An Ireland road trip is on the bucket list for many tourists across the world. Everyone dreams of being able to ‘do Ireland once.’ But if you are one of those lucky ones who are already in Ireland for a visit or have plans firmly in place – what are the five places to include in your Ireland road trip?
We have narrowed down some amazing options for you to include in your Ireland road trip -which includes sea kayaking, the Titanic Belfast experience, and much more. Read on…
Sea kayaking to sea caves, Lough Swilly, Donegal
Do you know that there’s a glacial fjord in Ireland? On your road trip, be sure to include this experience as it lets you explore the glacial fjord of Lough Swilly in Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way.
It’s a small-group sea kayaking excursion in which you will be accompanied by a guide. You will glide across the waves and discover the hidden gems of this scenic coastline. You will get an opportunity to take in views of mountain scenery and spot marine wildlife including a variety of birds as you paddle along the coast.
This is the perfect way to navigate the Irish coastline. This tour is designed for both beginner and advanced kayakers.
If this sounds like your kind of experience, find an easy booking link here.
Early access Book of Kells and Dublin Castle tour
Anyone who dreams of coming to Ireland, whether on a road trip or otherwise, wants to do the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is famous the world over, and for many people, it’s synonymous with Ireland. So if this is on your road trip, this early access Book of Kells and Dublin Castle tour is just for you.
What does the early access tour offer you?
Enter the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin to see the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells. Learn about its dense symbolism and rich ornamentation. Then, explore the grounds and gardens of Dublin Castle, the former seat of British rule in Ireland.
What is the Book of Kells? It’s the “most precious object in the Western world,” according to the 1007 Chronicles of Ulster. On a cultural fast-track easy access tour of the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin, you will meet your local Dublin guide at the main entrance to Trinity College and marvel at the rich ornamentation and dense symbolism of the 8th-century Book of Kells. This is an illuminated manuscript of the 4 Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Get up close and admire one of the finest examples of medieval illumination. On the second part of this fascinating tour visit the 12th-century Dublin Castle built by King John where your professional local English-speaking guide will show you all the exterior highlights including the Castle gardens, affording you one of the best tour experiences in Ireland. From Autumn/Fall 2023, the Library at Trinity College will be closed for renovations. The 9th-century Book of Kells will still be on display.
Find a booking link here.
Kilkenny Smithwick’s Beer Experience
This Get Your Guide Tour allows you to include a wonderful, unique experience as a part of your Irish road trip. Here’s what you will do on your Kilkenny Smithwick’s Beer Experience, according to Get Your Guide:
Begin your journey with the Franciscan monks who first started brewing on this site in the 13th century and whose resourcefulness began the tradition of brewing at St. Francis Abbey. Continue to learn the history of the Smithwick family, told as only they know how. Learn about how John Smithwick established his brewery in 1710 and over 300 years the family made a name for themselves in Kilkenny and further afield as brewers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and benefactors.
On the brewing floor, experience a reproduction of the brewing process right down to the smell of the hops and the taste of the sweet wort. Learn about the four ingredients that go into every pint of Smithwick’s, including the secret ingredient which is kept under lock and key. The final stage of the tour is, for many, the best – sample a pint of your favourite Smithwick’s ale in the tasting bar or upgrade to a Tasting Paddle where you can sample three different ales on offer. Learn what makes Smithwick’s one of Ireland’s favourite ales that is famous all over the world.
Find a booking link to this fun and informative tour.
House of Waterford Crystal Factory Tour
Why do we recommend this Get Your Guide House of Waterford Crystal Factory Tour as a worthy addition to your Irish road trip?
Get Your Guide says that the House of Waterford Crystal Tour is more than a factory visit. They will take you on a journey into the world of crystal. You’ll see each stage of the process that goes into making these pieces of art.
You, along with your group, will start in the history room, tracing Waterford Crystal from its birth. This part of the site features detailed exhibits of the firm’s development, and you’ll see some of its great antique pieces on display here. You’ll then proceed to the mold room, where wooden moulds and hand tools are still used by master blowers to shape the molten crystal. From here we move on to the blowing room, where you’ll watch as craftsmen transform glowing balls of molten crystal into elegant shapes.
In the cutting department, master craftsmen use industrial diamond-tipped wheels to cut the crystal. The diamond wheel ensures a high-quality cut to the crystal. The last two stages of the process involve sculpting and engraving and are arguably the most precision-based stages in the creation of a piece of Waterford Crystal. Your tour ends with a visit to the retail shop, where you’ll see the largest display of Waterford Crystal in the world.
Find a booking link to this amazing experience here.
Titanic Belfast entrance ticket
Who hasn’t heard of the Titanic (and its doomed fate?) No wonder then, if you’re coming to Ireland, you would want to visit the Titanic whilst on your Irish road trip.
This Viator tour will help you delve into the fascinating history of the Titanic at Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic exhibition, on a self-guided tour of the magnificent museum. Explore the institution at your own pace to discover insightful exhibits detailing the construction, voyage, and legacy of the infamous ship. Enjoy interactive displays; watch audio-visual presentations; and feel your adrenaline levels surge during an exhilarating Shipyard Ride. Receive complimentary entry to the SS Nomadic with your Titanic Belfast ticket.
Find a booking link right here.
To find out more about new experiences at Smithwick’s read our story here. If you are interested in Waterford as a destination, why not check out our feature here?
If you want us to include some specific experiences for planning your Irish road trip, why not drop us a line or say hello at our socials?
(Please note: All the photographs used in the piece are from the respective tour operators.)
