Ireland's Roads to Wonder
Ethan Sullivan
| 15-05-2025
· Travel Team
From the Wild Atlantic Way to the Giant's Causeway, Ireland's landscapes blend dramatic coastlines, historic cities, and charming villages.
These four itineraries—ranging from 4 to 6 days—unlock the island's best sights, flavors, and hidden gems.
Wild Atlantic Way
Route: Bantry → Cliffs of Moher → Galway → Westport → Sliabh Liag
Distance: 809km (502 miles)
- Bantry: Tour Bantry House (€12 entry), feast on Bantry Bay mussels (€18), and drive Priest's Leap for panoramic views.
- Cliffs of Moher: Arrive by 8 AM (€10 parking), hike the Cliff Walk, then dine on Doolin seafood chowder (€12).
- Galway: try oysters at Moran's (€24/dozen), and explore Connemara National Park (free entry).
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- Westport: Surf at Carramore Beach (€50 lesson), hike Croagh Patrick, and toast at Matt Malloy's.
- Sliabh Liag: Trek One Man's Pass (free) or cruise below the cliffs (€25 boat tour).
Northern Coast & Causeway
Route: Enniskillen → Glenveagh → Inishowen → Derry → Giant's Causeway
Distance: 324km (201 miles)
- Enniskillen: Kayak Lough Erne (€35 rental), explore Devenish Island (€10 ferry).
- Glenveagh: Hike to Poisoned Glen (free), tour Glenveagh Castle (€8), and spot golden eagles.
- Inishowen: Drive the Inishowen 100, and stargaze at Malin Head.
- Derry: Walk the 17th-century walls (free), visit the Free Derry Museum (€5), and cross the Peace Bridge.
- Giant's Causeway: Walk the hexagonal basalt columns (€13 entry), then tour Bushmills (€25).
- Ballycastle: Cross Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (€13) and ferry to puffin-filled Rathlin Island (€12).
East Coast Cities
Route: Belfast → Newcastle → Brú na Bóinne → Dublin → Powerscourt → Glendalough
Distance: 332km (206 miles)
- Belfast: Explore Titanic Belfast (€24), and admire Cathedral Quarter street art.
- Newcastle: Hike Slieve Donard (free) or bike the Mourne Mountains (€30 e-bike rental).
- Brú na Bóinne: Tour Newgrange's 5,000-year-old tomb (€18) and Knowth's megalithic art.
- Dublin: Visit Trinity College's Book of Kells (€18).
- Powerscourt: Stroll manicured gardens (€12) and hike to Ireland's tallest waterfall (€7).
- Glendalough: Wander monastic ruins (free) and trek the Spinc Trail (3 hours).
Sunny Southeast
Route: Wexford → Waterford → Dungarvan → Cork → Clonakilty
Distance: 242km (150 miles)
- Wexford: Tour Johnstown Castle (€10), relive history at Irish National Heritage Park (€14).
- Waterford: Board a Viking longboat (€12), cycle the Greenway (€20 rental), and explore Reginald's Tower (€5).
- Dungarvan: Devour farmers' market cheeses (€8), tour Dungarvan Brewing Co. (€15).
- Cork: Graze at English Market, and kayak the River Lee (€40).
- Clonakilty: Sample black pudding (€6), tour Clonakilty (€20), and enjoy live folk music.
Travel Tips
- Car rentals: From €40/day (book early for summer).
- Best time: May–September (avoid July crowds).
- Budget: €100–€150/day (hostels, markets, and free hikes).
- Must-pack: Waterproof gear, hiking boots, and a Heritage Island pass (€35 for 40+ attractions).
Conclusion
Ireland's roads lead to cliffside vistas, and ancient ruins. Whether chasing Atlantic waves or Dublin's buzz, these routes promise adventure at every turn. Which journey calls you Lykkers?