Our Ireland grand tour is a whole Ireland circle route including North Ireland. This clockwise tour starts from Dublin, followed by Glendalough, Cashel, Killarney, Doolin, Clifden, Sligo, Londonderry and Belfast, and eventually goes back Dublin. Sightseeing from Killarney all the way up to Belfast are best among all. There are numerous scenic drives on the west. The crown jewel is Cliffs of Moher, truly STUNNING. Never tell anyone you visited Ireland without seeing this gigantic cliff.
Travel Tips
- Ireland is left-side driving like UK.
- Roads at some sections of the Island are narrow with speed limit up to 100 Km. That is probably the reason why even some high-end credit card don’t provide CDW coverage here. Make sure your car CDW coverage is in good standing.
- Sea wave is awfully strong at Cliffs of Moher area if you plan a sightseeing boat.
- When taking Ring of Kerry scenic drive, people recommend clockwise, the opposite direction of tour bus. I don’t feel much difference and both ways are fine to me. Roads are easy to drive.
Places We Go
Dublin![]()
Dublin is not rich in attractions. If you are not a bar hopper, you may find your itinerary ends pretty soon in one day or two. Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells is a good place to visit in the city. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is another free attractions for history. You can also enjoy relaxing time in Temple Bar area.
Wicklow Mountains National Park
This national park is only one to two hours away from Dublin. You can take a scenic drive through the mountains. Roads are small and twisty. Although some sections are pretty barren, you could find many hiking trails and you can also stop by Glendalough if passing trough to south.
Cashel
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On our way from Dublin to Killarney, since we cut through Wicklow south and don’t have enough time to reach Killarney in the same day, we stay overnight at Cashel and visit Rock of Cashel.
Killarney
In our three night stays at Killarney, roughly we tour Ring of Kerry for one day, Dingle Peninsular for another day, and spend the rest scatter time around Killarney National Park. My personnel preference is Dingle Peninsular over others. The geological views are so diversified and beautiful. The sand beaches there are wide and long. Flat valley and deep valley between mountains show you different country styles. Towns along the drive are nice to stop by. Cliffs along the shore are awesome to take a short break. Don’t miss Connor Pass, the most magnificent section on Dingle Peninsular.
Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher truly deserves the title of new 7 wonders of the world. No question’s asked. When you stand near the cliff, it is so stunning that it is going to take your breath away. Both north and south paved trails from the visitor center along the cliff offer views that you should not skip. South trail end short that road isn’t open all the way to light house. You will still see people cross the rail and go on unpaved road. If you intend to do so, mind your own safety and get away from the edge. You never know what danger is lurking along unmaintained path at the edge of the Cliffs. Fatal accidents have happened several times on this section.
The Burren![]()
You can make a circle drive along the burren area. Both inland and shore are beautiful to stop by. There is also an interesting organic perfumery in the area. One of their herbal balm for burns, eczema, sunburn and rough skill really works on healing.
Connemara National Park![]()
A popular spot in the park is Kylemore Abbey. Garden tour is free. Enjoy views when driving by Kylemore Lough. Another good place is Diamond Hill. We didn’t have time to hike though. Consider this if you like hiking with great overlooks.
Glenveagh National Park![]()
Londonderry (Derry)![]()
Derry is a good town to stay over night. This is a wall city known for the intact 17th-century Derry’s Walls with 7 gates.
Giant Causeway![]()
Giant’s Causeway Scenic Route is very good. Worth a whole day and one night stay at Gaint’s Causeway hotel. On the way, stop by Dunluce Castle. When visiting Giant Causeway, don’t just go the rock, but also take a walk on Gaint’s Causeway top trail toward north. This trail will show you a great view.
Belfast![]()
Belfast is the major cruise harbor in North Ireland. City itself doesn’t arouse much hyper to me. The nearby attractions mentioned above are the real shows.
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