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My Ideal Ireland Itinerary 7 Days Road Trip (+ Map)

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: March 11, 2024

Are you itching to visit the Emerald Isle but only have a week to explore? It’s a relatively small country, so it’s doable. This Ireland itinerary for 7 days will show you how to enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside and lively Irish culture in a one-week Ireland road trip.

For most travelers, starting and ending your Irish road trip at Dublin Airport makes logical (and financial) sense. But for those who can start their trip in Dublin and end it at Shannon Airport, there are other destinations in this beautiful country you can squeeze into your 7-day Ireland itinerary.

My detailed guide below suggests two different routes for both options. Either way, you’ll have an epic and memorable time in Ireland! It’s one of my favorite countries! Keep in mind, this itinerary does not take into account travel time, most flights from the US will depart in the evening and arrive the next morning.

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Option 1 (Dublin to Dublin)

This 7-day Ireland itinerary is based on my actual road trip around Ireland and Northern Ireland with my teen daughter. We had a wonderful time, so I’m sharing many of our lessons and stops to help you make the most of your visit.

Day 1: Dublin to Belfast Day 2: Belfast to Derry Day 3: Derry to Westport (or Galway) Day 4: Westport to Galway Day 5: Galway to Dublin Day 6: Dublin Day 7: Leave Dublin

Alternative Route Thoughts:

If you’re willing to drive and tour at a faster pace, you could try to combine parts of the Northern Ireland itinerary in order to allow you to visit the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland if you’re set on flying in and out of Dublin.

The Dingle Peninsula Slea Head Drive is considered one of the highlights of the area and the star of the Wild Atlantic Way region. But it is on the opposite end of the island from Northern Ireland, so with only 7 days, adjustments are needed. My route includes some of the Wild Atlantic Way between Westport and Galway, and is more accessible. However, some feel strongly about visiting the Dingle Peninsula.

Look at my list of things to do and see and decide which are your priorities if the Dingle Peninsula (pretty drive that will take about 3 hours) is a priority, AND you have to fly in and out of Dublin. If you want to prioritize Northern Ireland and the southwest area of Republic of Ireland, you might look at a route like this: Dublin – Derry – Galway – Dingle/Killarney (2 nights) – Dublin (2 nights)

I wouldn’t choose this fast pace, but it is an option if you’re trying to make the most of a limited week. The better option in my opinion would be to try to add on a day or two. Ideally, you’d plan a 10 day Ireland itinerary if you want to see most of the highlights. Or just plan to come back again!

My recommendation if you only have 7 days and want to see most of the popular regions is to fly into Dublin and out of Shannon Airport, which I list that alternate itinerary farther down in my post.

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin Airport and Explore Belfast

Waste no time at Dublin Airport by renting a car and driving north to Northern Ireland. Many flights from North America are red eye so you can start your 7 day Ireland itinerary in the morning. Don’t worry, you’ll end your trip in Dublin.

Renting a Car in Ireland

Take note that, unless you specify, your rental car will have a manual transmission. Request an automatic if you don’t want to tackle switching gears and driving on the left side of the road! Trust me, this isn’t the time to learn to drive standard or to try and remember that time in your childhood when you borrowed your buddy’s stick shift car.

You will need to have full coverage auto insurance for accidents or damage. Many times I rely on my credit card for car rental insurance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve both have primary rental car coverage. But, confirm that Ireland and Northern Ireland aren’t excluded from your coverage.

Also, be prepared to show proof of the coverage at the rental counter. This can typically be printed from your benefits page but consider calling or chatting with customer care to ask for written proof of rental coverage. Otherwise, you’ll need to add collision coverage to your rental.

You can use Google Maps to navigate Ireland’s narrow roads, but it will often take you the fastest way which isn’t always the best way for tourists. We had a GPS device added to our rental and found it would sometimes route us differently than Google Maps.

Most of the time Google Maps was great but twice we should have listened to the GPS, one of which was driving back to Dublin from Cliffs of Moher when Google Maps took us back roads that were very tight and slow going and the GPS would have gotten us onto a highway much faster.

On your first day, head to Northern Ireland. The total drive time from Dublin to Belfast is just under two hours covering 162 km/100 miles, so you should have plenty of time to explore Killeavy before traveling to Belfast and staying there one night.

Note: The Republic of Ireland measures speed in kilometers/hr while Northern Ireland measures in miles/hr. Money is also different as Northern Ireland uses the British Pound Sterling (￡) and Ireland uses the Euro (€).

Malahide or Killeavy

You’ll hop in your car and start heading to Northern Ireland but I recommend at least one stop along the way to help get outdoors and help your body adjust to the time change. There are two stops I’d recommend as you make your way to Belfast, either Malahide or Killeavy. Both will help you get outdoors and have a castle.

Malahide is what I’d consider a Dublin suburb. It’s home to the popular Malahide Castle and Gardens, which is a more touristy operated castle with decor and extensive gardens. Malahide is also on the coast and there is a popular 4 km Malahide to Portmarnock Coastal Walk to get an outdoor fix on your first day. The town itself has a large number of cute restaurants and shops for a great afternoon break on your first day.

If you’re looking to get out of the city on your first day, plan for a stop in Killeavy instead. Located just over the Northern Irish border, Killeavy is a small town and a great place to stop for a break in an official area of natural beauty.

Check out Killeavy Castle Estate (there’s a hotel there now but you can still check out the castle grounds) or the Slieve Gullion Forest Park. This area of woodland has links to Celtic mythology! If you’re in Killeavy around lunchtime, stop at Johnny Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant for a bite to eat.

And if you’re not in a rush and have an extra night beyond this 7-day itinerary, consider booking a stay at the Killeavy Castle Estate. It’s absolutely beautiful and a great way to unwind after a busy travel day. We overnighted in Killeavy and even visited their spa to help us relax after traveling. The extra day helps you relax and start to acclimate to the time change.

If you’re not staying overnight in Killeavy and following my 7 day itinerary, hop back in your car and head to Belfast next.

Political Mural Black Cab Tour

When you arrive in Belfast, park your rental car and let a tour guide drive you around for a change! From the 1970s to the 1990s, Belfast was at the center of a pivotal moment in Irish history called ‘the Troubles’. 

A great way to learn more about it is to book a Black Cab Tour around all the neighborhoods and dozens of political murals that document the era. Driving is much faster than a walking tour which is ideal because there are lots of things to do in Belfast!

Shopping in Belfast

Need souvenirs or just have lots of room in your suitcase to fill? St. George’s Market is a 19th-century covered weekend market selling everything from street food to antiques. Born in Belfast is a great place to shop for local, artisanal gifts. Note that it’s only open on the weekend.

Note: Ireland’s currency is the Euro but Northern Ireland uses Great British Pounds. Bring a good travel credit card with no foreign exchange fees so you can pay in both currencies with no problems. We didn’t need cash at all during our trip as everywhere we visited accepted credit cards.

Ride Hydrobikes on the River Lagan

Dublin has the River Liffey, but Belfast has the River Lagan. Take a fun, self-guided tour down this river on hydro bikes and see landmarks like the Prince Albert Clock, the yellow Harland & Wolf cranes, and the Big Fish. Check out Lagan Adventures to learn more about booking this fun water activity!

This is a fun activity that is unique, but can be skipped if you’re running low on time or would rather have more time at the Titanic museum.

Titanic Belfast Experience

While riding the hydro bikes you’ll sail past the Titanic Quarter, home of Belfast’s docks and where the infamous ship was built in the early 1910s. Titanic Belfast is a state-of-the-art experience that opened in 2012, the 100th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Titanic on its first voyage.

You can learn more about the ship’s design, the people who built it, and everything else there is to know about the Titanic. You can even find violins and deckchairs found on the Titanic’s wreckage among the exhibits. It can be an emotional experience for some, but is a must-do for anyone who is fascinated by the Titanic story.

Evening in Belfast

Belfast has tons of fantastic restaurants in its Cathedral Quarter. Check out The Dirty Onion and Yardbird for a more relaxed meal or The Muddlers Club for fine dining. Don’t forget to check out the cool neon signs down Commercial Court which look best on a dark, rainy evening.

Overnight in Belfast

You’ll spend your first night in Belfast and I have two great hotel recommendations for you. Ten Square Hotel was where I stayed most recently and is in a central location with a view of the beautiful City Hall building.

And the Maldron Hotel Belfast City is also centrally located, upscale, and has amazing reviews. I also love that both these hotels have restaurants in case you’re too tired to go out after arriving and just want to grab dinner, or breakfast, at your hotel.

Day 2: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast

On the first full day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, you could drive straight to Derry from Belfast along the motorway (the name for highways in Ireland). But then you’d miss the scenic drive along the Causeway Coast. This drive was possibly our favorite part of the entire trip!

This coastline stretches across the top of Northern Ireland and features otherworldly landforms, medieval castles, rope bridges, and more. You can even see out to Scotland on this scenic route (on a clear day).

Driving from Belfast to Derry via the coast is approximately 114 miles in distance and will take three hours without stops. Set off early so you have as much time to make stops as possible, trust me, the views are amazing and you’ll want plenty of time to enjoy the trip.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

With a history dating back 250 years, fishermen used to cross this rope bridge (an older version of the one installed in 2008!) to catch salmon on a small island. Carrick-A-Rede is a 66 ft-long rope bridge suspended 100 ft above the Antrim coast and offers an exciting experience as well as incredible sea and coastal views. The water around the coast here is so blue, you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean.

The hike is about 1.8 miles and will take you about an hour to an hour and a half to explore. I would consider it a simple walk for people used to physical activity, but does require effort and stamina. I highly recommend pre-booking your visit as they do limit access and you don’t want to show up and have access sold out for that time frame.

If you’re craving a snack or drink, stop by Carrick-A-Rede Bar & Restaurant before or after your bridge walk. It’s located past the rope bridge if you’re driving from Belfast, so works well as a stop after your walk on your way to the next stop, Giant’s Causeway.

Giant’s Causeway

Your next stop is one of the best things to do on the entire island of Ireland, hands down. The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a four-mile-long stretch of coastline comprising thousands of basalt columns that interlock in an otherworldly form.

You can walk over these columns as much as you want for as long as you want, it’s completely free to visit! You just need to pay for the parking lot and visitor center.

I’ve walked town below on the rocks on a trip and most recently we did the cliff hike above the coastline and it offers a completely different view of the landscape. A great activity for active visitors, although there is a shuttle you can pay for to help drive you from the visitors center down to the main rock formations if you have mobility issues.

Afterwards, head into the nearby town of Bushmills for lunch where you can eat at Lorna’s Kitchen or Flash in the Pan fish and chip shop.

Dunluce Castle

Just a few minutes along the coast from the Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful ruined castle overlooking the coastline, Dunluce Castle. This 16th-century castle was once the main stronghold of Clan MacDonnell. Of all the castles to visit in Northern Ireland, this one is convenient and offers some amazing coastal lookout views!

Overnight in Derry

Derry (aka Londonderry) is Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, so you’ll have no trouble finding places to eat for dinner or things to do. If you arrive in Derry early, make sure you see the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle, Free Derry Corner, and The Derry Walls. These are 17th-century defensive walls that circle the city and offer the best views.

One of my daughter’s absolute favorite stops on our trip was our overnight in Derry. While many itineraries will have you skip this city so that you can immediately get to the west coast of Ireland, I’m chiming in to say it’s worth stopping here.

We arrived in Derry in the evening and walked the entire circle of the walls. The walls encircle the central part of the city and it’s about a mile walk. There are multiple access points on and off the walls, so it’s a convenient and fun way to get around the city.

For dinner, Castle Street Social is a cool, laidback bistro and The Bentley Bar is better for live Irish music and grills. We loved our upscale pub dinner at the Wig Champagne Bar in Bishops Gate Hotel . I’ve stayed at this hotel twice and have loved it every time. It is a luxury property, but the price is not as crazy as you might expect.

Day 3: Explore Derry and Drive to Westport (or Galway)

Derry is Northern Ireland’s second city, so spend enough time visiting the main sites. But don’t linger too long, because on the third day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, you’ll be driving back into the Republic of Ireland and along the west coast.

Driving from Derry to Westport in County Mayo will take approximately three hours to cover 149 miles/240 km. It will take a little longer to make a stop well worth visiting en route ! Spend one night in Westport or the surrounding area. If you don’t spend too long in Derry, you could overnight in Galway instead of Westport.

If you like visiting eclectic museums, you’ll spoiled for choice in Derry. Museum of Free Derry covers the region’s local civil rights history, The Siege Museum specifically covers a specific historical moment in 1689, and the Foyle Valley Railway Museum with lots of old-timey trains.

If you haven’t already, watch the hilarious Netflix sitcom Derry Girls which is set in this city. There’s a mural of the main characters on Orchard Street, as well as lots of other murals you’ll see as you walk around.

Make the first stop on this part of your road trip to the city of Sligo, a place known for its literary heritage (W.B. Yeats was born here). Make a stop for lunch at the traditional Walker 1781 pub which serves a mix of light, European fare.

Ashford Castle

Continue driving towards Westport but make a slight detour south to Ashford Castle. This 13th-century estate is now a hotel, but you’re free to wander its lavish interiors and well-manicured gardens.

If you have the bank balance, you could always stay overnight here instead of Westport. Keep in mind that this five-star hotel could set you back around $1,000 a night!

Overnight in Westport (or Galway)

Since Westport is a large town on Ireland’s west coast, you have plenty of dinner options. Cobbler’s Bar & Courtyard is a relaxed grill or check out Friends Bistro which is a good all-rounder for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For overnighting, consider staying at The Wyatt Hotel in the heart of town or the Westport Coast Hotel on the water.

If you have time, take a stroll along the Carrowbeg River. There are lots of cute medieval bridges like the Doris Brothers Bridge.

Alternative option: if you’re willing to leave Derry early and drive farther, you can try to combine parts of days 3 and 4 and overnight in Galway. This will allow you to use day 5 to drive the Dingle Peninsula and possibly see Cork on your way back to Dublin.

This will not be a relaxed road trip and will require early starts, but it will give you the chance to see one of the other most popular tourist regions of Ireland during your 7 days. If you choose to overnight in Galway, consider staying in the main central city area at the well-rated Park House Hotel or The Huntsman Inn .

We stayed at the g Hotel and Spa and found the location out of the way and not ideal for strolling the streets of Galway. But the property does have nice rooms and restaurants, plus a spa. It reminded me of a US casino hotel experience.

Day 4: Explore Connemara National Park and Galway

Ireland has six national parks, and you’ll be able to visit at least one by following this Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Visiting during the summer months is a great time to visit Ireland as you can take advantage of the long days and good weather (well, better weather) for outdoor activities.

Westport is only 78.5 km/49 miles north of Galway City (which will take just over one hour to drive without stopping) but there are some great things to do on your journey along the west coast.

Ireland’s entire stretch of coast along the Atlantic Ocean is called the Wild Atlantic Way. It stretches 2,600 km/1600 miles from Malin Head in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. You won’t have time to drive the entire scenic route during your week in Ireland, but you will see some of it on Days 4 and 5. Stay in overnight in Galway.

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens

While there are tons of beautiful stately homes across the country, none are as special as Kylemore Abbey. This 19th-century mansion has been occupied by Benedictine nuns since the 1920s and they’re still there today. You can tour the house and walk around the gardens as well as visit the nearby Kylemore Church.

One of the best things about this abbey is its stunning location. It’s surrounded by woodland and sits on the banks of the Pollacapall Lough on the edge of Connemara National Park.

Connemara National Park

Speaking of the national park, it’s also worth a stop on your drive. Poke your head into the Visitor Center and if you have the time, tackle the nearby Lower Diamond Hill Trail. It’s only a 1.8-mile loop walk and you can continue onto the Upper Diamond Hill Trail if that trail is too easy. 

Just a stone’s throw further than Connemara National Park is Clifden, a cute, small town on the coast. Off The Square Restaurant is the perfect stone-walled café to stop for lunch, and there are some interesting memorials dotted around the hills outside the town.

Walk along the coast to the John D’Arcy Monument, dedicated to the founder of Clifden, or drive to the Alcock and Brown Memorial. These British pilots completed the first nonstop transatlantic flight in 1919 which landed right outside of Clifden.

As the home of traditional Irish music and other Celtic legends, Galway is an essential stop on any Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Head to the colorful Latin Quarter where there are dozens of colorful pubs. Many licensed pubs allow accompanied children to enter until 9 pm, so check for notices around the door before entering.

Galway’s main street, Quay Street, stretches through the Latin Quarter and this is where you can find stores selling the famous Claddaugh jewelry. These Celtic pieces have a unique symbol with two hands to represent friendship, a heart to represent love and a crown for loyalty. They are the perfect souvenir!

Head under the Spanish Arch to the harbor and check out the Galway City Museum if you want to learn more about the city’s local and maritime history. Check out the Róisín Dubh for the best live music performances in the city. 

For dinner, The Dough Bros is budget and kid-friendly. Tigh Neachtain Pub & Restaurant has the best of both local Irish cuisine and traditional folk performances.

Day 5: Witness the Cliffs of Moher and Drive to Dublin

It’s time to get back to Dublin so you can explore Ireland’s capital city before hopping on your flight back home. Not before swinging by one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, of course.

Driving from Galway to Dublin via the famous Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and Limerick will take approximately five hours as you’ll need to cover 356 km/226 miles. Stay overnight in Dublin for the last two nights of your 7-day itinerary in Ireland.

Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk and Visitor Center

Drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center and learn more about the formation of these incredible sea cliffs. They climb 702 feet tall at their highest point and stretch 14km/nine miles along the coast.

Then, walk out to the coastal path and explore different vantage points. On a clear day, you should be able to see out to the Aran Islands. Many companies run day tours to the Aran Islands from Galway, but you might not have time on your 7-day Ireland itinerary.

Lunch in Limerick

Stop for lunch in Limerick, the fourth-largest city on the island. You have lots of options but Story Café is perfect if you want to eat something light while The Locke Bar Gastro Pub is perfect for a filling sit-down meal.

Hang around before continuing to Dublin as there are lots of things to do in Limerick. Visit the 19th-century Milk Market where you can pick up souvenirs or snacks for your ride. King John’s Castle is an imposing medieval fortress that sits right on the River Shannon that you can visit too. 

Evening in Dublin

Since you have a pretty long drive, you probably won’t reach Dublin until the evening. Walk to the historic Temple Bar neighborhood for dinner. It’s named after an actual 19th-century, bright red pub in the area that you can’t miss.

If you’re traveling with kids and you’ve struggled to find pubs that will admit those under 18 (the drinking age in Ireland) then head to Temple Bar before 9 pm to listen to music. If you’re not visiting with kids, walk a few minutes west along the River Liffey to Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub. 

Old Storehouse Bar or Cobblestone Pub are perfect places to enjoy dinner in Temple Bar. They both boast life music too.

Overnight in Dublin

You’ll have plenty of places to choose from if you want to stay in Dublin. My experiences have been with The Davenport and Trinity City Hotel , both are gorgeous upscale properties in convenient locations to walk to many of the popular sights. If you don’t want to deal with city driving and parking and can stay a bit outside of the city center; I’ve stayed at Clontarf Castle , which is a unique property and near a bus route with easy access into Dublin.

Day 6: Explore Dublin

Dublin is the perfect place to spend the last day of your trip. If it’s your first time in Ireland, you can’t miss it! But it’s a big city and there are many options for spending your final full day. Book two nights’ accommodation in the city.

One great option is to find a parking lot for your rental car and check out the top tourist attractions in Dublin’s city center. Or, if you’re not keen on visiting a city or checking out day tours, you can drive out to County Dublin’s picturesque coastal towns like Skerries, Malahide, and Howe. 

If you want to stay in the capital, this itinerary will show you the best way to enjoy the city. I have a two day Dublin itinerary that might be useful, but find some of the highlights below.

Trinity College Library & Book of Kells

Start in the southeast part of the city at Trinity College Dublin. This is the most prestigious university in Ireland, and where you’ll find Trinity College Library. It’s famous for its 16th-century Long Room which features two stories of stacked bookshelves (it looks like something out of Harry Potter !).

It’s also famous for the Book of Kells . This is one of the oldest books in the world which was handpainted in the 9th century. They just launched a brand new experience that has made seeing the book a little more exciting than the previous old plaque style exhibit.

Something important to note is that almost all of the books have been removed from the Long Room as part of a redevelopment project. However, the new tour experience uses projections to help you still appreciate the history of the space.

St. Stephen’s Green

Dublin has lots of adorable parks so you have to see at least one during your trip. Merrion Square is a great choice, but St. Stephen’s Green is more central. It’s small but has a small pond, statues dedicated to some of Ireland’s literary greats, and is surrounded by rows of Georgian townhouses with colored doors.

Grafton Street

Walk underneath the Fusiliers’ Arch in the northwest corner of St. Stephen’s Green and you’ll be standing at the top of Grafton Street. This is a pedestrianized shopping street that is always lined with musicians playing for money (aka buskers). If you’re not a fan of pubs then this is the best spot to listen to local music.

Grafton Street also has a number of great shops for souvenir shopping. A couple of my favorites are the Aran Sweater Market for authentic wool sweaters and clothing, Claddagh Jewellers for Irish jewelry, and Seasons of Ireland for cheesy tourist gifts.

Dublin Castle

Continue walking west to Dublin Castle. This is a well-preserved castle dating back to the 13th century with museums, libraries, and state apartments. There’s also a small garden that you can explore and an onsite café which is perfect for lunch. 

Christ Church Cathedral

Just across the road from Dublin Castle is Christ Church Cathedral. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (named after the country’s famous patron saint) is arguably a more important building as it’s Ireland’s national cathedral, but it’s a little further away.

Christ Church Cathedral started as a Viking church almost 1,000 years ago although the current building dates back to the 13th century. Inside, you’ll find a mummified rat and cat (they both got stuck in the organ) and a ‘homeless Jesus’ statue on the bench outside.

Guinness Storehouse

One of the most popular attractions in Ireland, you have to check out the Guinness Storehouse during your first visit. In 1749, Arthur Guinness signed a legendary 9,000-year lease on a disused brewery at St. James’s Gate. Today, the famous dark ale is brewed elsewhere but the original location is now a visitor center.

The Guinness Storehouse covers the brewing process, the history of the company, and fun advertising displays. It’s surprisingly family-friendly and everyone either gets a pint of Guinness or a soft drink in the Gravity Bar at the end of the tour. It offers 360-degree views across the whole city of Dublin!

You can make reservations for one of the restaurants at Guinness Storehouse, or head back towards your hotel and check out the Temple Bar area for food and drinks.

Temple Bar Neighborhood

Return to Temple Bar for your last night in Ireland. There are lots of restaurants serving a range of cuisines if you’ve had more than enough savory pies, potatoes, and root vegetables during your seven-day trip!

Day 7: Depart from Dublin Airport

It’s time to head back to Dublin Airport and finish up your seven days in Ireland. Depending on the time of your flight back, you may have a little time to see parts of Dublin you missed the day before.

Leave plenty of time to travel to Dublin Airport as you will have to return your rental car too.

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Option 2 (Dublin to Shannon)

Day 1: arrive in dublin and explore.

The first day of this alternative 7-day Ireland itinerary starts in Dublin. Instead of traveling to Northern Ireland immediately, explore Ireland’s capital city first. You’ll spend one night in Dublin. This part is almost identical to Day 6 of the first itinerary.

You can either travel into Dublin by bus or taxi and pick up a rental car in the city center the next day, or pick up a car at the airport and find a parking lot near your hotel. You won’t need a car to get around Dublin! It’s super walkable and traffic is a nightmare.

Note: It may be more expensive to pick up a rental car at Dublin Airport and drop it off at Shannon Airport. Since traveling around Ireland using public transport is difficult to impossible, factor this extra cost into your budget.

Day 2: Travel from Dublin to Belfast

The next stop on this alternative Ireland itinerary for 7 days is Belfast. It’s similar to day 1 of the first itinerary, except you might not have time to stop in Malahide or Killeavy. You may also have to visit a Dublin attraction or two in the morning before you set off, like Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral.

Spend a couple of hours in Dublin wrapping up the top attractions before driving north and exploring the Northern Irish capital. Driving this 105-mile/166 km journey will take around one hour and 45 minutes. Spend one night in Belfast.

Day 3: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast 

This day of this alternate itinerary is pretty much exactly the same as Day 2 on the first itinerary. Drive from Belfast to Derry via the coast which is approximately 114 miles in distance and will take three hours without stops. 

But you will absolutely want to stop as many times as possible on this stunning scenic drive! Check out all the best places to stop under Day 2 before staying overnight in Derry.

Day 4: Explore Derry and Drive to Galway

In this itinerary, you’re essentially combining Days 3 and 4 of the first itinerary and driving from Derry to Galway, returning to the Republic of Ireland. This will be your longest driving day at over three and a half hours, covering 172 miles/277 km. 

You will most likely have to compromise on road trip stops. This will probably include skipping Westport and Clifden. 

If you want to see Connemara National Park, you’ll have to head in a different direction to Ashford Castle. And if you want to see more of Galway, spend less time in Derry.

Day 5: View the Cliffs of Moher and Drive to Killarney

The biggest change from the first itinerary to this one is that you get to visit Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Many people who visit Ireland say that County Kerry is one of the best places in the country, so it’s well worth visiting!

Driving south from Galway to Killarney takes around two and a half hours, but you will want to extend that drive for another 90 minutes to make a special road trip stop. Follow the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway so you can check out the Cliffs of Moher. This will make your whole drive take around four hours, covering 263 km/163 miles.

If you have any time left at the end of the day, take that time to explore Killarney National Park. Spend the next two nights in Killarney, using it as your home base.

Killarney National Park

Although Connemara National Park is beautiful, everyone who visits Ireland gushes about Killarney. It boasts such natural diversity including huge lakes, rolling green hills, waterfalls, and historic sites.

If you have time, hire a kayak or canoe and sail on Lough Leane. You can visit the ruined structures of Ross Castle and Innisfallen Abbey.

Head to Muckross House, a 19th-century mansion in the park where Queen Victoria once stayed. Torc Waterfall is nearby which is an impressive site only a short walk into the woods from the parking lot.

Evening in Killarney

Killarney has lots of pub restaurants serving traditional Irish food and some even have live music playing every night. Murphys Bar & Restaurant and John M. Reidy are both great options.

Day 6: Drive the Scenic Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula

The Ring of Kerry is a 179 km/111-mile coastal loop drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. If you were to drive without stopping, it would take around three and a half hours. Along with the Dingle Peninsula drive, they are two of the most beautiful coastal drives in the country.

Unfortunately, you won’t have time to drive around both routes. But no matter which one you pick, you’re guaranteed to have the best time exploring the Kerry countryside and you can head back to Killarney for dinner.

Option 1: Ring of Kerry

Due to the narrow roads, drive in a counter-clockwise direction so you can lessen the chance of having to reverse for local traffic.

Some of the highlights of the Ring of Kerry drive are Rossbeigh Beach and Kells for views across the sea to the Dingle Peninsula. Cahergal Stone Fort in Cahersiveen dates back to the 7th century and there are lots of other cool ruined castles and forts in the area.

Stop in Portmagee for a fish and chips lunch from Fisherman’s Bar. It’s a cute little colorful port town with ferries to the Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Kerry coast.

Kenmare is another essential stop on the Ring of Kerry Route. You can check out Kenmare Stone Circle (over 4,000 years old!) and Ladies View at the end of Killarney National Park. It’s one of the best vantage points in the park.

Option 2: Dingle Peninsula

If you choose to drive around the Dingle Peninsula instead, drive clockwise to follow the most popular direction of traffic. Head first to Inch Beach, a 5 km-long sandy beach that juts out into the sea and is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Ireland.

Continue along the coast to Dingle Town, the start and finish of the 30-mile-long scenic Slea Head Drive around the tip of the peninsula. You can stop for lunch before or after completing this part of the drive where you can have your pick of fish and chip shops like The Fish Box. 

After Dingle, stop by the Beehive Huts which are the well-preserved former homes of early Christian monks. They’re over 1,400 years old! Stop at Dunmore Head for the best views of the Blasket Islands before continuing to the unique Dunquin Pier.

Back at Dingle, take the N86/N70 road back to Killarney which is much wider and more pleasant to drive on.

Day 7: Depart from Shannon Airport

On the last day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, drive back up north from Killarney to Shannon Airport. This will take just under two hours covering a distance of around 175 km/84 miles. 

If you have a late flight, you can check out parts of the Ring of Kerry or Killarney National Park that you might have missed over the previous two days. Leave in plenty of time in case you have any unforeseen delays! You’ll need to return your rental car as well as go through security. 

Use This Ireland Itinerary for 7 Days as Your Guide

No matter your flight plans, you can use one of my Ireland itinerary for 7 days to navigate your entire trip! Both include all the major cities like Dublin and Belfast and beautiful scenery like the Giant’s Causeway and Cliffs of Moher. You can’t go wrong!

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The Ultimate Irish Road Trip Guide: How To See Ireland In 12 days

Since you’ve been reading all our Ireland posts you’ve fallen in love with this magical land, right? We certainly did. Well now I’m going to make your life even easier with our ultimate Irish road trip guide . See how we explored the beautiful Emerald Isle day by day.

Dublin to Limerick

Accommodation: Travelodge Limerick ( check latest prices... )

Toll: €1.90

While we had already been in Dublin for 6 days this was our first day of the road trip. After a hearty breakfast at the Ballsbridge Hotel  ( check latest prices... ) we picked up our car that we had organized through Rhino Car Hire.

While the process with Rhino Car Hire was easy and quick, the actual car agent in Dublin was not so much. Ireland is notorious for troublesome car hire practices and we experience nothing less than what had already been warned. Loads of extra hidden charges were added from airport drop off fees to Northern Ireland fees to extra drivers fees to admin fees – you name it. Really, there is only one way to see Ireland and it’s by road, but be prepared for all the extra costs. We ended up with more than an extra €300 on top of the original Internet hire price.

We drove the car back to the hotel and collected all our bags before heading off to Limerick . On our way, with the advice from a wonderful friend, we stopped in at the Rock of Dunamaise .

The kids were fast asleep so I stayed in the car and watched Josh hike up, but soon they woke up and we all wanted to explore. I am so glad we did, it was simply breathtaking. The Rock of Dunamaise is a rocky outcrop that stands 151 feet above a flat plain and contains the ruins of Dunamaise Castle on it dating back to 12 th century.

We all loved climbing its green hills and exploring the rock and ruins. The air was cool and the Rock was tourist-free, quiet and mysterious. It had to be an unexpected highlight on our road trip .

Before long the rain started coming down so we ran back to the warmth and shelter of the car. We drove the rest of the way to Limerick and checked in at the Travelodge. Small, wifi-less and terrible customer service - I can suggest accommodation elsewhere . But it was clean so I guess that’s something.

