The island of Eire is cut up into two with the Republic of Eire and Northern Eire, which is a part of the UK. Even with Brexit there is no such thing as a passport management or immigration when touring between the 2 areas of the island.
On this 7 or 8 days itinerary we drove a complete of 1,100 miles (1,800km) and gasoline price a complete of 160 euros. With just one week in Eire it’s not possible to see every little thing, however provides you adequate time to see the principle sights and highlights throughout the island. A number of of the times had been extra driving centered than others to squeeze all of Eire in a single week.
Whereas it took us 8 days in Eire to drive across the island and revel in the complete itinerary under it’s attainable to do it as a 7 day itinerary to Eire, you simply need to get up and prepare very first thing every morning, as there is no such thing as a time to sleep in.
Renting a automobile in Dublin
Earlier than renting a automobile in Eire you will need to know that in Eire and Northern Eire you drive on the left aspect of the highway. Our rental automobile even had a reminder sticker proper above the windshield, however it was not our first time driving on the left, so we had no points. It does take an additional second to recollect particularly when making turns and driving on an empty highway.
We advocate renting a automobile solely in your time exterior of Dublin, as inside Dublin parking is proscribed and costly. Actually strolling between sights is usually faster. In a single day parking prices upwards of 15 euro close to the town heart and that’s with a reduced price via the lodge. It’s merely not definitely worth the trouble of getting a rental automobile in Dublin, solely hire it for if you find yourself leaving the town.
As a result of we spent the primary two nights in Dublin we rented a automobile from Europcar selecting up and dropping off on the Dublin Metropolis Centre, Spencer Dock location.
How a lot does it price to hire a automobile in Eire?
Rental automobiles in Eire are comparatively low cost in comparison with different nations that we now have rented automobiles. For a 6 day rental it price about 180 euro for a Hybrid Toyota Corolla. Had we opted for a smaller automobile it might have solely price 100 for the 6 day automobile rental.
The one word of warning for renting a automobile in Eire is the required particular insurance coverage protection info to make use of our bank card rental automobile insurance coverage that particularly states there may be protection within the Republic of Eire. It’s a easy telephone name to the bank card however you would possibly want to elucidate particularly what that you must the client assist because it goes past the traditional protection documentation.
To drive to Northern Eire is nicely there may be an extra 30 euro payment as it’s a part of the UK, with no actual explication for the payment aside from the rental firm would love more cash. We solely added the Northern Eire payment in the midst of our highway journey through as a result of we did know if the climate could be adequate to warrant the extra driving.
Do I want additional automobile insurance coverage in Eire?
Further automobile insurance coverage is required in Eire and is dear. We learn that If reserving via a 3rd get together on-line, the extra insurance coverage they provide is just not really accepted in Eire and you’ll need to get insurance coverage protection immediately with the rental automobile firm, which may price 20-30 euros per day.
Even with full CDW protection via our bank card we had been required to place a 5,000 euro maintain on the cardboard in case of any harm. Be sure you have sufficient credit score accessible in your bank card at some point of the automobile rental till the maintain is launched after retiring the automobile.
What sort of automobile ought to I hire in Eire?
There are a number of questions to consider when renting a automobile in Eire. The primary is what dimension automobile ought to that you must hire in Eire. With slim roads, tight historic metropolis facilities, and restricted parking spots, it’s best to go for the smallest automobile that your group comfortably suits in.
With three folks, one checked bag and two stick with it luggage we selected a Toyota Corolla and the trunk was completely full. In case you are touring with two folks and fewer baggage a good smaller automobile, just like the Volkswagen Polo is sufficient.
7 or 8 Day (one week) highway journey itinerary to Eire and Northern Eire
Day 1: Streets of Dublin
Since we now have two full days in Dublin cut up between the beginning and finish of our Eire highway journey, our first day in Dublin was spent principally strolling alongside the streets of Dublin alongside the River Liffey. After dropping our baggage of at our lodge we started exploring Dublin on foot.
We began out strolling via the enjoyable Saint Stephen’s inexperienced park to take pleasure in a number of the shiny orange and yellow autumn foliage that was at its peak throughout our go to. There’s additionally a small memorial within the park devoted to the peaceable defenders of human rights around the globe which is fascinating to expertise and skim.
