What can you expect on a road trip around Ireland’s wild north? Think dramatic cliffs, empty beaches, windswept landscapes, and a feeling of freedom that only comes from being in a place few others know about. County Donegal is Ireland at its rawest and most untouched and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
If you’re planning a road trip through Ireland and looking for something a little more off the beaten path, Donegal is the perfect choice. To make things easier, I’ve put together a 7-day itinerary through one of the most stunning and underrated parts of the country, ideal for your next road trip around Ireland.
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table of contents
Road Trip Ireland
Day 1 Road Trip Ireland
Day 1 at a glance:
- 2 nights at Lough Mardal
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Approx. 3.5 hours from Dublin (230 km) /
Approx. 3 hours from Galway (200 km) -
Donegal Castle
Donegal Town
Rossnowlagh Beach - Lough Mardal Lodge
After arriving in Dublin or Galway and picking up your rental car, your Ireland road trip begins. Today’s destination: the wild northwest, County Donegal. Depending on your starting point, the drive takes about three to three and a half hours and already gives you a taste of the stunning scenery that awaits.
Donegal Town is a relaxed first stop. This charming small town sits at the mouth of the River Eske and welcomes you with colorful facades, cozy pubs, and Donegal Castle. The 15th-century castle is partly restored and partly left in its original ruins, giving it a moody, atmospheric feel. It’s a short visit but a worthwhile one, especially if you’re interested in Irish history.
- If you're looking for a place to have lunch...
you can stop in for hearty fish and meat dishes at the adjoining pub Olde Castle Seafood Bar, or head to the organic shop and bistro Simple Simons for more vegetarian options.
If the weather’s good and you’re keen to stretch your legs, it’s worth making a detour to Rossnowlagh Beach or Murvagh Beach, both just 15 minutes away. These wide, windswept beaches are perfect for a first barefoot stroll along the Atlantic. You can even drive your car directly onto Rossnowlagh Beach, but be mindful of the tides. Every year, a few overconfident drivers have to be pulled out of the incoming surf.
Where to stay
Day 2 Road trip Ireland
Day 2 at a glance:
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Around 3.5 hours from Lough Mardal (approx. 230 km)
Around 3 hours from Lough Eske (approx. 200 km) -
Horseback Riding in Bundoran
Shines Seafood in Killybegs
Muckross Head Viewpoint
- Speichere Dir den Post auf Deinem Pinterest Board
- If you're in need of a proper bite to eat afterwards...
the Ahoy Café is just the place. With views of the harbor, unbeatable coffee, and a creative menu (including vegetarian and vegan dishes), it’s hard to miss.
In the afternoon, make time for a walk at Fintra Beach, just a few minutes outside Killybegs. This wide, gently curving stretch of sand is one of Donegal’s most beautiful beaches, golden, quiet, and with incredibly clear water. On warm days, it’s perfect for a barefoot stroll. And even if the wind picks up, the expansive shoreline has a calming, almost meditative quality.
Later, continue to one of my personal highlights: Muckross Head. The cliffs here are unlike anything else, layered, jagged rock formations that look like slate stacked by hand, with powerful waves crashing against them below. It’s often completely empty, and if you’re lucky, you might have the whole headland to yourself. Bring a good jacket and a hat, find a flat rock to sit on, and just take it all in.
- You can park just below the cliffs; from there, a grassy path leads you along the coastline.
Day 3 Road trip Ireland
Day 3 at a glance:
- 1 night at St John’s Point
- Around 3 hours of driving, approx. 150 km
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Slieve League Cliffs
Silver Strand
Assaranca Waterfall - St John’s Point Lighthouse
The first stop today is one of my absolute favorite viewpoints in all of Ireland. If you read my Wild Atlantic Way trip from last year, you might already know what’s coming: the Slieve League Cliffs.
These towering sea cliffs reach around 600 meters, making them among the highest in Europe. They’re even taller than the famous Cliffs of Moher, but far less crowded. The drive alone is beautiful, but the view from Bunglass Point is what really takes your breath away.
- Your GPS will probably lead you to a large lower car park, but don’t worry—you’re allowed to open the gate and drive all the way up to the viewpoint.
Just a short drive away is the Silver Strand, a horseshoe-shaped bay with soft sand, turquoise water, and rugged cliffs. A steep staircase leads you down to the beach, passing lush green hills where sheep often graze. It’s one of those places that feels almost unreal, easily one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve come across in Ireland. You can park right at the top of the beach.
On the way to your overnight stay, make a quick stop at the Assaranca Waterfall. It’s not the biggest, but it’s charming and literally right by the road, so you can pull over for a photo or a quick picnic break.
Where to stay
Day 4 Road Trip Irland
Day 4 at a glance
- 2 nights in Clonmany
- Around 3.5 hours of driving, approx. 230 km
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Glenveagh Nationalpark
Crolly Whiskey Distillery - Mia’s Holiday Cottage
Today you’re heading north to the sleepy little village of Clonmany on the Inishowen Peninsula, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. Along the way, there are a few real highlights you won’t want to miss.
Your first stop is Glenveagh National Park, easily one of the most beautiful in Ireland. The landscape always reminds me a bit of the Harry Potter universe with its wide valley floor, gentle mountains, purple heather, and a deep blue lake. From the visitor center, you can either take the shuttle bus to Glenveagh Castle, enjoy an easy 40-minute walk on a well-paved path, or rent an e-bike if you’re up for a bit more adventure. The castle sits right on the lake and is surrounded by lush gardens, making it a perfect spot for a scenic break.
- Just next door, the Glenveagh Tea Rooms offer a hearty and affordable lunch, along with a great selection of cakes, scones, tea, and coffee.
If you’re into photography, take a small detour on the way out to see the Poisoned Glen and the haunting ruins of a church at the foot of Mount Errigal. The whole scene feels mystical and makes for some seriously atmospheric photos.
Later in the day, stop by the Crolly Whiskey Distillery, a fairly young but ambitious distillery located in the Gaeltacht, the Irish-speaking region. The tour not only walks you through how their whiskey is made, but also gives you a glimpse into the building’s unique past. It used to be a doll factory, and remnants of that time can still be spotted throughout the space. A little spooky or just quirky? At the end of the tour, you’ll be treated to a small tasting, and if you’re the one driving, they’ll give you miniature bottles to take home instead.
Where to stay
Day 5 Road Trip Ireland
Day 5 at a glance
- About 2.5 hours of driving, around 150 km
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Kinnagoe Bay and Sea Weed Walk and Talk
Wild Ireland Wildlife Park
After a relaxed breakfast in your cozy cottage, today I want to recommend a real highlight: Kinnagoe Bay. This hidden bay is, for me, one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Picture turquoise water, golden sand, and a dense forest stretching almost all the way to the shore.
What makes it even more special is the chance to join a Seaweed Walk & Talk right there. On this guided coastal walk, you’ll learn about the importance of seaweed, which types are edible, and pick up lots of interesting info about the local plants, animals, and traditional healing methods. And yes, you get to taste some of it too!
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Our guide William, who led the Seaweed Walk with us, is currently still working on his website. The best way to book is to contact him directly via WhatsApp and let him know you heard about the activity through me:
📱 +353 (0)85 105 3893 or +353 (0)74 932 5768
Afterwards, the route takes you to Wild Ireland, a unique wildlife park. It’s home to native species that were long thought to be extinct in Ireland: bears, wolves, lynx, and wild boars among them. The animals live in naturalistic enclosures with a strong focus on animal welfare. This park offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s wildlife history and is a must for nature lovers.
All the animals here were rescued from various difficult or exploitative situations and can’t be released back into the wild. Make sure to catch the Keepers’ Talks for some incredible stories about each animal.
- If you’re up for a special dinner after all the adventures, check out the Ubiquitous Restaurant in Buncrana. This stylish spot serves modern Irish cuisine with creative twists. The food is fresh, regional, and there are plenty of vegetarian options too.
