Ireland road trip – 4500 km – in pictures

·       Madrid to Bilbao - Bilbao with Brittany Ferries to Rosslare (36 hours)

·       Rosslare coastal village in County Wexford, ferry port connecting Ireland to Wales and France, as well as its long sandy beaches.

·       Kilkenny medieval city is famous for its well-preserved castle, narrow winding streets, and vibrant arts and crafts scene.

·       Waterford Ireland’s oldest city, renowned for its Viking heritage and world-famous Waterford Crystal.

·       New Ross historic town in County Wexford, notable for the Dunbrody Famine Ship and its strong emigration history.

·       Cork Ireland’s second-largest city, offering a lively cultural atmosphere, riverside walks, and a strong sense of local identity.

·       Killarney scenic town in County Kerry, gateway to Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry, popular for its lakes and outdoor activities.

·       Dingle charming fishing town on the Dingle Peninsula, known for its traditional Irish culture, seafood, and dramatic coastal landscapes.

·       Westport picturesque town in County Mayo, with Georgian architecture, near Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.

·       Donegal – A rugged town in the northwest, famous for its castle, tweed textiles, and proximity to scenic mountains and beaches.

·       Londonderry (Derry) walled city in Northern Ireland, rich in history and culture, with strong associations to both Irish and British heritage.

·       Belfast Northern Ireland’s capital, once a major shipbuilding hub and the birthplace of the Titanic, now a vibrant city of culture and history.

·       Dublin Ireland’s capital, a dynamic city combining historic landmarks like Trinity College and Dublin Castle with a thriving modern arts and tech scene.

Southern Ireland - the Republic of Ireland - Capital city: Dublin independence from the United Kingdom in 1922, predominantly Catholic with a strong Irish cultural identity. We experienced lush green countryside, dramatic cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Way. In addition to ancient castles, medieval towns, strong Gaelic traditions, warm and welcoming locals and cozy pubs with live music.

Northern Ireland - Capital city: Belfast remained part of the United Kingdom after 1922. It has a mixed population British (mostly Protestant) and Irish (mostly Catholic). After troubled times the peace process led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.  It is bit more "British" in feel in places like Belfast (red postboxes, UK chains), but also very proudly Irish in areas like Derry. There's a slight edginess in parts.

No passport checks when you cross between Northern Ireland and the Republic, but the road signs change — speed limits are in miles per hour in Northern Ireland, kilometers per hour in the Republic, currency change from Euro to Pound while Northern Ireland is cheaper than the Republic.

In a nutshell: The Republic of Ireland is more laid-back, proudly Irish, socially progressive. Northern Ireland is a bit sharper, historically divided, but modernizing and very resilient.