Northern & East Ireland Road Trip & Hike - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin, Drive to Cooley Peninsula & Carlingford

Upon arrival in Dublin, collect your car rental and leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind you as you travel to the small, remote, and scenic Cooley Peninsula. Steeped in Irish mythology and stories of the famous Cú Chulainn and the Cattle Raid of Cooley, the Cooley Peninsula is a hub of ancient sites and monuments. Among them is the Proleek Dolmen, with its massive capstone, Slieve Foye mountain, views of the Mourne Mountains, picnic spots, and Blue Flag beaches. In the evening, you'll stay in the coastal town of Carlingford.

Day 2: Drive to Northern Ireland's Belfast, Explore

Today, explore Belfast's dynamic and energetic city at your own pace. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, hiker, and/or pub enthusiast, everyone will find something to love about the city. Start with a relaxing morning stroll through the City Hall's gardens. Or, for something more challenging, hike to Cave Hill Country Park for panoramic views of the city and coastline. If you're after culture, visit the sleek multimedia museum, Titanic Belfast, and its surrounding quarter, or check out the Ulster Museum and learn about Northern Ireland's art, history, and natural science.

Take a break and dine on local food for lunch at St George's Market, which has been there since 1604 and is located in a charming Victorian building. Finish the afternoon by meandering the streets around Queen's University Belfast, discovering hip shops and cafés. In the evening, relax in a cozy pub in the Cathedral Quarter and enjoy a taste of the city's thriving nightlife.

Day 3: Drive to Giant's Causeway & the Antrim Coast

The next leg of your road trip is the stunning Antrim Coastline, where you'll have the opportunity to explore fascinating sights like Dunluce Castle, Fair Head, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Portrush, and Mussenden Temple at your own pace. Fans of the "Game of Thrones" series will want to keep a lookout for the numerous dramatic and other-worldly filming locations along this scenic route.

Another highlight of today's adventure is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Giant's Causeway. The iconic rock formation consists of roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, resulting from an ancient volcanic eruption nearly 60 million years ago. After marveling at this coastal wonder, continue driving west to the beautiful harbor town of Portstewart for the night. Take an invigorating beach walk along the Portstewart Strand, and then choose a seaside restaurant for dinner.

Day 4: Drive into Ireland's Donegal County Around Inishowen Peninsula

After breakfast, you'll leave Northern Ireland behind as you cross into the Irish county of Donegal. Follow a signposted driving route around the stunning Inishowen Peninsula, a particularly spectacular section of the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. The coastal road passes through many tourist attractions and hidden gems on the peninsula, such as Malin Head—Ireland's most northerly point—and the beautiful Inishowen Head Lighthouse.

Continue along the coast to reach your overnight base: the pretty harborside cathedral town of Letterkenny.

Day 5: Explore Glenveagh National Park

Today, you'll head to Glenveagh National Park—just under 40,000 acres (16,187 ha) of pristine, protected nature in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. After breakfast, set out to explore its deep glens, picturesque lakes, and dense forests, home to herds of red deer. End your wanderings at the eastern edge of Lough Beagh, where the 19th-century Glenveagh Castle sits on the grounds of exotic and rare plants. 

Day 6: Drive to Londonderry / Derry

After breakfast, you'll depart Letterkenny and arrive in the historic city of Londonderry / Derry, the only city in Northern Ireland with its medieval walls still intact. This vibrant city is rich in both culture and history. Walking the walls is a great way to explore both old and recent history, as well as offering great views of the city, and it takes around one hour. Derry has many lively bars and restaurants, making it the perfect location for an overnight stay. 

Day 7: Return to Dublin, Bus to Laragh

After a hearty breakfast in Londonderry, make your way back to the capital and return your car rental. You'll take a public bus to Laragh, a village in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, which will be your home for the next four nights. 

Day 8: Transfer to Roundwood & Hike

For your first hike in the Wicklow area, you'll be transferred to the village of Roundwood. From here, walk over Paddock Hill and make your way back to Laragh at the entrance to the valley of Glendalough. Today's walk takes you around the perimeter of the Barton Estate before taking a detour from the Wicklow Way to the top of Scarr Mountain. From here, descend by an old mass path—a track frequently used by rural communities, traditionally leading to a church celebrating Sunday mass—to your overnight accommodation in Laragh.

Day 9: Glendalough Trail

Today is all about exploring this beautiful region. From the village, you can follow a lovely trail through forestry to reach Glendalough. Here, you can explore the old monastic town that was once a hive of activity over 1,500 years ago. This beautifully tranquil place offers a wonderful opportunity to explore more of the surrounding landscape while also taking the time to soak in the historical remains that abound in this region.

There are a number of marked hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties to choose from within the valley. Enjoy a challenging hike to the viewing point overlooking the beautiful lakes in the valley or a gentle stroll along the lakeshore to soak up the flora and fauna. 

Day 10: Glenmalure Hike

From Laragh, walk into the valley of Glendalough before climbing to cross over into the valley of Glenmalure. On this walk, follow an old green road near the Upper Lake before passing Pól An Eas Waterfall and up the steep steps to the Spink. From here, you'll be greeted with a bird's-eye view of Glendalough and the Upper Lake. From the Spink, continue over the shoulder of Lugduff mountain to the pass of Borenacrow. 

Descending into Glenmalure—with its brilliant views of the valley and Lugnaquilla, the highest mountain in County Wicklow—you'll finish your walk at the pub in Glenmalure. From here, you'll be transferred back to Laragh for your final overnight stay.

Day 11: Transfer to Dublin, Depart 

Today is your last day! When the time comes, you'll be transferred by taxi to Dublin airport, where you'll bid the Emerald Isle farewell. Safe travels!