Contemplating a visit to Eire? Feeling a little bit daunted by all the gorgeous areas and unsure the place you must go to or easy methods to begin planning an Irish highway journey?
Searching for Irish highway journey concepts and locations to go to? These itinerary options are prefect for Irish highway journeys of 5 days, every week or 10 days with a automobile, camper or motorhome. Begin planning at this time!
Don’t fear, my pal. I do know precisely how you’re feeling.
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It may be nearly unimaginable to decide on the place to go, however I’m going to allow you to right into a secret– WHEREVER you go might be AMAZING. You’ll be completely enchanted by the wonder and friendliness of Eire; it’s a incredible place to go to, whether or not you’re going for an extended weekend, 5 days or every week.
We’ve put collectively 7 unbelievable highway journey itinerary concepts to whet your urge for food and allow you to plan your journey. Consider me once you’re sipping your Guinness in a pub and listening to the locals play the heck out of their fiddles (sure, this REALLY occurs. So much.)
Essentially the most Well-known Eire Highway Journey- Wild Atlantic Method
Really helpful by Grace | Excessive Nomads
The Wild Atlantic Method is a vacationer route that runs your complete size of the west coast of the Republic of Eire, stretching from Mizen Head, County Cork, within the south to Malin Head, County Donegal, within the north. Well-known for anybody eager to go motorhoming or campervanning in Eire, it’s characterised by a uncooked and rugged shoreline, winding nation roads, and myriad prompt stop-offs at a few of Western Eire’s favorite landmarks, the Wild Atlantic Method is one Irish highway journey you undoubtedly gained’t wish to miss.
How lengthy does it take to drive the Wild Atlantic Method?
The great thing about this route is that you would be able to select to decide to as little or as a lot of it as fits your itinerary. Say, for instance, you had been going to fly into Cork airport and wished to focus your journey on the south specifically. You may select to cruise down Cork and Kerry’s shoreline, stopping off in locations like Bantry Bay, Baltimore, Glengarriff, and Dingle. This manner, you may discover a modest chunk of the route in simply a few days.
In case you have a extra lenient timeframe and wish to deal with your complete route, it will be smart to present your self a minimal of every week — and even higher should you can commit two or three.
Highlights of a Wild Atlantic Method highway journey
Among the highlights of a Wild Atlantic Method highway journey embody:
- Mizen Head (one of many areas the place the most recent Star Wars film was shot)
- the windswept isle of Skellig Michael,
- Achill Island (Eire’s largest island and an epic kitesurfing vacation spot)
- Galway Metropolis
- Dingle
- Cliffs of Moher
- Bantry Bay
- Malin Head
When is the very best time for an Irish highway journey on the Wild Atlantic Method?
As Eire’s climate is notoriously risky, summertime is usually the greatest time to go to Eire & deal with the Wild Atlantic Method. June/July are often the very best months by way of low rainfall and chance of solar — however you by no means actually can know for positive (put together for the worst, hope for the very best as they are saying!).
I did the Wild Atlantic Method in 2024 and it was unbelievable!!!! – take a look at the video beneath.
Ring of Kerry- one other well-known Irish highway journey concept
Really helpful by Elaine | Your Eire Trip
The Ring of Kerry is likely one of the most lovely highway journeys in Eire. The route is a 200 km round drive which begins from the full of life city of Killarney, Co. Kerry and takes in a few of the most gorgeous views and panorama in Eire.
Greatest locations to go to in a Ring of Kerry highway journey
There are numerous unbelievable stops on the Ring of Kerry however the one which tops most guests want lists is the Skellig Islands. The Skellig Islands are a rocky outcrop of islands situated simply off the coast of Co. Kerry and are sometimes considered one of many greatest locations to go to in Eire. The islands, which had been as soon as dwelling to a monastery of monks, are a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Essentially the most well-known of the islands is Skellig Michael and a restricted variety of vacationers are allowed to set foot on the island every day. Throughout summer season months there are day journeys from the port of Portmagee to the islands. Skellig Michael was the setting for some well-known scenes within the new Star Wars motion pictures.
The scenic lookout often called Women View is situated near Killarney city and is likely one of the most spectacular vistas in Eire. The perspective overlooks the sprawling lakes of Killarney Nationwide Park.
Valentia Island is one other lovely cease. This comparatively small island has spectacular views of the coast and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Eire highest mountain vary. It’s dwelling to the village of Knight’s City which has a conventional Irish really feel.
How lengthy ought to a Ring of Kerry highway journey take?
When you can drive your complete route in sooner or later, we advocate taking no less than 2 days, or ideally 3, to discover the Ring of Kerry. The summer season months are the very best time to drive this route, regardless of the massive variety of vacationers.
