road trip around ireland and northern ireland

I would also love to know where you parked each night. Being a Digital Nomad: Tips, Tricks and Places. My sisters and I had been talking about doing a road trip in Ireland for a while, and earlier this summer we came across an incredible flight deal to Dublin, so we made the split-second decision and booked it.Since everyone had work and school commitments back at . With so many landmarks to see along this route, it can be hard to fit it all into one trip, but the beauty of this road trip is even if you rarely leave the car, youll still experience some of Irelands most beautiful spots. , https://www.bunkcampers.com/en/holiday-advice/camping-guide/wild-camping/. We spent 4 days in Killarney before we started our road trip, and loved it so much we came back! And, as a small island nation, it's especially prime for spending 10 days in Ireland. But if youre feeling fresh get a move on early! Instead, you should head out of Belleek on the A46, which runs across the southwestern shores of Lower Lough Erne. Dingle and the surrounding area is stunning. There is great apps to help you plan your trip in Ireland also. At the southern point of the lough, where the water reaches into the sea, theres a small gap between Strangford and Portaferry. But the site itself is wonderful. When you do rent, make sure you can take the rental car/camper into Northern Ireland. The area around Ballina has some cool, old friaries, and once you get to Sligo youll find tonnes of outdoor adventures to enjoy. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. To get between them, you need to drive your car onto a small passenger ferry, for one extra adventure. All in all, this is one of the best road trips in Northern Ireland, and its an excellent way to explore lots of the Sperrins. Thanks so much Veronica. The Wild Atlantic Way will show adventurers both the natural beauty and the absolute craic that Ireland. There is also an app called Wild Atlantic Way. so I can download..it looks amazing.. we are going in April for 2 weeks .just me the wife and ted the dog ..happy holidays steve. There are nuns who live there now and it also has a beautiful walled garden. Belfast to Giant's Causeway Coast Discover the world-famous Causeway Coast with stunning scenery and ancient sights. I am Irish and while you did see a lot on your trip, there is a lot more for you to discover when you next arrive here. than you think. I recommend stopping in both Helens Bay and Groomsport. After some research we found out the best campervan company in Ireland is Bunk Campers, and we decided to get something a bit more luxurious for our journey. Some people even attempt this hike barefoot as part of the pilgrimage. With wild camping in Ireland, it is illegal but tolerated. And no matter who you are or who youre traveling with, make sure you take the tiny detour to OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory, one of the best stargazing spots in the whole of the UK. One of the most remarkable things about Newgrange is that the entrance passage is aligned to let in a beam of light during sunrise during the winter solstice. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Check out Muckross House and the gardens. Combine those two fascinating tidbits, and you get a man who knows all the best rides and routes in Scotlands capital city. With crystal clear waters and beautiful golden sand, Eyrephort Beach is the perfect place to unwind on your trip. This part of Northern Irelands east coast is hugely underrated. These soaring, vertical rock faces tumble into the sea, and stretch for kilometres like an impenetrable barrier against the Atlantic. Hang out at Irelands National Heritage Park. If you need to be in Dublin tonight then you can be in the city quite easily, but personally we recommend heading to the fishing village of Howth, only 30 minutes from the city. Another looped road trip from the south of Ireland makes it onto this list, and it is quite literally a stone's throw away from the Ring of Kerry just one peninsula over. . The Ring of Kerry is one of those unforgettable road trips that leave your jaw on the floor from start to finish. Its part of a larger complex as well, surrounded by other tombs named Knowth and Dowth. the section in and around Spelga Dam. So in this, 13 Best Cycling Routes in Edinburgh for Scenic Escapes, 13 Best Cycling Routes in England for Scenic Adventures, 13 Best Cycling Routes in Scotland With Epic Views, 9 Best Ouseburn Coffee Shops to Fuel Your Caffeine Craze, 7 Best Road Trips in Wales for Unforgettable Journeys. There are so many things to see and do packed into such a small distance that youll never be bored. Check out these epic day tours and activities you can do in Killarney! The Garda (police) frequently carry out roadside breath tests. Legend has it that a giant built the Causeway as a path to connect Ireland with Scotland so he could take part in a fight, and if you use your imagination you can almost picture the columns forming a bridge between the two nations. We have family in Dingle to look up so will definitely be heading south and going clockwise. This time we rented a fully kitted out campervan, and it was nice to have luxuries like running water, hot showers, a toilet (only number ones!!! By far the best attraction in Irelands Ancient East is the Irish National Heritage Park. 1. Somos 6 y no quisieramos dormir todos los dias en el autocaravana. Its the last outing with Natasha Raskin Sharp and Philip Serrell. So, Ive spent most of my life living in England and Ive also spent lots of my exciting existence zooming around the lovely nation on two wheels. If you leave from Killarney the Ring of Kerry is about 214km long, not including all the detours, but every single kilometre of that is an absolute joy. We are travelling around the world for a year and have 2 weeks in Ireland on our itinerary. The best road trip to experience old Ireland Starts and ends in Killarney (travel clockwise); 179km (111 miles) Towering mountains, glistening lakes and enchanting forests. At this point, we pull over, put the handbrake on, have a well-deserved rest, and reach the end of our guide on the 11 best road trips in Northern Ireland. In short, if youre going to attempt only one road trip in Northern Ireland, it should be this one. But for most people, the hiking highlight is the ascent up the lofty peak of Sawelthis route (of all the four Sperrins rides) takes you closest to it. Here's our handy guide to find what's right for your trip. With so many coastal walks and shimmering