There's no point sugar coating it. If you'd prefer to relax and watch the world go by, a trip to Ireland probably isn't for you. Ireland is all about getting out exploring as much as you possibly can. Whether you'd prefer to get behind the wheel yourself or sit back while we do the driving, the Irish road trip is essential to get the most out of your stay.
From top to toe, you could cross the island of Ireland in seven hours. But where’s the fun in that? To help you out, Ireland.com has put together these five ideal Ireland road trips. They'll bring you down winding country roads and along wild cliff-side routes to reveal some of Ireland’s best-hidden secrets.
Causeway Coastal Route
Welcome to what is rightfully known as ‘one of the world’s great road journeys’: the Causeway Coastal Route. Curving around the northeastern coast from Belfast to Derry, the journey takes you along imposing cliffs, by crystal-clear waterfalls and even into the path of a castle or two.
Along the way, you’ll meander past the Gobbins cliff-walk, a masterful feat of Edwardian architecture and through the Glens of Antrim, bound for the geological marvel of the Giant’s Causeway. Remnant of an epic battle (or volcanic activity, depending on your beliefs), its 40,000 basalt columns are the perfect combination of legend and lava. As any driver will tell you, the views are spectacular.
Ring of Kerry
Beginning and ending at Killarney, the Ring of Kerry sits in the beautiful surrounds of Killarney National Park. When it comes to stunning scenery, this is one of the island’s most lauded spots. Ladies View (named for Queen Victoria and her ladies), with its sprawling vistas of the Lakes of Killarney, stands in stark contrast to the craggy Atlantic coast and Skellig Michael. But both will take your breath away.
Even locals stop their cars to gawk at the rugged coastline… the beauty dial is turned up to 11 - Lonely Planet
This is also the heartland of quintessential Irish villages. Sneem, Waterville and Derrynane are just some of the brightly coloured, postcard-perfect stop-off points scattered throughout Kerry. It's almost impossible to pick just one highlight in the Ring of Kerry, but the Bog Village stands apart. It's a snapshot in time of an authentic thatched village and you’ll want to bring your camera for this!
Game of Thrones
If you’ve dreamed of travelling to Westeros since HBO's Game of Thrones first exploded on to our screens, you can’t get much closer than this. From the Dothraki grasslands to the Kingsroad, George RR Martin’s epic landscapes are brought to life as you roam through Northern Ireland – and there’s a lot to pack in.
Take the plunge into the 400-million-year-old caves at Cushendun – the site of the birth of Melisandre’s shadow-baby – or peek past Mussendun Temple to Downhill Beach below (Dragonstone, to fans). And it’s not just natural attractions that feature onscreen, with visitors welcome to Castle Ward and Inch Abbey, too. Just make sure to avoid the White Walkers if you make it to Tollymore Forest Park…
Ireland's Ancient East
Spanning 5,000 years of history across 17 counties, Ireland’s Ancient East shows you every face of the island. As long as you know where to look. Dotted across this verdant landscape are Megalithic tombs and medieval castles, holy treasures and ghostly Gothic architecture, rolling down to panoramic seascapes.
This is one of the most beautiful corners of the whole country and the epitome of the kind of rugged, romantic Ireland that probably drew you to the island in the first place - Lonely Planet
You’ll find tombs that predate the pyramids, feuding families and paths that have seen footfall for millennia. Whether you're running from the witch’s ghost in St Canice’s Cathedral; exploring the 6th century monastic retreat of Glendalough; or gazing across the Celtic Sea from the world’s oldest lighthouse at Hook Head, one thing is for certain: Ireland’s ancient history is still very much alive.
Wild Atlantic Way
Windswept, untamed and uniquely Irish. The Wild Atlantic Way does what it says on the tin. Extending over 2,500 km along the length of the west coast, from Kinsale in County Cork to Malin Head in County Donegal, this is the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. And what a route it is...
The 'Wild Atlantic Way' driving route neatly packages the abundant attractions of Ireland's west coast, from West Cork to Donegal. The well-signed, easy-to-navigate route includes 157 'Discovery Points', where drivers can stop and learn more about the must-sees and lesser-known diversions of this fascinating area - Lonely Planet
Cruise along the magnificent Slieve League Cliffs, some of Europe’s highest; catch sight of Ireland’s only cable car on the Beara Peninsula; or pause for a picnic and some inspiration on the shores of Glencar Lake in spellbinding Yeats Country, County Sligo. Plus, the surfing along the west coast is second to none! Whatever you see along the Wild Atlantic Way, trust us: you won’t find its equal anywhere else.
How To See It All
That's the easiest part of all. It starts with a simple message and then we let our imagination run amok. If you're thinking about taking a trip to Ireland, then contact us here or fill out the form below. Let us know when you'd like to take the trip of a lifetime and we'll guide you from there.
