Ireland self-drive itinerary

Full Reference · 15 May – 1 Jun 2026
18 days · Ireland Trip 2026 Drive on the left
Outbound Flight
WestJet WS 18
Calgary (YYC) → Dublin (DUB)
Dep 19:55 Thu 14 May · Arr 10:50 Fri 15 May
PNR EHSDWC
Return Flights
WS 47 → WS 645
DUB → Toronto (YYZ) · WS 47
Dep 10:40 · Arr 13:20 Mon 1 Jun
YYZ → Calgary (YYC) · WS 645
Dep 15:50 · Arr 18:10 Mon 1 Jun
PNR EHSDWC
Car Rental — Budget
Pickup: Dublin Airport
Fri 15 May on arrival · Drop-off: Dublin South · Tue 26 May
Booking 42617072CA1
Coach Transfer (Days 15 & 17)
Connemara Coaches
Tommy Nee · 087 654 4238
Route links Primary route Alternate / variant No driving
Phase 1 · Self-drive — Northern Ireland & Wild Atlantic Way · Days 1–12
1DayFri
Date
Fri 15 May
Route
Dublin Airport → Belfast
Accommodation
Moxy Hotel, Belfast
Forecast 🌦️ 14° / 7° Wk1 outlook: low pressure dominant, slightly wetter than normal. Belfast late-spring averages. Pack a waterproof. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
In transit / grab-and-go at airport
Lunch
Carlingford harbour — toastie stop
Dinner
Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast
Highlights
  • Arrive Dublin Airport — WS 18 · collect Budget rental car
  • Monasterboice — Muiredach's High Cross (note 'hand of God' carving)
  • Carlingford: harbour walk / King John's Castle / Tholsel Street gate
  • Flagstaff Viewpoint — Carlingford Lough & Mourne Mountains Optional
  • Evening: Cathedral Quarter & Crown Liquor Saloon
Driving directions
Primary route
Car pickup — Budget · Dublin Airport
Booking 42617072CA1
2DaySat
Date
Sat 16 May
Route
Belfast → Belfast
Accommodation
Moxy Hotel, Belfast
Forecast 🌦️ 14° / 7° Wk1 outlook: cooler & wetter than normal in midlands/west; eastern coast near average. Showers possible. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Hotel / local cafe
Lunch
Bullhouse East Brewery (pizza)
Alt: Flout Pizza or The Hoose Bistro
Dinner
The Deer's Head
Alt: White's Tavern (back alley entrance)
Highlights
  • Titanic Belfast @ 9:20 am — full visit (2.5–3 hrs) Booked Ref: 2Q96MHTF
  • SS Nomadic Optional
  • Cathedral Quarter · City Hall · St Anne's Cathedral
  • Evening pub crawl: Sunflower → Duke of York → Harp Bar → Maddens Bar
  • Tip: alley bar beside Duke of York if crowded
Driving directions
City day — no driving
3DaySun
Date
Sun 17 May
Route
Belfast → Belfast
Accommodation
Moxy Hotel, Belfast
Forecast ⛅ 15° / 7° Wk1 outlook: unsettled but Belfast's east-coast position helps — near-average temps. Layers + light rain jacket. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Hotel / local cafe
Lunch
St George's Market (if open)
Try a Belfast Bap
Dinner
Felon's Club
Highlights
  • Black Cab Political Tour @ 10:00 am — 2-hour tour: Falls Rd / Shankill Rd / Peace Walls / Clonard Monastery / Divis Tower / Republican cemetery plot Booked
  • Ulster Museum (recommended) / Botanic Gardens
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Optional
  • Evening: Kelly's Cellars Priority → White's Tavern → Bittles
Driving directions
City day — no driving
4DayMon
Date
Mon 18 May
Route
Belfast → Gortahork
Accommodation
Ostan Loch Altan, Gortahork
