Contemplating a visit to Eire? Feeling somewhat daunted by all the attractive places and unsure the place you must go to or tips on how to begin planning an Irish highway journey?
In search of Irish highway journey concepts and locations to go to? These itinerary options are prefect for Irish highway journeys of 5 days, per week or 10 days with a automobile, camper or motorhome. Begin planning right now!
Don’t fear, my good friend. I do know precisely how you’re feeling.
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It may be virtually unimaginable to decide on the place to go, however I’m going to allow you to right into a secret– WHEREVER you go will likely be AMAZING. You’ll be completely enchanted by the sweetness and friendliness of Eire; it’s a improbable place to go to, whether or not you’re going for an extended weekend, 5 days or per week.
We’ve put collectively 7 unbelievable highway journey itinerary concepts to whet your urge for food and aid you plan your journey. Consider me whenever 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.)
Probably the most Well-known Eire Street Journey- Wild Atlantic Approach
Advisable by Grace | Excessive Nomads
The Wild Atlantic Approach is a vacationer route that runs your entire 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 advised stop-offs at a few of Western Eire’s favorite landmarks, the Wild Atlantic Approach is one Irish highway journey you undoubtedly gained’t wish to miss.
How lengthy does it take to drive the Wild Atlantic Approach?
The great thing about this route is you could select to decide to as little or as a lot of it as fits your itinerary. Say, for instance, you have been going to fly into Cork airport and needed to focus your journey on the south particularly. You may select to cruise down Cork and Kerry’s shoreline, stopping off in locations like Bantry Bay, Baltimore, Glengarriff, and Dingle. This fashion, you can discover a modest chunk of the route in simply a few days.
When you’ve got a extra lenient timeframe and wish to deal with your entire route, it could be clever to offer your self a minimal of per week — and even higher in case you can commit two or three.
Highlights of a Wild Atlantic Approach highway journey
A number of the highlights of a Wild Atlantic Approach highway journey embrace:
- Mizen Head (one of many places the place the newest 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 most effective time for an Irish highway journey on the Wild Atlantic Approach?
As Eire’s climate is notoriously unstable, summertime is often the greatest time to go to Eire & deal with the Wild Atlantic Approach. June/July are normally the most effective months when it comes to low rainfall and probability of solar — however you by no means actually can know for certain (put together for the worst, hope for the most effective as they are saying!).
I did the Wild Atlantic Approach in 2024 and it was unbelievable!!!! – try the video beneath.
Ring of Kerry- one other well-known Irish highway journey concept
Advisable by Elaine | Your Eire Trip
The Ring of Kerry is without doubt one of the most stunning highway journeys in Eire. The route is a 200 km round drive which begins from the vigorous city of Killarney, Co. Kerry and takes in among the most beautiful views and panorama in Eire.
Finest locations to go to in a Ring of Kerry highway journey
There are various 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 have been as soon as residence to a monastery of monks, are a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Probably 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 referred to as Women View is situated near Killarney city and is without doubt one of the most spectacular vistas in Eire. The perspective overlooks the sprawling lakes of Killarney Nationwide Park.
Valentia Island is one other stunning cease. This comparatively small island has spectacular views of the coast and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Eire highest mountain vary. It’s residence 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?
Whilst you can drive your entire route in at some point, we suggest taking not less than 2 days, or ideally 3, to discover the Ring of Kerry. The summer season months are the most effective time to drive this route, regardless of the big variety of vacationers.
Ring of Beara highway journey itinerary
Advisable by Kate | Our Escape Clause
Uncrowded, untamed and that includes unbelievable magnificence, the Ring of Beara highway journey in Eire is without doubt one of the nation’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
Whereas guests flock to the Ring of Kerry (virtually subsequent door to Beara) and lots of additionally go to the beautiful Slea Head Drive on Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Beara feels far more undiscovered.
Why must you take into account Beara on 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 a superb option to get off the crushed path in Eire, particularly in case you prefer 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, in case 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 way in which.
Castletownbere, a captivating fishing village, makes a wonderful cease for lunch, but in addition remember to cease in Eyeries (referred to as one of the crucial vibrant villages in Eire–an enormous feat!), Adrigole (residence of a wonderful 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’ll be able to comfortably highway journey the Ring of Beara in a day, beginning and ending in Kenmare, however remember to get an early begin! When you’ve got the chance to spend an evening on the peninsula and savour the expertise a bit extra, it’s all the higher.
When is the most effective time of 12 months for this Irish highway journey?
Like most highway journeys in Eire, this one is greatest undertaken in the summertime, whenever you’ll have the most effective probability of clear climate!
Slea Head Drive/ Dingle Peninsula Loop highway journey
Advisable by Stephanie | Historical past Fangirl
Irrespective of how lengthy it’s a must to drive round Eire, Slea Head and the Dingle Peninsula will develop into considered one 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 known as the Dingle Peninsula Loop or simply driving the Dingle Peninsula.
