Irish Coastal Road Trip September 2025

Thanks guys for all the suggestions
A couple of them were all ready on the list like Hook head Lighthouse where I used to spend weekends away scuba diving but never got inside the lighthouse and Ardfert where one of Mrs C's friends lives now, so that will probably end up been one of our overnight stays
So yes, going to be spending the next week or so picking out all the attractions that I'd like to see/visit along the way

Bronte said:
Not sure how anyone can do all of Ireland in two weeks.
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The map I posted is from another persons road trip which took them 18 days with each of the red dots representing an over night stay
So I'm guessing with with a bit of fine tuning the whole coast could be easily done in under two weeks
but it will all depend on the amount of stops or attractions you want to see each day which is why I'm giving 2 to 3 weeks for this
And then also it's not just the attractions that we will visit, there is also the driving element of this type of holiday
Over the years we've done a lot of road trips across America and Europe and the journey by road between our destinations has been some of the most memorable moments of those holidays
niceoneted said:
Do you need a driver / bag carrier?
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Your more then welcome to apply for the job but guaranteed after a day or two you'd be begging us to let you off at the nearest train station

Sue Ellen said:
Would have to be American....
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Our first American road trip in 2010 was a Californian one and wasn't really thinking about the size of the state or the journey we were about to undertake but I always will remember fondly the first time I entered our destination into the sat-nav and what it informed us
"In 203 miles turn right" and in 17' we managed to get a turn right in 350 miles
 
Another vote for couple of previously mentioned spots:

-Dunfanaghy in Donegal. Amazing beaches, horn head drive, Glenbeigh national park, Jazz festival in September.
-Achill island & Westport - Keel, Keem beach,
-Doolin in Clare
-Killarney & ring of Kerry, visit skelligs
-West Cork, Mizen head, Barley cove, Clonakilty
 
West Cork, I would recommend sitting outside O’Sullivans Pub in Crookhaven for lunch. There is a little cafe at the end of Sheep’s head that you can also sit outside for a tea and a scone. Monks in Ballyvaughan in Clare is another spot. And Murphy’s pub in Brandon. And there is a list, it may be out of date because Bunnyconnellans in Cork is closed.

I just love stopping for food with a sea view when I am by the coast.
 
Bronte said:
Not sure how anyone can do all of Ireland in two weeks.
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This 100%. You could spend 2 weeks on the West coast alone and still feel rushed. For Donegal, recommendations would be Inishowen, taking in Malin Head, Glenveagh national park, Errigal mountain if you fancy a hike to some of the finest views in Ireland, any of the beaches from Dunfanaghy, Falcarragh, Gaoth Dobhair, Carrickfin, Kincasslagh, take your pick, they are all fantastic. Highly recommend Danny Minnies in Annagry for a dinner.
But honestly, if you're doing the whole country in 2 weeks you're missing the best of it as you'll be on the road for most of it.
 
Ceist Beag said:
if you're doing the whole country in 2 weeks you're missing the best of it as you'll be on the road for most of it.
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Thanks Ceist Beag for the recommendations
but I'm getting the feeling that you and Bronte have a different opinion of what a "Road Trip" is compared to what I think it is
For me with this type of holiday, first and foremost it is about the road I'm going to drive, where each days drive is the main focus
and not necessarily the destination or the attractions along the way although they are an important part of the trip
It's kind of like in my mind the differences between a tourist and a traveller
 
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That's fair enough Cervelo. There's no doubt that when you're driving the WAW the drive will certainly need all of your focus!
 
You won't have enough time to stop at places at that kind of pace.

I''d stick to half the WAW over the same period and leave yourself wanting to come back for more.

I don't think you'll have problems with accomodation if you're willing to use B&Bs either.

CCW is a good shout so you're driving on the sea-side of the road.
 
"And some time make the time to drive out west
Into County Clare, along the Flaggy Shore ......."

I walked the Flaggy Shore loop this afternoon Cervelo. Definitely worth considering if you haven't done it before. You'd want 2 hours or so walking at a leisurely enough pace.

Mr. Heaney sure had a way with words. He nailed it.
 
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