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Ireland West Coast Road Trip

Highlights

Ireland’s coastal essence: exploring authenticity from North to West.

At a Glance

Ireland’s coastal essence: exploring authenticity from North to West

Price

From £ 3,500 per person

Every journey is tailor-made and can be personalised to your travel style, preferred accommodation and budget.

All highlights

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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Belfast — Arrival in Belfast

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

Day 2: Belfast — Black Taxi Tour of the City

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

Day 3: Derry — Ulster north coast discovery

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

Day 4: Derry — First steps in the Republic of Ireland in North Donegal

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

Day 5: Donegal — Fishing, porcelain and tweed : a day of Irish craftmanship

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

Day 6: Sligo — Kayak adventure in stunning Irish landscapes

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

Day 7: Achill Island — A seaweed bath experience awaits you!

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

Day 8: Clifden — Connemara, Land of Legends

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

Day 9: Aran Islands — Turn the Aran Islands into your playground

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

Day 10: Galway — Pub, golfing and Irish music: the ultimate Galway experience

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

Day 11: Doolin — Uncover the renowned Cliffs of Moher

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

Day 12: Shannon — Slán go fóill

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!

Services

Included:

accommodation
transportation
visits
immersive experiences
personal crafting
unique roadbook creation
assistance on the ground (meals & flights excluded)

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Salomé Deroyer

travel expert: Scotland England Ireland and Wales

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