This 7-day campervan journey takes you through the best highlights of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way — from Donegal’s towering cliffs to Galway’s lively streets and the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. With a balance of scenic drives, iconic stops, and local culture, it’s the perfect week-long Irish road trip.
Day 1: Dublin to Donegal (240 km)
Start your trip in Dublin and collect your campervan before heading northwest. Break up the journey with a stop at Newgrange, Ireland’s world-famous Neolithic site, or Slane Castle, known for its whiskey distillery and concerts.
Continue into Donegal Town, then make your way to the incredible Slieve League Cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
For dinner, try The Rusty Mackerel, a local favourite for seafood and traditional music.
🚐 Campsite: Sliabh Liag Camping, right at the foot of the cliffs.
Day 2: Donegal to Sligo (140 km)
Leave Donegal and head into Glenveagh National Park, a stunning landscape of mountains, lakes, and woodland. Explore Glenveagh Castle and enjoy one of the walking trails before continuing south.
Arrive in Sligo by evening and relax with a stroll along Strandhill Beach, a popular surfing spot and a great place to watch the sunset.
🚐 Campsite: Strandhill Caravan & Camping Park, right beside the beach.
Day 3: Sligo to Mayo (120 km)
Begin the day at Downpatrick Head, where you’ll see dramatic cliffs and the famous sea stack, Dun Briste.
Continue to Achill Island, home to some of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. Don’t miss Keem Bay, a sheltered cove with turquoise waters.
End the day in Westport, a lively town full of great pubs and restaurants.
🚐 Campsite: Westport House Caravan & Camping Park, close to the town centre. This campsite is quite expensive (€50 per night) but worth it if you have young kids.
Day 4: Mayo to Galway (120 km)
Travel south into Connemara, one of Ireland’s most scenic regions. Drive the Sky Road for sweeping Atlantic views and stop at Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, a 19th-century castle and monastery.
Arrive in Galway City in the afternoon. Wander the cobbled streets, enjoy the live buskers, and soak up the city’s famous nightlife and pub culture.
🚐 Campsite: Salthill Caravan Park, just outside the city along the promenade. Galway City in general is not very campervan friendly and most car parks have barriers, so make sure you have this campsite booked or plan to go further along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Day 5: Galway to Clare (90 km)
Leave Galway in the morning and drive directly south to Doolin, a lively coastal village. From here, you can catch a ferry to the Aran Islands or take a boat cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher.
If you choose the Aran Islands, the most popular is Inis Mór, the largest of the three. Here you can visit the prehistoric stone fort Dún Aonghasa, perched dramatically on the cliff edge.
⏱️ Ferry timings: Crossings from Doolin to the Aran Islands take about 30–40 minutes each way. Sailings are weather-dependent, and the Atlantic can be rough — seasickness tablets are recommended if you’re prone to motion sickness.
👉 Tip: Doolin Ferries also offer a combined Aran Islands + Cliffs of Moher cruise, which lets you explore the islands and then return by sailing beneath the cliffs for an unforgettable view from the sea.
After your boat trip, return to Doolin and finish the day at the Cliffs of Moher, just a short drive away. Standing at the cliff edge, you’ll have sweeping views of the Atlantic, the Aran Islands, and the rugged Burren landscape.
⚠️ Note: This is a long day with plenty of travel and activities, so plan carefully and start early.
🚐 Campsite: Nagles Camping & Caravan Park, right beside Doolin Pier — perfect for ferry access and within walking distance of the village’s traditional music pubs.
Day 6: Clare to Dingle (200 km)
Drive south through The Burren, a unique limestone landscape, before catching the Killimer–Tarbert Ferry across the Shannon Estuary. This is a great way to save driving time and its a nice experience going on the car ferry.
Continue into Kerry and arrive on the Dingle Peninsula. Explore Dingle Town, famous for its colourful streets, fresh seafood, and lively traditional music scene.
🚐 Campsite: Campail Teach an Aragail, near the Gallarus Oratory — the #1 campsite with our Cookies Campers customers, thanks to its friendly atmosphere and stunning location.
Day 7: Explore Dingle Peninsula & Return to Dublin (300 km)
Spend your final day driving the Slea Head Loop, one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal routes. Stop for Atlantic viewpoints, the Blasket Islands, and early Christian beehive huts.
If time allows, take a short boat trip from Dingle to spot dolphins and other marine life before making the journey back to Dublin.
Return your campervan to Cookies Campers Dublin and finish your adventure where it began. Get in touch today if you need any help with itineraries and also ask about Campsite+ Discounts.
