10-Nights Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip - Road Trips from $1,722
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1723303
Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks, Rural Charm Discover Ireland’s wild coasts and ancient landscapes on this independent self-drive holiday, with scenic detours and cosy towns from Sligo to Kerry and back to Dublin.
Trip Overview:
Discover Ireland’s wild coasts and ancient landscapes on this independent self-drive holiday, with scenic detours and cosy towns from Sligo to Kerry and back to Dublin.
Highlights:
- Begin in Dublin, exploring its medieval roots, Georgian charm and vibrant city streets.
- Follow the Wild Atlantic Way through Sligo and Donegal’s cliffs, bays and literary landscapes.
- Uncover ancient history at Mayo’s Céide Fields and enjoy the charm of Westport and Achill Island.
- Cruise Connemara’s fjord, visit Kylemore Abbey, and gaze over the Burren and Cliffs of Moher.
- Journey through Dingle and the Ring of Kerry before returning to Dublin via Cork and the Rock of Cashel.
Included Services:
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Dublin
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Sligo
- 2 nights moderate accommodation in County Mayo
- 1 night premium accommodation in Galway
- 1 night premium accommodation in County Clare
- 2 nights moderate accommodation in County Kerry
- 11-day vehicle rental with CDW, mileage, VAT, GPS with one driver (F Category - Mazda 3 Automatic or similar)
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
10 nights from $1,722 per person
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin
Welcome to Dublin Airport. After picking up your car rental transfer into Dublin city. Depending on your arrival time, spend some time exploring the historic capital city.
The original castle was built during the medieval period, which forms a significant part of the city’s history from its establishment by the Vikings at the end of the 9th century, through the splendor of the Georgian period and on to the conflicts of the War of Independence and the Civil War.
Overnight in Dublin.
Hotel: Green Isle Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Green Isle Hotel is conveniently located in Newlands Cross, just off the N7 Naas Road in Clondalkin. One of the top Dublin Hotels, the Green Isle is located just 5 minutes from the Red Cow Luas Depot, enabling visitors to easily navigate their way around Dublin. It is also just 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, making it the perfect stop before an early flight.
Day 2: Journey West to Sligo & Donegal
Depart for the West of Ireland and Wild Atlantic Way route. Travel to Sligo, also known as Yeats Country as the scenery inspired many of the great works of W.B. Yeats, the Nobel Prize winning Irish writer. Sligo is famed for its beaches and surfing at places such as Strandhill and Mullaghmore. You could indulge yourself by taking a rejuvenating traditional seaweed bath.
Overnight in County Sligo/County Donegal.
Hotel: Clayton Hotel Sligo (4 Star Rating)
A really unique property offering superb amenities. Sligo is the gateway city for the North West of Ireland. Situated just 2 hours from Dublin, Sligo can be reached easily via N4, N15 and N16 national routes. With 315 generously proportioned bedrooms and hotel Suites it is one of the largest hotels in Ireland. All rooms also contain mini bar, safe, black out curtains, full size hair dryer and full size iron/board, interactive TV and free broadband.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3: Discover Slieve League & Sligo’s Scenic Coast
Discover the magnificent cliffs at Slieve League amongst the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Traveling from Sligo via Donegal town and Killybegs, the home of Ireland's largest fishing fleet and continue to the village of Carrick. Make the easy climb to the top of Knocknarea mountain to view Queen Maebh's Cairn, the legendary chieftain Queen of Connemara and enjoy the view over Sligo Bay and the mountains and lakes of this beautiful county.
Overnight in County Sligo/County Donegal.
Hotel: Clayton Hotel Sligo (4 Star Rating)
A really unique property offering superb amenities. Sligo is the gateway city for the North West of Ireland. Situated just 2 hours from Dublin, Sligo can be reached easily via N4, N15 and N16 national routes. With 315 generously proportioned bedrooms and hotel Suites it is one of the largest hotels in Ireland. All rooms also contain mini bar, safe, black out curtains, full size hair dryer and full size iron/board, interactive TV and free broadband.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4: Ancient Landscapes of County Mayo
Today, explore the Ceide Fields at Ballycastle, the largest Stone Age monument and the oldest known field systems in the world.
Continue via Newport town famous for both its freshwater fishing and Sea angling. The town is now situated in the heart of the 42km Great Western Greenway, the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland.
