Ireland has such a multitude of incredible sights that it seems essential to hire a car in order to make the most of your time here with a road trip.
The 2500km tourist highway starts from the Inishowen Peninsula in Ulster and extends the whole way down the west coast and across to Kinsale in Munster. The route has regular points of interest so you can start it at any point and drive for as long as you like, depending on the time you have available.
There are too many highlights to mention each one individually, so we at Economy Car Hire have picked out a few interesting snippets from each of the regions that the route passes through. If you love road trips, but are not going to Ireland, why don’t you check out our other suggested road trips and let us know if you have tried any.
Donegal County
We start our exploration at the northernmost end of the route. The weather is great here in summer, but in winter you may find the need to shelter in one of the traditional pubs by a log fire as you order some great home cooked food. Tough life ey?
There are some fantastic historic sites in the area and the Grianan of Aileach Ancient Stone Fort is the pick of the bunch. It dates back to around the 6th century and it makes you realise how little the surrounding landscape has changed since then.
For another piece of history, make a trip to the Doagh Famine Village, which is an outdoor museum dedicated to telling the story of the famine in the 1840s. It is fascinating to see what hardships the local inhabitants had to go through and the techniques they used to overcome it.
Sligo County
As you make your way south you will enter Sligo County. This picturesque area is filled with lush green countryside which is only broken up by the occasional building and the rugged coastline. There is a thriving surfing scene here, but don’t forget your wetsuit if you want to have a go.
There are some vibrant pubs and restaurants, where live music and great food is the norm. Also, if you have some spare time, make sure you take a visit to the Voya Seaweed Baths for a unique health spa experience.
Galway
After Sligo County, you will approach the city of Galway. There is a vibrant modern culture here, which provides a stark contract with the traditional areas in the northern parts of the route. There is a large population of young people and students here, which has driven in some great independent shops, bars and restaurants. Make sure you pay a visit to the Latin Quarter as this is where Galway is at its best.
Dingle
If you like marine wildlife then Dingle is the place to come. It is the most westerly town in Europe and its ice cream is legendary. You can organise marine wildlife trips where you can see bottlenose dolphins and seals, alongside other species. Additionally there is a famous resident dolphin called Fungie, who lives around the mouth to the harbour. He is perhaps the dominant attraction in the town and there is even a bronze statue of him.
Further along the Dingle Peninsula is the Blasket Islands Centre, which is a great place to go to learn about the local cultural heritage. It shows what life is like living on an island, with the challenges and rewards it can bring.
Killarney
As you travel east from Dingle, you will come to the staggeringly beautiful town of Killarney. Whilst here, make sure you visit the popular Ross Castle. The castle itself is interesting to visit, but if you take into account its setting next to the lake and its gorgeous grounds, then it is a must see.
For those of you spending more time around Killarney and the rest of Kerry Country, you could take a trip on the Ring of Kerry. This additional tourist route is an offshoot of the Wild Atlantic Way and it makes for a great tour of the surrounding area. You can also take a trip to the dramatic Skellig Islands which are just off the coast.
Cork
At the southernmost end of the route you should definitely make the time to experience Cork. This famous city has a stunning natural harbour and there is some amazing historical architecture here. You can visit Blackrock Castle, the Holy Trinity Church and St Fin Barre’s Cathedral if you want to see some traditional history. Alternatively, make the exciting trips to Cork City Gaol and Blarney Castle, which make for great family day outs.
Anything else?
Unfortunately we couldn’t possibly mention everything to see on the route, and we are sure we have left out some incredible attractions. If there is something that you’ve seen that you think needs adding to the above please let us know. Alternatively, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter to get regular updates on great road trips and unique travel tips.
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Written by Nicholas Ferns from Economy Car Hire
