There's something undeniably exciting about packing up the car for a self-drive getaway. The car's full to the brim, the kids are overly-excited, and you're both anticipating and dreading getting lost on the journey (an inbuilt SatNav will always serve you well). But it is a holiday they'll never forget; there'll be rows, probably a few tears, mandatory sing-alongs (turn that Hi-Fi sound system up loud) - and lots of quality time spent in the beloved family car. And cars these days aren't what they used to be - they are made for a summer road trip, what will all that extra leg room for the kids, dog and the luggage. Ultra-comfortable seats are also a must, for you'll be spending quite a bit of time in the car.
And the memories! The views, the scenes that you gaze at upon, wide-eyed from the window combined with the delight as you clamber out from the back seat to get a closer look - it is a different kind of getaway.
So, why wait? Get planning, get the car sorted, the little ones spruced up (and remember the sun cream - even if you're only getting it through the windows and panoramic roof, you still need it!) and get ready to go on an adventure. Here are five self-drive getaways worth taking on Irish shores this summer:
Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s only long distance (2,500km) driving route. The entire route begins just before Malin Head - at the very tip of the Inishowen Peninsula and Ireland's most Northerly point. It continues beyond Ireland's most Southerly point, Mizen Head and ends at Kinsale in County Cork. It's a route made for adventure; discover beautiful beaches and vast peninsulas as you gaze upon impressive sea cliffs and drive the winding roads of picturesque towns and villages.
The Excalibur Drive, Wicklow
For those who want to experience the beauty of Wicklow in all its glory and brush up on their film knowledge, this is the drive for you. A 40-mile road trip, the Excalibur Drive winds around the northern part of County Wicklow, passing through the locations where the 1991 movie based on the legend of King Arthur, Excalibur was filmed. It starts and finishes in the town of Roundwood - did you know it's the highest village in Ireland at 238 meters above sea level? - and boasts some of the most spectacular surroundings and scenery in the country.
The North Mayo Drive, Mayo
The North Mayo Drive is a looped drive of approx. 173km along the wild and unspoiled coasts of North Mayo. Think breathtaking scenery, the allure of the coastal views, Ceide Fields ( this is the world’s most extensive Stone Age site) and stop to visit monumental old ruins - Rosserk Abbey and Moyne Abbey are two well-preserved Friaries worth visiting. This drive starts and ends in Ballina, taking in Killala, Belmullet and Crossmolina on route.
The Fanad Scenic Drive, Donegal
This is a more remote drive but is famed for its dramatic coastline; from majestic cliffs and headlands to spectacular sandy beaches, it is both scenic and splendid in every sense. The Fanad Peninsula scenic tour in Donegal is a 72km circuit of the area. From the R247 from Ramelton, you can enjoy the views of Lough Swilly all the way to Rathmullan. Why not hire a boat at the glorious beach at Rathmullan or stop at the Flight of the Earls Heritage centre to stretch your legs and explore your surroundings more? Sea, sand and (hopefully!) some sun - sounds like a trip worth taking.
The Yeats County Drive, Sligo
From the landscape and people who inspired the works of WB Yeats, the Yeats County and Lough Gill Scenic Loop Drive in Co. Sligo is an approximately 115-mile scenic road trip you'll never forget. Starting and ending in the centre of Sligo, this drive offers you a mix of everything: beautiful views, literary history (one of the most significant prehistoric cemeteries in Europe is in Carrowmore), and Irish culture (you can visit the grave of WB Yeats). You can stop off at a beach to indulge in some boating if you tire of the car, too.
