14-Night Grand Tour of Ireland – From Belfast to the Wild Atlantic Way and Beyond
Experience the full sweep of Ireland’s beauty on this 14-night self-drive adventure, beginning in vibrant Belfast, winding up the iconic Causeway Coast, tracing the rugged Wild Atlantic Way, and returning inland through the cultural heartlands of Cork and Kilkenny, before finishing in historic and cosmopolitan Dublin.
This tour is designed for travellers who want to see Ireland’s most dramatic scenery, its most charming towns, and the warmth and character that make the island so unforgettable.
Tour Overview
Your journey begins in Belfast, a city of creativity and culture, before following the spectacular northern coastline to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway.
From here, you join the Wild Atlantic Way, travelling through soaring cliffs, windswept peninsulas, colourful harbour villages and Atlantic viewpoints that stretch for miles.
Along the way, discover towns rich in local music, artisan food, and maritime history. Explore national parks, ancient sites, and scenic driving routes that showcase Ireland at its most breathtaking.
As you round the southwest and head inland, the journey brings you through the handsome streets of Cork and the medieval charm of Kilkenny, before concluding in the lively capital, Dublin.
Tour Highlights
Belfast & Causeway Coast – Titanic heritage, coastal drives, Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway.
Wild Atlantic Way – North to south: dramatic cliffs, beaches, fishing villages, scenic byways, and world-class viewpoints.
Spectacular Peninsulas – Inishowen, Fanad, Connemara, the Burren, Dingle or Beara (depending on your preferred route).
Southwest Culture & Cuisine – Cork City’s markets, Kinsale’s gourmet scene, the colourful towns of West Cork.
Ireland’s Medieval Mile – Kilkenny Castle, craft studios, cosy traditional pubs.
Dublin Finale – Georgian architecture, museums, nightlife, food tours and cultural highlights.
Who This Tour Suits
Perfect for couples, families, and independent travellers who want a relaxed but comprehensive route around Ireland with a blend of nature, culture, history and coastline. There are scenic drives with plenty of photo stops and overnight stays in authentic towns full of character
Why Travellers Love This Route
Covering both Northern Ireland and the Republic, coast and countryside, cities and small towns, this 14-night circuit offers a complete Irish experience.
You’ll enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace while knowing each day brings new landscapes, local flavours and unforgettable moments.
14 Night Tour Destinations
Arrive with Stena into Belfast Port from either Cairnryan in Scotland or overnight from Liverpool (Birkenhead)
Night 1: Ballycastle (Antrim Coast)
Giant’s Causeway – UNESCO site & famous hexagonal columns
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – exciting walk (pre-book recommended)
Dunluce Castle – dramatic coastal ruins
Ballintoy Harbour – rugged and atmospheric
White Park Bay – sweeping, peaceful beach
The Dark Hedges – iconic beech avenue
Bushmills Distillery tour & tasting
Night 2: Ballyliffin
Malin Head – Ireland’s most northerly point
Five Fingers Strand – giant dunes + dramatic beach
Mamore Gap – mountain pass with sweeping views
Fort Dunree – museum & spectacular cliff-top walks
Doagh Famine Village – fun, quirky and historic
Ballyliffin Beach – great golden-sand walk
Short stop in Derry’s historic walled city
Night 3: Letterkenny
Fanad Peninsula
Fanad Head Lighthouse – one of Ireland’s most photogenic lighthouses
Portsalon Beach – turquoise water & golden sands
Rathmullan & Ramelton – pretty heritage villages
Glenveagh National Park
Glenveagh Castle – shuttle service or lakeside walk
Castle Gardens – beautifully maintained Victorian gardens
Lough-side walking trails – peaceful and scenic
Visitor centre exhibits
Night 4: Donegal Town
Explore Donegal Castle and the photogenic town centre
Drive out to the Slieve League Cliffs (less busy than Cliffs of Moher, very dramatic)
Night 5: Sligo Town
Strandhill for beach walks, surfers, and cafés.
Drive the loop around Benbulben Mountain.
Drumcliffe Churchyard (Yeats' grave)
Night 6: Westport
Vibrant Georgian town with superb restaurants and live music
Walk the waterfront at Westport Quay
Hike Croagh Patrick or visit Achill Island
Drive through Leenane, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park and Clifden Sky Road on your way to Galway
Night 7: Galway City
The Latin Quarter, the colourful heart of Galway with cobbled streets, shopfronts, pub music, street performers, cafés and boutiques and harbour views
Coastal route to Roundstone, Gurteen Bay, Ballynahinch
Clifden, a lively, welcoming town with colourful shopfronts, cafés, bakeries, and excellent seafood restaurant
Night 8: Ennis
Famous for its nightly live trad sessions in cosy pubs — a brilliant atmosphere for authentic Irish culture
Wander narrow medieval lanes, colourful shopfronts, cafés, and local boutiques
Perfect for exploring the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, or Limerick while still staying in a lively town
Night 9: Dingle
Slea Head Drive, one of the most spectacular coastal routes in Ireland. Dramatic cliffs, sweeping Atlantic views, Blasket Islands lookouts, and historic sites like Dunquin Pier and Gallarus Oratory
Dingle town is full of charm, bright shopfronts, artisan cafés, seafood restaurants, and atmospheric pubs. Nightly traditional music gives the town a warm, lively feel.
Boat trips to the Blasket Islands or marine wildlife tours with dolphins and sea birds. Kayaking, sea safaris, and harbour walks all add to Dingle’s outdoor appeal
Night 10: Kenmare
Kenmare is a charming Heritage Town with colourful streets, boutique shops, craft galleries, and a warm small-town atmosphere.
Perfect base for both the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, two of Ireland’s most scenic drives
Kenmare is known for quality restaurants, cosy pubs, and locally sourced food
Night 11: Baltimore
Baltimore is a coastal Village with Island Access
Gateway for ferries to Sherkin Island and Cape Clear, both perfect for day trips
Whale Watching & Sea Safaris - One of Ireland’s top locations for marine wildlife tours
Lively Harbour Atmosphere with cafés, seafood pubs, and the iconic Baltimore Beacon overlooking the Atlantic
Night 12: Cork City
Cultural and food capital with street food, galleries, live music, and riverside cafés
Shandon Bells, Elizabeth Fort, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and UCC’s beautiful campus
Easy access to Blarney, Cobh, Kinsale, and the Jameson Distillery in Midleton
Night 13: Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle & Medieval Mile
A beautifully restored castle and historic streets filled with medieval buildings
Boutique shops, artisan crafts, and award-winning restaurants
Easy to explore on foot with vibrant pubs, galleries, and lively nightlife
Night 14: Dublin
5 highlights of Dublin
1. Trinity College & The Book of Kells
Ireland’s oldest university with beautiful courtyards and the famous Long Room library — one of the most photographed interiors in Europe
2. Temple Bar’s Cultural & Nightlife Quarter
Lively cobbled streets full of pubs, live music, restaurants, galleries, and the famous Temple Bar Pub. A vibrant area day and night
3. Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty Museum
Historic courtyards, medieval towers, and beautiful gardens.
Chester Beatty is one of Europe’s best small museums — free, calm, and world-class
4. Grafton Street & St. Stephen’s Green
Boutique shopping, buskers, cafés, Brown Thomas, and an elegant Georgian park at the top end for relaxing walks
5. Ha’penny Bridge & The River Liffey
Dublin’s iconic cast-iron pedestrian bridge with atmospheric views along the river — especially pretty at dusk with lights reflecting on the water
Return Ferry with Stena from Dublin to Holyhead