Day 6 Road Trip Ireland
Day 6 at a glance
- 1 night in Letterkenny
- About 2.5 hours driving, 135 km
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Glenevin Waterfall
Tullagh Beach
Malin Head
Dunree Head
Tank & Skinny‘s - Castle Grove Country House Hotel
On your last full day in Donegal, some beautiful viewpoints are waiting for you. Your first stop is Glenevin Waterfall, a charming little waterfall you can reach in about 15 minutes along a well-maintained path. The best part? It’s really close to your cottage. The walk is short but wonderfully peaceful, making it a perfect, calm way to start the day.
Next, take a detour to Tullagh Beach, a quiet and wide sandy beach. If you’re lucky, you might not see a single soul, just maybe some riders on horseback or seabirds.
From there, head on to Ireland’s northernmost point: Malin Head. The rugged cliffs, roaring sea, and dramatic coastline make this spot truly impressive. If you have some extra time, the short circular walk from the viewpoint is well worth it. Star Wars fans might recognize this place too, as some scenes from The Last Jedi were filmed here.
On your way back, stop at Dunree Head. This former military base sits spectacularly on a cliff and now hosts a small museum. Even if you skip the museum, the view alone is a real hidden gem, especially at sunset.
- If you need a break, the little café at Dunree Head is highly recommended. They serve fantastic coffee and chai latte. For lunch or dinner, check out Tank & Skinny’s in Buncrana. The service might not be as warm as you’ve come to expect in Ireland, but the waterside location more than makes up for it. Plus, the food is really good, especially the sandwiches and cakes.
Where to stay
Day 7 Road Trip Ireland
Today it’s time to say goodbye. You’ll head back from Donegal to Dublin, where your Ireland adventure comes to an end. Depending on traffic, plan about 3.5 to 4 hours for the drive, roughly 230 km. If your flight is later, you could stop somewhere on the way, maybe Mullingar or Trim, or just enjoy a slow drive through the green countryside and soak in the last moments.
Or, if you want to extend your trip, why not take the leap into Northern Ireland? The stunning Causeway Coastal Route, the famous Giant’s Causeway, and the historically rich city of Derry-Londonderry are waiting to be explored. If you have the time, adding a night or two is definitely worth it!
Best Time for a Road Trip around Ireland
It’s no secret: the weather in Ireland, especially in Donegal, can be pretty unpredictable. Sun, rain, wind, and fog often switch up several times in a single day. But that’s exactly what gives this wild, rugged region its special charm. The lush green fields and dramatic lighting are the result of these ever-changing conditions.
Temperatures in Donegal are milder than you might expect! Even in winter, it rarely drops below freezing, and summers usually aren’t too hot. This makes it perfect for hiking and road trips.
The classic high season in Ireland is from June to August, with long days and (relatively) more stable weather. But the best times to visit Donegal are actually May and September. It’s usually quieter, the nature is at its most beautiful, and you avoid the biggest crowds. April and October also have their own unique appeal, with mystical fog, golden hills, and lots of atmosphere.
Your essentials for a road trip around Ireland:
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Hat and scarf
- Weatherproof day or hiking backpack
This way, you’ll be ready for whatever weather Donegal throws your way, whether it’s an unexpected coastal walk, a windy viewpoint, or a cozy tea break overlooking the wild sea.
How to get to Ireland
- For this route, the best airports to fly into are Dublin and Galway.
Dublin usually has better connections, with many direct international flights, especially from Germany. From Dublin, it takes around 3.5 to 4 hours to reach Donegal by rental car.
Consider spending a day or two in Dublin before or after your road trip. The city is lively, charming, and a great contrast to the wild northwest.
I hope you have an unforgettable time on your Ireland road trip. There’s hardly a better way to explore this amazing country than by car. The freedom to stop whenever you want, discover hidden bays, or simply dodge a sheep on the road, that’s what makes an Ireland road trip truly special.