Forecast 🌧️ 13° / 6° Wk2 outlook: high pressure starting to build from SW, but NW coast still wetter than avg. Wind & showers likely on Causeway clifftops. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Early departure (~6:45 am) — snack en route
Lunch
On the road — petrol station / packed lunch
Dinner
Ostan Loch Altan, Gortahork
Opt. pint: Shamrock Bar, Falcarragh
Highlights
  • Depart Belfast by 6:45 am — full Causeway Coast day requires the early start
  • Giant's Causeway — upper cliff path (60–75 min) Priority
  • Kinbane Castle headland viewpoint Optional · 10–15 min
  • Carrick-a-Rede viewpoint walk Optional — skip bridge walk
  • Dunluce Castle (30–45 min)
  • Mussenden Temple — walk behind for best photography angle
  • Derry: city walls walk Must do / Free Derry Corner & Museum / Guildhall interior
  • Grianán of Aileach hillfort — great views Optional
Driving directions
Primary route Full coastal route Coastal to Giant's Grianán from Derry
5DayTue
Date
Tue 19 May
Route
Gortahork → Gortahork
Accommodation
Ostan Loch Altan, Gortahork
Forecast 🌦️ 13° / 6° Wk2 outlook: slightly wetter than normal in NW. Donegal coastline exposed — windproof essential, especially Horn Head & Fanad headlands. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Ostan Loch Altan
Lunch
Downings (if doing Rosguill loop)
Alt: coffee stop in Dunfanaghy
Dinner
Leo's Tavern — live trad music Priority
Alt: Strand Bar, Falcarragh
Highlights
  • Horn Head scenic loop — Napoleonic watchtower hike (45–60 min)
  • Marble Hill Strand Optional · 10–15 min
  • Doe Castle (15–20 min)
  • Rosguill Peninsula Atlantic Drive Optional
  • Fanad Head Lighthouse (45–90 min) Priority
  • Portsalon Beach viewpoint
  • Evening: Leo's Tavern — traditional music Priority
Driving directions
Primary route With Rosguill
6DayWed
Date
Wed 20 May
Route
Gortahork → Gortahork
Accommodation
Ostan Loch Altan, Gortahork
Forecast ⛅ 13° / 6° Wk2 outlook: mixed. Glenveagh & Poisoned Glen can hold mist — check Errigal visibility before committing to high routes. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Ostan Loch Altan
Depart for park by ~9 am; leave park by 12:30 pm
Lunch
Light stop near Dunlewy / Crolly area
Dinner
Leo's Tavern or Strand Bar
(whichever not visited previous night)
Highlights
  • Glenveagh National Park via Bridge of Tears
  • Dunlewy: Sacred Heart Church ruins & Poisoned Glen viewpoint
  • Errigal mountain views
  • Crolly Distillery
  • Derrybeg & Bunbeg shipwreck
  • Magheragallan Beach
  • Bloody Foreland scenic viewpoint Weather dependent
  • Magheraroarty Pier & Beach
Driving directions
Primary route
7DayThu
Date
Thu 21 May
Route
Gortahork → Sligo
Accommodation
Glasshouse Hotel, SligoRef: EQEDCAQ
Forecast 🌦️ 13° / 7° Wk2 outlook: showery. Slieve League cliff drive is weather-critical — visit on the brightest part of the day. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Ostan Loch Altan before departure
Lunch
Rusty Mackerel, Teelin (if timing allows)
Dinner
Patrick Connolly Bar, Sligo
Highlights
  • Assaranca Waterfall Must stop
  • Ardara village walk 15 min Optional — Annie's shop
  • Glencolmcille Folk Village
  • Malinmore megalithic cemetery & Cloghanmore tomb
  • Slieve League Cliffs — Bunglass Point upper lot (60–90 min) Priority
  • Drive THROUGH the gate to upper parking; close gate behind you