Later that evening we caught up with our friends for dinner that we had first met in Nazareth, Israel and then again in "no man’s land" between Jordan and Israel. You can read all about our experience at Casa Nostra in our food post , it was a wonderful evening.

Cliffs of Moher

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Toll: €3.80

We ate cereal in our room out of mugs this morning. Not quite the breakfast of champions, but we had an early start to the Cliffs of Moher . You can read all about that in our extremely popular post .

After the cliffs we drove to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park . During our visit we decided to come back the next night for the medieval banquet. By chance we found a cute B&B down the road and organized to stay there the following night ( find hotels in the area ).

Bunratty Castle

Accommodation: Gallows View B&B, Bunratty ( check latest prices... )

More cereal-in-a-mug before we hit up a nearby indoor playground. We let the kids play for several hours while we caught up on a backlog of work using the free wifi.

After the playground we checked out the medieval icon, King John’s Castle , and wrote all about that here .

From King John’s we drove a short distance to our first Irish B&B. It was simply gorgeous and we had a relaxing afternoon before heading to our outrageously fun medieval banquet dinner at Bunratty Castle .

Limerick to Killarney

Ring of Kerry

Accommodation: 19 th  Green B&B, Killarney ( check latest prices... )

We had a delicious and filling breakfast at our B&B before heading to Killarney. It took a few stops before we found the wonderful 19 th Green B&B . We dropped all our bags off and got started on the Ring of Kerry .

The Ring of Kerry is a 179-km-long circular tourist route in County Kerry, south-western Ireland. "The Ring" is a popular day trip and numerous bus companies offer trips during the summer months. As the narrow roads make it difficult for tour coaches to pass, all tour buses run in an anti-clockwise direction. This means you have two options; one is to go the opposite way so you don’t get stuck behind them, but then you are forced to try and get around them. Or risk getting stuck behind them for the whole ring. We decided to do the anti-clockwise route.

We stopped fairly quickly for lunch at the Oldie Glenbeigh Hotel, which was delicious and one of the cheaper meals we had in Ireland.

The ferry to Valentia Island wasn’t running that day so we took the bridge instead, but didn’t find much of interest on the island. On our way off we decided to follow the signs to the “hidden Kerry”, Skellig Ring . 

Skellig Ring is a predominantly coastal road that offers panoramic views of its namesake, the Skellig rocks. While it might be the Ring of Kerry’s lesser sister, it certainly was far more impressive .

From the highest point of the road you can climb the hill on the seaward side of the saddle in twenty minutes or so for the most magnificent views out to the Skellig Islands, across to the Dingle Peninsula and the Blaskets, and inland to the Iveragh Mountains. This detour was our favourite part of the Ring and one of the most beautiful natural panoramas we’ve ever seen.

It took much longer than we expected to finish. We stopped a few times for photos and found a local playground for the kids as the sun was setting. They enjoyed stretching their legs and having a break from the car. Finally, exhausted from a full day of driving, we headed home to our Irish B&B.

Killarney to Cobh

Blarney Castle

Accommodation: Bella Vista, Cobh ( check latest prices... )

After another delicious breakfast, where my daughter inadvertently set a napkin on fire trying to get toast out of a toaster, we headed to Blarney Castle .

Blarney Castle was built nearly 600 years ago and the current one is the third castle on the site. Now it’s the most photographed building in Ireland.

The castle is now a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and battlements. It’s a mission to get to the top with the kids, but we finally got there. At the top of the castle lies the world-famous Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone .  You can stand in the cue for your chance to hang upside down over a sheer drop to add your slobber to the same spot everyone else has. This myth supposedly gives the gift of eloquence.

I decided to join the fun. It’s very awkward leaning backward over a seemingly insane drop to kiss an old wet stone.  And there is a lot of pressure to kiss the stone, get up and get out. But I do feel that I am speaking much better these days. Ha!

From the Barney Stone we drove a bit further to Cork . We did not have much luck finding a B&B in Cork, nor did we find anywhere to park in the busy little city so we drove on to Cobh . We found a wonderful 2-bedroom apartment and settled in for the night.

FOTA Wildlife Park

Cobh to Kilkenny

Petrol: AUD$133

Accommodation: New Park, Kilkenny ( check latest prices... )

Today we discovered FOTA Wildlife Park and it was a delight. Read about this beauty here . From giraffes to cheetahs, this place has it all. In fact it’s one of Josh’s favourite zoos anywhere in the world.

After FOTA we drove to Kilkenny . We found a lovely hotel called Newpark , which we decided to book in for two nights. It was a great price and very modern, they even had a mini kids zoo out the back.

After breakfast in our hotel we headed out to explore Kilkenny. The castle in the centre of town has a beautiful garden and a self-guided tour inside won't set you back much.

A lovely little town that we thoroughly enjoyed, especially Shake Out where we stopped for crepes and a milkshake. We got some Chinese takeout for dinner and spent a fairly relaxing time in our hotel.

Kilkenny to Belfast

Toll: €1.90 + airport toll: €4.90

Accommodation: Random roadside B&B ( check prices in area... )

After breakfast we started our drive to Belfast . On the way we stopped in at our scheduled house-sitting house in Kildare to meet the owner and check out our new home for the next few weeks. We left some of our larger bags there and then continued on.

Belfast was a big, busy city and we decided to keep driving, pulling into some random B&B as we drove the northeast coast of Ireland .

Belfast to Londonderry

Rope Bridge & Giant’s Causeway

Accommodation: BubbleBum Creator’s House ( check prices in area... )

This B&B ended up charging us more then what we had negotiated the night before and left a bad taste in our mouth. But we were off to the Giant’s Causeway and not even the cold, wet weather could dampen our spirits.

Our first stop was the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and then the Giant’s Causeway. You can read all about that amazing day in our special post .

During our travels we have been using a Bubblebum car seat and had got to know the creators of this marvellous product via email. On an invitation we were delighted to meet them in Londonderry . We spent a delightful time dining with them and they generously gave us a place to stay the night as well.

I wouldn’t recommend you crash their house, but if you drive around Londonderry there are quite a few B&B and hotels to choose from. But I do recommend you buying a BubbleBum - we love ours! 

Londonderry to Donegal to Galway

Accommodation: Sykes Cottages ( check prices... )

After a leisurely morning with our host we moved onto Donegal where we met a lovely reader at the Blueberry Café, tried some great Irish food and then finished the day driving to Galway . We had booked 3 nights through Sykes Cottages in a gorgeous Irish countryside cottage .

We spent the day relaxing and recuperating from our jam-packed road trip through Ireland. We took the kids to see a movie and I got to show Josh the Galway I fell in love with on my press trip . Lunch at the magnificent Twelve Hotel was definitely a highlight .

Accommodation: Sykes Cottages ( check prices... )

Another relaxing day visiting Galway and chilling out in our amazing cottage. It was so nice to take things easy after such a busy few weeks. We walked around the Quay Street pedestrian mall in Galway and Josh purchased a beautiful traditional Claddagh ring for me from an iconic jewellery shop to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

Galway to Dublin

Toll: €7.00

We left early this morning to be in Dublin to drop the car off first thing in the morning. The queue outside the car rental company was long, however as I got out to ask where to park the car I was told it was not necessary to join the queue, just park the car in the carpark and hand over the keys to the staff. It was surprisingly easy , they even stored our luggage for us as we spent the day in Dublin before taking the train to our house-sitting assignment in Kildare.

It was a short walk into the city centre, where we wandered the streets before heading to the delicious O’Neil’s for some pub food with my friend Corey from Irish Fireside.

After lunch we took our bags to the Trinity City Hotel nearby and met some new friends.

We walked to the nearby St Stephens Green playground and spent the afternoon with them before taking the train to Newbridge where our house-sitting host picked us up.

Road Trip Tally

Total Days:  13

Total Tolls:  € 21.40

Total Distance:  2,099 kms  (1,304 miles)

Total Leprechauns Run Over:  0  (phew!)

That Was Pretty Easy!

There you have it. Our Irish road trip adventure was complete and we fit a lot in a fairly limited amount of time, considering 2 young kids were in tow. There is so much to see and do, and touring the country by car is definitely the best way to go. And to top it all, we managed to reach our 7 Irish goals along the way: 

• Try Guinness -  done!
• Find a rainbow -  done!
• Find a leprechaun -  done!
• Find a pot of gold -  done!
• Find a 4-leaf clover -  done!
• Dance an Irish jig on the Giant’s Causeway -  done!
• Be blown away by the beautiful countryside -  done!

Inspired? Check out the latest flight prices  to Ireland and see how cheap it could be to start your own Irish road trip adventure.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...

• Southern Europe Road Trip: 18 Days Across Italy, France & Spain
• Italian Roadtrip: Alberobello To Perugia
• Cliffside Capers At Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
• The Heavens Open Up At Giant’s Causeway
• The Ultimate Welsh Road Trip: How To See Wales In 30 Days (PLUS a bit of England)

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Reader Comments...

Thanks for sharing the story of your road trip around Ireland. I would love to do a similar trip one day so thanks for the inspiration!

Am looking to do road trip in Ireland June 2015. Noticed you had problem with Car Rental

Can't believe your road trip around Ireland did not include a trip to Tyrone or the Sperrins! Especially as panning for gold in the Sperrins is one of the top ten visitor attractions and the Sperrins Scenic Drive is one of only two in Ireland endorsed by the National Geographic's 'Top 101 of the Worlds Most Scenic Drives!'

I can't believe a trip around Ireland and did not include the most beautiful county of Donegal

Epic! You better believe I bookmarked that for the next time we are in Europe!

How long was your trip around the Ring of Kerry? It seems you used the whole day and it was worth it!

@Patti We spent the better part of the day. We started off late morning (since it took a while to find a B&B to leave our bags at), and then arrived back after sunset. So I'd suggest allowing a full day. If you have the luxury of time, doing it slower over 2 days would be even better. There's plenty of small B&B's along the way.

Is it possible to travel all around Ireland starting in early June without making hotel reservations? Ya know....just winging it. We did that in Europe in the early 90s, and it was fine but we're not sure now. Thanks for any information you may provide.

we are doing a simalur road trip next month. We are planning on not making any hotel reservations since we don't know where are going to end up everyday. Did you ever run into and problems getting a room without reservations?

Pity you skipped Waterford, it's the oldest city in Ireland!

Banzai touring. Eegit.

Dear fellow Aussies, what a gutsy decision you made to pack the family up and leave the lucky country. I came across your blog whilst searching for a new Europe experience and loved your 18 day Italy, France, Spain drive itinerary and seriously believe I don't need to look any further for that trip. We are also doing Ireland so here I am, another ready made journey which covers a lot of what we had heard about. Keep living the dream and thank you so much for your generosity of time and sharing your personal journey I couldn't think of a better education for your kids. Safe travels, warm regards Carol Logue, Perth WA

Very nice. You can put on Your trip map Connemara last celtic Bastion with Irish leng. and Ring of Kerry Irish Florida, Hindi Casimir or French Riviera - two places wich evrb. mast see.

I loved reading your story of Ireland, beautiful photos! I visited many of the same stops! You can read more about it here: http://natashaoutsidethelines.blogspot.ca/2017/01/spending-pot-of-gold-in-ireland.html

Your Ireland trip looked lovely - thank you for sharing! I am thinking about taking an Ireland trip with my boyfriend this upcoming Aug/Sept 2017. Asking your advice --- would you add or delete any stops in this itinerary? This would be our first time (maybe only time) visiting Ireland so we're trying to make the most of it. We found your trip to be fairly inclusive of many of the attractions so I'm just wondering if you would change anything now in hindsight. Thanks in advance for your help! Ashley

As an ex Professional Photographer, some one in this family has some serious experience with cameras. Cheers Jon Watts

Hello! In which month did you travel around Ireland? I cant see it :) Thanks a lot!

Sounds lovely! We are looking to book an Ireland road trip next year! How did you plan the accommodations? We’re they planned or did you stumble upon gem as you came to the next city?

Hello! Thank you for sharing details of your lovely road trip! Could you please post when did you go there? We are considering traveling there early May, and the weather is a bit of concern. Also, how old are your kids so you could use the BubbleBum? I thought about using BubbleBum for our 4 y.o., but looks like Irish laws "recommend" not using a booster until a kid is 5 y.o. I am thus confused whether it is a requirement or just a recommendation. Thanks a lot!

Loved your article. Gonna save this for later reading. Heading to Ireland in October. Thank you for all the info.

This guide is really fantastic for the road trip lovers.

Your blog and photos are wonderful, thank you for all the helpful information! My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland and are trying to figure out the best route. I noticed on Day 10 that you went from Londonderry to Galway. Google maps has that as a 4 hour (approximately) trip.. did you find it cumbersome to do that long of a drive in one day? We are thinking to go from the Giant's Causeway area to Sligo in one day but don't want to over do it. Thank you!

This was great info, thanks for sharing! May I ask what month you traveled in and did you find the bnbs as you traveled or were they predetermined? Thanks!

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The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary and Travel Guide

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

The ultimate guide to planning an epic Ireland road trip itinerary!

We’ve been lucky enough to explore countless countries, and it’s fair to say that it takes a lot to impress us.

But when we visited the Emerald Isle and explored the country on a two-week Ireland road trip, it honestly took our breath away.

Ireland boasts a rugged coastline, rolling pastures, picturesque lakes, quaint villages and some of the friendliest people we’ve ever met.

It also has more pubs per capita than any country we’ve ever travelled to, and we knew that was going to help cement Ireland in our list of favourite countries ever.

When we found out we were heading to Ireland in October to speak at the TBEX Europe conference we decided to rent a campervan and do an epic road trip around the country.

Ireland had been at the top of Alesha’s list of must-visit destinations since she was a kid, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally explore the European nation.

Having travelled in a campervan around Canada, Australia and Chile we knew that it was definitely the best way to see a country, and with the stories we had heard from travellers about the landscapes in Ireland we were sold on the van life.

After some research we found out the best campervan company in Ireland is Bunk Campers , and we decided to get something a bit more luxurious for our journey.

All the campervans we had owned or rented over the years were just basic vans, with a small bed and tiny kitchens.

This time we rented a fully kitted out campervan, and it was nice to have luxuries like running water, hot showers, a toilet (only number ones!!!) , a heater (so good on those cold mornings) and a dining table to sit at.

Once we picked up our campervan in Dublin we had two weeks for road tripping Ireland the best we could.

Of course two weeks is nowhere near enough time to see everything on a road trip in Ireland, but we were lucky that we had about eight days beforehand as well to see more of Kerry County, Dublin and Ireland’s Ancient East.

What we did see though made us fall in love with Ireland even more, and we’re already making plans on returning in the near future for a longer trip.

Here’s our guide, including tips, highlights and our full Ireland road trip itinerary.

Table of Contents

The Ring of Kerry

Ireland’s ancient east, donegal’s wild atlantic way, loop head peninsula, the giant’s causeway, achill island, the ring of beara, day 1 – dublin to wexford (150km), day 2 – wexford to cork (190km), day 3 – cork to kenmare via the ring of beara (200km), day 4 – kenmare to killarney via the ring of kerry (140km), day 5 – killarney, day 6 – killarney to tralee via dingle (160km), day 7 – tralee to lahinch via loop head (160km), day 8 – lahinch to galway via doolin (100km), day 9 – galway to achill island via kylemore abbey (200km), day 10 – achill island to donegal via ballina (220km), day 11 – donegal to londonderry via slieve league and malin head (250km), day 12 – londonderry to belfast via the giant’s causeway (190km), day 13 – belfast, day 14 – belfast to howth (or dublin) via newgrange (180km), want to save this for later pin it, 8 highlights of our ireland road trip.

Our Ireland road trip was an incredible experience, and we really fell in love with the country after our 2 weeks driving around.

We even took a quick trip into Northern Ireland (which is actually a part of the United Kingdom) , and we’re glad we did, as it added some other great stops into our itinerary.

From the famous Giant’s Causeway to the Kerry Cliffs, exploring the history of Ireland’s Ancient East to walking through the Dark Hedges, these are the highlights of our Ireland Road Trip.

Want to know where to go on a road trip in Ireland? Read on…

Arguably the best driving loop in the entire country, the Ring of Kerry starts off near Killarney in the southwest of the country and takes in the beautiful coastal scenery of the Iveragh Peninsula.

If you leave from Killarney the Ring of Kerry is about 214km long, not including all the detours, but every single kilometre of that is an absolute joy.

Check out these epic day tours and activities you can do in Killarney !

Head in a clockwise direction from Killarney, straight to Kenmare and then onwards to Sneem. This is to avoid the tour buses, which are forced to drive in an anti-clockwise direction.

Every time you see a photo opportunity make sure you grab it! The landscape is out of this world, and ranges from sprawling farmland to lush forest, with jagged mountain peaks and a dramatic coastline topping it off.

The highlight is the Kerry Cliffs near Portmagee, with towering rocks dropping spectacularly into the sea, and you can even see the famous Skellig Islands in the distance on a clear day.

If you have the time, and the weather is nice, make sure you take a trip to the Skelligs, home to puffins and landscapes that can be seen in the latest Star Wars movie.

The Ring of Kerry roads are extremely narrow, so make sure you drive with care.

While the rest of the country boasts a world class coastline and jaw-dropping landscapes, for those with a love of culture and history then Ireland’s Ancient East is a destination where one day can easily turn into seven.

You can begin your journey in this fascinating area with a night (or more) at Waterford, delving into the Viking history that has been around for over 1000 years. Don’t miss out on the King of the Vikings virtual reality exhibition!

Head to Wexford and take a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience. This authentic, interactive exhibition of what it was like to travel in an immigrant ship (complete with the actual Dunbrody ship!) back in the 1700s is absolutely remarkable, and while we are usually dubious of recreations, this was world class!

Enniscorthy is a gorgeous heritage village that was also home to centuries of sometimes tragic history.

The castle is well worth visiting, but don’t miss out on the views from Vinegar Hill, which was actually the location of a fierce battle between British and Irish soldiers in 1798.

Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, and if you’re looking for an iconic photo you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place than here.

By far the best attraction in Ireland’s Ancient East is the Irish National Heritage Park .

This sprawling venue has been built to showcase more than 9000 years of Irish history. Kids and adults alike will be completely entranced by walking around the traditional dwellings that have been recreated on the grounds.

Passionate actors share stories of what it was like to live in the times when humans first settled in the Emerald Isle, and the hardships endured over the years.

To complete the experience don’t miss out on a traditional Viking dinner in the restaurant. Expect ribs cooked underground on coals, hearty soups and fresh bread, all washed down with craft beer!

You’ll be required to dress up in old-fashion clothes as well, but don’t worry about the quality of food – it’s absolutely impeccable, and much healthier and tastier than would have been found back in the day.

The entire west coast of Ireland has become known as the Wild Atlantic Way , and the slick marketing campaign by the tourism board isn’t without just cause – It’s absolutely phenomenal, and should be the main objective of any Ireland road trip.

One of the more incredible, yet often skipped, areas of the country is Donegal County up in the far north of the Republic of Ireland.

The town of Donegal itself is enjoyable, with some great pubs, cafes and restaurants to keep you entertained, but it’s only when you hit the coast that you start to see the county’s true potential.

Slieve League is the main attraction, with its marvellous hiking trails that offer stellar views over the Atlantic Ocean and cliffs that almost rival the ones found in Kerry.

The drive out to Meencarrick is superb, and it is one of the nicest coastal routes in the country. Don’t miss driving out to the headland for some hiking next to the cliffs.

The entire length of ocean roads in Donegal is great, but make a special detour to Malin Head, the northernmost point in the Republic of Ireland (even further north than Northern Ireland).

It will be super windy, but the views are great and the bucolic roads to get there are alone worth the trip.

In the list of big attractions in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are right near the top. These soaring, vertical rock faces tumble into the sea, and stretch for kilometres like an impenetrable barrier against the Atlantic.

They are also supremely crowded with tourists.

Instead head a bit further south to the Loop Head Peninsula, where you can find similar landscapes and scenery with no entrance fee charged, and almost nobody else to get in the way.

You won’t find fences here either. If you want to walk right up to the edge of the cliffs, you can (just be careful).

If you have time, do both. But if you just want to choose one, skip the Cliffs of Moher and instead hit up Loop Head Peninsula.

Although the Giant’s Causeway is actually in Northern Ireland, it is still one of the best places on the Emerald Isle and should not be missed during your road trip itinerary.

Thousands of basalt, hexagonal columns rise out of the sea creating one of the most magnificent geological environments in the United Kingdom.

Legend has it that a giant built the Causeway as a path to connect Ireland with Scotland so he could take part in a fight, and if you use your imagination you can almost picture the columns forming a bridge between the two nations.

Walking around the Giant’s Causeway can easily take a few hours, with plenty of great photo opportunities and even some hiking trails around to occupy your time.

The audio tour that can be purchased from the wonderful visitors centre tells the legend, geology and history of the Giant’s Causeway, and is worth the price.

If you’re trying to keep your costs down though you can actually visit the Giant’s Causeway for free. Park in the closest town and hitch or take a bus to the site, then walk around the visitors centre.

When we were driving around Ireland we met one or two people that had mentioned a place called Achill Island, but it never came up as a ‘must do’ in our conversations.

Still, when we realised it would only be a short detour to check it out, we decided we had nothing to lose by making the visit.

It was one of the best decisions we made.

Achill Island is an absolute delight, and boasts ridiculously beautiful beaches, wonderful headlands, quaint fishing villages and fun adventure activities to enjoy.

After crossing over on the bridge we drove to the end of the road, and couldn’t believe the kind of views that surrounded us.

Sheep wandered on the steep farmland with an impossible ocean vista rolling out in every direction. Hills climbed all around us, offering great hiking for those feeling active.

We ended up watching sunset from a water reservoir that looked out over the whole town of Keel, and finding a place to camp next to an inland lake close by.

With more time you could rent some surfboards or kites and hit the ocean, or head up into the mountains for some trekking.

When we return to Ireland we’ll definitely be giving Achill Island a bigger portion of our schedule.

The Ring of Kerry is the go-to for road trips in Ireland, but the nearby Ring of Beara is just as beautiful, without the people.

Just like its neighbour, the Ring of Beara is a coastal loop that takes in the absolute best vistas of the Beara Peninsula.

You’ll find sheep grazing on pastures that butt up against the ocean. The roads twist and wind like a snake weaving through a field, and requires a lot of concentration to navigate.

Unfortunately the weather was quite bad on the day we did the Ring of Beara, but even then whenever we did get a glimpse of the landscape we were absolutely blown away.

Stonehenge might be the most famous Neolithic site in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but it definitely isn’t the oldest.

Only a few hours north of Dublin is the spectacular Newgrange archaeological site; a huge, circular stone structure that was built over 5200 years ago as a passage tomb and temple.

Approaching Newgrange is not what you would expect. It is surrounded by farmland, and you can see cows and sheep walking around just on the other side of the fence. But the site itself is wonderful.

The main tomb takes up over an acre of land, and stands 15m tall with an 85m diameter. It’s part of a larger complex as well, surrounded by other tombs named Knowth and Dowth.

One of the most remarkable things about Newgrange is that the entrance passage is aligned to let in a beam of light during sunrise during the winter solstice.

Guides can show you this phenomenon at any time of year though using flashlights.

You must head to the Visitors Centre to purchase your tickets first, which is actually a bit far away from the Newgrange site.

They offer free bus transport with your ticket from the Visitors Centre to Newgrange, but we recommend taking your own car to the site.

We didn’t know you could do this and spent almost 2 hours total waiting – not because of crowds, but because that was just the way the bus schedule worked. Save yourself the headache and drive your own car to the site.

Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

We ended up renting our campervan to try and find the best Ireland road trips for two weeks and managed to see a lot of the country.

However it did end up being a bit rushed, and you could easily extend this to a month if you wanted to do all the amazing side trips and hiking excursions around.

This is the exact itinerary that we followed, although where possible we’ve given alternatives that might be worth spending the night in.

Our trip was plagued with storms and a hurricane (yes, a hurricane), so we had to skip a few things.

We don’t mention many places to stay, because most of the time we slept in our campervan, and you can find your own spots along the way, or stay in any one of the dozens of epic B&Bs in the country .

We’ll definitely be adding to our list once we do our next Ireland road trip.

Once you’ve picked up your campervan in Dublin (and of course visited the Guinness Storehouse, which is a must see) head out of the city aiming for the town of Wexford in Ireland’s Ancient East.

The drive itself won’t be overly beautiful, but chances are you’ve picked up the rental in the afternoon and the goal is to just get out of the city.

In Wexford and the surrounding area there are plenty of things to do that could take up a few days of your itinerary. Some of the best things to do around Wexford are:

• Visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience in Wexford.
• Do the King of the Vikings Experience in Waterford.
• Go to Hook Lighthouse.
• Spend a few hours at Dunmore Adventure Centre , which has a tonne of activities to enjoy, like kayaking, sailing, climbing, windsurfing, and our absolute favourite, the Wibit Waterpark. Ever seen the show Wipeout? Well Dunmore East has one of these giant inflatable parks set up out in the harbour! One of the funnest things we have ever done.
• Hang out at Ireland’s National Heritage Park.
• Go cycling along the Waterford Greenway.
• Hang out in Enniscorthy and climb Vinegar Hill.

You can take your time driving to Cork and visit some of the great attractions in the area, or just enjoy the beautiful country scenery.

Get out and enjoy the beautiful coastal walks around Ardmore, and have lunch at the phenomenal Cliff House Hotel.

The roads are quite good and Cork itself is a fun city. Plenty of great pubs and restaurants to enjoy, and some great attractions nearby:

• Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Also don’t forget to spend some time walking around the stunning grounds.
• Eat at Cliff House Hotel…Trust us on this one.
• See the colourful houses in Cobh.

Leave early on this day because the plan is to tackle the beautiful Ring of Beara driving loop on the way to Killarney.

From Cork take the backroads to Ballylickey, then head onto the Beara Peninsula. You’ll be thankful you left early because this loop will take you all day with all the photo stops.

Once you finish the loop spend the night in Kenmare, which is a beautiful little village.

Some of the main attractions along the way are:

• Drive the spectacular Ring of Beara.
• Walking around Kenmare.

After a delicious breakfast in Kenmare head west onto the Ring of Kerry, and make sure those camera batteries are charged!

This loop is the most famous, and arguably the most beautiful, drive in all of Ireland, and if you get a sunny day it might end up being one of the best road trips of your life!

If you’re into hiking, or want to do some of the day excursions around the Ring of Kerry you might need to break up your trip into two or three days.

• Visit the Skelligs – Two rocky islands off the coast of Ireland home to an old monastery, puffins, and was used as a film scene in the latest Star Wars movie.
• Hike around the Kerry Cliffs.
• Hang out at Derrynane Beach.

Be careful of the roads along the Ring of Kerry – they are twisting, narrow and often busy with tour buses!

After a few days of driving you deserve a well-earned rest. Except you’re now in Killarney, and there are so many things to do in Killarney that you could easily fill a week with activities!

We spent 4 days in Killarney before we started our road trip, and loved it so much we came back! You’ll be spoilt for choice here, whether you’re into history, gardens, adventure activities or simply drinking beer.

• Rent a bicycle and explore Killarney National Park.
• Go on a river cruise .
• Visit Ross Castle and the Abbey.
• Check out Muckross House and the gardens.
• Get into nature at Torc Waterfall.
• Head out to the Gap of Dunloe and admire the world-class scenery.
• Drink delicious beer at Killarney Brewing Company.
• Climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain.

If you want to splash out and enjoy a night outside of your campervan, then head to the best luxury hotel in Killarney, Muckross Park Hotel .

Once you’ve managed to pry yourself away from Killarney (it might take a while), you have another epic drive to check out on your Ireland road trip.

Drive out to Dingle, a wonderful town that would make a nice base for a day or two, and move out to the end of the Dingle Peninsula.

This captivating area is home to the Slea Head Drive, another magnificent loop that features rolling hills jutting up against steep ocean cliffs.

As you’re now on the Wild Atlantic Way you can expect to see more than your fair share of coastal scenes, but this one around Slea Head is pretty special.

It’s not just cool scenery – there’s also a bunch of history, with stone beehive huts peppered along the coast and the impeccable Gallarus Oratory adding to the awesomeness of Slea Head Loop.

Spend the night in Tralee after doing some of the best attractions around Dingle:

• Head out on the Slea Head Drive.
• Visit the Gallarus Oratory, and all the beehive huts along the way.
• Drink some Dingle Gin.
• Do a boat trip to see Fungie the Dolphin.

Today isn’t a long day driving, and you really have two options on how you want to head to Lahinch – you could take the ferry, creating an excellent short cut, or drive out to the city of Limerick.

We personally decided to skip Limerick, even though we had heard good things, as we much prefer to be in the countryside. Plus there’s a massive highlight to see along the way!

While it’s only a short drive today your timing will be dependent on the ferry schedule that gets you across the small harbour from Tarbert to Killimer. Make sure you get there early in case you have to wait.

Once you get on the other side drive out to Loop Head Peninsula, home to some of the most wonderful cliffs in the entire country, and they’re completely free!

If you have time, or really love cliffs, you could also do the Cliffs of Moher, although these are very touristy. Spend the night in Lahinch, a wonderful beach town with a colourful main street.

• Take the ferry from Tarbert to Killimer.
• Drive out to Loop Head Peninsula and see the cliffs.
• Visit the Cliffs of Moher.
• Rent a surfboard and hit the waves in Lahinch.

On this day we unfortunately had to wipe all the attractions from our schedule as a hurricane hit the country, and we ended up bunkering down in the small town of Ennis to wait out the storm.

However if we had our time again, we would drive from Lahinch to Doolin, which is meant to be an amazing little beach village that gets a lot of rave reviews from our friends.

Then keep following the coast, eventually finishing up in Galway.

This stretch also could be turned into a two-day journey, with all the things to do.

• Take a boat out to the Aran Islands, a World Heritage Site where the locals speak Irish as well as English and ancient, ruined churches are just waiting to be explored.
• Grab a pint in one of Doolin’s colourful pubs.
• Follow the sea and enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way views.
• Go out to Spanish Point.
• Party the night away in Galway.

If you’ve ended up partying a little too hard in Galway you might need to break this journey up into two days, as you’ll be leaving late. But if you’re feeling fresh get a move on early!

The first stop is going to be Kylemore Abbey, a sensational old castle with some of the most beautiful gardens in all of Ireland.

Keep following the road around and make a beeline for Achill Island, where if you’re not careful you may get stuck for a day or two.

• Wander around Kylemore Abbey and the gardens.
• Reach the end of the road on Achill Island and be blown away with the views.
• Take a swim at the beach in Keel.
• If you have more time enjoy all the hiking and surfing opportunities around Achill Island.

The beautiful drive takes in the countryside around Ballycroy, which is surprisingly delightful and has lots of great hiking opportunities.

