CAR HIRE IRELAND - North West of Ireland Itinerary

» Day 1: Donegal to Londonderry 167 kms, 104 mls

Drive north through the villages of Dunkineely, Ardara and Glenties, famed for their cottage industries and the production of Donegal tweed. Continue along the coast to Dunfanaghy, nestling on a cosy inlet of Sheephaven Bay. Head south to Donegal's chief town Letterkenny. From here you can extend your drive by taking a tour of the scenic Inishowen Peninsula. Travel through Buncrana, Malin Head, the most northerly point on mainland Ireland, to Moville. Continue on to Londonderry and walk around its ancient encircling walls, still intact and perfect, before visiting the award-winning Tower Museum.

» Day 2: Londonderry to Belfast 194 kms, 120 mls

Go east to Limavady, then north to visit the Mussenden Temple, Downhill. Drive via Coleraine to Portstewart and Portrush, and on to Dunluce Castle. Spend time at the Giant's Causeway, fit in a visit to Bushmills Distillery or test your nerve on Carrick-a-Rede swinging rope bridge. After Ballycastle, where ferries leave for Rathlin, cross the wild plateau to Cushendun, and south along the wild Antrim coast through Cushendall to Carnlough. Before long you're on the broad smooth highway that runs past Cave Hill into Belfast.