  • Mullaghmore Head Optional & Streedagh Beach
  • Benbulbin viewpoint & Drumcliffe Church — Yeats' grave
  • Sligo Abbey
Driving directions
Primary route Alt: via Glengesh
8DayFri
Date
Fri 22 May
Route
Sligo → Westport
Accommodation
Westport Plaza HotelRef: 425036
Forecast 🌦️ 14° / 7° Wk2 outlook: slightly wetter than avg. Achill & Keem Bay exposed Atlantic — wind likely. Allow extra time on coastal roads. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Airport Cafe, Strandhill
Carrowmore doesn't open until 10 am
Lunch
On the road — Achill Island area
Dinner
Westport town centre
Pints: Matt Molloy's
Highlights
  • Knocknarea (Cnoc na Riabh) viewpoint — full walk 2.5–3 hrs Optional
  • Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery (45–60 min)
  • Moyne Abbey — priority over Rosserk (30 min) Priority
  • Downpatrick Head detour Optional
  • Achill Island: Keem Bay (30–45 min) Priority
  • Achill: Atlantic Drive viewpoints & Slievemore Deserted Village
  • Burrishoole Abbey (return stop)
  • Evening: Matt Molloy's pub, Westport
Driving directions
Primary route Full Achill loop
9DaySat
Date
Sat 23 May
Route
Westport → Westport
Accommodation
Westport Plaza HotelRef: 425036
Forecast 🌧️ 14° / 7° Wk2 outlook: persistent shower risk. If climbing Croagh Patrick lower slopes, check forecast morning-of — summit often in cloud. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Hotel / local cafe
Lunch
Local cafe in Westport or Newport
(if cycling Great Western Greenway)
Dinner
An Port Mor — reservation 6:15 pm Booked
Ref: BKMAK2H3
Highlights
  • Option A: Croagh Patrick lower ascent (60–90 min)
  • Option B: Cycle Great Western Greenway to Newport
  • Bad weather option: Ballintubber Abbey
  • National Museum of Country Life (60–90 min)
  • Westport House Optional
Driving directions
Base day — no driving
10DaySun
Date
Sun 24 May
Route
Westport → Clifden
Accommodation
Foyles Hotel, ClifdenRef: 5538
Forecast ⛅ 14° / 7° Wk2 → Wk3 transition: high pressure starting to assert. Kylemore & Sky Road improving conditions through the afternoon. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Hotel before departure
Lunch
Leenane village or Hamilton's Pub
Dinner
Foyles Hotel or Clifden town
Highlights
  • R335 — Doolough Valley Famine Memorial
  • Killary Harbour fjord viewpoints & Aasleagh Falls
  • Kylemore Abbey — exterior/gardens (10 min); full interior if wet (1.5–2 hrs)
  • Lough Inagh scenic route (especially if skipping Diamond Hill)
  • Diamond Hill — lower loop 45–60 min; full summit 2–2.5 hrs Optional
  • Sky Road scenic drive — take upper road for best views Priority
  • Clifden Castle Optional
Driving directions
Primary route With Diamond Hill
11DayMon
Date
Mon 25 May
Route
Clifden → Galway
Accommodation
The Hardiman Hotel, GalwayRef: 457763105
Forecast ⛅ 15° / 7° Wk3 outlook begins: high pressure building from SW, rainfall close to or below normal. Best driving weather of the trip likely. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Foyles Hotel before checkout
Lunch
Roundstone village stop
Dinner
Galway Bay Brewery
Evening: Crane Bar (trad) / Tigh Neachtain / Tig Coili
Highlights
  • Derrygimla Bog — Alcock & Brown transatlantic landing site (15 min)
  • Roundstone Bog & Errisbeg viewpoint
