Trip to Ireland

Hi
I’m planning a road trip to Ireland and would like some tips on a round trip to cover the most important things to see and the best places to see. I am planning a circular tour taking in Northern Ireland.
I could start and end in Dublin.
I’m not time constrained.
Any ideas?

Hi Paul

Ireland is a perfect destination for a road trip as we have quite a few fantastic ones to choose from. Two that spring to mind are The Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route, which are amongst the greatest scenic drives in the world.

Wild Atlantic Way - 2,500km long coastline dotted with headlands, harbours, sandy beaches and breath-taking viewing points.

B&B homes along the Wild Atlantic Way – are the perfect base when touring Ireland as they are located along your driving route. 

Causeway Coastal Route - Spanning 193km, this amazing coastal route from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry includes must-see attractions, endless outdoor activities, stunning landscapes and fascinating history and culture.

Northern Ireland B&B homes - Bed and Breakfast accommodation to suit everyone!

I hope this information helps Paul. Have a great road trip!

Kind regards
Claire
B&B Ireland

Hi Paul,

Is this your first time to Ireland?

Claire has already given you some great ideas on itineraries and accommodation. Thanks, Claire!

We have more road trips ideas on our "Trip Ideas" section on our website. Each trip includes details on places to visit, miles and recommended time.
How long are you planning to stay, Paul? 

Hi Paul

Planning a trip like this is very exciting. We're delighted to hear that you are planning a road trip of Ireland. I see that you have mentioned the possibility of travelling a circular route, including Northern Ireland. If this is something that you are intending to do then I highly recommend paying a visit to the historic Walled City of Derry-Londonderry.

The Walled City of Derry-Londonderry is an excellent cultural location with a series of visitor attractions steeped in history. These include the likes of the 17th Century City Walls, Guildhall, World Famous Murals, St Columb’s Cathedral as well as many fascinating museums and exhibitions. The city also provides great options for tours, leisure, shopping and dining as well as excellent accommodation options should you choose to spend the night here. The city provides the perfect base for exploring Ireland as we are located on the gateway to Donegal/Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route. The city also boasts the accolade of the only completely walled city in Ireland so it is well worth a visit. More detailed information on what the city has to offer can be found in our official visitor guide here. 

We would also invite you to contact us should you have any inquiries or questions at all. We are more than happy to help.

Kind Regards

Barry 

Web: www.visitderry.com
Tel: +44 (0) 28 7126 7284
Email: info@visitderry.com 

Hi Paul,

Yes, do come and explore the Causeway Coastal route!

You may approach from Derry/Londonderry and go clockwise to Belfast, or anti-clockwise having first made your way from Dublin to Belfast.

This really is one of the world’s great road journeys, and indeed, along with Belfast – Titanic City! - was voted Best in Travel 2018 by LonelyPlanet. The route takes in coastal villages at the foot of beautiful glens (river valleys).  It hugs the coast, giving stunning views of cliffs and long sandy beaches, all waiting to be explored.  Central in the route is the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its hexagonal–shaped, basalt stones and columns.  Nearby is Ireland’s oldest working distillery where you can experience all the sights and smells in the production of malt whiskey, and even sample some too!   East of the River Bann, atop the wind-swept headland at Downhill sits the Mussenden Temple, with breath-taking views in all directions.  Discover more by browsing our Visitor Guide

http://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/Portals/0/downloads/Causeway-Coast-And-Glens-Visitor-Guide-2017.pdf

Besides touring, how about stopping for a few adventure activities, such as blokarting at Benone Beach or a spot of coasteering or kayaking as well. (See http://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/Adventure-Activities-A112)

If you have specific questions about the area or need help with booking accommodation, we in Coleraine Visitor Information Centre will be only too happy to help you. 

I hope you have a great trip.

Kind regards,

Mary.

Hi Paul
Welcome to the forum.  We might be a bit biased but of course we will agree with Claire in B&B Ireland that the Wild Atlantic Way is a definite highlight for you!  The Wild Atlantic Way was recently voted Ireland's top tourist attraction 2018 and the Cliffs of Moher was listed as No.2, so it really is a "Must See" on your trip.


You can tick both boxes with a boat trip from Doolin - we can take you from Doolin to the Aran Islands, and also take a cruise below the Cliffs of Moher on the way back - a great use of your time, if you are trying to cover a lot of ground and see as much as you can in a day.

Hope this is useful for you Paul, let me know if you have any other questions.  Enjoy your trip!
All the best
Joan

Hi Paul, and welcome to the Community.  Exciting times planning your way around Ireland; I'm sure you'll get some great ideas on here.  I have to recommend the Midlands of Ireland - if you want to get a taste of the real Ireland don't just go for the 'run of the mill' tourist spots, check out counties Offaly, Laois, Tipperary, Westmeath - they all have lots to offer visitors.

Here's some links that you may find useful regarding Ireland's Ancient East and Offaly:
https://www.irelandsancienteast.com/
http://www.visitoffaly.ie/

Best of luck with your planning!
Regards,
Clair Donogher
Kinnitty Castle Hotel
www.kinnittycastlehotel.com
clair@kinnittycastlehotel.com 

Hi Paul, 

There is so much to do and see in Northern Ireland, it's hard to know where to start :)

I've compiled a couple of must-see trips and things to do when in Northern Ireland, I hope it helps.

• The Game of Thrones sets: 

Have you ever watched Game of Thrones and wished you could just be there, a part of all the drama and the beautiful scenery? Well, now you have you can. We have created a 3 day trip across Northern Ireland, home to more Seven Kingdoms locations than anywhere else in the world. The link above will bring you to a set route to see all the GoT sets around Ireland. 

• Northern Lights:

Ireland has some of the greatest, most unspoiled natural beauty in the world. It offers a jaw-dropping backdrop to view if you’re lucky, the glorious and glistening northern lights.The link above is an article which will inform you of all the best spots to see the Northern Lights from. 

• Giants Cause Way: 

Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway and Causeway iconic route has been regarded as one of the world’s ultimate road trips by Lonely Planet. Giant’s Causeway Coast is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization site (UNESCO) and more recently heavily associated with ‘Games of Thrones’ locations.

There is also quite a lot to do in Dublin:

Free entry attractions in Dublin

• GPO (General Post Office) History museum on 1916 events.
• National Gallery Museum- War Memorial Gardens
• St. Mary’s Abbey
• Phoenix Park - largest park in Europe

Paid entry attractions in Dublin:

• Dublin Zoo: From Adult €17.50 / Child €13.00
• Guinness Storehouse: From Adult €14.00
• The Little Museum of Dublin: From Adult €8.00
• St Patrick's Cathedral: From Adult €6.50
  
  

We do hope this helps. 

From all of us in Car Rental Ireland, enjoy your trip. 

Best Wishes,

The Team at Car Rental Ireland.

Hi, Paul!

I hope it's not too soon to ask, but how did your road trip go? If need to finalise the itinerary, we'll be glad to help you with further suggestions and ideas. 

Looking forward to reading more about your trip and if you have some pics, don't forget to share them with us!

Francesco