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From Titanic to Connemara: the soul of Ireland in ten days
Movies & series,  Local experiences,  History & heritage

From Titanic to Connemara: the soul of Ireland in ten days

Duration 10 days
Inspiration Movies & series
From 1,600 per person
Planning your trip

Why choose a 10-day road trip in Ireland?

A 10-day road trip in Ireland is the ideal way to discover all the island has to offer at your own pace. Spanning Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, this itinerary takes you through wild landscapes, towns full of character and some of the country’s most beautiful natural sites. It’s the perfect trip for those who enjoy a mix of nature, heritage and the great outdoors.

From Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway

The adventure begins in Belfast, a city that has successfully reinvented itself whilst retaining its fascinating past. The Titanic Belfast museum tells the story of the famous ocean liner, whilst the Cathedral Quarter charms visitors with its lively atmosphere, street art and numerous pubs.

As you continue along the Antrim coast, you’ll reach the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A little further on, the famous Dark Hedges provide a unique backdrop that will delight photographers and TV series fans alike.

The wide open spaces of Donegal and Connemara

The journey continues to Donegal, undoubtedly one of Ireland’s wildest regions. The impressive cliffs of Slieve League tower over the Atlantic Ocean and offer unforgettable views. Weather permitting, a boat trip allows you to admire them from a different angle, directly from the sea.

Your 10-day road trip in Ireland It then takes you to the heart of Connemara. Between the Twelve Bens mountains, the national park, Diamond Hill and the famous Kylemore Abbey, the scenery is constantly changing. The villages of Clifden and Letterfrack, meanwhile, invite you to take the time to discover a more authentic side of Ireland, where Gaelic culture is still very much alive.

From the Cliffs of Moher to Dublin

As you head south, you’ll pass through the rocky landscapes of the Burren before reaching the famous Cliffs of Moher. Overlooking the Atlantic, they are among the country’s most impressive sights.

The tour then continues to Kilkenny, where the medieval alleyways, the castle and the traditional pubs are well worth a stop. Finally, your journey ends in Dublin, a welcoming capital where it’s a pleasure to wander through the streets of Temple Bar, past Trinity College and along the banks of the River Liffey.

An itinerary designed to help you discover Ireland in a different way

At Brightside Travel, each 10-day road trip in Ireland is tailor-made. We select charming accommodation, the most beautiful scenic routes and authentic experiences so that you can enjoy your trip to the full, without having to worry about the arrangements.

Discover our bespoke holidays in Ireland too:

https://www.brightside-travel.com/voyage/irlande/

To help you plan your trip, you can also visit the official Tourism Ireland website:

https://www.ireland.com/fr-fr/

From Titanic to Connemara: the soul of Ireland in ten days: what to see?

This 10-day road trip takes you to the heart of Ireland, from the historic docks of Belfast where the Titanic was born to the mythical landscapes of Connemara. Through Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the itinerary reveals a wide variety of landscapes and atmospheres: the spectacular Giant's Causeway, the breathtaking cliffs of Slieve League, the wild mountains of Connemara and the majestic Cliffs of Moher. With historic towns, authentic villages, panoramic walks and the coastal routes of the Wild Atlantic Way, this trip offers a complete immersion in the Irish soul, combining nature, history and traditions.

From €1,600 per person
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From Titanic to Connemara: the soul of Ireland in ten days: travel itinerary

Dublin
Day 1

Arrival Dublin → Belfast

Road : Dublin Airport → Belfast - 170 km - ~2h30

Ideas for visits (afternoon): Titanic Belfast (flagship museum on the history of the liner and the city, in the Titanic Quarter).

Walk around the centre : City Hall, Cathedral Quarter (street art), St George's Market (if open that day).

Dinner : Mourne Seafood Bar (fish), Hadskis (modern Northern Irish cuisine).

Night : Belfast.

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Day 1
Ulster Museum
Day 2

Belfast (full day)

Morning: Black Taxi tour (history, Peace Walls, murals), Titanic Belfast if not done the day before.

Museum afternoon (your choice) : Ulster Museum (culture, natural history); or HMS Caroline (naval history) in the Titanic Quarter.

Evening: lively Cathedral pubs
Quarter (live music).

Night : Belfast.

