Although Ireland looks small on the map, it will provide you with grandiose landscapes during this epic road trip. From Belfast to Shannon, follow the Northern Coastal Way and discover Ireland's many hidden treasures. A road trip that is bound to be epic! Explore vibrant Belfast, traverse the stunning Northern Coastal Way, and immerse yourself in the poetic beauty of Sligo. Discover the rugged allure of Achill Island and Connemara's raw beauty before concluding your adventure in the lively Galway. Wind your way to Shannon, savouring memories of a remarkable expedition along Ireland's west coast, filled with cultural richness, natural wonders, and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
White beach, Northern Donegal
Sunset at the Cliffs of Moher
Kylemore Abbey near Galway
Day By day
Welcome to Ireland! Pick up your car at the Airport and drive to Belfast (only 2 hours from Dublin). Begin with a refreshing pause at the Botanic Gardens, getting to know the city's greener side. Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital, gained fame as a key shipbuilding centre, notably for the Titanic. Its history includes the Troubles, a period of conflict resolved by the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Today, Belfast thrives with cultural landmarks like City Hall, vibrant neighbourhoods, and attractions such as Titanic Belfast, offering insights into its maritime past. Irish word of the day: Fáilte (pronounced fawl-cheh ) - Welcome. Overnight: Belfast
Another day to explore Belfast's rich tapestry of past and present as we guide you through the city's compelling history. Gain insights into contemporary issues through a taxi tour, delve into the haunting stories of the old Crumlin Road Gaol prison, and culminate your historical journey by immersing yourself in the Titanic experience. Irish word of the day : Béal Feirste (pronounced bay-al fair-shteh) - Belfast. Overnight: Belfast
It's time to hit the road on your Irish road trip adventure! This morning, bid farewell to Belfast in your rearview mirror as you set forth toward the rugged beauty of the Northern Irish coast. Today's journey revolves around the contemplation of nature's wonders, including Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Mussenden Temple. Immerse yourself in your surroundings and we’re sure that you’ll find peace and a sense of wonder emanating from these extraordinary landscapes. The day concludes with a visit to the fortified city of (London) Derry, a poignant site tied to the historic events of Bloody Sunday. Irish word of the day cladach (pronounced kla-dokh) - Coast. Overnight: Derry
Cross the border into the Republic of Ireland, stepping onto the untamed terrain of County Donegal. Here, landscapes appear untouched by human hands for centuries. The raw power of the elements and the mesmerizing beauty of sites such as Slieve League Cliffs, Errigal Mountain, Glenveagh Castle, and Malin Head will undoubtedly leave you in awe. The experience is enhanced by the symphony of the wind, the rhythmic sound of the sea, and the calls of endemic wildlife. Irish word of the day: Áilleacht (pronounced awl-yakht), meaning beauty in English. Overnight: Derry
Continue south on your Ireland west coast road trip exploring the more inhabited southern reaches of Donegal. Today's cultural journey unfolds with visits to Donegal City, the quaint fishing village of Killybegs, and the Sliabh Liag Distillery. Witness the artistry of skilled artisans crafting porcelain and tweed, preserving traditional and ancestral knowledge. The day concludes as you make your way to Sligo—a beautiful coastal location, the vibrant Strandhill beach with its surfers, surrounded by mountains and lakes. Irish word of the day: "daoine" (pronounced dee-nuh), people in English. Overnight: Sligo
Lough Gill (Lake Gill in English), a gem in Sligo's crown, sets the stage for a kayak tour through pristine ancient forests and scattered islands, allowing you to marvel at the natural beauty of Ireland without disrupting the local flora and fauna. Dine in one of the many traditional local eateries in Strandhill to recharge your batteries after your morning kayak before journeying to the cheerful town of Westport. An essential stop at Matt Molloy's pub ensures a lively session of traditional Irish music, where infectious good humour prevails, and the spirit of Ireland comes to life! Overnight: Westport
Your Ireland West Coast adventure continues as you embark on a quintessentially Irish experience by ascending the revered Croagh Patrick, standing at an elevation of 764 meters. This guided hike is not merely a physical challenge; for many in this predominantly Catholic country, it symbolizes a pilgrimage, echoing the footsteps of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. Following your hiking adventure, reward yourself with comfort and tranquillity as you head to Achill Island to partake in another local tradition – a well-deserved seaweed bath, a rejuvenating ritual that adds a touch of authentic Irish coastal tradition to your day. Irish word of the day Cruach (pronounced kroo-akh) means mountain in English. Overnight: Westport
