Driving Tours in Ireland

Explore at your own pace and cover more ground in a shorter span of time on a driving tour of Ireland. Our expertly designed itineraries take you from region to region through villages, National Parks, historic sites and along the most scenic routes imaginable.

Explore at your own pace and cover more ground in a shorter span of time on a self-drive tour of Ireland. Our expertly designed itineraries take you from region to region through villages, National Parks, historic sites and along the most scenic routes imaginable.

Can’t chose between the Dingle Peninsula and the Cliffs of Moher? No problem. Looking for a nice mix of landscapes, popular attractions and hidden gems? We’ve got you!

While most road trippers tend to visit between April and September – when we have the most daylight hours – an Ireland driving tour can be planned for any time of year.

All of our driving tours include a great selection of rental cars to accommodate groups of all sizes, and nightly ensuite room in carefully curated accommodations with breakfast. Our travelers also enjoy:

  • Personalised day-to-day road book with route suggestions

  • Recommended daily points of interest, experiences and dining options

  • 24-hour phone support

  • Dedicated holiday specialist to help with planning 

How We Roll

Below, we have included two sample Ireland self-drive tours for your reference: a Northern Ireland 8-Day route and a Southern Ireland 8-Day route.

Keep in mind, these tours can be customised according to your interests, preferences and schedule! We can arrange special guided day tours, outdoor recreation or castle hotel stays. We can extend your trip to 14 nights or shorten it to five. However you’d like to explore Ireland, we can create the perfect holiday for you.

Lodging Example Ireland Walk Hike Bike
Guest Room Ireland Walk Hike Bike
Where to Lay Your Head
Check into one of many charming bed-and-breakfasts or guesthouses for an affordable and traditional Irish stay. Found in most small towns and villages, these cozy inns epitomize “céad míle fáilte” – land of “a hundred thousand welcomes” – with outstanding personal service and warm Irish hospitality. Start your day with a hearty breakfast before exploring the tranquil countryside, historic sites and nearby villages. At night, unwind by a roaring fire, warm drink and a freshly baked treat.
 
In our larger towns and cities, there’s no shortage of excellent hotels ranging from three to five stars. Hotels vary in size, comfort level and amenities, and we work only with quality properties with excellent service.
 

If you’re looking to experience the ultimate in historical opulence, treat yourself to a night or two at one of Ireland’s Castles or Manor Houses. Often set on expansive acreage, these impressive former homes feature lavishly furnished staterooms replete with antiques and treasured artwork, polished chandeliers, marble fireplaces, sophisticated cuisine, spa services, manicured gardens, and activities such as walking trails, horse riding, golf, fishing and fish-smoking.

DURATION  7 nights stay / 8 days

Experience the highlights and sights of the North and West Coasts.

Savour the magic of Ireland’s north on our 8-day Northern Ireland Self-Drive Tour. In this itinerary, we’ve combined the must-see urban experiences of Dublin and famed Belfast with the picturesque National Parks of Connemara and Glenveagh, breathtakingly scenic views along the Atlantic Way and atmospheric villages like Westport and bohemian Galway.

Enjoy quality boutique accommodations with breakfast, 24/7 phone support, multiple vehicle options, personalised daily road book with daily route suggestions, points of interest and dining recommendations. A dedicated Irish holiday specialist assists you with planning from start to finish. You’ll be ready for your Ireland road trip in no time!

  • Ancient streets, food, drink and vibrant music scene of Dublin
  • Beautiful Connemara National Park
  • Stunning views from Inishowen Peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site of Giant’s Causeway and the Antrim Coast
  • Belfast, famous for the Titanic and iconic scenes from Game of Thrones

DURATION  7 nights stay / 8 days

Experience the highlights and sights of the South and West Coast.

Explore the magic of Ireland’s southern region on this 8-day self-drive adventure, starting with a pint of Guinness in Dublin. Dive into the Emerald Isle’s kingly past with a visit to the Rock of Cashel, spend two nights in the famous heritage village of Killarney, and drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to explore the spectacular Dingle Peninsula. Cap off your trip with a trek to the majestic Cliffs of Moher before returning to the capital.

Enjoy quality boutique accommodations with breakfast, 24/7 phone support, multiple vehicle options, personalised daily road book with daily route suggestions, points of interest and dining recommendations. A dedicated Irish holiday specialist assists you with planning from start to finish. You’ll be ready for your Ireland road trip in no time!

  • The breathtaking Ring of Kerry & idyllic scenery of Killarney
  • The ancient streets of Dublin and its famous pubs and music scene
  • Cork, the culinary capital of Ireland, and the lively and colorful city of Galway
  • The vast and beautiful Cliffs of Moher
Ireland Self-Drive Tour with Hiking
Ireland Self-Drive Tour plus Cycling

Self-Drive Tour, with a side of adventure

Combine your Ireland road trip with a multi-day hiking tour or self-guided cycling tour for a comprehensive Irish holiday experience with two different perspectives! Choose a self-guided Ireland adventure to maintain flexibility and independence. Enjoy the ease and convenience of our personalized GPS Travel App with tour details and Ireland maps, along with 24-hour phone support. Or, join a guided Ireland hiking tour and explore with other like-minded travelers for a more interactive and social experience. Just show up, unplug and relax as a local Irish guide, storyteller and historian offers an insider’s perspective, fascinating stories, and takes care of timing, schedule and pace.

Design Your Custom Road Trip

With over 30 years of experience arranging custom tours in Ireland, we can design and tailor a self-drive experience for any age and group size to reflect your interests, timeframe, lodging preferences and must-sees. Simply tell us what kind of holiday you want and we will make it happen! We are here to guarantee you have an experience of a lifetime.

To start, take our Custom Ireland Driving Tour Quiz to start designing your road trip. Be sure to provide as many details as possible to ensure the very best bespoke Ireland road trip!

 

“I would definitely recommend to all of our family and friends! Such an easy, stress-free way to travel. They took the hassle out of planning each and every single day, but the itinerary gave us the flexibility to go with our own flow too. As we traveled from town to town we never had to worry about finding a good place to stay, a good meal, or finding something to do. Exceptional communication throughout the trip too just to check in with us or answer questions if we had them.” –CASSANDRA

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