It’s hard to get out and travel like you normally would at the moment, but that doesn’t mean there’s not beauty at home. Explore Ireland from the safety of your own car and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way. Travel all around the country and choose from our top three road trips around Ireland below.
Road Trip Around Ireland Route One
The Wild Atlantic Way
Planning a driving trip through Ireland? Check out the Wild Atlantic Way. Explore the wild west coast, starting on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, and make your way through eight different counties along the way. These include: Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork – so there’ll be plenty of varying regions for you to wander around.
Distance: 1,600 miles
Signature stops: Malin Head, Mullaghamore Head, Keem Strand, Killary Harbour, Cliffs of Moher, Blasket Sound and the Old Head of Kinsale
Activity highlight: Surfing
Road Trip Around Ireland Route Two
Ireland’s Ancient East
Thought a road trip around Ireland with eight different counties was a lot? Enter Ireland’s Ancient East. With miles of lush green landscapes and cosy little towns to explore, take a journey through history on this Irish road trip. Listen to the tales and legends that originate in these parts. Starting in Dublin, make sure to stop off at Powerscourt House and Gardens for an afternoon of elegance and wandering through the magnificent grounds. Next, you’ll travel through the Wicklow mountains to Glendalough, before arriving at Avoca village. And just a short distance away, you’ll arrive at the historic city of Waterford where you can learn all about the Vikings. On the last day, make your way to Kilkenny and lose yourself in the little independent shops dotted around the high street.
Distance: 197 miles
Signature stops: Powescourt House and Gardens, The Monastic Site and Scenic Lake of Glendalough, Sally Gap, Enniscorthy Castle, Dunbrody Famine Ship, Tintern Abbey, Waterford Greenway and Kilkenny Castle
Activity highlight: Historic tours
Road Trip Around Ireland Route Three
Causeway Coastal Route
Our final stop on our road trip around Ireland itinerary is the Causeway Coastal Route. Starting in the beautiful city of Belfast and ending in Derry, there’s so much to see along this Northern Irish road trip. Begin your adventure in Belfast and make your way up to Carnfunnock, stopping at Carrickfergus Castle and The Gobbins along the way. From here, you’ll head towards Cushendun through The Glens of Antrim – and keep an eye out for the caves as seen in Game of Thrones when you get there! Then, travel through the rugged Dark Hedges until you reach Rathlin Island and be sure to explore the jaw-dropping Giant’s Causeway while you’re there. And finally, make your way towards the last standing walled city in Ireland, Derry-Londonderry, where you’ll find plenty of fun activities to partake in!
Distance: 120 miles
Signature stops: Carrickfergus Castle, The Gobbins, Ballygally, Glenarm Castle, Glens of Antrim, Cushendun caves, Torr Head, Dark Hedges, Rathlin Island, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Magilligan Point
Activity highlight: Hiking
Found something you like the sound of in our guide to the best road trips around Ireland? Whether you’re embarking on the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East or the Causeway Coastal Route, start organising your adventure today! Just make sure you’re equipped with the best outdoor kit from our men’s outdoor clothing and women’s outdoor clothing ranges.