Ring of Beara highway journey itinerary
Really helpful by Kate | Our Escape Clause
Uncrowded, untamed and that includes unbelievable magnificence, the Ring of Beara highway journey in Eire is likely one of the nation’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
Whereas guests flock to the Ring of Kerry (virtually subsequent door to Beara) and plenty of additionally go to the gorgeous Slea Head Drive on Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Beara feels way more undiscovered.
Why must you take into account Beara in your Eire highway journey?
That includes all of the hallmarks of a wonderful Irish highway trip- rolling inexperienced views, castles, vibrant villages, rugged coastal terrain (and loads of sheep!)- driving the Ring of Beara is an excellent technique to get off the overwhelmed path in Eire, particularly should you wish to keep away from crowds.
Ring of Beara highway journey itinerary
Begin your drive in Kenmare (which can be very handy to the Ring of Kerry, should you’d like to make use of the village as a base and drive each peninsulas back-to-back), and as you set off to the discover the Ring of Beara, remember to go away your self loads of time to cease alongside the best way.
Castletownbere, an enthralling fishing village, makes a wonderful cease for lunch, but in addition remember to cease in Eyeries (often called one of the vital vibrant villages in Eire–an enormous feat!), Adrigole (dwelling of an attractive waterfall) and Dzogchen Beara (a Buddhist meditation centre that welcomes guests and has unbelievable views).
How lengthy does it take to drive the Ring of Beara?
You may comfortably highway journey the Ring of Beara in a day, beginning and ending in Kenmare, however remember to get an early begin! In case you have the chance to spend an evening on the peninsula and savour the expertise a bit extra, it’s all the higher.
When is the very best time of yr for this Irish highway journey?
Like most highway journeys in Eire, this one is greatest undertaken in the summertime, once you’ll have the very best likelihood of clear climate!
Slea Head Drive/ Dingle Peninsula Loop highway journey
Really helpful by Stephanie | Historical past Fangirl
Irrespective of how lengthy you need to drive round Eire, Slea Head and the Dingle Peninsula will turn out to be one in every of your favourites.
Beginning within the city of Dingle, Slea Head drive is a loop that covers the Dingle Peninsula. That’s why its alternatively referred to as the Dingle Peninsula Loop or simply driving the Dingle Peninsula.
Highlights of Slea Head/ Dingle Peninsula embody
Among the greatest highlights of Slea Head Drive embody:
- the historic stone Beehive Huts
- views throughout to the Blasket Islands
- Gallus Oratory
There are a couple of locations nearer to the city that you just’ll additionally wish to go to. Some individuals embody a go to to the Dingle Distillery as a part of their Slea Head drive time. Nevertheless, I believe it’s higher saved for an additional afternoon so you are able to do the complete distillery tour with out worrying about attempting to complete the drive at a selected time.
There are numerous different enjoyable issues to do in Dingle within the night once you’ve accomplished the drive, like go to a conventional music efficiency or search for the Dingle Dolphin.
How lengthy does a Slea Head, Eire highway journey take?
To finish Slea Head Drive, most vacationers will base themselves within the city of Dingle after which spend half a day to a full day having fun with the drive. The time you’re taking is determined by how typically you cease to take photos, however should you put aside half a day it is possible for you to to see the entire drive and take the time for 3-4 stops.
When is the very best time of yr for a Dingle Peninsula highway journey?
One of the best time to drive in Eire is within the late spring or early autumn when it’s not too crowded however the climate remains to be pretty.
Central Eire highway trip- Comeragh Mountain
Really helpful by Maria & Ciaran- Maptrekking.com
The customarily ignored space of central Eire is a much less touristy area stuffed with undiscovered gems for highway journeys within the wilderness. Since so many guests are drawn to the Wild Atlantic Method, a one-day highway journey by means of the secluded Comeragh mountains could be an amazing various to discover in the summertime.
Base your self within the coastal city of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford- it has seashores, a citadel, a coastal bike path, and a Gaeltacht village.
Highlights of a central Eire highway journey
Among the greatest locations to go to on this highway journey embody:
- The Magic highway (get pulled uphill by nature… significantly)
- Mahon Falls
- Lough Mohra
- Rath Beag stroll
- Carey’s Fort
Comeragh Mountain Highway Journey itinerary- (together with the magic highway!)
Ranging from Dungarvan, drive 20 minutes north-west to the Magic Highway. Search for a fairy tree with gadgets hanging off the branches. Put the automobile into impartial and be amazed as you’re pulled up the hill in the direction of the rock saying ‘Magic Highway’.
Drive a little bit farther to spend time at Mahon Falls. Proceed one other 15 minutes to the Kilclooney Wooden Automobile Park. There are strolling trails right here; the preferred being to Counshingaun Lough. It’s the largest lake within the space and gives lovely views if you may make the hassle to succeed in it.
Proceed for an additional 15 minutes to the Lough Mohra & Rath Beag Loop Stroll. Listed below are extra nice views and the much less well-known Lake Mohra. There may be additionally a sandstone hill and historic ring forts referred to as ‘raths’ to discover.
