Click here for the perfect 8 day Ireland road trip itinerary including Dublin, the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher. This Ireland winter road trip Itinerary lets you see the best things to do in Ireland in winter. #ireland #roadtri…

INTRO

Ever wondered what it would be like exploring the very best of Ireland? I sure did! Ever since I watched Hilary Swank wander the beautiful countryside of Ireland and fall in love with Gerard Butler, I forever romanticised the idea of visiting this beautiful country myself. Am I right ladies? I am constantly drawn to places that feel remote, wild and vast. Places that will make you feel tiny in this big beautiful world. There’s no better way to appreciate this earth and all its beauty.

So, when we were invited by Irish Tourism to explore Island’s beautiful cities and landscapes, we were instantly onboard! We spent 8 days exploring some incredible parts of Ireland including the vibrant capital city (Dublin), the Wild Atlantic Way, and the ‘culture capital of Europe’ Galway. Our time in Ireland was romantic, charming, friendly, welcoming, fun and of course beautiful!

OUR MAPPED ITINERARY

day 1, 2, 3 - dublin

We spent a total of 3 days and 3 nights in Dublin and it still didn’t feel long enough! This charismatic city has it all. History, charm, endless museums, cosy pubs, live music, romantic canals, unforgettable food, friendly faces, and of course the one and only Guiness factory. Our personal favourite experiences included: riding our bikes through Phoenix Park, tour through Roe. &. Co Whiskey distillery, Hop on Hop off bus, Windmill Recording Studio & seeing our faces printed on the foam of a Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse.

WHAT TO DO

Visit the Guinness Storehouse (a must in Dublin!)
Take a tour through the Roe & Co Whiskey Distillery (Our Pick!)
Hire a bike and ride through Phoenix Park. Here you will spot large groups of deer wandering the rolling green hills.
Enjoy a few pints of Guinness at one of the many traditional pubs along Temple Bar (Dublins pub district)
Spend your money along Grafton street where you’ll find countless shops and boutiques.
Explore Irelands most famous college and library, The Book of Kells. This library is the inspiration for Hogwarts Library, so any Harry Potter fans this is a must see!
Hop on the hop on hop off bus and enjoy a rooftop tour around the entire city. You can ride the bus all day long, stopping off at some of Dublins most famous sites.
Time your visit to Dublin so you can experience a live game of Gaelic football or Hurling at the world famous Croke Park. Tickets sell fast so plan in advance!
If you happen to miss a game, the stadium hosts tours around the grounds which takes you inside the Behind the Scenes of the games, and you actually get to hold the winners cups!
Delve into Dublins music history on a tour of the Windmill Lane Recording Studio. Here you can visit the actual studios famous bands and musicians recorded in including U2, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran and many more!

WHERE TO STAY (in order of price - lowest to highest)

Generator Hostel - Heart of the city, funky place, affordable (from $100 - $200) $$$$
Avoca House B+B - Comfortable private rooms with private bathrooms, 1km from city centre (from $150 per night) $$$$
Donnybrook Hall - Victorian Guest House, family run, private rooms. (from $210). $$$$
The Fleet - The hotel we stayed and it was perfect! Great location, making it easy to walk everywhere (from $300). $$$$
The Gibson Hotel - Panoramic views of the Port, private rooms, gym, affordable (from $300). $$$$
The School House Hotel - Converted 1861 school, so unique! 10 minute walk from city centre (from $310). $$$$
The Merrion Hotel - 5 star hotel, luxury, heart of the city, 2 Michelin star restaurants (from $600). $$$$

WHERE TO EAT

Gallaghers Boxty House - A popular restaurant/pub along Temple Bar that serves traditional Irish food $$$$
Cleaver East - Classy restaurant that serves Asian infusion and creative cocktails. LOVED our meal! $$$$
Clanbrassil House - Intimate dining experience that focuses on food cooked over charcoal fire. An early bird 3 course set meal is super affordable at €25. $$$$
The Greenhouse - Michelin star restaurant, fine dining, 4-6 course experience. $$$$
The Bunsen - Popular burger place, simple menu, delicious flavours. $$$$
The Legal Eagle- Cool gastro pub vibe, hearty comfort meals, twenty craft beers on tap $$$$

where to drink

The Long Hall - One of the oldest and most charming Pubs in Dublin, it is a must! $$$$
Ruin Bar - inspired by the famous ruin bars in Budapest, this spot is the newest trendiest bars in the area. Offers cocktails, beers and food $$$$
The Lucky Duck - one of the newest bars in Dublin. The Lucky Duck has multiple levels, all levels unique in their own way. Contemporary food and cocktails $$$$
9 Below - underground luxurious speakeasy. Cocktail lounge bar in the heart of the city $$$$

