If you are thinking of taking a driving holiday and don’t wish to be bored rigid by endless miles of motorway driving, then I’ll let you in on a little secret. With an Atlantic coastline of 2.500 km and countless inroads, Ireland is a spectacular place in which to enjoy a proper driving holiday. The beauty of being in charge of your own itinerary is that you control the time spent in the car and more importantly where to stay and for how long. Whether you intend to bring your own vehicle or fly and hire the opportunities to explore are limitless. Let us look at 3 tours that take in the rugged coastline and magical interior of Ireland.
The Wild Atlantic Way stretches from Donegal in the north down to Cork in the southwest for some 2.500km. Recently a group of dedicated drivers got together and took it on completing it in seven days. The Porsche Club of Ireland and invited foreign guests set off from County Donegal with a backdrop of some of the highest cliffs in Europe, their aim was to reach the beautiful sailing port of KInsale in County Cork. They passed through the west of Ireland’s stunningly contrasting counties en route.Each county had something unique to offer from the Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal down to counties Mayo and Sligo passing mystical Atlantic coves and a Blue flag beach in Keem world class surfing at Mullaghmore. Then on through Co. Clare which boasts the spectacular 8km long Cliffs of Moher that soar to over 200m.Next onto Co. Kerry and the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula finally concluding in Kinsale. The group saw and did so much more. So if you are a Porsche owner why not apply to take part in their next jaunt, easily done online.
For something a little less arduous why not base yourself in the capital. Apart from it’s reputation as a world class venue to enjoy, Dublin also offers the driver, from the comfort of the hotel room, the chance to plan ahead. For instance just two hours south are the wonderful Wicklow Mountains, you’ll probably pass the homes of many Irish and world famous entertainers on the way. Kildare is another choice. Co. Dublin’s neighbour is the center of the Irish bloodstock industry. You will see these noble beasts, worth millions, in their swanky surroundings.
Lastly base yourself in Belfast, now a fine tourist destination. In just over an hour you will reach Co. Antrim’s Causeway Coast and visit the globally famous Giant’s Causeway. You might make time to visit the Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest in the world and why not try out the scary Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge.
Whatever your choice,at the end of each day you will enjoy the people, the music,the stories and of course a couple of pints of the black stuff, combined this is known in Ireland as “The Craick”. Safe driving. Don’t forget to make sure you’ve got some good insurance before you set off to explore Ireland, my first port of call is always www.chill.ie because they have everything you need.
