4 GALWAY TO CORK

DISTANCE: 750 miles – set aside 20 hours.

WOW FACTOR: The inspiring seascapes of the south west include the famous Ring of Kerry. You’re in for a treat with the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and Loop Head, where you can watch dolphins at the mouth of the Shannon. There are plenty of islands to spot, such as the Skelligs and Blaskets, headlands such as Mizen Head, with its dramatic bridge, and the pretty harbours at Bantry Bay and Dingle Bay. PITSTOP: As one of the capitals of Irish music, the town of Doolin is a must. Recover from rousing singalongs in bars by visiting Doolin Cave, home to one of the world’s largest free-hanging stalactites. OVERNIGHT: Double rooms at the Maritime Hotel, Bantry (themaritime.ie) are from just £56 a night (although breakfast is extra), and the large indoor pool is a lot warmer than braving the Atlantic waves of Bantry Bay. The historic Falls Hotel (fallshotel.ie) combines legends of clans and poets, but today it offers a luxurious break from the road, with its own spa and Thai restaurant. Double B&B is from £69.

‘The smallest hotel in Tralee’ is the unusual boast of the Imperial (imperialhoteltralee.com). Behind its pretty Georgian facade is a smart stop-over that stands on the former site of the Great Castle of Tralee and is a popular meeting place for locals. Double B&B is from £86.

The Sea Lodge (sealodgewaterville.ie) at Waterville offers cool boutique style – and the chance to enjoy Irish coffee watching the sunset over Ballinskelligs Bay from your balcony. Double B&B from £104. COSY EATS: Global Village restaurant (global villagedingle.com) in the seaside town of Dingle grows veg in its own garden and serves fresh daily catches from the town’s fishermen. FLY: Via a flight to Cork from 12 different UK airports – or try Aer Lingus from Luton or Stansted to Kerry.