Legends of Ireland Drive

Arrival

Arrive in Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital on the River Liffey. After checking in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the city’s compact streets. Stroll along the river and the Ha'penny Bridge, visit St Stephen's Green, or wander through Grafton Street and Trinity College to get your first taste of Dublin’s history, charm, and vibrant atmosphere.

What’s Included:
Your program features carefully selected accommodations with daily breakfast and curated guided excursions as outlined in the itinerary.

As this is a self-drive journey, car rental is tailored to your preferred vehicle category and travel dates and is added to the final package price upon confirmation.

You may also enhance your experience with optional add-on activities and private local guide services available throughout your trip.

Dublin to Belfast Scenic Route

Today you leave Dublin behind and journey north through the heart of Ireland’s lush countryside. Rolling green fields, charming villages, and riverside towns create the perfect backdrop for a leisurely self-drive adventure, with plenty of opportunities to stop, stretch your legs, and capture stunning photos along the way.

Scenic stops en route:

• Malahide Village and Castle – wander through the quaint streets and explore the beautiful castle grounds.
• Drogheda and Monasterboice – admire ancient high crosses and soak up Ireland’s rich history.
• Carlingford – a medieval village perched on the coast, offering storybook streets and sweeping sea views.
• Slieve Gullion Forest Park – enjoy a short walk to panoramic viewpoints over forests, lakes, and rolling hills.

Arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital, where history, culture, and energy meet.

Driving: approx. 105 miles / 170 km

Estimated time: approx. 2.5 to 3 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrival in Belfast
Arrive in Belfast, the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, a city full of industrial heritage, striking murals, and a welcoming spirit.

After checking in, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic River Lagan towpath or the revitalized Maritime Mile. Alternatively, visit the tranquil Botanic Gardens with its lush greenery and historic glasshouses.

For a panoramic view, take a short walk up Cave Hill, or explore the elegant grounds around Belfast City Hall in Donegall Square—your first taste of the city’s charm and waterfront serenity.

Belfast to Donegal via Strangford & Slieve League

Leave Belfast behind and embark on a breathtaking drive northwest toward Donegal, where Ireland’s wild landscapes unfold before you. This scenic route takes you through rolling countryside, charming coastal villages, and dramatic cliffs, offering countless opportunities to pause, breathe in the fresh air, and capture picture-perfect moments.

Scenic highlights en route:

• Strangford – a charming village with views over the sparkling waters of Strangford Lough.
• Slieve Gullion Forest Park – stretch your legs with a short walk to panoramic viewpoints over forests, lakes, and rolling hills.
• Ards Peninsula – scenic coastal drives dotted with picturesque villages and rugged shoreline.

Driving: approx. 130 miles / 210 km

Estimated time: approx. 3.5 to 4 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrival to County Donegal

Arrive in Donegal, a land of rugged beauty, wild beaches, and charming towns in Ireland’s unspoiled northwest. After checking in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the town and its surroundings.

Stroll along the harbor, wander through the colorful streets, or visit Donegal Castle to discover local history. For a breath of fresh air and panoramic views, take a short drive to nearby beaches or the Bluestack Mountains, offering your first glimpse of Donegal’s dramatic coastal and mountain landscapes.

Departure from Donegal & Scenic Drive to Galway

Head south along the renowned Wild Atlantic Way, winding through breathtaking coastal vistas, ancient sites, and charming stops toward Galway.

En route, make time for a stop at one or more of these iconic highlights:

• Glencar Waterfall & Gleniff Horseshoe – near Sligo, a picturesque waterfall cascading into a fairy-tale glen, surrounded by towering mountains and legend-filled landscapes
• Classiebawn Castle & Mullaghmore Head – a fairy-tale turreted castle overlooking the wild Atlantic, with dramatic headland views and nearby beaches

Driving: approx. 125 miles / 201 km

Estimated time: approx. 3.5 to 4 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrival
Arrive in Galway, Ireland’s vibrant cultural gem on the Atlantic coast, renowned for its colorful streets, lively music scene, and artistic spirit. After checking in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon discovering the city’s charm.

Stroll along Quay Street and the River Corrib, explore local shops, cafés, and galleries, or visit the historic Spanish Arch. Feel the city’s energy, enjoy its coastal atmosphere, and soak up your first taste of Galway’s unique blend of history, culture, and seaside beauty.

Departure from Galway & Scenic Drive to Killarney

Embark on a captivating drive southward through Ireland's wild western landscapes, following stretches of the legendary Wild Atlantic Way with its crashing waves, dramatic cliffs, and timeless rural charm.

Along the way, pause at standout spots such as:

• The Cliffs of Moher – Ireland's most iconic natural wonder, with sheer 700-foot drops into the Atlantic
• The Burren – otherworldly karst landscape of cracked limestone pavements, wildflowers, ancient ring forts, and hidden green valleys offering short, rewarding walks
• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park – a beautifully restored 15th-century tower house with costumed interpreters and traditional music

Driving: approx. 130 miles / 210 km

Estimated time: approx. 3.5 to 4 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrival
Welcome to Killarney! Discover a town of breathtaking beauty, nestled among sparkling lakes, rolling mountains, and lush greenery.

After checking in, take a leisurely stroll along the shimmering lakes, or enjoy a calm stroll through the lively town centre, perhaps wandering the bustling Main Street and High Street lined with colourful shops, traditional pubs, and inviting cafés, or take in the grand Gothic Revival architecture of St Mary’s Cathedral with its striking spire and serene interior.

Departure from Killarney & Scenic Drive to Cork

Spend a leisurely morning in Killarney before setting off on a picturesque drive southward through Ireland's stunning southwest landscapes.

Highlights in or near Killarney are well worth considering:

• Muckross Abbey & Gardens – peaceful ruins and Victorian gardens offering a gentle ramble through history and greenery
• Ross Castle – a beautifully restored 15th-century tower house on the shores of Lough Leane, with optional boat views of the lakes

En route, make time for a stop at Glengarriff — a charming village nestled in Bantry Bay, where you can explore the subtropical Garnish Island, enjoy panoramic views from the Caha Pass, or simply wander the woodland nature reserve and Blue Pool trails for a peaceful break amid Ireland's wild beauty.

Driving: approx. 55 miles / 88 km

Estimated time: approx. 2.5 to 3 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrival

Welcome to Cork! Step into Ireland’s vibrant southern city, alive with culture, history, and riverside charm.

After checking in, take a stroll through the bustling English Market, wander along the scenic River Lee, or explore the city’s historic streets and landmarks. With its lively atmosphere, cozy cafés, and rich local character, Cork offers a perfect introduction to the spirit of southern Ireland.

Departure

Check out of your hotel and begin your onward journey. Take one last stroll along the River Lee or through the lively streets, enjoying Cork’s vibrant atmosphere and historic charm.

As you travel to your next destination, reflect on the city’s culture, riverside views, and the unique character that makes southern Ireland so unforgettable.