Table Of Content20
··~-[21
Dunlan'i:ghy
Londonderry / Derry
20
Letterkennyl 24
20 60km 20
-{ll --- ~
+ -
16 Oma.g,h ,
Ballyshannon., .,Kesh
J
Manorhamlton Ennis illen
18 I
....
Belcoo" '
~ n
117
~
I +- Boyl;,- Carrick-on 16 I 2-.2_.;.J..-1---1
+-
-+-
11
.,Casdebar ~-Shanno!!,._
19 fCasderea ~ongford
.,
Leenaun Roscomion
18,
liu am
R E P U B L
Athlone
--+
0
.,
Pordaoise
t
-f->La~hinch- - Roscreae 111
2 -r R ii L A N D ffs
Ennis
Nenagh
Bunratty
e .-+I 0-- -<
Limerick
Kilkenny
I:I
Tipperary
4 '·:~I ~ N-::· Jl-f>
j .,4 rrick
t,Caher ot,-Suir
l
5
Campf>
Waterford
6 An o"!gean ~ nch +-t
(Dingle) Killarn:f Dungarvan~
f
Cahersiveen
8 4 Youghal.,
9 Macroom Cork
Kenmare
Ardgroom., t 7
Adrigole t,· Bantry 5
~D~rrus Cl'i\'akilty
6
Skibbereenf >
8
9
m
Best Drives
Ireland
List of Tours
MUNSTER 6 - 65
Tour 1 Clare 8- 13
Tour 2 River Shannon Rambles 14 - 19
Tour 3 Ancient Castles & Lake Odyssey 20 - 25
Tour 4 Beehive Huts & Coastal Splendours 26 - 33
Tour 5 Killarney & the Ring of Kerry 34 - 39
Tour 6 Kenmare & the Seara Peninsula 40 - 44
Tour 7 Island City, Magic Stone 45 - 49
Tour 8 Cork's Coastal Villages 50 - 53
Tour 9 Unspoiled Peninsulas 54 - 59
Tour 10 Rock of Cashel 60 - 65
LEINSTER 66 - 97
Tour 11 Monastic Ruins & the Midlands 68 - 73
Tour 12 The Boyne Valley 74 - 78
Tour 13 Dublin & Wicklow 79 - 83
Tour 14 Witches, Castles & Horses 84 - 91
Tour 15 By Hook or by Crooke 92 - 97
CONNACHT 98 - 121
Tour 16 Sligo & Yeats Country 100 - 105
Tour 17 Boyle & the Lake Country 106 - 109
Tour 18 Achill Island & County Mayo 11 O - 115
Tour 19 Region of Stony Beauty 116 - 121
ULSTER 122 - 157
Tour 20 Seascapes & Mountain Passes 124 - 128
Tour 21 The Causeway Coast 129 - 135
Tour 22 Strangford Lough 136 - 140
Tour 23 Fermanagh Lakeland 141 - 145
Tour 24 The Heart of Ulster 146 - 151
Tour 25 Mourne Country 152 - 157
·Them Best o·rives .· ·. _
Ireland
www..theAA.com
Written by Susan Poole and Lyn Gallagher
Published by AA Publishing, a trading name of Automobile Association
Developments Limited, whose registered office is Fanum House, BasingV iew,
Basingstoke, Hampshire RG2 I 4EA. Registered number I 878835.
ISBN-I 0: 0-7495-4430-9
ISBN-I 3: 978-0-7495-4430-0
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic,
photocopying, recording or otherwise - unless the permission of the publish
ers has been obtained beforehand.This book may not be lent, resold, hired
out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade in any fonm of binding or cover
other than that in which it is published, without the prior consent of the
publisher.
The contents of this publication are believed correct at the time of printing.
Nevertheless, AA Publishing accept no responsibility for errors, omissions or
changes in details given in this guide, or for the consequences of readers'
reliance on this information.This does not affect your statutory rights.