This particular B and B (Ave Maria Farmhouse) is located on the border of Counties Mayo and Sligo.
Overnight in Mayo/Connemara.
Hotel: Ave Maria Farmhouse (3 Star Rating)
A genuine Irish welcome awaits guests of Ave Maria Farmhouse, County Sligo. A delightful, family-run dairy farm, guests are treated to fresh tea/coffee and delicious home baking on arrival. With a sumptuous breakfast menu, including the farm's own produced meats, guests will be ready to take on the exceptional Sligo scenery. Beautiful beaches, lively pubs and great restaurants are just 1km from the house, and the pretty village of Templeboy is also just 5km away. Ave Maria Farmhouse is a working dairy farm. Your host Mr. Mulligan will show guests around the farm where they can see cows being milked (about 700 cows!) - all year around. Also at certain times of the year if guests are lucky enough they will get the chance to see the cows calving.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5: Explore Achill Island & Westport
Take time out to explore the island of Achill, cross the road bridge to experience many outdoor activities from hillwalking to fishing and angling.
Discover the small charming Heritage town of Westport, It has delightful Georgian streetscapes and stone bridges over the Carrowbeg River. On the edge of the town, you can visit Westport House and Country Park where there are activities for all the family.
This particular B and B (Ave Maria Farmhouse) is located on the border of Counties Mayo and Sligo.
Overnight in Mayo/Connemara.
Hotel: Ave Maria Farmhouse (3 Star Rating)
A genuine Irish welcome awaits guests of Ave Maria Farmhouse, County Sligo. A delightful, family-run dairy farm, guests are treated to fresh tea/coffee and delicious home baking on arrival. With a sumptuous breakfast menu, including the farm's own produced meats, guests will be ready to take on the exceptional Sligo scenery. Beautiful beaches, lively pubs and great restaurants are just 1km from the house, and the pretty village of Templeboy is also just 5km away. Ave Maria Farmhouse is a working dairy farm. Your host Mr. Mulligan will show guests around the farm where they can see cows being milked (about 700 cows!) - all year around. Also at certain times of the year if guests are lucky enough they will get the chance to see the cows calving.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6: Connemara, Kylemore Abbey & Galway
Travel South to see the beauty of Connemara. Take a spectacular cruise along Ireland’s only fjord aboard Killary Cruises.
Continue to Clifden and stop off at Kylemore Abbey, set in a dramatic landscape. Enjoy a walk on the unique tidal island of Omey accessible on foot or even by car two hours before low water & high water (check tides beforehand on sailing.ie).
Continue to the fishing village of Roundstone to sample some locally caught Lobster or crab. While there, check out Ireland’s foremost Bodhran maker, Malachy Kearns, at Roundstones Musical instruments and learn about the art of creating this unique traditional Irish instrument.
Overnight in County Galway.
Hotel: Clayton Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Conveniently near the airport, Clayton Hotel Galway is in Galway (Ballybrit), close to Galway Race Course, Galway Clinic Private Hospital, and Merlin Park Hospital. Also nearby are Merlin Woods Park and Cooper's Hill Livery. Relax at this Galway hotel in one of our contemporary and chic bedrooms and enjoy the comfort of a pillow topped mattress, complete with crisp white linen, fluffy duvets and comfy pillows.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7: Galway, the Burren & Cliffs of Moher
This morning, take to the streets of the City of the Tribes, Galway, then travel to County Clare and along the Black Head coastal route and discover the unique lunar-like landscape of the Burren.
Continue to the world famous Cliffs of Moher.
Overnight in County Clare.
Hotel: Treacy Oakwood Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Treacys Oakwood Hotel, Shannon is a newly refurbished hotel located 2 miles from Shannon Airport. It is centrally located to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and just a quick drive from Limerick City. The hotel is just 1 minute away from the M18 motorway and near many local golf courses.
Treacys Oakwood Hotel is located near the Shannon Business District and is well equipped to facilitate your every business need with 100Mb broadband throughout the hotel. We provide complimentary car parking and WiFi for our Hotel guests.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8: Journey to Kerry via the Dingle Peninsula
Take the 20 minute Shannon Car ferry ride from Killimer to Tarbert and cross one of Europe’s longest and deepest estuaries. Continue to Tralee and Dingle Peninsula where you will find some of the finest coastal scenery in Ireland, its road passes through a chain of Mountains, called Slieve Mish. Dingle town itself is a thriving fishing town and offers plenty of opportunity for shopping or simply savoring the atmosphere of a typical country Irish town.
