The Emerald Isle and the Wild Atlantic Way in Convoy
What better way to experience and enjoy the untamed landscapes and breath taking scenery of Ireland, in a convoy with likeminded car enthusiasts. After planning this two week trip with friends within our car club, September arrived and with soft tops down (of course) we drove to Caernarfon in North Wales for our overnight stop over before our trip to Ireland on the early Irish Ferry to Dublin, where our journey begins.
We followed the famous Wild Atlantic Way and the landmarked sign posts passing through the Gap of Dunloe and other beautiful attractions like the Dingle peninsula. We started our journey in Donegal with traditional culture and Irish music with plenty of Craic and then visited the historic village of Glencolumbcille, a village still maintained in the Irish traditions, it was like going back in time.
We stayed in several fantastic hotels working our way southward along the Wild Atlantic Way passing the Slieve Bloom Mountains and along the shore of Lough Derg. There were stop overs at Bunratty castle and Heritage Folk park before continuing along the shore of the Shannon Estuary to Ennis and onto Spanish Point in County Clare with amazing beaches and scenery.
One of the highlight was the drive to Loop head lighthouse, using the Shannon Estuary ferry from Killimer to Tarbert for a visit to Foynes Flying boat museum. Departing early we started our very long and scenic drive to the Cliffs of Moher. . We couldn’t miss Irelands top visitor attraction, a most spectacular sight where you can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay as well as the Twelve Pins. It was an extremely windy day but with amazing views it was well worth braving the elements. After our fantastic day it was back to our hotel for some traditional Irish food and more dancing and craic.
The next day we started our coastal route and visited the beautiful white sanded beach at Gowlaun, followed by a drive along Killary Harbour and onto Connemara loop driving through the National Park with a stop over for lunch in Wesport. Our day ended visiting Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, a working nunnery before heading back to our hotel.
The next day we visited DEW visitor Centre to experience the sacred trinity of their Irish Whiskey making, well it had to be done for sure. Our drive then took us to County Meath for our overnight stop. Our last day we visited Malahide Castle and a drive around the Howth Peninsula before heading to Dublin Port for our afternoon Ferry crossing back to Wales. It was time to say goodbye to our friends but what a fantastic trip, many miles travelled but with big smiles all round.
Sarah