Start your discovery of the Emerald Isle with a stay at Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin! Stay two nights in most locations – Donegal, Galway Killarney and Dublin. Highlights include Slieve League Sea Cliffs, Connemara region, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Foynes Flying Boat Museum. Savor home-baked scones and Irish coffee along the way.

2025 Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Self-Drive - 10 Days/9 Nights

Duration: 10 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Clontarf Castle | Dublin
Pick up your Hertz rental car upon your arrival at Dublin airport. Your tour begins at the Clontarf Castle Hotel, a short drive from Dublin Airport and a few miles north of Dublin city center. Head out to discover Dublin. TPlus, you will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions: the Guinness Storehouse, a seven-story attraction telling the story of Dublin’s iconic beverage, complete with a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor; Teeling Distillery, the first new whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years; EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of the people who left Ireland and how they shaped the world; the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland’s independence; or Jameson Distillery Bow St., the original home of Jameson Irish Whiskey since 1780. Have dinner at your hotel this evening. 
(D)

Day 2: Donegal
You'll drive to Donegal today. If your route takes you through Enniskillen, you might choose to stop in for refreshment at Blakes of the Hollow Pub, a Victorian bar that retains many features original to its founding in 1887. Famed author John McGahern, a regular visitor, described it as “one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland”. Take a photo by its official “Game of Thrones” door highlighting the series' sixth season. Continue your travels north to Donegal, where you will dine in your hotel this evening. With its windswept hills where only sheep can thrive, Donegal is renowned for woolen production and tweeds.
(B, D)


Day 3: Donegal
Today you might choose to see the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe. Take in the incredible ocean views from these spectacular cliffs. Travel up through beautiful views of Donegal; you may want to visit Triona Design Donegal Tweed Center in Ardara, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, where spinners and weavers will demonstrate their crafts. Head back to your hotel in Donegal town, a busy little town that was once a Viking port. Enjoy dinner independently this evening.
(B)


Day 4: Westport
Continue toward County Mayo. Your hotel is in Westport, a heritage town with riverside walks, tree-lined promenades and lovely stone bridges; the design for the town was laid out in 1780 in the Georgian architectural style. Among the sights to see are Westport House, the ancestral home of the famed pirate queen Grace O'Malley. There are plenty of charming pubs to explore this evening, some with live music.
(B)


Day 5: Galway | Adare
Travel to bustling, creative Galway. Check out its medieval streetscape, its charming shops, and many cafes and restaurants. Continue on south to Adare, County Limerick, known as one of Ireland's prettiest villages. Enjoy dinner at your hotel, and explore the little village as you choose.
(B, D)


Day 6: Tralee
Begin your journey to Kerry. You might choose to visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the cliffs to see spectacular vistas, including Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, along with miles of cliffside. Make your way to Tralee, where you will dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)


Day 7: Tralee
Today is a great day to check out the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's most famous and popular scenic drive. You might choose to stop at Moriarty's in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Continuing on the scenic drive, pause for panoramic mountain views at Moll's Gap. Or you might choose to explore the wonders of the Dingle Peninsula, for its spectacular seascapes and the charm of its villages.
(B)


Day 8: Dublin | Abbey Tavern
You'll travel across the country to Dubin today. Along the way you might visit Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains. Climb the winding stairs to kiss the famed Blarney Stone; legend says if you do you'll be given the gift of eloquence. Explore the castle's extensive gardens, set on 60 acres of parkland. Next, head to your hotel in Dublin. Dine in the nearby seaside suburb of Howth at the Abbey Tavern, enjoying Irish cuisine and an evening of lively entertainment.
(B, D)


Day 9: Dublin
Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure while enjoying the sights of 18th century Georgian houses with brightly painted doors, tranquil parks, and historic O'Connell Street, or you might choose to explore some of Ireland's charming seaside suburbs, like Dalkey or Malahide. You could even go further afield, by driving into the Wicklow Mountains and seeing Glendalough, the romantic ruins of a sixth-century monastery established by St Kevin, and complete with high stone crosses, a picturesque round tower, and several churches. Or if you haven't yet used your vouchers from Day 1, enjoy some city sightseeing.
(B)


Day 10: Your Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast. Return your rental at the airport.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

    Head west to see some of Ireland's most spectacular Atlantic coastline and enjoy stays in some of its liveliest cities and towns.?

