This tour of Ireland features many, if not all of the coastal highlights in Ireland while also taking in some major highlights that are a little bit more inland. This trip will take you around the coast of Ireland, from Dublin city centre to Dublin Airport. Among the major towns visited along the way are Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Killarney, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Donegal, Letterkenny, Derry and Belfast. If you want to see as much of Ireland as you can in one trip, this is the tour for you. If you are visiting Ireland as a tourist, you may wish to rent a car. Thrifty car rental Ireland has excellent locations in Dublin City Centre and Dublin Airport.
Day 1 sees you leave Dublin City Centre and begin your travels to Tramore where you first nights stay will be. Along the way you will pay a visit to Glendalough and the ancient ruins of St Kevin's monastery which dates from the 6th Century. Glendalough means the Glen of the two lakes, and offers fantastic scenic views of the Wicklow Mountains. Once finished at Glendalough, it is time to hit the road again, as you travel southwards towards Tramore, taking in the towns of Arklow, Enniscorthy, Wexford and Waterford.
Day 2 is a starts with a short drive to Cork which will take you along the beautiful coast of Cork and through the seaside towns of Dungarvin and Youghal. If you have an interest in history, the town of Cobh may be of interest with its fascinating relationship to the Titanic. Cobh was the last place the Titanic ported on her last voyage. Cork City is a lively town, and while it is the second largest town in Ireland, it will be a stark contrast in comparison to Dublin.
Day 3 takes you from Cork to Killarney. Killarney is a very popular tourist destination and has a lot of highlights for the whole family. There is a wide range of restaurants and attractions to keep everybody well occupied in Killarney. Muckross House is a stunning attraction situated on the outskirts of Killarney. The house sits on stunning gardens and it would be very easy to spend a day enjoying the views. It is optional if you wish to spend a day in Killarney or do the Ring of Kerry. It is possible to do the Ring of Kerry in one day, but for maximum enjoyment, 2 to 3 days would be optimum.
Day 4 sees you take on the longest drive in this trip, from Killarney to Galway. The driving distance is in the region of 270km and while the roads have improved vastly in recent years, an early start is suggested. This drive from Killarney to Galway is not without its highlights, including the city of Limerick, the Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, The Burren and Galway itself. After a long day, you will no doubt look forward to relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere in Galway.
Day 5 departs Galway city for the picturesque town of Westport via the town of Clifden in the stunning Connemara region. As you leave Galway and enter the Connemara, it is like entering a different world. The natural and rugged beauty of the area will be something you will long remember. Westport is situated on Clew Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. Clew Bay has over 100 islands and it is hard not to fall in love with the area. The town itself is one of the few planned towns in Ireland, and features a beautiful town centre built in Georgian Architecture.
Day 6 takes you from Westport to the town of Donegal through the towns of Castlebar, Ballina and Sligo. The town of Donegal is overshadowed by the Bluestack Mountains. Donegal will offer the ideal resting point before you embark on your second longest drive the following morning.
Day 7 departs from the town of Donegal and heads northwards to Derry (Londonderry). The route to Derry takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland and through the villages of Dunkineely, Ardara Glenties, Dunfanaghy and Letterkenny. If you have time on your hands, take a tour of the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head which is the most northerly point in Ireland. The old walled city of Derry is still intact and makes for a fantastic walk while other attractions such as the Tower Museum are also worth a visit.
Day 8 will bring you from Derry through some of the most picturesque towns and scenery in Northern Ireland to the industrial city of Belfast. Along the way you will pass through the towns of Downhill, Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush. Among the many sights you will see will be the Giant's Causeway, the Bushmills Distillery and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Day 9 will take you from Belfast to Newry via the scenic route around Strangford Lough. Along the way enjoy the Ulster Transport and Folk Museum before heading southwards. Cross Strangford Lough by ferry at Portaferry and continue on to Downpatrick and visit the grave of St Patrick on Cathedral Hill. Newry is a bright and active town with a reputation for excellent shopping, and an ideal place to spend your last night before returning to Dublin.
Day 10 is the final leg of this tour, and will take you from Newery back to Dublin Airport. The roads from Newry to Dublin Airport are top quality and the journey will take less than 2 hours. If you fancy stopping off along the way, Dundalk and Drogheda are two large towns en route. Newgrange is one of the most notable historic sites in Ireland and is well worth a visit.