Assessments of the attractions and so forth are based upon the author's own
experience and contain subjective opinions that may not reflect the publishers'
opinion or a reader's own experience. We have tried to ensure accuracy. but
things do change, so please let us know if you have any comments or correc
tions.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Colour separation: Daylight Colour Art, Singapore
Printed and bound by G. Canale & C. S.P.A,Torino, Italy
Find out more about AA Publishing and the wide range of travel publications
and services the AA provides by visiting our website at www.theAA.com
First published 1992
• Revised second edition published in this format 1998
Revised third edition 2000
Reprinted June 200 I
Reprinted 2004. Information verified and updated
Reprinted February 2005
Reprinted 2006. Information verified and updated
© Automobile Association Developments Limited 1992, 1998,
2000, 2004, 2006
Maps © Automobile Association Developments Limited
1992, 1998, 2000, 2006
~ • This product includes mapping
\;~ based upon data licensed from
::::::.:.::.::::.:::' Ordnnance Survey of
Northern Ireland ® reproduced by permis
sion of the Chief Executive of her Majesty's
Stationery Office © Crown copyright 2005.
Penmit No. 50087
Republic of Ireland mapping based on Ordnance
Survey Ireland. Permit No. MPOOO I 05 © Ordnance Survey
Ireland and Government of Ireland
Opposite: South Cross detail, Kells
Cover credits:AA WORLD TRAVEL LIBRARY/J Blandford
f/cover. b/cover (top);AA WORLD TRAVEL LIBRARY/
S McBride b/cover (centre top);AA WORLD TRAVEL
LIBRARY/C Coe b/cover (centre bottom);AA WORLD
TRAVEL LIBRARY/( Hill b/cover (bottom)
I A02490
Atlas Index
J Kilmeage 204 B2 M N Portaferry 199 F3
Kilmeedy 203 D2 Portarlington
Johnstown 203 F2 Macroom 203 D4 Naas 204 B2
Kilmichael 202 C4 204A3
Julianstown 204 C I Maghera 199 D2 Naul 204 C2
Kilmore Quay Portavogie 199 F3
Magherafelt Navan 204 Bl
K 204 BS 199 D3 Neale 200 C3 Portlaoise 204 A3
Kilnaleck 198 CS Portmarnock
Maguiresbridge Nenagh 203 EI
Kanturk 203 D3 Kilrea 199 E2 204C2
198C4 Newbliss 199 D4
Keadew 198 B4 Kilrush 202 C2 Portroe 20 I DS
Malainn Mh6ir Newbridge 204 B2
Keady 199 D4 Kiltamagh 200 C2 Portrush 199 D I
(Malin More) New Buildings
Keel 200 B2 Kiltealy 204 B4 Portstewart 199 D I
I98A3 198C2
Keenagh 20 I E3 Kiltegan 204 B3 Portumna 20 I D4
Malin More (Malainn Newcasde 199 F4
Kells 199 E2 Kingscourt 199 DS Poulgorm Bridge
Mh6ir) I98A3 Newcastle West
Kells 204 Bl Kinlough 198 B3 202C4
Malin 199 DI 202 C2
Kenmare 202 C4 Kinnegad 204 B2
Mallow 203 D3 Newmarket
Kesh 198 C3 Kinnitty 20 I E4 R
Manorhamilton 203 D3
Kilbeggan 20 I F3 Kinsale 203 D4
198 B4 Newmarket on Randalstown 199 E3
Kilberry 204 B I Kinvarra 200 C4
Markethill 199 E4 Fergus 203 D2 Raphoe 198 C2
Kilcock 204 B2 Kircubbin 199 F3
Maynooth 204 B2 Newport 200 B2 Rasharkin 199 E2