blue swim spots to explore, you'll never be stuck for something to do on this short but action-packed route. There are tons of free activities, hostels and campsites to enable you to tackle this trip on a budget. It is surrounded by farmland, and you can see cows and sheep walking around just on the other side of the fence. For the last full day jump on the highway and head south of Belfast. If you have more time enjoy all the hiking and surfing opportunities around Achill Island. From Cork take the backroads to Ballylickey, then head onto the Beara Peninsula. For even more revving and roads, dont miss our guides to the best drives in Scotland, the best drives in England, the best drives in Wales, and all of the best road trips in the entirety of the UK. Loops are always more satisfying, and this stretch of the shoreline is fantastic. You must head to the Visitors Centre to purchase your tickets first, which is actually a bit far away from the Newgrange site. Plonked right in the middle of Northern Ireland, the route around Lough Neagh is different to a ride around Strangford Lough. This World Heritage Site is a short drive from Bushmills and a must-stop on a Northern Ireland road trip. If youre looking for a cute ride with friendly faces, tiny villages, and very few tourists, its a perfect option. This 14-day Ireland road trip itinerary starts in southern County Cork, follows the coast and Wild Atlantic Way into Northern Ireland, and finishes in Athlone. This month I was lucky enough to have my 2 sisters and 2 of my best friends come and travel with me in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Planning a trip to Northern Ireland? You can pick up a sim card with data for cheap and we used this. When we found out we were heading to Ireland in October to speak at the TBEX Europe conference we decided to rent a campervan and do an epic road trip around the country. And for all you budding geologists out there, the Copper Coast is also partially a, Inishowen Peninsula-Kinsale; 2600km (1600 miles), The pinnacle of Irish road trips. The castle is well worth visiting, but dont miss out on the views from Vinegar Hill, which was actually the location of a fierce battle between British and Irish soldiers in 1798. If youre taking a few days to complete this trip, be sure to pack for all weather. Once we picked up our campervan in Dublin we had two weeks for road tripping Ireland the best we could. The Ring of Kerry (179km / 111 Miles) - a world-class driving route. And heres a pretty unique feature of the ride: Northern Ireland has six counties. Dublin Airport is a major international airport and flights into Ireland are often relatively affordable. We will be cruising with stops in Belfast, Dublin and CorkAny suggestions of where to start a road trip as I dont think we will need to go back to these places. Hope you get there soon. Northern Ireland's headlining drive threads its way along a varied, 130-mile route that hugs the Antrim coast between Belfast and Londonderry. Once youve managed to pry yourself away from Killarney (it might take a while), you have another epic drive to check out on your Ireland road trip. But I recommend extending your drive by around 8 miles (13km) and driving back to Newcastle along the coast. Ireland is amazing. Let me know if I didnt. From Portaferry, you and your car jump on a ferry before riding along the coast to Ardglass, Newcastle, Annalong and Warrenpoint, then finishing your journey in Newry. Would love any tips. Belfast is a city that oozes with grungy atmosphere, and whether you love it or hate it, you cant deny that it has an overwhelming character that should be experienced. However, it can be easily adjusted to 10-day Ireland itinerary in case you have only this amount of time for your vacation. Explore Dublin with Sen Fitzgerald, who brings the citys history to life through the rich tradition of Irish ballads. Kids and adults alike will be completely entranced by walking around the traditional dwellings that have been recreated on the grounds. The North Sperrins Route 8. Head up one of the mountains or lakes in Sligo. If you have time, do both. Personally with one week I would stick to the south and do a loop. When we were driving around Ireland we met one or two people that had mentioned a place called Achill Island, but it never came up as a must do in our conversations. But you dont want to take the shortest route. What a trip it is going to be. Try to stick as close to the shore as you can, at all times. If youre looking for an en-route hike, hit Slieve Donard, the highest peak in the nationthe road runs right around it. If you're looking for where to visit in Northern Ireland, we've compiled a spectacular guide of Irish landmarks, viewpoints, and other important places to see. If youre into hiking, or want to do some of the day excursions around the Ring of Kerry you might need to break up your trip into two or three days. Head to Wexford and take a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience. Stonehenge might be the most famous Neolithic site in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but it definitely isnt the oldest. The Ring of Kerry roads are extremely narrow, so make sure you drive with care. It is a stunning country. For many cultures, the spring equinox signifies a rebirth. Its not just cool scenery theres also a bunch of history, with stone beehive huts peppered along the coast and the impeccable Gallarus Oratory adding to the awesomeness of Slea Head Loop. The Wicklow mountains are notorious for suddenly changing conditions. 01 February 2023 Northern Ireland is an epic destination for a road trip. Make sure you book in advance! Day 2 - Historical sites en route to Northern Ireland This morning you start your road trip around Ireland. Hello, I know you shouldnt drink and drive anywhere but I rather ask the question and be safe. 3. Read our Privacy Policy. Your trip is short but doesnt mean you cant see some awesome places. Roads in Northern Ireland are prefixed with an "M" for motorway; an "A" and a "B" for primary and non-primary roads. Strangford Lough 3. Still, its worth seeing, even if you dont know anything about the series. Go for a hike around Howth, or enjoy the best seafood in the country at King Sitric Restaurant. Finishing up in Donegal hit up one of the excellent restaurants and down it all with a pint of Guinness. Book now, pay later with a 10% deposit. Visit the ancient Neolithic site of Newgrange. This travel itinerary includes a 3-day trip to Northern Ireland. 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