To see more photographs of this self guided tour and what to expect, check out our website, The Great Ireland Roadtrip at www.thegreatirelandroadtrip.com .

Starting out this route takes the rider to county Wicklow, known as the garden of Ireland.
Within 1 hour of leaving our premises you will be riding the old military road which brings you to Laragh village and Glendalough, a 6th century monastic site.

In this tranquil wooded area you can understand why the ancient monastery was built in such a location. The site is surrounded by heavily wooded mountains and a river with 2 lakes runs alongside.
There is a perfectly preserved tower which was designed to protect valuable manuscripts and works of art from raids mainly from the Vikings.
After a stop for lunch our route takes you to the village of Avoca, made famous for its export of Irish home spun knitwear. The original factory is still there and is worth a visit.
On the way to Avoca the road becomes very twisty and undulates so that riders in front of you vanish momentarily from sight.
From Avoca our route travels cross country through farm land and eventually Kilkenny city for the evening.
Kilkenny is a medieval city with no less than 6 cathedrals and magnificent castle which one must take a guided tour.
Following day takes you to Hook head light house passing a genuinely haunted mansion which overlooks the sea.
The coast roads take us eventually to Cork city for the evening.
Cork city is voted in the top 10 cities in the world by Lonely Planet 2010.
It is vibrant, sophisticated and diverse. It’s full of energy and yet relaxed. Some of the best restaurants in Ireland are here.
A two day stay here is recommended  as our tours of the cork west Cork peninsulas take a day each.

Kinsale is famous for yachting and its sea food restaurants and also crystal. A visit to the mighty Charles Fort at the entrance to the harbour is worth the effort.

The Mizen and Beara peninsula and mountain passes with stunning ocean views mixed with traditional Irish villages will etch on your mind forever.
The seas of the peninsula are inhabited by whales, dolphins, basking sharks and seals.
Visit the oldest working copper mine dating back from the 17th century.
Mizen head and its lighthouse are the most south westerly point in Ireland.
The lighthouse is open as a visitor attraction with breathtaking views.
Bring your swimwear with you if you fancy swimming in clear, clean Atlantic water.
Following day pack up and head for Killarney in county Kerry, jewel of the south west.

From here the Iveragh peninsula with the famous ring of Kerry drive and the equally famous Dingle peninsula with its Conor mountain pass, not for the faint hearted, especially on a windy day.
The McGillycuddys Reeks are the towering mountain range that dominates Kerry. It is a mystical unspoilt place. The road from Kenmare town to Killarney through the Black valley and on to the Gap of Dunloe is awesome.
Rarely do cars venture on this road and never buses or coaches. Carved out of a magical land where fairies still dance by moonlight. Ancient boulders covered in lichen, old Irish oak forests, sparkling rivers with trout leaping, towering brooding hills, clouds and sky changing constantly and a road originally made 2000 years ago which follows the contours of the land it passes through. Thank God roads like these are still with us for you will never ever forget this route, I guarantee it.
The Dingle peninsula is another unbelievable area to ride. The view of the Blasket islands at sunset when the ocean is sparkling is unforgettable.
A boat trip around the Blaskets from Dingle village is fantastic. You can see the old stone monastery huts still on the islands and it’s not unusual to see whales, Dolphins and Sharks.
Stay in Dingle, great for Irish tradition music.
After departing Dingle our route takes us to Ennis in county Clare for the 6th night.

Spectacular wild Atlantic vistas almost the entire drive.
The town of Ennis is the capital of Clare with nice shopping, good restaurants and bars where traditional music can be enjoyed.

Clare is an amazing county. The Cliffs of Moher, known throughout the world for their sheer height, the Burren, an enormous expanse of limestone raised from the sea bed off the coast of Brazil over three hundred million years ago, Aillwee subterranean caves and Birds of prey to name just some of the things to see in this remarkable county.

A trip to Dromoland castle with its very beautiful grounds for afternoon tea and then on to Bunratty castle and Folk Park.

Galway is a very cosmopolitan city with a vibrant café and pub culture, with good food and traditional Irish music played in many pubs.
 Evening stay in the city with time to stroll and take in the atmosphere 
"Connemara is a savage beauty", Oscar Wilde
From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Round stone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you're in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape.
Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland.
This natural terrain and unspoilt environment offers the visitor a wonderland of sights, experiences, adventure and activities. The people are warm, friendly and extend a hospitality which is the essence of Ireland.
The beautiful spring flowers, buds on the trees, newborn lambs dancing on the hills all make spring time a very special and magical time in Connemara. This is an ideal time to take a break as the countryside is totally renewed. On mellow autumn days, one can enjoy the Connemara countryside, now clothed in different colours with each passing day. In the evening enjoy lovely warm turf fires after a day spent motorcycling.
Everything a motorcyclist could wish for is here, from mountains and desolate bog land, lakes and stunning coastline.
Along this route is a stretch called the Sky Road, described by some of our customers to be the most impressive ride ever.
A visit to Kylemore Abbey overlooking the lake near Killary harbour is well worth a visit. Home made soup and hot scones with fresh tea after a guided tour.
Next day a tour of Achill Island riding the Atlantic drive is well worth the few hours. On Achill you can visit the deserted village; recent excavations have discovered the village was originally built 5000 years ago. The highest sea cliffs in Europe face the ocean from Mount Croughan but it’s a 5 hour walk.