Kilcolgan 200 C4 Knock 200 C2 Middletown Newport 203 E2 Rathangan 204 B2
Kilconnell 201 D3 Knockcroghery 199D4 New Ross 204 B4 Rathcoole 204 B2
Kilcoole 204 C3 201 E3
Midleton 203 E4 Newry 199 E4 Rathcormack
Kilcormac 20 I E4 Knocklofty 203 E3
Millford 198 C2 Newtownabbey 203 E3
Kilcullen 204 B3
Millstreet 202 C3 199 F3 Rathdowney
Kilcurry 199 E4 L
Milltown 202 B3 Newtownards 203 F2
Kildare 204 B3
Lehinch 200 C4 Milltown Malbay 199 F3 Rathdrum 204 C3
Kildavin 204 B4
Laragh 204 C3 200 cs Newtown butler Rathfriland 199 E4
Kildorrery 203 D3
Larne 199 F2 Mitchelstown 198C4 Rathkeale 203 D2
Kilfenora 200 C4
Lauragh 202 B4 203 E3 Newtown Forbes Rathmelton
Kilgarvan 202 C4
Leap 202 CS Moate 201 E3 201 E2 198 C2
Kilkee 202 C2
Leenaun 200 B3 Mohill 201 E2 Newtownhamilton Rathmolyon
Kilkeel 199 E4
Leitrim 20 I E2 Monaghan 199 D4 199 E4 204 B2
Kilkelly 20 I D2
Leixlip 204 B2 Monasterevin Newtownmountken Rathmore 202 C3
Kilkenny 204 A4
Lemybrien 203 F3 204 B3 nedy 204 C3 Rathmullan
Kilkieran (Cill
Letterfrack 200 B3 Moneygall 203 EI Newtownstewart I98C2
Chiarain) 200 B3
Letterkenny Moneymore 198C3 Rathnew 204 C3
Kill 203 F4
198C2 199 D3 Nobber 199 DS Rathowen 20 I E3
Killadysert 202 C2
Lifford 198 C2 Monivea 20 I D3 Rathvilly 204 B3
Killala 200 Cl
Limavady 199 D2 Mooncoin 204 AS 0 Ratoath 204 C2
Killaloe 203 D2
Limerick 203 D2 Moorfields 199 E2 Ringaskiddy
Killarney 202 C3 Oilgate 204 B4
Lisbellaw 198 C4 Mount Bellew 203 E4
Killashandra 20 I F2 Oldcasde 199 DS
Lisburn 199 E3 201 D3 Ringville (An Rinn)
Killashee 20 I E3 Omagh 198C3
Liscannor 200 C4 Mount Charles 203 F4
Killeigh 20 I F4 Oola 203 E2
Killenaule 203 F2 Liscarroll 203 D3 198 B3 Oranmore 200 C4 Rockcorry 199 D4
Killimer 202 C2 Lisdoonvarna Mountmellick Oughterard Roosky 20 I E2
200C4 204A3 Rosapenna 198 CI
Killimor 20 I D4 200 C3
Lismore 203 E3 Mountrath 20 I E4 Rosbercon 204 B4
Killorglin 202 B3 Ovens 203 D4
Lisnaskea 198 C4 Mountshannon Roscommon
Killough 199 F4
Killucan 204A2 Lisryan 20 I E3 201 D4 p 201 D3
Listowel 202 C2 Moville 199 DI Roscrea 20 I E4
Killybegs 198 B3 Loghill 202 C2 Moy 199 D3 Pallas Grean (New) Ross Carbery
Killyleagh 199 F3 Londonderry/Derry Moynalty 199 DS 203 E2 202CS
Kilmacanoge 198C2 Moyvore 20 I E3 Parknasilla 202 B4 Rosses Point
204C3 Longford 20 I E3 Muckross 202 C3 Partry 200 C2 198 B3
Kilmacrenan Loughbrickland Muff 199 D2 Passage East 204 BS Rosslare 204 CS
198C2 199 E4 Muine Bheag Passage West Rosslare Harbour
Kilmacthomas Loughglinn (Bagenalstown) 203 D4 204CS
203 F3 201 D2 204 B4 Patrickswell Rosslea. 199 D4
Kilmaganny 204 A4 Loughrea 20 I D4 Mullinavat 204 A4 203 D2 Rostrevor 199 E4
Kilmaine 200 C3 Louisburgh Mullingar 204A2 Pettigo 198 C3 Roundstone
Kilmallock 203 D3 200 B2 Mulrany 200 B2 Plumbridge 199 D2 200 B3
Kilmanagh 203 F2 Lurgan I 99 E3 Myshall 204 B4 Pomeroy I 99 D 3 Roundwood 204 C3
Kilmeadan 204 AS Lusk 204 C2 Portadown 199 E3 Rush 204 C2
g
Atlas Index
s
