Self Drive Tour - The West of Ireland

Tourist Information

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Two weeks may seem a long time, but when it comes to exploring the west coast of Ireland, even with the finest hire car available to transport you there, fourteen days will just barely let you fit it all in! Ireland’s west coast luxuriates in Gulf breezes and some truly breathtaking scenery, as well as featuring lovely old heritage sites to delight the historian in everybody; if you’re ready to go home at th end of your driving tour, then you haven’t done it properly!

Your first four days will be a whirlwind of scenic and historic delights. You will have a chance to take in the sighs of Galway city and Galway Bay, including the delightful local markets and more upscale shops in the area. You’ll see the sweeping scenery of the Connemara, and while there why not take the chance to stay in a real castle? Ballynahinch Castle takes in paying guests with true Irish hospitality. Other notable options include the Tullaleagan Guest House in Connemara with breathtaking views of the Connemara Landscape.

On day five drive on to County Clare, and take in the sights. Day six you can feel free to explore the Burren area, and leave County Clare on day seven to drive on to Kerry. Day eight gives you a chance to see the extreme west coast of Ireland, rich in archaeological sites.

Day nine offers the chance to drive along the Ring of Kerry, and revel in the views of Dingle Bay. You can pop in to the Heritage Centre or settle in for some sumptuous Irish cuisine to fuel up for the rest of your trip. Why not use day ten to stretch your legs a bit and explore? Day eleven will see you back in your rental car, driving into Killarney, which offers heritage, history and shopping.

Day twelve is a day of choice; venture afield or stay in Killarney to explore, and then on day thirteen, drive on over to Limerick City. Then your week is up, and on the fourteenth day your rental car will ferry you back to the airport, where you will likely only be able to talk yourself into boarding the plane with a promise to return as soon as you can!