Trip Highlight:

  • Irish Night at Abbey Tavern

Dining Experiences:

  • 9 Breakfasts (B) and 5 Dinners (D)

Hotels:

  • Clontarf Castle Hotel | Dublin (1)
  • Mill Park Hotel | Donegal (2)
  • Knockranny House Hotel, Westport (1)
  • Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel, Adare (1)?
  • The Ashe Hotel, Tralee (2)?
  • Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin (2)

Irish Explorer Self-Drive - 10 Days/9 Nights

Slieve League

Moll's Gap

Abbey Tavern Dancers

Westport, County Mayo

Not included

Hotels

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way - Self Drive - 10 Days/9 Nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Clontarf Castle HotelSupplierRating **** Steeped in Irish history, the Clontarf Castle Hotel offers guests all the charm and splendor of a royal experience. The magnificent entrance hall, tapestry-adorned walls, mysterious doorways and roaring fires create a luxurious, old-world feeling, while guest rooms all boast modern amenities for a comfortable visit. Located in the pleasant and peaceful suburb of Clontarf, this hotel is just a 10-minute ride from the city center and a 15-minute drive from Dublin Airport. Guests can treat themselves to international cuisine at Templar's Bistro or enjoy a drink at the cozy bar.
SupplierName Mill Park HotelSupplierRating **** A warm welcome awaits you at this hotel which is built around its unique-styled Granary, along with a choice of 2 restaurants, bar and lounge. The restaurants specialize in local fresh produce, especially seafood from the nearby fishing port of Killybegs. 100 luxurious bedrooms ensure a great stay and use the fully equipped leisure and wellness center. Set in a quiet rural setting two miles from Donegal town. The hotel is a perfect base for touring County Donegal, including the awesome Slieve League Sea Cliffs.
SupplierName Mill Park HotelSupplierRating **** A warm welcome awaits you at this hotel which is built around its unique-styled Granary, along with a choice of 2 restaurants, bar and lounge. The restaurants specialize in local fresh produce, especially seafood from the nearby fishing port of Killybegs. 100 luxurious bedrooms ensure a great stay and use the fully equipped leisure and wellness center. Set in a quiet rural setting two miles from Donegal town. The hotel is a perfect base for touring County Donegal, including the awesome Slieve League Sea Cliffs.
SupplierName Knockranny House HotelSupplierRating **** This Victorian-style property features public areas with fine antiques. La Fougère Restaurant specializes in seafood and local ingredients and has achieved awards for culinary excellence. Modern guest rooms provide everything for a comfortable stay and the hotel boasts state-of-the-art spa facilities. Member of Manor House Hotels Group. The hotel is located just outside Westport and set in secluded grounds, with great views of Westport, Croagh Patrick Mountain and Clew Bay. Hotel parking.
SupplierName Fitzgeralds Woodlands House HotelSupplierRating **** Woodlands House Hotel in Limerick, is owned and managed by the Fitzgerald Family. This hotel in Adare features the Failte Ireland Award Winning, Revas Spa, one of the most popular Spa Hotels in Limerick, also ideal for a leisure break in Ireland or an ideal venue for meetings and weddings in Limerick
SupplierName The Ashe HotelSupplierRating ****
SupplierName The Ashe HotelSupplierRating ****
SupplierName Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - DublinSupplierRating **** Enjoy stunning city center views from the 150 well-appointed rooms, furnished with a flat-panel LCD TV, in-room coffee and tea provisions, high-speed Internet access, mini bar and hair dryer. From an Irish pub to a French brasserie, the hotel provides guests with a culinary tour. Complimentary access to nearby Iveagh Fitness Club. The hotel is located in the heart of the historic old city, between Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a 10-minute walk to St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street.