  • Dog's Bay / Gurteen Bay sandbar walk (20–30 min)
  • Ballynahinch (10–15 min)
  • Lough Inagh (20–30 min) If not done Day 10
  • Aughnanure Castle (20–30 min)
  • Galway: Cathedral / Spanish Arch / Latin Quarter / buskers / Eyre Square
  • Crane Bar — traditional music Priority evening
Driving directions
Primary route Alt: Lough Inagh
12DayTue
Date
Tue 26 May
Route
Galway → Dublin
Accommodation
Grand Hyatt Liberties, Dublin
Forecast 🌤️ 16° / 8° Wk3 outlook: drier & near-average temperatures. Good day for the Clonmacnoise riverside walk. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
The Hardiman Hotel before checkout
Lunch
Sean's Bar, Athlone Priority
One of Ireland's oldest pubs — Shannon Bridge walk & castle view
Dinner
Rye River Brewing Company
(en route to Dublin)
Highlights
  • Shannonbridge (10 min)
  • Clonony Castle Optional · 10 min
  • Clonmacnoise Monastery (60–90 min) Priority
  • Walk river path behind ruins & visit Temple Ciarán
  • Athlone Castle Optional
  • Kilbeggan Distillery Optional
  • Drop rental car — Budget Dublin South
  • Check in: Grand Hyatt Liberties, Dublin
Driving directions
Primary route Alt: with Clonony
Car drop-off — Budget · Dublin South
Booking 42617072CA1
Phase 2 · Dublin city days · Days 13–14
13DayWed
Date
Wed 27 May
Route
Dublin → Dublin
Accommodation
Grand Hyatt Liberties, Dublin
Forecast 🌤️ 16° / 8° Wk3 outlook: high pressure dominant, drier than average. Dublin gets the least rain of the trip regions. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Near hotel with Blake
Lunch
Pepper Pot / Fuscos / Leo Burdock
Fish Shop / Coppinger
Dinner
Spitalfields — reservation 7:30 pm Booked
Highlights
  • National Museum of Ireland (morning)
  • Whiskey Tasting @ 2:00 pm — Jameson Distillery or Roe & Co Booked
  • The Brazen Head — one of Ireland's oldest pubs
  • Temple Bar pub evening: Temple Bar → The Palace Bar → Bowe's Lounge
  • O'Donoghue's → The Long Hall → Buskers on the Ball → The Stag's Head → Bad Bobs
Driving directions
City day — no driving
14DayThu
Date
Thu 28 May
Route
Dublin → Dublin
Accommodation
Grand Hyatt Liberties, Dublin
Forecast 🌤️ 16° / 9° Wk3 outlook: dry & seasonal. Light layers fine for walking between Storehouse / Hawkesmoor / BANG. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Two Pups / Soren & Son / Cheeky Piglet
Bakeology / The Fumbally — or hotel sit-down
Lunch
Hawkesmoor @ 1:00 pm Booked
Backup: Guinness 1837 Brasserie
Dinner
BANG — reservation 8:15 pm Booked
Pre-dinner: The Sidecar at The Westbury
Highlights
  • Guinness Storehouse Experience @ 11:00 am Booked
  • Afternoon: open time
  • Pre-dinner cocktail: The Sidecar Cocktail Bar, The Westbury
  • Cocktail bars after dinner: Blind Pig / The Bar with No Name / Cafe en Seine
  • Peruke & Periwig / Fidelity Bar / 9 Below / Vintage Cocktail Club / Bar 1661 / Row Wines
Driving directions
City day — no driving
Phase 3 · Connemara lodge — Ballynahinch · Days 15–17
15DayFri
Date
Fri 29 May
Route
Dublin → Ballynahinch
Accommodation
Lettery Lodge, Ballynahinch
Forecast 🌤️ 15° / 8° Wk3 outlook: settled. Pleasant for the coach transfer & distillery tasting. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Two Pups / Soren & Son / Cheeky Piglet
Bakeology / The Fumbally — or hotel sit-down
