There is a lot to do and see. One of the more incredible, yet often skipped, areas of the country is Donegal County up in the far north of the Republic of Ireland. Plus theres a massive highlight to see along the way! Belfast is a city that oozes with grungy atmosphere, and whether you love it or hate it, you cant deny that it has an overwhelming character that should be experienced. There are great websites for freedom camping or low cost camping. Hope I answered your question. If you visit Belfast during your Ireland road trip itinerary, and we think you should make sure to check out the Titanic Museum Experience and walk around the Titanic Quarter. For even more revving and roads, dont miss our guides to the best drives in Scotland, the best drives in England, the best drives in Wales, and all of the best road trips in the entirety of the UK. Make sure you also spend some time in the village of Gortin, one of the prettiest places along this route. At this point, we pull over, put the handbrake on, have a well-deserved rest, and reach the end of our guide on the 11 best road trips in Northern Ireland. You then head west back to Newtownards and your loop is complete! From Portaferry, you and your car jump on a ferry before riding along the coast to Ardglass, Newcastle, Annalong and Warrenpoint, then finishing your journey in Newry. Dont miss out on Slieve League epic cliffs and gorgeous ocean views. Except youre now in Killarney, and there are so many things to do in Killarney that you could easily fill a week with activities! You could harm yourself or others. Its for the tourists. Some of the best en-route settlements include Antrim (which is the best and most logical starting point), Ballyronan and Lurgan, but there are also lots of adorable tiny villages. Hello, I really liked the motorhome route through Ireland, we want to go in August but we only have two weeks including day of arrival and departure from the United States. The last of the Sperrins drives weve featured, the Central Sperrins Route is the biggest of them all, measuring in at 90 miles (145km). It's very popular, so expect lots of people and coaches full of tourists. All Rights Reserved Kylemore Abbey is not actually a castle. The East Sperrins Route is one of the most popular and best road trips in Northern Ireland, as its perfect for many different types of people. If youve ended up partying a little too hard in Galway you might need to break this journey up into two days, as youll be leaving late. Dingle and the surrounding area is stunning. Travelness is reader-supported: When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Day one - experience what Belfast has to offer Day two - County Antrim along the Causeway Coastal Route Day three - Derry and Tyrone Day four - explore Fermanagh Day five - Armagh and Down Day six - South Down to North Down Day one - experience what Belfast has to offer Howth is genuinely wonderful, and the perfect place to finish up your Irish road trip. So awesome. Slieve League is the main attraction, with its marvellous hiking trails that offer stellar views over the Atlantic Ocean and cliffs that almost rival the ones found in Kerry. The Burren itself has been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site for its unique karst landscape that spans approximately 250 sq km. This is the exact itinerary that we followed, although where possible weve given alternatives that might be worth spending the night in. Midway through your one week in Northern Ireland, take the road south via Strabane, the A5 will bring you to Omagh. Overall, this isnt the most exciting or exhilarating Sperrins route, but it has some quaint highlights, and plenty of cute, quiet places to spend some time. What more could you ask for from a 46km road trip? If you have time before settling in Donegal do the drive out to Slieve League, otherwise you can do it in the morning. Last up on our list of the best road trips in Northern Ireland, we have the linear route from Belleek to Teemore. From Kearney, follow the seaside all the way to Donaghadee, a pretty and popular tourist destination. The Republic of Ireland-United Kingdom border, sometimes referred to as the Irish border or British-Irish border, runs for 499 km (310 mi) [1] [2] from Lough Foyle in the north-west of Ireland to Carlingford Lough in the north-east, separating the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland . Mayo is often overlooked as a destination in Ireland, but it has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. A combination of all of these can be found in Dublin, while outside the capital their availability will depend on where you are. The roads are quite good and Cork itself is a fun city. Ireland boasts a rugged coastline, rolling pastures, picturesque lakes, quaint villages and some of the friendliest people weve ever met. By far the best attraction in Irelands Ancient East is the Irish National Heritage Park. Nearby Gortin Glen Forest Park has lots of trails, both for hikes and mountain biking but theres a five-mile (8km) stretch of this road trip which runs through the area, and it has excellent panoramas. Yes, its very famous but its very famous for a reason. Though the Sperrins arent the biggest peaks in Northern Ireland (the tallest of them all is Sawel Mountain, which measures in at 678 meters/2,224 feet), theyre great for anyone seeking outdoor adventures. Border markings are inconspicuous, in common with . The rope bridge has existed for over 250 years for fishermen to reach the island which is home to a single fisherman's cottage. Awesome recall of your trip! Visiting places like Dublin, Cork, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, and Belfast. Check out these epic day tours and activities you can do in Killarney! The best road trip to experience old IrelandStarts and ends in Killarney (travel clockwise); 179km (111 miles). . Visit the ancient Neolithic site of