Heading in the direction of the middle of city we handed The Umbrellas Dublin that are colourful umbrellas hanging throughout the highway, successfully in an ally between just a few bars and casinos. Whereas it does make for a cute photograph spot, it isn’t actually value visiting if it’s a must to go too far out of the way in which.
We then made our solution to the campus of Eire’s oldest college, Trinity Faculty Dublin. Whereas it’s in all probability most well-known for the Trinity Faculty Library and see the E-book of Kells, we opted to simply stroll via the grounds because it was a number of hours earlier than the subsequent accessible tour.
After that we walked into the Temple Bar neighborhood which might be most well-known for The Temple Bar Pub. We had cease inside to expertise the bustling ambiance, dwell Irish music, and naturally get our first, and perhaps most costly, pint of Guinness in Eire.
Drained from our in a single day flight to Eire we wandered again to our lodge making an attempt to cross via as many stunning and peaceable neighborhood streets as we may. We stayed on the historic Harcourt Resort, which is located an roughly 20 minute stroll south of many of the prime sights in Dublin. We learn complaints on-line of the adjoining nightclub being loud, however staying in the midst of the week we encountered no points ourselves.
Day 2: Cobh – Cork – Killarney
Waking up early within the morning I picked up our rental automobile from the Europcar Dublin Metropolis Centre, Spencer Dock location as quickly because it opened at 7:30AM to get as a lot out our day as attainable.
After packing up our baggage we started the 4 hour, 170 mile (270km) drive to Cobh. Visitors was comparatively gentle throughout this drive, however being the primary day driving in a brand new nation, the drive did take somewhat longer as I used to be getting a really feel for the stream of visitors.
Arriving in Cobh, we parked alongside Spy Hill highway for the enduring view of the colourful “Deck of Playing cards” Homes with St. Colman’s Cathedral within the background. From this viewpoint it’s principally holding your digital camera above a stone wall to get a gorgeous {photograph}. We then walked across the block to the small West View Park the place you will get an analogous view, however we do advocate each viewpoints because the park is on the similar degree because the Deck of Playing cards homes, so you possibly can’t see the total cathedral.
We then made our manner over to St. Colman’s Cathedral the place we took a glance inside this iconic church and loved panoramic views throughout downtown Cobh and the complete port. On our manner out of Cobh we drove down the principle road and stopped for a couple of minutes to discover some retailers earlier than driving on to Cork.
On the way in which to Cork we stopped on the Blackrock Fort Observatory, which was sadly closed after we visited, however it nonetheless makes for a gorgeous photograph, from the sting of the car parking zone and proper alongside the water.
We spent the remainder of the afternoon exploring Downtown Cork on foot strolling alongside Paul St, Drawbridge St, and alongside either side of the River Lee on Service provider’s Quay and St Patrick’s Quay. We stopped for an early dinner at Gallagher’s Cork on MacCurtain Avenue the place you’ll discover a variety of restaurant choices.
Because it was already darkish by this level and we nonetheless have a lot of Eire to discover, we continued driving the 90 minutes west to Killarney, the place we checked into The Heights Resort Killarney to get some relaxation after a protracted day of driving.
Day 3: Killarney – The Dingle Peninsula – Limerick
We began off with an early morning hike in Killarney Nationwide Park to the Torc Waterfall. It is just a 200 meter stroll alongside a paved path to the waterfall which makes it excellent for each sort of customer. There are further strolling paths via the wooded areas and alongside Muckross Lake, however didn’t look as fascinating to us.
We made a rapid cease on the Ross Fort to benefit from the grounds of this Fifteenth-century. The inside is closed through the winter, after we visited, so may solely benefit from the wonderful exterior of the Ross Fort.
We then drove 40 miles (60km) out alongside the scenic Dingle Peninsula stopping at a number of viewpoints with breathtaking views of the water and Inch Seashore. We stopped within the metropolis of Dingle to stroll via the colourful fishing village. Be certain that to cease by the well-known Murphy’s Ice Cream store and take a look at our favourite home made ice cream taste, Dingle Sea Salt taste.
Making our manner out to the top of the peninsula our subsequent cease was Coumeenoole Seashore, with its pristine golden sand surrounded by jagged cliffs. It makes for stunning photographs from each angle. Simply watch out if you happen to stroll round on the seashore as it’s slim and comparatively flat, which implies the turbulent waves can are available in rapidly, trapping you on the market.