Today your Ireland road trip enters the enchanting lands of Connemara, rich in mythology, culture, and traditions, where your journey takes in notable landmarks such as Kylemore Abbey and Ireland's only fjord, Killary. Clifden, the capital of Connemara, welcomes you with open arms, where you can indulge in savouring delectable freshly caught fish or seafood. Above all, succumb to the irresistible allure of traditional Irish music resonating from the local pubs. Irish word of the Day : Mainistir (pronounced: MAN-is-teer) means abbey in English. Overnight: Clifden
Today, enhance your Irish vocabulary with Inis Mór. "Inis" translates as "island," and "Mór" as "big" or "large." Consequently, "Inishmore" or "Inis Mór" denotes the largest of the Aran Islands off Ireland's west coast. This expansive island becomes the backdrop for your day's exploration. Whether you choose a cycling or hiking adventure, you'll be captivated by sites like Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric cliff-top fort, Kilmurvey Beach, and Seven Churches, a site adorned with medieval ruins linked to Saint Brecan. Galway marks the culmination of this enriching day. Overnight: Galway
Discover the heart of traditional Irish culture with a dedicated day in Galway, known in Irish as Gaillimh (pronunciation is roughly "gawl-im). Indulge in a gourmet exploration of the city, seamlessly combining a guided tour of its historic sites with a delightful tasting of local specialties. For a change of pace, refine your swing on the greens of Galway Bay Golf Resort, a course designed by former Ryder Cup and World Cup golfer Christy O’Connor Jnr. To truly earn the title of a Galway Girl (or boy), cap off your day with the unmissable "Trad on the Prom" show, featuring World Champion Irish dancers, the soulful sounds of Ireland's finest musicians, and the enchanting performances of world-class Irish voices. Overnight: Galway
No visit to Ireland on your road trip adventure would be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. The best way to experience this magnificent natural wonder is approaching on foot. And who better to guide you on this journey than Pat? Start a hike in Doolin, tracing the cliffs, and culminating in an unforgettable climax at the Cliffs of Moher. Allow your emotions to settle as you find respite in Peter’s tavern, where this gifted storyteller will further enchant you with tales of local Irish legends and his very own family history. Irish word of the day Ailt (pronounced alt) means cliffs in English. Overnight: Shannon
Sadly your Ireland West Coast Road Trip comes to an end. Before leaving Ireland the only last word you need to learn is Slán go fóill (pronounced slawn guh foyl), See you soon!
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Our Expertinsight
“This tour is designed to help you discover the rich history, the untamed beauty of Irish coastal landscapes, the culture, and the people that make up the heartbeat of Ireland. It is suitable for all types of travellers, as it does not require a specific level of fitness. The tour can be enjoyed at any time of the year, but it may be more pleasant from March to October. However, keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable. 'Four seasons in one day' is not just a saying in Ireland; always have sunglasses, sunscreen, and your preferred waterproof jacket on hand! Another noteworthy facet of your Irish road trip is the delightful encounters with the locals who will add vibrant colours to your experience. While we can't promise flawless weather, we can guarantee the warmth and enjoyment brought by the friendly locals you'll meet along the way.”
Claire, Local Expert
Testimonials
All was organized well we enjoyed everything and everywhere we stayed!
Barbara B.
We chose High Point Holidays because they matched us with Justine Stewart. She is the only person (out of five different agencies) who read our initial email and what we envisioned for our trip and truly captured what we imagined from day one. She was a delight to work with throughout the entire planning phase. Justine came up with wonderful suggestions for us. She was informative, responsive, and fun to work with. I was excited every time I received a chat message from Justine. Early in the planning phase, when we realized we needed to change the airport/city we were flying into, which affected our initial itinerary, Justine handled the adjustments smoothly. She was also helpful with my questions about travel insurance and gave me good advice and tips in that area. We feel like we made a new friend in Justine.
Stéphanie M.
We are
a full-service Tour Operator and our trips generally include:
accommodation, transportation, visits, immersive experiences, personal crafting, unique roadbook creation and assistance on the ground (meals & flights excluded). Please note that this trip price will vary based on factors such as your hotel preferences, your favourite transportation mode, whether you want to take part in shared group activities or private experiences, travel dates, and more. To receive a customized quote for your tailor-made trip, please reach out to us directly.