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Around Ireland In 18 Days: A Coastal Road Trip Of A Lifetime (Full Itinerary)

Around Ireland In 18 Days: A Coastal Road Trip Of A Lifetime (Full Itinerary)

Day 11. Clifden to Newport

I know I keep saying it, but we’ve another action-packed day on the road in store for you on day 11.

The day kicks off with a mighty hike that’ll treat you to one of the best views in Ireland before we squeeze in a heap of sightseeing!

1. Diamond Hill

The view from Diamond Hill Connemara

Photo by Gareth McCormack

Clifden to Diamond Hill (park at the visitor center) – 21-minute drive (Leave Clifden for 8:30, arrive at Diamond Hill for 8:52).

Our first stop of the day offers the perfect opportunity to escape the car and stretch your legs.

Something I’ve heard said on many occasions is that to truly appreciate the beauty of Connemara, you need to see it from above – enter Diamond Hill.

Here’s a full guide to Diamond Hill that includes everything you need to know about the hike along with a clatter of photos.

2. Kylemore Abbey for coffee and a gawk

Kylemore Abbey connemara

Photo by Brian Morrison via Failte Ireland

Diamond Hill to Kylemore Abbey – 7-minute drive (Allow yourself 1.5 to 3 hours to climb Diamond Hill. We’re going to allow for 2.5 hours, so you’d arrive to the Abbey for 11:27).

At this stage you should be still buzzing from your early morning ramble. We’re heading straight for the café in Kylemore Abbey for coffee and cake (if you’re feeling peckish).

The Abbey itself is a Benedictine monastery that was founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara. The whole place looks like something plucked straight from a fairy-tale.

When I visited here last, I literally just walked along the edge of the lake and took it all in from afar. You can do the tour if you like, but the view from the other side of the water is amazing.

3. The Lovely Little Village of Leenaun

killary fjord leenaun

Photo by Semmick Photo (Shutterstock)

Kylemore Abbey to Leenaun – 20-minute drive (spend 40 minutes – longer if you do the tour – at Kylemore Abbey and get to Leenaun for 12:27).

Leenaun is hands-down one of my favourite little (and I mean ‘little’) villages in Ireland. It’s small, has a buzzy atmosphere from all of the tourists and locals milling about the place and the views out over the Killary Fjord are nothing short of sensational.

Any time I’m here I nip into the little café that’s attached to the gift shop right across from the big parking area (you literally can’t miss it). I can vouch for the vegetable soup and coffee both being class.

It’s not long since you’ve eaten, but if you’re feeling a little tender after a few drinks the night before, grab a coffee by the window and soak up the view.

For those of you that have watched ‘The Field’, you may recognise Gaynors pub in Leenaun as the pub that featured so frequently in the movie.

4. Aasleagh Falls

Aasleagh Falls

Photo by Big Smoke Studio via Tourism Ireland

Leenaun village to Aasleagh Falls – 5-minute drive (spend 30 minutes in Leenaun – more if you’re eating – and aim to get here for around 13:00).

There are few sounds that rival the soft ‘plops’ that emit from a waterfall the size of Aasleagh Falls.

You’ll find the waterfall a stone’s throw from Leenane village on the River Erriff, just before the river meets Killary Harbour.

You can park the car at a lay-by close to the falls and there’s a pathway that allows visitors to make the short stroll to the waterfall. Stretch the legs and gulp down lungfuls of fresh air.

5. One of the most breath-taking drives in Ireland

leenaun to louisburg drive

Photo © The Irish Road Trip

Aasleagh Falls to Louisburgh (Co. Mayo) – 40-minute drive but allow 1.5 hours minimum (you’ll have spent 20 minutes at Aasleagh Falls, so you should arrive in Louisburgh for around 14:50).

OK, so this isn’t necessarily a stop, but you’ll be stopping plenty of times over the course of the drive.

The Leenaun to Louisburgh Drive deserves a road trip guide dedicated to it as it’s one of those stretches of road that just completely shocks the system.

I’ve driven this route many times and on every occasion I’ve been taken aback by the sheer lack of people driving along it.

The scenery varies from icy lakes to rugged mountains to open country.

As you make your way along the road, you’ll pass Doo Lough, a long dark freshwater lake on the Murrisk peninsula.

Keep an eye out for a plain stone cross – it stands as a memorial to the Doolough Tragedy which took place in 1849.

The only advice I can give you during this drive is to take your time and stop and stretch your legs as often as possible.

6. Westport for a late lunch

Westport co mayo

Photo by Tourism Ireland

Louisburgh to Westport – 26-minute drive (arrive around 15:25). We’ve another tonne of things to do today, so we’re going to take some time to eat up in the gorgeous town of Westport.