Take the 30 min scenic drive by means of the Nire Valley to Carey’s Fort. Far off the overwhelmed vacationer path, it’s a peaceable park with a hidden citadel to discover.
Drive to the final cease, Holy Yr Cross about 10 minutes away. With an exquisite view of Clonmel, it’s a great spot for sundown after the lengthy day of adventuring. For a well-deserved pint and dinner, drive 5 minutes into Clonmel to eat at Mulcahy’s.
Southern Eire highway trip- historic tour
Really helpful by Cath | Journey round Eire
Get pleasure from historical past? Among the finest Irish highway journey concepts is an itinerary which explores the various historic websites of the area.
Highlights of a Southern Eire highway journey
Among the greatest locations to go to in Southern Eire embody:
- Bunratty Fort
- Folks Park
- King John’s Fort
- Limerick
- Blackrock citadel
- Blarney Fort and the Blarney Stone
- Tipperary
- Cahir Fort
- Rock of Cashel
- Waterford
- Kilkenny Fort
7 day Southern Eire historic highway journey itinerary
The route consists of a few of the greatest castles in Eire, plus different historic websites in counties together with Tipperary, Clare, Cork and Waterford, and would take no less than 7 days to finish the journey.
First in your cease could be Bunratty Fort and Folks Park in County Clare. This lovely fifteenth century citadel is situated in County Clare and hosts a medieval banquet each night which is price reserving. The Folks Park is a step-back-in-time and exhibits life in a nineteenth century Irish village.
From Bunratty, proceed to Limerick Metropolis and go to King John’s Fort on the banks of the River Shannon. From Limerick, head south to Cork the place you possibly can go to Blackrock Fort, now an observatory on the banks of the River Lee, earlier than heading to Blarney to go to Blarney Fort and kiss the Blarney stone. Legend has it that those that kiss the stone are bestowed with the present of the gab.
From Cork, you possibly can head to Tipperary to go to Cahir Fort and the Rock of Cashel, a historic abbey sitting on a rock and courting from way back to the twelfth century. It was initially the seat of the Excessive Kings of Munster and is a formidable web site to go to. Get there early to keep away from the tour buses.
From Tipperary, you possibly can go to Waterford and immerse your self in its Viking historical past earlier than stopping at Kilkenny Fort to finish your tour, one of the vital common castles in Eire.
When is the very best time of yr for this Irish highway journey?
There isn’t a unhealthy time of yr to go to these websites, though late spring or early summer season could be greatest to keep away from too many crowds and within the hopes of fine climate, one thing you can’t assure in Eire.
It doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to, this tour will allow you to uncover the historical past of the Emerald Isle in the easiest way potential.
Northern Eire highway trip- Causeway Coastal Route
Advocate by Dave | Present them the Globe
The unbelievable Causeway Coastal Route is situated on the north coast of Northern Eire. This highway journey is an effective way to discover Northern Eire and is full of superior sights and issues to do.
Highlights of driving the Causeway Coastal route
- Giants Causeway
- Carrick-a-rede rope bridge
- Dunluce Fort
- Darkish Hedges (you possibly can truly drive down this highway)
Northern Eire highway journey itinerary
Begin in Belfast and head north. We advocate heading straight to the Giants causeway should you can and get there at opening time. It’s a couple of 90 minute drive should you go the direct route.
The Giants Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Irish mythology says that the distinctive rock formations had been created when an Irish big referred to as Finn MacCool was challenged to a struggle by a Scottish big. Finn constructed the causeway to get to Scotland. (It’s unclear who gained…)
The close by Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bride connects the mainland to the tiny Carrickarede island and crossing on foot is an exhilarating expertise. Anticipate to queue for some time to get throughout, however it’s definitely worth the wait.
One other distinctive cease on the route is the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Fort which grasp precariously above the ocean beneath.
Don’t miss the Darkish Hedges. This highway of arching 18th Century beech timber options within the HBO Sequence Recreation of Thrones and is likely one of the most lovely roads in Eire. It may be simple to drive proper previous it, however be ready for a LOT of vacationers and other people milling round.
We truly drove proper down the highway, which was enjoyable.
How lengthy does it take to drive the Causeway coastal route?
Among the finest features of the Causeway Coastal Route is that it’s a comparatively quick path to drive. At lower than 200 miles lengthy you possibly can comfortably discover the entire route in a single weekend. All the principal sights are situated shut to one another so there are not any lengthy drives and the route is gorgeous and attention-grabbing.
When is the very best time of yr for a Northern Eire highway journey?
We advocate exploring the Causeway Coastal route in September when the climate is most definitely to be truthful and guests can keep away from the summer season crowds.
Impressed to plan an Eire highway journey now? The place will you go first? Don’t overlook to seize your free highway journey guidelines and get began!
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