From right here you too can hike as much as Dunmore Head, which is described as essentially the most westerly level In Europe, nearest level to the Blasket Islands. Additionally it is now famously identified for being featured in Star Wars: The Final Jedi. Based mostly on our restricted time and opinions from different guests, Dunmore Head ought to be visited when you’ve got the time, however is barely actually value it if you’re an enormous Star Wars fan, as there are extra stunning spots to concentrate on within the area.
Our final cease on Dingle is the enduring Dunquin Pier with its two picturesque pyramid formed rocks jutting out of the water proper past the pier. Whereas our favourite photographs had been really from atop the cliffs, it’s positively value strolling right down to the pier, which serves as which serves because the departure level for the Blasket Island ferry through the summer time season.
We then had a 3 hour drive again into the mainland of Eire, heading north to Limerick. We made a final minute resolution to drive the identical highway out of the Dingle Peninsula to keep away from driving via the mountainous Conor Go to the opposite aspect of the peninsula, as we may see heavy rain storms forming.
Checking into the luxurious George Resort Limerick Metropolis, we known as it an evening because it continued to rain all night.
Day 4: Limerick & Cliffs of Moher – Galway
We spent the morning strolling via Downtown Limerick, primarily strolling alongside the calm River Shannon. The 2 most important highlights you need to go to in Limerick are King John’s Fort and Saint Mary’s Cathedral. We spent most of our time simply strolling down the streets having fun with our solely relaxed morning throughout the entire Eire highway journey itinerary.
A two hour drive northwest of Limerick is certainly one of Eire’s most well-known sights, the Cliffs of Moher. If you arrive be certain to go to the principle automobile park on the other aspect of the highway from the cliffs. Entrance tickets are €12 per grownup, paid for while you park. From there make your manner throughout the road and stroll your manner as much as the highest of the cliffs on the best hand aspect. After having fun with the panoramic views from this angle stroll again down, sticking to the cliff edge to the southern finish to get a number of views of this breathtaking surroundings.
For the reason that entrance tickets is technically for the parking, you possibly can park a bit south of the Cliffs of Moher Expertise on the Cliffs of Moher Liscannor Stroll car parking zone close to Hag’s Head for less than €5. The strolling path alongside the cliffs connects between the 2, and is open for anybody to stroll via. Nevertheless, this does make you stroll a 7km extra spherical journey alongside the cliffs as the most effective views are from the northern aspect.
After 3 hours exploring the Cliffs of Moher, we drove to the close by village of Doolin which is residence to the now Instagram well-known pink cottage. Inside is a sweater store with an incredible vary of top quality merino wool merchandise on the lowest costs we noticed round Eire.
With some new merino wool objects in hand, it was a 90 minute drive north to Downtown Galway. After checking in to the stylish Western Resort in Galway we spent the night strolling round Galway and into most of the cute retailers lining the streets.
We began in Eyre Sq. the place the Christmas Markets had been in full swing by mid-November. We walked down the pedestrian roads via the guts of the Latin Quarter. The route is comparatively straight however the highway adjustments names 4 occasions through the 10 minute stroll from William St, Store St, Excessive St, to Quay St.
Day 5: Erris Head – Downpatrick Head – Sligo
The subsequent morning began off with a 3 hour drive north to County Mayo till we reached Erris Head Loop Stroll. It’s a 5km strolling loop that begins off strolling via sheep pasture after which takes you alongside the rugged west Irish shoreline. The route passes close to the small ragged Llandavuck Island, which is the proper place for a photoshoot.
We encountered many moist and muddy patches alongside the route, so extremely advocate sporting waterproof boots. Additionally it is essential to keep in mind that the path begins off chopping via personal pasture, respect the house owners land and sheep. The stroll took us 2 hours in whole together with stopping for photographs.
Again on the automobile we drove an hour east to Downpatrick Head the place you possibly can see the picturesque Dún Briste Sea Stack. We advocate visiting near sundown because the golden hour glow is out of this world. Standing on the highest of the cliffs may be windy, so a jacket is a should. There aren’t any fences, however don’t go too near the sting, as you can not see the erosion taking place underneath your toes.