From Dingle, drive around the coast to SleaHead. Here, the blue of the marine landscape surrounds the Blaskets Islands, deserted since 1953. Near Ballyferriter on Slea Head, try your hand at throwing pottery at the workshop of the famous pottery maker Louis Mulcahy.
Overnight in County Kerry.
Hotel: Salmon Leap Farm (3 Star Rating)
Enjoy the rustic charm of an historic 200-year-old farmhouse in a scenic valley location, at Salmon Leap Farm. In the O'Donoghue family for many generations, it has operated as a bed and breakfast since 1963 and sits upon a Christian burial ground dated back to 800 AD. Just 14km from Killarney, guests can avail of private parking, power showers and the hosts' excellent local knowledge. A superb touring base for the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, guests are offered guided walks of the Killarney area, suited to both beginners and more experienced walkers.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9: Explore the Ring of Kerry
Travelling along the Ring of Kerry stop off at Valentia Island where you can visit the Skellig Experience, a heritage centre dedicated to life on the Skellig islands. The Skellig Islands are found 12 km off the coast of Kerry. The larger Island, Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a monastic site occupied from the 6th until the 12th century. Boat trips to see Skellig Michael depart from the nearby harbour.
Further on the Ring of Kerry route, you will find Derrynane House home of Catholic emancipator Daniel O'Connell. Kenmare is the next stop, an attractive town associated with the Lace industry in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Overnight in County Kerry.
Hotel: Salmon Leap Farm (3 Star Rating)
Enjoy the rustic charm of an historic 200-year-old farmhouse in a scenic valley location, at Salmon Leap Farm. In the O'Donoghue family for many generations, it has operated as a bed and breakfast since 1963 and sits upon a Christian burial ground dated back to 800 AD. Just 14km from Killarney, guests can avail of private parking, power showers and the hosts' excellent local knowledge. A superb touring base for the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, guests are offered guided walks of the Killarney area, suited to both beginners and more experienced walkers.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10: Cork, the Rock of Cashel & Dublin
This morning, visit the famous Victorian English market in Cork City. Before departing why not ring the world famous Shandon Bells in the tower of St Anne’s Church. Stop in Cashel town to visit the famous Rock of Cashel which towers over the town from its perch on a 200-foot high outcrop of limestone.
Continue to Dublin for the last evening of your tour.
Overnight in Dublin.
Hotel: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel (5 Star Rating)
Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, is an 18th Century 4 Star Castle Hotel, offering stylish surroundings, friendly personal service and tranquility within breathtaking surroundings overlooking Dublin Bay. Located in the South Dublin suburb of Killiney 14km from Dublin's city center, the castle is easily accessed from Laogaire Ferry Port and Dublin Airport.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11: Depart Dublin
Slan Abhaile. Transfer to the airport and take your flight back home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands. Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital. Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers. The mighty Shannon, delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, traditional pubs.
Photo used with permission
from Joe Desbonnet, www.galway.net
Excursions
Inishmore, Aran Islands - 8 hours Full Day
Inishmore, Aran Islands - 8 hours Full Day
On the very edge of Europe, is an Island rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology and in its long tradition of gentle hospitality. Here is a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic Ireland, to touch the past, but with all the comforts and facilities of the present. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. This is an island of great peace and tranquility, but it is also an island of great fun and activity. A timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people.
This morning we will depart from Galway and take a ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three islands, the other islands being Inishmaan and Inisheer. The Islands are located off the West Coast of Galway about 18km out from Rossaveal Harbour in Connemara. Inishmore is approx. 13km long, and contains 3,092 ha. with a native population of about 900. Kilronan the chief center and port.
Landing in Kilronan on Inishmore, you are met by your driver in a horse drawn buggy for a guided tour of the Island and visiting one of its more impressive stone forts called Dun Aonghasa. It is semi-circular structure, resting on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 meters out of the ocean. The fort consists of an inner court 50 meters across surrounded by a wall six meters high and five meters thick at the base.
