There is so much to See & Do on the road in Ireland! Here are a few of our favourites…
The Echlinville Distillery (27 mins drive) became the first newly licensed distillery in Northern Ireland for over 125 years when it began production in 2013. It has since established itself at the forefront of Ireland’s spirits renaissance and is home to some of the north’s best-known spirits including Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, Jawbox Gin, Echlinville Gin and Bán Poitín.
The Guinness Storehouse (2 hours 20 mins drive). Receiving 20 million visitors from opening in 2000, The Guinness Storehouse, based at St James’ Gate Brewery in Dublin is a must if you are visiting the City. Explore the history of its founder Arthur Guinness and take in the views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar while sampling a pint “of the black stuff.”
Bushmills Distillery (1 hour 24 mins drive) – producing Irish Whiskey Bushmills distillery has had a tumultuous history, it has survived very lean periods as well as the American Prohibition of 1920. It is now owned by Casa Cuervo of Mexico and boasts a range of at least 8 whiskey ranges. Tours start from just £9 per adult and there's plenty to do nearby.
The Giants Causeway (1 hour 30 mins drive) – exploring the legend of Finn Mac Cool and the Scottish giant Benandonner, the Giants Causeway is considered one of the natural wonders of the United Kingdom. Managed by the National trust it is one of the top tourist attractions in Northern Ireland and an absolute must if visiting the North Coast.
Carrick a rede Rope Bridge – just 15 mins from the Giants Causeway is Carrick a rede rope bridge. Originally built by Salmon farmers to connect the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede it is a great spot for views of Rathlin Island and Scotland.
Cliffs of Moher (5 hours drive) – Rising slowly from Doolin, they ascend to over 700 feet and stretch for nearly five miles to Hags Head, Co Clare along the Wild Atlantic Way its no wonder they rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland with around 1.5 million visits per annum. Be sure to check out Irish Folklore surrounding the Cliffs of Moher and Hags Head.
Ring of Kerry (6 hours 20 mins away). The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry. Its 179km-long, circular route takes in rugged and verdant coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages. Skellig Michael, a rocky island with an abandoned 7th-century Christian monastery, is a major destination point, with several boats from Portmagee making the 12km crossing during the warmer months.
Dingle Bay (6 hours drive) is a bay located in County Kerry, western Ireland. The outer parts of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay mark one of the westernmost points of mainland Ireland. The harbour town of Dingle lies on the north side of the bay.
Blarney Castle (4 hours 5 min drive) is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland. Though earlier fortifications were built on the same spot, the current keep was built by the MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty, a cadet branch of the Kings of Desmond, and dates from 1446. The Blarney Stone is among the machicolations of the castle.