Newgrange. Guide To Buying A Motorbike In Southeast Asia. You wont find fences here either. "The Ring" is a popular day trip and numerous bus companies offer trips during the summer months. Here is a 6 day road trip in Ireland with itinerary that is sure to help you make the most of your vacation. We have family in Dingle to look up so will definitely be heading south and going clockwise. Reach the end of the road on Achill Island and be blown away with the views. It's small, beautiful and packed with things to do. There is great apps to help you plan your trip in Ireland also. Swing by The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney an avenue of enormous, twisting beech trees that is one of the most photographed places in the whole country. Although the Giants Causeway is actually in Northern Ireland, it is still one of the best places on the Emerald Isle and should not be missed during your road trip itinerary. The Wild Atlantic Way will show adventurers both the natural beauty and the absolute craic that Ireland has to offer. The Wild Atlantic Way is the worlds longest signed coastal drive at more than 2500km. The best road trip for unspoiled sceneryStarts and ends in Glengariff (travel clockwise); 148km (92 miles). We used Safe Nights Ireland to find cheap camping spots and there are many websites on the internet recommending free spots. Its not just cool scenery theres also a bunch of history, with stone beehive huts peppered along the coast and the impeccable Gallarus Oratory adding to the awesomeness of Slea Head Loop. Spend a few hours in the marvellous Titanic Belfast, known for being one of the worlds leading tourist attractions. 3. 1. Looking for the 11 best drives in Northern Ireland? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. This is to avoid the tour buses, which are forced to drive in an anti-clockwise direction. The largest freshwater lake in all of the British Isles (measuring in at 391 square kilometers/151 square miles), a ride around the perimeter of this place is absolutely brimming with highlights. Ireland Road Trip Planner. Having your own wheels is one thing, but having your own home is the icing on the cake! Ireland is amazing. You start in Newcastle, before following the B180 and the B27. The drink-driving limit in Ireland is a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. But the site itself is wonderful. Some of the main attractions along the way are: After a delicious breakfast in Kenmare head west onto the Ring of Kerry, and make sure those camera batteries are charged! Happy travels. The Ring of Kerry is one of the most iconic road trips in Ireland. Take a boat out to the Aran Islands, a World Heritage Site where the locals speak Irish as well as English and ancient, ruined churches are just waiting to be explored. With crystal clear waters and beautiful golden sand, Eyrephort Beach is the perfect place to unwind on your trip. Passionate actors share stories of what it was like to live in the times when humans first settled in the Emerald Isle, and the hardships endured over the years. Have a wonderful trip. That would be helpful for readers to get a picture of your route. Usually, road trips are all about the journey, but this one is a little bit different. It would be helpful to have a map. Such a beautiful country. When we return to Ireland well definitely be giving Achill Island a bigger portion of our schedule. If you have time, or really love cliffs, you could also do the Cliffs of Moher, although these are very touristy. You can climb it from both Sperrin and Cranagh, which are both official stops along the route. It was one of the best decisions we made. After reading this, youll realise being a digital nomad is much easier (and much more possible!) Some other highlights include the villages of Donemana and Sion Mills, the Aghascrebagh Ogham Stone (with its medieval alphabet), and the pretty town of Strabane, which, by the way, is the best start and end point for the loop. But whatever and wherever they are, theyll all want to make you hop in your car and come join the fun! There are tons of free activities, hostels and campsites to enable you to tackle this trip on a budget. . If youre looking for outdoor excitement, you get Iniscarn Forest (with lots of surprisingly-challenging wooded trails), Slieve Gallion (one of the best ascents in the area), a great walk around Lough Fea, the trails of Dava Forest, and decent proximity to Sawel Mountain (if you dont mind taking a little detour). Park in the closest town and hitch or take a bus to the site, then walk around the visitors centre. It's an amazing trip, but expect to have busy, action packed days. Ive spent lots of time exploring various parts of the nation, and Ive spent lots of my life, Newcastles trendy Ouseburn neighborhood is well-known for lots of things. Wow, Amazing pictures and fantastic guidelines. You should also check out Ulster American Folk Park, a living history experience where you feel like youve stepped back in time. There are some stunning drives down there. This road trip may be short, but it certainly doesnt disappoint. Wild Atlantic Way, scenic drive along Irelands west coast. Ring Of Kerry & Skellig Drive (262km) Beginning and ending in Killarney, the Ring of Kerry drive is one of Ireland's most magical. My sisters and I had been talking about doing a road trip in Ireland for a while, and earlier this summer we came across an incredible flight deal to Dublin, so we made the split-second decision and booked it.Since everyone had work and school commitments back at . Driving a campervan around Ireland is definitely the best way to see the country. There are nuns who live there now and it also has a beautiful walled garden. Save yourself the headache and drive your own car to the site. Weave your way around mountains, bog lands and rugged karst landscapes as you experience the Emerald Isle. This itinerary is designed as a road