The area around Ballina has some cool, old friaries, and once you get to Sligo you’ll find tonnes of outdoor adventures to enjoy.

If you have time before settling in Donegal do the drive out to Slieve League, otherwise you can do it in the morning.

Finishing up in Donegal hit up one of the excellent restaurants and down it all with a pint of Guinness.

• Go for a hike in the Ballycroy National Park.
• Visit the 600-year-old friaries near Ballina.
• Head up one of the mountains or lakes in Sligo.

It’s another long drive today, which could also be broken up if you had the time, because the Donegal area has a lot of epic scenery and activities to enjoy.

The first thing you should do is enjoy the coastal drive out towards Slieve League, taking the side roads that turn down into the tiny fishing villages along the way.

Slieve League is hugely impressive, and with more time you could do the hike to the cliffs, or if you’re trying to fit it all in a day you can simply drive to the top and check out the views.

Get back in the car and head straight up to Malin Head, the northernmost point in Ireland. Afterwards head back south towards Londonderry.

We personally headed to Quigley’s Point and stayed at the Foyleside Caravan Park as we needed power to charge our laptops, and we enjoyed the spot.

• Don’t miss out on Slieve League – epic cliffs and gorgeous ocean views.
• The road to Meencarrick has some beautiful, old village and surf beaches to check out.
• Fall in love with the scenery around Glenveagh National Park.
• Stand at the northernmost point of the Republic of Ireland in Malin Head.

You’ll be spending the next few days in Northern Ireland, which means you’ll get to visit one of the United Kingdom’s most popular tourist attractions, the Giant’s Causeway.

Stick as close to the coast as possible on the drive to the Giant’s Causeway, stopping along the way to take some pictures.

Spend a few hours wandering around the famous basalt hexagonal columns, then get back in the car and make the drive into the countryside.

Swing by The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney – an avenue of enormous, twisting beech trees that is one of the most photographed places in the whole country.

It was already a popular spot, but when the HBO series Game Of Thrones filmed a scene there it was propelled into another level of busyness. Still, it’s worth seeing, even if you don’t know anything about the series.

Afterwards head into Belfast for the night, or pick a caravan park outside of town.

• Enjoy the coastal road in Northern Ireland.
• Walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy.
• Walk (don’t drive) down the Dark Hedges.
• Check out the Giant’s Causeway. Remember you don’t have to pay to enter if you don’t want to visit the information centre or use the carpark.

The Northern Ireland capital is filled with intense history, fascinating murals, a world-class museum and more than its fair share of awesome pubs.

Belfast is a city that oozes with grungy atmosphere, and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that it has an overwhelming character that should be experienced.

We were really looking forward to visiting Belfast, and it did not disappoint. To really appreciate the city though you should be willing to embrace the tragedies of the last few decades, and admire how it has bounced back.

• Spend a few hours in the marvellous Titanic Belfast, known for being one of the world’s leading tourist attractions. Get your ticket here .
• Join a free walking tour of Belfast to learn about the city’s political history.
• Check out the Crumlin Road Gaol.

For the last full day jump on the highway and head south of Belfast. You can easily be in Dublin in 2 hours, but it’s worth stopping off at the Neolithic site of Newgrange.

As mentioned above, Newgrange is one of the real highlights of any Ireland road trip, and learning all about the massive passage tomb is splendid, especially when you consider it’s older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids!

If you need to be in Dublin tonight then you can be in the city quite easily, but personally we recommend heading to the fishing village of Howth , only 30 minutes from the city.

Howth is genuinely wonderful, and the perfect place to finish up your Irish road trip. You can park your van by the dock and head out to get fish and chips, or if you want a perfect place to stay head into the only hotel in town (yes, the only hotel in town), King Sitric .

• Visit the ancient Neolithic site of Newgrange.
• Go for a hike around Howth, or enjoy the best seafood in the country at King Sitric Restaurant.

Tips For a Road Trip of Ireland

Driving a campervan around Ireland is definitely the best way to see the country.

Having your own wheels is one thing, but having your own home is the icing on the cake!

Still there are some things you need to keep in mind before you start this fun adventure. For another good reference, check out this article on renting a motorhome in Europe.

Here are some tips for renting a campervan in Ireland.

• Bigger isn’t always better:  The roads in Ireland can be notoriously narrow, and having a giant RV isn’t ideal in the Republic of Ireland. We went with the Aero model from Bunk Campers and it was a good balance of size and comfort, without being too big for the roads.
• Try to free camp where possible:  This is the whole bonus of having a campervan – You get to save on accommodation! In the Republic of Ireland we never had a problem finding a carpark or patch of grass to pull up for the night. We stayed next to a lake in Achill Island, behind a bus station in Ennis, on top of Vinegar Hill and plenty of other spots. It’s not always glamorous, but at least it’s free!
• Sometimes you’ll have to stay in a caravan park: In Northern Ireland wild camping is illegal, so you have to stay in a caravan park. They’re not too expensive (sometimes 20 Euros or less), but they come with the added bonus of amenities like laundry, proper bathrooms, electricity hook ups and wifi.
• Buy a prepaid SIM card from 3: Having data on the road is important, and we picked up a prepaid SIM from the telephone company 3. For 20 Euro we got unlimited 4G data and unlimited texts and calls for a month. We could also hotspot our laptops off of our phone with it. Get one from any 3 store.
• Don’t underestimate driving distances: You might look at one leg and think, “Oh it’s only 150km, we’ll be there in 2 hours,” but that’s not always the case. Road conditions can slow you down, as will the hundreds of photo stops along the way. Don’t be too ambitious when planning your schedule.
• Head south and drive clockwise: The weather in Ireland moves from the Atlantic Ocean and moves across the country heading northeast. A tip we got from the manager at Bunk Campers is to head south to Kerry County and drive clockwise. That way if you get nice weather you can basically follow it north.

[box] Our Ireland road trip adventure was made possible thanks to our partnership with Bunk Campers and support from Failte Ireland . All thoughts, opinions and pints of Guinness drunk at Irish pubs are, as always, our own.[/box]

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Loved reading this post! Really appreciate how comprehensive this all is. helps a lot as we try to figure out a two week itinerary for us taking a car over from France on the ferry!

Best Itinerary and photos.. Thanks for sharing the content.

This itinerary sounds great. It would be helpful to have a map. We are hoping to book vrbo’s along the way. We will rent a car and drive the coastline. Would love any tips.

Hello, I know you shouldn’t drink and drive anywhere but I rather ask the question and be safe. It seems that it would be difficult not to have a beer or two at a pub while in Ireland, so… what is the law regarding alcohol level allowed while driving? also… is there any law against having a bottle of wine or any other spirit in the motorhome to enjoy while parked?

Hi Marcelo, you definitely should not drink drive anywhere as you are putting yourself and other people in danger. You could harm yourself or others. Or worst, you could even kill someone or yourself. Definitely no go in any country.

As for the alcohol limit and the alcohol in the motorhome, we are not too sure. Sorry

Kylemore Abbey is not actually a castle. It is a monastery built on the grounds of the Castle. There are nuns who live there now and it also has a beautiful walled garden.

I am Irish and while you did see a lot on your trip, there is a lot more for you to discover when you next arrive here.

I would love a map of your route! I would also love to know where you parked each night. Did you stay at campsites or just parked in random spots. Thanks

Hi did you have a map. so I can download..it looks amazing.. we are going in April for 2 weeks .just me the wife and ted the dog ..happy holidays steve

Hi Steve, we had downloaded maps.me and the areas we need offline. You can pick up a sim card with data for cheap and we used this. There is great apps to help you plan your trip in Ireland also.

Hi Ashley, we had downloaded maps.me and the areas we need offline. You can pick up a sim card with data for cheap and we used this. We used Safe Nights Ireland to find cheap camping spots and there are many websites on the internet recommending free spots. All the best. Happy planning

Wow, Amazing pictures and fantastic guidelines. Thanks for the share!

Thank you so much. 🙂

Just reading your blog on the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast with our camper van down below. So thanks for sharing your route with us. We are travelling around the world for a year and have 2 weeks in Ireland on our itinerary.

It would be great if you could also add a screen shot of a google map with your route. That would be helpful for readers to get a picture of your route.

Thanks for the pics and tips.

Hi Carolyn, what a trip. Sounds like you are going to have a great time. We followed the island anti – clockwise but you can definitely make up your route as everyone want to see something different. All the names above are in google and easy to find. There is also an app called Wild Atlantic Way. This is great to route out a road trip also. Have a great

Hola me gusto mucho la ruta en autocaravana por Irlanda, queremos ir en Agosto pero solo tenemos dos semanas incluyendo dia de llegada y salida desde Estados Unidos. Somos 6 y no quisieramos dormir todos los dias en el autocaravana. Cree usted que podamos ir rentando hoteles en el recorrido los dias que nesecitemos o seria complicado ya que es temporada alta?

” Hello, I really liked the motorhome route through Ireland, we want to go in August but we only have two weeks including day of arrival and departure from the United States. We are 6 and we would not like to sleep every day in the motorhome. Do you think we can rent hotels on the tour on the days we need or it would be complicated since it is high season?” comment above

Thank you for your message Yannet. I just translated it above as it may help others too. What a great trip you have planned. In the quieter towns you can easily book a hotel. But in the bigger cities such as Belfast, Killarney, Dublin, Dingle and other popular tourist places you may struggle. Definitely book ahead as your party is large and you know all 6 of you will have accommodation. There are great websites for freedom camping or low cost camping. Have a wonderful trip

Amazing trip – you’ve inspired us to do a week travelling in a campervan with our family in July, but yes only a week. We have family in Dingle to look up so will definitely be heading south and going clockwise. It looks cheaper to hire a campervan from London area (where we live) and ferry over instead of hiring in Ireland. Bit nervous to wild camp but hopefully it will workout! Would we need to pre book any campsites?

Hi Katherine, that is amazing. What a trip it is going to be. Dingle and the surrounding area is stunning. When you rent the camper from London make sure insurance covers you to go over to Ireland and Northern Ireland (if you are planning on going up there also). Personally with one week I would stick to the south and do a loop. There are some stunning drives down there. With wild camping in Ireland, it is illegal but tolerated. Just obey the leave no trace policy (even toilet paper). There is a a website called Safe Nights Ireland where you can park in peoples properties for a small fee if that feels better for you. If you are in a city and need to find a campground check out Camping Ireland website. Here is a great article below about camping in Ireland. If you do plan to stay in a campground definitely pre book as July may be busy. Have a great family trip and take lots of photos. 🙂

https://www.bunkcampers.com/en/holiday-advice/camping-guide/wild-camping/

Ireland road trip is very attractive to enjoy with awesome memories.

It definitely is. It is a stunning country. 🙂

We will be cruising with stops in Belfast, Dublin and Cork…Any suggestions of where to start a road trip as I don’t think we will need to go back to these places.

Hi Christine, Starting in Dublin and do a little loop of the south heading back past Dublin and then a loop in the north. When you do rent, make sure you can take the rental car/camper into Northern Ireland. Sometimes there are issues. Hope I answered your question. Let me know if I didn’t. Have a great trip.

Awesome recall of your trip! I am heading there next week and getting a campervan as well. Considering I have never traveled this way, reading stories like yours makes me even more excited!

So awesome. You will have a blast. We love Ireland. It was a lot of fun with the campervan. Have a great time and watch those tight Irish roads. It can get a little crazy sometimes.

This sounds amazing! I’m planning a trip (in July) to Ireland- but will only have 4 days 🙁 eek. Going to be a challenge to decide on which places to visit! (will most likely hire a car though to get around)

Hi Mel, so awesome you are heading to Ireland. Your trip is short but doesn’t mean you can’t see some awesome places. There is a lot to do and see. There are tour companies that will do trips up or down to place. Just be prepared for full on days with incredible views. If you don’t want it to be so hectic there is a lot to do around Dublin. Have an amazing trip and you can head back there in the future. 🙂

Your photos are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing! I love traveling by campervan, so it’s great to know that is an option in Ireland.

Thanks so much Veronica. Ireland is a perfect place to campervan.

Stunning photographs! I love this post and so much detail. I am from the UK and still haven’t made it over to Ireland! Hopefully in the near future though! Thanks for sharing and the huge inspiration!

Thank you so much Mike. Ireland is amazing. Such a beautiful country. You will be amazed. Hope you get there soon. Happy travels.

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EUROPE , IRELAND , ROAD TRIP , UNITED KINGDOM · April 8, 2019 Last Updated on March 10, 2024

10 MUST DO STOPS ON AN IRELAND ROAD TRIP

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I have road-tripped Europe before, but no place has hit my soul the way the countryside of Ireland has. It’s impossible to drive more than 5 minutes without screaming “PULL OVER”. I was one of two drivers who non-stopped slammed on my breaks every 2 minutes or almost drove off a cliff because I was memorized by the views during my Ireland road trip. If it’s not hard enough driving on the opposite the side of the road, add in the distraction of panoramic views and wild animals hanging off cliffs.

Since my road trip last month, Ireland is a dream that I can never get off my mind. It is special. The people are kind, the ambience is authentic, the heritage is celebrated in the streets and in bars, the breakfast is just ridiculous. It is worth experiencing. The great part about road tripping the countryside is the authentic experience of interacting with locals instead of other tourists.

Ireland is very easy to road trip mainly because they have so few roads, but that’s also what makes it so spectacular. The views are endless without distraction. (Did I mention the views yet?) The tricky part is that in the countryside they don’t have addresses, so you’ll have to get used to getting from A to B with descriptive directions. But this is much easier than it seems. If the instructions say “when you get to the supermarket and turn right”, it’s not very hard when there is one road and the only thing on it is a supermarket. And sometimes getting lost is the adventure. But you got this!

IRELAND ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

To start your epic 1-week road trip through the Irish countryside, I recommend you fly into Shannon Airport (SNN), rent a car, and drive to Killarney. You can book in advance and pick up the car at the airport when you arrive. It’s open 24 hours.

3 Nights in Killarney

You can have an entire vacation in Killarney alone. It is a gorgeous and lively town that is perfectly located to take day trips to Dingle & Kenmare. You can also visit Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey. Just note that if you do visit in the offseason the castle will be closed, but you can still visit the grounds.

1 Night in Lahinch

A quick overnight stop in Lahinch will break up the long drive from Killarney to Galway. Plus, there is so much to explore on your way. You’ll want to wake up early for a 15-minute drive to the Cliffs of Moher . You should also stop in a nearby coastal town, Doolin.

2 Nights in Galway

There is so much culture, heritage, and food to be explored in Galway . If you have more time than a week, I strongly advise you to extend your stay in Galway. You must experience the nightlife even if you aren’t a “partier’. You will find the young and old singing Irish folk songs shoulder to shoulder.

1 Night in Bunratty

Bunratty is near the airport and you can stay in a castle or an Irish cottage if you like. One of the highlights 

Related: The 8 Most Charming Places To Visit In Ireland

There is so much to see and do on the way, but here are the 10 things you must absolutely experience on this Ireland road tripping adventure!

1) STOP AT J.M REIDYS IN KILLARNEY

Our first road trip stop was in Killarney where we found a little piece of Irish heaven called J.M. Reidys . On the outside, this 1870’s building looks like a little coffee shop with a confusing name “Bakery, flour, and meal”. But once you explore, you’ll find a piece of Ireland so rich in history. A humble storefront that just keeps getting bigger, with more alleyways and little nooks and crannies. You can come here for a nightcap or live music and a pub crawl. There’s a space for you. Do you want a cappuccino with an inspirational message on it? Who doesn’t?

2) SAMMY’S & DRIVE ON INCH BEACH

Drive Connor’s pass down to Sammy’s for a cafe on Inch Beach . You will feel like you’re in movie Brooklyn when she takes a little beach trip with her pals in Ireland. You can go off-roading and drive along the beach. This is the “calm” before you see the incredible waves against the cliffs on Slea Head Drive.

3) SLEA HEAD DRIVE & HOLDING BABY LAMBS

Driving through Slea Head Drive is your dream for every road trip; an open road on top of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. And just when you think it can’t get any better, you’ll find a handwritten sign that says ‘hold a baby lamb”. It will be the best 3 euro you have ever spent in your life.

We climbed up a small pathway to meet a local man who only spoke Gaelic and had a few animals including a baby lamb. It’s a good way to give back to the locals. You won’t be able to drive more than 5 minutes before pulling over to photograph the views. Look for signs for where they filmed a scene in Star Wars. You can look at the view from the top of the cliffs or hike down and watch the waves from the ocean.

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4) HORSEBACK RIDING WITH COOPER’S HILL EQUINE 

Horseback riding in Ireland will be an experience that you will remember for your whole lifetime. You can ride on the beach, the countryside or through the Burren based off of your level of experience. But they do have trails for beginners and it’s an incredible way to experience Ireland from a perspective you will never forget.

5) THE CLIFFS AT THE LOOP HEAD PENINSULA 

After leaving Killarney and on your way to Lahinch, you can take the ferry to the Loop Head Peninsula. The Cliffs of Moher are gorgeous, but it is insanely crowded even in the offseason. You have to pay per person to park and there is a fence just in front of the most famous spot to photograph.

When we took a drive onto the Loop Head Peninsula , unfortunately for us, it was very windy and rainy that day. But the whole peninsula is yours to explore. Drive to the very end you will find a lighthouse on a cliff. The cliffs are as powerful and gorgeous as the Cliffs of Moher even in the rain. But unlike the Cliffs of Moher, it will feel like you have found this Irish treasure just for yourself and it’s spectacular.

Related: 5 Reasons To Visit County Wexford, Ireland

6) QUAY STREET 

Quay Street is the most famous street in Galway and for good reason. The streets of Galway are filled with talented performers and street musicians. You will witness performances ranging from Irish step dancing to an Irish folk band to Ed Sheeran covers. I think of it as the “Nashville of Ireland” and instead of playing country music, it’s filled with traditional Irish instruments. Which heightens the experience and makes it more authentic. The talent will stop you in your tracks. The best bars near there are the Quays Bar, Kings Head, Roisin Dubh, Neachtains, O’Connell’s, King’s Head, and Tig Coili. 

7) THE LONG WALK IN GALWAY 

If you have seen photos of Galway on Instagram, you probably already know about the pictures of a cute Fishermans town of colorful houses. It is a very Instagrammable spot just across the river. You can walk or drive thereby putting in the Long Walk into your GPS/Google Maps. The panoramic view of the houses is in Ed Sheeran’s music video of Galway Girl starring Saoirse Ronan.

Related: 72 Hours In Ireland

8) THE DOUGH BRO’S 

The Dough Bro’s is a pizza place in Galway created by two Irish brothers. I was not sold on eating pizza in Ireland. We got there and the line was about 20 minutes long. Now, I was curious and also suspicious that it could live up to the hype. This was the best wood fire pizza I have ever had and I’m from New York.

Order the “Hey Pesto”; it was so good that we went back for seconds a few hours later. Even better, during the springtime, they decorate their door with an arch of spring flowers (they also have a little shop in O’Connell’s which I listed above as one of the best bars near Quay street).

9) O’CONNORS PUB 

O’Connors Pub is the bar that Ed Sheeran had filmed his previously mentioned music video for Galway Girl. If you want to feel like you got the true Galway experience, this is your pub. It’s everything you could hope to experience.

10) BANQUET DINNER AT BUNRATTY CASTLE 

Unfortunately, since we went during the off season we could not do the Banquet dinner at Bunratty Castle . The folk park is open to experience the homes and village, the actors are not there until spring. It’s a reconstruction of all aspects of life during medieval times; the homes, the town, the costumes. During peak season, you can have a banquet dinner inside the castle and live your Game of Thrones dreams. It’s 63 Euros per adult. You can buy tickets online.

Taking a road trip through Ireland is a once in a lifetime experience and I highly suggest you do this amazing drive for yourself!

We hope that this article has helped inspire you to plan an Ireland Road Trip. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!

Our Top Places To Stay In Ireland:

• Find the best price on places to stay in Galway
• Find the best price on places to stay in Killarney
• Find the best price on places to stay in Lahinch
• Find the best price on places to stay in Bunratty

Read More About Ireland:

• The 8 Most Charming Places To Visit In Ireland
• 5 Reasons To Visit County Wexford, Ireland
• 72 Hours In Ireland
• Why Waterville, Ireland Should Be On Your Bucketlist

We Are Travel Girls Contributor Christie Monteleone of ckmont.com Connect with Christie   Instagram  | Pinterest  

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April 8, 2019 at 9:33 am

I was in northern Ireland for a short three days trip and absolutely did the same , pulling over every minute ?.

Christie says

April 9, 2019 at 11:58 am

It”s so hard to not be in awe of everything! it’s incredible.

TRAVEL DONE CLEVER says

May 17, 2019 at 8:35 am

Lovely post! Used to live in this beautiful country for 2 years. Haven’t been to all places you wrote about, definitely need to revisit Ireland. Next time, check out Kilkenny – a little town with cobbled street and medieval castle.

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These 10 road trips will bring you into the heart of Ireland

Mar 9, 2024 • 7 min read

On Ireland’s winding country roads, expect to take it slow © Jade Prevost Manuel / Shutterstock

People often think that given  Ireland ’s small size, they can see everything in a matter of days. We can confirm that this is simply impossible.

Here’s a typical story: a visitor makes a stop in a quaint village to sit down for a quick coffee.  All of a sudden, they’re being whisked off to the local watering hole with Tom “from down the road” who wants to introduce you to the locals and share enthralling (and extended) tales of Irish history.

Such social connections are the soul of Ireland – and that’s on top of the island’s staggering raw beauty. What’s the best way to get the best of both? Hit the (rural) road – and plan to take it slow. 

Our list of the best 10 road trips in Ireland should help inspire you.

1. The Wild Atlantic Way 

Best road trip for the ultimate Irish experience Inishowen Peninsula – Kinsale ; 2600km (1600 miles), 2 weeks

This is the pinnacle of Irish road trips. The Wild Atlantic Way will show adventurers both the natural beauty and the pure  craic that Ireland has to offer . This route will have you weaving your way around mountains, boglands and rugged karst landscapes as you experience the Emerald Isle at its most dramatic.

You’ll spot Wild Atlantic Way markers at every point of interest along the way to enhance your trip; follow the symbols attached to almost every road sign along the route to make sure you don’t get lost.

Planning tip:  We recommend taking at least two weeks to savor every moment of this epic journey.

2. The Mayo Coast 

Best less-traveled road trip Ballina–Killary; 543km (337.5 miles), 1 week

Many visitors to Ireland miss out on  Mayo , which has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. It’s home to the highest mountain in Connacht, secret swimming spots and dramatic cliff walks.

Plan for numerous stops as you make your way down the coast. Plenty of free activities, hostels and campsites make it possible to tackle this trip on a budget.

Planning tip: If you time your road trip to reach the sacred mountain Croagh Patrick on the last Sunday of July, you can join the annual pilgrimage known as Reek Sunday. Some people even attempt this hike barefoot as part of their spiritual journey.

3. The Old Military Road

Best road trip for mountain landscapes Rathfarnham–Aughavannagh; 60km (37 miles), minimum 1 day

As you travel along the spine of the Wicklow Mountains, you’ll follow a winding road shrouded in a dark history. The route  was constructed between August 1800 and October 1809 to allow the British Army access to the mountains following the 1798 rebellion in Ireland.

Today, the road is home to some of Ireland’s most challenging and beautiful trails . If hiking isn’t your thing, an abundance of excellent restaurants, lodges and activity centers lie along the route. The true beauty of this trip? You can take as long as you like to complete it. There are so many things to see and do packed into such a small distance that you’ll never be bored.

Planning tip: If you’re taking a few days to complete this trip, be sure to pack for all weather. The Wicklow Mountains are notorious for suddenly changing conditions.

4. The Copper Coast

Best road trip in the east Tramore–Dungarvan; 40km (25 miles), 1 day

With the Copper Coast’s countless opportunities for walks and dips in the cold sea, you'll never be stuck for something to do on this short but action-packed route. And amateur geologists will love that part of the Copper Coast is  UNESCO Global Geopark , thanks to its unique combination of environments packed into such a small area.

Detour: Take a trip to the nearby Comeragh Mountains and tackle one of Ireland’s most rewarding hikes, the Coumshingaun Loop.

5. The Ring of Kerry

Best road trip to experience old Ireland Starts and ends in Killarney (travel clockwise); 179km (111 miles), 2–3 days

Towering mountains, glistening lakes and enchanting forests: the Ring of Kerry is one of those unforgettable road trips that stuns from start to finish. There are so many landmarks to see along this route, it can be hard to fit it all into one trip. Yet the beauty of this drive is that even if you rarely leave the car, you’ll still experience some of Ireland’s most beautiful spots.

Detour:  This route takes you not far from Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil . It’s worth taking a day to attempt the hike via the Devil’s Ladder.

6. The Burren Loop

Best road trip for beautiful barren landscapes Starts and ends in Ballyvaughan; 150km (93 miles), 1–2 days

This is the only figure-eight route on this list, a configuration that allows you to stay in the same accommodation if you want to complete the route over two days. The Burren itself has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique karst landscape, which covers approximately 250 sq km (96.5 sq miles).  The drive will take you down narrow roads that cut through the barren landscape to sheer cliffside views.

Planning tip: Leave time to incorporate some, if not all, of the Cliffs of Moher cliff walk. If time allows, consider hopping on a boat from Doolin to see them from the sea as well.

7. Slea Head Drive

Best road trip for experiencing true “Irishness” Starts and ends in Dingle Town (travel clockwise); 46km (28.5 miles), 1–2 days

Pubs doubling as hardware stores. White sandy beaches. Lambs you can hold. What more could you ask for from a 46km (28.5-mile) road trip?

The Slea Head Drive is located on Dingle , one of Ireland’s most fabulous peninsulas, which has everything from coastal hikes to island escapes and some of the best nightlife in the country. All of this is plastered against a picturesque backdrop of green hills, sandy beaches and the wild Atlantic Ocean.

Detour: Since you’ll already be on the road, you should add the Conor Pass, one of Ireland’s highest, to your list. Located just outside of Dingle Town , it’s a great add-on to this itinerary.

8. Sky Road Loop

Best short road trip Starts and ends in Clifden; 16km (10 miles), 1 day

This road trip is short, and it doesn’t disappoint, offering some of the best, most sweeping views of the Connemara coastline. You can also look forward to encountering castles, quaint villages with delicious food and views of rugged mountains in the distance – a full taste of Ireland in just one day.

Detour: Pack your camera (and your swimming gear) to visit the shore along the Sky Road. With crystal-clear waters and beautiful golden sand, Eyrephort Beach is the perfect place to take a break.

9. The Ring of Beara

Best road trip for unspoiled scenery Starts and ends in Glengarriff (travel clockwise); 148km (92 miles), 2–3 days

Another looped road trip in the south of Ireland makes another worthy addition to our list, just a stone’s throw (or rocky peninsula) away from the Ring of Kerry.  With multiple mountain passes, delightful villages filled with local foods to try and many hikes and walks along the way, you’re bound to find something that’s perfect for you.

Detour:  At the tip of the Ring of Beara , make a stop to take the cable car to Dursey Island, a neat  way to cross the choppy waters below.

10. The “Four Peaks” Challenge road trip

The best challenge of a road road trip Carrauntoohil–Mweelrea–Slieve Donard–Lugnaquilla; 865km (540 miles), 1 day to 1 week

Road trips are usually all about the journey. This one is a little bit different. The Four Peaks Challenge involves tackling the highest mountains in each of Ireland’s four historic provinces by hike. Most take on the challenge at a leisurely pace – but some (very ambitious) people strive to complete it in 24 hours.

You will be treated to some of the most epic views of Ireland from each of these peaks – though the adventure is definitely not for the faint-hearted. We recommend planning for one hike per day, which will let you take in the beautiful Irish countryside while putting your body to the test.

Planning tip:  If you can, get someone to do the driving for you. Your legs will be worn out enough without the 12 hours of driving in between peaks.

This article was first published April 2021 and updated March 2024

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The perfect ireland itinerary.

Heading to Ireland and not sure where to go? This is the perfect Ireland itinerary!

Happy St. Patricks Day! We were lucky enough to be in Ireland for St. Paddy’s last year and it’s a country we really fell in love with. To celebrate, I wanted to share my idea of the perfect Ireland itinerary.  If you’re planning a trip to Ireland , having this itinerary will make your life easier.

Planning a Trip to Ireland

In all my trips to Ireland, I’ve discovered some real gems on this beautiful emerald isle. It has so much natural beauty that it almost hurts your eyes to look at all that green! There are also so many cultural and historical sites that you must see in Ireland that it could potentially take you a lifetime!

For a more in-depth look at some amazing places in Ireland, check out this massive list of the  best places to visit in Ireland   before planning your Ireland itinerary.

When you’re planning a trip to Ireland, it’s important to know that you won’t be able to see it ALL, even though you’ll REALLY want to! I’ve tried to pick the best things to see in Ireland that will give you a really good feel for both countries! I hope this Ireland trip planner will be helpful as you choose where to go and what to do.

Don’t want to do all the planning?

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all your options in Ireland? I can’t blame you! There’s a lot to do and see and the Emerald Isle is a lot bigger than it seems. Luckily, you’ve got me do the planning for you. The best trips to Ireland are planned by someone who’s been and lived there. 

I’ve created this detailed Ireland Road Trip Itinerary that has everything you need in one convenient place. It really takes the guesswork out of deciding where to go, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat. I’ve spent years researching this itinerary and I truly believe this will give you the most amazing trip! 

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Ireland Itinerary complete with interactive maps and daily schedule? Click the yellow button below.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts here are our top picks for visiting ireland:, get an easy ireland itinerary.

Our favorite hotels in Ireland

• Castle Hotel: Ashford Castle
• Dublin Hotel: Moxie Dublin
• Killarney: Killarney Royal Hotel
• Northern Ireland: The Fitzwilliam

Our favorite tours in Ireland

• Cliffs of Moher
• Northern Ireland Tour
• History Tour of Dublin
• Dublin Food Tour
• Book a Photoshoot in Ireland

Renting a Car in Ireland?

If you want to see authentic Ireland, I recommend you drive yourself. If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use:  Rental Cars  and  Expedia Cars.  We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

Want to See More than Ireland?

If you’re interested in extending your trip to Ireland, it’s easy and super cheap to hop a flight over to  London ,    Scotland ,  or the rest of Europe. I love combining trips to Ireland with a trip to Scotland as well. You can find the   perfect itinerary for Scotland and Ireland here. 

Getting to Ireland

Ireland is a truly beautiful country and one of the cheapest places to fly to in Europe from the United States right now. I’m constantly finding good deals to Ireland.

In fact, we just purchased tickets to Shannon, Ireland from Boston for $500 TOTAL for our entire family of six through Norwegian Air’s killer sale a few weeks ago and I also helped my sister book from New York to Dublin for $450 round trip per person. If you want to know how we get crazy deals on flights read How to Fly for Cheap or Nearly Free.

