Wild Atlantic Way Self-Drive: Dublin, Donegal, Galway & More

Arrive at the Dublin Airport and pick up a rental car. Drive to your hotel in Dublin, and if time permits explore some of this capital city.

Overnight in Dublin at the Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross (or similar).

Today, you will depart your hotel after breakfast and head out for the west coast. You will join the Wild Atlantic Way route in the North West. Experience the scenery that inspired Nobel Prize winner W.B Yeats' work. Visit Parke's Castle where you can depart on an optional cruise on Lough Gill. The beaches and surfing in this area are a famous attraction, alternatively you may want a traditional seaweed bath at Strandhill's Voya Seaweed Baths.

Spend the next two nights in Sligo at the Clarion Hotel (or similar).

Today is the day to discover the cliffs at Slieve League that are amongst the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Drive through Donegal town and Killybegs to Carrick. From the Slieve League visitor centre you can walk to the cliffs or take a shuttle. You may want to see them from the sea instead, so take a cruise on the Nuala Star boat. Near Sligo is the Drumcliffe Churchyard, the burial site of Yeats. You can climb the Knocknarea Mountain to view Queen Maebh's Cairn and a beautiful vista over Sligo Bay.

After breakfast, you will head further west to the Ceide Fields at Ballycastle, the largest Stone Age monument in the world, set in the prehistoric landscape of a bog, coastline and cliffs. Displays and walking tours display the lives of the prehistoric people, their society and beliefs. Continue to Newport town famous for its freshwater fishing and its location in the center of the longest off-road walking and cycling trial in Ireland.

Spend the next two nights in Mayo at a bed and breakfast.

Cross the road bridge to Achill Island for a variety of potential outdoor activities. The island offers horseback riding, fishing, windsurfing, surfing, scuba diving and hiking. A driving tour of the island will lead you past magnificent scenery and a deserted village abandoned in the early 20th century. You can cycle along the Greenway route from Achill to Westport town. The small heritage town is charming with narrow Georgian streets and stone bridges. Why not visit the Westport House or the famed Matt Malloys pub!?

Today, you will travel through Leenane to Connemara, bogs, lakes and a Gaelic speaking community in the south, and the Twelve Bens of the north. Just outside Leenane you can take a cruise along Ireland's only fjord. Continue to Clifden and Kylemore Abbey set in a dramatic landscape.

You may want to go to the unique tidal island of Omey, only accessible by foot and car 2 hours before high tide. For dinner tonight, we recommend the Connemara Smokehouse for award winning seafood, or continuing to Roundstone to sample their local lobster and crab. After dinner head to Galway City. Some nighttime entertainment can be found at the Trad on the Prom during the summer months, a well music, song, and dance show.

Overnight in Galway at Salthill Hotel (or similar).

Relax and spend the morning in Galway. Some attractions to consider are the Claddagh area, Promenade of Salthill and if you are lucky one of the many festivals held in the area. Travel to Clare in the afternoon along the Black Head coastal route where you will see the interesting landscape of Burren. If you like ice cream, stop at the Cafe Linnalla where they serve fresh daily from their shorthorn cows. Continue to the Cliffs of Moher and the Loop Head Drive famous for its lighthouse. This is also a good area to sign up for Dolphin Discovery trips.

Overnight in Clare at Temple Gate Hotel (or similar).

Start the day with a ferry ride from Killimer to Tarbert on the Shannon Car ferry. This crosses one of Europe's longest and deepest estuaries. You may want to visit Foynes Flying Boat Museum, a unique attraction in the aviation capital of the world during world war two.

Have an Irish coffee while in Foynes, as you are in its birthplace! You will pass through Tralee with its famous nature reserve on your way to the Dingle Peninsula. There are many ways to tour the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands, try a walking tour or cruise. Don't just take in the scenery. The Blasket Islanders have their own unique culture and history as well.

Overnight in Kerry at a bed and breakfast .

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

This morning, visit the famous Victorian English market in Cork on your way into Dublin. At the St. Annes Shandon, ring the Shandon bells before heading to Dublin. On the way you will pass though the Dairy capital of Ireland where you may want to stop for a bite, else a stop at the Rock of Cashel is recommended.

Continue to Dublin for your last evening on tour to enjoy dinner and a show. Some recommendations are The Irish House Party or Merry Ploughboys. Both allow for a show and optional meal.

Overnight in Dublin at Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel (or similar).

This morning, you can enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Please return your car at the airport, then you are free to continue on your onward journey.