Sometimes you just have to say “let’s have a random adventure.”
After a travel conference in London this past November, I had a few days to spare before I needed to catch a flight back to New York. With that time, I could have easily stayed put and wandered around London, but that relentless voice inside my head conjured up other plans.
He wanted to go explore a new place, and have a random adventure – despite only having five days to do it.
I gave in and caught a flight to Dublin to quickly put together the most epic Ireland Road Trip I could.
Luckily, a local friend in Dublin provided insight on how to maximize the experience, and the rest I left up to chance.
This is how it all played out…
DAY 1 – Dublin & Belfast
I spent the morning in Dublin, doing the touristy things, like sneaking into office buildings to get this first shot, and then walking through the beautiful Long Room at Trinity College.
That afternoon, I rented a car in Dublin and made my way north to Belfast.
My biggest challenge over the first few days of driving was figuring out the left-handed shifter and making sure I stayed on the correct side of the road. In the end, I only went into oncoming traffic twice (once on the highway).
As soon as I got through Dublin traffic, the highway was easy and I arrived in Belfast in less than two hours.
The city center was pretty quiet and everything seemed to be closing up early, so after getting some shots of the Belfast City Hall and a few other spots, I called it a night.
DAY 2 – Northern Ireland
Still not too confident with my driving, I wanted to get out of city traffic as quickly as possible. So I left Belfast early on day two to head towards the Northern Coast of Northern Ireland.
My first stop of the day was at a place called the Dark Hedges in Antrim County. A cool and majestic row of Beech trees that curve and bend over the road.
The best part about the Dark Hedges is its roll on Game of Thrones, as “the King’s Road.” Luckily, nobody was beheaded while I was there.
From there, it was up through the Irish countryside to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
That was my first view of the Irish coastline and it was beautiful. The bridge on the other hand was pretty sketchy.
After the rope bridge, I made the short drive over to The Giant’s Causeway.
The Giant’s Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking rock columns that formed perfect as a result of a volcanic eruption.
The crazy coastline of symmetric rock formations is incredibly interesting and unique.
The sun stayed out just in time to make another quick stop at the Dunluce Castle just down the road from Giant’s Causeway.
I climbed through a fence and down a path to get this shot. This castle probably had some sweet views when it was operational.
I was supposed to start heading inland after that but I got sidetracked when I spotted a large white sand beach off the road. Even in the cold and rainy weather, the Whiterocks Beach was occupied by surfers catching waves in the rough water and a rainbow that stretched over them.
As you can see from the Ireland Road Trip video, this was only the beginning of the rainbow.
As the sun set, I made the long drive down to Sligo.
Sligo was a quiet little city with good food and a laid back atmosphere. I strolled around town and then got a room at the Yeats Country Hotel in Rosses Point.
DAY 3 – Sligo & Galway
Day Three started with a swim in the hotel pool and a traditional Irish breakfast.
Because I had arrived in the dark the night before, it was great to wake up and discover my surroundings. The hotel was right next to the “Waiting on Shore”monument and Sligo Yacht Club.
The area was truly beautiful, but I can imagine it really shines in the summertime.
The rain and wind rolled into Sligo so I jumped back in the car and headed south to Galway.
I have heard many great things about Galway, so it was great to finally experience it all first hand.
I wandered around the city, had a big kebab lunch and then climbed a hill to oversee the city.
From there, it was time for a beer and some live music.
DAY 4 – Wild Atlantic Way & Cliffs of Moher
Thanks to the guy snoring like a bear in the hostel, I got up early and continued on down the Wild Atlantic Way.
It was a beautiful drive through the Irish countryside, over the rolling green hills and past old castles…
Until I arrived at the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
I stared at the incredibly dramatic Cliffs of Moher until I got too close for comfort, and then moved on down the Dingle Peninsula.
Day 5 – Dingle & Slea Head Drive
I woke up on day five to the coolest little fishing village known as Dingle. After a stroll through town and some delicious fish and chips, I set out to explore Slea Head Drive.
Despite the weather, the scenery was everything I imagined Ireland to be.
I came back to Dingle just in time for a tasty roast and aged whiskey at a local pub.
It was Saturday night, and the receptionist at my hotel said I needed to experience Dingle nightlife. I had no idea what that meant, but I wasn’t prepared for what it turned out to be.
As I sat at the pub, drinking whiskey and minding my own business, in walked a hen party (bachelorette), immediately followed by a (separate) bachelor party and the pub filled up quickly.
I got to talking to the bachelor (left) and was invited to join in on the shenanigans.
We crawled to four different bars and ended up at a place that was hardware store by day and raging bar by night. Although that sounds like a terribly dangerous combination, nobody was beheaded while I was there. It was a great night.
Day 6 – Back to Dublin
The next morning came way too soon and I made the long, hungover drive back to Dublin.
I returned my car, dropped my stuff off at a hotel and then ended the trip with a beer on the rooftop bar of the Guinness Storehouse. Cheers to you Ireland!
41 Responses
This is a great post on Ireland road trip, Gareth!
Wow, these photos are breathtaking! I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland.. and your post has only increased that wanderlust! 🙂
Sigh. This makes me want to go to Ireland. And soon! Now if only taking a break from my sports-betting site is that easy.
Wow, Ireland is such a beautiful and peaceful country! There are so much to see and enjoy in its wonderful countrysides and well organized cities. To, me road trip is surely one of the best way to see the best of Ireland…..I loved this post because you have demonstrated how just within five days all the most popular locations in Ireland can be explored…..wonderful 🙂
Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing your adventure. Glad to see a Guinness in hand.
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Your Ireland road trip is a captivating journey through culture and landscapes! The blend of local experiences and stunning scenery makes it a must-try adventure.
What an inspiring Ireland road trip itinerary! I love how you capture the essence of Irish culture and scenic beauty. The route suggestions are super helpful, and I appreciate the tips on hidden gems. Can’t wait to use this guide when planning my own trip to Ireland!