O'Malley Car Rental Ireland - Irish Car Hire

Scenic Drives Around Ireland

Ireland is known throughout the world as being one of the most stunning places on earth to visit. Its lush green hills, towering cliffs, beautiful seashore and historical cities all combine to make for an unforgettable trip. The best way to see Ireland in its entirety is to hire a car for a few weeks. This way you can drive from location to location as you please, can explore roads that take you off the beaten track, and don't have to deal with the hassle of busses or trains.

Chances are that if you are flying into Ireland from another country you will be landing in the city of Dublin. This is a grand place to spend a few days, as it is packed with fantastic museums, restaurants and historical sites. After seeing the city, rent an automobile to see the rest of the country.

Drive up along the coast toward the city of Belfast. This gorgeous drive boasts some great scenery, and Belfast itself will provide days of exploration. Be sure to spend some time driving around town to see all of the murals.

After you have had your fill of Belfast, head up North to the Antrim Coast, home to the spectacular Giants Causeway. This strange sight is considered by many to be the Eighth Wonder of the World: a beach consisting of oddly-shaped octagonal rocks that fit together like puzzle pieces, forming a surreal landscape that juts into the ocean.

Head down to Sligo from the causeway, and spend some time to explore the former home of famed poet W.B. Yeats. Continue heading South until you come to Connemara National Park. This 7 3/4 sq. mile park is home to thousand of protected birds, a beautiful mountainous countryside and endless bogs, making the perfect landscape for hiking.

Take the ferry from the city of Galway to the Aran Islands to check out the ancient forts, and to pick up a gorgeous Aran sweater. Head back by taking the ferry back to the village of Doolin, and then drive even further south to the picturesque Ring of Kerry.

Drive across the southern tip of Ireland to the city of Cork. Spend a day wandering the streets and sights, and then drive out to Blarney Castle, where you bend backwards to kiss the famed Blarney Stone, which is said to give the smoocher the gift of Eloquence.

Have a look at the sites here for more details on travel in Ireland.

Aran Islands Ireland Official Visitor Information site on the Aran Islands. This has some great details of places to go and things to do while visiting these beautiful islands.

Blarney Castle Ireland Get the gift of the gab! This site has a detailed history of the castle and its famous smooching stone, as well as valuable tourist information.

Ring of Kerry This site will give you endless info on the area of the Ring of Kerry, including attractions and a calendar of What's Going On.

Cork Travel Guide Visitor information for all of the attractions in the city of Cork and the surrounding area. It also has a link to the area of nearby Kerry.

Giant's Causeway The site that will give all of the historical, natural and tourism information about this fabulous place.

Sligo Travel Information Everything you need to know and more about the town of Sligo.

Connemara National Park A web site that should be checked out before visiting this beautiful National Park. It is packed with details about the park, including activities, places to see and history.

Belfast Travel Information The official site for Belfast visitors. All of the information you will need to plan a few days in the city, from sights to festival to maps.

Dublin Vistor Information Dublin's official visitor information site, including info tours, restaurants, museums, sights and much more.

Cork City Photographs This a great site if you want to get an idea of what Cork looks like before you visit. A photographer that has lived locally in Cork City for many years takes all the photos that are found on the site.