Best Time to Travel to Ireland

Where to stay in ireland.

Just as Ireland can be one of the cheapest countries in Europe to fly into, it’s also quite affordable to stay in Ireland. While there is an abundance of beautiful luxury castles and hotels to stay in , there are also really affordable Airbnb houses all over the island. We stayed in a beautiful 4 bedroom house on the coast for two months and fell in love! You can find our Airbnb here. 

We stayed in a beautiful, huge farmhouse in Wexford for 2 months for only $2,000. For a party of 7, that’s a great deal! Be sure to grab this $55 coupon for Airbnb

I’ve created this Airbnb Wishlist for you that holds just a fraction of the affordable housing on the island! If you’ve never stayed in Airbnb before, please read my 16 Rules for Airbnb. 

Affordable Airbnbs in Ireland

Packing List for Ireland

It’s no secret that the weather in Ireland can be a little…insane…I’m not sure there’s a better word to describe it. You want to be sure you’re prepared for the elements, but also be sure you don’t overpack. Here’s what to pack for Ireland:

Click here for my full Ireland Packing list

I personally own these two raincoats and these two pairs of boots and I LOVE them!

The  pink raincoat   is not lined and is good for warm days or good if you want a waterproof raincoat to go over a regular jacket. The  yellow raincoat   is nice and lined for a good medium weight waterproof jacket. You’ll need a really good pair of rain boots that you can also be comfortable walking in.

These  Eddie Bauer boots   are quite possibly the best thing that have ever happened to me! Not only are they the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned (ask anyone I know…they’ve heard me rave about these boots), but they are waterproof, AND they come with a lifetime warranty. I bought a pair over 5 years ago and I wear through the soles about every year and a half because I wear them everywhere! When they wear out I just bring them to any Eddie Bauer store (even though I bought them on Amazon)  and they give me brand new ones! They’re the BEST investment I’ve ever made. You can buy them  here.

These  Hunter rain boots   are really high quality, last forever, are completely waterproof, and have a good grip on the bottom for walking. I really love my Hunters, but they’re definitely not as comfortable as the Eddie Bauers.

For more info on what to pack for Ireland, follow  my packing list for Ireland or Scotland   or   this detailed Ireland packing list .

Perfect Ireland Itinerary 10 days or more

While I am not an Ireland expert, we did live there for 2 months and were able to see most of both countries (yes Ireland and Northern Ireland are separate countries). And I’ve since been able to visit Ireland two more times, and we plan to go again this year. 

I think I’ve created the perfect Ireland itinerary for the first time visitor who wants to see as much of the island as possible. The good thing about this itinerary is that you can cut out whatever you want and move on to the next location if it’s too much for you.

I realize that I’m missing a lot of amazing things Ireland has to offer and I will probably receive some backlash for this, but these were some of OUR favorite finds in Ireland!

When you go to Ireland, I suggest that you rent a car. There is so much to see and driving will be the best way to see  Ireland and everything it has to offer. An Ireland road trip is my favorite way to see the island. 

Please, for the love of Ireland, do NOT spend your whole trip in Dublin! There is so much more that this beautiful island has to offer!

You can do this Ireland itinerary f orwards or backward, it doesn’t matter. I selfishly like this route (clockwise) because while driving along the coast, the passenger has a good view out the window and since that’s usually me, and I’m the one with the camera, that’s the way I’d go!

Remember you’ll be driving on the LEFT! Honestly, it’s easier than you think and your brain picks it up pretty well after a day or two. Just be alert!

How long will this Ireland road trip take?

Well, that’s really up to you! I’ve seen people do this Ireland road trip in only 10 days. That’s a little ambitious if you ask me. If you really want to hit all of these best places to visit in Ireland in one trip, then I would plan about 2 weeks for your whole journey. If you have less time in Ireland, simply cut out a few stops. It’s not the end of the world, and you’ll have an excuse to come back!

So without further ado, here is the perfect Ireland itinerary:

• Stop 1: Dublin
• Stop 2: Killkenney
• Stop 3: County Waterford & County Wexford
• Stop 4: Cork
• Stop 5: Killarney National Park
• Stop 6: Dingle Peninsula
• Stop 7: Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
• Stop 8: Galway
• Stop 9: Northern Ireland
• Stop 10: Belfast
• Stop 11 : Back to Dublin

10 Places You Must See in Ireland

These are my top ten picks for what to see in Ireland. You can pick and choose which cities look good to you and skip over the ones you aren’t interested in. Don’t feel like you need to do it all unless you’ve got the time. For me, this is the best of Ireland!

Arrive! If you’re flying into Dublin (be sure to check other airports in Ireland like Shannon and Cork for good deals ), spend a day and a half or so in this beautiful city. See the book of Kells, eat in a few pubs, take a tour. Here is a great list of things to do in Dublin.

Stay the night in Dublin and take a day to get over your jetleg before heading out on your Ireland road trip. There are some beautiful hotels and great Airbnbs in Dublin. Here is a list of affordable Airbnbs in the city. 

Here is a great guide for spending one day in Dublin.  And if you’re heading to Ireland with kids you can find great information here. 

2. Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a charming and historic town with lots to see and do. There is a great little farmers market outside the castle and street performers usually line the streets. It’s a great town to wander and enjoy the cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. 

This town has deep religious roots with well-preserved churches and abbeys that are amazing to see. Be sure to visit Black Abbey and St. Canice’s Cathedral.

You can tour the castle, the old abbey, pop into the shops and sup in a pub! Here are more cool things to do in Kilkenny .

You’ll want to stay at least one night in Killkenney to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere. Here are affordable Airbnbs in Killkenney.

3. County Waterford & County Wexford

South East Ireland or “Ireland’s Ancient East” is one of the most overlooked areas of Ireland in my opinion. Don’t skip this if you want the perfect Ireland itinerary! There are so many hidden gems that I’m going to bring to light!

You’ll want to stay in Wexford or Waterford. We stayed for two months, but two days will do if you must. We rented this gorgeous Airbnb near Tintern Abbey.

4. Cork & Blarney Castle

For most, Blarney Castle is a must see when visiting Ireland. You can kiss the Blarney stone and receive the gift of gab!

Cork is a beautiful city to wander. Visit the English Market, an indoor sort of farmers market with lots of interesting things to see and eat! Here are 33 things to do in Cork city.

If you’re interested in seeing more castles, Ireland will not disappoint! Read about the top 5 Castles to visit in Ireland.

5. Killarney

Killarney is home to the beautiful Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Traditional Farms, Ross Castle and more. It’s definitely worth a visit and could really be considered for an entire vacation. I recently spent a whole week in Killarney and fell in love. You can r ead more about what to do in Killarney here,   but here are the main stops you won’t want to miss:

• Muckross House
• Muckross Traditional Farms
• Muckross Abbey
• Ross Castle
• Innisfallen Island
• Murphy’s Ice Cream
• Quinlin’s Fish n Chips

I would recommend staying in Killarney for several days. There is so much to do and see in this beautiful National Park that you may not want to ever leave. There are some great hotels in Killarney as well as charming Airbnbs.

Affordable Airbnb Homes in Killarney

6. Dingle Peninsula

If you’re on a tight schedule, I recommend you skip the more popular and time-consuming Ring of Kerry and instead drive the Dingle Peninsula. It’s a beautiful stretch of land with some of the most stunning scenery in all of Ireland. Read about what you can see on the Dingle Peninsula here .

7. The Burren National Park &   Cliffs of Moher

The Burren: The word “Burren” comes from the Irish word “Boíreann” which means a rocky place. This is a pretty fitting name because it is covered in Limestone Pavement. It’s like visiting another planet. Read more about the Burren here .

The Cliffs of Moher are something that you just have to see for yourself! They are beyond breathtaking. Don’t skip this stop! Plan on several hours to see the Cliffs of Moher. There is a really neat visitor’s center where you can learn about the cliffs and also about the puffins who nest there. There’s also a great cafe with lots of options.   Here are some tips for taking kids to the cliffs .

Galway is a gorgeous Irish town and a must visit. Here is a guide to visiting Galway .

9. Northern Ireland

Named as one of Lonely Planet’s regions not to miss in 2018, Northern Ireland is truly a treasure! There is so much to see in Northern Ireland, but it is small enough that you can see most of it in 2 days if you’re quick. Be sure to see these top sites:

• Giant’s Causeway
• Carrick-a-Rede Bridge
• Dark Hedges

Remember that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and will use the pound sterling instead of the Euro. You will not need your passport to cross from Ireland to Northern Ireland. Here are some things you will not want to miss in Northern Ireland .

I would plan for 2 nights in Northern Ireland. It’s a beautiful place to slow down and take in the sites. We stayed in this lovely Airbnb next door to a field of sheep.

Affordable Airbnb Homes in Northern Ireland

10. Belfast

Drive to Belfast and spend a day seeing the city. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland (a separate country and part of the United Kingdom). There are so many awesome things to do in Belfast, even though it often gets overlooked as a destination in Ireland. Here is another guide to visiting Belfast .

11. Howth & Back to Dublin

Visit the Howth Cliffs and eat fish and chips in Howth. There are a million pubs and fish and chips shops. I’ve tried several and they’ve all been good. You can read more about walking the Howth Cliff path loop here. Also, read about taking kids to Howth here .

And now you’re back to Dublin! See as much as you can, eat in as many pubs as possible and don’t forget to catch your flight back home! This is the perfect Ireland itinerary for us and we hope it helps you out on your visit to Ireland!

Best Ireland Tours

While I love a good Ireland road trip and exploring on my own, it’s sometimes nice to have someone else do all the work. If you’re looking for a little more ease in your travel or don’t want to drive, check out these best Ireland tours from Get Your Guide.

Have you been to Ireland? What did we miss? Shoot us an email  or get in touch on Facebook or Instagram . We’d love to hear from you and we’d love if you pinned this for later…

Be sure to follow my Ireland Board on Pinterest for more great ideas for your trip!

If you would like to follow along with us day by day you can follow @wanderlust.crew on Instagram or on Facebook   or on Twitter or sign up for our newsletter! We would love to hear from you!

Practical Tips for Booking your Trip

Book Your Flight s and Car Find a budget airlines by using  Skyscanner . This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here. For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO . I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use  Booking , as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz . Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel? Check out my  resource page  for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

Wanderlust Crew

48 thoughts on “ the perfect ireland itinerary ”.

Wow I badly want to go! We are planning a 6-12 month Euro road trip in a few years so this is going on the planning board! How long did you spend in total and how long at each spot? I find the hardest thing to do is budget time.

I totally agree. It’s so hard to budget time, when you’ve never been somewhere. I think 2 weeks is a good amount of time to pack it all in. Of course longer is better! We stayed for 2 months and still missed so much of this beautiful place! How exciting about your Euro trip! We fell so in love with Europe last year that we are going back next year!

Great itinerary! My husband has always wanted to go to Ireland…we’ll have to check out those deals! I was wondering the same as Christine…how long do you think a family would need to really see everything on this itinerary to the fullest?

Oh I think 2 weeks would be ideal to do all of this and not be too rushed, but you could technically do it in a week. I hope you make it there. It’s such a special place!

Great itinerary! I’m a travel consultant and went to Ireland 2x in a year and just fell in love with it. I mention a lot of these points to my clients…also, note how amazing traveling by the Wild Atlantic Way is. Another place, the Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in the Connemara area is wonderful! Such beautiful grounds with a lot to do. Be sure to check out the pretty Connemara ponies ? [email protected]

Oh yes! I’ve had several people suggest those to me! I haven’t done any of those, but we are heading back in February so I will put those on my list for sure! Thanks!

The Connemara region IS lovely. We enjoyed our staff at the Ballynahinch Castle — Twp days of rest and relaxation in the middle of a three-week visit. Beautiful grounds.

Planning on visiting Ireland we can organise This perfect Itinerary for you.

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Ii did this same trip about 5yrs ago I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am saving to go back a second time. The scenery is amazing and the people are so friendly

So excited for your trip back! It’s truly an amazing country!

What would be the best time of year to go?

Any time is a good time to go to Ireland, but I love it in the Spring if you don’t mind some rain!

I only have 3 days to go to Ireland to visit thank you for the recommendation in advance

Have so much fun!

Planning an Ireland trip next year 2020, for my 60th birthday. Want to travel at our leisure in a rental car but I would like to know what you suggest as far as reserving places to stay before going. I know we must pre-pay ABNB but what would availiblity look like if you just show up in many of the places you recommend seeing? Want to have flexibility but don’t really want to sleep in the car! Probably travelling April or May 2020. Thanks!

Hi Gayle, I totally understand wanting flexibility. With hotels I think that is fine, but many Airbnbs require at least 24 hour notice for booking. I’ve never done last minute accommodations, but I also have 4 children, so it’s harder to find. In general, I don’t recommend it. My advice is to really decide what you want to see and to be realistic about driving times. Map everything out before going. Best of luck, please let me know if you need any help planning. I’m excited for your trip!

Love this! My husband and I are planning to go end of August and are trying to decide if we need a travel agent. About how long does it take to get from place to place driving? Would you suggest staying in a new hotel each night? Our plan is 7 days right now.

Hi Taylor! How exciting. You’re going to LOVE Ireland! I would recommend staying in Dublin (1 night), Co. Waterford (1 or 2 nights), Cork (1 night), Killarney (at least 2 nights), near the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare (1-2 nights), Northern Ireland (at least 2 nights), then Back to Dublin. You might not have time to do this entire route. It’s quite a bit of driving. I’d pick maybe 4 things that you really want to see and stick to that for 7 days. Let me know if you need any help planning. Have so much fun! -Vanessa

Hi! I just completed my isle tour, and most of it was based off of your suggestions! I landed in Dublin, then traveled to Portstewart, then back down to Kilkenny (which turned out to be my absolute favorite!), then headed over to Cork, then Galway, then back to Dublin. I just have to say I had an amazing trip and I wanted to thank you for your article!! Giants Causeway was impressive, Blarney Castle and the property surrounding it was stunning, Cliffs of Moher was breathtaking, and I simply can’t wait to go back!

Hi Malli! Thank you SO much for letting me know how your trip was! It sounds like you had an amazing time. Ireland never disappoints! I hope you’re able to make it back sometime soon. I was randomly looking up houses for sale in Ireland today haha! Just love that island! Thanks again! It means the world! xo Vanessa

This May, I and my husband are travelling to the emerald country for the second time. Two years ago we decided to explore Dublin solely, but this time we’d love to stay longer and see more of local nature. Thank you for this elaborate itinerary. We’ll try to make most of it.

Hi Lynn! That is so exciting! You’re going to love it even more than Dublin, I promise! May is a wonderful time to go! The daffodils are just poking their heads up now and everything should be in glorious full bloom and nice and green for you by then. Have an amazing time. I’d love to know what you ended up doing when you return! Keep in touch. Thanks again! xo Vanessa

Your guide to Galaway with the link doesn’t work or doesn’t take it to a correct source. Thanks for this post though!

Thank you so much for letting me know! I’ve just updated the link. Have an amazing time in Ireland! xo

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The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip

This Ultimate Ireland Road Trip is the perfect way to explore Ireland on your first visit.

As a country known for its rolling green hillsides, lively pub culture, and its abundance of well-preserved medieval castles, Ireland is a must visit for any traveler.

Since Ireland is fairly easy to get to from both the USA and Europe, it’s a popular destination and one you’ll definitely want to plan ahead for.

While many first time visitors head to Ireland just to visit Dublin, Kilkenny, and Cliffs of Moher, there is so much more to see outside these popular tourist destinations. I strongly encourage you to rent a car, stay a little longer, and see a lot more.

This Ireland road trip itinerary will take you to about a dozen spots around the country including medieval towns, big cities, rocky coastlines, and of course, to plenty of castles.

Ireland was one of the best road trips I’ve ever taken, I really believe you’ll love it too. Let’s get to it.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Ireland Road Trip

Before getting into this five to seven day Ireland itinerary I wanted to give you a few tips before heading out on your trip.

First, be sure to book your rental car well in advance, especially if travelling in 2021. Many popular tourist destinations are sold out of rental cars, so plan ahead for this trip and book early.

Second, make your hotel reservations in advance as well to ensure you get the hotel you want at a good price. I include recommendations for each city down below based on the places I stayed during my own recent trip. Just don’t wait until the last minute or you may not get to stay where you want to. You can check rates via the links for each hotel.

I include approximate drive times between destinations below, but please remember these are approximate. Your drive may be faster or much longer depending on a variety of factors.

Finally, don’t overbook your time. There will be so much to see while driving around Ireland, you’re not going to want a rigid schedule. Keep an open mind, and just explore.

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Stop 1: Dublin

There’s quite literally a million things to do in Dublin so plan to hit the ground running when you arrive. I recommend booking your first two nights near the Dublin city center so you’re close to the action.

While in Dublin plan to visit the Temple Bar neighborhood, Molly Malone Statue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College Library, and my personal favorites the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery.

Seriously, even if you’re not a beer drinker, the Guinness Storehouse is a very good time, do not skip this. You will not only learn a lot about beer making, but you’ll also learn what Guinness means to the country of Ireland. I highly recommend getting tickets for both Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery .

If you’re looking to maximize your time spent in Dublin, consider getting tickets for the Hop On Hop Off Bus . You’ll save a ton of time, and it’s way cheaper than an Uber.

There are convenient stops everywhere for this thing and it takes you to all the attractions you’d want to see on a first visit to Dublin.

Plan for at least two days in Dublin before heading off to explore the rest of the country on your Ireland road trip.

Where to stay in Dublin

Hotels in Dublin can be pricey, but good deals can be found easily. I suggest staying near the city center so you don’t waste time traveling back and forth from your hotel. Here are a few great options for hotels in Dublin.

• The Morrison : This is the hotel I stayed at and it’s located right across the river from Temple Bar. It’s no frills, but nice enough. Also comes with affordable parking and free coffee and breakfast.
• The Grafton : A bit more stylish than The Morrison with a very cool hotel bar. This hotel is located just south of Temple Bar and is walking distance to many of Dublin’s attractions.

Next Stop: Powerscourt Waterfall

Drive Time: 40 minutes

Stop 2: Powerscourt Waterfall

Powerscourt Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Ireland at around 396 feet (121 meters) tall. The waterfall is located in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains south of Dublin near Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Visitors can reach the waterfall via a short walking path from the parking area. A stop here will only take about an hour or so, but its a nice place to visit and take some pictures.

Next Stop: Kilkenny

Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Stop 3: Kilkenny

Okay, not gonna lie… I loved Kilkenny. In fact, Kilkenny was my favorite stop on my Ireland road trip.

Kilkenny is a very cool old medieval town in the southeast corner of Ireland. Just walking around this town is super fun as you meander through all its old narrow medieval walkways.

Some of the most popular things to do in Kilkenny include visiting Kilkenny Castle, walking the Medieval Mile, St. Canice’s Cathedral, the Black Abbey, Kyteler’s Inn, and Dunmore Cave.

A Kilkenny walking tour is a great idea here if you’d like to learn more about the town. Kilkenny has such a rich and fascinating history, the tour is actually quite interesting.

I recommend just one night in Kilkenny to see the main sights, but two nights if you prefer to take it slow. You’ll have a great time either way, Kilkenny is a fun town.

Where to stay in Kilkenny

The town of Kilkenny is rather small, so as long as you stay near the city center you’ll be in a good spot.

• Pembroke Hotel : This is the hotel I stayed at right in the city center. The rooms were comfortable and the hotel had free breakfast and free parking. You could easily walk to anywhere in town.
• Kilkenny River Court Hotel : Very nice hotel right on the river overlooking Kilkenny Castle. You can also walk to anywhere in the city from this hotel. They also have a beautiful dining room overlooking the river. It’s a great spot for dinner or cocktails in the evening.

Next Stop: Rock of Cashel

Drive Time: 50 minutes

Stop 4: Rock of Cashel

If Kilkenny was my favorite medieval town, Rock of Cashel was my favorite medieval castle on my Ireland road trip.

The Rock of Cashel sits on a hilltop a short distance outside Kilkenny. What I loved most about Rock of Cashel is how ominous and foreboding it looks as you approach from a distance. It was like it was straight out of a movie, but totally real. Hope that doesn’t sound dumb, but I think you get what I mean.

The castle itself is mostly remnants of the outer walls, but visitors are welcome to go inside and have a look around. It’s very cool to step inside the interior to see how the castle was built and how thick the walls are.

Around the outside of the castle you’ll find a cemetery. Many of the headstones indicate burials in the 1900s. Definitely not medieval times, but it’s interesting to walk and makes for some great photos.

Next Stop: Lismore Castle and Gardens

Drive Time: 1 hour

Stop 5: Lismore Castle and Gardens

As you make your way towards Cork you’ll definitely want to stop at Lismore Castle and Gardens . While the castle itself is a private residence that does not allow visitors, the gardens surrounding the castle make the trip worthwhile.

There are two sections of the gardens, the upper gardens and lower gardens. As you walk around you’ll find all kinds of trees, bushes, and flowers with Lismore Castle serving as the perfect Medieval backdrop.

Plan to spend about an hour to 90 minutes exploring the gardens. There’s also a coffee shop and art gallery here as well.

Next Stop: Cork

Stop 6: Cork

If you want to see all the sights in Cork, you’ll need to spend a bit more time here than just half a day. Cork is similar to Dublin in that it’s a large city that will require some driving between attractions.

With that said, I think a single night in Cork is fine. Just have a good plan on what you want to see and plan to either arrive early in the day, or get up early the morning you wake up here.

Some of the most popular attractions in Cork are Fitzgerald Park, Blackrock Castle Observatory, St. Anne’s Church and Cork City Gaol. If you’re short on time but want to get a feel for the city, you can join a 90 minute Cork Walking Tour to see the main sights.

Cork is also known for its impressive restaurant scene. If you have the time, I recommend trying out a Cork Food Tour during your visit. This way you’ll get to learn about the city’s restaurant scene while tasting some of the best food in the city.

Where to stay in Cork

Cork is kind of a big city, so I suggest staying near the city center near some good restaurants. Here are my recommendations.

• Maldron Hotel : This is the hotel I stayed at right in the city center along the river. The rooms were very comfortable and the location was perfect. You’ll find great restaurants and pubs just a block away on Oliver Plunkett Street.
• Imperial Hotel : An upscale hotel near the city center, also walking distance to Oliver Plunkett Street and many of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Next Stop: Blarney Castle

Drive Time: 15 minutes

Stop 7: Blarney Castle

You can’t come all the way to Ireland and leave without visiting Blarney Castle and kissing the Blarney Stone.

Blarney Castle is just a few minutes outside Cork, so I recommend arriving when they open to beat the crowds. They open at 9:00 a.m. Book your tickets in advance to save time.

I visited in the summer of 2021,so there were no crowds anywhere in Ireland, but I’ve heard the line to get into Blarney Castle can last well over an hour in normal peak seasons. Do plan ahead.

Once you arrive at Blarney Castle and Gardens, make a bee line for the castle. You’ll find a large lawn out front where you can get pictures. Once inside the castle, you’ll make your way up a narrow and steep spiral staircase.

The stairs will take you to the very top of the castle where you’ll be greeted with a rather impressive view of the surrounding area. The top of the castle is also where you’ll find the Blarney Stone.

Kissing the Blarney Stone requires a bit of acrobatics as you have to bend backwards into a hole. There will be someone there to assist to make sure you don’t injure yourself and another person who will take your picture.

The pictures are pricey as you’d expect, but totally worth it in my opinion.

After you’ve explored inside Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone, you can either continue to explore the outer gardens, or hit the road to Cliffs of Moher. I chose the latter.

Next Stop: Cliffs of Moher

Drive Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

A quick note here. If you have more time to spend in Ireland, consider heading down towards Killarney and driving the Ring of Kerry.

The Ring of Kerry is a popular tourist route that starts and ends in Killarney and circles the County Kerry peninsula along Slea Head Drive. There’s lots to see around the Ring of Kerry including Killarney National Park, Medieval castles, and Ireland’s beautiful coast.

After the Ring of Kerry you can also head next door to the Dingle Peninsula, which juts out into the Atlantic. You’ll get beautiful coastal views as you drive around the peninsula and then back north towards Cliffs of Moher.

Stop 8: Cliffs of Moher

You can’t come to Ireland without seeing the Cliffs of Moher. If you’re visiting the country but not driving, join a Cliffs of Moher day trip from Dublin. It’s worth the time it takes to get there, trust me.

For the rest of you who decided on an Ireland road trip, you’ll find the gorgeous rocky Cliffs of Moher along Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,500 mile long coastal road on Ireland’s Atlantic coast.

Plan to walk around for a bit to explore and hike along the various trails lining the coast. The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is about 8 miles and hugs the coastline. The trail is easy and flat. Just be sure to bring comfortable shoes.

I also think you can get better pictures along the Coastal Walk as opposed to just hanging out at the viewing platforms. So even if you don’t plan to walk the whole 8 miles, head up the trail at least a little bit for the unobstructed views.

After you’ve had enough majestic scenery for the day, make your way over to the visitor center. They have several informational exhibits to learn more about the Cliffs of Moher and local wildlife.

Be sure to bring something warm to wear when visiting Cliffs of Moher. It can get very windy and cold along the coast. You’ll need a sweater or jacket.

Next Stop: Galway

Drive Time: 90 minutes

Stop 9: Galway

Galway is the perfect city to visit when you want to experience the pub scene in Ireland and take a break from all the sightseeing. The city center is packed with great pubs and restaurants that you can easily walk between.

Do keep in mind that Galway is a university town, so pub patrons are likely to be on the younger side. The bars and pubs near the city center will get a bit loud and rowdy on weekend nights.

If you’re on the older side (like I am!) you may wish to head out on the early side (say 6:00 p.m. ish) so you can avoid the madness of the late night. This will give you time to have a few pints and grab dinner before it gets too late.

If you’d like to hear some traditional Irish music, be sure to visit The Crane Bar over on Sea Road. It’s a traditional pub with live music every night.

Galway is also a popular homebase for those visitng Cliffs of Moher or exploring more of the Wild Atlantic Way. So if you plan to spend more time at either of those locations, Galway is the perfect place to be.

Where to stay in Galway

You’ll want to stay in the city center when visiting Galway so you’re close to the restaurants, bars and cafes. Here are my recommendations:

• The House Hotel : Upscale, yet affordable rooms near the city center with a bistro and cocktail bar.
• The Residence Hotel : Comfortable rooms in a hotel located right on Quay Street.

Next Stop: Trim

Drive Time: 2 hours

After Galway, this Ireland road trip itinerary heads back east. However, if you have extra time consider heading north towards the Slieve League Cliffs, Achill Island, Glenveagh National Park, and Northern Ireland and it’s beautiful Causeway Coast and famous Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge.

Stop 10: Trim

Trim Castle was another one of my favorite stops in Ireland. Both the town of Trim and Trim Castle were much cooler than I had expected.

Plan to spend about 90 minutes to two hours for this stop so you can explore the castle grounds and then walk around town for a bit.

You cannot go inside Trim Castle, but there’s a walking path leading around the outer perimeter. From the outside, the castle is in pretty good shape. No idea what it’s like on the inside, but the outside is impressive.

From the walking path you can see the old ramparts and the area where the moat used to be. How cool is that?

After you’ve seen the castle, head across the River Boyne via the Trim Castle River Walk to see a few other medieval ruins. While you’re over there, head to The Olive Tree for lunch. They serve fantastic sandwiches and coffee.

Trust me, after a week of dining on Irish cuisine, you’ll be grateful for something different!

Next Stop: Carlingford

Drive Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Stop 11: Carlingford

Carlingford is located along Ireland’s west coast overlooking the Irish Sea. The town is known for it’s medieval buildings and King John’s Castle, which sits along the shore near the harbor.

While in Carlingford you’ll want to take a walk through the city center, explore King John’s Castle, grab a pint at PJ O’Hare’s Pub, and take a bike ride along the Carlingford to Omeath Greenway.

Carlingford is also known for it’s fresh Oysters, so be sure to try them while you’re in town.

Where to stay in Carlingford

Carlingford is on the small side, so you’ll be walking distance to the city center with just about any hotel choice, but here are my picks:

• Four Seasons Hotel : The world’s most affordable Four Seasons! Okay, maybe it isn’t but it’s darn close. Upscale hotel about a 5 minute walk to the city center. Rooms in the mid $200s.
• Carlingford House : Upscale historic guesthouse located about 10 minutes from King John’s Castle.

Next Stop: Back to Dublin

Once back in Dublin, hit up any last minute stops you might have missed at the beginning of your trip and have one last celebratory pint.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the Ultimate Ireland Road Trip and that I’ve inspired you to plan a trip of your own. If you liked this post please consider sharing it. As always, thanks for reading.

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The Perfect Ireland Road Trip Itinerary You Should Steal

January 16, 2020 //  by  Follow Me Away //   98 Comments

Planning the perfect Ireland road trip itinerary does not have to be stressful or overwhelming.

No matter where you choose to visit in Ireland, whether it is the whole Emerald Isle or only a piece of it such as Northern Ireland , you are in for a real treat.

Planning your trip to Ireland last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Ireland in advance to ensure availability! Here are our top picks for your trip!

Top experiences and tours in Ireland:

• Cliffs Of Moher + Galway From Dublin (Top pick!)
• Guinness Storehouse Ticket (Often sells out)
• Northern Ireland tour from Dublin (Highly recommend NI!)
• Wicklow Mountains tour from Dublin (Multiple stops!)

Top Hotels In Ireland:

• The Dean Cork (Modern with indoor pool)
• Jurys Inn Dublin Parnell Street (Over 11,000 reviews + epic location)
• The Lodge At Ashford Castle (Pretty and historical)
• Slieve Donard (Luxury castle hotel in Northern Ireland!)

We have explored Ireland from top to bottom and have yet to be disappointed by a single place!

Ireland is a diverse country that offers something for everyone and this ultimate Ireland itinerary hits it all.

Our Ireland road trip itinerary is written in a clockwise manner around the island, but feel free to modify in any way or go completely against the grain and go counter-clockwise if you are a true rebel!

For this Ireland road trip itinerary, we are not specifying an amount of time so that you can make the drive as time allows for your schedule.

If you are planning a trip to Ireland and only have 5 days for your itinerary, then modify this Ireland road trip route to fit that length of time.

If you have two weeks, consider spending a few days in each location to really take in what Ireland has to offer such as gorgeous beaches and beautiful waterfalls! No matter what amount of time you choose to explore the country, your Ireland road trip will not disappoint.

Read more: What To Pack For Ireland

Begin Your Ireland Road Trip By Flying Into Dublin Airport

You will begin almost any trip to Ireland by flying into Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport is a major international airport and flights into Ireland are often relatively affordable. In fact, the reason we went to Ireland on our very first trip was that it was so cheap to fly into! We had no clue how amazing the country really was and are very glad we went on a whim!