Not sure of how far we’d have the ability to drive on the finish of the day, we made a final minute reservation at Fort Dargan Resort in Sligo, which was nonetheless an hour and a half drive from Downpatrick Head. This luxurious lodge is nestled on 170 acres property in a contemporary renovation of a 18th century Fort. Actually we want we had heard about this lodge prematurely so we may spend extra time at this luxury countryside oasis.
Keep in mind, with solely 8 days in Eire driving between locations within the night generally is a good solution to maximize the time. Simply watch out as roadways in some areas of Eire are slim and winding with restricted visibility if it begins raining.
Day 6: Fort Classiebawn – Sliabh Liag – Glenveagh Fort
Day six is a driving heavy day with over 6 hours in whole driving time all through the day, as we needed to make it midway throughout Northern Eire, to verify we had sufficient time to see the highest sights in Northern Eire in simply someday.
A one hour drive north of Siglo is the fairytale wanting Fort Classiebawn. Though you possibly can’t go to the citadel, we stopped on the Fort Classiebawn Viewpoint situated throughout the cliffs, the place it’s secure to tug off and snap some photographs. If in case you have a telephoto lens or zoom in your telephone, now’s the time to carry it out.
We then continued driving 2 hours north alongside the rugged shoreline to Sliabh Liag, the second highest sea cliffs in Eire and a number of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Parking prices €5 for 2hrs and you may drive all the way in which to the principle viewpoint through the off season. In any other case it’s a must to pay for the shuttle or stroll a number of kilometers.
The cliffs are considerably greater than the Cliffs of Moher, however every supply its personal set of magnificence. From the point of view car parking zone at Sliabh Liag are a number of the finest views. When you can hike up nicely into the mountains from right here, we advocate solely about 20-Half-hour uphill to get a pleasant vary of angles to benefit from the view.
After about an hour at Sliabh Liag we continued driving east for 2 hours till we reached Glenveagh Fort, a late-Nineteenth century citadel constructed alongside the idyllic Lough Beagh, now throughout the Glenveagh Nationwide Park. From the Customer Middle you possibly can take a shuttle bus to the citadel for €3 spherical journey per grownup. We arrived simply in time for the final shuttle heading out.
Arriving to the citadel with solely about 20 minutes we rapidly paid the €7 entrance payment per individual to begin our self guided tour. For the reason that workers needed to watch for the final shuttle as nicely, they allow us to keep and take our time strolling via the citadel as they had been closing up. We spent about 45 minutes in whole strolling via the citadel, however may have simply spent twice the time if we had it. Simply as we completed up the final return shuttle was arriving and it was again to the automobile to maintain driving.
We drove for one more 2 hours east at nighttime, coming into into Northern Eire till we reached our lodge for the evening, ibis Coleraine Riverside. The lodge was comfy, however solely beneficial for a brief keep because it was exhibiting indicators of its age.
Now coming into into Northern Eire from Eire means we had entered the UK and whereas there is no such thing as a border or passport management, it does imply costs are in British Kilos, not Euros like Eire makes use of.
Day 7: Northern Eire: Dunluce Fort, Large’s Causeway & Belfast
Only a 20 minute drive north of Coleraine is Magheracross View Level with panoramic views of the Causeway Coast’s beautiful panorama. In the event you stroll again alongside the highway somewhat bit you possibly can see Elephant Rock which appears to be like like an elephant jutting out of the cliffs and into the water.
Proper subsequent door is the medieval Dunluce Fort which now sits in partial smash. Tickets are £6 per grownup. Strolling via this romantic Irish Fort provided many distinctive photoshoot spots each of the citadel itself and the encompassing cliffs. Attempt to arrive early as when tour buses begin to arrive, the advanced rapidly fills with folks.
Then it was on to the most well-liked attraction in Northern Eire and one of the iconic spots in the complete island, Large’s Causeway, only a 20 minute drive additional east. The distinctive panorama of Large’s Causeway consists of tens of hundreds basalt columns in hexagonal shapes, as tall as 40ft.
Utilizing the principle car parking zone on the customer heart requires buying the customer heart expertise prematurely, which isn’t required to go to the Large’s Causeway. This expertise prices £15.50 per grownup and contains nearer parking, a guided tour, and entry to the displays.
In any other case add the Causeway Coast Means Automotive Park to your GPS at 60 Causeway Street the place it prices £10 to park. It’s simply an additional 5 minute stroll to the beginning of the Large’s Causeway path. From right here it’s 1km stroll, about 20 minutes down a paved highway to the Large’s Causeway. There’s an possibility of a shuttle bus which prices £1 per individual every path.