Visit the Aran Islands Interpretative Centre which highlights the unique history, spirit and landscapes of the Aran Islands. The center details the geology, history and present lifestyle of the islands. See how the legendary currachs, those open-topped, often tar-coated, boats that skim over the waves, are made. Also on display are details of the fish species off the islands and how the islanders have long used seaweed to create patches of soil that could be cultivated for crops, in between the dry stone walls that crisscross the islands and divide its tiny fields. The islands' other craft traditions, including weaving of the famous Aran sweaters, are also documented.
Duration: 8 hours
Included:
Enjoy a pub lunch on Inishmore
Departing the island by ferry you return to Galway City.
Note: it is also possible to fly to Inishmore.
Pricing: Please inquire
The county has charming picturesque towns and tiny atlantic fishing villages, bustling market towns and the Marian Shrine at Knock. Natural amenities abound - Bountiful rivers and lakes, islands of all shapes and sizes and a long complex coastline ranging from jagged sea sculptures and majestic cliffs to safe golden strands and hidden coves. If it's scenery you're after, we've got it all.
For the sports minded Mayo is a paradise. Sea, lake and river fishing, watersports, equestrian pursuits, golf (links and parkland), hill & trail walking...the list is endless. Then of course, there's Mayo's people and culture. Traditional pubs spilling over with Irish Music. Welcoming faces with friendly smiles and a hint of mischevious wit brimming beneath the surface. It's all waiting for you.
Sligo is a beautiful county with a long Atlantic coastline, unspoilt countryside, mountains, lakes and countless other natural attributes to be seen. One of the world's most famous poets, and Sligo's adopted literary son, W.B. Yeats was inspired by the breathtaking landscape that abounds around Sligo, which prompted much of his poetry and his famous refrain - "Sligo, land of heart's desire".
The Regional Arts Centre houses a collection of J.B.Yeats paintings (brother of W.B Yeats) among other works of interest. Sligo hosts the International Yeats Summer School, an International Choral Festival, and a comtempary music festival to name but a few.
Sligo offers an excellent quality of life, with a wide range of sport and recreational facilities available. The Regional Sports Centre offers various pitches, indoor basketball courts, badminton, tennis, indoor soccer, a gymnasium and weights room, and a superb swimming pool. Championship golf courses compliment Sligo's extraordinary array of out door amenities. For the more energetic there are well developed GAA, Soccer and Rugby complexes. Other pursuits within the greater Sligo area include water-skiing, world class surfing, sailing, scuba-diving, sea and fresh water fishing, canoeing and mountaineering. Sligo Airport also hosts one of Ireland's most active flying clubs.
Sligo boasts a very vibrant nightlife, with a selection of nightclubs, live entertainment theatres and cultural attractions that offer variety and opportunity to meet all tastes.
Excursions
Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours
Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours
Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.
Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.
Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.
Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.
Highlights:
- Admire the grandeur of St Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels
- Pour yourself a pint of Ireland’s finest at the Guinness Storehouse to discover the country’s most famous export
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by Mercedes E-class or similar for 1 and 2 passengers, VW Caravelle (7 passenger seats) or similar for 3 and 4 passengers and 12-seater or similar for 5 and 6 passengers.
- Expert local guide for 8 hours of sightseeing in Dublin
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
- Supplement for public holidays
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the "inclusions" list above
Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour
Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour
Upon arrival in Dublin Port, you will meet with your private driver/guide and transfer directly to Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co. Wicklow
This stunning 18th Century Stately home comprises 
extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House. There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine. The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle . Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767. This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer. Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.
Upon your return from Powerscourt Estate, your private driver guide will take you on your tour of Dublin City.
Whilst Dublin is a vibrant and bustling city, by European standards it is a small city with a population of just over 1 million people. Much of Dublin’s streetscapes are adorned with beautiful 18th century townhouses and a
number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Following the city tour, your driver will return you to your ship.
Inclusions
- Private Driver Guide
- Entrance to Powerscourt House & Gardens
- Lunch
Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours
Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours
Disembark for a city adventure this morning accompanied by your expert guide and driver. Your tour of Dublin begins with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland's oldest university. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Here you will see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century. Continue to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of 'Gulliver's Travels', who became Dean of St. Patrick's in 1713. Afterwards you are transferred back to port.
Highlights:
- See the world-famous Book of Kells, a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination
- Continue to St Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and home of a memorial to the writer Jonathan Swift
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local driver-guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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