Since you will be renting a car in Ireland as this is indeed a road trip, picking up your rental from the Dublin airport is a really great and affordable way to go about securing your vehicle.

Alternatively, you could fly into Belfast Airport in Northern Ireland and being this Ireland itinerary from there. Otherwise, flying into Dublin airport is the perfect place to begin your Ireland road trip as it is affordable and there are tons of car rental options on airport property so you can easily pick up your rental and get going. This is one of the BEST ROAD TRIPS IN EUROPE so you are in for a real treat and a memorable experience!

We recommend checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable flights into Ireland. We use this tool to discover the best flights for our trip because you can easily compare rates.

We also suggest booking your Ireland road trip on a travel credit card so you can earn points towards future travel! These are the travel credit cards we personally use! 

Search Flights To Ireland

Stop 1: Spend Time Exploring Dublin To Begin Your Ireland Road Trip

Dublin is the largest city in the Republic Of Ireland and has a lot to offer. We will be honest, we recommend a quick stop in Dublin and then getting out to visit the rest of what Ireland has to offer. No Ireland itinerary would be complete without a stop in Dublin, but the rest of Ireland is much less expensive and way cooler as you will see! Spend as long or as little as you like in Dublin but we recommend 1-2 nights.

Don’t forget to check out our Detailed Road Trip Packing List so you don’t forget any essentials for your trip!

Noteworthy Things To Do In Dublin:

Have a Guinness in the Temple Bar area.  Temple Bar is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Dublin. It is bustling and lively and the perfect place to experience your first Irish pub! Temple Bar is a great place for dinner and a pint and even though it is “touristy” it is still a cool thing to visit in Dublin.

Book Here: Pub Crawl of Dublin 

Walkthrough St. Stephens Green. We love nature and St. Stephen’s Green is sort of like the Central Park for Dublin! It is so relaxing and pretty with lots of nature and flowers and walking paths.

Visit Dublin Castle. Dublin Castle is a real castle located in the heart of Dublin and the perfect introduction to castles in Ireland!

Visit Trinity College and the Book Of Kells. You  must pay Trinity College and the famous library a visit when you are in Dublin! It is stunning and unlike anywhere else in the world!

Get Fast Access To Dublin Castle

Experience The Guinness Storehouse. If you love beer, then visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin will be the best possible way to start off your Ireland itinerary. You get beer included and will learn about the history!

Skip The Line With This Guinness Storehouse Ticket 

Where To Stay In Dublin On Your Ireland Road Trip

Dublin is experiencing a shortage of hotel rooms and as a result, prices are sky-high! As a result, we recommend spending a shorter amount of time in Dublin to leave time for the rest of your Ireland road trip itinerary. We have an entire post about Where To Stay In Dublin if you are looking for more information. This post breaks down our favorite areas in Dublin and helps you plan and choose which area is best for you!

Best VRBO’s in Dublin: 

• Budget: In The Heart of Dublin. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Dublin Apartment Check Availability on VRBO.com

Best Hotels in Dublin: 

• Luxury hotel option: Clontarf Castle Hotel.  Stay in a real castle hotel in the heart of Dublin! Check prices here!
• Budget hotel option : The Charles Stewart Guesthouse . Affordable option in the heart of the city. Check prices here!
• Dublin Airbnb option: Private double bedroom city center. If you are new to Airbnb, use our code to get $40 off your first trip. Download free coupon here!

Stop 2: Enjoy Rock Of Cashel And Hore Abbey

We did Rock Of Cashel as a day stop on our way from Dublin to Cork, but you can totally spend the night in the area if you want even more time to explore during your Ireland road trip. Rock Of Cashel is hugely touristy, but for a good reason! It is an epic ruin set on the top of a hill surrounded by sheep, does it even any more Irish than that?

There is an entrance fee to visit Rock Of Cashel and in all honesty, the inside wasn’t all that! The outside is the best part and a dream for photographers. If you are looking to get off the beaten path, visit the nearby Hore Abbey instead.

You can see Hore Abbey from Rock Of Cashel and while Rock Of Cashel has tour buses and hundreds of people visiting at the same time, Hore Abbey had maybe 4 people there at the same time when we were visiting during our Ireland road trip.

Explore Rock of Cashel on this Castle Tour

Hore is Gaelic for grey, which is the color the nuns wore back in the day. The abbey ruins are magnificent and you will have the whole place to yourself! The view of Rock Of Cashel from Hore Abbey and the field beside it is totally worth making this a stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary.

Best VRBO’s Near Rock of Cashel: 

• Budget: Luxurious Country Farmhouse Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: The Farmhouse. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Best Hotels Near Rock of Cashe l:

• Local and Affordable: Cashel Town BnB | Check Prices On Booking.com
• Central In Town: Baileys Hotel Cashel | Check Prices On Booking.com

Stop 3: Visit Cork, Cobh, And Blarney Estate In Irelands Ancient East

Cork is located just a few hours away from Dublin and is totally worth a stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary. It is centrally located to a lot of stops in Ireland’s Ancient East and you will not be disappointed.

Seeing Cobh During Your Ireland Road Trip

When visiting Cork, you must mak30-minute drive to visit the colorful nearby town of Cobh! Cobh is home to a Titanic Museum experience and is actually the last stop the Titanic made before crossing the Atlantic. Cobh is also the top of our prettiest towns in Ireland and it a must-see during your trip!

While in Cobh, you will want to visit the church which is high on the hill and may want to explore the colorful local neighborhoods that are perched on a steep hill. The town is the perfect way to spend your morning and grab an ice cream if you want! While the town is small, there are actually quite a lot of things to do which makes for a fun stop or day trip on your itinerary! Check out some Fun Things To Do In Cobh! 

If you want to stop in Cobh, stay at the Commodore Hotel . It is centrally located and offers a wonderful location for exploring Cobh and the surrounding areas. We wish we could have spent longer in Cobh because it is so beautiful!

Check Rates On Booking.com

Kissing The Blarney Stone Is A Must On Your Ireland Itinerary

When we made the decision to visit Blarney Estate and kiss the famous Blarney Stone during our Ireland road trip, we thought you basically walked up to the castle, kissed the stone, and left.

This could not be further from the truth! Blarney Castle is located on Blarney Estate which is a huge property right outside of Cork!

The Estate is massive and you could spend an entire day there. We recommend budgeting at least 3 hours to kiss the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle, to explore the Blarney Manor where the family lived, and the explore the fabulously landscaped grounds.

You could spend three days there but you have to keep your Ireland road trip itinerary moving along so stick to a few hours!

Kiss The Blarney Stone on This Castle Tour

If you don’t want to drive and want to stay right in the thick of things, we recommend staying at Blarney Castle Hotel if you want to explore Blarney Castle before all of the crowds! It is mid-range and centrally located so you can easily walk around the town and even to Blarney Castle grounds should you desire!

Best VRBO’s near Blarney Castle: 

• Budget: Country Retreat . Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Victorian Townhouse. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Best Hotels near Blarney Castle: 

Blarney Castle Hotel: Check Rates On Booking.com

If you are looking for a more local and affordable experience, the Maranatha Country House is just the place to stay for you. It is a little outside of Blarney but it isn’t that far at all! It is cute and affordable and traditionally Irish.

Maranatha Country House: Check Rates On Booking.com

Where To Stay In Cork: Hayfield Manor

If you are looking to treat yourself during your Ireland road trip, Cork is the perfect place to do it! Hayfield Manor, an Ireland’s Blue Book property, is an old manor house converted into a hotel in the heart of Cork. The hotel is centrally located and it is easy to jump on the highway to visit Blarney and Cobh if they are a part of your Ireland itinerary.

We loved the fact that Hayfield Manor transports you to a bygone era with its luxurious accommodations and perfect service. We stayed in a suite it was perfect for a romantic getaway. We were greeted with truffles and drinks upon our arrival and enjoyed a turndown service at night. It is the perfect place to stay if you are celebrating your honeymoon in Ireland too!

Hayfield Manor has multiple on-site restaurants and we ate in the bistro which was located in a stunning all-glass room. The food was delicious and there were different pricing options. If you wanted to get all fancy, you could choose to eat at Hayfield Manor’s fine dining restaurant as well.

Hayfield Manor boasts a lovely garden area and outdoor hot tub as well as a luxurious spa and warm indoor pool. Of course, we had to check out the pool and spa and enjoyed that Hayfield Manor had classical music playing in the pool and spa area which added to the experience.

Finally, the rooms at Hayfield Manor were decorated in such a romantic and classical way that we actually did a full-blown photo shoot of the property.

You really get a feeling of how the family who once owned Hayfield Manor used to live and we think that a night or two at Hayfield Manor is the perfect luxury getaway experience for your Ireland road trip. We especially recommend it for couples on their honeymoon or anniversary trip to Ireland too!

Best Airbnb’s in Cork: 

• Budget:  Luxury Apartment. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Luxury Hideaway Cottage. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Stop 4: Drive The Ring Of Kerry

No Ireland road trip itinerary is complete without a drive on the famed Ring Of Kerry. Please note that the Ring Of Kerry is quite a harrowing drive as roads are extremely narrow and thin and there are large tour buses that go by quickly so you must be very careful.

If you see a car coming down the road, it is best to pull over if you are able and wait for them to pass you before proceeding. The narrow roads make this quite an interesting part of your Ireland road trip itinerary.

Visit Kerry Cliffs During Your Ireland Road Trip

Kerry Cliffs are basically a miniature version of the Cliffs Of Moher and they are located on the very middle of the Ring Of Kerry along the Skellig Ring.

The Skellig Ring is a short circle drive that is at the end of the Ring Of Kerry and easy to see as there are many signs. You can even see the Skellig Islands, where Star Wars was filmed, from the Kerry Cliffs!

It costs 2 euros per person to visit but it is a pretty cool stop to make during the Ring Of Kerry drive on your Ireland road trip. The Kerry Cliffs are home to many seabirds and make for a wonderful walk to explore the cliffs during your Ireland itinerary.

Take In All of The Amazing Sights Along The Ring of Kerry on This Scenic Tour

Ride The Car Ferry To Valentia Island

Valentia Island is an island on the Ring Of Kerry road trip located right near the Kerry Cliffs. If you drive the Skellig Ring during your Ireland road trip, then Valentia Island is literally less than 2km away!

The island is home to a stunning lighthouse that you can visit and explore as well as quaint seaside towns that are perfect to stop for ice cream. Valentia Island can be accessed near Kerry Cliffs by a bridge and by a ferry on the other end of the island.

We recommend getting onto the island by the bridge and exciting the island by the 8 euro car ferry. It is a fun and unique thing to do during your Ireland road trip!

Where To Stay On The Ring Of Kerry: Parknasilla Resort And Spa

We really can’t say enough about Parknasilla Resort and Spa located right on the Ring Of Kerry. We visited during high season during a holiday weekend and the resort was full of guests and we don’t blame them!

The property and hotel are stunning! Parknasilla Resort is located in the northeast corner of the Ring Of Kerry, right by the town of Sneem.

It is the perfect place to spend a night or two and right on the Ring Of Kerry so you can easily drive and explore the nearby beaches and cliffs and come home to a restful night sleep.

Parknasilla Resort’s best feature is its location and view, not to mention the fact that it looks like a literal castle! The view from Parknasilla Resort offers unobstructed vistas out over the Kerry mountains and the ocean.

There are on-site walking trails as well as a golf course and kayak tours. Parknasilla Resort boasts multiple restaurants and even an in-house coffee shop so you can get your java fix.

Our room was located on the top floor of the “castle” portion of the resort and had multiple windows overlooking two different views of the ocean and mountains. The room was decorated in a classical fashion with pastel-colored walls, carpet, and bedding.

The bathroom came complete with a rain shower and pedestal sinks. The atmosphere of the resort was relaxed luxury without feeling stuffy. The resort was very family friendly and couple friendly as well.

If you visit Parknasilla Resort, make sure to spend time in their pool and spa. The pool and spa both offer panorama views of the mountains and water outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows.

You can even use the thermal circuit for free in the spa area if you are a hotel guest and the pool is heated to a nice temperature. To top it all off, Parknasilla Resort also has an outdoor hot tub overlooking the stunning scenery nearby.

Check rates for Parknasilla Resort On Booking.com

Best VRBO’s on The Ring of Kerry: 

• Budget: Traditional Cottage. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Ocean View Cottage. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Stop 5: Explore Killarney For Some Of The Best Drives Of Your Ireland Road Trip

Killarney is one of our absolute favorite places to visit in Ireland! The city of Killarney is so vibrant and welcoming and the nearby scenery is just breathtaking. Killarney is a wonderful place to stop on your Ireland road trip because the area is so diverse and truly has so much to offer!

Noteworthy Things To Do In Killarney:

Visit Muckross House And Killarney House . Killarney House and Muckross House are located in the Killarney area and are both fascinating places to visit during your Ireland road trip. Muckross House is located a bit out of the city and can be quite busy.

The grounds are stunningly beautiful! Killarney House is located in the heart of Downtown Killarney and you are free to walk in and out of the grounds as you please!

Torc Waterfall. Torc Waterfall is a unique stop on your Ireland road trip because you would not really think about waterfalls being in Ireland!

The waterfall is located right off the main road and is just a quick and easy walk to visit. It is a must-see on your Ireland itinerary because of how unique it is! Torc Waterfall tops our list of the best easy hikes in Ireland and it is so unique and pretty to see!

Ross Castle. Ross Castle is the perfect stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary because it is beautiful and easy to get to. It is located in the heart of Killarney on a lake and it is completely free to visit the castle and view it from the outside. There is a fee if you want to go inside, but we think you get the best views from the outside near the lake!

Killarney National Park. The town of Killarney is located right on Killarney National Park and there is so much to see and do. We recommend driving through the Gap Of Dunloe and seeing Ladies View during your Ireland road trip stop in Killarney.

Book Here: Ross Castle & Killarney National Park Tour

Where To Stay In Killarney On Your Ireland Road Trip:

Killarney is one of those places with plenty of lodging options! It is quite a popular town and for a good reason! We love Killarney and here are some of our recommendations of where to stay in Killarney during your Ireland road trip itinerary!

Best VRBO’s in Killarney: 

• Budget: Country Cottage. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Spacious Holiday Home. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Best Hotels in Killarney: 

• The Brehon. The Brehon is a popular hotel located in the heart of Killarney right near Ross Castle. It is moderately priced and located perfectly for visiting Killarney National Park. We stayed in a lovely suite at the Brehon with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains! Check Prices: Hotels.com | Booking.com
• Aghadoe Heights. Aghadoe Heights is one of our favorite hotels in the entire world and we spent four days there when speaking at a conference in Killarney. The hotel offers stunning views of Killarney Lakes and the national park and offers a world-class spa. We highly recommend this for your luxury stay in Killarney! Check Prices: Hotels.com | Booking.com
• Airbnb In Downtown Killarney. This Airbnb location is perfect for exploring downtown Killarney and all the cute bars and ice cream shops! It is a private room and perfect for a couple or solo traveler. Check availability here!   Don’t forget that you can get $40 off here!

Stop 5: Visit The Breathtaking Dingle Peninsula, One Of The Best Ireland Road Trip Drives

As we said above, we have done multiple Ireland road trips around the entire country on multiple different trips and the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular places to visit. It will meet and beat all of your prior expectations and the views go for miles!

We only spent 24 hours on the Dingle Peninsula but plan to come back and spend at least 2 nights. This is one area that you will want time to enjoy everything so you should listen to us because we didn’t listen to those who told us to extend our Ireland road trip for longer in Dingle!

While you are on the Dingle Peninsula during your Ireland itinerary, there are so many things to see and do! Here are our recommendations!

Must-See Stops On The Dingle Peninsula:

Slea Head Drive . This is the most epic thing you will do during your Ireland road trip [okay, one of them!] Slea head drive is a loop that starts and ends in the town of Dingle. It offers stunning cliff views, Star Wars movie locations, mountains, quaint towns, and breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. Discover the 12 Best Stops On Slea Head Drive!

Dunquin Pier. Dunquin Pier is an iconic ‘postcard” destination on the Dingle Peninsula. It is located in the town of Dunquin on the Slea Head Drive loop and is actually a ferry pier. It is quite a good photo location for catching the sunset and you will have lots of fun walking down to the water.

Connor’s Pass . Connor’s Pass is the highest pass in Ireland and a wonderful addition to your Ireland itinerary. If you make this drive part of your Ireland road trip, be prepared for slow driving and very narrow roads. Conner’s Pass is beautiful but the roads are quite thin so be sure to pull over well in advance for any oncoming traffic.

Dingle Town. The town of Dingle is a must-see on your Ireland road trip because it is so cute and centrally located. It is right at the start and end of Slea Head drive and has so much to see and do! Make sure to walk around the shops and grab an ice cream while you enjoy the waterfront.

Explore The Scenic Views of The Dingle Penninsula on This Tour

Where To Stay In Dingle On Your Ireland Road Trip:

Luxury option: dingle benners hotel.

If you are planning a luxury Ireland itinerary, the Dingle Benners Hotel is the perfect place for you to stay on the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle Benners Hotel couples traditional Irish hospitality with modern-day amenities. The 52 rooms are luxurious and beautiful and the hotel is small enough so that you still get the boutique luxury experience.

Dingle Benners Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Dingle and is just steps away from all the shops and local attractions you will want to experience during your Ireland road trip.

The luxury hotel offers multiple dining options as well as a spa for when you want to wind down at the end of a busy day in Dingle! Make sure to check out their Afternoon Tea for a fun and totally Irish experience!

Check Prices: Booking.com |  Hotels.com  

  Moderate Option: Dingle Skellig Hotel

The Dingle Skellig Hotel is located right on the waterfront and within walking distance of Downtown Dingle. This option is more affordable than Dingle Benners Hotel but doesn’t sacrifice service, style, or location. In fact, it is one of the only waterfront properties in such close proximity to Dingle Town! You can walk to the heart of Dingle Town in less than 10 minutes.

Dingle Skellig Hotel offers a relaxing pool and spa as well as outdoor hot tubs overlooking the bay. There is a pub and two on-site restaurants.

When we arrived back later than we thought, the staff at Dingle Skellig Hotel graciously cooked us a delicious meal, even though the kitchen had just closed. The rooms at Dingle Skellig are relaxing and many have views of the bay or Downtown Dingle.

Check Prices: Booking.com | Hotels.com

Best VRBO’s Near Dingle: 

• Budget: Quiet Country Home. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Dingle Bay View. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Stop 6: Check The Cliffs Of Moher Off Your Ireland Itinerary Bucket List

Is there anything more iconically Irish than the Cliffs Of Moher? Even if you don’t generally like to do “the touristy” things, the Cliffs Of Moher are a must-see on your Ireland road trip itinerary.

We recommend budgeting at least 2 hours to see the Cliffs Of Moher, although we have spent even more there ourselves! Seeing the Cliffs Of Moher in person will blow your mind and exceed all of your expectations!

Book Your Cliffs of Moher Excursion Here

During your time at the Cliffs Of Moher, you can visit the Visitor Center for some education and also grab a bite to eat before heading out to the views! You can stay on the Cliffs Of Moher visitor center property, or you can go outside of the property and walk on top of the Cliffs themselves.

This is one of the more dangerous things you will do on your Ireland road trip, so make sure that you practice extreme caution!

There are a lot of fabulous Irish Castle Hotels near the Cliffs Of Moher so if you are looking to add one to your bucket list, this is a great place to do it!

Check Prices For Cliffs Of Moher Hotels: Booking.com | Hotels.com  

Stop 7: Drop By Doolin For Picture Perfect Irish Charm

Doolin is an adorable town located just 10 minutes north of the Cliffs Of Moher. If you are already visiting the Cliffs Of Moher on your Ireland road trip, we recommend a quick stop in Doolin too. Doolin is such a cute little town, with iconic pink houses, an adorable downtown, a castle turret, and a cute harbor.

While you are in Doolin, you can also take a day trip to the nearby Aran Islands. We have never done the Aran Islands before but they are high on your Ireland road trip bucket list for next time! You can catch an affordable ferry from Doolin and it is a short boat ride to the islands!

Check Rates For Doolin Lodge: Booking.com | Hotels.com

Best VRBO’s in Doolin: 

• Budget: Relaxing Doolin Private Home. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Atop The Cliffs of Moher.   Check Availability on VRBO.com

Stop 8: Experience Westport And Achill Island On Your Ireland Road Trip Itinerary 

We love getting off the beaten path and there is no better place to do that than Westport and the nearby Achill Island. Westport is an adorable town located in Co. Mayo has so much to offer.

You can choose to visit Westport House and see their falcon demonstration or take a bike ride on electric bikes through neighboring towns. Westport House is where famed pirate Grace O’Malley lived and you can even go into a real dungeon too!

Book Here: Westport House Tour

We highly recommend taking a day trip to the nearby Achill Island or even adding extra time to your Ireland road trip to stay on Achill Island. Achill Island is pristine Irish beauty at its best, with white sand beaches, mountain lakes, and cute towns.

You can even go surfing, paddle boarding, or snorkeling on Achill Island if you want a more adventurous Ireland itinerary!

Read more: The Ultimate Guide Of Things To Do In Co. Mayo

Best VRBO’s in Westport Ireland: 

• Budget: Town Centre Home. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Quiet Peaceful Home. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Best Accommodations And Hotels In Westport Ireland

• The Wyatt Hotel  (From $65 per night)
• Kockranny House Hotel  (From $120 per night)
• Clew Bay Hotel  (From $102 per night)
• Elephant Guest House  (From $84 per night)

Suggested Achill Island Hotels:

• Teach Cruachan Bed And Breakfast  (From $107 per night)
• West Coast House Bed And Breakfast  (From $76 per night)

Stop 9: Explore The Slieve League Cliffs And Bad Eddie’s Boat In Co. Donegal 

Co. Donegal, Ireland’s Northernmost county is known as it’s most “wild.” This isn’t a place most people visit on their Ireland road trip, but we have gone and we highly recommend it. This is “real” and unspoiled Ireland, far away from any tourists. This is where you will find sheep wandering in the road and no fences to keep the animals in.

Things To Do In Co. Donegal On Your Ireland Road Trip:

Slieve League Cliffs . You have to put the Slieve League Cliffs on your Ireland road trip itinerary because they are one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe [second only to the cliffs on Achill Island]. The cliffs are located in the southern end of Donegal and you can drive to them and walk the rest of the way.

The views are incredible and you will hardly see another tourist in sight. After the busy Cliffs Of Moher, this is a more relaxed portion of your Ireland itinerary to enjoy.  Check Rates Slieve League Bnb: Booking.com | Hotels.com

Bad Eddie’s Shipwreck. Once you leave Slieve League, make your way up to the town of Bunbeg, where you will find a shipwreck right on the beach. This isn’t any old boring shipwreck, this is an old wooden shipwreck located on a beach that you can drive on! This is such a cool part of your Ireland road trip itinerary because you can get up close and personal with an actual shipwreck on a beach!  Check Rates For Bunbeg Lodge: Booking.com | Hotels.com

Glenveagh National Park. Glenveagh National Park is the epitome of wild Irish landscapes and if you love mountains, this is the place for you! Make sure to leave time to either drive through the national park or take a walk up one of the mountains! This is another one of the lesser-known things to do on your Ireland itinerary that you will just love!

Malin Head. Malin Head is the northernmost point in all of Ireland. If offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and there are many sea cliffs and beaches to explore. Malin Head is also a Star Wars filming location so if you love the movies, this will be a must-see stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary and you won’t regret visiting! Check Rates For Malin Head View Bnb: Booking.com  

Best VRBO’s in Donegal: 

• Budget: Summerhill Cottage. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Lough Eske House.   Check Availability on VRBO.com

Stop 10: Finish Your Ireland Road Trip By Exploring Belfast And The Causeway Coast

Northern Ireland is much less visited than the Republic Of Ireland but the country is so beautiful you must make it a stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary. Belfast is located less than 2 hours away from Dublin, so if you are flying out of Dublin after your Ireland road trip, you can spend a night or two in Belfast or Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast.

Exploring The Causeway Coast On Your Ireland Road Trip

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast is a stunning coastal drive that offers everything from pristine white sand beaches to castles perched high on the edge of cliffs! The stops listed below are all very close to one another so all of these locations can easily be seen in one day. There is so much to see and do on the Causeway Coast, but here are a few things you must make sure to see during your Ireland road trip:

Dunluce Castle. Dunluce Castle is an age-old castle ruin perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Could it get any more stunning than that? The castle is steeped in history and bloodshed, and it makes for fantastic photos!

Giant’s Causeway. Giant’s Causeway is a spectacular ode to nature with basalt rocks pushing up from the ocean in the shape of hexagons. If you are making this part of your Ireland itinerary, make sure to go early in the morning so you beat the tour buses.

Dark Hedges. The Dark Hedges is simply a hedgerow leading up to an old manor house, but they became popular from being featured in Game Of Thrones. Like Giant’s Causeway, if you aim to stop here on your Ireland road trip, make sure to go early or late to beat the tourists.

Mussenden Temple. Mussenden Temple is a temple perched on a cliff in Northern Ireland overlooking a perfect stretch of white sand beach! It is a fantastic place to catch the sunset and a wonderful stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary.

Game Of Thrones Doors. If you are into Game Of Thrones, you are going to want to pop into a pub or local hotel and see some of the Game Of Thrones Doors! There are many located along the Causeway Coast. You can read more about the Game Of Thrones Doors here! 

Book Here From Belfast: The Causeway Coast Tour 

Book Here From Dublin: The Causeway Coast Tour

What To See And Do In Belfast To Conclude Your Ireland Road Trip

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and is located under 2 hours away from all the best nature that Northern Ireland has to offer. If you visit Belfast during your Ireland road trip itinerary, and we think you should make sure to check out the Titanic Museum Experience and walk around the Titanic Quarter.

Did you know that Belfast is actually where the Titanic was built and originally set sail from? Now you do!

Belfast is also home to the buzzing Cathedral Quarter, which is the perfect place for a bite to eat and a visit to one of the many pubs. If you have time, you can even take a pub tour or walking tour around Belfast.

Check Hotel Prices In Belfast: Booking.com | Hotels.com

Best VRBO’s in Belfast: 

• Budget: Belfast Victorian House. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Titanic Luxury Apartment. Check Availability on VRBO.com

End Your Ireland Road Trip By Flying Out Of Dublin Or Belfast

Sadly, at one point or another, your Ireland road trip must come to an end. You will either be flying back out of Dublin or Belfast. If you fly out of Dublin, we highly recommend staying outside of Dublin City and then driving in on the day your flight leaves. This will save you from having to go back to Dublin and will save you money on a hotel as well.

Packing Tips For Your Trip To Ireland:

Here are some of our favorite items that you should consider packing for your trip to Ireland! These are essential travel items that we use and love and you should make sure to consider for your travels.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring with you! This  unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can keep your most valuable documents safe and secure next to your body.

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one. If it does not come with the  RFID protection , these  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft. This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. These are the kind our family uses not only when traveling but at home as well.

If you have a camera on your packing list, you need to add additional  memory cards  on your list as well. Unless you are packing a computer for your trip, you will not be able to upload photos and clear your existing memory card. Purchasing additional memory cards   cost under $20  and take up no space in your luggage. Having a backup can have the potential to save you a lot of heartaches if something goes awry! There is nothing worse than coming across that perfect moment and then finding out you don’t have enough space to capture it on your camera!

Similarly, If you are planning to capture your trip on a smartphone, we beg you to bring some way to back up your memories. The best way to do this is with a  portable smartphone flash drive . A flash drive is a small storage device that you can connect up to your smartphone and then safely and easily download the photos onto this device.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is the exact one we carry with us on all of my trips . It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like we have. And wow is it fast! We like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so we do not have to worry about it while out and about. And if we forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My mom was never a fan of  packing cubes  until she tried them out! Now she is sold .  These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones she uses whenever she travels and she travels a lot. She cannot believe how much more organized she is now! And she will never leave without them anymore.

We never leave home on a trip without our  Bobble filtration bottle.  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse. Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the Bobble carbon  filter  ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space in your suitcase at all. And you will be receiving a set of two.

You will want to bring a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This   foldable water-resistant backpack  would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial  backpack  for your international travel. This  antitheft backpack   has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well.

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you. We like polarized sunglasses because they remove the glare off the water and help you to see things more clearly.

Don’t forget to bring along a  universal power adapter  if you are traveling abroad. This  worldwide   power plug  is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days. And this  world traveler adapter kit   can charge several devices at the same time. This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group, or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time.

Ireland Road Trip Map

In case you want to see what it all looks like on paper, here is your Ireland road trip map! Unfortunately, Google Maps only lets us put 10 destinations, so we weren’t able to capture all the small stops like Cobh or Slieve League Cliffs. This is the general idea of where our route will take you and the driving time for the total Ireland road trip. Feel free do an Ireland road trip in a circle from the bottom of Dublin and Cliffs Of Moher or from the top to modify and save time!

This Ireland road trip itinerary showcases the best of what Ireland has to offer, from the touristy things to the lesser-known things to do! There is something for everyone and we purposefully didn’t put times or days so that you don’t have to limit yourselves! If you have two weeks, then modify this Ireland itinerary to fit your schedule and if you only have a few days, pick which stops are most important to you and go from there! Either way, Ireland is waiting for you to come visit!

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Reader Interactions

June 14, 2018 at 7:11 pm

I’ve followed you away for several years now and I think this is the best one yet. Be safe while traveling.

June 18, 2018 at 3:06 pm

Thank you so much! This means so much to us!

February 15, 2019 at 5:41 pm

What timeframe was this completed in, My wife and I are coming to Ireland for 10 days.

February 15, 2019 at 8:12 pm

You can do it in 10 days if you spend one day in each. I would recommend skipping Ring Of Kerry and Donegal if you want this itinerary in a more relaxed time frame!

February 15, 2019 at 8:18 pm

We will be there for 10 days and will need to return to Dublin

Any specific landmark/ site that are a “must” is appreciated.

Also want to see a few of the Great Lighthouses

August 5, 2019 at 5:07 am

Please add Inishowen Peninsula (Malin Head) to your map then take the Greencastle ferry to the causeway coast. We are always forgotten by the tourist and is winning the loto but forgot to claim the prize.

April 14, 2019 at 7:04 am

Nice itinerary, and the watercolour is beautiful but there are so many inaccuracies and spelling errors

April 14, 2019 at 1:38 pm

Hello! What was inaccurate? We would love to correct it! Thanks!

June 3, 2019 at 10:02 pm

We have 6-7 days what do you recommend.

June 19, 2018 at 11:04 pm

Victoria, this is the most comprehensive list I’ve ever seen. Will refer to it if I ever have the opportunity to travel to Ireland. Thank you for this.

