WILD ATLANTIC WAY OF IRELAND
7-DAY SELF DRIVE IRELAND ITINERARY
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY & CHARM OF IRELAND’S WILD ATLANTIC WAY
Trip Highlights
Charming boutique B&B stays in Ireland’s stunning rural countryside
Visits to remote castles, ancient dolmens & fairy forts
Learn about sustainability & biodiversity in Irish agriculture
Avoid the crowds with our local insights
See the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park & Dingle Peninsula
A perfect 7-day self-guided Ireland tour along its dramatic west coast, known as the Wild Atlantic Way. Your explorations begin in Killarney National Park to explore breathtaking sites like Ross Castle. You’ll continue on through quaint villages immersed in idyllic landscapes and across lesser-traveled scenic roads. Along the way you'll enjoy stops at ancient stone circles, impressive castles, and colorful towns bursting with charm. Lively pubs filled with traditional Irish music will encourage you to mingle plenty of friendly locals. Of course, your perfectly planned self tour brings you to the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher and other unmissable highlights with tips on the best ways to explore and beat the crowds. As well, you'll be directed to our off-the-beaten-path favorites and tucked away gems - the kinds of experiences that will have you talking about your trip to Ireland for years to come!
Book our 7-day Ireland self-drive itinerary with Custom Dates year! Starting at $1995 per person. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop downs below.
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STARTING AT $1995 per person
Fully planned & booked 7-day self-guided Ireland itinerary
Self-drive
Minimum of 2 people
Trip Inclusions
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6 nights in our trusted locally-run boutique B&Bs, full of Irish charm
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Detailed driving routes & tips for driving in Ireland
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Visit Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey and Torc Waterfall
Explore the Cliffs of Moher and the Coastal Walking Trail (from secret entrances, away from the crowds)
Visit to a remote castle and other off-the-beaten path sites
Scenic drive around Slea Head with stops at a farm with sheepdog demo, ancient Beehive huts, Coumeenole beach, Dunquin pier & more
Visit select sites in the Burren region of County Clare including ancient dolmens, caves & fairy forts
Special nights with Trad Music at countryside pubs
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Daily full breakfasts + 1 dinner
Restaurant recommendations all along the way
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Visit to our local community partner Irish Seed Savers + donation to their organization
Detailed itinerary with complete self-guided instructions, local recommendations, daily budget estimate, and cultural tips
Traverse representative assisting you from booking through the end of your trip
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Extra nights
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International airfare
In-country rental car
Site entries, unless specified
Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed
Required travel insurance
Testimonials
DAILY ITINERARY
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Start your journey by arriving to Dublin Airport (DUB) (in the morning) or Kerry Airport (KIR), or from Killarney town (by train). You can arrange to pick up your rental vehicle at any of these spots, then you will drive to your boutique B&B. We’ve left the afternoon & evening flexible to work with your arrival timing. We’ll have lots of suggestion as to what you can do with any free time today!
Note: One planned dinner experience is included in your itinerary. The exact evening it takes place will be determined by your travel dates. We would love to book you on a night where there’s live music!
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This day’s Irish adventure starts with a visit to Ireland’s oldest National Park. As you traverse the park, you’ll explore breathtaking sites like Ross Castle, Muckross House & Abbey, as well as Torc Waterfall. Take some time to immerse yourself in history and walk through moss-covered forests filled with some of Ireland’s oldest trees.
In the late afternoon, you’ll begin a drive that takes you along the first stretch of the well-known ‘Ring of Kerry’ scenic route. Your guesthouse awaits in the village of Sneem, surrounded by postcard perfect scenery. Explore the quaint village after your arrival, discovering colorful shop facades, abundant flower pots, a self-guided sculpture walk, as well as plenty of cute cafes & shops! For dinner this evening you may choose from a list of recommended restaurants in town each featuring their own local specialties.
Meals: B
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Today you’ll set out on our special driving route that takes you from the south coast of the Ring of Kerry peninsula to the north coast, while avoiding the much busier coastal road. These peaceful country roads will immerse you in some of Ireland’s most dramatic and unique landscapes, offering spectacular vistas as you head along the southern coastline of the Dingle peninsula. As you make your way to the western tip of the peninsula, enjoy the unparalleled scenery as well as optional stops to stretch your legs along expansive sand beaches or at a tucked-away castle ruin overlooking a beautiful ocean bay. Arrive at your B&B around midday.
This afternoon settle into the peace and quiet of your rural surroundings by exploring scenic paths accessible from your B&B, or opt to wander the character-filled streets of nearby Dingle town. From the harbor of this colorful town you can also hop on boat rides to explore Dingle Bay or even head out to the remote Blasket Islands. Depending on the season there may be high chances of spotting whales, puffins and other wildlife. Near the town a quick uphill hike will bring you to an incredible viewpoint offering a sweeping panorama across the peninsula and the sea.
