Eire street journey – 7 epic Itinerary concepts to encourage you

Contemplating a visit to Eire? Feeling a little bit daunted by all the attractive places and unsure the place you need to go to or learn how to begin planning an Irish street journey?

On the lookout for Irish street journey concepts and locations to go to? These itinerary strategies are prefect for Irish street journeys of 5 days, every week or 10 days with a automobile, camper or motorhome. Begin planning at the moment!

Don’t fear, my pal. I do know precisely how you are feeling.

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It may be nearly unattainable to decide on the place to go, however I’m going to allow you to right into a secret– WHEREVER you go can be AMAZING. You’ll be completely enchanted by the wonder and friendliness of Eire; it’s a unbelievable place to go to, whether or not you’re going for a protracted weekend, 5 days or every week.  

We’ve put collectively 7 unbelievable street journey itinerary concepts to whet your urge for food and assist you plan your journey. Consider me if you’re sipping your Guinness in a pub and listening to the locals play the heck out of their fiddles (sure, this REALLY occurs. Loads.)

Probably the most Well-known Eire Street Journey- Wild Atlantic Means

Beneficial by Grace | Excessive Nomads

The Wild Atlantic Means 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 desirous to go motorhoming or campervanning in Eire, it’s characterised by a uncooked and rugged shoreline, winding nation roads, and myriad steered stop-offs at a few of Western Eire’s favorite landmarks, the Wild Atlantic Means is one Irish street journey you positively received’t wish to miss.

How lengthy does it take to drive the Wild Atlantic Means?

The fantastic thing about this route is that 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 wished to focus your journey on the south specifically. You possibly can select to cruise down Cork and Kerry’s shoreline, stopping off in locations like Bantry Bay, Baltimore, Glengarriff, and Dingle. This manner, you might 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 could be sensible to offer your self a minimal of every week — and even higher when you can commit two or three.

Highlights of a Wild Atlantic Means street journey

Among the highlights of a Wild Atlantic Means street journey embrace:

• Mizen Head (one of many places 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 street journey on the Wild Atlantic Means?

As Eire’s climate is notoriously unstable, summertime is usually the greatest time to go to Eire & deal with the Wild Atlantic Means. June/July are often the very best months when it comes to 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 Means in 2024 and it was unbelievable!!!! – take a look at the video beneath.

Ring of Kerry- one other well-known Irish street journey thought

Beneficial by Elaine | Your Eire Trip

The Ring of Kerry is without doubt one of the most lovely street journeys in Eire. The route is a 200 km round drive which begins from the vigorous city of Killarney, Co. Kerry and takes in a few of the most beautiful views and panorama in Eire. 

Finest locations to go to in a Ring of Kerry street 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 positioned 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 dwelling to a monastery of monks, are a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.

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 films.

The scenic lookout often called Women View is positioned near Killarney city and is without doubt one of the most spectacular vistas in Eire. The point of view 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 standard Irish really feel.

How lengthy ought to a Ring of Kerry street journey take?

When you can drive your complete route in in the future, we advocate taking at the least 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 street journey itinerary

Beneficial by Kate | Our Escape Clause 

Uncrowded, untamed and that includes unbelievable magnificence, the Ring of Beara street 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 rather more undiscovered.

Why do you have to think about Beara on your Eire street journey?

That includes all of the hallmarks of a superb Irish street 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 when you wish to keep away from crowds.

Ring of Beara street journey itinerary

Begin your drive in Kenmare (which can be very handy to the Ring of Kerry, when 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 depart your self loads of time to cease alongside the best way.

Castletownbere, a captivating fishing village, makes a superb cease for lunch, but in addition remember to cease in Eyeries (often called one of the crucial vibrant villages in Eire–an enormous feat!), Adrigole (dwelling of a ravishing 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 street 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 street journey?

Like most street journeys in Eire, this one is greatest undertaken in the summertime, if you’ll have the very best likelihood of clear climate!

Slea Head Drive/ Dingle Peninsula Loop street journey

Beneficial 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 one in all 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

Among the greatest highlights of Slea Head Drive embrace:

• the historic stone Beehive Huts
• views throughout to the Blasket Islands
• Gallus Oratory

There are just a few locations nearer to the city that you simply’ll additionally wish to go to. Some individuals embrace a go to to the Dingle Distillery as a part of their Slea Head drive time. Nonetheless, I believe it’s higher saved for an additional afternoon so you are able to do the total distillery tour with out worrying about making an attempt to complete the drive at a particular time.

There are numerous different enjoyable issues to do in Dingle within the night if you’ve accomplished the drive, like go to a standard music efficiency or search for the Dingle Dolphin.

How lengthy does a Slea Head, Eire street 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 are taking will depend on how typically you cease to take photos, however when 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 street 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 remains to be pretty. 