June 21, 2018 at 1:45 am

Great trip , but you should visit Bunratty Castle for a medieval banquet and folk park a great nights entertainment

June 21, 2018 at 5:07 am

Have always wanted to tour Ireland. Your list is great, I know it will come in handy once i get the chance to visit. Amazing photos too.

June 22, 2018 at 9:29 pm

Awesome! I wish I knew more about Ireland to know for sure where to go, but I thought this definitely helped for my future road trip! ?

May 15, 2019 at 11:34 pm

I am landing in Dublin on 26 Dec and leaving on 11jan. My gf wants to stay in a city until 1jan so I was wondering if the itinerary can be completed in 10 days? Especially with daylight hours being so short. And is it advisable to stay in Dublin for 5 days? Thank you!

June 23, 2018 at 2:45 am

Your photos are incredible! I’ve only been to Dublin but this has me itching to go back! Great post!

June 23, 2018 at 2:53 am

Great blog. We loved Kerry and Dingle although didn’t know about Cobh. A definite visit next time. Thanks for sharing your itinerary.

June 23, 2018 at 12:06 pm

I did an Ireland road trip in 2003 with my mom and have been wanting to return ever since! Dingle was my favorite!

June 23, 2018 at 4:49 pm

This is a great itinerary! And very similar to the road trip I just did in Ireland last week with my mom and sister! Our favorites were the Rock of Cashel and Cobh, I think, along with having tea at Ashford Castle!

June 25, 2018 at 12:56 pm

We LOVED Cobh and Rock Of Cashel too! And Dingle! We really wanted to do Ashford Castle but didn’t get around to it!

June 23, 2018 at 10:55 pm

What a brilliant resource! I can’t believe I’ve still never been to Ireland, but I’d love to do a road trip like this!

Thank you so much! Ireland is an amazing place to road trip!

July 15, 2018 at 12:07 pm

I’ve always wanted to do a trip to Ireland. I will surely have this one on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing your itinerary! Definitely one to steal 🙂

July 16, 2018 at 1:23 pm

Thank you!! Have fun in Ireland when you go!

August 4, 2018 at 11:14 pm

Fabulous itinerary!!! This is pretty much what we will follow for our second trip to Ireland. Two things you could include that are not to be missed: Kylemore Abbey which is just stunning and staying at Ballynahinch Castle which was also incredible and surprisingly inexpensive. Thank you for all of the tips!

November 24, 2018 at 1:30 pm

Hi! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post about your trip. I will be traveling to Ireland this summer. I was wondering, is it necessary to rent a car to do a trip like this? I’ve heard mixed reviews about car rentals in Ireland and am unsure what to do! There will be 4 of us going. Any advice is appreciated 🙂

November 24, 2018 at 3:12 pm

Hello! Thank you! Sadly yes, to do this trip you must rent a car. That being said, there are some day tours from Dublin that go to many of the areas in this list except Donegal. They are pretty affordable and we recommend some here: https://www.followmeaway.com/day-tours-from-dublin/ Renting a car allows freedom BUT if you do we recommend taking pictures and a walk around video when you get the car so you aren’t taken advantage of by the rental companies. The driving on the “wrong” side of the road really isn’t that difficult and you will get the hang with slow and cautious driving!

January 1, 2019 at 6:12 pm

Hi! This trip looks amazing,do you have a link you re able to provide to the google maps screen shot you posted? My family and I are looking to do an 8 day road trip in August.

January 12, 2019 at 12:25 pm

My friends and I will be visiting Ireland in March and would like to do a road trip. Can you provide me with a link to the google maps screen shot you posted? If not, maybe a list of places you stopped?

January 12, 2019 at 10:24 pm

Hello! Yes I have to recreate a better one! Can you email me [email protected]

January 23, 2019 at 2:32 pm

I sent you my email, but have not received the link to the google maps screen shot you posted.

February 7, 2019 at 11:22 am

This was super interesting and informative- thank you! My partner and I are considering this trip in the Springtime, does anyone have insight as to what we can expect budget-wise?

March 8, 2019 at 3:41 pm

I’ve been trying to plan a trip of a lifetime my husband & I will be taking in October…right after he retires on the 1st. We have purchased our plane tickets & plan to stay for 3 weeks. How do we plan reservations for lodging, without staying at 21 places & keeping a strict schedule? Is there a way we can plan to do it in segments, staying in one place & making day trips for several days & then moving on to the next section of the trip? Is there someone you can recommend that could help us do This? I don’t want to blow this special trip because of poor planning…I want no regrets! Your blog is the most concise & so enjoyable-any help would be so appreciated!

July 17, 2019 at 4:39 pm

I can help you out.

I ran into your comment here and think your post is so nice and am really happy your going to spend some time in Ireland. Its really beautiful here. I am a Canadian living in Belfast currently and have been doing a lot of research on travel around Ireland and have covered most of the island already. I can make you an itinerary tailored to things you might like no problem let me know.

Maybe leave your email here that way i can get in touch with you if you would like the help.

Best, Hannah

October 27, 2019 at 9:33 pm

I could really use some help! Me, my 2 sons and one of their girlfriends will be visiting my daughter in Ireland in a couple weeks? I have never done this and am trying to read blogs like this and create an itinerary. If you have any advice on maps to download or rental car advice I would so appreciate it! I am confusing myself on how many nights to stay at one place!! We have 7nights. Flying in and out of Dublin. My daughter is studying abroad in Gallway. She plans to meet us in Dublin and we will road trip to Gallway for the week. I appreciate any help! Thank you! Maureen

October 27, 2019 at 11:04 pm

I would recommend Dublin, Galway, and one other place such as Dingle/Killarney!!! Car rental you can get something affordable just make sure to take photos of the car to ensure you aren’t being scammed!!

March 9, 2019 at 7:06 am

Hi, Super post. We are planning a trip this June and would highly appreciate the link to the Google maps itinerary. Many thanks.

March 17, 2019 at 12:06 am

We are planning to spend about 3 weeks (August 20-September 6) and this itinerary is incredibly helpful. Thanks so much! My husband’s great-great grandfather is from Newry, County Down in Northern Ireland, so we will add that to the trip, and maybe find more information…Americans hunting for their Irish roots.

March 18, 2019 at 2:55 pm

Have so much fun!!

April 7, 2019 at 1:22 am

thanks for the wonderful information and it will be most helpful in September when I travel with my Mom for a 2 week Ireand/Scotland trip. I am starting to get excited now. flights are booked and have booked a B & B for our first couple of nights in Dublin,

Your map and itinerary is so spot on and has helped immensely with my plans for Ireland. I will most definatley be visiting Norther Ireland after reading your information.

Do you have any suggetions for a similar trip to Scotland? 5-6 days?

April 8, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Lori… just saw your post… my husband and 2 adult daughters are looking to travel to Scotland/Ireland in September… are you traveling to Scotland first? I’m just in the beginning stages of planning our trip… wondered what you have found? Places to stay?

May 14, 2019 at 11:33 pm

Shelly. I am sorry it took so long to reply! We are traveling to Ireland first. Round trip to Dublin was cheaper from Canada. We will take a quick cheap flight to Edinburgh for the remainder of the trip.

I have been booking B&B through Booking.com and finding an average of $120 Canadian per stay. What have you planned so far for Scotland?

April 16, 2019 at 7:47 pm

Could you post a map or directions leaving Dublin working up to Derry and back down to Dublin? I have enjoyed your blog and will be reading for new helpful hints. Thanks for sharing.

April 18, 2019 at 4:41 pm

Hello Donna!

We have never been to Derry in Ireland just yet so we can’t share a post featuring that location. Hopefully we will visit soon!

April 21, 2019 at 10:32 am

Hi this itinerary is wonderful and very detailed. My husband and I are traveling to Dublin in late November for 7 days. I read that during winter a lot of attractions are closed. Any recommendations for us of places not to missed and how can we do a shorter itinerary since be have to flight back home from Dublin.

April 29, 2019 at 9:35 pm

Hello!! Sounds like an amazing trip! I would recommend doing a loop of the southern Irish coast and western. So essentially when you get to the “cliffs of moher’ section of this itinerary that is when you are done and you head back to Dublin. So for 7 days in winter we recommend to stop on this itinerary at Cliffs Of Moher. That should be plenty to see and do and still have things that are open!

April 30, 2019 at 8:09 am

What a great itinerary! Our family is having a debate about our December Christmas holiday and it’s between Ireland (my choice) and Estonia (my husband’s). Armed with this wonderful road trip, I have a much better idea of where to go, stay and what sights to see. I even have to prepare a PowerPoint presentation to win the debate, so this helps me soooo much! We have two teenage daughters so we will be looking for family type accommodation. Any recommendations on what type of vehicle to hire that will be suitable for 4 people, luggage and the roads in Ireland?

April 30, 2019 at 1:14 pm

We recommend renting a hybrid SUV. Just toggle that “on” when searching for a car. Tell your girls this is an EPIC place to visit, especially for teens! The sights are totally amazing and you guys should 100% go to Ireland! There is something for everyone

May 3, 2019 at 11:59 pm

Hey! I am hoping to visit Ireland next year. I will have graduated from college but will only be 18. I understand that I can’t rent a car until I’m older. Are there any bus lines I can take? Hoping to spend 2 weeks there.

May 4, 2019 at 12:37 pm

Sometimes you are able to rent a car under 25 and just pay a higher fee than anyone else. Have you checked into that option? There are a variety of tours and also trains that go around Ireland! So you do have options. It isn’t the most public transport friendly place in the world but there are options

May 8, 2019 at 1:13 pm

Hello there,

thoroughly enjoyed reading your itinerary. Can you please let us know which all cities/places you have opted to stay in the nights and what was the duration of each stays? if you can provide some tip on recommended hotels that would be great.

we are having a trip coming up in next 10 days, with two toddlers

your help is really appreciated.

May 13, 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hey ! enticing write up 🙂 I just booked a 5 day trip for July. Wonder if you could help with a crash course here to plan my route. We will self drive, and I have Belfast on my mind followed by the expansive ocean drives. So mostly chasing vistas and landscapes (don’t mind the occasional historic sites en route) Many thanks in advance.

May 14, 2019 at 10:18 pm

This looks amazing. Unfortunately, we arrive in Dublin on Monday and fly home via Dublin the following Tuesday early morning. Would you recommend an abbreviated itinerary? My husband was thinking we should spend Monday night and Tuesday night in Dublin, heading out for our drive early Wednesday morning, returning to Dublin on Monday night (late is ok).

May 14, 2019 at 11:04 pm

Hello!! YES! A good shorter itinerary is to simply cut off at the Cliffs Of Moher! so do the entire itinerary from the beginning and after COM you just return back to Dublin. So you leave Dublin, head down to Cork and Cobh, then over to Killarney, then Dingle, then Cliffs Of Moher. If you have to shorten this even more I recommend leaving off Killarney and heading straight to Dingle. It is TRUE Ireland and you will love it!

May 20, 2019 at 1:27 pm

Hello, thank you for this itinerary. I am thinking of a surprise trip for my husband to Ireland. Question – when is the best time to plan a road trip like this for weather and can this be done in two weeks and not feel too rushed . plan is for year 2020. Thank you again for posting this

May 20, 2019 at 2:50 pm

We personally LOVED fall in Ireland! September and October were wonderful. Spring is also a great time, Late March and April. We recommend avoiding the end of May and early June as there are multiple bank holidays in Ireland and the UK and it makes things crazy busy! Just look up the bank holiday schedule for 2020 and avoid that time. Ireland is amazing all year!

May 23, 2019 at 8:04 am

Hi. Your itinerary is a great help. We are traveling in July and are flying into Dublin and driving straight to Kilkenny..1 night, Blarney..1 night, Killarney..2 nights, Galway..3 nights and back to Dublin..3 nights. Are those good places to stay for the nights?

May 28, 2019 at 5:40 am

Ireland is on top of my bucket list. Even though I couldn’t make it yet, I’m pretty sure to visit it in the nearest future. Looks stunning in pictures, so I can only imagine how much more beautiful it is in reality. Thank you for sharing your amazing experience. I’ve just lived through your travels.

June 9, 2019 at 6:43 am

Thank you SO MUCH for this itinerary! My traveling partner and I were spending hours searching for things to see as we began mapping out a plan when I decided to Google “Ireland mapped trip”. What a find! By the way, do you know you have two Stop 5s?

June 9, 2019 at 2:48 pm

UGH!!! no i didn’t know that! I will go fix straight away! And this is amazing to hear I’m glad we can help! We totally LOVE Ireland so much!

June 9, 2019 at 10:38 pm

Was parking an issue anywhere or was it easy to find places to park?

June 9, 2019 at 11:19 pm

It was very easy to find pretty much everywhere! It is wonderful!

June 22, 2019 at 8:14 am

I’m an American driver. How difficult is it to acclimate to driving this suggested itinerary ?

June 22, 2019 at 12:36 pm

It isn’t too difficult at all! You begin on the interstate which is actually easier than on the 2 lane roads so you can get a gist of it. JUST GO SLOWWWWW. If you are traveling with someone else task them to remind you when it comes to turning and such. Otherwise just be careful and think. You just have to get back in the mindset of when you were learning to drive. You had to think about each step. That is how it is here for a day or two! But it is easy you got this!

June 27, 2019 at 10:53 am

Hi – This itinerary is really helpful, appreciate your efforts. I plan to visit Ireland this August. My cousin lives in Cork and we plan to stay there towards the end of our trip.Do you see any issues taking the reverse route…Dublin, Belfast, Cork back to Dublin. Please let me know. Thank you.

June 27, 2019 at 10:07 pm

Nope!! Belfast is real close to Dublin so its only around 1.5 hour drive!! Really nice!

July 3, 2019 at 2:00 pm

Thank you, One more query – if I have 3 nights to cover from Dublin to Dingle via Belfast/cliffs of Moher etc, which are the best places/towns to stay to be able to cover the best along this route ? Please suggest, thank you again.

July 3, 2019 at 5:15 pm

If you have three nights we recommend possibly skipping Belfast and going straight to Cliffs Of Moher and staying nearby Cliffs of Moher then possibly staying in Limerick which is a really cute area!!

July 2, 2019 at 7:09 am

This looks amazing we are crossing by ferry from Liverpool on 10th of July and returning 23rd July 2019. Looking forward to doing most of these places.

July 13, 2019 at 8:02 am

It will be our very first trip to Ireland. I checked out quite a few ideas for Ireland but yours was the best I have come across. But we have only 8 days from Dublin to Dublin. I am a bit confused as to what we should drop and what is a must do. I do want to visit Doolin, Dingle and even Westport but how do i plan it. Can you suggest some tweaks. I am really looking forward to a great time.

July 13, 2019 at 2:45 pm

That is a great itinerary! I would recommend going:

Dublin> Cork

Cork>Dingle

Dingle> cliffs of moher and doolin

Cliffs of Moher to Westport

Westport back to Dublin

That is how I would space it out and you will see A LOT! So on the way down SKIP ring of Kerry and Killarney!

July 17, 2019 at 10:43 pm

My husband and I will be going to Ireland in August and have given ourselves 3 weeks approximately. Staying in Meath for 4 days for a christening. Twhile there were going to visit Donegal area etc. we have booked Kilkenny for a couple of nights before heading off, where would you suggest next? We leave the 13th Aug so I need to book ASAP

July 20, 2019 at 2:45 pm

Very interesting subject and posts. I am going next week, for 4 days only, and it will only be the Republic of Ireland. Would you mind to to help me with a route for 4 days?

Much appreciated,

July 20, 2019 at 3:38 pm

Would highly recommend Dublin, Cork/Cobh, and Cliffs of Moher. It will be a lot of driving! Alternatively you can do Dublin with day trips to Howth and Bray and perhaps a tour to Cliffs Of Moher!

July 23, 2019 at 2:26 pm

Thank you for this itinerary. We’re traveling next year and I’m putting together a 14 day trip. I believe you have chosen well and I’m going to use this for a model. Love your beautiful photos too.

July 23, 2019 at 2:38 pm

Thank you so much!!! Have so much fun in Ireland!

April 9, 2022 at 11:52 am

just curious … how much you are estimating for the trip… money wise>>>>

August 10, 2019 at 8:44 pm

You forgot Dingle. Amazing people and awesome nightlife of traditional music. Go to Dick Mack’s, it’s across the street from the church.❤️

August 12, 2019 at 7:16 am

Dingle is totally included on this itinerary!!!! Thanks!

September 18, 2019 at 4:09 pm

Beautiful pictures. Thank you for a great plan! We have 9 days before a cruise so have to get to Southampton at the end of the road trip. Flying into London and can take a flight to Ireland. Where would you suggest starting? On our cruise we have one day in Dublin and one day in Belfast….surely not enough so want to see more of the country. Have you bookmarked for ideas!

September 19, 2019 at 11:48 am

Thank you!!! So you will be there for 9 days? You can easily do Killarney, Dingle and Cliffs Of Moher with TONS of time to spare!

September 24, 2019 at 2:24 pm

Great information! We are planning an Ireland trip in 2021 We are thinking of around 14 days Flying into and out of Dublin. Thinking about spending more time in each city but after Westport driving back to Dublin and skipping the northern part of your itinerary.Your thoughts? Also we plan on using your suggested hotels What time of year is best? Least rain Thank you

September 25, 2019 at 8:55 am

Yep!!!! 10000% think that is a GREAT itinerary and will give you great time to enjoy each area. Don’t miss Westport area as it is a lesser known part of the country so you will get the best of both worlds! We REALLY enjoyed being there in late april/early May as well as the fall in October/September. Avoid summer as all of the UK is on bank holiday and then Ireland has bank holiday and it is a crazy mess!!

September 25, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Hello. I just returned from Ireland yesterday after a 5-day trip. I used Victoria and Terrence’s post to plan my itinerary. This was an awesome road trip. We went to most places recommended by you + more! In our 5-day trip, we drove 1400 kilometers (870 miles!). It was great! Thank you for the post (and for recommending the ice cream).

September 29, 2019 at 1:26 pm

Thanks Rhonda! We are SO GLAD you had an amazing time! The ice cream in Ireland is just so good right?!

November 18, 2019 at 7:29 am

I was so inspired by your Blog, that I booked tickets for my husband and I to visit Ireland in the Spring. I wanted to ask if you could provide a link to the google maps screenshot? Also, I know you mentioned that you did not want to give specific days/times to spend for each stop and leave it to our discretion, but I would love to get your opinion on where we should stop and stay overnight versus where to just pit stop on the road trip. Any feedback would be appreciated, I’m currently in the process of looking up places to stay.

November 19, 2019 at 9:03 pm

Hey!!!! YES I can but I couldn’t put all the stops sadly so it would be better to do it yourself! As far as spending the night I recommend Dublin, Cork/Blarney/Cobh area [all within 30-ish min so anywhere there can be fine!] then you can do Dingle AND Killarney or just one. If you can just do one I recommend Dingle. Then stay near Cliffs Of Moher. Then stay near Westport or Achill Island. Then stay somewhere in Donegal. Then stay near the Antrim Coast or in Belfast for day trips! I hope this helps! This is if you want to do the FULL itinerary!

November 19, 2019 at 10:20 pm

I would loveee to do it all! Do you think it is doable in 7 days?

November 20, 2019 at 2:43 pm

I think it is doable but I don’t think you would enjoy yourself! I would choose either the top half of the bottom half. Meaning you either END with Cliffs of Moher [Dingle, Cobh, Cork etc] or your start where this itinerary starts with cliffs of moher and do Westpoert/Donegal/Northern Ireland. Just take half the itinerary for 7 days if you don’t want to rush about!

December 5, 2019 at 1:54 pm

Hi, many thanks for publishing your fabulous trip. Four of us are arriving in Belfast, staying 2 nights and then hiring a car to tour the west coast and over to Dublin. We will have 7 days before returning to Belfast for one night and then flying home. We will take in your recommendations for places of interest, the only thing I have not yet been able to establish is whether crossing the border is allowed by the car hire company, any ideas? Thanks

December 7, 2019 at 7:52 pm

Yep!!! It is usually always allowed with no issues!! If you are very worried, simply email or call to be sure for peace of mind! But never had any issues! Have fun!

January 5, 2020 at 11:38 pm

Omg this was so helpful! Now I’m thinking of changing the itinerary we had planned for 7 nights in June. We have hotels booked for : 1. Dublin 2. Cork 3. Killarney 4. Galway 5. Bunratty Castle for my 2 year olds birthday + an Irish night 6. Kilkea Castle for a wedding 7. Dublin Galway wasn’t even on your list! Maybe Dingle instead?? So hard to choose!

February 21, 2020 at 12:12 am

Hi… we will be in Ireland for 5 days in late Aug… we’re renting a car and starting in Dublin. I know we can’t do it all, but what route would you suggest? Thanks. David

December 9, 2020 at 1:05 pm

Amazing pics and list! Do you recommend booking all lodging beforehand or could we just do it as we travel around? Was just thinking that would give us freedom to stay where and when we wanted rather than sticking to a hard schedule.

December 9, 2020 at 2:04 pm

You can do it as you travel around and that is what we have done MANY times! Just book 2-3 days in advance you don’t have to do the whole thing! Enjoy!

October 18, 2021 at 8:49 pm

This post is AMAZING!!! We are planning a 7 day trip April 2023! Did you rent your vehicle directly from the rental car agency at Dublin airport?

October 18, 2021 at 11:32 pm

Yes we did! You have to take a shuttle to the rental car center but yes it is on the airport!! Super easy! Enjoy!

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The Perfect Ireland Itinerary & Road Trip

Visiting Ireland

I just got back from an amazing trip to Ireland. While the country wasn’t necessarily at the top of my list, a work opportunity in Killarney popped up and I jumped at the chance to stick around after to explore the country.

I’m SO glad I did!

The natural scenery, food and hospitality of Ireland really stuck with me. While the entire country is beautiful and scenic, with lots of rolling green hills, each county and region of Ireland offers a slightly different look and feel.

We spent about 3 weeks in the Republic of Ireland, exploring the coastal Wild Atlantic Way and the cultural Ancient East on a self drive route. I thought I’d share some advice and helpful tips about planning a trip to Ireland in today’s post.

Keep reading below for advice on how to plan the perfect trip to Ireland!

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Travel Guide to Planning an Ireland Vacation | Table of Contents

• Ireland Itinerary
• Galway and Connemara
• The Cliffs of Moher
• Dingle Peninsula
• Killarney and Kenmare
• Before You Go: Ireland Travel Checklist
• When is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
• What to Pack for Ireland
• Getting around: Self-drive Road Trip vs. Public Transportation

Where to Stay in Ireland

Or save this article to read later by pinning it ⇟

See more photos on my Instagram account, @shershegoes

Where Should You Go in Ireland?

The island of Ireland is politically divided in two.

The southern portion constitutes The Republic of Ireland while a section of the north, called Northern Ireland , belongs to the United Kingdom. Unless you have significant vacation time, I would recommend choosing one or the other for a first time visit.

The Republic of Ireland has 2 main regions that are popular for first time visitors:

On the western coast from north to south is the famous Wild Atlantic Way , a coastal driving route which offers dramatic views of the Atlantic ocean juxtaposed against cute hamlets and fishing villages.

Must-see attractions along this route include Kylemoore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher and the Dingle Peninsula, to name a few!

On the eastern coast is Ireland’s Ancient East , a region rich in 5,000 years of storytelling and legends as a result of the Viking invasion and subsequent Norman conquerors.

If you like museums, history and culture you’ll love journeying back in time to visit places like Waterford, Wexford and Cork – sites which inspired epic battles and strange tales.

Must See Cities and Destinations in Ireland

If you have:

• A short trip , base yourself in Dublin, explore the city and do some nearby day trips.
• If you have 1 week , I recommend checking out Western Ireland, where the lush countryside meets the Atlantic – small towns like Dingle, Adare and Killarney National Park in County Kerry offer dramatic, beautiful views!
• With 2 weeks or more , you can make a circular loop and see Dublin, Western Ireland and explore Ireland’s Ancient East to learn more about the country’s Viking past. Explore harbor front cities like Wexford and Waterford , picturesque Cobh and kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork! The eastern section was my favorite part of visiting Ireland.

3 Week Ireland Itinerary

What’s Not in the Itinerary Below: Northern Ireland.

I didn’t have time to see  everything  and made the decision to skip Northern Ireland on this trip so it’s not included in this article. Northern Ireland itineraries frequently include a tour of Giant’s Causeway, the dark hedges and lots of the Game of Throne locations.

County Donegal, on the northwest, was recently voted by National Geographic as ‘the coolest place on earth’ and has gotten great recognition for outdoor adventure sports so that’s high on our list of places in Ireland to visit.

Northern Ireland is geographically close to Scotland, with ferry options from Belfast and since we’re hoping to road trip Scotland next year, we decided to save Northern Ireland for a later date!

Below is a suggested itinerary for visiting Ireland, which takes into account my personal favorite Irish cities and attractions. You can use it as a starting route planner!

Update : I visited Northern Ireland!

My Belfast travel guide is up here, and I’m working on more posts about Game of Thrones, the Giant’s Causeway and other great experiences to have in Northern Ireland.

The Best Ireland Itinerary

After spending 3 weeks in Ireland, I had an amazing time and felt like I covered a lot!

We slowed down in some areas and sped up in others so I wanted to offer some tips on Ireland itineraries of various lengths, since I know not everyone has the luxury of three weeks.

Below, I’ve featured 7 of the best Irish cities to visit, including notes on the places I loved most, to give you an idea of what there is to experience in Ireland.

I find that it helps to see a visual summary when mapping out my trip so modify your Ireland travel itinerary depending on your preferences!

County Dublin

Most international airlines offer nonstop flights to Dublin. You can set a flight alert here for airfare deals.

2 full days is a must to explore the Irish capital but if you have more time, you can add in a couple noteworthy nearby day trips!

Dublin reminded me a lot of London, with gorgeous stone architecture, local pubs on every other corner and green spaces.

Best Things to Do in Dublin

• Visit the Guinness Factory!

This is the #1 attraction in all of Ireland and for good reason, it’s an entire  experience.  Learn about how Guinness is made, try new flavors and eat at their cafe for some hearty Guinness-made cuisine.

Even if you’ve been before, come again – they add new experiences constantly to keep things fresh. On our last trip, they added the option to 3D print your face into the beer foam!

2. See The Book of Kells , an illustrated Latin manuscript of the four Gospels.

Dating back the early 9th century, you can see a whole host of beautiful ornate manuscripts in Trinity College’s Old Library.

3. Have a drink at Temple Bar , the colorful Dublin pub which inspired a whole area of pubs.

4. Relax in St Stephen’s Green, a large park with a Victorian layout

5. Also visit the Jameson Whiskey factory to learn about whiskey production

Where to Stay in Dublin

There’s just no way around it, accommodation in Dublin is  expensive. 

Even in “low season” in mid to late October, all the Dublin hotels I searched for my trip were about $350-$500+ per night on a weekday – I’m talking even the airport hotels. Crazy, right?!

It turns out Dublin has a hotel bed shortage so the limited number of hotels can charge sky high prices. Enter a great affordable pick like Generator Hostel, part of the new wave of chic, “not so hostel” hostels.

Overnight:   Generator Hostel Dublin

Located right in the city center, Generator Hostel Dublin   is set in the hip neighborhood of Smithfield – conveniently next to the Jameson Distillery and a quick walk to Temple Bar.

The space is brilliantly designed in a industrial chic vibe, with exposed brick beams and original stonework. The best part is, you can book a private bedroom and still make new friends in Generator's many social lounges & spaces.

Check rates: Hotels.com ,   Booking.com |  Read reviews: TripAdvisor

More Recommended Hotels in Dublin:

1 | Shelbourne Hotel  –  If you want historic, iconic and luxurious you’d best stay at Shelbourne. Lots of US presidents and anyone of importance has stayed here! Or just admire the splendor during afternoon tea in their gorgeous parlor overlooking St. Stephen’s Green.

Book: Hotels.com ,  Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

2 | O’Callahan  –  This well priced chain of hotels offers a good location and breakfast. Trinity College often puts up its guests and visiting professors here so it’s a solid, mid-range hotel!

Book:   Hotels.com ,  Booking.com | Check prices :  TripAdvisor

3 | Airbnb  –  Lots of locals are opening up rooms or entire apartments.

While these aren’t cheap by any means (you’re paying what you would for a hotel in another city!) it can be much more affordable than a Dublin hotel, so check out Dublin airbnb listings as well.

Browse Airbnb listings here .

2. Galway & Connemara

County Galway

On Ireland’s western coast is the city of Galway, a harbor town where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. Galway has great shopping, colorful buildings and a large student population.

We enjoyed a quick day trip into town and then continued westward to the district of Connemara, a gorgeous rugged landscape home to Atlantic coastline, bogs, heathlands, mountains and lakes.

Best Things to Do in County Galway

• Explore Galway's shops and traditional pubs at Eyre Square . Pop in for some traditional Irish music!
• Visit Kylemoore Abbey , a stunning castle now owned by Benedictine Nuns with magnificent Victorian Gardens.
• Drive the exhilarating 11km circular loop known as the Sky Drive , a breathtakingly beautiful coastal route from Clifden
• Hike through Connemara National Park and spot the herd of wild Connemara ponies
• Explore the outdoors in Clifden – hiking, beaches and wild Atlantic seascapes are all nearby

Where to Stay in Connemara

Overnight:   Rosleague Manor

Pulling up to the ivy-decked pink exterior of Rosleague Manor, we knew we were in for a treat. This cozy country manor occupies 30 acres of private woodland and overlooks Ballinakill Bay.

The highlight of our stay was playing fetch with local resident, Tyson, who had the most human-esque understanding of any dog I've ever met! All the rooms are spacious and if the weather gets too rainy.. just cozy up to the parlor and have afternoon tea by the fireplace !

Check rates:   Booking.com | Read reviews: TripAdvisor

3. Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

County Clare

You can’t visit Ireland and not see the dramatic Cliffs of Moher! Even on a cloudy rainy day, these natural rock formations are quite dramatic.

We also explored the Burren, a stunning landscape characterized by rock karst formations all over the ground. It’s a barren region that reminds me of the moon and was J R Tolkien’s inspiration for The Lord of the Rings.

He actually was a guest of Gregans Castle Hotel , the manor house that I stayed at, which I discovered while I was exploring the grounds!

You can read my hotel review here .

Fun Things to Do in County Clare

• Cliffs of Moher : Ireland's most visited natural attraction. Just don't go too close to the edge, it's a vertical drop!
• Poulnabrone dolmen:  a dramatic portal tomb dating back to Ireland's Neolithic period
• Check out Bunratty Castle , a large 15th century tower house in the center of Ballyvaughan
• Visit Aillwee Cave , underground karst caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.

Where to Stay in County Clare

Overnight:   Gregans Castle

A stunning luxury hotel in the heart of beautiful Ballyvaughan village.

