There comes a time when you crave to see something spectacular but don’t want to fly too far from the nest. Have you thought about touring Ireland? It has some of the most beautiful landscapes and popular tourist attractions known, so why not explore them for yourself?
Touring Ireland in a motorhome is a goal of many of our customers, and we’d like to help out. In this article, we’ll tell you our top picks, from scenic routes of the rocky mountains and riverscapes to historic architecture not to be missed on your travels.
Touring Ireland in a Motorhome: The Three Most Popular Routes
The Ring of Kerry
Where Is It?
The Ring of Kerry is situated in the southwestern part of Ireland. Just like its name, it’s a circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula. It’s also wide enough that you’ll have no problem touring Ireland in a motorhome here.
What Does It Have to Offer?
Be careful when you blink or you might miss what the Ring of Kerry has to offer. Bustling with life, you may find a cliff on your left and river on your right, behind you a farm of horses curiously gazing as you drive, and nothing but the open road in front of you.
What Can I Do There?
If you’re planning a motorhome trip on the west coast of Ireland, there is an infinite list of things to do and places to see. In fact, the Ring of Kerry is close to many of these:
- Derrynane, Rossbeigh, and St Finian’s Bay beaches
- Lakes of Killarney
- Killarney National Park
- Muckross House and Gardens
- Galleries and old-fashioned pubs in Kenmare
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens filming location the Skellig Ring
- Skellig Michael (Great Skellig)
- Stargazing
- Torc Waterfall
Causeway Coastal Route
Where Is It?
Causeway Coastal Route is one of Northern Ireland’s great mysteries. It runs along the coast of Belfast to Londonderry, passing through many iconic attractions.
What Does It Have to Offer?
This magical route changes depending on the season you travel. Beauty will surround you, be it the foggy coast making you wonder where the rocks end and the ocean starts, or simply stopping to see what the towns have to offer. If you happen to bump into the locals, you might be surprised by the myths and legends surrounding the area.
What Can I Do There?
If you are a fan of Ireland’s many cliffs, you will be pleased to know there are many more to see along Causeway Coastal Route. If not, we recommend the guided tours and other tourist attractions available, including:
- Surfing
- The Gallery Whitehead
- Magilligan Point Nature Reserve, home to the largest sand dune in the British Isles
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Giant’s Causeway
- The Gobbins Cliff Path
- Glenarm Castle and Garden
- Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market
- McComb’s Game of Thrones Tour
The Wild Atlantic Way
Where Is It?
The Wild Atlantic Way is another long coastal route running along the western and northwestern part of Ireland.
What Does It Have to Offer?
If you are a fan of scenic drives, then you should plan your motorhome trip on the west coast of Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way covers a good half of the country, where there is tons of greenery around you and the bluest ocean you could possibly see.
What Can I Do There?
You can truly get a sense of Irish culture travelling this route, so why not take advantage of the many things it has to offer? Such as:
- Aillebrack Beach
- Achill Head
- Aasleagh Falls
- Claggan Island
- Loher Fort
- Doonagore Castle
- Bantry House and Gardens
- Buncrana Bridge
- Kinsale
Touring Ireland in a Motorhome: The Most Popular Tourist Attractions
The Dark Hedges
Where Is It?
When touring Ireland in a motorhome, this famous site is not to be missed. Located along Bregagh Road between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges are just off the Causeway Coastal Route. If you’re in search of a detour, this may be the next journey for you.
What Does It Have to Offer?
The Dark Hedges may sound spooky, but you only have to worry about that at night or the colder months. Once the sun is out and shining bright, this ancient phenomena thrives. However, if you do happen to visit in winter, the foggy weather creates an eerie feeling once depicted in Game of Thrones.
What Can I Do There?
This famous tourist attraction is open 24/7 and is completely free to enter as it’s a public road. However, Bregagh Road is only for pedestrians, which means you’ll have to park up to visit—there are absolutely no vehicles allowed.
Here are some interesting facts (including things to learn and see) about the Dark Hedges:
- It was formed by the residents of Gracehill House to impress visitors
- There is a ghost story about the Grey Lady, believed to be a maid who mysteriously passed away centuries ago
- Games of Thrones filmed there (The Kingsroad: season 1, episode 2)
- It has a Tree Preservation Order
- You can view all-things nature, including:
- Beech trees
- Brambling birds
- Wood mice
Cliffs of Moher
Where Is It?
Cliffs of Moher is situated on the west coast of Ireland in County Clare, and is the perfect place to take a break from the Wild Atlantic Way.
What Does It Have to Offer?
Other than the astounding views surrounding you, Cliffs of Moher is a tranquil area suitable for relaxing after a long day of travelling, simply having lunch while admiring the scenery, or walking your dogs early in the morning.
What Can I Do There?
There is no better place to end your motorhome trip on the west coast of Ireland than Cliffs of Moher. To ensure a safe visit, we recommend you book a ticket and take a guided tour. There are safe areas for those with children and mobility issues, but the cliffs do not have safety railings.
Upon entry, you are welcomed by many amenities, such as:
- O’Brien’s Tower
- Interactive cliffs exhibition
- Two cafes
- Craft & gift store
- Craft and retail street
Rock of Cashel
Where Is It?
The Rock of Cashel, or St. Patrick’s Rock, is a historic site in County Tipperary. It was the former seat of the Kings of Munster before it was given to the church in 1101, becoming the seat of the Archbishop.
What Does It Have to Offer?
You may be wondering what’s so special about the Rock of Cashel compared to many other castle-like tourist attractions. This is actually one of the many sites not located near a beach or on a cliff top, so you can take full advantage of the paths and nature around you before trekking up the small hill to see the actual site.
What Can I Do There?
Don’t be fooled by its appearance as the Rock of Cashel has much more to offer than its name. When you book a ticket, this is what you can look forward to:
- Cormac’s Chapel
- Exhibitions and museums
- Gift shop
Once you’ve completed your guided tour, why not visit the surrounding areas? Such as:
- Holycross Abbey
- Cahir Castle
- Swiss Cottage
Modern Motorhomes at Venture Caravans
We hope our diverse list of Ireland’s most popular routes and tourist attractions have inspired you to plan your very own trip. While much of the country has fantastic sightseeing, we recommend a motorhome trip on the west coast of Ireland for the best experience.
Touring Ireland in a motorhome is no problem with our modern and family-friendly vehicles. If you are looking to start your motorhome adventures, or just want to change your current motorhome, then contact us for expert advice.