Self Drive Tours & Trips in Ireland

What our customers ask about Self Drive Tours & Trips in Ireland

• What are the top routes for a Self Drive tour in Ireland?

  Ireland's most rewarding Self Drive routes connect the country's rugged coastlines and historic landmarks. The Wild Atlantic Way stretches from Donegal to Cork offering dramatic ocean vistas. The Ring of Kerry provides a compact circuit through some of Ireland's most photographed landscapes while the Dingle Peninsula delivers quiet coastal charm. Popular itineraries like "Ireland's Natural Beauty" connect major attractions including the Cliffs of Moher Connemara National Park and Killarney National Park. These routes thread through both well-known sites like the Rock of Cashel and lesser-visited spots between vibrant towns like Galway and Killarney. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The route planning was excellent taking us to all the must-see spots while allowing flexibility to explore hidden gems along the way."

• What type of accommodation can I expect on an Ireland Self Drive tour?

  Accommodations on Ireland Self Drive tours range from city-center hotels to countryside B&Bs each offering distinct experiences. In Dublin travelers often stay at boutique properties like Brooks Hotel while rural areas feature family-run guesthouses that dot the Wild Atlantic Way. Killarney Lodge serves as a frequent base for exploring the national park while Galway's Park House Hotel puts guests in the heart of the city. Some tours include unique options like glamping in Killarney National Park or nights in historic properties such as Ashford Castle in County Mayo. According to a TourRadar traveler review: "The accommodations were wonderful especially the family-run B&Bs which gave us great local insights and traditional Irish hospitality."

• What's the best way to experience local culture on an Ireland Self Drive tour?

  Local culture reveals itself naturally on Ireland's backroads and in its small towns. Family-run B&Bs in places like Dingle and Westport connect travelers with hosts who share local knowledge and stories. Traditional pubs particularly in Galway's Latin Quarter host nightly music sessions where visitors mix with locals. Small towns along the Wild Atlantic Way such as Doolin and Clifden maintain strong traditions in crafts and music. Local food markets including Cork's English Market showcase regional specialties and food traditions. As one TourRadar traveler described: "The freedom of Self Drive allowed us to stop at local festivals chat with villagers and discover hidden pubs with amazing traditional music sessions."

• How much driving time should I expect each day?

  Daily drives on Ireland Self Drive tours typically take 2-4 hours covering distances between 100-250 kilometers. The route from Dublin to Galway requires about 2.5 hours on main roads while scenic drives like the Ring of Kerry can stretch to 3-4 hours with stops included. These distances allow time to explore attractions like Kylemore Abbey or linger at the Cliffs of Moher. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The driving distances were very manageable giving us plenty of time to stop for photos explore villages and enjoy leisurely lunches in local pubs."

• What are the most scenic driving routes included in Ireland Self Drive tours?

  Ireland's most memorable drives combine coastal views mountain passes and rural landscapes. The Ring of Kerry spans 180km of Atlantic coastline while the Wild Atlantic Way winds through Connemara showcasing the Twelve Bens mountains and vast peat bogs. Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast Road leads to the Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle. The routes through County Wicklow known as the "Garden of Ireland" reach the peaceful Glendalough Valley. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The coastal drives were absolutely stunning especially around the Cliffs of Moher where we could stop at multiple viewpoints for photos."

• What are the must-see landmarks on an Ireland Self Drive tour?

  Key landmarks on Ireland's driving routes range from natural wonders to historic sites. The 700-foot Cliffs of Moher rise dramatically from the Atlantic while the Rock of Cashel stands as a medieval icon in Tipperary. Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway draws visitors with its unique geological formations. Dublin's Guinness Storehouse Clare's Bunratty Castle and Connemara's Kylemore Abbey round out the essential stops. One TourRadar traveler remarked "The flexibility of self-driving allowed us to spend extra time at the Cliffs of Moher and explore hidden gems like Dunluce Castle at our own pace."