Why Should I Book a Self-Drive Tour?
Planning a trip through a country on your own can be overwhelming. You’ll need to create a practical itinerary, research attractions across Ireland, book tours, navigate foreign currency payments, and figure out driving routes and travel times.
With a self-drive tour from Ireland Self-Drive Tours, all the planning is done for you. We’ll arrange your car rental, accommodations, and tour tickets, so there’s no need to coordinate with multiple providers. Our itineraries are expertly crafted by local specialists, ensuring you experience the iconic sights you’ve heard of and the hidden gems that most travelers miss.
In addition to seamless travel planning, our team can recommend the best restaurants and traditional Irish pubs, making reservations on your behalf if desired. Enjoy a stress-free adventure, knowing every detail has been arranged to make your Irish journey truly unforgettable.
Vehicle Hire Options For This Tour
Our flexible vehicle hire options allows you to choose from econmy vehicles to luxury models.
Choose from a range of high-quality vehicles tailored to your journey, from compact cars to spacious SUVs and people carriers.
$ - Compact
$ - Economy
$$ - Standard
$$$ - Luxury
$$$ - SUV
$$$ - People Carrier
Day 1 – Dublin to Belfast
Upon landing in our beautiful country at Dublin airport, collect your rental car and get ready for your adventure to begin. Start driving north towards Belfast, with your first stop being the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, home to the world-famous Newgrange and Knowth passage tombs. Take a guided tour inside Newgrange, where the winter solstice light illuminates the inner chamber. Following that, explore the Knowth tomb, known for its stunning Neolithic art.
The next stop on your journey takes you to Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland. You may recognize the fortress from Academy Award-winning film Braveheart, featuring Mel Gibson. Take a guided tour of the castle and climb the central keep to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Just a short drive from Trim lies the Hill of Tara, one of the most sacred sites in ancient Ireland. Once the seat of the High Kings, this mystical hilltop offers stunning views and a deep connection to Irish mythology and history. Explore the Stone of Destiny, where ancient kings were crowned and stood by the Mound of the Hostages, an ancient passage tomb aligned with the rising sun.
Arrive in Belfast by early evening, where you can check into your accommodation and unwind after a day of exploration.
Day 2 – Belfast City Tour
For the 2nd day of your self-drive tour, you’ll visit the best attractions of the iconic city of Belfast. Start your day with a visit to the Titanic Belfast museum, built on the very site where the Titanic was built in 1912. Explore nine interactive galleries, from the shipyard’s construction to the luxury onboard experience and the tragic sinking.
Head north of the city to visit the Belfast Castle, perched on the slopes of Cave Hill, offering breathtaking views over Belfast Lough and the city below. Wander through the castle gardens, known for their “Cat Garden”, and search for the 9 hidden cat sculptures.
In the afternoon, delve into Belfast’s more recent history with a visit to the Peace Wall, a powerful reminder of the city’s divided past during The Troubles. Drive or walk along Falls Road and Shankill Road, where vivid murals depict political and cultural messages.
You are then free to enjoy your evening in Belfast as you please. Our tour planners can recommend some local bars and restaurants and make some reservations on your behalf if necessary.
Day 3 – Belfast to Derry
On the morning of your 3rd day, you will depart Belfast and travel along the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, one of the world’s most scenic drives.
Your first stop is the enchanting Dark Hedges, a stunning avenue of intertwined beech trees. The Dark Hedges are famously featured in Game of Thrones as the Kingsroad and are some of the most photographed spots in Northern Ireland.
Continue your coastal adventure with a 30-minute drive to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended slightly less than 100 feet above the crashing waves below. Cross the bridge for panoramic views of the rugged coastline, where you may even see the Scottish coast on a clear day.
Next, visit the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago—or, as legend has it, by the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill!
After exploring the coast, head to the Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, dating back to 1608. Enjoy a guided tour of the distillery to see how their famous Irish whiskey is made and an opportunity to sample their signature blends and single malts.
Perched dramatically on a clifftop, Dunluce Castle is one of the most photogenic ruins in Ireland.