Highlights of Slea Head/ Dingle Peninsula embrace
A number of the greatest highlights of Slea Head Drive embrace:
- the historic stone Beehive Huts
- views throughout to the Blasket Islands
- Gallus Oratory
There are a number of locations nearer to the city that you simply’ll additionally wish to go to. Some folks embrace a go to to the Dingle Distillery as a part of their Slea Head drive time. Nonetheless, I feel it’s higher saved for one more afternoon so you are able to do the complete distillery tour with out worrying about making an attempt to complete the drive at a particular time.
There are various different enjoyable issues to do in Dingle within the night whenever 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 usually you cease to take photos, however in case 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 most effective time of 12 months for a Dingle Peninsula highway journey?
The very best time to drive in Eire is within the late spring or early autumn when it’s not too crowded however the climate continues to be beautiful.
Central Eire highway trip- Comeragh Mountain
Advisable 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 Approach, a one-day highway journey via the secluded Comeragh mountains can be an awesome different 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
A number of the greatest locations to go to on this highway journey embrace:
- The Magic highway (get pulled uphill by nature… critically)
- Mahon Falls
- Lough Mohra
- Rath Beag stroll
- Carey’s Fortress
Comeragh Mountain Street Journey itinerary- (together with the magic highway!)
Ranging from Dungarvan, drive 20 minutes north-west to the Magic Street. Search for a fairy tree with gadgets hanging off the branches. Put the automobile into impartial and be amazed as you might be pulled up the hill in the direction of the rock saying ‘Magic Street’.
Drive somewhat 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 stunning views if you can also make the trouble to succeed in it.
Proceed for one more 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’s additionally a sandstone hill and historic ring forts known as ‘raths’ to discover.
Take the 30 min scenic drive via the Nire Valley to Carey’s Fortress. Far off the crushed 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 a beautiful view of Clonmel, it’s a good 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
Advisable by Cath | Journey round Eire
Get pleasure from historical past? Top-of-the-line Irish highway journey concepts is an itinerary which explores the various historic websites of the area.
Highlights of a Southern Eire highway journey
A number of the greatest locations to go to in Southern Eire embrace:
- Bunratty Fortress
- Folks Park
- King John’s Fortress
- Limerick
- Blackrock citadel
- Blarney Fortress and the Blarney Stone
- Tipperary
- Cahir Fortress
- Rock of Cashel
- Waterford
- Kilkenny Fortress
7 day Southern Eire historic highway journey itinerary
The route consists of among the greatest castles in Eire, plus different historic websites in counties together with Tipperary, Clare, Cork and Waterford, and would take not less than 7 days to finish the journey.
First in your cease can be Bunratty Fortress and Folks Park in County Clare. This stunning 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 Fortress on the banks of the River Shannon. From Limerick, head south to Cork the place you may go to Blackrock Fortress, now an observatory on the banks of the River Lee, earlier than heading to Blarney to go to Blarney Fortress 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 may head to Tipperary to go to Cahir Fortress 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 website to go to. Get there early to keep away from the tour buses.
From Tipperary, you may go to Waterford and immerse your self in its Viking historical past earlier than stopping at Kilkenny Fortress to finish your tour, one of the crucial well-liked castles in Eire.
When is the most effective time of 12 months for this Irish highway journey?
There isn’t a dangerous time of 12 months to go to these websites, though late spring or early summer season can be greatest to keep away from too many crowds and within the hopes of excellent climate, one thing you can not assure in Eire.
It doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you go to, this tour will allow you to uncover the historical past of the Emerald Isle in one of the simplest ways attainable.
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 a good way to discover Northern Eire and is filled with superior sights and issues to do.
Highlights of driving the Causeway Coastal route
- Giants Causeway
- Carrick-a-rede rope bridge
- Dunluce Fortress
- Darkish Hedges (you may really drive down this highway)
Northern Eire highway journey itinerary
Begin in Belfast and head north. We suggest heading straight to the Giants causeway in case you can and get there at opening time. It’s a few 90 minute drive in case you go the direct route.
The Giants Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Irish mythology says that the distinctive rock formations have been created when an Irish large known as Finn MacCool was challenged to a combat by a Scottish large. 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 well worth the wait.
One other distinctive cease on the route is the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Fortress which dangle precariously above the ocean beneath.
Don’t miss the Darkish Hedges. This highway of arching 18th Century beech timber options within the HBO Collection Recreation of Thrones and is without doubt one of the most stunning roads in Eire. It may be simple to drive proper previous it, however be ready for a LOT of vacationers and folks milling round.
We really drove proper down the highway, which was enjoyable.
How lengthy does it take to drive the Causeway coastal route?
Top-of-the-line elements of the Causeway Coastal Route is that it’s a comparatively quick path to drive. At lower than 200 miles lengthy you may comfortably discover the entire route in a single weekend. The entire foremost sights are situated shut to one another so there aren’t any lengthy drives and the route is beautiful and fascinating.
When is the most effective time of 12 months for a Northern Eire highway journey?
We suggest exploring the Causeway Coastal route in September when the climate is most certainly 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 neglect to seize your free highway journey guidelines and get began!
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