Ireland’s Wild North – 7 Day Self-Drive Tour

From Dublin’s fair city, you set your compasses due west, making your way through the lush midlands of Ireland in search of the wild Atlantic coastline and the Bohemian city of Ireland, Galway.

Take the opportunity to explore and wander its bustling streets, sample its famed culinary delights and traditional music scene.

Jump from mainland Ireland to one of its most renowned island, Inis Mór, meaning big island. It is the largest of three islands that make up the Aran Islands.

Once you arrive on its limestone shores, you can either explore the island by foot, bicycle or jaunting cart, in which you can experience the island’s magnificent landscape of rocky fields, wild Ocean views and incredible monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. Take in a visit to one of the most famous of them, Dún Aonghasa, which is a breath-taking fort that was built on a high cliff some 100 metres above sea level.

That afternoon, make your way back to mainland Ireland before heading due west to the colourful coastal town of Clifden, where you can sample its famous culinary delights and traditional music nights.

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!!

Departing Westport, make your way along the northern wild and rugged coastline of Mayo before arriving in Donegal Town, known as the fort of the foreigners.

Along the way have a picnic lunch and take a stroll along the dramatic wild coastline at Downpatrick Head where you view a spectacular blowhole that plummets down to the wild Atlantic ocean, the ruins of St Patrick’s church building, a stone cross and the incredible site of Dún Briste (broken fort), a lone sea-stack standing close to the edge of the cliffs.

Afterwards, meander your way north towards Donegal Town via Bundoran where you can take the opportunity to dip your feet into the wild Atlantic Ocean or catch some of the most renowned waves in the world. Feeling refreshed, that evening you can sampling some of Donegal’s best culinary delights and music traditions.

Ballyliffin is your end destination today, as you head north exploring the wilds of Donegal with magnificent views of the dramatic Slieve League cliffs which are although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher, can reach almost three times higher, 601 metres (1,972 ft).

Afterwards, continue your journey around the dramatic northern tip of Donegal towards Glenveagh National Park and Castle. Set in some 16,500 hectares of County Donegal mountains, you have the chance to discover picturesque lakes, wild glens and woods, a large herd of red deer and the 19th Century Glenveagh Castle.

That afternoon, make your way to Ballyliffin, where you can relax, unwind or explore this beautiful quaint village near the historical town.

Today’s adventure is a real giant in many ways, as you take in the dramatic coastal route of Ulster. You first head north to explore Malin Head, known as Ireland’s sunniest point and offers dramatic coastline views of the most northerly point of Ireland. Next stop Greenland!!

Then make our way to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its setting is famed for its unique rock formation of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption nearly 60 million years ago or being Irish of course, there is a different version of how the causeway was built which involves two giants, a fight and a bridge. We won’t spoil the ending for you now as the story is best told at edge of the bridge!!

Afterwards, make your way to the vibrant coastal setting of Ballycastle, a seaside town famed for walking, kayaking, great food and where you can relax, unwind or simply gaze out at the majestic views before your eyes.

Departing the coastal setting of Ballycastle you make your way to Belfast. Here, you can visit the Titanic museum, experience the amazing Black Cab Taxi Tour, explore Belfast with a Hop-on Hop-Off City Tour or simply wander around its famous streets and experience great food.

That afternoon, head south to the capital of Ireland, Dublin, where you have the opportunity to visit many of its historical attractions, jump aboard the Dublin Hop-on Hop-off City Tour or simply relax and explore its vibrant streets.

It is also your journey’s end, where you bid a fond farewell to our little green island. Hopefully you have many happy and wonderful memories that will last forever. Remember, Ireland is now your second home away from home!