14 Day Irish Self-Drive

Overview

Carroll’s Tours offer a unique “Off the Beaten Trail” 14 Day Irish Self-Drive road trip. Take the road less travelled, enjoy the breath taking scenery waiting for you to discover, explore and enjoy. This road trip take a a broad sweep from Dublin through Tyrone to the North Coast. Explore the Game of Thrones landscape of the Causeway coast. In Donegal you scale the highest cliffs in Europe on Sliabh League. Feel the ancient beating heart of Ireland’s Wild Queen Maeve in Sligo. Drive on roads hugging the Wild Atlantic Way. Stop to view the bewitched mist shrouded landscape. Explore the lonely ruins and discover stirring tales long past. Stroll into Bars and you will discover a friendly people making room for you. Take the roads that inspire and help you loose yourself on this unique 14 Day Irish Self-Drive road trip.

On this lively road trip experience cities and towns full of good food, fine company, and drink. So, take thistwo week self-drive with a partner, some friends or family and go discover yourself!
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From: €1,350 per person

Description of Self-Drive

Day 1: Arrival – Dublin

Transfer to City
Check In to your accommodation
Enjoy an open top bus tour of Ireland’s capital city
In the afternoon, take unique Walking Tour of Medieval Dublin and discover Dublin City
Enjoy the Temple Bar Area with its marvellous bars like The Palace Bar and Oliver St John Gogarthy’s
Sample Dublin’s fantastic restaurant culture like Pichet or The Church
Explore Dublin’s rich Music, Whiskey and Beer Heritage

Day 2: Dublin – Carlingford

Early Breakfast and start
Collect Car-Hire from City Centre Depot
Head out Newgrange and discovery the Bru na Boinne UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Lunch in town of Trim and afterwards explore Trim Castle
Take the short trip to the Hill of Tara, the seat of the Ancient High Kings of Ireland
While on Tara discovery the Holy wells and Fairy Raggy Trees still in use by Irish people today
Head north to see two Irish hidden gems
First hidden gem is at Faughert where lies the grave of the High King Edward de Bruce
Second gem is mighty Castle Roche perched on rocky plateau guarding the Gap of the North
Head into the medieval town of Carlingford, set at the foot of the stunning Cooley mountains
Check In, freshen up and head out to Dinner
After dinner a great evening enjoying the splendid local bars

Day 3: Carlingford – Ballintoy

After early start head to Armagh City
Passing under Sliabh Gullion and green rolling hills of Armagh
Stop in Armagh City and visit St Patrick’s Cathedral
From Armagh City there is a short drive to Emain Macha (Navan Fort) ancient seat of the Kings of Ulster and the Knights of the Red Branch
Staring out from Emain Macha you will see a timeless landscape one that has not changed much
Head up across to Belturbet and on to the mysterious Beaghmore Stone Circle
Take a break and lunch in Dungannon
Heading north to Antrim passing beautiful still Lough Neagh Ireland’s largest lake
Another short stop at the iconic Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones)
Finally a welcome meal and rest in the lively Fullerton Arms
Still time to head up to nearby majestic Dunluce Castle
Check in for a wonderful evening in the Fullerton Arms, enjoy a meal and Trad session in Fullertons

Day 4: Derry – Inishowen

A busy day ahead, early breakfast and early start
Take the Causeway coast, start with the inspiring nerve tingling Carrick-a-reade rope bridge
Travel to the Giants Causeway, stop for coffee and visit to Bushmills Distillery
Onto to Magilligan for a short ferry ride to Inishowen Penninsular
Relax for lunch in Buncrana and head up to majestic Malin Head, taking the Inishowen looop
Stop’s on Inishowen at Burt Castle, Malin Head and the spectacular drive over the Mamore Gap
Head back to Londonderry (Derry) City for check in and dinner
Enjoy a short spin, a short hike up to the ancient hilltop fort of An Grianan of Aileach, for stunning views
Back into Derry for an evening of music in the Sandino Bar