This historic Irish hotel was once an 18th century manor house, but has been beautiful restored and I really loved the Irish country interiors! We also had dinner here,which I highly highly recommend.

Check room rates: Hotels.com or Read reviews on: TripAdvisor

4. The Dingle Peninsula

County Kerry

Dingle is a charming seaside town perched on the Atlantic. 

As the only town on the Dingle Peninsula, the joke is that the next town over is Boston. From its dolphin resident to waterfront pubs, Dingle is a family friendly favorite to both Irish and international visitors.

The town is mainly supported through fishing and tourism and has a great street full of shops, pubs and restaurants. 

Dingle is one of Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht towns, where Irish is the official language and the town is technically called  An Daingean or Daingean Uí Chúis.  You’ll see this listed alongside Dingle on all the road signs!

Fun Things to Do in Dingle:

• Grab a scoop of Murphy's Ice Cream – try their Dingle gin and salted caramel flavors!
• Stop by an authentic Irish Pub for dinner and enjoy the traditional Irish music
• Take a boat tour around the harbor and spot Fungie , the local dolphin resident
• Circle the Dingle peninsula by driving dramatic Slea Head Drive .
• See the remains of Minard Castle , now just ruins along the Atlantic

Overnight:   Dingle Skellig Hotel

Dingle Skellig is a family run hotel and one of the best hotels in Kerry. With friendly staff, a heavenly spa and epic views of the Atlantic Ocean, staying here is a treat!

Check room rates: Hotels.com  | Booking.com or Read reviews on: TripAdvisor

5. Killarney and Kenmare

Killarney remains one of my favorite areas to explore in Ireland.

It’s quaint, colorful and a little touristy – but in my opinion, it has a great mix of the outdoors and the comforts of luxury.

You can hike or ride a horse & buggy through Killarney National Park during the day and then come back into town for some shopping, afternoon tea or a massage.

Best Things to Do in Killarney

There’s no shortage of things to do, excellent pubs and Irish food, and overall the charm of Killarney really won us over!

Kenmare is a similar twin to Killarney so if you have time, check out both towns. If not, pick whichever is more convenient to access on your road trip!

• Ride a horse and buggy through Killarney National Park – or hike!
• Explore magnificent Muckross Castle , Ross Tower and row across the lakes
• Relax with a blissful spa at The Brehon's Angsana Spa
• Take a day trip to Derrynane beach
• See the fairy huts and sculpture garden in Sneem

Where to Stay in Killarney  

The Killarney Royal occupies a great location right in the center of town.

It's a short walk from the Killarney train station and its luxurious, comfortable beds are just what you need after all the adventure and outdoor pursuits in Killarney!

There's also a wonderful on site restaurant with a very reasonably priced set menu, if you're looking for a great place to eat in town.

Book:   Hotels.com , Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

More Recommended Hotels in Killarney:

1 | Old Weir Lodge  –  A cozy, family run hotel in between Killarney town and the Convention Center.

This is a great pick for families or business travelers! We also like their breakfast options, which include oatmeal with Baileys :)

Book: Hotels.com  | Booking.com | Check prices : TripAdvisor

2 | The Brehon  –  If you want 5 star luxury, there’s no place better in Killarney than the Brehon hotel. Just step into the lobby for a drink and you’ll experience the glam firsthand!

We also had deep tissue massages at the Angsana Spa – such a treat! Their Thai masseuses really  know how to work out any tension.

Book: Hotels.com  | Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

County Wexford

Wexford is a coastal haven in southeast Ireland.

There’s miles of spectacular coastline, quaint villages and an abundance of historic sights. We’ve heard the county is quite popular with local Irish, and that many buy vacation homes near the sea.

Best Things to Do in Wexford

• Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, with a classic black and white exterior and incredible views of Hook Peninsula.
• Enniscorthy is a picturesque town dating back 1500 years. We checked out the castle, met locals for a step back into Irish / British history and visited some local pubs!
• To explore Ireland's cultural evolution, visit the Irish National Heritage Park , an open air museum with lots to do. We had a fun Viking meal here and also got to meet the park's falcons!
• Local Wexford weavers have created Ross Tapestry , a series of colorful, elaborate tapestries illustrating the Norman invasion and history of Ireland. It's a completely volunteer led community project and was a nice way to learn more about the city and Irish history.
• Genealogy trips to Ireland are a common reason for overseas Irish to visit the country. If you're interested in learning about the Irish famine period and Irish history, visit the Dunbrody Famine ship  for an interactive experience.

Where to Stay in Wexford

Overnight:   Brandon House Hotel

A 4 star country manor house, Brandon House is a comfortable hotel midway between Waterford and Wexford. It's conveniently located on the N25 road (on route to Dublin) and is close by to many of Ireland's best beaches.

We ate dinner here and it was an excellent meal – in particular, they have a huge dessert menu and a group of us ordered everything off it and literally everything was amazing. Try the cheesecake!

Book: Hotels.com , Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

More Recommended Hotels in Wexford:

1 | The Clayton –  Clayton Whites is located right in Wexford’s city center and a great choice for sight seeing and shopping. It’s within walking distance of the train and bus station and rooms are large and comfortable.

Book: Hotels.com , Booking.com |  Check prices: TripAdvisor

2 | The Talbot Hotel –  The Talbot Hotel is located in downtown Wexford, right on the harbor. With huge, apartment style rooms this is an ideal hotel for families visiting Wexford. Free parking and a pool on site!

Book: Hotels.com , Booking.com |  Check prices:   TripAdvisor

7. Waterford

County Waterford

Waterford is Ireland’s maritime getaway and has a vivid past.

First invaded by Viking raiders, then Norman conquerors and medieval merchants, it was notably also the last port of call for many Irish seeking their fortunes overseas.

Best Things to do in County Waterford

• Waterford Crystal is headquartered in duh, Waterford! They offer a really fun guided tour that I highly recommend. You can read more about the crystal and tour in this post here .
• For medieval history fans, check out Waterford Treasures  and the Bishop's Palace .
• Into adventure? Head to Dunmore East and jump in the ocean for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or try the adventure obstacle course!
• Make sure to try Dungarvan Brewing Company beer while you're in the area. Try the Copper Coast Irish Red Ale!
• Understand Ireland's Viking past through virtual reality at The Viking Museum
• Cycle along the Waterford Greenway , the longest off-roading and cycling experience in Ireland!
• Explore Mount Congreve mansion and gardens, a must if you like dahlias!
• Make sure to eat at the Irish pub, The Reg . The food here is incredible. Again, don't skip dessert!

Where to Stay in Waterford

Overnight:   Dooley's Hotel

Located right on The Quay harbor front, this family run hotel has cozy rooms and a full Irish breakfast. It's near the city center, shopping and sights and is a great affordable hotel pick in Waterford.

Book: Hotels.com ,   Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

How to Plan a Trip to Ireland

I planned my Ireland vacation itinerary quite quickly and relied heavily on Rick Steves Ireland and Lonely Planet .

The reason I used both guidebooks is that Rick Steves’ tends to cover his favorite Irish cities and he omitted Killarney entirely. Lonely Planet covers more places but lacks Rick Steves’ warm commentary and insightful suggestions.

P.S. Get a 30 day trial free   of  kindle unlimited here !

If you’re like me, you enjoy a healthy dose of travel inspiration through popular culture. I’ve always loved reading about the Celts and Irish folklore and in high school, Irish authors like James Joyce were part of our curriculum.

And of course, most people wanting to visit Ireland nowadays are hoping to see locations made famous from Game of Thrones! Below are some popular books and movies written about Ireland should you want some inspiration before your trip.

Recommended Books, Shows & Films About Ireland:

• Guidebooks : Rick Steves Ireland & Lonely Planet Ireland
• Films :  P.S. I Love You (filmed in County Wicklow), Star Wars: The Last Jedi (filmed at Skellig),  Laws of Attraction (Humewood Castle)
• Books :  Angela's Ashes  by Frank McCourt, Ulysses   and  Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man   by James Joyce
• HBO: Game of Thrones (scenes shot mostly in Northern Ireland)

Should You Plan a Self Drive Ireland Itinerary?

In my opinion, the best way to tour Ireland is by self driving.

Ideally, plan an Ireland itinerary for enough days to cover a full circularly loop around the island, so that you get to experience a bit of scenery from the Wild Atlantic Way and the rich culture of Ireland’s Ancient East.

It’s best to rent a car and self drive so you have the freedom to stop and go as you wish. If you’re hesitant to drive on the left, I wrote about our experience driving in Ireland here .

Driving in Ireland

While Ireland is a small country, the roads are  really  curvy and narrow compared to driving in America.

Add the uncertainty and hesitation that comes with driving on the left, we found that it took a bit longer to get from place to place than Google Maps suggested. So if you want to self drive a Dublin to Dublin loop, I would budget at least 10 days and ideally 2 weeks .

We rented a small, 4-door sedan and extra collision insurance.

Most cars are manual, so specify if you need an automatic. You can also pick up and drop off in different cities. 

I have an in-depth post here covering everything you need to know  about renting a car  in Ireland, with helpful information about costs, extra fees and advice so you can check out that post for more info!

Ireland in 1 Week

If you have less time of course, you can speed through and/or cut out towns.

We added the Dingle Peninsula and Connemara to our driving itinerary in Ireland, but both are geographically a bit west, so you can cut these out if you have just 7 days and keep to a tighter route.

Or, you can fly into Dublin and out of Shannon or Cork to save additional time.

Public Transportation in Ireland

Regarding public transportation, there isn’t a wide spread bus or train network that covers the entire Irish countryside. Instead, you can take buses from city to city and book individual tours to day trip to popular sites.

For example, you can take the bus from Cork to Killarney and then book tours for the Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park, Muckross House etc. It’s a little more piece meal this way and requires a bit of planning but Irish bus route schedules are available online.

A third option is to book a package tour if you’re not comfortable with driving and don’t want the hassle of booking public transportation.

I saw loads of tour buses all over the entire journey, everything from Trafalgar to Globus. I’m always curious how self-planning trips compares to tour packaged itineraries so I looked online afterwards – they do hit all the popular cities and sights in their “best of Ireland” tours and so if you wanted to avoid driving on the left yourself, I think they would be a good option.

Or you can book individual day tours to popular places. I’ve included some of the most popular day tours below:

Ireland of course offers 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, just like you would find anywhere else. Some glamorous, some bare bones – there’s lots to choose from. You can browse current hotel deals for Ireland here .

If you want standout and unique accommodation in Ireland, look for one of the typically Irish bed & breakfasts and castles!

Country Houses & Historic Hotels

Ireland’s Blue Book has a stunning portfolio of Irish country houses, historic hotels and manor houses.

All of them remain family run, with charming exteriors and brilliantly decorated interiors and for a romantic Ireland vacation, you will definitely want to stay in one of these!

Historic Ireland hotels also tend to have incredible chefs running their on site restaurants. I’m not typically one to eat at a hotel but in Ireland we ate dinner at so many hotel restaurants because they’re excellent!

Then after, we would head over to the bar / pub area inside and there would be so many people, both locals and tourists, listening to live Irish music and having a great time.

Here are some of the charming hotels we experienced on our trip to Ireland:

Where to Stay in County Waterford: The Cliff House Hotel Review

Where to Stay in County Galway: Rosleague Manor Hotel Review

Where to Stay in County Clare: Gregans Castle Hotel Review

Where to Stay in County Kerry : The Killarney Royal and The Brehon

Staying in an Irish Castle

Most of Ireland’s castles lay in ruins and there aren’t many castle attractions remaining in Ireland. Instead, the most dramatic castles are privately owned and have been restored into luxury 5 star hotels.

Most all the castle options are luxury hotels, given the cost of maintenance but even if you just splurge on 1, it’s such a treat.

Staying in a castle in Ireland gives you an insider look at some really gorgeous architectural details and the grounds typically have masterpiece gardens to explore.

For kids, there’s archery, falconry, horse back riding and other medieval pursuits to enjoy while parents can relax at the spa or play a round of golf.

And that’s it! Hope this Ireland itinerary guide was helpful. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!

Essential Tips for Visiting Ireland

Getting In | Aer Lingus, the national Irish airline, offers non-stop flights from select US cities. Two reasons to recommend Aer Lingus: low nonstop fares from many US cities and their pre-clearance facilities. We found cheap flights to Ireland in October – you can check for flight deals and routes here .

When returning to the U.S., take advantage of the U.S. pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon airports, where you complete U.S. immigration, customs and agriculture controls before departure so that when you land in the U.S., you can just collect your bags.

Getting Around | If there's one thing I can recommend, it's to rent a car and drive around Ireland. Not only is the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route one of the world's most scenic drives, transportation in Ireland is a bit difficult without your own vehicle. We were nervous about driving on the left but ultimately renting a car was the best decision! Check car rental prices for your dates here .

Where to Stay | I highly recommend staying at an Irish country house during your trip. Irish hospitality is truly something else. For unique luxury accommodation check out out Ireland's Blue Book. Or, take advantage of Airbnb for a local experience!

Protect | Lastly, be sure to visit Ireland with travel insurance . Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, your phone gets stolen, or a flight delay leaves you with nothing but the clothes on your back, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Hurricane Ophelia hit the country smack in the middle of our road trip! Get a quote for your trip here .

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Ireland Vacation Planning Articles

Ireland Travel Tips : Know Before You Go

The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland

How to Plan the Perfect Ireland Itinerary

Where to Stay: 10 Enchanting Irish Castle Hotels  

Packing Checklist:  What to Wear in Ireland

For Foodies: All the Best Food We Ate in Ireland

Ireland Road Trips

The Best Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way (with map!)

7 Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Ireland

How to Master Driving in Ireland (as a tourist!)

Irish Sights, Activities & Tours We Especially Enjoyed:

Co Galway: Visiting Kylemore Abbey , Ireland's Most Beautiful Castle?

Co Kerry: Can't Miss Sights in  Killarney  & Dingle

Co Waterford: Waterford , Ireland's Oldest City, the  House of Waterford Crystal  &  Mount Congreve Gardens

Co Wexford: Don't Skip Wexford - Here's Why!

Co Kilkenny:  Exploring Kilkenny Castle, in photos

Restaurant & Hotels We Loved:

County Clare: Gregans Castle Hotel

County Galway: Rosleague Manor Hotel , Where to Stay in Galway

County Wexford: The Strand Inn

County Waterford: The Cliff House Hotel , The Reg Pub

Northern Ireland

Travel Guide: Belfast

Where to Stay in Belfast as a First Time Visitor

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Hey Sher, great write-up…very comprehensive. I agree, Ireland was never really tops on my list either, but I’m so glad I had a chance to go. I love it when a place exceeds my expectations. How did you do with the driving? Did you fall in love with Tyson at Roseleauge?

Ha I wrote about our experiencing with the driving in this post .

It ended up being fine so now I want to road trip Scotland! The main thing I found strange was how you had to pay inside at the gas station, there would also be like empty parked cars while everyone waited to pay ha!

I read your Tyson story – loved the interview with Mark! Funny enough I wrote my post about Rosleague last night.. will be publishing it in a couple weeks :) Which was your favorite of the blue book properties?

Hello Mike. Yes it’s true. Ireland is a nice place to visit. Even I never thought of going to Ireland but somehow we made a plan with friends and my experience to travel Ireland was one of my best trip ever.

Love this post! I’ve always wanted to do a trip to Ireland so this is so much food for thought and really comprehensive! I’m based in Dubai at the moment but definitely one for the bucket list when I’m based in the UK again. Thanks for sharing all your tips! : )

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Hi Sher: Love all your articles! We are budget travelers, but would like to splurge 1 night to stay in a castle or another luxury type accommodation. Do you have a suggestion for one that will accommodate 4 per room? We’re open to any location at this point as we are still working on our itinerary for 8-9 days. I looked at Gregan’s Castle and it appears we would have to get 2 rooms there which would be out of our budget even for a splurge! Thanks for all the great info!

Hi Donna! Thanks for the kind words. Yes – I would definitely recommend splurging a night in one of Ireland’s cool castle hotels. Have you seen my post on the list here ?

Hm, I’m not sure if they have room for 4 at Gregans , perhaps you could email them to ask if one of their suites could accommodate? Gregans is a more cozy house. If you can’t get rooms there, I would still recommend making a dinner reservation. It was very good!

At Rosleague , in Connemara, the rooms are HUGE and they might be able to fit 4.

In Killarney there’s lots of options for bigger parties. We had 4 of us in a loft style room at Old Weir Lodge for incredibly affordable rates.. I think we each paid around $30/night but this was also off season. I wouldn’t say it’s luxury but definitely very comfortable.

We also stayed at the Killarney Royal in one of their corner rooms which had 2 queen size beds and I’m sure 4 would be comfortable there.

If I went back to Ireland I would love to stay at Adare Manor or Ashford . Both are pricey (depending on the season) but they seem like once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Falconry, boating, archery, golf etc. Adare opened right after my trip ended but we saw the outside renderings and it looks FAB. Ashford books out months in advance, even in the off season. They also have a cottage on the grounds which are converted into rooms, I believe those are cheaper and you still get to experience the castle + grounds.

I will say in general the Irish are very hospitable and friendly. We made a mistake one night and booked a last minute room in Dingle which only came with a twin (there were 2 of us). It was meant for a single. They were very nice at the front desk and didn’t force us to upgrade rooms. Instead, they added in an extra cot / rollaway bed.

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Hi!! This was an amazing guide! I was wondering what your opinion on staying at one hotel in Dublin for the duration of the trip and taking multiple day trips to certain sights?! It seems to be less expensive and less stressful than trying to find a bunch of different hotels, but I also don’t want to miss anything since this is a once in a lifetime thing! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

Hi Savannah – glad the guide was helpful! Hm, so do you mean you don’t plan to rent a car? If that’s the case then yes, a great way to see Ireland is to base yourself in Dublin and do day trips. Dublin is on the northeast of the Republic of Ireland and a lot of the famous sights are on the western coast, so it will be a bit of a longer drive. It’ll also probably be much more expensive than if you rented a car to drive around Ireland on your own and Dublin hotels tend to be much more expensive than in other cities. But, a guided tour will take care of all your transportation! so, there’s pros and cons :)

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This is the best itinerary of an Ireland trip I have read yet! Thank you so much. I traveling with children (3.5 years and 8 months) is there any of the stops that you would recommend NOT going to? Or ones that you would recommend on adding? I often wear the baby in a carrier, so needing to use a stroller is not necessary.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks so much for the kind words!! I am actually planning to head back to Ireland this year!

Hm… So let me preface this by saying I don’t have kids so I may not aware of all the do’s & don’ts for young children. I would suggest spending less time in Dublin, which is most popular for its bars, and seeing the countryside. I think kids would like Dingle, with the dolphin, boat tours and the Slea Head drive is very beautiful. Skip Minard Castle, it is a long drive and they are ruins, not a still standing & furnished castle like Kilkenny. The town of Kilkenny is nice too.

Kerry is probably very kid friendly. The town center is very cute, lots of shopping, great food + ice cream, Killarney park is beautiful and kids probably like the horse buggy rides. If you have time, pop over to Wexford and the Irish National Heritage Park – the park itself is a open air museum, and then they have some excellent activities you can book like falconry, archery, dressing up like Vikings, etc. I wrote some more about it here , and you can check out their Youtube channel to get a feel for it.

Hope that helps!

Thank you so much for this! Just a quick 1uestion re Itinerary…Does the number of days include the previous days’ plans? I.e. for the 5 day itinerary, is the idea that you’d do the itinerary for days 3 and 4 as well? (i.e. Dublin, Newgrange, Howth, Galway, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara Galway)? Thank you!

Hi! It’s flexible depending on how many days you have and whether or not you’ll be renting a car! If you have 3-4 days, I would recommend staying in Dublin and taking a day trip or two :)

Thank you so much for this post. We will be first time overseas travelers with a “once in a lifetime” trip next year. It’s a 2 week trip and we are hoping to see as much as we can. You gave me some feedback initially when we were thinking of taking a Viking Cruise. We’ve changed our minds and are now looking at Ireland, England, and Germany. Do you think we could see enough of Ireland in 4 days? Dublin looks great but we aren’t as interested in the bigger ‘cities’ so we are thinking only 1 day there. After I mapped out your recommendations, it looks like we would be most interested in the Galway/Clare areas. Thinking maybe we fly into that side of the island and out of Dublin to England. Interested in how many days you think we would need to see Kylemore/Clifden/Connemara Park/Aran Island/Mohr/Bunratty Castle?

Hi! You can see a lot of Ireland in 4 days, but you’d probably need to rent a car (and be comfortable driving on the left). I don’t think Galway has its own airport, so you have to check for the closest airport + factor in driving time.

Aran Island would be a full day trip. Connemara you could drive through or you could spend all day hiking and exploring. Kylemore Abbey might still be under construction, in which case, just a couple hours (it’s mainly the garden as the castle was under renovation when I visited) The Clifden drive is beautiful – it would take maybe a couple hours. Galway would be nice to spend a day in, we just drove through and had lunch. Galway is a smaller city and known for its pubs so if you like nightlife you could spend the night.

It depends on how long you want to linger in each place, and the driving. Typically what do is I add all the destinations I want to see in Google Maps and use their driving distance as a benchmark. The roads in Ireland are very narrow, and we were unused to driving on the left, so I’d add 30-45 minutes longer to the Google Maps driving estimates.

At a quick glance, I’d estimate 5 days at minimum for the places you listed, and 6-7 if you wanted to take it leisurely? Hope that helps!

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Hi! I live your Ireland pages, but I wish your pictures were labeled. They are all so nice! :)

I am going to visit Ireland month of June 19, and these tips are very helpful for me before landing there. Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips <3

You failed to mention The Quiet Man in your list of films! The best movie ever made. Cong was the filming location. If you haven’t seen this movie yet it is a must see!! John Wayne at this best.

Can you recommend which areas to begin and end on a 4 night country trip. Leave from Dublin on Tues AM. Spend Tue/Wed/Thur/Friday night in country. Picked these areas:

Doolin – Doolin Inn or Limestone Lodge? Cliff Walk/Caves Clifden – Cong – Ashord Lodge What is best base for Connemara National Park area – want beautiful scenery

Don’t know where to go first. Dublin to Doolin, night in Doolin. Doolin to Clifden night in Clifden. Clifden to Cong 2 nights Cong then home to Dublin. Can you recommend a better itinerary. 2 Teenage boys in tow. First time in Ireland. Thanks.

Help please. Hope for somewhat relaxing trip.

For the best route, plug in all the stops you want to make in Google Maps and then order your itinerary by the most efficient driving route. That’s what we did, and I recommend trying to keep driving to no more than 2.5 hours a day if you can.

Haven’t been to Doolin!

Ashford Lodge is gorgeous, you will love it. They have lots of add on activities like salmon fishing, golfing, archery, falconry etc which kids would enjoy.

We stayed in Clifden and Delphi Mountain in Connemara. Both were great, but slightly different experiences. Clifden is closer to Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. We stayed at Rosleague – fabulous hotel, great service but slightly older clientele. Our review post is here if you want more photos.

Delphi Mountain Lodge was our second overnight. The hotel is more of a casual hunting lodge style and they sit on 1,000 acres so pretty scenery and also add-on activities. We tried ziplining and archery, very fun. Some more photos of that on our Facebook, here .

I am loving your information! I am planning a trip with my 23 year old daughter. Could you share your google map?

Hi Shannon, Sorry I don’t have a saved Google Map for Ireland. I just plugged in the destinations I was interested in when I was planning my trip. That gives me an idea though – I’ll start creating maps with saved locations for the future!

Great itinerary! We definitely need to go back to visit more of the places on your list, and ours. We were excited to see you mention Minard Castle on the Dingle Peninsula. Judging by how remote it seemed, and the complete lack of people visiting, we felt like we stumbled onto our very own stunning secret spot! Looks like the secret is out! ;)

The link for the best time to visit Ireland wasn’t working and my apologies if I missed it in the comments section but when is the best time to visit?

Oh, thanks for letting me know! I will fix the link.

Generally the shoulder season (May, September) is best. Summer can get pretty crowded. We’ve visited in both April and October and had a great time! There’s always on and off rain so be sure to pack a good rain jacket and some rain boots if you have.

When is the best time to visit Ireland?

Excellent introduction to Ireland

Thank you for such a thorough post with so much information for planning my trip to Ireland. I really appreciate it. There is so much information here I will need to study it to take it all in. Many thanks.

Wow! Incredible blog, thank you so much for taking the time to put this together. Very helpful for planning my Ireland 2021 trip!

Thanks for the help, we want to go if the virus allows us in the fall, and your post has helped us learn more about what it takes to go. We hope to enjoy Irish culture and cuisine.

I was lucky to know Ireland because I went for a study trip and I had the opportunity to know almost the whole country, very modern and quiet to stay for good.

My family and I are going in June. I was wondering if the places to stay book up in early June? I was wondering if we need to book ahead or can we wing it?

Hi James – definitely recommend booking ahead for summer travel!

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Around Ireland In 18 Days: A Coastal Road Trip Of A Lifetime (Full Itinerary)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 6, 2024

Day 16. The Causeway Coastal Route

Rated one of the top five road trips in the world, the Causeway Coastal route offers the perfect combination of rugged coastline, dramatic towering cliffs and gorgeous little villages and towns.

I’ve done this route on 2 occasions over the course of 1-day, and found that it was enough, but for those of you looking to drive the entire 195 mile route, you’ll be treated to endless adventure opportunities.

Get up, fed and on the road for 9:00.

1. A Stroll on Portstewart Strand to Shake off the Cobwebs

Photo by Chris Hill

If you stay in the place that we recommended on night 15, you’re a handy 2-minute drive from stop number 1 – Portstewart Strand.

This two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of the finest beaches in Northern Ireland, and offers brilliant views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple. Have a ramble here to kick-start the day.

2. Dunluce Castle

Photo by Matthew Woodhouse

Dunluce Castle is a source of wanderlust for travellers the world over. The castles unique appearance and quirky history has seen it receive enormous attention online in recent years.

Its appearance in Game of Thrones alongside the Dark Hedges may have helped… According to legend, on a particularly stormy night in 1639, part of the castle’s kitchen next to the cliff face collapsed into the icy waters below.

Legend tells that when the kitchen dropped into the sea, only a kitchen boy survived, as he was sat in the corner of the kitchen which remained intact. You can do the tour if you like or admire it from the outside.

3. The Giants Causeway

Photo by Arthur Ward

Next on the list (15-minute drive from Dunluce) is a place where, according to legend , an Irish giant named Finn MacCool began his quest to defeat a cocky Scottish giant.

An official Unesco World Heritage Site since 1986, the Giant’s Causeway was formed around 50 to 60 million years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption.

What emerged from the eruption led to the creation of a corner of the world so wonderfully unique that it has been nicknamed the 8th wonder of the world.

As you cast your eyes around you you’ll see some of the estimated 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that make up this natural masterpiece.

Tip : Park the car along the side of the road (if safe to do so) a little before you reach the visitor center. From here you’ll be able to take the cliff walk above the Causeway – the perfect spot for some aerial views.

5. Dunseverick Castle

Photo by Ondrej Prochazka (Shutterstock)

Now we’re getting into the belly of the Causeway Coastal Route – as you drive from the Causeway to Dunseverick Castle (15-minute spin), you’ll begin to appreciate why this stretch of road is revered across the globe.

Saint Patrick is recorded to have visited Dunseverick castle in the 5th century to baptise a local man who later became a Bishop of Ireland.

Park in the little car park next to the castle and take the short stroll over to its crumbly remains. The original stone fort that occupied the position was attacked by Viking raiders in 870 AD.

6. Ballintoy Harbour

Photo by shawnwil23 (Shutterstock)

Our next stop is going to be of particular interest to Game of Thrones fans. You’ll find Ballintoy Harbour at the end of a small narrow steep road down Knocksaughey Hill.

It’s a handy 10-minute drive from our last stop and it’s a lovely spot to hop out of the car and head for a ramble.

The harbour is surrounded by limestone cliffs and by the late nineteenth century it was used for the production of lime and shipping sett stones.

Ballintoy Harbour was used as a filming location in HBO’s Game of Thrones for exterior Pyke shots and as the Iron Islands.

For those that were immersed in the series, the harbour featured in the scene where Theon Greyjoy arrives back in the Iron Islands and where he later admires his ship.

Photo by Pixelbliss (Shutterstock)

The Red Door Cottage is right next to Ballintoy Harbour (3-minute drive max). We’ve had a busy morning, so nip in and make your belly happy.

Take the weight off for a while and fuel up for the afternoon ahead. There isn’t a huge amount of driving left, you’ll be happy to hear.

8. The Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

Photos via Shutterstock

When you finish up eating you’ll be a short 5-minute drive to our next stop – the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

When it comes to exploring a country, the more hands-on and unique the experience the better, and it rarely comes more unique than a stroll across the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge .

For those afraid of heights – and for those in search of an adrenaline boost – the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge hangs over 25 foot above the icy waters below.

The first rope bridge was erected between the mainland and Carrick-a-Rede Island way back in 1755, as the little island provided the perfect platform for local salmon fishermen to cast their nets off into the Atlantic.

If you’re planning on crossing, fret not – the bridge in place today is made of sturdy wire. The perfect spot for some hands-on exploring with heaps of photo opportunities along the way!

8. Kinbane Castle

Next up is Kinbane Castle . This is 15 minutes down the road from the Rope Bridge and it’s well worth a visit.

Places like Kinbane have the power to halt you in my tracks and make the mind wander and wonder what Ireland must have been like back in 1547 when this castle was built.

To say the location is dramatic and other-worldly would be doing Kinbane Castle a colossal injustice. Built on a small rock promontory called Kinbane Head which extends out into the sea, the scenery surrounding the castle is just breath-taking.

Isolated ruins, jagged cliffs and the powerful Atlantic Ocean combine to make this a place that’ll cement itself in your mind.

8. Cushendun via The Torr Head Scenic Route

Phoro via Google Maps

We’re not going to allocate a time here. Our last stop for the day is Cushendun , so take your time and spend as much time as you see fit spinning along the Torr Head Drive .

I didn’t realise this route had a name until long after I stumbled upon it. I was driving from Cushendun with a friend and we got half-lost/half-intrigued by a sign-post and we decided to take our chances.

We met a handful of cars and were treated to the views similar to the one in the very grainy photo above.

We’re going to branch off the A2 road and take the ‘alternative route’ to Cushendun that clings to coast and takes us along narrow roads and up steep hills high above the sea.

If you’re a nervous driver, or if you’re driving a large vehicle like a caravan or a mobile home, this route isn’t for you.

9. Murlough Bay

Keep driving until you see the small sign for the astounding Murlough Bay . Take the narrow track to the cliff top car park. From here, you can stop and stroll or you can take the track down to sea level and park and walk.

