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The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland — Scenic
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The Long Way Round, Ireland

Ireland

In short: The Long Way Round, Ireland is a 1,300 km scenic road trip in Ireland, typically driven over 10–14 days, best in May – September. Highlights: Dublin, Belfast, Giant's Causeway.

Distance
1,300 km
Duration
10–14 days
Best Season
May – September
IconicEasyScenicBorder crossingEV-friendly

Ireland's jagged, spectacular edges, this two-week circuit explores the island's coastline from Dublin through Belfast and the Causeway Coast, west to the dramatic cliffs and mountains of Connacht, south through the Aran Islands and Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, Kerry's Ring, and Cork to the final destination of Ardmore, one of the southeast coast's loveliest seaside villages.

~2 refuels
~4 charges
Practical notes
This loop is straightforward for any vehicle, but Atlantic weather can change fast, especially on exposed coasts in Donegal, Clare, Kerry, and Waterford. Expect narrow lanes, tourist traffic near major sights, and occasional ferry or island schedules if you detour to the Aran Islands; check weather and opening times before crossing remote stretches.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Dublin — Departure — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Departure
Dublin
Trinity College's Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, and a Temple Bar pub culture where the craic is a genuine institution.
Hotels
Belfast — City — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
City
Belfast
A city transformed since the Troubles. The Titanic Belfast museum, Cathedral Quarter murals, and Victorian Crown Liquor Saloon are its headline draws.
Hotels
Donegal — City — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
City
Donegal
Gateway to Ireland's wildest county: Sliabh Liag's 601 m sea cliffs, Glenveagh National Park, and Atlantic beaches that feel genuinely off the map.
Hotels
Galway — City — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
City
Galway
Ireland's cultural capital, a medieval Latin Quarter of pubs with live traditional music nightly and the gateway west to Connemara's bog and mountain landscape.
Hotels
Cork — City — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
City
Cork
Ireland's self-styled food capital. The English Market has traded since 1788; St Fin Barre's Cathedral and a fierce local pride define the Rebel County.
Hotels
Ardmore — Arrival — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Arrival
Ardmore
A 5th-century monastic village with Ireland's finest intact round tower (29 m, c.1150). St Declan's settlement here predates St Patrick's arrival in Ireland.
Hotels

Things to Do

Giant's Causeway — Landmark — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Landmark
Giant's Causeway
40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed 60 million years ago, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cliff path to Dunseverick Castle is one of Ireland's finest walks.
Cliffs of Moher — Nature — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Nature
Cliffs of Moher
Sheer 214 m limestone cliffs stretching 8 km above the Atlantic, Ireland's most visited natural site. Walk to O'Brien's Tower for the best vantage point.
Ring of Kerry — Nature — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Nature
Ring of Kerry
A 179 km circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula past Ireland's highest peaks and with views to Skellig Michael, a 6th-century monastic rock stack 12 km offshore.
Titanic Belfast — Museum — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Museum
Titanic Belfast
Interactive museum detailing the history of the Titanic in Belfast.
Connemara National Park — National Park — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
National Park
Connemara National Park
Stunning landscapes with hiking trails and wildlife in Galway.
Blarney Castle & Gardens — Historic Site — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Historic Site
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Historic castle near Cork, home to the famous Blarney Stone.
Dingle Peninsula — Scenic Viewpoint — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Scenic Viewpoint
Dingle Peninsula
Breathtaking coastal views and charming villages in County Kerry.
Slieve League Cliffs — Scenic Viewpoint — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Scenic Viewpoint
Slieve League Cliffs
Some of Europe's highest sea cliffs offering panoramic views in Donegal.

Where to Eat

Mourne Seafood Bar — Seafood — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Seafood
Mourne Seafood Bar
Fresh, locally sourced seafood in a relaxed setting in Belfast.
The Winding Stair — Irish — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Irish
The Winding Stair
Traditional Irish dishes with a modern twist overlooking the River Liffey in Dublin.
Kai Restaurant — Contemporary — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Contemporary
Kai Restaurant
Seasonal, locally sourced dishes in a cozy atmosphere in Galway.
Fishy Fishy — Seafood — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Seafood
Fishy Fishy
Renowned seafood restaurant in the heart of Kinsale, near Cork.
The Lemon Tree — Modern European — The Long Way Round, Ireland — Ireland
Modern European
The Lemon Tree
Family-run restaurant offering modern European cuisine in Donegal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the The Long Way Round, Ireland drive?

The The Long Way Round, Ireland covers 1,300 km from start to finish.

How long does the The Long Way Round, Ireland take to drive?

Most travellers spend 10–14 days on the The Long Way Round, Ireland, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the The Long Way Round, Ireland?

The recommended season for the The Long Way Round, Ireland is May – September.

Where does the The Long Way Round, Ireland start and end?

The The Long Way Round, Ireland runs from Dublin to Ardmore.

What are the main stops on the The Long Way Round, Ireland?

The The Long Way Round, Ireland passes through Dublin, Belfast, Giant's Causeway.

Can I drive the The Long Way Round, Ireland in a regular car?

Yes — the The Long Way Round, Ireland is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the The Long Way Round, Ireland?

Yes — the The Long Way Round, Ireland requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: This loop is straightforward for any vehicle, but Atlantic weather can change fast, especially on exposed coasts in Donegal, Clare, Kerry, and Waterford. Expect narrow lanes, tourist traffic near major sights, and occasional ferry or island schedules if you detour to the Aran Islands; check weather and opening times before crossing remote stretches.

How many fuel stops are needed on the The Long Way Round, Ireland?

Plan around 2 refuels (or about 4 EV charges) along the The Long Way Round, Ireland, based on its 1,300 km length.

Is the The Long Way Round, Ireland EV friendly?

Yes — the The Long Way Round, Ireland has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the The Long Way Round, Ireland safe to drive?

This loop is straightforward for any vehicle, but Atlantic weather can change fast, especially on exposed coasts in Donegal, Clare, Kerry, and Waterford. Expect narrow lanes, tourist traffic near major sights, and occasional ferry or island schedules if you detour to the Aran Islands; check weather and opening times before crossing remote stretches.

What scenic tier is the The Long Way Round, Ireland?

The The Long Way Round, Ireland is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.