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Start: Newport, County Mayo - Finish: Londonderry city
Getting here: There are a number of airports that are easily accessible, including Ireland West Airport Knock, Galway or Shannon where you can rent a car, then it’s home from City of Derry Airport.
Average mileage per day: 147km
Recommended duration: 5 days

Day One

Leave Newport, County Mayo, along the shore of Clew Bay, on the N59 south for Connemara, County Galway. Stop at Kylemore Abbey, beautifully situated overlooking a lake. Originally a millionaire’s mansion, it’s now home to Ireland’s Benedictine nuns. Spend the rest of your day exploring Connemara. In the mountains of the National Park you’ll find adventure sports galore, or you can take the easier option and laze on any one of the sparkling white beaches that fringe the coastline. We recommend an overnight stay in the pretty fishing village of Roundstone, County Galway.
Total mileage: 101km

Day Two

Follow the N59 from Roundstone leading to Galway city, which enjoys a strong artistic heritage and boasts a rich arts and culture scene, so take time out to wander around before getting back in the car. Find your way to the N18 and R460 and head towards The Burren in County Clare, which boasts a magical Karst limestone landscape scattered with ancient settlements, tombs, and enchanting flora and fauna. The Cliffs of Moher to the west are unmissable and literally bring you to the edge of the world. Lahinch, a little to the south, is a good place to overnight, with yet another amazing beach that surfers will adore.
Total mileage: 177km.

Day Three

From Lahinch, it’s a short drive north to Doolin, which is often referred to as the capital of Irish traditional music. After you’ve tapped your feet to the sound of the bodhrán (small Irish drum) and fiddle, make your way to the harbour, park the car and catch the ferry to the Aran Islands. Just 20 minutes later, you’ll find yourself besotted by the warm and wonderful sense of tradition here, with a wild beauty that captures the soul. Try to spend the day exploring the islands and their landscapes of limestone rock. A veritable outdoor museum of artefacts and cultural importance, the first language is Gaelic, but the fáilte (welcome) goes far beyond words. Overnight on the islands or in Doolin, County Clare the choice is yours.
Total mileage: 19.5km

Day Four

Onto Sligo from Doolin, using the N67, N18 and N17. Ancient history lovers may wish to divert to the Céide Fields site at Carrowmore, County Mayo. It will extend today’s journey considerably, but as this is Ireland’s largest megalithic site boasting over 60 tombs, plus a fascinating heritage centre relaying tales of our ancestors from 200 generations ago, it is definitely worth it. Next stop is Sligo town, which has a long and enviable literary heritage. The town’s most famous son was the poet WB Yeats, and the surrounding area is full of reminders as to why he was so inspired to write his beautiful works. Yeats is buried at Drumcliff just to the north of Sligo town, with his grave marked in the shadow of Benbulben Mountain. You may also want to wander around nearby Lissadell House and Gardens, an inspiration for the poet, who often spent time there.
Total mileage: 234km

Day Five

From Sligo town, journey north to Donegal along the scenic N15 coastal road. Break your journey with lunch in pretty Donegal town, which lies along the River Eske and sports the Bluestack Mountains as an impressive backdrop. Then go eastbound on the N56 and R263 to Slieve League to marvel at Europe s highest sea cliffs. Head inland again to Glenveagh National Park this huge area of mountain, lake and forest is a great place to spot wildlife – from red deer to recently re-introduced Golden Eagles – and marks a beautiful end to your journey. It’s a relatively short trip on the N56 east through Letterkenny, and then the N13 and A2 to Londonderry, where you can relax and unwind in some of the city’s excellent pubs and restaurants before heading home. 
Total mileage: 204km

And if you have more time…

• Do a Donegal Bay Sea Safari where you can get up close to the wildlife; take a detour up to the Bloody Forelands, or head to the Glenties in Donegal.

• Check out Achill Island off the coast of County Mayo. The largest of Ireland’s islands; habitation dates back to Neolithic times and the Michael Davitt Bridge joins it to the mainland, so you can bring your car with you.

• All aboard the steam train at The Cavan & Leitrim Railway Dromod, County Letrim.

• The Medieval Bunratty Castle, County Clare, runs alongside the Shannon Estuary and is wonderfully furnished with tapestries, artefacts, and paintings – make sure to explore the Great Hall, the dungeons and the four towers.

• Renowned as Ireland’s prettiest village, Adare, County Limerick, is picture postcard perfect and a joy to visit.

• King John’s Castle is a 13th century Castle, in Limerick city. Discover history at its best, magnificent views and life in Norman times.

• The Hunt Museum in Limerick city, exhibits one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities.