A Girls Road Trip: Two Weeks Ireland Adventure

Highlights

A sweeping self-drive journey across Ireland, made for a mother and daughter ready to explore every corner of the island together.

At a Glance

From Dublin’s literary pubs to the wild cliffs of Dingle and the quiet lanes of Connemara, this mother-daughter road trip circles the very best of Ireland — historic towns, dramatic coastlines and unforgettable local encounters.

Duration of the trip: 14 days (transports time included).

Price

From £ 12,800 per person
Every journey is tailor-made and can be personalised to your travel style, preferred accommodation and budget.

All highlights

Set off on an unforgettable 14-day self-drive adventure across Ireland, made for a mother and daughter looking to discover the island together at their own pace. Begin in Dublin with a self-guided city exploration, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, and an evening literary pub tour through the city’s storied streets.

Pick up your rental car and head south to the seaside town of Kinsale, where a historic walking tour and a private sailing trip around the harbour set the tone for the adventure ahead. Continue on to Glengarriff for a ferry crossing to the gardens of Garnish Island, then settle into the gourmet charm of Kenmare before reaching the wild beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, explored on a private half-day tour.

Journey north through Connemara, cycling its greenways on two wheels before continuing to Clifden and onward to Westport, stopping at the striking Kylemore Abbey along the way. In Westport, dive into local life with a guided walking tour, a food tour through the town’s best addresses, and an evening of traditional Irish pubs and live music, before an e-bike ride out to Achill Island along the Great Western Greenway.

Head east to Kilkenny for a spooky evening ghost tour and a relaxed boat trip along the river, then unwind in the peaceful surrounds of Wicklow County before a final stop in Malahide, with a visit to its castle and gardens ahead of your journey home.

Blending dramatic landscapes, local culture and quality time on the road, this self-drive Ireland itinerary is the perfect adventure for a mother and daughter to share.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Dublin!

Day 1: Welcome to Dublin!

Welcome to Dublin, a city that's as intimate as a village and as friendly as an Irish pub. Framed by mountains, centered on a river and edged by a beautiful bay, the city's streets and alleys are filled with vibrant art and historic buildings, hip cafés and traditional "old man" pubs, as Dubliners call them. Walk the streets and you'll feel the energy of over 1,000 years of history, as echoes of the Vikings mix with buzzing boutiques, cobbled streets reverberate with the sounds of buskers, and 18th century parks play host to festivals, film and food markets.

Day 2: Pub Tour and Guinness Storehouse Experience

Day 2: Pub Tour and Guinness Storehouse Experience

No trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's most popular attraction. Housed in the heart of the original St. James's Gate Brewery, this seven-storey self-guided tour takes you through the story of Guinness, from its founding in 1759 to the brewing process itself, with plenty of interactive exhibits along the way. Take your time exploring at your own pace before heading up to the iconic Gravity Bar, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer a 360° panoramic view over Dublin city while you enjoy a complimentary pint of the black stuff.

Once you've learned the story behind Ireland's favourite pint, it's time to see where the magic really happens : in the pubs themselves ! Discover Dublin's storied literary heritage on a Literary Pub Tour, following in the footsteps of Joyce, Behan and Wilde as professional actors bring the city's pub culture and literary past to life through readings and performances along the way. It's the perfect way to soak up Dublin's atmosphere while getting a taste of some of its most iconic pubs.

Day 3: Kinsale's Walking Tour and Sailing Adventure

Day 3: Kinsale's Walking Tour and Sailing Adventure

Welcome to Kinsale !

Kinsale is a charming coastal town in County Cork, Ireland, known for its rich history, colorful architecture, and vibrant culinary scene. Positioned on the estuary of the River Bandon, Kinsale offers picturesque waterfront views and narrow, winding streets showcasing well-preserved buildings. The town played a significant role in the 17th-century Battle of Kinsale and is home to historical sites like Charles Fort and Desmond Castle. Kinsale's culinary scene, particularly its seafood, is renowned, and the town hosts various events throughout the year, celebrating its maritime heritage and cultural richness. Outdoor activities, including sailing, fishing, and coastal walks, contribute to Kinsale's allure, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

In the afternoon, take to the water for a private sailing trip around Kinsale Harbour, taking in views of the surrounding coastline and the town's charming waterfront from a completely different perspective.

Day 4: Visit of Kenmare and Garnish Island

Day 4: Visit of Kenmare and Garnish Island

The beautiful town of Kenmare is a small tranquil country town, famous for its gourmet food and superb accommodation set amidst breath-taking scenery in one of the most unspoilt, natural environments in Europe. It was Ireland's first planned town and was established in 1640 and currently has a population of around 2000.

Not only is Kenmare a unique and desirable tourist destination in its own right with its rural beauty, style and service, but it's a perfectly-positioned base from which to experience everything that the south west of Ireland has to offer. Whether it's walking, cruising on the bay, fishing, golfing, touring or just 'chilling' that interests you, come and do all those things and more here in Kenmare. You won't be disappointed.

On the other side, Ilnacullin (Garinish Island) is a small island in Ireland famous for its beautiful gardens, unique architecture, and peaceful natural setting, accessible by boat from Glengarriff.

Day 5: A Private Half-Day Tour of the Dingle Peninsula

Day 5: A Private Half-Day Tour of the Dingle Peninsula

Welcome to Dingle !