Using natural malt molecules, you can now get a “STOUTie”, a selfie printed onto your pint. So cool!! Find this on the tour for an extra cost.

The wild Atlantic way

After an amazing 3 days in Dublin it was time to hit the road! So, we rented a car, and headed west towards the coastal town of Sligo. Our first stop on our road trip. We arrived late afternoon, so we just checked into our hotel and rested up before we spent the next day exploring.

day 4

Sligo is about a 2.5-hour drive from Dublin, and is a wonderful drive that leads you through the beautiful lush countryside. We were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of this region, and we both felt it was one of our favourite stops along the Wild Atlantic Way. The first day here we rose for sunrise to capture the beautiful seaside castle of Classiebawn, where we witnessed the sun beam through the clouds and light up the surroundings. The castle isn’t the only spectacular site of this area, Sligo is home to one of the most renowned surfing spots in the world, Mullaghmore Beach. We could not believe our eyes watching the large waves perfectly roll in. If you are brave enough you can take a surfing lesson in the calm bay of Mullaghmore. Before we hit the road again, we decided to make a stop at a local waterfall called Glencar Waterfall. I recommend taking the drive out here, as the scenery is jaw dropping, and the waterfall itself is straight out of a fairytale and only a short walk from the carpark.

After exploring the area of Sligo, we headed 1.5 hours west to a well-known natural site called Downpatrick Head. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on or side that afternoon so we weren’t able to capture the true beauty, but even in the rain it was still amazing to stand atop of.

From Downpatrick head we took the scenic route through Ballycroy National Park before spending the night at quaint town of Westport Town.

day 5

Waking with the sun we departed West port town at 8am and drove South towards the town of Clifden. The drive to Clifden is one of the most scenic drives in all of Ireland, leaving you with your jaw to the ground at almost every corner. We made many stops to take photos along the way and even spotted the most vibrant rainbow!

Heading to Louisburgh via Murrisk and its eye catching and haunting commemorative sculpture remembering those who perished in the Great famine of the 1840s. In the distance looms Croagh Patrick mountain which provides for a pilgrimage with an energy sapping hike to the mountain top at 762metres. The last Sunday of every month the locals take the climb up the ‘holy mountain’ in honour of St Patrick who spent 40 days fasting in the mountain.

From Louisburgh, head south through Doolough Pass towards Delphi that is known as one of the most stunning locations in country. Make a stop at Killary Harbour and Irelands only Fjord. Before finally reaching Clifden town be sure to make a stop at Kylemore Abbey and & Victorian Walled Garden, one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland and a must see.

When we arrived in Clifden town we wanted to do some less popular site seeing. So, after a couple minutes of research we discovered a castle 10 minutes out of town (Clifden Castle) that had been abandoned since 1935. It was cold and rainy out, which was the perfect setting to roam the seaside ruins. Upon arrival we noticed a huge medieval gateway that we later discovered was built in 1815. The castle itself is built further down a windy unpaved road, set beside the sea. As we were walking, we noticed there was no one else around, only an elderly man walking towards us up the muddy road. He stopped to talk and tell us all about the castle’s history, and how his family were once owners of the castle. Since then, the descendants of the family lived nearby for decades, and have since used parts of the wooden remainders of the castle to build part of their own homes. It was so fascinating! We then continued down the muddy path and finally reached the castle, and WOW it was incredible. We spent next hour discovering the ruins all to ourselves. I felt like I had stepped back into the 1800s, imagining what life would have been like back then. This moment felt special to me as there was nobody else around, and we were free to roam what was once a home to a family over 200 years ago. All my Outlander fans out there, you will absolutely fall in love with these ruins!