Wander through the ruined halls and towers, imagining life in the 13th century. You won’t need to imagine the scenery as you can expect to enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding cliffs.
After a day of coastal exploration, continue your journey to the historic city of Derry, arriving in the early evening.
Day 4: Derry to Donegal
Wake up on your 4th day in the historic city of Derry, and head straight to the Derry Walls, one of the finest examples of intact city walls in Europe. The walls run approximately a mile, so you can enjoy a leisurely walk while enjoying views of the city. A short drive will take you to arguably the highlight of your day, the Museum of Free Derry. The museum tells the powerful story of the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland, including the events of Bloody Sunday. Take time to explore the nearby political murals that line the streets of the Bogside, offering further insight into Derry’s history.
Before departing to Donegal, take the short drive to Guildhall, a neo-Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass windows. The glass windows tell a story of Derry’s history and the city’s guilds. You can also enjoy exhibitions about the Plantation period, the Siege of Derry, and the city’s cultural evolution.
Depart for Donegal, arriving in the early evening with the night ahead of you to relax in your accommodation or explore Donegal town.
Day 5 – Day Trip From Donegal
The first stop of the day is Donegal Castle, once the stronghold of the O’Donnell clan. Wander through the restored rooms, see period furniture, and enjoy exhibits explaining the castle’s history. If you take the time to walk through the castle grounds, you will see beautiful views of the River Eske.
Take the scenic drive to Ardara, passing rolling hills on your way to one of Ireland’s friendliest towns, famous for traditional Irish tweed. Visit the Ardara Heritage Centre to learn about the tweed-making process and take the time to explore the charming town.
A 40-minute drive from Ardara takes you to one of Ireland’s most spectacular attractions, the Slieve League Cliffs. These cliffs are nearly three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, offering jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Park at the visitor center and either hike or drive to the upper viewing point. A short walk along the cliff trail will offer panoramic photo opportunities.
On the journey back to Donegal, pass through Mountcharles, a small seaside village with lovely views over Donegal Bay. Continue to Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port, where you can l learn about the town’s seafaring history and enjoy views of the bustling harbor
Experience traditional Irish life from the 18th to 20th centuries at the Glencolumbkille Folk Village. The various thatched cottages are furnished to represent a different historical period.
Drive back to Donegal Town, about an hour’s journey through scenic countryside, with a relaxing evening ahead of you.
Day 6 – Donegal to Enniskillen
Set off from Donegal, passing through picturesque countryside on your way to the Marble Arches Caves. Take a guided tour through the underground limestone caverns, featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering pools. The tour may feature a short underground boat ride, depending on water levels.
Head to the vibrant town of Enniskillen, located on an island between Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Visit Enniskillen Castle, which once served as a defensive stronghold and controlled the waterway routes of Lough Erne. Inside the castle barracks is the Fermanagh County Museum. Enjoy local history exhibits, telling the story of the town from prehistoric times to present day. You will find the Inniskillings Museum in the castle keep. Here, you can see detailed military uniforms and historic weapons and learn about the regiment’s history.
After exploring the castle grounds and walking the scenic trail near Lough Erne, the night is yours to relax in Enniskillen ahead of your final day. We can recommend local restaurants and cozy pubs for your consideration.
Day 7 – Enniskillen to Dublin
On your last day, you will gradually make your way back to Dublin, with some exciting stops along the way. First up is Ulster American Folk Park, a fascinating open-air museum that tells the story of Irish emigration to America.
Start at the thatched cottages, decorated like 18th and 19th-century Irish homes, complete with period furnishings. Explore the emigrant ship to experience life aboard a full-scale replica of a ship that once carried emigrants across the Atlantic to America. Finish your time at the museum, in the log cabins and general stores, showing how Irish immigrants lived after settling in the New World.
Drive to Slane Castle Estate, where you can take a guided tour of Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery. You’ll have the opportunity to sample their signature whiskeys and learn about the triple-casked maturation process that gives Slane whiskey its distinctive flavor.
Arrive in Dublin to return your car rental and get ready for your flight home or an additional evening exploring Dublin.
