Discover the island of Ireland your way this autumn

With the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East a mere ferry away, you can plan, pack and potter your way around the legendary island of Ireland on a road trip to remember. So, why not take your car with Stena Line and simply start exploring

We’ve got routes from Cairnryan to Belfast or Liverpool to Belfast that’ll whisk you to the heart of this spirited city in no time. From here, the Causeway Coast, Mourne mountains, Fermanagh lakes and city of Derry~Londonderry are all within a few hours' drive.

Sail from Holyhead to Dublin and get to know one of Europe's most creative and energetic capitals, before calming it down again in the lush green landscapes of Wicklow.

For those heading south, the Fishguard to Rosslare route brings you straight onto the coastline of Ireland's Ancient East. Weave your way through Waterford and Tipperary all the way to Cork, where you'll get a taste for both city and sea.

Somewhere in the epic island of Ireland, there's an adventure waiting just for you.

Visit Ireland.com for suggested itineraries, local tips and must-see destinations, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

Time travel through Ireland's Ancient East

Blackrock Castle, Co. Cork. Long ago, it fought off pirates and pillagers, now it's all about astronomy within its thick stone walls. That's the thing about Ireland's Ancient East, it really packs it in. Take a week to explore, take on 5,000 years of history. From neolithic tombs in Newgrange to monastic towers in Glendalough. From Viking streets in Waterford to medieval castles in Tipperary. There's ancient nature too - the Copper Coast's geological layers and the majestic Wicklow Mountains both welcome wanderers. Take your car with Stena Line to Rosslare or Dublin and you'll land directly in Ireland's Ancient East. Which millennia you visit first is totally up to you.

Read up on Ireland’s Ancient East and its castles.

The Wild Atlantic Way to unforgettable memories

With 2,500 kilometres of coastline to weave along, from Co. Donegal to Co. Cork, you can stitch a truly epic tapestry full of legendary landmarks. Enjoy late–summer surfing at Strandhill Beach, late-night stargazing at Kerry’s International Dark Sky Reserve, and lazy-day beach combing about the Blasket Islands. Foodies can follow the Coastal Seafood Trail serving up the freshest salmon, snails, oysters and mussels. Weekenders can nibble, munch, chomp and chew through the cheeses and meats of Limerick’s Milk Market, and why wouldn’t you whet the whistle with a tasting trip to the world-famous Dingle Whiskey Distillery.

Discover the Wild Atlantic Way in detail.

Dublin, Ireland center symbol - spire and General Post Office

A tale of two cities – Dublin and Belfast

Dublin was made for a wandering soul. Whether on the banks of the Liffey, the streets of Temple Bar, the shops of Grafton Street or the paths of Phoenix Park. Pack the flats and let the day take you where it will. See the Book of Kells. Hear stories of emigration at EPIC. Take in a show at the Abbey Theatre or sip a pint of the black stuff at the Guinness Storehouse.

Discover more about Dublin and its quarters.

From the nooks, crannies and contradictions of Belfast, you’re sure to be treated to stories, shenanigans and scenery in this city full of heart. Check out the Titanic experience as you dander along the maritime mile, haggle a bargain with the best of Belfast over in St George’s Market and feed your inner foodie in some of the finest restaurants NI has to offer. Start your adventures in Belfast and you'll discover a holiday that’ll really lift your spirits.

Dive into Northern Ireland and Belfast.

Book your autumn trip to Ireland from £139 single, car & driver