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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 3. Waterford

Today is going to include a nice physical challenge that’ll immerse you in some of Waterford’s most spectacular scenery.

Get a good breakfast into you in Faha Lodge and pack for a hike (you’ll need plenty of water, snacks and the appropriate walking gear). Get up for 8 and on the road for 8:45.

1. The Coumshingaun Lake Walk

Coumshingaun Lake

Photo by Dux Croatorum/shutterstock.com

The trip from the Faha Lodge to Kilclooney bridge won’t take any longer than 10-minutes in the car (arrive at 9:05 – the coordinates for the bridge on Google Maps are 52.255038, -7.489252).

For this road trip, we’re going to recommend (fitness and weather dependent) that you give the Lake Walk a crack.

The views are incredible on a clear day. Here’s a full guide to the Coumshingaun Lough Loop Walk that you can follow.

2. The Magic Road

When you finish up the hike, take the 10-minute spin from Kilclooney bridge to the Magic Road (I’m going to slot in 5 hours for the long lake walk, which would mean that you’d arrive to the Magic Road at about 14:20)

I heard about the Magic Road in Waterford on my old school bus. One of the lads had been in Waterford and his dad had taken them to it. When he told us what happened, we didn’t believe him.

It didn’t make sense then, and it definitely doesn’t make sense now. You’ll find the Magic Road in the Comeragh Mountains as you make your way to Mahon Falls.

When you reach the cattle grid in the road, keep a look out for two stones inscribed with ‘Magic Road’. If it’s safe to do so, stop your car and stick it in neutral.

Your car will then, magically, start to roll backwards up the hill. Watch the video above and have your mind blooooown!

3. Mahon Falls

Mahon falls

Photo by Tomasz Ochocki (Shutterstock)

Next up is Mahon Falls. You’ll find them a handy 5-minute drive (Spend 20 minutes at the Magic Road and arrive at the waterfall for 14:50) away from the Magic Road.

Hop back into the car and head straight for the car park at Mahon Falls where you’ll be treated to your first glimpse of the waterfall. Your legs are probably screaming at this stage, but bear with me, this’ll be worth it!

The walk from the car park up to the waterfall is facilitated by a gravel path and takes around 20 minutes.

As you move higher up the path, the roar of the water gets louder and louder, willing weary walkers to keep going.

When you reach a point that you’re happy with, kick-back, soak up the natural beauty in front of you and let the melody of water crashing against rock ring in your ears.

4. The Comeragh Drive

waterford comeragh drive

Photo via Google Maps

When you finish up at Mahon Falls you’ll be a short 25-minute drive from our base for the night – Dungarvan. Allow yourself an hour at Mahon Falls. This would mean you’d arrive in Dungarvan at about 16:15.

At this point you’re probably pretty wrecked – fear not, however, we’re going to finish off the day with a drive that boasts views that’ll knock you sideways, before heading to Dungarvan for the evening.

We’re going to do part of the Comeragh Drive. If you didn’t do the hike earlier in the day, definitely look at doing the full Comeragh route.

When you leave the car park, turn right and continue up the hill until you reach the top. Park the car and enjoy the spectacular views from the Comeragh Heights overlooking the Mahon River Valley to the east and the Tay Valley to the west.

When you’ve had your fill, hop back into the car and continue on the same road as it winds down the hill.

We’re heading for Dungarvan, so pop it into the sat nav/Google Maps and head off on your merry way.

5. Dungarvan for the night

Dungarvan harbour wexford

If you’ve gotten this far, fair play! It’s time to check into your accommodation, grab a nap and the head for food and a couple of drinks.

I’m going to recommend that you stay in the Park Hotel, but where you sleep is completely up to you.

Grab a few hours rest and head on down to The Moornings for a bite to eat and a few well-earned pints.

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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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