Ireland Coastline - Click here for the perfect 8 day Ireland road trip itinerary including Dublin, the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher. This Ireland winter road trip Itinerary lets you see the best things to do in Ireland in winte…

Ireland rainbow - Click here for the perfect 8 day Ireland road trip itinerary including Dublin, the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher. This Ireland winter road trip Itinerary lets you see the best things to do in Ireland in winter.…

day 6 - 7 galway

Before departing Clifden take the scenic drive along The Sky Road. This is a 5km stretch of lovely coastline and wonderful scenery which overlooks the town. More information on www.connemara.net/clifden-beach-road-and-sky-road-walk/.

Head South towards Galway City for 2 nights to experience the true magic of Ireland. Galway city is a favourite amongst tourists and is full of culture & character! It has been awarded the 2020 European Capital of Culture. An absolute joy to explore, this seaside city offers lively bars & pubs, a stream of constant live music, funky regular buskers on every corner, seasonal festivals, an abundant of restaurants, colourful shop facades and an all-round amazing vibe. We instantly fell in love!

what to do

Galway is the festival capital of Ireland, so be sure to check out what’s on offer during your stay. See more here.
Check out the Christmas market at Eyre Square during the winter time. It is a wonderful colourful spectacle of food, drink and entertainment.
Visit The Claddagh Ring Museum and shop in Quay street. Dillon’s have been running this for over 250 years. The ring is famous originally for being a symbol of a marriage promise, but now is worn worldwide as a token of friendship. www.claddaghring.ie
Pub Crawl! Galway is know to have great ‘Craic’ (great nightlife) so head on out and explore the many bars and pubs along.
Take a walk long the promenade of Salthill. If you are brave enough take a dip off the diving board that marks the end of the prom. You will find a lot of locals swimming here everyday, even in the winter. We braved it and jumped in and OMG what a rush! Highly recommend for a memorable experience.

where to stay

Bunk Boutique Hostel - Super affordable hostel situated city centre $$$$
Harbour Hotel - Hip hotel with modern rooms and is situated waterfront. 5 minutes walk to city centre $$$$
Forster Court Hotel - This hotel is where we stayed, city centre, modern boutique style, comfortable rooms $$$$
Glenlo Abbey Hotel - 5 star luxury accommodation situated 3.5km from the city centre $$$$

where to eat

Kings Head Pub - Medieval 3 story Pub with live music and comedy. Fresh local and seasonal food open for lunch and dinner $$$$

Wa Cafe - a tiny unique sushi bar that only seats 15 people. Locally sourced fresh food that is cooked in the traditional Japanese way $$$$
The Dough Bros - a must in Galway! Famous wood fired pizzas that go out the door fast! $$$$
Ard Bia at Nimmos - Quirky cafe/restaurant that serves creative Irish dishes $$$$

where to drink

The Quays - found in the latin quarter this traditional Irish pub/bar is set in a 400 year old building and always offers live music. The interior is super quirky also. Great for a drink or a pint of Guiness.
The Front Door - This elaborate bar is literally a maze full of different bars and is the largest pub in all of Galway. Each bar is different in their own way. Our favourite bar we visited!
O’Connells Bar - Home to one of the best beer gardens in all of Galway this quirky pub is great for all ages. The beer garden is actually home to one of the Dough Bros pizzeria. Live music regularly, amazing energy and warm inviting atmosphere.
O’Connors Famous Pub - 3rd generation family run Irish bar located in Salthill and has become famous after Ed Sheeran filmed part of his music video for ‘Galway Girl’

Galway Ireland - Click here for the perfect 8 day Ireland road trip itinerary including Dublin, the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher. This Ireland winter road trip Itinerary lets you see the best things to do in Ireland in winter. …

day 8

For your last day in Ireland before flying out of Dublin, take a drive to the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher see more than a million visitors each year and for good reason. These cliffs could easily be the reason for the term ‘Wild Atlantic Way’. The cliffs reach 214m high and gives a totally multi facade experience. If you are afraid of heights be prepared for ultimate vertigo as you stand all upon these cliff edges.