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      Self Drive

      Connemara, Dingle & the Cliffs of Moher

      Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      From €2,250

      Travel Planning & Advice

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      Trip created by Patricia Doe
      View Patricia's Profile

      Region: Ireland;West – Connemara, Burren & Aran Islands
      Trip Type: Self Drive
      Accommodation: Classic
      Deposit From: €562.50 €562.50

      Grading: Your Own Pace

      Carbon Footprint: 66kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      Download Itinerary

      Ireland’s west coast landscapes of Connemara, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way have inspired visitors for generations – including fantasy giant J.R.R. Tolkien, who took inspiration from the Burren’s alien landscapes for Middle Earth.

      On this self drive trip on the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll stand at the edge of the world overlooking incredible ocean vistas from the Cliffs of Moher, hike through the fascinating geological landscapes of the Burren, and explore ancient monuments and wild bogs in Connemara. The cheery town of Dingle has been a magnet for artists and craftsmen, creating a microcosm of local artwork.

      Not only are Connemara and Dingle beautiful, but their rural communities are also some of Ireland’s last bastions of Irish tradition such as cuisine, music, dance and even the Gaelic language.

      On our Self Drive trips, enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace as well as benefit from passionate, local guides on certain days (marked G) who will interpret the landscape and introduce you to the culture and history of Ireland. Leave the planning and reservations to us – we’ve identified the very best of each region to get a great sampling of the nature, history and culture of Ireland. Hikes and other outdoor activities are matched to your ability levels. The minimum group size is 2.

      Trip Highlights

      • Stand atop the iconic Cliffs of Moher away from the crowds
      • Explore the alien landscapes of the Burren National Park with a local archeologist
      • Immerse yourself in Dingle, lauded by the National Geographic as the most beautiful place on Earth

      Day by Day Itinerary

      Day 1 - Killary Fjord & Connemara National Park

      Start your Wild Atlantic Way self drive trip off with a treat, feasting your eyes upon the breathtaking shores of one of Ireland’s only three fjords before heading to the expanses of Connemara. Once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde, explore the wild, windswept region. Stops include a sheep farm and a neo-gothic abbey before hiking in the Connemara National Park.

      Day 2 - Connemara & A Pirate’s Island

      Explore the ancient mysteries of Connemara with a local archeologist who will bring the landscape, traditions and mythology of the region alive. Our route takes us to a hauntingly beautiful island where you’ll hear tales of pirates and invasions. Be sure to taste some of the spectacular local seafood in an idyllic island pub. (B, G)

      Day 3 - Galway City’s Colourful Centre

      With its cobbled pavement and street performers, Galway is the west coast’s most vibrant urban centre and a great place to visit. As you continue your adventure south, visit such places as botanical perfumeries, perfectly preserved historic cottages complete with thatched roofs and turf fires or short hikes to breathe some of Europe’s freshest air right off the Atlantic! (B)

      Day 4 - The Burren National Park

      The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy – and on your guided hike through this other-worldly region, it’s easy to see why! Home to a plethora of unique wildflowers, you will learn about the human history of the area dating back thousands of years. (B, G)

      Day 5 - Cliffs of Moher & North Kerry

      Start your day off at Ireland’s most-famous cliffs, the Cliffs of Moher, before the crowds arrive, enjoying a walk along the dramatic cliff edge on a background of coastal panoramas. Leaving County Clare behind, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife as you cross the mouth of the mighty River Shannon. As you make your way south through North Kerry, we’ll recommend a great beach walk along one of Kerry’s best-kept secret coastlines, as well as a few other great stops to make a leisurely day of it. Alternatively, you may prefer to head straight to Dingle where you could join an afternoon boat trip to spot the marine wildlife and the spectacular coastlines of the Dingle Peninsula. (B)

      Day 6 - Dingle & the Blasket Islands

      The best way to discover the best of the Dingle Peninsula? By boat, of course! Spend the day with a charismatic wildlife expert boating around Slea Head and the Blasket Islands, an abandoned archipelago famous for rich literary heritage and unique cultural insight about life in Ireland’s westernmost fringes. Spot seabirds and marine wildlife such as whales, seals and porpoises and dolphins. (B, G)

      Day 7 - Dingle Town & Departure

      Today, say goodbye to the wilds of Dingle and the Wild Atlantic Way. From here, you may head straight to the airport – we will provide interesting stops along the way. Alternatively, why not combine this itinerary with Kerry, West Cork & the Haven Coast and enjoy another fantastic week in Ireland! (B)

      Download Itinerary

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      Self Drive
      Connemara, Dingle & the Cliffs of Moher

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

      Fields marked with * are mandatory

      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Book Now

      Price from: €2,250
      Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights

      Trip Details

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      Accommodation Read More

      This self drive trip features classic-graded accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. Expect small, comfortable and characterful lodgings. You will have the choice between cosy B&Bs or 3-star family-run hotels or guesthouses, with options and in towns or rural communities. Accommodation rooming is a choice of double or twin rooms, which are en-suite with a shower.

      Meals Read More

      Each morning, enjoy a hearty homemade breakfast of your choice at your accommodation. We’ll provide local recommendations for afternoon and evening meals in each town or region as well as wilderness picnics for those days spent in the great outdoors.

      Inclusions Read More

      This trip includes the following:

      • 7 days/6 nights in classic-graded hand-picked 3 and 4 star standard accommodations
      • A detailed itinerary and map outlining your itinerary, accommodations and stops
      • Breakfast every morning at your accommodation (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
      • The services of experienced and knowledgeable guides at various stages in the trip as stated in the itinerary (Guided days marked G)
      • Self guided activities as stated in the itinerary
      • Recommended stops, hikes and points of interest along the way
      • 24/7 hour in-country support

      This trip includes all accommodation, some guiding and activities as well as breakfast. It does not include drinks or any gratuities you may choose to leave.

      Trip Grading Read More

      At Your Own Pace

      On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Ireland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle, low-level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready.

      On the other days of the trip, you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

      Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

      This itinerary is designed to start and finish at Dublin Airport, but can be easily be paired with other self-drive trips such as Ireland’s Surf Coast to Westport or Kerry, West Cork & the Haven Coast. Detailed driving directions during the trip will be provided as part of your information pack.

      Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More

      Extend Your Stay

      Why not extend your stay in Ireland with another exciting week exploring the Wild Atlantic Way? Our Self Drive – Kerry, West Cork & the Haven Coast follows on from where you left off in Dingle by continuing south to Killarney National Park, The Ring of Kerry, and beautiful and mild West Cork. Simply ask your Adventure Consultant to find out more about extending your tour.

      Car Hire

      Planning to hire a car here in Ireland? Make your life easier by leaving the car rental process up to us. Just tell us your preferences and we’ll take care of the rest.

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      Speak to an Expert

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      Patricia Doe

      An avid cyclist and hiker, Patricia enjoys exploring Ireland’s wild landscapes every chance she gets – she particularly loves the under-appreciated regions of Mayo, Connemara, Sligo and Donegal. Having spent nearly a decade in the hospitality industry, Patricia is an expert on Ireland’s luxury and unique accommodations. As Wilderness Ireland’s General Manager and head of the sales team, Patricia is ready to help make your Irish adventure spectacular.

      Ask Patricia a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      At your Own Pace

      Discovery journeys are self-drive with personal activity experiences tailored to your own personal activity level. They allow you to discover Ireland with one-to-one meet ups with local guides and experts who can lead you through activities and hikes at you own pace. They also include overnight stops at the very best local 4 and 5 star accommodations. For the days you are self-guided, we will provide you with suggestions of places to stop, eat and things to see along with maps and directions.

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