Skull 202 CS T Tralee 202 B3 Watergrasshill
Saintfield 199 F3 Slane 204 Bl Taghmon 204 BS Tr amore 204 AS 203 E4
Sallins 204 B2 Sligo 198 B4 Tallaght 204 C2 Trim 204 B2 Waterville 202 B4
Scarriff 20 I D4 Smithborough Tallow 203 E3 Tuam200C3 Westport 200 B2
Scartaglin 202 C3 199 D4 Tandragee 199 E4 Tuamgraney 20 I DS Wexford 204 BS
Scramoge 20 I E2 Sneem 202 B4 Tang 201 E3 Tulla201 D5 Whitegate 203 E4
Seskinore 199 D3 Spiddle (An Spideal) Tarbert 202 C2 Tullamore 20 I E4 Whitehead 199 F3
Shanagolden 200 C4 Templemore 203 E2 Tullow 204 B3 Wicklow 204 C3
202C2 Stewartstown Templetouhy Tulsk201 D2 Wooden bridge
Shannon 203 D2 199 D3 203 F2 Turlough 200 C2 204C3
Shannonbridge Stonyford 204 A4 Termonfeckin Tyrrellspass 204 A2 Woodford 20 I D4
Sh2e0r1c oEc4k I 99 D4 SSttrraadbbaanlely 129084 C B23 Th2o0m4aCsIto wn u y
SShhiilnlerloangeh 2200 4I EB44 SSttrraanddohnilel 119988 CB44 Th2u0r4leAs 42 03 E2 Urlingford 203 F2 Youghal 203 E4
Shrule 200 C3 Strangford 199 F4 Timahoe 204 A3 V
Silvermines 203 E2 Stranorlar 198 C2 Timoleague 203 D4
Sion Mills 198 C2 Summerhill Tinahely 204 B3 Virginia 199 D5
Sixmilebridge 204 B2 Tipperary 203 E2 w
203 D2 Swanlinbar 198 C4 Tobercurry 198A4
Skerries 204 C2 Swatragh 199 D2 Tobermore 199 D2 Warrenpoint
Skibbereen Swinford 200 C2 Toomyvara 203 E2 199 E4
202CS Swords 204 C2 Toormore 202 BS Waterford 204 AS
~-
m
CONTENTS
ROUTE MAP OF IRELAND inside front and back covers
ABOUT THIS BOOK 4 - 5
MUNSTER 6 - 65
Tour I Clare 8 - 13
Tour 2 River Shannon Rambles 14 - 19
Tour 3 Ancient Castles & Lake Odyssey 20 - 25
Tour 4 Beehive Huts & Coastal Splendours 26 - 33
Tour 5 Killarney & the Ring of Kerry 34 - 39
Tour 6 Kenmare & the Beara Peninsula 40 - 44
Tour 7 Island City. Magic Stone 45 - 49
Tour 8 Cork's Coastal Villages 50-53 ·
Tour 9 Unspoiled Peninsulas 54 - 59
Tour IO Rock of Cashel 60 - 65
LEINSTER 66 - 97
Tour I I Monastic Ruins & the Midlands 68 - 73
Tour 12 The Boyne Valley 74 - 78
Tour 13 Dublin & Wicklow 79 - 83
Tour 14 Witches, Castles & Horses 84 - 91
Tour 15 By Hook or by Crooke 92 - 97
CONNACHT 98 - 121
Tour 16 Sligo & Yeats Country I 00 - I 05
Tour 17 Boyle & the Lake Country I 06 - I 09
Tour 18 Achill Island & County Mayo I IO - I 15
Tour 19 Region of Stony Beauty I 16 - 121
ULSTER 122 - 157
Tour 20 Seascapes & Mountain Passes 124 - 128
Tour 21 The Causeway Coast 129 - 135
Tour 22 Strangford Lough 136 - 140
Tour 23 Fermanagh Lakeland 141 - 145
Tour 24 The Heart of Ulster 146 - 151
Tour 25 Mourne Country 152 - 157
MOTORING IN IRELAND 158 - 159
ACCOMMODATION AND RESTAURANTS 160- 179.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 180 - 184
PRACTICAL INFORMATION 185 - 192
INDEX AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 193 - 196
ATLAS 197-208
ABOUT THIS BOOK
T
his book is not only a practical guide for the independent traveller, but is also invaluable for those
who would like to know more about the country.
