Discover Ireland’s authentic side with a spectacular 10-day self-drive journey through the most spectacular landscapes of Ireland’s wild Atlantic coastline and the Boyne Valley.
This tour of Ireland starts from Dublin and takes you through most of the most important places in the South of Ireland, including, the Rock of Cashel, Cork, Killarney National Park, Dingle, the Cliffs of Moher, and more. This is so much more than your average Ireland bus tour from Dublin and we can’t wait to show you! If you’d like to shop around a little and compare itineraries, make sure you take a look at our range of Ireland tour packages. If you want the trip to meet your every need, then check out our private guided tours of Ireland.
Journey off the beaten track in Ireland. Experience the ‘real’ Ireland with Wild N Happy. There is so much passion and planning from the Wild N Happy HQ to ensure that this self-guided tour (and all our tours, for that matter) are filled with magical landscapes, spectacular adventure (kayaking, hiking, cycling, you name it), and vibrant people. Your journey begins in Dublin, and from there it bring you on a round trip of southern Ireland’s most important towns, landmarks, and wild areas. This self drive experience ends with a magnificent drive through the lush midlands of Ireland before returning to Dublin. You’ve never been on a vacation quite like this!
Experience Southern Ireland’s wild coastline and its pristine islands, spectacular peninsulas, colourful fishing villages and vibrant towns. Go kayaking on the lakes of Killarney, hike on the Ring of Kerry or explore the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. We’ve done everything we can to ensure this self drive tour of Ireland has the perfect balance ingredients to create an authentic, completely unforgettable experience. There’s plenty more information below and on the other tabs, but if you have any more questions for us, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
At your desired car hire location e.g. Dublin airport.
At your desired car hire location e.g. Dublin airport.
Daily
9:00 am – Recommended departure time. Setting off early is always recommended, but this is a self-drive tour, so you can leave when it suits you.
Your adventure starts off in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, also known as the Fair City. Your direction is south to the rebel county of Ireland, Cork, and its wild Atlantic coastline.
Along the way, take a stop off at the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone and home of the High Kings of Ireland. After lunch, continue your journey towards Cork, which is the starting point of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and where that evening you can relax and savour its picturesque setting and friendly atmosphere.
Rise and shine for an adventure along the wild and spectacular coastline of Cork and climb over mountain passes to reach the majestic setting of Killarney.
Along the way, stop off at a Stone Age tomb called the Altar Wedge Tomb, which sits dramatically on the waterfront overlooking Toormore Bay. Continue your journey towards one of Ireland’s most southerly point, Mizen Head. You have the option of visiting the Mizen Head Signal Station* or take a stroll along the golden strand of Barleycove beach.
After a bite to eat, make your way over the mountainous terrain that separates Cork and Kerry before arriving in the picturesque town of Killarney. It is home to Ireland’s first national park with spectacular glistening lakes, beautiful nature, great food, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
*Mizen Head Signal Station only available from Mid-March to October.
Today’s adventure takes you off the beaten track to unlock the real beauty of the world famous Ring of Kerry. Considered one of the most beautiful destinations to explore in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry offers dramatic landscapes of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches, glistening lakes, picturesque villages and spectacular mountain ranges.
Even better, take an incredible tour of the spectacular Valentia Island where you can delve into its incredible history and heritage, explore its magical setting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and if you are lucky get a glimpse (weather permitting) of the dramatic Skellig Islands (Star Wars famed).
After a well-earned bite to eat, slowly make your way back to Killarney stopping off at many spectacular viewing points to learn of their historical importance and the opportunity to take that picture that will ensure an everlasting memory of paradise.
Today is your chance to discover the majestic setting of Killarney and Ireland’s first National Park. You can choose to relax and unwind, explore its national park and vibrant town or take one of many adventure experiences to truly discover Killarney.
In terms of adventure, you have the opportunity to take a gentle guided hike of Torc Mountain with magical view of the Lakes of Killarney from its summit, explore Muckross Estate by bicycle or walking which is home to a spectacular 15th Century Franciscan Friary, Torc Waterfall and the majestic setting of Muckross House & Gardens. or finally combine one of those experiences with a mesmerizing kayak tour on the Lakes of Killarney in either the morning or afternoon.
That evening, you can experience Killarney’s great food offerings, vibrant musical nightlife or take a stroll through its majestic national park.
Dingle and Lahinch are your destinations today, as you explore these dramatic and beautiful areas of Ireland that are littered with archaeological and historical wonders.
Your first stop off is at Inch beach, famous for being the place where an inch is actually three miles long and where we take a short stroll along its golden sands and watch long rolling waves that come crashing ashore. Then continue west to the edge of Europe, also known as Slea Head. Feast your eyes on breathtaking scenery of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches and the magnificent Blasket Islands. Journey around this rich and vibrant peninsula exploring its vast Gaelic culture and learning a cupla focal (some words) in Irish along the way.
Then take in a visit and have lunch in the colourful and vibrant town of Dingle before making your way north along the edge of Europe to the spectacular setting of the Cliffs of Moher, where you will overnight in the beautiful coastal setting of Lahinch and a chance for you to experience great traditional music sessions, fantastic food and of course meet the locals.
This morning make our way to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. This ‘must see’ wonder of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, stretches for almost 10 KM and will capture your eyes and imagination as you gaze out in awe of its impressive setting.
Take the opportunity to explore the fantastic interpretation centre that will show you how this marvelous creation was shaped by nature’s hand and learn about its unique geological makeup.
After a bite to eat, continue north through the remarkable moon-like terrain of the wild Burren on route to the bohemian capital of Ireland, Galway. That afternoon, take the opportunity to soak in it’s vibrant streets, sample its wide variety of food offerings or take a tour exploring its unique historical places of interest.
Today is your opportunity to either to rejuvenate your batteries before we commence our spectacular northern section of the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way, soak in Galway’s vibrant bustling streets, quaint cafes and historical points of interest, or take an adventure out to one of the majestic Gaelic speaking Aran Island’s.
Today’s adventure brings you to Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. Explore these majestic destinations, full of colourful scenery and wonderful history.
In Connemara National Park, take the opportunity to hike to the top Diamond Hill before heading to Kylemore Abbey for a bite to eat and time to explore its incredible history and unique gardens.
Later that afternoon, commence your journey northwards passing Killary harbour and secluded picturesque lakes that line your path to the colourful town of Westport. That evening, experience this vibrant towns legendary musical talent and culinary exploits.
You have the day to either relax, explore or take an adventure in picturesque Westport. It is famous for Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain and Clew Bay, which has an island for everyday of the year.
Westport is rich in historical areas of interest and a great traditional music scene. Be sure to experience it!!