Central Eire street trip- Comeragh Mountain

Beneficial by Maria & Ciaran- Maptrekking.com

The customarily neglected space of central Eire is a much less touristy area stuffed with undiscovered gems for street journeys within the wilderness. Since so many guests are drawn to the Wild Atlantic Means, a one-day street journey by way of the secluded Comeragh mountains could be a fantastic various to discover in the summertime.

Base your self within the coastal city of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford- it has seashores, a fort, a coastal bike path, and a Gaeltacht village. 

Highlights of a central Eire street journey

Among the greatest locations to go to on this street journey embrace:

• The Magic street (get pulled uphill by nature… severely)
• Mahon Falls
• Lough Mohra
• Rath Beag stroll
• Carey’s Fortress

Comeragh Mountain Street Journey itinerary- (together with the magic street!)

Ranging from Dungarvan, drive 20 minutes north-west to the Magic Street. Search for a fairy tree with objects hanging off the branches. Put the automobile into impartial and be amazed as you’re pulled up the hill in direction of the rock saying ‘Magic Street’.

Drive a little bit farther to spend time at Mahon Falls. Proceed one other 15 minutes to the Kilclooney Wooden Automotive Park. There are strolling trails right here; the preferred being to Counshingaun Lough. It’s the largest lake within the space and provides lovely views if you may make the trouble 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 known as ‘raths’ to discover. 

Take the 30 min scenic drive by way of the Nire Valley to Carey’s Fortress. Far off the overwhelmed vacationer path, it’s a peaceable park with a hidden fort to discover. 

Drive to the final cease, Holy 12 months Cross about 10 minutes away. With a beautiful 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 street trip- historic tour

Beneficial by Cath | Journey round Eire

Get pleasure from historical past? Probably the greatest Irish street journey concepts is an itinerary which explores the various historic websites of the area.

Highlights of a Southern Eire street journey

Among the greatest locations to go to in Southern Eire embrace:

• Bunratty Fortress
• Folks Park
• King John’s Fortress
• Limerick
• Blackrock fort
• Blarney Fortress and the Blarney Stone
• Tipperary
• Cahir Fortress
• Rock of Cashel
• Waterford 
• Kilkenny Fortress

7 day Southern Eire historic street journey itinerary

The route contains a few of the greatest castles in Eire, plus different historic websites in counties together with Tipperary, Clare, Cork and Waterford, and would take at the least 7 days to finish the journey.

First in your cease could be Bunratty Fortress and Folks Park in County Clare. This lovely fifteenth century fort is positioned in County Clare and hosts a medieval banquet each night which is value reserving. The Folks Park is a step-back-in-time and reveals 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’ll be able to 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 reward of the gab.

From Cork, you’ll be able to head to Tipperary to go to Cahir Fortress and the Rock of Cashel, a historic abbey sitting on a rock and relationship from way back to the twelfth century. It was initially the seat of the Excessive Kings of Munster and is a powerful web site to go to. Get there early to keep away from the tour buses.

From Tipperary, you’ll be able to 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 common castles in Eire.

When is the very best time of yr for this Irish street journey?

There is no such thing as a dangerous 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 excellent climate, one thing you can not 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 one of the simplest ways attainable.

Northern Eire street trip- Causeway Coastal Route

Advocate by Dave | Present them the Globe

The unbelievable Causeway Coastal Route is positioned on the north coast of Northern Eire. This street 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’ll be able to truly drive down this street)

Northern Eire street journey itinerary

Begin in Belfast and head north. We advocate heading straight to the Giants causeway when you can and get there at opening time. It’s a couple of 90 minute drive when you go the direct route.

The Giants Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Irish mythology says that the distinctive rock formations have been created when an Irish big known as Finn MacCool was challenged to a battle by a Scottish big. Finn constructed the causeway to get to Scotland. (It’s unclear who received…)

The close by Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bride connects the mainland to the tiny Carrickarede island and crossing on foot is an exhilarating expertise. Count on to queue for some time to get throughout, but it surely’s definitely 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 street of arching 18th Century beech timber options within the HBO Collection Recreation of Thrones and is without doubt 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 folks milling round.

We truly drove proper down the street, which was enjoyable.

How lengthy does it take to drive the Causeway coastal route?

Probably the greatest features of the Causeway Coastal Route is that it’s a comparatively brief path to drive. At lower than 200 miles lengthy you’ll be able to comfortably discover the entire route in a single weekend. The entire essential sights are positioned shut to one another so there aren’t any lengthy drives and the route is beautiful and fascinating.

When is the very best time of yr for a Northern Eire street journey?

We advocate exploring the Causeway Coastal route in September when the climate is most probably to be honest and guests can keep away from the summer season crowds.

Impressed to plan an Eire street journey now? The place will you go first? Don’t neglect to seize your free street journey guidelines and get began!

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