The principle spots to go to are the Grand Causeway, Wishing Chair, and Large’s Boot. There’s additionally a small rock mound that juts out into the water as essentially the most instagrammable spot, simply be well mannered together with your time as everybody desires to get a photograph right here. There are many different spots if you happen to simply need to sit and benefit from the view.
You’ll be able to stroll round on the basalt columns, however watch out as they are often slippery, particularly when moist or close to the water. There are additionally workers there in your security so please respect them in the event that they ever make any requests.
We then continued on to Downtown Belfast which is a two hour drive from Large’s Causeway, making it the proper day journey from Belfast if you’re staying there. We simply spent an hour strolling across the streets of Belfast, ensuring to go to the gorgeous Belfast Metropolis Corridor and most of the surrounding buildings with its spectacular facades. After exploring for a bit it was a two hour drive again south from Belfast to Dublin.
Arriving again to Dublin within the early night we needed to expertise a bit Irish tradition and music earlier than the top of our highway journey. We attended the Celtic Nights Dinner & Present, which included a three-course meal off a set menu, for €49 per grownup. It was a great way to squeeze the expertise conventional Irish dance, Irish music, and Irish meals into one night, however felt like we may have skilled a greater model of every one exterior of this vacationer attraction.
For our final evening in Dublin we determined to remain on the opposite aspect of the historic heart at Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, Metropolis Centre situated just a few blocks north of the River Liffey. Since we arrived to late within the night to return the automobile, we needed to park it at a storage a number of blocks from the lodge, at a reduced price.
Day 8: Final Day Dublin
For our final day in Eire we nonetheless needed to examine off a number of the finest sights in Dublin off our record. However first, I dropped of the rental automobile again on the Europcar Dublin Metropolis Centre, Spencer Dock location. Two essential notes about this rental location are that there is no such thing as a after hours drop off provided, and so they have restricted weekend hours, solely opening Saturday from 8 AM–1 PM and Sunday 10 AM–1 PM.
We began off on the Dublin Fort, which from 1204 till 1922 it served because the seat of British rule in Eire. Since Eire’s independence it has nonetheless been used for state ceremonies, with Eire’s presidents inaugurated in St Patrick’s Corridor. Our favourite rooms within the citadel are The throne room, The Battleaxe Staircase, the State Drawing Room, The Chapel Royal, and naturally St. Patrick’s Corridor. Self guided tickets are €8 per grownup.
Our subsequent cease is the enduring St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Eire’s largest Cathedral courting again over 800 years. This huge ornate church is nicely definitely worth the go to and €10 entrance payment per grownup.
Dublin as soon as had a vibrant distilling business district known as the Golden Triangle, with enterprise declining dramatically within the early twentieth century. Teeling Whiskey Distillery was the primary new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years, with an outdated household distilling information courting again to 1782. Right here you possibly can take a guided tasting tour, studying the historical past, distilling course of, and naturally learn how to style whiskey beginning at €20 per individual. You may as well improve your expertise with further small batch and single malt tastings.
No go to to Dublin or Eire on the whole could be full with out the Guinness Storehouse Expertise. With tickets ranging from €20 per grownup, expertise the multi-story self guided tour to study in regards to the brewing course of and historical past of Guinness, entry to Guinness Tasting Rooms, ending on the crowded Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin, with an included pint of Guinness.
In my private opinion, as somebody who has been on brewery excursions earlier than and has brewed my very own beer, many of the expertise was constructed round an amusement park vibe. It’s positively one thing value doing as soon as, however will in all probability not be going again when I’m in Eire once more.
That brings us to the top of the final word one week highway journey itinerary to Eire, whereas we stayed yet one more evening in Dublin and left very first thing the subsequent morning, you too can get a flight out the identical afternoon or night.
With simply 8 days in Eire it’s not possible to see all of the sights, however we had been in a position to go to most of the prime issues to do in Eire. We sit up for visiting once more quickly to go to some extra out of the way in which pure landscapes, and naturally style some extra Guinness.
If in case you have any recommendations of issues to do in Eire or your favourite hidden gems which might be lacking from this highway journey itinerary, please tell us within the feedback under so we are able to examine them out ourselves on our subsequent go to to Eire.