It is divided into four regions, each containing between four and ten tours.The tours start and finish
in the towns and cities which we consider to be the best centres for exploration. Each tour has details
of the most interesting places to visit en route. Highlighted panels dotted throughout each tour cater
for special interests and requirements and cover a range of categories - for those whose interest is
in history, wildlife or walking, and those who have children. There are also panels which highlight scenic
stretches of road along the route and which give details of special events, crafts and customs.
The route directions are accompanied by an easy-to-use map at the beginning of each tour along
with a simple chart showing how far it is from one town to the next in miles and kilometres.These
can help you to decide where to take a break and stop overnight, for example. (All distances quoted
are approximate.)
Before setting off it is advisable to check with the tourist information centre (a ddresses are given after
the symbol [I] at the end of town entries) at the start of thetour,for recommendations on whereto
break your journey and for additional information on what to see and do, and when best to visit.
9am-S.30pm; Sat 9am-lpm. tions of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 and
Tour Information The General Post Office in coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5,
See pages 185-92 for O'Connell Street, Dublin, is 10, 20 and SO pence, plus £ 1 and
addresses, telephone numbers open Mon-Sat, 8am-8pm and £2. Large companies and busi
and opening times of the 10am-6.30pm on Sun and bank nesses around the border will
attractions mentioned in the holidays. Post boxes are green; often accept either.
tours, including telephone Republic of Ireland stamps
numbers ofototJKi§I: 9ffi<=es, ·•··· must be used. Customs Regulations
Hotels an<l:lt~st~u~~lts: In Northern Ireland, stan Standard EU customs regula
dard opening times are Mon-Fri tions apply when travelling
See pages t~O.-:t9'fbr'~ii~j.' 9am-S.30pm, and Sac between the Republic or
of recommeifded fiotefaaiio 9am-12.30pm. Throughout Northern Ireland and another
restauran~}.qr~~~!fot;; Northern Ireland sub post EU country, and if crossing the
eac;:h~ouit; :•· offices also close one ocher after border between the rwo.
noon each week. Post boxes are Travellers may import or export
red; British stamps must be goods for their personal use, up
used. co certain limits depending on
Business Hours whether the goods were bought
Banks: there are many bureaux Credit Cards in ordinary shops (tax paid) or
de change in Ireland, but banks Throughout Ireland American duty-free shops.
are the best place co change Express, Visa and MasterCard,
money. Opening hours vary, but are widely accepted, though Electricity
most are open 10am-4pm, with not by some smaller restaurants 220 voles AC (50 cycles) is stan
some extended hours, including and independent traders. dard. Sockets for small appli
limited Sat morning opening, in Personal cheques can be ances are the three-pin flat or
Northern Ireland. Foreign cashed using a Eurocheque two-pin round wall types.
exchange counters in the main card. A few bed and breakfast
airports give good rates: Belfast establishments may expect to Embassies and Consulates
International, 5-8pm, may vary; be paid in cash. Embassies in the Republic:
Dublin, open Mon-Fri 5.30am- Australia: Fitzwilcon House,
9pm, Sat 5.30am-midnight, Sun Currency Wilton Terrace, Dublin 2 (tel:
5.30am-10pm; Shannon, open The currency of the Republic of (01) 664 5300); Canada: 65 Sc
daily 6am-9.30pm; Cork, open Ireland is the euro, divided into Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 (tel:
Mon-Fri 6.45am-8pm, Sac I 00 cents, with notes in denomi (01) 417 4101); UK: 29 lvlerrion
9am-5pm, Sun 9am-8pm. nations of 5, 10, 20, 50, I 00, 200 Road, Dublin 4 (eel: (01) 205
There is also a wide nerwork of and 500 and coins in denomina 3700); US: 42 Elgin Road,
automatic cash points where you tions of I, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Dublin 4 (eel: (01) 668 8777).