Nestled along the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle is a small coastal town on the southwestern tip of Ireland that captivates visitors with its charm and natural beauty. With a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Dingle offers an unforgettable experience. Picture colorful streets lined with traditional Irish pubs, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. Stroll along the bustling harbor, where fishing boats bob gently on the sparkling water. Immerse yourself in the warmth of the locals as they share their stories and love for their town.

On your private half-day tour, journey along the dramatic Dingle Peninsula, taking in sweeping ocean views, rugged cliffs, ancient stone forts and picture-perfect beaches. Your guide will share the peninsula's rich history and folklore as you make your way around one of Ireland's most scenic driving routes.

Day 6: Welcome to Clifden

Day 6: Welcome to Clifden

Known as the “Capital of Connemara,” Clifden is a lively and welcoming town surrounded by some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. A self-guided visit gives you the freedom to explore its colorful streets, artisan boutiques, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs at your own pace.

Stroll through the charming town center, browse local craft shops, or enjoy a quiet moment with a coffee as you take in the backdrop of rolling hills and Atlantic skies. For panoramic views, don’t miss the nearby Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most breathtaking drives, where the ocean meets the rugged Connemara landscape in dramatic fashion.

Clifden is also steeped in history — from the legacy of Marconi’s transatlantic wireless station to Alcock & Brown’s first non-stop transatlantic flight landing site. Wander, discover, and immerse yourself in the unique blend of culture, nature, and heritage that defines this Connemara gem.

Day 7: Cycling Tour of the Connemara

Day 7: Cycling Tour of the Connemara

Explore the wild beauty of Connemara on two wheels. This self-guided cycling tour takes you through one of Ireland's most unspoiled landscapes, where rugged mountains meet wide-open bogland and the Atlantic coastline stretches out in every direction. Pedal at your own pace along quiet country roads, stopping wherever the scenery calls for it, with all equipment provided for a comfortable and flexible day of adventure.

Day 8: Visit of Kylemore Abbey & Night out at Traditional Irish Pubs in Westport with Live Music

Day 8: Visit of Kylemore Abbey & Night out at Traditional Irish Pubs in Westport with Live Music

Stop at the striking Kylemore Abbey, a 19th-century castle turned Benedictine monastery set on the shores of a tranquil lake, surrounded by mountains and Victorian walled gardens. Explore the abbey's ornate rooms and grounds before continuing your journey.

Once settled in Westport, experience the town's legendary pub scene and live music tonight. Choose your favourite pub for a night out in Westport, a town famous for its lively traditional music scene. Matt Molloy's is the town's most legendary spot, owned by the flutist of The Chieftains, and gets packed with music lovers on weekends. For a cosier, more local vibe, Toby's Bar pours an unbeatable pint in a tiny, atmospheric setting, while Blouser's Pub is the perfect reward after a day cycling the Greenway or climbing Croagh Patrick, with live music, a roaring fire and outdoor seats for people-watching. Right in the heart of town, The Porter House is an award-winning favourite for its traditional interior and warm welcome, and McGing's, one of Westport's oldest bars, offers a mellow spot for a quiet pint with jazz, folk and bluegrass sessions from Thursday to Sunday. History buffs will love The Old Grainstore, a beautifully restored 19th-century grainstore now serving over 80 whiskeys and gins, while Mac Bride's offers a warm, wood-panelled retreat with over 100 whiskeys, ideal for relaxing after a day exploring the coast.

Day 9: Wesport Walking and Food Tour

Day 9: Wesport Walking and Food Tour

Get to know Westport from the inside out. Start with a guided walking tour through the town's elegant Georgian streets, learning about its history as one of Ireland's few planned towns. In the afternoon, follow up with a food tour through some of Westport's best addresses, sampling local specialties and discovering why this corner of County Mayo has become one of Ireland's most exciting food destinations.

Day 10: Visit Achill Island by Bike

Day 10: Visit Achill Island by Bike

Set off on a self-guided e-bike adventure to Achill Island, Ireland's largest island, connected to the mainland by bridge. After a shuttle transfer to the start of the Great Western Greenway, cycle back toward Westport along this scenic, traffic-free trail, passing dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and sweeping mountain views along the way.

Day 11: Kilkenny City Group Boat Trip and Ghost Tour on the evening

Day 11: Kilkenny City Group Boat Trip and Ghost Tour on the evening

Discover Kilkenny from the water on a relaxed group boat trip along the River Nore, taking in views of the city's medieval architecture from a peaceful new angle. As night falls, uncover Kilkenny's darker side on an evening ghost tour through its atmospheric streets, hearing tales of the city's haunted past from a local guide.

Day 12: Visit of Malahide Castle and Gardens

Day 12: Visit of Malahide Castle and Gardens

Wrap up your Irish adventure with a visit to Malahide Castle, one of Ireland's oldest castles, home to the Talbot family for nearly 800 years. Explore its grand rooms filled with period furniture and portraits, then wander the surrounding gardens, home to an extensive collection of rare plants and trees, before your final transfer to Dublin Airport.

Services

Included:

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

Excluded:

  • flights

Receive a free quote from your local travel agency within 48 hours by e-mail. No obligation to purchase.

Exterior view of Temple Bar pub in Dublin, Ireland, on a girls trip through Ireland
Claire Monfray

Claire Monfray

Travel Planner

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