Self Drive Tours: What to Expect

Self drive tours are wonderfully varied, where no two days feel the same.

Curious to know what you might encounter each day on an Irish self drive itinerary? A few experiences include:

• Hiking coastal trails, lush woodlands or national parks
• Kayaking through quiet inlets or along rugged shores
• Pedalling along greenways or quiet laneways to immerse yourself in the region
• Visiting local farms, distilleries, and artisans to learn local crafts
• Exploring ancient sites, castles, monuments, and villages
• Experiencing traditional moments like Irish music, crafting, and more
• Tasting the local food and drink of Ireland

Beyond the Itinerary

There’s also space for slower moments, such as wandering a quaint harbour town, discovering a tucked-away café, or tasting a freshly-pulled pint of Guinness in a cosy pub.

A road trip through Ireland isn’t just about spending your day driving in your rental car, seeing the countryside flash by from a window or taking a few roadside photos. A Wilderness Ireland self drive tour is about experiencing the destination, immersing yourself in the traditions and culture, learning new skills and stories, and connecting with people and land.

Our self drive tours get you out of the car and into the landscapes and villages. They are about walking barefoot along the beach, running your hands along stones erected by Neolithic people 5,000 years ago, sharing a cup of tea and a natter with a cheerful local family, meeting a farmer and his sheep in a pasture tended by the same family for generations, or happening upon a group of musicians gearing up for tonight’s trad music session.

That’s completely understandable. In Ireland, we drive on the left, our roads can be narrow and winding, and most of the exceptional experiences require driving down back roads, and not all of our visitors are comfortable with that.

If you’d prefer not to drive, a fully guided or private tour might be a better fit. These options allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery while someone else takes care of the road. We have small group guided tours led by experienced guides.

If you like the idea of travelling just with your own group, why not choose the Make it Private option? Select your preferred group itinerary, and work with our sales team to change that into a private tour for you and your group.

Self drive tours in Ireland are designed for those who enjoy being behind the wheel, but there are always alternatives if driving is outside your comfort zone.