You could spend the day at Murlough Bay. It’s secluded, quiet and boasts an endless amount of raw natural coastal beauty.

When you’ve had your fill, make your way back to the Torr Head Scenic Route and head for Torr Head.

10. Torr Head

Photo © The Irish Road Trip

This was another place I had never heard of until the trip I mentioned previously. I was blown away by the view which treated us to a glimpse of Scotland out on the horizon (see above).

When you get back on the road, keep your wits about you – you’ll need to negotiate many a narrow hairpin bend as you make your way to Cushendun for the night.

11. Cushendun for the Night

Photo by Paul J Martin/shutterstock.com

We’re going to recommend that you stay in Beachview Cottage for the night, so get checked in and chill for a bit. You can also nip down to Cushendun Beach , if you fancy!

For dinner, we’re going to take the short drive to Mary Mcbrides Bar. It’s been a long day, but we’ve used the daylight hours well and packed in a lot.

Kick back and chill for the evening with a well-earned pint.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Monday 4th of April 2022

Morning Keith O Hara I have been looking at your 18 days tour of Ireland I am arriving on the 14th April at Rosslare can I start my tour on day 2 I am driving a small camper van can you tell me about camp sites on my around please and do I have to book or just turn up my name is John Duke

Keith O'Hara

Wednesday 6th of April 2022

Hey John! You'll find campsites in most counties along that trip. The best way to do it is to just give it a Google and then suss out a spot with good reviews (I've never stayed in a campsite in Ireland, so I wouldn't like to lead you astray). In terms of booking. I'd recommend doing so if you're visiting during the busier months of the year, like summer. I hope this helps!

Tuesday 11th of January 2022

This was a great trip to read through. I understand how tired you are after writing so much - my husband and I are coming to Ireland from the U.S. in May 2022 for 3 weeks, and I've been planning everything myself for many months. Lots of great suggestions for places to visit, things we shouldn't miss, etc. Also, many of the things you suggested are already part of our plans, so it made me feel like I had done a good job! Thanks for all of the great help - we can't wait for the trip to begin!

Tuesday 12th of January 2021

Really digging this blog!! I have the travel blog so bad and Ireland is next on the list - your recommendations are speaking to me! Thanks for taking the time to create all the wonderful road trips / ideas.

Akshay Bansal

Tuesday 14th of January 2020

I am considering travelling to Ireland this summer via road-trip and AirBnBs. While researching, I found your blog and found it very helpful and resourceful.

I am travelling from New Delhi (India) with my extended family (infants, toddlers, siblings, wife, parents etc.). Assuming this might be our only trip to Ireland together as a family, I am interested in covering Ireland comprehensively within a limitation of 11-13 days.

Is it possible to shorten the suggested 18-day itinerary to the above duration by bypassing some of the locations or sites. I understand this would mean we missing a few locations, but need your help.

Uli Moissidis

Sunday 11th of August 2019

Hi Keith, I am planning our road trip to Ireland in october and I love your Instagram account. I like to use your suggestions for our schedule. On day 11 you suggest to leave Westport and Achill on the same time (16:55) ? So this is a pretty long day ;-) I prefer to stay an extra night on Achill Island. What do you think? Thanks Uli

Monday 12th of August 2019

Aha! OK, that's clearly a mistake on my part. I'll get those times updated!

I love Achill, personally.

There's nothing bad that can come from a second night spent there.

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10 Day Ireland Itinerary (2024): the Perfect Road Trip

Updated on December 5, 2023

With 10 days in Ireland, the best Irish road trip will connect you with the people, the music, and the unique natural beauty here. And you’ll find those things in small villages far from urban Dublin…although a day or two in Dublin makes a nice end to your trip. Here’s how to plan the best road trip for a 10 day Ireland itinerary and where to spend extra days if you have more time.

Map: 10 Day Irish Road Trip

Ireland itinerary: 10 days, where to stay in trim, day 2: kilkenny via glendaloch, where to stay in glengarriff or killarney, things to see and do on the mizen peninsula, day 4 option: day trip to garnish island, things to do on the way to dingle, some practical tips for visiting dingle, things to do in dingle, things to do on the way to cliffs of moher, practical tips for seeing the cliffs of moher:, practical tips for visiting the aran islands, where to stay, things to do in dublin, practical tips for visiting dublin, have more time here’s what to do with two weeks in ireland….

How to use this map : This map is an image. Click the map to open an interactive version of the map. From there, if you click “open in my maps”, you can add this to your Google maps. Just click the tiny transparent star to the right of the map description to save it in “your places.” Go to “your places” next and there it is!

*Note: Google Maps only allows 10 points of interest so the above map doesn’t show your return to Dublin, but you’ll just cut straight across the country at the end of your trip to return to  Dublin (unless you are flying out of Shannon on the west coast).

Here’s how you can enjoy the best things to see Ireland in 10 days: Fly into Dublin, rent a car, and then head towards Ireland’s incredibly scenic Wild Atlantic Way on the stunning west coast, with stops in tiny fishing villages and postcard-worthy towns along the way. See this itinerary if you have just 7 days in Ireland.

My recommended tour ends near Galway on the west coast—with a round-trip back to Dublin—to maximize a leisurely pace for an immersive travel experience. While it’s tempting to bomb up the west coast to squeeze in points further north (I’m looking at you Connemara National Park, Giants Causeway, and Belfast), resist the temptation.

However, if you have two weeks instead, this is entirely doable!

The Irish Road Trip

It can be tempting when planning a bucket list trip to stay in a new place every night. I still fight this tendency myself but have found it’s far more rewarding and rejuvenating when I slow down my pace.

Spend at least two days in a single location during your Ireland road trip if you can.

During the best trip to Ireland, you’ll spend time following sheep across windswept pastures…feel the “craic” in cozy local pubs…and taste the seafood, music, and brews that locals love best.

Take your time and soak it all in!

This Ireland road trip mixes up well-loved iconic spots with off-the-beaten destinations for fewer crowds.

Day 1: Trim

Save your stop in Ireland’s capital, Dublin, for the end of your trip when you’re less jet-lagged and readier for a faster pace. I recommend that after you pick up your airport rental car in Dublin, you head for tiny Trim in County Meath on the River Boyne.

Trim is an easy drive—less than an hour—from the airport and makes a lovely spot for an overnight on a road trip. It’s small and rural with quaint pubs and plenty of romantic ruins to make a memorable first impression.

Before you leave Trim, visit Trim Castle . It’s the largest Norman castle in Ireland. We enjoyed a fabulous sunset in the fragrant meadow just outside of the castle on our first night.

What a way to beat jet lag!

If you love cathedrals, don’t miss St. Patrick’s Cathedral . While you’re here look for the stained glass window that features St. Patrick preaching on the Hill of Tara.

Is there any better spot for your first pint in Ireland than Marcie Regan’s ? You’ll find this tiny pub by the Norman Bridge makes a picturesque spot for a Guinness or Smithwick ale. (Smithwick is pronounced with no “w” in these parts!) No food is served here, however, so be aware. If the weather cooperates, you can sit outside with incredible views of the 13th-century priory ruins to watch the sheep graze as we did.

Trim is a small, rural village so it’s easy to find a B&B with plenty of parking close to major sights. Highfield House Guesthouse is well-loved.

Check price and availability here .

We booked there, in fact, but actually stayed at Tigh Cathain B&B (no longer accepting reservations) when the owner at Highland House thoughtfully rebooked us last minute due to a water emergency.

Kilkenny, in southeastern Ireland, makes the perfect stopover on your journey towards Ireland’s west coast, breaking up the otherwise long drive. It’s just under two hours to drive from Trim.

Its history dates back to the early 6th century although it wasn’t until the 12th century when the Normans invaded that famous Kilkenny Castle was built. But in Ireland, it’s all about the journey take the day to meander your way here.

I highly recommend a stop at beautiful Powerscourt Gardens , voted the #3 garden in the world by National Geographic . You’ll find Ireland’s highest waterfall here as well as the Italianate gardens and Japanese gardens.

Try the seafood chowder at t Johnnie Fox’s , one of Ireland’s best-loved and oldest pubs—since 1798, in fact—for a delicious lunch. It was seeing the huge chunks of seafood in the chowder here that reminded me as an island, Ireland really delivers when it comes to all things fish!

Johnnie Fox is also a prime spot to catch Irish music and Irish dancing in the evening if it works in your itinerary.

Sally Gap in the scenic Wicklow Mountains offers breathtaking views. It’s a favorite for serious cyclists. You’ll likely be surprised when you see Lough (pronounced “Lock”) Tay below. It’s called “Guinness Lake” by those in the know due to its deep brown color!

Continue on to famous Glendalough , pronounced “Glen-da-lock,” a medieval monastic settlement from the 6th(!) century and one of my favorite places that we visited when traveling Ireland. In spring during our visit, it was aglow with wildflowers. You’ll see impressive crumbling cathedral ruins and lichen-covered Celtic crosses studding the graveyard here.

Glendalough makes the perfect spot to stretch your legs on a riverside walk. Plan an hour or two here for sure.

Once you arrive in Kilkenny, head to Marble City Bar for creative Irish fare or Paris Texas . Kilkenny is fabulous for foodies, with plenty of great dining options. Then walk around the corner for an evening of trad music at the Kytelers Inn . It was so fun hearing a ballad about a red-headed girl and then seeing all the red-headed school girls just let out from school the next day.

Fun fact: Way back in 1263, the original proprietress of Kytelers Inn accumulated a vast fortune courtesy of her four marriages. Her fortune aroused considerable jealousy and she was burned at the stake for witchcraft!

Where to stay. Kilkenny is compact and walkable if you base close to the center of town. Bridge View B&B is in an excellent location and guests rave about the outstanding hospitality.

Check prices and availability on Bridge View B&B here .

Read more on Ireland & Scotland travel: • Best things to do in Dingle • Packing list for Ireland • Ireland’s most beautiful places • Places to visit in Perthshire, Scotland

Day 3: Glengarriff or Killarney          

Next up on your 10 day Ireland vacation is the Wild Atlantic way. However, it’s just an hour’s drive (and a beautiful one at that) to your next destination—Glengariff—or 2.5 hours if you’re basing in Killarney instead. More on those options below but spend today seeing more gasp-worthy sights along the way. Visit Kilkenny Castle (there’s a small fee for a ticket) and duck into St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower , a key site of Christina worship since the sixth century, before you leave Kilkenny.

Rock of Cashel makes a perfect stop en route. Also known as St. Patrick’s Rock, the Rock of Cashel was a fortress and center of power back in the 4th and 5th centuries AD! It’s magnificent standing sentry high on a cliff. Be sure to see St. Patrick’s Cross, Cormac’s Chapel, and the cathedral while you’re here.

We were fortunate to have stunningly good weather during our two weeks in Ireland.

In fact, we arrived in Glengarriff late one evening (it was getting dark at 10 pm in May) with the sun streaming through puffy white clouds to light up wildflower-strewn meadows of grazing sheep and cows.

What a first impression!

You have two great choices for a base in this beautiful corner of Southwestern Ireland. For 10 days in Ireland, spend two nights here. With two weeks, consider adding a third day.

Glengarriff is a tiny fishing town—with essentially one main street—ideally positioned between Ireland’s Mizen peninsula and the Ring of Beara . It’s also an easy hop from here to the famous Ring of Kerry or Kilkenny National Park as well.

If you enjoy the idea of a remote small village in a super scenic locale with fewer tourists, stay at the Glengarriff Park Hotel as we did. Your stay comes with a full breakfast each morning and there is an amazing gastropub downstairs.

Check price and availability on Glengarriff Park Hotel here.

Option 2: Killarney is a better choice for a base in this region if you’d prefer a bigger town with more shopping and dining options. It’s also well-located for seeing Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park.

Stay at family-run Abbey Lodge, city center, for an excellent included breakfast and spacious rooms. It’s just a three-minute walk to everywhere you want to see in Killarney. Check price and availability at Abbey Lodge here .

Day 4: Drive the Mizen Peninsula or Ring of Kerry

There are several half- or all-day “loop” drives in this area and all are lovely ways to enjoy this area.

Driving one of these is a must on any visit to Ireland’s west coast. The more famous of them are Ring of Kerry, Ring of Beara, or the Mizen Head peninsula.

You’ve like heard of Ring of Kerry but be aware if you’re here mid-summer that you could get stuck behind monster tour buses circling the road here. (I hear that driving counterclockwise can address this problem but haven’t done it myself.) Whichever drive you choose, you’ll want to allow a full day. You’re going to be wanting to pull off the road constantly to take a walk, perhaps a ferry ride, or nip into the quaint boutiques and pubs.

While the Ring of Beara is also a beautiful drive, we elected to see the Mizen Peninsula as we were intrigued by the opportunity to hike to a secret castle.

Again, if you go, plan on a full day to explore this gorgeous peninsula. If you drive to the very end, you’ll be standing on the most western point in Ireland!

As you drive the tiny, narrow roads in Ireland, keep a look out for the brown road signs that highlight historic sights and sights of cultural interest. It’s the very best way to happen upon impressive castles, stone circles, megaliths, and more. We loved stopping by the Kealkill Stone Circle —it’s close to Glengarif—before you head down the peninsula. Built in the Bronze Age, stone circles are still a mystery. Scholars today believe they were involved in religious rituals use to observe the sun and moon.

The ruins of Carriganass Castle are just a five minutes drive from the stone circle. Built in 1540 for the powerful O’Sullivan Beare clan, this Irish tower house sits perched over a lovely river.

Stop in tiny Bantry to explore the handmade jewelry, candles, and pottery from artisans here. Organico Cafe makes a delicious stop for beautiful coffees, pastries or a healthy vegetarian lunch.

Eat dinner at The Fish Kitchen in Bantry! This was one of our favorite finds for dining in Ireland. Located just above an actual shop that sells fish just pulled from the bay, it’s a serious squeeze to get into this tiny one-room restaurant. You’ll be sitting elbow to elbow practically with other diners but you won’t even notice as the food’s so outstanding. There are just 20 tables so be sure to reserve ahead. The Crookhaven Inn in Crookhaven is another great option for lunch or dinner. (Reservations recommended.) We were so sad it was closed during our visit.

Keep driving and you’ll arrive at an excellent example of an Altar Wedge Tomb , a tomb dating from the Neolithic and early Bronze age c. 2500 BC, You’ll find it cliffside next to the bay here. With pink clover and yellow lichen growing in every crevice of these coastal rocks, it doesn’t get more scenic than this!

Save time for the highlight of your day here though: A hike at Three Castle Head . , so named for the beautiful castle ruins here. You’ll park in a tiny lot at an ocean overlook, walk through a small gate, and enter a meadow of sheep. Follow the footpath across the meadow for impressive ocean vistas. After you summit the hill, Dun Lough Castle comes into view with its three towers standing sentry above Dun Lake. Legends abound about this place, including one about the O’Donohues who resided here and apparently all died via murder or suicide.

I find that when I’m planning the trips that have been my favorites, the best itineraries switch it up between driving, hikes, cycling, ferry rides, and historical sights.

There can be a lot of driving on an Irish road trip and it’s absolutely worth it for the stunning scenery but a trip to Garnish Island was just what we needed between our day driving the Mizen Peninsula and our drive to Dingle.

Garnish Island makes a fantastic half-day trip from Glengarriff for garden and architecture lovers…No driving involved! If you have two weeks in Ireland (instead of 10 days), add this to your itinerary as Day 5.

Just catch the ferry a t the ferry terminal in Glengarriff for a 15-minute ferry ride across Bantry Bay. It runs every 30 minutes.

You’ll pass plenty of seals cavorting on rocks in the ocean along the way. After arrival, be sure to tour the incredible Italianate, walled gardens, Greek temple and Martello Temple here.

There’s a cafe on the island, but it’s better suited to a cup of bracing Irish tea than a meal.

Save lunch for a pub visit and conversation with locals after your island visit wherever you’re spending the night. In fact, of all the places I’ve visited, I’ve never felt quite so welcomed as in Ireland.

From the shop girl who suggests her favorite pub to the barkeep who offers an impromptu whiskey tutorial, you’ll find locals genuinely interested in learning where you’re from and where you’re headed in Ireland, with lots of local tips to enhance your stay.

It’s easy to connect in Ireland. My top tip: Sit at the bar! It’s the best invitation there is.

Day 5: To Dingle 

It’s about a two-hour drive from Glengarriff to Dingle on the scenic Dingle Peninsula…less if you’re staying in Killarney. I recommend you take a good chunk of the day to get there, however.

Begin by driving the very scenic Molls Gap .  This mountain pass is actually part of the Ring o Kerry and it’s just lovely.

If you go this way, you’ll likely pass Avoca , which is a great place to pick up a hand-crafted Irish Souvenir. This place is a combination gourmet cafe/bookseller/hand weaver of sweaters and woolen blankets. The food is delicious; it actually makes an ideal lunch spot with a gorgeous valley view.

Next, get out and stretch your legs with a hike in Killarney National Park . It’s conveniently on the way to Killarney and when we visited in May, it was blazing with thousands and thousands of bright pink rhododendron blossoms everywhere. Opportunities for day hikes abound here. Whether you’re in search of an easy half-hour jaunt or a challenging full-day excursion, Killarney National Park offers scenic trails aplenty.

See the Gothic cathedral of St. Mary’s in Killarney. It’s an attractive cathedral with a very Irish character. Then head to the Celtic Whiskey Bar and Larder for whiskey or a delicious Irish coffee. Keep driving and you’ll come upon Inch Beach . If the weather is nice—or even if it isn’t, you can’t let the weather stop you in Ireland—stop for a pint at Sammy’s on the Beach . This long wind-swept beach on the Atlantic is popular with surfers, swimmers, and fishermen. Rumour has it you can even drive your car on this beach!

There are so many fun things to do in Dingle ! Dingle deserves two nights on your itinerary. The trad music scene is incredible and so is the scenery. So give yourself at least one full day. If you’d like to appreciate the wild, unswept beauty here with fewer crowds, visit in shoulder season. May was glorious here when we visited.

Where to stay in Dingle:  We loved our rural stay at Ocean View B&B just outside of Dingle…with lots of windswept views of sheep and pastures, a friendly host, and delicious breakfast included.

You can check prices and availability at Ocean View B&B here .

If you’ll be pub crawling, however, skip the short drive to the B&B above and stay city center at John Street Apartments. The location is city center ideal and it comes with all the amenities you’d expect in a nice apartment.

Check prices and availability at John Street Apartments here . 

Where to eat and hear music: Of all the music we heard in Ireland, Dingle was the highlight. Dingle is an epicenter of the traditional music scene here, drawing all kinds of instrumentalists and ballad singers throughout Ireland for impromptu performances.

Consider a pub crawl that includes: Dick Macks , Foxy Johns , Kennedy’s , Hannie Agnes , and my favorite: O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub .

We first met Courthouse Pub owner Tommy O’Sullivan and his Texan wife Saundra while we were at home in San Diego at a friend’s house concert. We were smitten by their music then and resolved to visit their pub. And we were not disappointed! We heard an incredible accordion and guitar performance one night and an Uileann pipe player (an Irish version of a Scottish bagpipe) the next. Be sure to visit when in Dingle!

Day 6: Dingle

Ireland’s cultural heritage lives here on the Dingle Peninsula. This is a “Gaeltract” country, an area where Irish is spoken as a first language in homes and taught in schools. In fact, families in other parts of Ireland frequently send their children here for Irish immersion programs.

Whatever you do, don’t miss driving the oh-so-scenic Slea Head Loop . This drive takes several hours to drive with frequent stops to fully appreciate the views and history. It’s simply stunning and not to be missed. In mid-summer, I’d do the drive on a long evening to miss the crowds. Otherwise, be sure to drive it clockwise to avoid getting stuck behind the tour buses!

See the beehive huts . These cone-shaped houses (on Slea Head Loop) likely date from the 8th to 12th centuries AD and housed hermit monks and possibly some pagans.

There was no mortar used in building them…just the plentiful rocks dotting the meadows throughout Ireland. At one point, more than 400 of these beehive huts covered the hillsides here. (These are on the Slea Head Loop.)

Tour the Gallarus Oratory . This 12th-century chapel (also on the Slea Head Loop drive) is the only intact specimen of its kind and therefore extremely famous! Skip the touristy visitor center and movie (a private venture by an enterprising local). Instead, drive past the visitor center to the free parking lot just next to the actual Gallarus Oratory for free admission.

With more time, stop in at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery , an award-winning artisan whiskey distillery.

We loved dining at Out of the Blue (reservation required) in Dingle for A+ lobster!

Day 7: Cliffs of Moher

It’s a three-hour drive from Dingle (via Limerick) to see the unbelievable Cliffs of Moher. If there’s good weather and visibility, be sure to drive here via Connor’s Pass .

The views just become more and more gasp-worthy as you eventually climb to the highest point in Western Ireland. (Some of these views reminded me of our road trip in New Zealand!)

Your first stop should be lovely little Adare , which bills itself as “the prettiest village in Ireland.” Adare is all about the quaint thatched roof cottages. It makes a great stop en route to either Doolin or Liscannor, both great bases for seeing the Cliffs of Moher. We enjoyed a lovely lunch here at The Good Room .

Just outside of town is Adare Desmond Castle , a 13th-century castle and ring fort.

We stopped, instead, a bit further up the road in Quin to tour the Quin Abbey , a 15th-century cloistered monastery. It was actually an amazing experience as we happened upon a gaggle of actors filming a movie about St. Patrick there, which was particularly fun. The Abby Tavern in town makes a nice stop for tea.

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most impressive sights. These jaw-dropping cliffs rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at the southern end and stretch for nearly nine miles along the western coast of Ireland here.

They are also home to one of Ireland’s biggest seabird colonies, including the adorable White Atlantic puffins.

Insider tip: In mid-summer, you can expect that the Cliffs of Moher will likely be mobbed by tourists. (More than 1 million people visit each year!) Here’s how to see it with far fewer people as we did: Hike from the south end of the cliffs north to the visitor center. And if you start your hike in early evening, so much the better!

You can make this hike as long or short as you like. It’s a seven-hour hike between Doolin and Liscannor but we did a two-hour hike by parking at Hag’s Head. (Parking in the lot there is just a few euros.)

Where to stay . Stay two nights here. Most visitors to Cliffs of Moher stay in nearby Doolin. It’s convenient…just five minutes to the Cliffs. You can check lodging in Doolin on booking.com here .

For an even more local experience, however, stay at Vaughn’s Anchor Inn as we did in the tiny village of Liscannor (a 10-minute drive to the cliffs). This is an award-winning gastropub with comfortable rooms just upstairs.

Not only will you find delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies in your room daily, but a gourmet hot breakfast is included in your stay. And it was one of the best breakfasts we had anywhere in Ireland!

Check price and availability on Vaughn’s Anchor Inn here .

Where to eat and hear music.  In Liscannor, eat at Vaughn’s Anchor Inn and head to Joseph McHugh for music. In Doolin, candlelight sets the mood at Gus O’Connor’s Pub for a simple meal and music afterward. McGann’s is another excellent spot for music in Doolin.

Shopping for gifts? Pick up some unbelievable strawberry jam or whiskey marmalade at The Clare Jam Company . Small samplers make it easy.

Day 8: Day Trip to the Aran Islands

Ireland’s three Aran islands—Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer are an easy day trip from either Galway or Doolin. With an extra day, spend one night here to enjoy an island all to yourselves after the day trippers leave.

I wish we’d done this!

Inishmore is the largest and most popular island to visit with shops, pubs, and the famous sight, Dún Aenghus (an Iron Age Fort). For a more off-the-beaten-path destination in a gorgeous locale, consider Inisheer as we did.

It’s easy to rent bicycles right at the dock on Inisheer for a lovely ride around the island (mostly flat) past cud-chewing cows and cute ponies in bucolic meadows crisscrossed with rock walls.

You’ll see a shipwrecked freighter off the coast as well. And if you prefer to skip the cycling, you can also tour the island in a horse-drawn carriage!

Make your way up to the ruins of O’Brien’s Castle , It’s about a 20-minute walk up a (steep) path with phenomenal panoramic views of the whole island.

About halfway up (or down as the case may be), you’ll find an adorable wee cafe that makes the perfect spot for a spot of tea.

Otherwise, stop into a pub on your way back to the ferry. Inisheer actually has its own beer! (“Inish beer for Inisheer,” as the locals say.)

See the Cliffs of Moher from the sea. No visit to the Cliffs would be complete without looking up at them from the sea.

It’s easy to do this on your Aran Island visit, just book your ferry trip to include the Cliffs cruise on the return. You can check prices and reserve here .

If you’ve decided to overnight on one of the Aran Islands, you can find some options for Aran Islands accommodation here .

Another option for your extra day (or after your overnight on the Aran Islands) is to see the fascinating Burren.

It’s just a 30-minute drive from Cliffs of Moher. (A visit to both sights is easily combined in a single day.)

With its cracked limestone and rocky moonscape, Burren National Park looks very different than the rest of green leafy Ireland.

And yet, it’s internationally famous for its flora and fauna. Arctic-Alpine plants comingle happily here with Mediterranean wildflowers. It’s a great place for a hike!

Definitely stop at the Burren Perfumery while you’re here. This little shop makes singular botanical fragrances that are not your typical perfume. It’s a great spot to pick up a unique gift for someone back home.

Day 9: Falconry at Ashford Castle

Falconry in Ireland is designated as a UNESCO living heritage…and you can experience the magic of it for yourself with a Hawk Walk at the Ireland School of Falconry at Ashford Castle.

You’ll be matched with your very own Harris Hawk for a sixty-minute amble through the woods on the castle’s grounds, while the falconer teaches you everything you need to know to release and retrieve your hawk. It was a truly spectacular experience.

Make reservations many months ahead. And while you’re at it, book high tea in the Connaught Room at the castle as we did.

This little jewel box of a tea room offers a memorable afternoon tea (gluten-free and vegetarian options available).

A stay at Ashford Castle with its sumptuous, plush decor and a crackling fire is also one of the best fall destinations in Europe !

For a bucket list luxury experience, stay at Ashford Castle . A more affordable alternative that is just next to the castle is The Lodge at Ashford Castle.

Check price and availability at Ashford Castle here .

With extra time, head to Galway. As a university town, Galway is all about the street scene.

Without a car, Galway makes a great base for convenient tours to the Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and even points north on the Wild Atlantic Way, such as the Connemara region if you have more time.

Dining tip for your night near Kinvara or Cong: Go to Moran’s Oyster Cottage !

Day 10: Dublin

It takes around two hours to drive from Kinvara, Cong, or Galway back to Dublin.

If you’ve reserved two nights for Dublin before flying home, be sure to stop in at Tullamore DEW for a whiskey tasting and lunch in their café. It’s conveniently on the way.

With just one night before your flight, head directly to Dublin to make the most of your day there instead.

Return your car at the Dublin airport, walk over the sky bridge, and then catch the bus into town . Tickets can be purchased on-site just before boarding.

Whatever you do, don’t try to take your car into Dublin! It’s a massive city and the streets seem to change their names every few blocks for maximum confusion!

After arrival, enjoy an evening pub crawl or guided Irish literature walking tour .

Beer lovers will want to visit the home of Guinness with a skip-the-line ticket for a self-guided tour of the Guinness storehouse .

Dublin didn’t impress me the same way that Paris or Barcelona did with its iconic architecture. But there is so much history here to soak up!

On a 10 day Ireland itinerary, Dublin deserves a full day or a day and a half on your itinerary.

Here are my top picks for your time in Dublin :

First, you absolutely must not miss seeing the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin.

This beautiful illuminated manuscript dates from 800 AD and was discovered in a farmer’s field!

On the Chi Rho page—the most famous page in the book—the lavish illustrations were made by four main scribes. It’s a sight to behold.

But reserve ahead for fast track access to skip the long lines. Tip: Get the audio guide when you reserve as you can’t add it once you’ve gone inside.

Then tour Trinity Library . Your ticket to the Book of Kells exhibition includes access to The Long Room at Trinity College, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The library houses 200,000 medieval books!

Enjoy a picnic on St. Stephen’s Green in the city center and then head to the National Museum of Ireland to see everything from Viking swords to Celtic art.

Or, take a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. It’s one of my favorite ways to really see a European city and Dublin is no exception. You can check prices on a tour here .

Where to stay . Stay central or be prepared for major walking or taxi rides. We loved our stay at Pembroke Hall, just a 15-minute walk to St. Stephens Green and Grafton Street.

It’s a great value, but be aware breakfast is not included. (Bonus: The bus from the airport stops just across the street!)

Check price and availability at Pembroke Hall here.

Where to eat and hear music.  Dublin is foodie central! If you’ve had your fill of full Irish breakfasts and are staying at Pembroke Hall, head just up the street to Eathos for a gourmet healthy breakfast. Fallon & Brynn is a delicious gourmet grocery and restaurant near Grafton Street for sandwiches and homemade soups.

We enjoyed a delicious upscale Italian dinner at Dunne & Crescenzi . For a truly local dining experience, reserve ahead a t The Little Kitchen . (You can bring your own wine!)

When it comes to music, most tourists head directly to the Temple Bar area. If you’re more interested in hearing the next emerging musical talent out of Ireland, skip Temple Bar and head to Cobblestone Smithfield, Whelan’s or The Ruby Sessions instead.

With more time on the Emerald Isle, add at least one day for Garnish Island near Glengariff, overnight on one of the Aran Islands, see The Burren, and spend a day in Galway.

With even more time, head further north to Connemara National Park!

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Reader Interactions

October 14, 2019 at 5:12 am

My husband and I are looking to travel for ten (10) days in October 2020 to Ireland.

October 15, 2019 at 10:07 am

I hope this post gave you some destination inspiration, Mary 🙂

February 11, 2020 at 12:12 pm

ENJOY! My husband and I are also looking to go in October 2020 and want to make the most of it without feeling overly rushed. Some of this information will be helpful. Thanks.

February 11, 2020 at 12:58 pm

Happy to hear it. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂

August 8, 2021 at 2:49 pm

Just wondering how much, on average, a 10d trip with this itinerary would cost a couple? It will be our 20th wedding anniversary so don’t want to skimp but don’t need top of the top at every spot – we love the local flavors… just trying to determine how much we should allow for each day.. Thanks for any assist and I love love love this site! Amy

August 8, 2021 at 3:11 pm

Hey Amy, thanks so much for the kind words. I went and looked up our expenses for you. We spent $5300–which included flights, car rental, and gas for our 2 week trip. (This 10 day itinerary represents the best of that.) Part of that was possible because we booked our airfare when we saw a great deal on Scotts Cheap Flights (which I highly recommend), 2 tickets from LAX at $1488 total and our two week auto rental was just $250. (Rent through Autoslash for the best deal, then use a credit card with int’l insurance coverage to avoid paying extra fees on-site.) Hope that helps and Happy Anniversary!

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