing stone walls.
The beautiful heritage town of Kenmare is the perfect place to stop for lunch and some shopping.
This is your last night on tour, so we’re sending you to the coastal town of Kinsale. This picturesque place is famed for its culinary culture, delivered by many award-winning restaurants.
Kinsale also has a great tradition of poetry, silver, gold, and glassware manufacturing. You can see this in the local shops and galleries which proudly have work by talented local artists.
Total driving distance & time: 320 km – 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Wake up refreshed and ready for a guided walking tour through Kinsale’s narrow streets. Your tour is led by one of our favourite guides – Barry!
Paddy the Pocket Pilot will then direct you towards Blarney because you MUST NOT leave Cork without visiting Blarney Castle and Gardens.
This is the home of the Blarney Stone. If you want the gift of the gab, you need to give it a big fat kiss!
Your final stop before driving back to Dublin is the Rock of Cashel. This historically significant site is over 1000 years old!
Marvel at its medieval round tower, cathedral, chapel, and castle. This is a truly fantastic way to end your trip.
It is now time to turn off your engine and dry your tears. Sit back and soak up everything you have experienced over the last 10 days.
If you have any time left before leaving the Emerald Isle, we will give you plenty of amazing tips and recommendations for things to do, eat, and entertain you in Dublin’s fair city.
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.
