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 6 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 its 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 fot their sheer height, the Burren, an enormous expance of limestone raised from the sea bed off the coast of Brazil over three hundred million years ago, Aillwee subteranean 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 than on to Bunratty castle and folk park. About 3 hours then will bring you back to our premises.

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