trip. Detour:On this trip, youre not far from Irelands highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. Hang out in Enniscorthy and climb Vinegar Hill. It also has more pubs per capita than any country weve ever travelled to, and we knew that was going to help cement Ireland in our list of favourite countries ever. Plonked right in the middle of Northern Ireland, the route around Lough Neagh is different to a ride around Strangford Lough. The audio tour that can be purchased from the wonderful visitors centre tells the legend, geology and history of the Giants Causeway, and is worth the price. The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is another spot on the Northern Ireland coastal road that has become incredibly popular in recent years and it's unique location and of course, the rope bridge, make it a popular attraction. You will be amazed. This loop is the most famous, and arguably the most beautiful, drive in all of Ireland, and if you get a sunny day it might end up being one of the best road trips of your life! Still, when we realised it would only be a short detour to check it out, we decided we had nothing to lose by making the visit. Still there are some things you need to keep in mind before you start this fun adventure. Make sure you book in advance! Weve been lucky enough to explore countless countries, and its fair to say that it takes a lot to impress us. Sometimes there are issues. Your legs will be worn out enough without the 12 hours of driving in between. What a trip it is going to be. Do a boat trip to see Fungie the Dolphin. After crossing over on the bridge we drove to the end of the road, and couldnt believe the kind of views that surrounded us. Detour: Take a trip to the nearby Comeragh mountains. Do the King of the Vikings Experience in Waterford. I am Irish and while you did see a lot on your trip, there is a lot more for you to discover when you next arrive here. There are so many things to see and do packed into such a small distance that youll never be bored. It is a monastery built on the grounds of the Castle. But with some insight and experience, its not as difficult as you think. Join a free walking tour of Belfast to learn about the citys political history. In the quieter towns you can easily book a hotel. And heres a pretty unique feature of the ride: Northern Ireland has six counties. Once youve managed to pry yourself away from Killarney (it might take a while), you have another epic drive to check out on your Ireland road trip. The Causeway Coastal Route 2. Visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience in Wexford. In Wexford and the surrounding area there are plenty of things to do that could take up a few days of your itinerary. so I can download..it looks amazing.. we are going in April for 2 weeks .just me the wife and ted the dog ..happy holidays steve. Visit the 12th-century Malahide Castle, home to gorgeous gardens. Thanks for sharing and the huge inspiration! If you need to be in Dublin tonight then you can be in the city quite easily, but personally we recommend heading to the fishing village of Howth, only 30 minutes from the city. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Subscribe, Home | Blog | The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary and Travel Guide. And for all you budding geologists out there, the Copper Coast is also partially a UNESCO Global Geopark for its unique combination of environments packed into such a small area. In the list of big attractions in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are right near the top. The first of four so-called Sperrins routes (all four of which weve featured, and all four of which run around various parts of the Sperrins region), this is arguably the most well-known of them all. Budget road trip from $60 per day not counting RV / camper rental. Have a great time and watch those tight Irish roads. The Cooley Peninsula drive proves that not all road trips need to be long-distance. Get out and enjoy the beautiful coastal walks around Ardmore, and have lunch at the phenomenal Cliff House Hotel. When you do rent, make sure you can take the rental car/camper into Northern Ireland. The Ring of Kerry roads are extremely narrow, so make sure you drive with care. You've found them! Just obey the leave no trace policy (even toilet paper). Considering I have never traveled this way, reading stories like yours makes me even more excited! There's something magical about Ireland. The next stop on your road trip around Ireland is Newgrange and Br na Binne, which are 45 minutes south from Carlingford. Visit the 600-year-old friaries near Ballina. It can get a little crazy sometimes. We were really looking forward to visiting Belfast, and it did not disappoint. This can be timed or taken at a leisurely pace, but some people strive to complete it in 24 hours. The South Sperrins Route 10. The Ring of Kerry is the go-to for road trips in Ireland, but the nearby Ring of Beara is just as beautiful, without the people. Detour: Theres a beach just off the Sky Road that will blow your mind. Enniscorthy is a gorgeous heritage village that was also home to centuries of sometimes tragic history. This month I was lucky enough to have my 2 sisters and 2 of my best friends come and travel with me in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Some of the best things to do around Wexford are: You can take your time driving to Cork and visit some of the great attractions in the area, or just enjoy the beautiful country scenery. The entire west coast of Ireland has become known as the Wild Atlantic Way, and the slick marketing campaign by the tourism board isnt without just cause Its absolutely phenomenal, and should be the main objective of any Ireland road trip. If youre looking for an en-route hike, hit Slieve Donard, the highest peak in the nationthe road runs right around it. 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