I’m going to recommend you head to J.J O’Malleys Bar & Restaurant for a bite to eat but nip into wherever tickles your fancy. Fuel up and have a ramble around the town before heading back to the car.

7. Exploring Achill Island

keel beach achill island

Photo © The Irish Road Trip

Westport to Achill – 52-minute drive (leave Westport at 16:55, arrive on Achill for 17:47).  Achill Island is (thankfully) connected to the mainland by The Michael Davitt Bridge, which makes getting to it an absolute doddle.

There are plenty of things to do on Achill Island, and the place is scattered with peat bogs, rugged mountains, towering sea cliffs and beautiful clean beaches and bays.

We’re going to skip Keel beach on this occasion, but here’s a picture I took on a recent trip to give you a sense of what it’s like (feel free to stop here if you like).

8. The mighty Keem Bay

Achill Island beaches

Photo by Fishermanittiologico (Shutterstock)

Our destination for this road trip is Keem Bay. Pop it into Google maps and make your way there.

If you take the road that hugs the coast, you’ll be guided along narrow roads that, at times, meander through the island and are an absolute joy to cruise along.

The first time you lay eyes upon Keem Bay is something that carves itself upon your memory.

If you can, pull in at the side of the road after you come up the hill just before the bay comes into view (there’s limited parking on either side – literally enough space for one car).

Admire the scene in front of you from above, then make your way to the car park at the end of the winding road.

Spend some time on the beach admiring the view before making your way up a little way up the hill that sits to the right of Keem. From here, the view is just out of this world.

9. Newport for the Night

guinness at the dingle Skellig hotel

Achill to Newport – 56-minute drive (leave Achill at around 16:55, arrive to Newport for 20:50). Now that, was busy aul day.

Time for a bit of R&R in a town called Newport. I’m going to recommend that you stay in a B&B called Brannen’s, which is right in the center of the town.

I completely stumbled upon this place last winter and managed to get a nights bed and breakfast for €55 – bargain. Nip over to The Grainne Uaile for a bite to eat and then back to Brannen’s for a pint.

Brannen’s pub in Newport is one of those places that I imagine hasn’t changed a whole lot in 40 years – it’s what I’d call a proper traditional Irish pub.

No frills, pictures of local GAA teams on the wall, and locals sat up at the bar having a chat.

Chill for the evening. We have, you guessed it, another cracking day ahead tomorrow as we explore more of Mayo before heading onto Sligo and Donegal.

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John Duke

Monday 4th of April 2022

Morning Keith O Hara I have been looking at your 18 days tour of Ireland I am arriving on the 14th April at Rosslare can I start my tour on day 2 I am driving a small camper van can you tell me about camp sites on my around please and do I have to book or just turn up my name is John Duke

Keith O'Hara

Wednesday 6th of April 2022

Hey John! You'll find campsites in most counties along that trip. The best way to do it is to just give it a Google and then suss out a spot with good reviews (I've never stayed in a campsite in Ireland, so I wouldn't like to lead you astray). In terms of booking. I'd recommend doing so if you're visiting during the busier months of the year, like summer. I hope this helps!

Julie

Tuesday 11th of January 2022

This was a great trip to read through. I understand how tired you are after writing so much - my husband and I are coming to Ireland from the U.S. in May 2022 for 3 weeks, and I've been planning everything myself for many months. Lots of great suggestions for places to visit, things we shouldn't miss, etc. Also, many of the things you suggested are already part of our plans, so it made me feel like I had done a good job! Thanks for all of the great help - we can't wait for the trip to begin!

Jan

Tuesday 12th of January 2021

Really digging this blog!! I have the travel blog so bad and Ireland is next on the list - your recommendations are speaking to me! Thanks for taking the time to create all the wonderful road trips / ideas.

Akshay Bansal

Tuesday 14th of January 2020

Hi Keith,

I am considering travelling to Ireland this summer via road-trip and AirBnBs. While researching, I found your blog and found it very helpful and resourceful.

I am travelling from New Delhi (India) with my extended family (infants, toddlers, siblings, wife, parents etc.). Assuming this might be our only trip to Ireland together as a family, I am interested in covering Ireland comprehensively within a limitation of 11-13 days.

Is it possible to shorten the suggested 18-day itinerary to the above duration by bypassing some of the locations or sites. I understand this would mean we missing a few locations, but need your help.

Uli Moissidis

Sunday 11th of August 2019

Hi Keith, I am planning our road trip to Ireland in october and I love your Instagram account. I like to use your suggestions for our schedule. On day 11 you suggest to leave Westport and Achill on the same time (16:55) ? So this is a pretty long day ;-) I prefer to stay an extra night on Achill Island. What do you think? Thanks Uli

Keith

Monday 12th of August 2019

Aha! OK, that's clearly a mistake on my part. I'll get those times updated!

I love Achill, personally.

There's nothing bad that can come from a second night spent there.

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