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Start: Dublin city - Finish: Dublin city
Getting here: Fly to Dublin Airport
Average mileage: 85km
Recommended duration: 5 days

Day One

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Dublin, a cosmopolitan city with a wonderful sense of tradition. Stroll around leafy squares of perfect Georgian houses and the cobble-stone courtyards of Trinity College, or take a trip to the Guinness Storehouse to see how Ireland’s famous drink is produced. Hang out in snugs of atmospheric old pubs, or trendy new bars and clubs with world class DJs. Shop in designer boutiques or grand old department stores like Brown Thomas, Clerys and Arnotts. And you’re never far from a fascinating gallery or museum, such as the Chester Beatty Museum or the Dublin Writers Museum. Overnight in any one of the plethora of hotels, guesthouses or B&B’s around the capital city.
Total mileage: 0km

Day Two

It’s south and out into the countryside on the R115, and very soon you’re in the Wicklow Mountains, surrounded by hills and valleys, forest and woodland, where you can stop off to cycle, walk or ride a horse. Cross over the Sally Gap Mountain and pay attention to the spectacular views that envelop you – then take the R756 to Glendalough. This is a serene spot, with misty valleys and still, glassy lakes. It’s also the site of an ancient monastery and St Kevin’s Church. Carry on through the National Park (N81, R411, R413, M7) to Kildare, where you can tour the Irish National Stud and adjoining Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Gardens.
Total mileage: 112km

Day Three

From Kildavre it’s a quick trip on the M7 to Portlaoise and the grand Emo Court House, County Laois – a neoclassical country villa with landscaped gardens and great vistas. Get back on to the N80, N52 and R394 north to visit yet another majestic pile – Tullynally Castle, just outside Castlepollard in County Westmeath. This is a real fairytale castle, with towers, turrets and enchanting gardens. Stop overnight in the midland’s town of Mullingar.
Total mileage: 121km

Day Four

Head north towards Killykeen Forest Park, Andifyouhavemoretime…
County Cavan (via R394, N55, 5 miles from Cavan town) with
its lakes, islands and woodland. Woven around the rippling waters of Lough Oughter on the River Erne, there are marked trails leading you into the dark forests, where you can get close to the exquisite flora and fauna of the area. There are ample opportunities to walk, fish, or go pony trekking and if you want to enjoy it even more, stay overnight in onsite log cabins.
Total mileage: 68km

Day Five

From Cavan town take the N3 towards the fascinating megalithic site of Newgrange, which has a roof that has stayed miraculously waterproof for over 5,000 years. A World Heritage Site, this ancient burial mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, which are elaborately decorated with megalithic artworks. From here it’s an easy trip down the M1 to Dublin ready for your ferry or plane journey home.
Total mileage: 124km

And if you have more time…

• Walk the mountain trails in the Slieve Blooms, County Laois.

• Be a dweller of the past at Causey Farm, Navan, County Meath, trying your hand at turf cutting, bodhrán (small irish drum) classes, céilí dancing and more.

• Explore the lovely coastal towns of Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney in the Dublin suburbs.

• Cast your eye over the beautiful designs at Cavan Crystal, and maybe choose some for friends and family back home.