Heinrich Boll, a Nobel peace prize winner from Germany lived on the island after the Second World War and his home is now occupied by writers and painters from around the world who are able to work in peace on this beautiful island.
Relax in Westport town this evening.

Westport is special; the essence of Ireland's magical west. Nestling safe at the foot of towering Croagh Patrick, overlooking Clew Bay and its enchanting islands, the town weaves its spell around everyone it meets.

Unique and charming, the heritage town of Westport is a captivating blend of traditional and modern. From the cosiest corner of an antique pub to state-of-the-art conference facilities; from the heart-stirring beat of traditional music to the cosmopolitan approach, contrast and paradox are just part of its charm.

Take a walk around Westport. Down the elegant tree-lined Mall with its stately Georgian buildings, alongside the Carrowbeg River. Cross the river, go up Bridge Street, a cheerful miscellany of traditional shop and pub fronts. Friendly faces, smiling children, a busker or two. Turn right at the clock, along Shop Street to the Octagon.

Have a seat beneath St. Patrick on his lofty perch, whither to next? James Street? To the Quay? A pint of Guinness? Perhaps a little shopping, the choice is yours.

Heading North -West we pass through county Sligo, home of WB Yeats. Passing the Ceide fields, a visit to this Stone Age site is a must.
The Ceide fields are the most extensive Stone Age site in the world dating back 5500 years and also contain the oldest field system.
County Sligo's beautiful scenery was an inspiration for Yeats, who is buried at Drumcliffe Churchyard, under loaf-shaped Benbulben Mountain. The lakes of Sligo, with their still waters and wooded islands, are truly spectacular, and form a striking contrast to the county's rugged uplands. The imposing Neolithic cairn on the summit of Knocknarae, known locally as Queen Maeve's grave, is a striking landmark. At Carrowmore, you'll find the largest Megalithic cemetery in Ireland.
Sligo, like so much of Ireland suffered massive emigration following the Great Famine of 1847-1851.
There are statues to commemorate those who perished and those who emigrated during those terrible sad years for our small nation.

Onwards to Donegal for the evening.
County Donegal
Physically, the county is by far the most rugged and mountainous in Ulster. The county consists chiefly of low mountains, with a deeply indented coastline forming natural loughs, of which both Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle are the most notable. The famous mountains or Hills of Donegal consist of two major ranges, the Derryveagh Mountains in the north and the Bluestack Mountains in the south, with Mount Errigal at 749 metres (2,457 ft) the highest peak. The Slieve League cliffs are the highest sea cliffs in Europe, while Donegal's Malin Head is the most northerly point on the island of Ireland.
The climate is temperate and dominated by the Gulf Stream, with warm, damp summers and mild wet winters.
Blue Star beaches, the highest award in Europe, abound in the wet of Ireland. If you want a memorable swim in the cool refreshing Atlantic Ocean than don’t forget your swim wear.

A visit to the beautiful town of Ardara is a must. Designated a heritage town it is famous for its Donegal hand knitted tweed and embroidery.
Visit the Maghera sea caves and ride the Glengesh pass. A 20 minute boat trip from Buttonport pier brings you to Arranmore Island, great for traditional music sessions.
Onwards to the Ininsowen peninsula with Malin head the most northerly point in Ireland and experience one of the most enchanting and beautiful parts of Ireland. Renowned for its captivating natural scenery with dramatic 100 mile coastal drive, endless sandy beaches, unspoilt fishing villages, world-class golf, ancient monuments and forts and unique blend of sights and attractions.

Following day continue heading west along the Lough Foyle coast road. You are now in the 6 counties where the speed limit is in miles rather than kilometres. Also the currency is the British pound. The route is called the causeway coastal route and passes the foot of 9 glens. The Giants causeway is a must to visit as is the oldest whiskey factory in the world, Bushmills. Onwards to Belfast, home of the Titanic, for the last evening
with its fine restaurants. Victorian pubs and electric nightlife.

Paul recommends the following self guided trips - Number of days and nights are approximate:

1: Three day, two nights - Galway, West of Ireland - click here

2: Four days, three nights - Northern Ireland and Donegal - click here

3: 5 days, four nights - South and South-West of Ireland - click here

4: Seven days, six nights - South, South West and West - click here

5: Eight-Nine days, 7-8 nights - Detailed route of South and West of Ireland including Mayo - click here

6: Twelve-fourteen days - The Great Ireland Road Trip - click here