Help for a Road trip

Hi everyone, I'm planning a trip to Ireland with my girlfriend from 12 to 25 August. It's my third time there, I was there in 2016 (for 15 days) and in 2019 (for 14). It's her first time, so we need to plan a few things!In previous years, I travelled around by bus and on foot. This year, we'll have a little more comfort, (we have a car) but I'd still like to keep it a fairly active trip. We'll be sleeping in a tent. The idea is to make the most of each day, setting off at 8 a.m. and eating sandwiches (something we've done before). We're experienced hikers, and I also climb. The idea is to experience Ireland and its landscapes to the fullest, as we did last year in Scotland. We have no problems with fatigue or anything like that. I'll leave you the itinerary and ask for some advice: replacing some places with others, etc. Above all, I wanted to ask if you know of any pubs in isolated areas with traditional live music where we can sing along. This would be essential for me! I know that Galway, Derry, Doolin, etc. have their pubs, but it's even nicer to listen to traditional music in remote places.- Day 1: I thought we'd avoid Northern Ireland (except for half a day in Derry, which is necessary).- Day 2: Five Finger Strand, Malin Head (1 hour's walk) Portsalon Beach. I've seen that Portsalon is beautiful, but it's not mentioned much. - Day 3: Murder Hole Beach, St Catherine Beach (worth a visit) Horn Head (trekking) Wild Atlantic Way. Overnight stay in Glem Chom Chill or Carrick, depending on the pubs- 4 Slieve League Pilgrim's Path (already done) Wild Atlantic Way and here I have read about various beaches between Tullan Strand, Streedagh and Dunmoran and the famous Down Patrick Head. What to do? Spend the night near Achill and this is where the problems begin. - 5 I fell in love with the Benwee Head Loop and thought I'd do it in the morning (at least to the top and then back down). From there, I wanted to leave for Achill, but I have some doubts: it's the middle of August and on Sunday (it would be Sunday 17th and Monday 18th). We won't be stopping at the beaches to sunbathe, but we will be walking and exploring. Does it make sense to go via Achill? Should we just drive along the road and see Ashlem and Minaun until we reach Keel, or is it too touristy? - 6/7 Here the question is, depending on Achill, whether to sleep there and then consider a short excursion to Croaghaun (without reaching the summit, just the coastal part) or whether to go directly to Westport. From there, the idea is to head towards Galway via Silver Strand, Doolough Drive and Sky Road. What do you think of the Upper Diamond Hill Trail? Is Coral Strand worth a visit or is it not that special after all? Is there anything to do in Connemara? We've kept a 'bonus' day for now. Is it better to stay in Clifden or Galway?- 7/8 From Galway the next morning, we'll do the Aran Islands. I fell in love when I slept on the island and there was no one there, but maybe now it's getting a bit excessive.- After the Aran Islands, we'll go to Doolin and do the 12 km Cliffs trail. (I know they're not the most beautiful cliffs, but I have to show them to my girlfriend). - Let's say that after Doolin, things get complicated. We have 2-3 days left, depending on the choices we make, and we would like to enjoy the south a little. The options are: Ring of Kerry? Dingle Peninsula? Beara? I don't know. Everyone says that the Ring of Kerry is really beautiful, but really too crowded and has become too touristy. A friend from Cork recommended Beara as a place similar to the Ring of Kerry before it became so populated. Another possibility is the Copper Coast and Mizen Head. I don't know, I'm open to any ideas you may have. Sorry for the long post, but it's been a long research process. Obviously, if you have any hidden gems, alternative excursion or beach suggestions, or ideas, I'm all ears. With a tent, anything is possible. Thank you so much ❤️

Hello Raimondo,

Welcome to our Community! Wow, you've drafted a truly rich and challenging itinerary! 

First of all, it's not difficult to find pubs with traditional music even in the most remote parts of the island. Depending on the area you're visiting, you can ask locals for advice about places where you can enjoy the most authentic atmosphere, or just let the island surprise you with unique places along the way. 

The Benwee Head Loop hike is a strenuous, but beautiful, loop walk, and after reaching the summit and coming back down, you may want to take some time to relax on the lovely beaches nearby. However, if you're still up for some activity, you may drive to Achill Island and enjoy its beautiful scenery. 

Ashlem and its White Cliffs are definitely a great option for a stop, as they're not so touristy as they are located in a somewhat remote area and accessible via narrow, winding roads. Also, the view from the top of Minaun Heights is unbeatable. From here you overlook Ireland's largest island, Achill Island, Blacksod Bay and Clare. Both these places are less touristy than Keel.

Regarding Upper Diamond Hill Trails, Coral Strand and Connemara, these are beautiful areas with great views and landscapes that are definitely worth a visit. It's just a matter of preference to dedicate time to one place or the other. As you already know, it may take more time than you think to explore places in Ireland in deep, both due to narrow roads or beautiful views that stop you along the way. So my advice is to plan fewer stops and leave some time for improvisation. 

Given the fact that you'll be here in August, which is high season in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry may be more crowded than usual. The Ring of Beara, the Copper Coast and Mizen Head may be interesting alternative routes. The Dingle Loop may also be a good option. 

Lastly, as you're going to sleep in a tent along the way, I suggest that you take a look at this useful thread with advice and recommendations for legal alternatives to Campsites. 

I hope this helps!

Have a great day!