In the far west of Europe, the proud Emerald Island seems to be in perpetual struggle with the elements. Battered by the winds and rain, the Irish land, hieratic, emerges from the water, and declines a raw nature. But despite the hostile climate, Ireland remains a unique country that attracts a little more visitors every year. An island like a concentrate of green and wild landscapes, with spectacular cliffs, the sea as far as the eye can see, ghostly lakes and disturbing mountains and forests. In short, an insolent and wild nature where nothing seems to have given way under the hand of Man! To discover this enchanting island at its best, many lucky people treat themselves to a road trip all around or on a part of the island. An island that is home to the Wild Atlantic Way, a legendary route of over 2,500 km along the west coast and its spectacular sites.
The best is to take your own vehicle (car or motorbike) from France on a ferry, then take the road... on the left of course! With charming cottages scattered all over the country to recover from your day, the adventure in Game of Thrones land can begin.
A legendary capital
An Irish trip will therefore necessarily start in Dublin or Cork. And Dublin, a capital that looks like a small provincial town with more village than urban neighbourhoods, does not take itself seriously. This is undoubtedly thanks to the influence of her many artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, painters, who have never ceased to tell her stories with tenderness and humour. There's no shortage of visitors. For example, you can smell the old books in the impressive Trinity College Library and visit museums before admiring the bridges that are engaged in a contest of elegance on the river of life, the Liffey. But Dublin is also about pushing open the heavy, old pub doors that let out the smell of beer, the smell of wood and the sound of violins, guitars and flutes. So, a stroll in the beautiful parks of the Georgian quarter or a tasting of oysters while drinking a Guinness on the way to Grafton Street? Even if the weather decides for you, the pleasure will be unchanged
Then we'll quickly get in the car, because just thirty minutes from the vibrant Irish Sea, the coast, the swell and the iodized air of the Irish Sea offer themselves to the visitors. And there are many historical sites around the capital.
The prehistoric necropolis of Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange, Knowth) in the Boyne Valley, Glendalough Monastery and Powerscourt Estate in the Wicklow Mountains are must-see attractions. Then, halfway along the road to Cork in the south-east of the country, Kilkenny, this lovely medieval city, is considered by many to be the prettiest in the country. After a detour to see the superb ruins of the Cistercian Jerpoint Abbey, the town of Cahir with its imposing castle and the medieval fortifications of the Rock of Cashel, will be our last stop before arriving in the streets of Cork, a lively and friendly city.
Cork and the Southwestern Peninsulas
The country's second largest city is home to several historical monuments, art galleries, museums, theatres and countless typical pubs. A good program in perspective with a lunch at the Old English Market, a downtown covered market, to regain strength between two visits.
In the surrounding area, County Cork has no shortage of surprises with Blarney, its castle and magic garden, the port of Kinsale, its narrow lanes, the picturesque Charles Fort and its choice gastronomy, or the exotic gardens of Glengarriff.
You will also have to take the road to the magnificent peninsulas of the southwest, all different from each other. Let's start with Mizen Head, wild and spectacular with its vertiginous cliffs, then the Beara Peninsula where sometimes tropical-looking vegetation appears. Next stop: the town of Killarney, at the gates of which is a splendid natural park (Killarney National Park) and the entrance to the Ring of Kerry, one of the most beautiful peninsulas in the region.
The dream landscapes of Connemara
We will then continue our ascent from the west coast to the Dingle Peninsula. Less frequented than the Ring of Kerry, it does not however lack attractions, with its sublime landscapes of course, but also a great concentration of Celtic ruins. After a breath of fresh air at the top of the cliffs of Moher, our road will plunge us into the heart of the strange rocky and lunar landscape of the Burren region.
A choice stopover before parking in the pleasant city of Galway. Situated at the crossroads of some of the country's most popular tourist attractions, Galway is very popular with visitors. It must be said that the city has everything to please: a lively centre, a very young population and attractive streets with decorated facades, pub signs and original shops. We meet many Americans or young hippies here, in this city also considered as the capital of Irish music
Then we'll warm up the engine again, heading for the mythical Connemara. There, a spectacular landscape of lakes and mountains, particularly suitable for hiking. Enough to stretch your legs in a dreamlike landscape! Our route will then pass through the wonderful and unspoiled landscapes of County Mayo, before going back in time, more than five millennia anyway, to Céide Fields, the largest and most impressive preserved Neolithic monument in Europe.
Make way for the mystique of Northern Ireland
Coming northwards, the county of Sligo then appears in the distance. This wild and isolated region, which so inspired the poet W.B. Yeats, has the largest concentration of megalithic monuments in Ireland (Creevikee Court Cairn, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Knocknarea, Carrowkeel Cemetery...). Pack some sandwiches, there's plenty to do before you hit the roads of Donegal County! Characterised by the beauty of its coastline and its mountainous landscapes in the centre, it offers beautiful hiking possibilities.
Then on to Northern Ireland and its capital Belfast. North of Belfast, the Antrim coast from Larne to Ballycastle is one of the most beautiful roads in Ireland. Towards the interior, the Glens of Antrim ("Glens of Antrim") offer charming valleys refreshed by crystalline waterfalls. We will also pass through Derry, a walled city whose history teaches us a lot about the history of Northern Ireland.
Finally, to finish this road trip in beauty, we won't miss the most touristic site of Northern Ireland: Giant's Causeway, a geological wonder, a spectacular modification of the coast following, several million years ago, an eruption of basalt now frozen in nearly 38 000 columns..
The Wild Atlantic Way, the wild beauty
Finally, how can we talk about an Irish road trip without mentioning the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW)? This legendary route stretches 2,500 km along the west coast of Ireland, passing through more than 15 natural sites, from Donegal in the north to Kinsale in the south. Whether by car or motorcycle, the best time to travel the WAW is in July/August or, to avoid the crowds, in June or September. A sensational route combining breathtaking cliffs, lively towns, fishing villages, secret beaches and spectacular bays... In short, it is THE perfect route for an immersion in these legendary lands. Unique!
Smart info
When? Ireland is best visited between May and September. But it also lends itself perfectly to off-season stays and the major tourist sites will be less crowded
Getting there. If most of the tourists who go to Ireland obviously take the plane, to make a road trip it is better to embark on a ferry with his vehicle (car or motorcycle)
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Useful. To best prepare his escapade. Britanny Ferries offers ferry services between Roscoff (Finistère) and Cork. But also à la carte visits, short breaks, theme breaks (hiking, golf, fishing), accompanied coach tours and above all a dozen car tours with nearly 800 à la carte accommodation options
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