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Day 2
The Dark Hedges
Day 3

Belfast → Causeway Coast (Dark Hedges, Giant's Causeway) → Ballycastle/Portrush

Road : Belfast → The Dark Hedges → Giant's Causeway → Ballycastle/Portrush - 145 km - ~3h (excluding stops)

Key decisions :

  • The Dark Hedges (Bregagh Road, Stranocum): avenue of 18th-century beech trees, pedestrian access recommended.
  • Giant's Causeway (UNESCO): iconic basalt organs.

Option : Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (weather permitting).

Dinner : Ramore in Portrush, O'Connor's Bar in Ballycastle.

Night: Ballycastle or Portrush.

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Day 3
Derry
Day 4

Causeway Coast → Derry → Donegal (Glencolmcille/Teelin)

Road : Ballycastle/Portrush → Derry → Teelin/Glencolmcille - 170 km - ~3h

Morning: Derry~Londonderry (city walls, Guildhall).

Afternoon / Evening : head for the Wild Atlantic Way.

Dinner : Kitty Kelly's (Killybegs), Nancy's (Ardara).

Night : Teelin / Carrick / Glencolmcille.

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Day 4
Slieve League
Day 5

Slieve League (“free” walk) + boat trip

Local routes : 40-60 km depending on accommodation

Morning: Free walk 1: Slieve League (panoramic path - options from viewpoint to “Pilgrim's Path”). Some of the highest cliffs in Europe (≈600 m).

Afternoon:
Boat trip: cruise to the foot of the Slieve League cliffs from Teelin/Killybegs (weather permitting).

Dinner : Ti Linn Café (snack/early dinner) or restaurants in Killybegs.

Overnight: Slieve League / Donegal region.

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Day 5
Donegal
Day 6

Donegal → Westport / Leenane (Killary Fjord)

Road : Donegal → Westport/Leenane - 210 km - ~3h30

Stops : beaches of Sligo (Streedagh) or Mullaghmore Head.

Boat option (if you prefer here) : Cruise on the Killary fjord (scenery and mussel farms) -alternative to Slieve League if the sea is rough.

Dinner : An Port Mór (Westport), Blackberry Café (Leenane, simpler).

Overnight stay: Westport or Leenane.

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Day 6
Clifden
Day 7

Connemara National Park (free walking) → Clifden

Road : Westport/Leenane → Connemara NP → Clifden -
95 km ~2h (+ Sky Road detours)

Morning: Free walk 2: Diamond Hill (loops of moderate difficulty, views of the Twelve Bens & Kylemore Abbey).

Afternoon: Sky Road (panoramic views), Clifden village, beaches
of Mannin Bay.

Dinner : Mitchell's (fish) or Guys Bar (gastro pub).

Night : Clifden / Letterfrack.

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Day 7
Cliffs of Moher
Day 8

Clifden → Burren → Doolin/Lahinch (Cliffs of Moher)

Road : Clifden → Ballyvaughan (Burren) → Doolin/Lahinch -
200 km - ~3h45

Visits : Burren Karst, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Cliffs of Moher (late afternoon for soft light).

Boat option : mini-cruise from Doolin (view of the cliffs from the sea) if you have not done Killary/Slieve League by boat.

Dinner : McGann's (trad music in Doolin), Barrtrá (Lahinch).

Overnight : Doolin / Lahinch.

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Day 8
between medieval Kilkenny
Day 9

Doolin/Lahinch → Kilkenny (or Dublin, according to preference)

Road : Doolin/Lahinch → Kilkenny - 210 km - ~3h15 (Alternative: go straight back up to Dublin if you prefer to shorten the route the following day).
Visits : medieval centre of Kilkenny, castle and Butler House, Smithwick's Experience brewery.
Dinner : Kyteler's Inn (history & atmosphere), Zuni (modern).
Overnight stay: Kilkenny (or Dublin if alternative).
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Day 9
Trinity & Book of Kells
Day 10

Kilkenny → Dublin (departure) or Dublin (day trip and departure)

Road : Kilkenny → Dublin Airport - 130 km - ~1h45-2h

If you sleep in Dublin the night before: morning visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum / Trinity & Book of Kells (depending on timetable), final walk along the Liffey.

Return of the vehicle and flight home.

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Day 10
Included
  • accommodation: hotels or private homes
  • Car hire with insurance
Not included
  • Tips
  • Activities and meals not mentioned
From Titanic to Connemara: the soul of Ireland in ten days
From 1,600 per person
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