Visit a highly regarded distillery this afternoon or a countryside craft brewery. Recommendations for the best Trad Music sessions in the region (a hot spot for Irish music!) will be provided as well.
Meals: B
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This morning you may opt for a gorgeous and easy walk on nearby Clogher Head, beginning at a pristine beach and heading through peaceful fields lined by dramatic shoreline. Another option this morning would be a visit to the Blasket Island Centre — a heritage museum honoring the fascinating history of the locals who called these remote islands home until a sudden evacuation in 1953. For lunch today we recommend a cozy cafe that’s a favorite among the community. In the afternoon you’ll follow a scenic driving route around Slea Head, stopping at the best highlights along the way including a sheep farm with sheepdog demos, historic famine cottages, ancient beehive huts and breathtaking viewpoints over beautiful beaches, rugged coastline, unique harbors and more.
In the evening feel free to relax at the B&B and enjoy another dinner prepared by your hosts, or head into the restaurants, pubs and nightlife of Dingle town.
Meals: B
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Today you’ll set out and skirt the peninsula’s northern coastline as you head towards County Clare. Notice as the surrounding landscapes transitions from craggy coastline and rugged hills to rolling fields blanketed in green. Have lunch while surrounded by gorgeous sea views before arriving at your lovely family-run B&B. Take some time to explore the friendly town of Lahinch and breathe in the sea air along its lengthy beach.
As late afternoon approaches it’s time to take a short drive up the coast towards Ireland’s most jaw-dropping sight: The Cliffs of Moher. With our unique tips to find tucked-away car parks and walking paths that approach this incredible (and highly visited) site, you can immerse yourself in the stunning views without being overwhelmed by tour bus crowds. By visiting later in the day you’ll also have the opportunity to sit and look across the Cliffs while witnessing a majestic sunset over the Atlantic. Plenty of dinner options and pubs full of Trad Music await you in the village when you return.
Meals: B
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Today you’ll visit our incredible Community Partner in the idyllic countryside of eastern Clare. Surrounded by peaceful farms and beautiful forests, Irish Seed Savers is a highly regarded organization that works to preserve biodiversity and food security in Ireland, while also spearheading initiatives to promote environmental sustainability. Your guide will take you on a walking tour to explore the land and gaining in-depth knowledge of Ireland’s agriculture, wildlife and unique ecosystems.
Once you’ve satiated your curiosity you’ll head to a nearby village for lunch, and then choose from several options this afternoon to explore ancient sites, impressive caves, faery forts and the globally unique landscape of the surrounding Burren region. For the evening, choose from a plethora of restaurants in the area, perhaps selecting an extra special location for your farewell dinner as your journey around Ireland draws to a close.
Meals: B
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Depart at any time today from the airport of your choice and according to your rental vehicle dropoff location.
Meals: B
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Minimum two people required to book. Prices are based on double occupancy. For groups of odd numbers (3, 5, etc.) please add a “my own room” option for one guest.
$1995 per person - double occupancy
+$495 'My own room' - private room with private en suite
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Extra nights before/after your trip, prices upon request
FAQS
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There are a few options, which are explained in your Welcome Pack when you book. You can start your journey by arriving to Dublin Airport (DUB) or Shannon Airport (SNN) in the morning and driving your rental car to Kerry from there. It partly depends on which flights work best for you and where you’d like to pick up your rental vehicle.
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The first thing to know about driving in Ireland is that they drive on the left side of the road. That means that the driver’s seat is on the right side and the gear shaft is managed with your left hand. The pedals are still the same - clutch on the left, brake in the middle, gas on the right. In general, roads in Ireland are also more narrow. When you select a rental car, you may choose to get an automatic to make it a tad easier!
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Our partners are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions such as Celiac, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. to the best of their abilities. In this itinerary, your breakfast is included each morning, and some smaller establishments have limited options. That said, we always share your dietary preferences to ensure that you have options to the best we can provide. The great news is that Ireland has many health-oriented markets with lots of fantastic vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free options so stocking up on snacks is a great plan!
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It is ideal to book this trip at least 6 months in advance to ensure enough space at our selected accommodations; however, we can often accommodate last minute bookings up to 3 months prior to the trip start date.
Terms & Conditions
Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to hello@traversejourneys.com
Deposit
A $250-500 non-refundable deposit is required for each traveler to secure the booking (varies by trip). 50% remainder due 30 days from booking. Balance due 60 days prior to trip start. Refer to the Flexible Booking Policy for cases in which the deposit may be transferrable.
Payment
Payments can be made either by 1) full payment on booking 2) Deposit on booking + payment schedule below. Payments will be invoiced via e-mail for credit card or Paypal payment online.
Cancellations Policy
Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 90 days prior to the trip start date unless otherwise specified.
Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.
Travel Insurance
The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $200,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance
Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations
Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.