Top 10 Places To Explore On Your Ireland Summer Road Trip 2024

An Island surrounded by the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland has luminous beauty. From the sculptures and artifacts of the ancient world to the dramatic coastlines with outstanding natural beauty and a captivating culture filled with laughter and music, Ireland is a country rich in history and vision. Are you ready for the ultimate Ireland summer road trip?

With longer sun-kissed days, there is no better time to start your Irish road trip than summer. With a motorhome holiday in Ireland, every road you take will have areas of awe-inspiring landscapes. After a summer in Ireland, you might find that a piece of your heart will remain there forever. So, let’s discover the top 10 places you can visit on your Ireland summer road trip this summer.

Connemara National Park, County Galway

The first stop destination on your Ireland summer road trip, is the beautiful Connemara National Park. Located in Galway, just a 1 hour and 25 minute drive from Galway City and a 15 minute drive from Clifden Village. The park spans over 3000 hectares of bog, mountains, heath, and woodlands. The heart of the park is Gleann Mor, known as ‘Big Glen’.

Spend a blissful afternoon walking up the glen, appreciating nature and surrounding yourself in Ireland’s glorious mountains. You can opt for a self-guided walk of the National Park or the park rangers are available for a guided tour. If you love a stunning mountain view, then enjoy the climb to Connemara’s Diamond Hill, the well-known diamond-shaped mountain.

Sky Road, County Galway

Staying in Galway, the next top summer road trip destination is Sky Road, in Clifden. Sky Road is one of the most remarkable roads in Ireland. With jaw-dropping scenery, it is the perfect view after your adventure to Connemara National Park. The Sky Road driving loop is part of the Wild Atlantic Way and includes unmissable views of Ireland’s west coast. Although Sky Road is a relatively short drive (20km, 12 miles) it is filled with natural beauty making it a must-see destination on your road trip.

Doolough Valley, County Mayo

Head North to Mayo, and discover the Doolough Valley, a scenic corner of Mayo with unspoiled scenery and isolated beauty. ‘Doolough’ translates to Black Lake in English. Enjoy beautiful views of nature at it’s very best at this valley.

The Doolough Valley is be found along the Wild Atlantic Way driving route. As a matter of fact, in Ireland, the major tourist attractions are situated along the Wild Atlantic Way, making it one of the most popular driving routes in Ireland. Check out our 7 day Wild Atlantic Way itinerary for more inspiration.

Keem Bay, County Mayo

Enjoy the beauty of Achill Island, and the world famous Keem Bay, located in the west of Achill Island in County Mayo. The rural beach of Keem Bay is surrounded by cliffs making it a gorgeous sheltered swimming bay. The Blue Flag beach is popular throughout the year, especially in summer. In 2021 the beach was placed 11^th on Big 7 Travel list of ‘The 50 Best Beaches in the World.’ The Lonely Planet also named it in the top 20 of Europe’s most stunning beaches to explore. Even more reasons to visit this beautiful beach in the summer.

Gleniff Horseshoe, County Sligo

Located in County Sligo, the Gleniff Horseshoe is a soothing 10km loop drive along quiet roads with spectacular views of the dramatic Dartry mountains. The drive can last up to 30 minutes long, while the walk lasts for around 2.5 hours. Depending on weather, you might want to explore the view from the comfort of your motorhome or by walking. That’s the freedom your motorhome holiday gives you, you can decide how and when you want to explore.

Classiebawn Castle, County Sligo

Ireland’s castles form the link between the past and present. The impressive history of Ireland is present in the castles and monasteries throughout the land. Classiebawn Castle is no expectation. The country house built for the 3^rd Viscount Palmerston on the Mullaghmore Peninsula in County Sligo. The Castle holds a story of royals who once lived there, and it is a central part of Irish History.

This Castle is a 25-minute drive from Sligo Town. The Castle is owned by the estate of Hugh Tunney and is located on 3,000 acres of private land. Although you can’t access the land, the views around it are still very spectacular.

Doonagore Castle, County Clare

Doonagore Castle is a 16-century tower house in the south of the coastal village of Doolin in County Clare. This destination provides another inside look into Ireland’s ancient world. Doonagore Castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The fairytale-like castle is the perfect stop on your summer road trip.

Similarly to Classiebawn, this castle and the land surrounding it are privately owned but give the most stunning backdrop on your driving tour through County Clare. After visiting the castle, you might want to drive South to the Cliffs of Moher, or stop in colourful Doolin for the night and enjoy some ‘craic’ with the locals at one of the lively pubs.

Wishing Bridge, County Kerry

Ready to have all your wishes come true? The ‘Wishing Bridge’ in County Kerry is a top attraction for visitors from all around the world. Located in the Gap of Dunloe, Killarney, the ‘Wishing Bridge’ is said to make wishes come true. Make sure to add this destination to your 2024 travel list.

The Gap of Dunloe is situated between two stunning mountain ranges. This destination gives you a break from driving, as it’s best to explore the area by foot or on bike. The Wishing Bridge is part of the wider Ring of Kerry driving route, which is a beautiful route from start to finish.

Causeway Coast, County Antrim

The geological phenomenon of the Giant’s Causeway is unique to Northern Ireland. Situated along the rugged north coast of Antrim, the Giant’s Causeway is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway is an octagonal web of forty thousand basalt columns. Science argues that the columns were formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, however, Irish legend tells the story of Finn Mc Cool, the man who wanted to build a link to Scotland with the stones. The destination is a magical and mysterious place, and also a once in a lifetime experience.

Without a doubt, the Giant’s Causeway is a top destination on everyone’s Ireland summer road trip. Take in the unmissable scenery from the stones or head up to the cliff walk for a birds eye view from the North Antrim Cliff Path.

Dark Hedges, County Antrim

Lastly, is the Dark Hedges. Staying in Northern Ireland, the must-see destination of the Dark Hedges can be found in County Antrim. The world-wide famous Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees. It’s atmospheric tunnel has been used as a filming location for HBO’s hit TV series Game of Thrones. Learn more about the ultimate 7 day Game of Thrones driving route in Northern Ireland. The Dark Hedges is a must-see destination, especially in summer time as the hedges are full of colour and verdure.

Plan Your Summer Road Trip

So, you’ve decided that Ireland is the top choice for your summer holiday. With more beauty to explore your Bunk Campers motorhome rental will give you the ultimate freedom and flexibility to go beyond the traditional tourist destinations and uncover hidden gems.

You can choose from our range of 2-6 berth motorhomes. And start your holiday from either our Dublin or Belfast depots, both conveniently located close to airports. With summer availability starting to fill up, you don’t want to miss out on the holiday of a lifetime across Ireland.