Day 5: Donegal – Sliabh League

Day 5 is the longest drive but this is a stunning road trip
An early breakfast and start as you take to the road
Drive south through the beautiful awe inspiring Gleanveagh National Park
The road winds underneath the towering Errigal peak and on through the beautiful Highlands of Donegal
Take the road over the Barnesmore gap stop at the spot where the Northern Clans gathered to defend their land long ago
Head through the Glenties and lunch in Teelin Village
Check into the wonderful Rusty Mackeral and hike up to Sliabh League
This stunning cliff walk takes you to the top of the majestic soaring Sliabh League Cliffs – highest in Europe
Back down to Teelin for a beautiful dinner, entertaining trad session
Finally a bed in the oddly named but unforgettable Rusty Mackeral Inn

Day 6: Westport – Downpatrick Head

Nice early breakfast and stunning road trip ahead
Driving south you pass under one of Ireland’s most iconic mountains, Benbulben
Heading towards Sligo, take a short stop at the fairy like Classiebawn Castle
Climb nearby majestic Knocknarea to pay homage to ruthless Queen Meave and enjoy the stunning views
Take the coastal road to Westport, through stunning Mullaghmore
The coastal road from Sligo to Westport is the finest drive in Ireland
Stop at beautiful Downpatrick Head, where you will see the power of the Wild Atlantic in full rage
Drive on through the boglands of Bangor Erris and head south to Achill Island
Stop at Kildavent Castle coastal fort of fearsome Pirate Clan Leader Grainne Mhaol (Grace O’Malley)
Grainne her fleet of 12 galleys raided the Wild Atlantic Way
Finally arrive in Westport, check in, freshen up and chill in Westport
Enjoy Dinner in anyone of the many restaurants, and afterwards have a drink in Westport’s renowned bars

Day 7: Galway City – Connemara

After Breakfast you head out from Westport to Galway City
Driving along the coast of Clew bay you take a first stop is Murrisk Abbey
Murrisk Abbey lies at the foot of Ireland’s holy mountain Croagh Patrick
Heading to Louisburgh you divert to walk one of the hidden gems of the Wild Atlantic Way, Killadoon Beach
From Killadoon you take the “must see” Doolough Drive, stop and take in the stunning views
Drive to Letterfrack, hike up Diamond Hill and gaze out over the beautiful Connemara scenery
Going east the raod takes you to beautiful Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
From Kylemore you take the road through Maam Cross to the mighty fortress of Aughnanure Castle
This road takes you through Connemara’s beautiful landscape, make sure you stop and enjoy the views
Finally you arrive in Galway City, check in and lunch
Galway City is a great place to chill out, it is a vibrant young city, known as Ireland’s cultural capitol
Browse and the many shops as you relax walking these cobbled medieval streets
Enjoy the street theatre, the buskers, and browse the market stalls on Eyre Square
Enjoy dinner in the many restaurants in the Spanish Arch Quarter
Relax and enjoy the Trad sessions held nightly in any one of these bars, An Pucan, Taylors and the Garavan

Day 8: Burren – Cliffs of Moher

Breakfast early and take the coastal road to Clare
Stop at Dunaguire Castle for a nice photo or two
Head into Clare, and into this wild strange landscape of bare exposed rock
This is the Burren an area of special conservation and outstanding beauty
Drive across undulating hills of stone, through tiny colourful thriving villages
Tempting lovely restaurants, cafes and bars offer food, drink and entertainment to suit all tastes
Taking the coastal route route through Ballyvaughan, Blackhead and Fanore you arrive in the tiny fishing port of Doolin
Doolin nestles at the foot of Cliffs of Moher
After a hearty lunch head up the cliff path for majestic views of the Wild Atlantic
Head up to the stunning Cliffs of Moher and observe this beautiful experience, wait for sunset for something truly special
Head down to Doolin for a terrific wonderful meal in the many local restaurants
Sit back and enjoy an evening in legendary Gus O’Connors bar

Day 9: Doolin – Inishere

Early rise for a day unlike any other
Take a short walk down to Doolin Pier and board the ferry for Inishere, smallest of the Aran Islands
The ferry sails out into the Atlantic passing underneath the majestic Cliffs of Moher
You will catch glimpses of dolphins and whales as you head out to Inishere smallest of the Aran Islands
From the pier head up to Rory’s Bar for a lovely lunch
Hire bikes and ride up to O’Briens Castle and the iconic shipwreck of the ill-fated Plessey Ship
Head to the weaving factory and shop, browse the local crafts including famous Aran Sweaters
From any where on this small Island are stunning spectacular views
Finally back to Doolin for dinner and a relaxing evening in one of the many bars

