Self-Drive Donegal & Northern Ireland

After a hearty Irish breakfast, start your morning with a walk along the promenade watching the surfers dip into the wild Atlantic Ocean, or drive to Queen Maeve's grave at the top of Knocknarea for a morning hike (6 km loop). Knocknarea is the burial place of the beautiful Warrior Queen Maeve of Connaught who features in many of the the great epics of Irish mythology.

Today’s drive then takes you north towards the coast through the tiny village of Drumcliff. The world famous poet WB Yeats was buried in the small churchyard here and you’ll find a museum in the church dedicated to the Yeats family, and a lovely, quaint coffee and crafts shop so it's a perfect stopping off point for a coffee or lunch. Watch out for the castle silhouetted against the sky on the headland at Mullaghmore as you progress northwards and the unique shape of Ben Bulben mountain, one of Sligo's best-known features. 

As you continue north you’ll cross into Co. Donegal - Ireland’s northernmost county, and into and the little village of Teelin, where you’ll spend the night. Teelin is right next to the unmissable Sliabh Liag cliffs, the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe. Reaching heights of approximately 600m (1,972ft), these majestic cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Donegal coastline. Rich in history and local folklore, Sliabh Liag is also home to many ancient Christian sites and remnants of early settlements.
 

Today your route will continue north towards the county town of Letterkenny, then west towards your next stop at Glenveagh National Park. This magical place has exceptional views of mountains, lakes, forests 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 with a beautiful castle and gardens at its heart,  and was home to American Henry McElhinney until he generously bestowed it to the Irish people in 1984. 

Travelling east, you’ll reach the beautiful Inishowen peninsula to drive the Inishowen 100 route and journey to Ireland's most northerly point, the wild, rocky headland of Malin Head, the end 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’ll stay in Inishowen tonight.
 

Today your journey brings you from Inishowen into Northern Ireland and onwards to Derry City (sometimes known as Londonderry). This walled city has witnessed much history over the millenia - signs of the more recent Northern Ireland conflict are still visible. Take a walk around this small city with its warm, welcoming people, which inspired the award-winning television series Derry Girls. 

Your next stop is The Giant’s Causeway - a UNESCO World Heritage site. This other-wordly landscape consists of around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns descending gently into the sea. Depending on who you believe, the stones were formed either by the action of an underwater volcano or by a giant named Finn MacCumhail. There are a range of walking routes and viewing points and an award winning visitor centre. You’ll stay tonight in nearby Bushmills where you can visit Ireland's oldest whiskey distillery.
 

Start your morning with a visit to The Dark Hedges – a stunning alley of beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Two centuries on, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland due to their starring role in Game of Thrones.

Back on the coast road, test your nerve and spirit of adventure  by crossing Carrick-a-Rede bridge, before a drive along the lovely Antrim coast with its dramatic cliffs and sea stacks, where you’ll stay tonight. This area of outstanding natural beauty is only a stone's throw from Scotland - on a clear day there are fine views eastwards to the Scottish Islands and the Mull of Kintyre only 20 km away. 
 

After breakfast today, you’ll drive on to Belfast. This dynamic city will surprise you! Belfast offers a rich blend of history, culture and modern attractions. A must see is the Titanic Museum, an impressive museum located at the shipyard where the famous ship was built, providing an immersive experience into its tragic story. 

Book a Black Taxi Tour to learn more about Belfast’s fascinating history, complex past and its journey towards reconciliation. Visit the Ulster Museum in the university quarter, home of world renowned Queen’s University Belfast. Stroll through the Cathedral Quarter, known for its lively arts scene, eclectic restaurants and traditional pubs. There is so much to see and do here on your last night in Northern Ireland.
 

After breakfast today, it’s time to drive back to Dublin and return your rental car to Dublin Airport. If time allows, stop off for a short hike in the Mourne Mountains or visit the World Heritage site of Brú na Bóinne - Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape, famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth. Built around 3200 BC, these ceremonial structures are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world and contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe.

It's the end of your tour and time for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable memories of Ireland with you. Slan go fóill! – we’ll see you again soon.