Lunch
Buy drinks & snacks at Tesco
(for coach journey)
Dinner
Roast Dinner @ 6:30 pm
Lettery Lodge, Ballynahinch
Highlights
  • Morning: breakfast / brunch at leisure in Dublin
  • Stock up at Tesco for the road
  • Coach pickup @ 11:45 am — Connemara Coaches (Tommy Nee 087 654 4238)
  • 2-hour drive to Ahascragh Distillery
  • Tour & Tasting @ 2:00 pm — Ahascragh Distillery Booked
  • Contact: Eoghan O'Reilly
  • 2-hour coach drive to Ballynahinch
  • Check in to Lettery Lodge @ 5:00 pm
  • Evening: hang out at the Lodge
Driving directions
Connemara Coaches
Tommy Nee · 087 654 4238
16DaySat
Date
Sat 30 May
Route
Ballynahinch → Ballynahinch
Accommodation
Lettery Lodge, Ballynahinch
Forecast ⛅ 15° / 8° Wk3 outlook: rainfall near/below normal. Connemara fishing conditions should be favourable — overcast skies often help. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Owenmore Restaurant, Ballynahinch
(8:00 – 10:30 am)
Lunch
On-site — open / casual
Dinner
Owenmore Restaurant, Ballynahinch
Reservation @ 8:00 pm Booked
Highlights
  • Morning: open time
  • Guided fishing — bait or fly Arranged
  • Guides: 1 per 2–3 people
  • Drinks after dinner: Fisherman's Pub, Ballynahinch
Driving directions
Lodge day — no driving
17DaySun
Date
Sun 31 May
Route
Ballynahinch → Portmarnock
Accommodation
Portmarnock Hotel
Forecast ⛅ 15° / 8° End of Wk3: high pressure still influential. Good day for the lodge patio lunch & coach transfer east. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Owenmore Restaurant, Ballynahinch
(8:00 – 10:30 am)
Lunch
The Terrace, Ballynahinch
(patio lunch before departure)
Dinner
Mamo, Portmarnock @ 7:30 pm Booked
Ref: B6K494PV
Highlights
  • Morning: open time at lodge
  • Patio lunch at The Terrace, Ballynahinch
  • Coach pickup @ 2:00 pm — Connemara Coaches (Tommy Nee 087 654 4238)
  • 3.5-hour coach drive to Dublin / Portmarnock
  • Check in to Portmarnock Hotel @ ~4:00 pm
  • Drinks at Jameson Bar, Portmarnock Hotel
Driving directions
Connemara Coaches
Tommy Nee · 087 654 4238
Phase 4 · Departure · Day 18
18DayMon
Date
Mon 1 Jun
Route
Portmarnock → Calgary
Accommodation
—
Forecast 🌤️ 16° / 8° Wk4 outlook: generally a little drier than average, temperatures around normal for early June. Met Éireann · 5 May
Breakfast
Hotel / airport before departure
Lunch
—
Dinner
—
Highlights
  • Fly home from Dublin Airport — WS 47 dep 10:40 · arr Toronto 13:20
  • Connect at Toronto — WS 645 dep 15:50 · arr Calgary 18:10
  • Allow ample time for check-in and security at Dublin Airport
Driving directions
Safe travels home!
Booking references — WestJet PNR: EHSDWC (WS 18 / WS 47 / WS 645) · Budget Car: 42617072CA1 · Titanic Belfast: 2Q96MHTF · Glasshouse Hotel: EQEDCAQ · Westport Plaza: 425036 · An Port Mor: BKMAK2H3 · Foyles Hotel: 5538 · Hardiman Hotel: 457763105 · Mamo: B6K494PV
Legend — Priority = must-do · Optional = skippable · Booked = reservation confirmed · Alt = backup venue · All driving on the left.
Forecast source — Met Éireann Extended Range Forecast (issued 5 May 2026) combined with regional climate averages for the area being visited each day. Extended-range forecasts have lower skill than 10-day forecasts; refresh in early May 2026 for accurate 10-day windows.