Day 10: Dingle – Slea Head

From Clare over the Killimer to Tarbart car ferry into Kerry affectionately known as the Kingdom! Head south to Tralee and on out to Dingle. This finger of land called dingle is a place of stunning beauty, around Brandon head for heart stopping roads head up over the soaring Connor Pass and stop and touch the sky! Head down into the small fishing town of Dingle! After check in and lunch take the majestic Slea Head Drive, stop at Dun Chaoin and walk out to Sybil Head and hear its tragic tale. Take a view of the far off skelligs and distant Iveragh with its tall peaks shrouded in cloud. Take the plunge in the awesome beach of Ventry and refreshed head back to Dingle. For a beautiful night in this lively town enjoy food, drink and craic!

Day 11: Dingle – Night Kayak

Late rise and delicious breakfast, today you park the car take a day browsing this small town
Artisan craft pottery, galleries, music, hand-made ice creams, chocolates and a visit to Dingle Distillery
Take a boat trip out to see Funge the resident Dingle Dolphin who has made Dingle his home
In the evening well before the sunsets time to take to the water yourself in a Night Time Kayak tour
As darkness descends as you sit on the sea, watch as the sea comes to life in the moonlight
Head back into the town for dinner and another evening of delight!

Day 12: Bantry – Mizen Head

Leave Dingle behind and head to the beautiful town of Kenmare
Drive on to Ailihies and Eyeries Village two tiny very remote villages which are a joy to behold
These villages neatle in stunning landscapes connected by breathtaking coastal roads
Head on to Mizen Head Irelands most easterly headland
Take the iron bridge over the raging Atlantic and into the Lighthouse and visitor centre for a coffee
Mizen Head views are amongst the most beautiful views on earth
Drive south to Dunbeg Stone Circle lay a coin as a votive offering
Finally on to Bantry for Check In
Later enjoy Dinner locally and Bantry’s bars are renowned places of entertainment

Day 13: Kilkenny – Rock of Cashel

After Breakfast a long drive today!
From Bantry head northeast through Kanturk and over Cork and Kerry Mountains.
Take the Healy pass for a wonderful drive over the mountains
Decend into green valleys and rich pastures of Ireland’s Golden Vale
Head to one of Ireland’s great tourist attractions The Rock of Cashel – ancient seat of the Kings of Munster for over 700 years
Make some time to explore the Rock of Cashel, relax and browse the ancient towers and turrets, castle and cathedral
From Cashel head towards Kilkenny stopping for lunch in Medieval Clonmel
The road takes you to beautiful Jerpoint Abbey build by the Kings chief Herald William Marshall and his stunning Irish wife Isabella
Before you enter Medieval Kilkenny take a stop at the dark sinister Dunmore caves. The Vikings massacred 1000 people sheltering in the caves around 10,000 ad
On into Kilkenny for coffee and check-in
A short walk to Kilkenny Castle and the Smithwicks Brewery Experience
Finally enjoy an evening meal in The Alice Kyeteler Inn haunt of the witch Alice
Enjoy a truly relaxing evening in this beautiful town

Day 14: Dublin – Farewell!

An early start and a short drive to Dublin
On arrival in Dublin check in and drop off car hire at city centre depot
Enjoy lunch in one of Dublin’s iconic pubs like Sweetman’s or Doyle’s of College Street
Today is all about relaxation, after lunch head to Trinity College to view the Book of Kells and be amazed by the Long Room Library
Afterwards a visit to Powerscourt Townhouse for a unique shopping experience
A last dinner in Ireland would be complete in The Pichet Restaurant
A final farewell drink in the many bars nearby
Time to say farewell to the emerald isle!

14 Day Irish Self-Drive Package Includes:

Airport Meet and Greet, Tour Pack
14 Guesthouse/3 Star Accommodation (Bed & Breakfast)
12 Lunches and 1 Special Dinner
Pre-paid/Free Activity and Heritage Entrance: Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel, Jameson Midleton Distillery Whiskey Experience, Ross Castle, Night Kayaking, Mizen Head, Adare Castle and Abbey, Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, Westport House, Donegal Castle, Glenveagh National Park, Causeway Coast including Dunluce Castle and Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dark Hedges, Belfast Titanic Experience, Newgrange, Trim Castle, Dublin Walking Tour, Guinness Storehouse
Customer Care and Personalised Attention 24/7

Note for detailed Terms and Conditions just click this link