can use credit and bank cards. cents, plus 1 and 2 euros. Consular offices for
Pose offices: in the Republic, Northern Ireland uses the N orchern Ireland: Australia
standard post office opening pound sterling, divided into 100 High Commission, Australia
times are generally Mon-Fri pence, with notes in denomina- House, The Strand, London
■
ABOUT THIS BOOK
WC2B 4LA (tel: 020 7379
4334 ); Canada: Honorary
Consul, Unit 3, Ormeau
Business Park, 8 Cromac
Avenue, Belfast BT7 2JA (tel:
028 9127 2060); New Zealand:
Honorary Consul, Ballance
118A, Lisburn Road, Glenavy,
Crumlin, BT29 4NY (eel: 028
9264 8098); US: US Consul
General, Danesforc House, 223
Scranmillis Road, Belfast BT9
SGR (tel: 028 9038 6100).
Emergency Telephone
Numbers
In both the Republic and
Northern Ireland, dial 999 for
police, fire or ambulance.
Entry Regulations
When planning your trip co
Ireland, remember that the
Republic of Ireland and
Northern Ireland (which is pare 1st Monday in August (R) Traditional pub music session
of the UK) may have different Lase Monday in August (NI)
passport and visa requirements. Lase Monday in October (R) blue and cream ones in the
For chis reason, you should 25 December - Christmas Day Republic, and red boxes in
check before you leave your 26 December - Sc Stephen's Northern Ireland. Phones using
home country. Day (Boxing Day) cards (bought at newsagents)
are widelv available.
Health Route Directions
There are no special health Throughout the book the Time
requirements or regulations for following abbreviations are used Boch the Republic of Ireland
visitors co the Republic or for roads: and Northern Ireland follow
Northern Ireland. le is best co M - motorways GM1~ or GMT plus 1 hour from
cake ouc medical insurance, Northern Ireland only: late March to lace October.
though EU visitors are covered A - main roads
by a reciprocal agreement. B - local roads Tourist Offices
British visitors should contact Republic of Ireland only: Republic of Ireland Tourist
the pose office for an EHIC N - national primary/secondary Board (Bord Failce): Suffolk
(European Health Insurance roads Street, Dublin 2 (eel: (OJ) 605
Card) form, which replaces form R - regional roads. 7700).
Elli. orchern Ireland Tourist Board:
Telephones Sc Anne's Court, 59 North
Motoring To call a number in Ireland, first Street, Belfast, BT! INB (eel:
For information on all aspects of dial the Internacional access 028 9023 1221 ).
motoring in Ireland, including code: Australia 001 I; Canada Tourism Ireland now has joint
accidents, breakdowns and 01 I; New Zealand 00; UK (for tourist offices abroad, which
speed limits, see pages 158-59. the Republic only) 00. Then dial include:
353 for the Republic or 44 for Australia: Sch Level, 36
Public Holiday Northern Ireland, and then the Carrington Street, Sydney, NSW
(R) Republic only full number (omitting the first 2000 (eel: (02) 9299 6177).
(NI) Northern Ireland only zero of the area code). Canada: 2 Bloor Street West,
1 January-New Year's Day For international calls out of Suite 1501, Toronto, Ontario
17 March - St Pa crick's Day Ireland dial 00, then the country i\il4W 3E2 (eel: (416) 925 6368)
Good Friday & Easter Monday code: Australia 61; Canada I; UK: 103 Wigmore Street,
1st Monday in May - May Day ew Zealand 64; UK 44; US 1. London WI U 1Q S (eel: 08000
Lase Monday in May (NI) Then dial the full number omit 397000).
!st Monday in June (R) ting the first zero. US: 345 Park Avenue, New
12-13 July - Orangemen's Day Glass and metal call boxes York, NY 10154 (eel: 800 223
(NI) have largely replaced the old 6470).
