Ultimate 10-Day Self-Drive Tour of Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated stops and will not disappoint. 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.

The Paddy App will guide you to some secret, off the beaten track locations. 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 on day 3. Treat yourself to a gourmet and craft beer experience at the Walled City Brewery.

Total driving distance & time: 165km – 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops

Today’s road-trip takes you through William Butler Yeats’ County – Sligo and a short trip down towards Ireland’s favourite town – Westport!

Your time in Westport begins with a wonderful walking tour of the town and a fabulous lunch to set yourself up for an unforgettable journey through Connemara National Park and the famous Famine Trail.

You will arrive at Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara in the afternoon. You will have ample time to roam the abbey and Victorian Walled Garden on this 1,000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.

Stay in Clifden and discover some great bars, restaurants and nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!

Perhaps it is time to embrace your inner Prince(ss). We have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!

Total driving distance & time: 260km – 4 hours, excluding stops

After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway Bay, board the ferry to the Aran Islands. You’ll land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. Explore the Island by bicycle or by special request jaunting cart (horse and carriage).

The route will take in the stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean before making your way back to the mainland. While you are there you might pick up a few words of “Gaelic” from the locals and maybe treat yourself to an original Aran Sweater! We will take care of all reservations for this unforgettable Aran Island experience.

Your departure from Rossaveal is the start of our Galway adventure. Hug the coastline all the way into bustling Bohemian Galway. Expect a great atmosphere, entertaining street performers and plenty of craic in this much celebrated town. You won’t need Paddy the App this evening to find entertainment! Every night in Galway is said to be a Friday night!

Total driving distance & time: 100km – 1 hour 40 minutes, excluding stops

Galway is a city that has its Medieval history at its very heart. Our local guide will take you down the narrow streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops.

Try on Claddagh Rings, Galway Shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.

This day just keeps on giving. You will now travel south west towards The Burren National Park and the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher. On this adventure you will visit Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th century Cistercian Monstary and the 16th century Dunguaire Castlein Kinvara.

The cliffs experience will take you by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing in below. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular natural features in Ireland and are sure to leave you lost for words. We will send you on a route off the beaten path so you can enjoy some hidden gems on your tour.

The evening is spent in the hometown of traditional Irish music – Doolin.

Total driving distance & time: 90km – 1 hour 45 minutes, excluding stops

A trip to Ireland is not complete without seeing all the ancient structures. Drive to the most famous Dolmen at Poulnabrone. These Neolithic monuments are scattered throughout the country marking burial sites and passage ways dating back to 3000BC.

A short journey from the Dolmen, the farmers at Caherconnell will treat you to a spectacular sheep dog trial. Prepared to be awestruck by the skill of the farmer and his furry friend as they gather up their flock of sheep. Cross the border by ferry to County Kerry and leave the west behind. Your next destination is the celebrated harbour town of Dingle.

This evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs and fantastic restaurants. 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: 240km – 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops

Today your morning begins exploring caves and inlets on Dingle Bay by kayak and meet county Kerry’s biggest celebrity – Fungie the Dolphin. If kayaking isn’t your thing you can take a moderate paced hike up Mount Brandon where you will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory. Perhaps you just want to stroll around this colourful village teeming with original local craft shops and cafes. Take it at your own pace. It’s your holiday – Do it your way.

This afternoon jump in the car and take an impressive trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads – The Slea Head Drive. You spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle – relax and enjoy.

Total driving distance & time: 50km – 2 hours 30 minutes, at a leisurely pace!

Say a fond farewell to Dingle and journey towards the Ring of Kerry. The first stop takes you to Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is the very definition of the word scenic and you will discover many hidden gems including Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. We will arrange a guided tour of Ross Castle where you will learn what life was really like behind the stone walls.

Stop for some shopping and lunch in the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare. For your last night on tour we are excited to send you to coastal Kinsale which is famed for its culinary culture, delivered by its many award-winning restaurants. The town also has a great tradition of poetry, silver, gold and glassware manufacturing which can be seen throughout its local shops and galleries – boasting local talented artists.

Total driving distance & time: 200km – 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops

Wake up refreshed and ready to be taken on a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of Kinsale with one of our favourite guides, Barry.

Paddy the Pocket Pilot app will direct you towards Blarney because you MUST not leave Cork without visiting Blarney Castle and Gardens and giving the Blarney Stone a big fat kiss!

Your final stop before driving back to Dublin is the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is over 1000 years old and you will get to see its medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle. A fantastic end to your trip.

It is now time to turn off your engine, dry your tears and to sit back and soak up all that 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 recommendations for things to do, eat and entertain you in Dublin’s fair city.

Total driving distance & time: 320km – 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops