FAQ 
Self-drive Donegal & Northern Ireland
Self-drive Donegal & Northern Ireland
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- The variety of scenery on this driving tour - from wild, rugged coastlines shaped by the power of the Atlantic to steep-sided mountains dropping into shimmering lakes.
- It is true what they say about the Irish people and no more so than in the west of Ireland. Warm and generous hospitality is in their DNA and their genuine interest in visitors to their region is unmatched.
- A vibrant, colourful and fascinating history and culture abounds all along the Wild Atlantic Way. You will visit towns, villages, communities and cities that offer endless options for rich and memorable experiences unique to Ireland.
- We are there for you all the way should you need us and like all our tours every detail of planning and organisation will already be taken care of before you even begin your holiday.
Check out this video on driving the Wild Atlantic Way to see what is instore for you! The Porsche is not included in the tour!!
Irmis favourite place to pause:
The tiny village of Drumcliff in Co Sligo, along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way. With the backdrop of Ben Bulben mountain and WB Yeats’ grave under the tree at the church door this is a place which holds much history and natural beauty.
YOUR TOUR IN BRIEF
Tour Essentials:
This is an 7 day (6 night) driving vacation starting any day from March to November.
The tour starts in Strandhill, Co Sligo but you will collect your hire car at Dublin airport ( other airports on request) The tour will bring you back to Dublin.
Equipment and information:
Manual compact car including CDW insurance (with excess), Theft protection, unlimited mileage, VAT, airport & locations fees.
Drivers must be at least 25 years of age, full and clean licence for at least 2 years compulsory.
All extras including extra insurance cover, GPS, additional driver, automatic option, baby/child seat etc must be paid directly by the driver on arrival.
Before your arrival, you will need to download our app on which you will have all the details of your tour (routes, accommodation, vouchers, things to see...).
Hospitality:
Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.
Tour Essentials
This is an 7 day (6 night) driving vacation starting any day from March to November.
The tour starts in Strandhill, Co Sligo but you will collect your hire car at Dublin airport ( other airports on request) The tour will bring you back to Dublin.
Equipment and information
Manual compact car including CDW insurance (with excess), Theft protection, unlimited mileage, VAT, airport & locations fees.
Drivers must be at least 25 years of age, full and clean licence for at least 2 years compulsory.
All extras including extra insurance cover, GPS, additional driver, automatic option, baby/child seat etc must be paid directly by the driver on arrival.
Before your arrival, you will need to download our app on which you will have all the details of your tour (routes, accommodation, vouchers, things to see...).
Hospitality
Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.
Further information on getting to/from Ireland can be found here
ITINERARY
Welcome to Ireland! You will arrive today at Dublin Airport and collect your car rental. Your first journey will bring you to the start point of your driving holiday - Strandhill, Co. Sligo.
This beautiful littel surfer's spot is well known for its cosy, chilled atmoosphere and its rich Celtic culture. Enjoy your first evening on the West Coast.
We recommend you begin your morning with a walk along the promenade watching the surfers dip into the Wild Atlantic Ocean. Or you go for a morning hike (6km loop) and visit Queen Maeves grave at the top of Knocknarea. In Irish mythology Knocknarea is the burial place of the beautiful Warrior Queen Maeve of Connaught. Queen Maeve was granted rulership over the kingdom of Connaught by her father, the High King of Ireland and whosoever should be her husband would be King. Maeve had several husbands including Ailill. Táin Bó Cúailnge or The Cattle Raid of Cooley is the great “epic” of Irish Mythology. The road then takes you in a northerly direction towards the coast through the tiny village of Drumcliff where the poet WB Yeats was buried in the small churchyard there. There is also a museum in the church dedicated to the Yeats family and a quaint coffee and crafts shop - well worth a visit. Watch out for the castle silhouetted against the sky on the headland at Mullaghmore as you progress northwards and enjoy the unique shape of Ben Bulben mountain, one of Sligo's best-known features. Continue your drive further on to Co. Donegal and the little village of Teelin – which is right to Irelands most iconic Cliffs – the Sleave League.
Today you will continue north on your driving holiday in Donegal, inland for now, towards the county town of Letterkenny. Here you will divert west towards your next stop at Glenveigh National Park. This is a magnificent place to visit with exceptional views of mountains, lakes, forestry and native peatland. If you are fortunate, you may even catch sight of a rare golden eagle in flight! The estate has a fascinating history and it can be hard to believe that the castle at the centre of the park was a home. The last person to live there was an American gentleman, Henry McElhinney until he generously bestowed it upon the Irish people in 1984. Leaving the Park, you will make your way to Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head through the Inishowen peninsula and the finishing point of the Wild Atlantic Way. This remote area is home to a strong, close-knit community who are proud of their place at the top of Ireland. You will stay nearby tonight.
Today you will leave Inishowen Peninsula and heading onwards to Derry. Derry, also called London Derry was next to Belfast the heart of the Northern Ireland conflict and these signs are still visible. Walk around this beautiful walled city and discover its history. After you visit you will head on to the famous Giant Causeway which consists of around 40,000 thousand of mostly hexagonal basalt columns descending gently into the sea. Depending on who you believe, the stones were formed either by an underwater volcano’s geological actions or by a giant named Finn. In the afternoon do not forget to visit the Bushmills distillery – Irelands oldest Whiskey Distillery.
Start your morning in the spirit of Game of Thrones and visit The Dark Hedges – a stunning alle of beech trees that was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Today it is one of the most iconic places in Northern Ireland. Back on the coast test your adventure spirit and cross over Carrick- a Rede bridge before you drive along the lovely Antrim coast.
Today you will have time to explore Belfast. This dynamic city will surprise you! Visit the Titanic Museum and book a Black Taxi Tour to learn more about Belfasts fascinating history. Enjoy your last day in Northern Ireland!
After your breakfast you will drive back to Dublin. Depending on the time you can chose to drive past the Mourne Mountains and go for a hike, before you will be back at your car rental station at Dublin Airport.
Welcome to Ireland! You will arrive today at Dublin Airport and collect your car rental. Your first journey will bring you to the start point of your driving holiday - Strandhill, Co. Sligo.
This beautiful littel surfer's spot is well known for its cosy, chilled atmoosphere and its rich Celtic culture. Enjoy your first evening on the West Coast.
We recommend you begin your morning with a walk along the promenade watching the surfers dip into the Wild Atlantic Ocean. Or you go for a morning hike (6km loop) and visit Queen Maeves grave at the top of Knocknarea. In Irish mythology Knocknarea is the burial place of the beautiful Warrior Queen Maeve of Connaught. Queen Maeve was granted rulership over the kingdom of Connaught by her father, the High King of Ireland and whosoever should be her husband would be King. Maeve had several husbands including Ailill. Táin Bó Cúailnge or The Cattle Raid of Cooley is the great “epic” of Irish Mythology. The road then takes you in a northerly direction towards the coast through the tiny village of Drumcliff where the poet WB Yeats was buried in the small churchyard there. There is also a museum in the church dedicated to the Yeats family and a quaint coffee and crafts shop - well worth a visit. Watch out for the castle silhouetted against the sky on the headland at Mullaghmore as you progress northwards and enjoy the unique shape of Ben Bulben mountain, one of Sligo's best-known features. Continue your drive further on to Co. Donegal and the little village of Teelin – which is right to Irelands most iconic Cliffs – the Sleave League.
Today you will continue north on your driving holiday in Donegal, inland for now, towards the county town of Letterkenny. Here you will divert west towards your next stop at Glenveigh National Park. This is a magnificent place to visit with exceptional views of mountains, lakes, forestry and native peatland. If you are fortunate, you may even catch sight of a rare golden eagle in flight! The estate has a fascinating history and it can be hard to believe that the castle at the centre of the park was a home. The last person to live there was an American gentleman, Henry McElhinney until he generously bestowed it upon the Irish people in 1984. Leaving the Park, you will make your way to Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head through the Inishowen peninsula and the finishing point of the Wild Atlantic Way. This remote area is home to a strong, close-knit community who are proud of their place at the top of Ireland. You will stay nearby tonight.
Today you will leave Inishowen Peninsula and heading onwards to Derry. Derry, also called London Derry was next to Belfast the heart of the Northern Ireland conflict and these signs are still visible. Walk around this beautiful walled city and discover its history. After you visit you will head on to the famous Giant Causeway which consists of around 40,000 thousand of mostly hexagonal basalt columns descending gently into the sea. Depending on who you believe, the stones were formed either by an underwater volcano’s geological actions or by a giant named Finn. In the afternoon do not forget to visit the Bushmills distillery – Irelands oldest Whiskey Distillery.
Start your morning in the spirit of Game of Thrones and visit The Dark Hedges – a stunning alle of beech trees that was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Today it is one of the most iconic places in Northern Ireland. Back on the coast test your adventure spirit and cross over Carrick- a Rede bridge before you drive along the lovely Antrim coast.
Today you will have time to explore Belfast. This dynamic city will surprise you! Visit the Titanic Museum and book a Black Taxi Tour to learn more about Belfasts fascinating history. Enjoy your last day in Northern Ireland!
After your breakfast you will drive back to Dublin. Depending on the time you can chose to drive past the Mourne Mountains and go for a hike, before you will be back at your car rental station at Dublin Airport.
ACCOMMODATION
B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION
When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation.
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host.
B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION
When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation.
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host.
TOUR DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October
HIGH SEASON: June, July & August
What's included
Meals
- All breakfasts
Transport
Manual compact car including CDW insurance (with excess), Theft protection, un-limited mileage, VAT, airport & locations fees. Drivers must be at least 25 years of age, full and clean licence for at least 2 years compulsory (all extras including extra insurance cover, gps, additional driver, automatic option, baby/child seat etc must be paid directly by the driver on arrival).
Accommodation
- 6 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
Extras
Our App that will guide you along your journey
BIKES
- Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
- Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
- Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
- Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
DIFFICULTY Easy
Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Medium
Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Hard
Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity
CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR
You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.
We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.
GETTING TO TOUR START POINT
Reviews
ACCOMMODATION
LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October
HIGH SEASON: June, July & August
What's included
Meals
- All breakfasts
Transport
Manual compact car including CDW insurance (with excess), Theft protection, un-limited mileage, VAT, airport & locations fees. Drivers must be at least 25 years of age, full and clean licence for at least 2 years compulsory (all extras including extra insurance cover, gps, additional driver, automatic option, baby/child seat etc must be paid directly by the driver on arrival).
Accommodation
- 6 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
Extras
Our App that will guide you along your journey
BIKES
- Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
- Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
- Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
- Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
DIFFICULTY Easy
Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Medium
Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Hard
Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity
CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR
You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.
We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.
Reviews
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
To secure your booking, we will request 30% deposit per person. Please note this is a
non-refundable payment. The balance payment is due 30 days before the tour starts.
If your tour start date is within 30 days of booking, the full, non-refundable payment is required upon booking.
We do not organise travel to/from Ireland. However there is plenty of useful information on our Getting to Ireland page.