road tours of ireland

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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Thanks for informative blog

How would you cut this down to just 10 days, Dublin to Dublin? Which stops are musts and which ones could we skip?

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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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 Apr 1, 2021 and updated Mar 9, 2024.

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The Perfect Ireland Road Trip Itinerary You Should Steal

May 8, 2024 //  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, you are in for a real treat! There are so many amazing things to do in Ireland ! I love Ireland so much and keep coming back for more!

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!)

I 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.

My Ireland road trip itinerary is written in a clockwise manner around the island, but feel free to modify it or go counter-clockwise if you want!

For this Irish road trip itinerary, I am 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 , I am here to help with tips and full itineraries!

If you have two weeks, consider spending a few days in each location to take in the gorgeous beaches and beautiful waterfalls in Ireland !

Now, let’s dive into one of the best Ireland driving routes!

Begin Your Ireland Road Trip By Flying Into Dublin

The Dublin Airport is a major international airport and flights into Ireland are often relatively affordable.

In fact, the reason I went to Ireland on my first trip was because it was so cheap to fly into! I had no clue how amazing the country was and am very glad I went on a whim!

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

If you are doing the itinerary counter-clockwise, you will fly into Belfast Airport in Northern Ireland.

Make sure to check out my tips on driving in Ireland .

Stop 1: Explore Dublin To Begin Your Ireland Road Trip

Dublin is the largest city in the Republic of Ireland and has so much to do. I 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 in my opinion!

Spend as long as you like in Dublin but I recommend 1 to 2 nights.

Best 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 lively and the perfect place to experience your first Irish pub!

The Temple Bar itself is a great place for dinner and a pint. Even though it is touristy it is still a cool thing to add to your itinerary for Dublin.

Book Here: Dublin: Generation Pub Crawl

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

Visit Dublin Castle. There is a real castle located in the heart of Dublin! It is 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!

Book Here: Dublin: Fast-Track Book of Kells Ticket & Dublin Castle Tour

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

Book Here: Dublin: Guinness Storehouse Entry Ticket

Where To Stay In Dublin

Dublin has a shortage of hotel rooms and as a result, they can be expensive! I recommend spending a shorter amount of time in Dublin to save money.

I have an entire post detailing where to stay in Dublin if you want more information.

Best Hotels in Dublin: 

• Mid-Range: Academy Plaza Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury: The Westbury Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Enjoy Rock of Cashel And Hore Abbey

I did the Rock of Cashel as a day stop on my way from Dublin to Cork, but you can spend the night in the area if you want more time to explore. Rock of Cashel is very popular for a good reason!

It is an epic ruin set on the top of a hill surrounded by sheep. Does it get any more Irish than that? This is a fun place to stop when driving through Ireland!

There is an entrance fee to visit the Rock of Cashel. However, 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 the Rock of Cashel but significantly fewer people visit there.

Hore is Gaelic for grey, which is the color the nuns wore back in the day. The abbey ruins are magnificent!

The view of the Rock Of Cashel from Hore Abbey and the field beside it is worth making this a stop on your road trip of Ireland itinerary.

Best Hotels Near Rock of Cashe l:

• Affordable: Cashel Town BnB . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Baileys Hotel Cashel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Visit Ireland’s Ancient East

Cork is just a few hours away from Dublin and is worth a stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary. It is close to many of the top stops in Ireland’s Ancient East. You will not be disappointed!

See Cobh During Your Ireland Road Trip

When visiting Cork, you must make the 30-minute drive to the colorful town of Cobh! It is one of the prettiest towns in Ireland and a must-see during your trip!

Cobh was the last stop the Titanic made before crossing the Atlantic. If you’re interested in the history of this doomed ship, check out the amazing Titanic Museum.

While in Cobh, visit the church high on the hill and explore the colorful local neighborhoods. While the town is small, there are quite a lot of things to do in Cobh for a fun day trip!

Best Hotels in Cobh:

• Mid-Range: Commodore Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: WatersEdge Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Kiss The Blarney Stone

Kissing the iconic Blarney Stone is one of the most popular and unique things to do in Ireland. The stone is found in Blarney Castle on the sprawling Blarney Estate right outside of Cork.

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

You must stop here when driving around Ireland!

Book Here: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

Best Hotels Near Blarney Castle: 

• Mid-Range: Blarney Castle Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Maranatha Country House . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Drive The Ring Of Kerry

No road trip around Ireland is complete without a drive on the famed Ring of Kerry!

Please note that the Ring of Kerry is quite a harrowing drive with extremely narrow roads. There are also 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 and wait for it to pass before proceeding. This is one of my top tips for road trips in Ireland.

Visit Kerry Cliffs

The Kerry Cliffs are like a miniature version of the Cliffs of Moher. They are located in the middle of the Ring of Kerry along the Skellig Ring.

The Skellig Ring is a short circle drive at the end of the Ring of Kerry. It is easy to spot with many signs. You can even see the Skellig Islands, where Star Wars was filmed, from the Kerry Cliffs!

The Kerry Cliffs are home to many seabirds and make for a wonderful walk to explore the cliffs during your Ireland itinerary.

Book Here: From Killarney: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Tour

Ride The Car Ferry To Valentia Island

Valentia Island is located near the Kerry Cliffs and is a must-see on a Ring of Kerry road trip. If you drive the Skellig Ring, Valentia Island is less than 2 km away!

The island is home to a stunning lighthouse and quaint seaside towns. Valentia Island can be accessed near Kerry Cliffs by a bridge or by a ferry on the other end of the island.

I recommend arriving on the island by the bridge and exciting by the car ferry which has a small fee. It is a fun and unique thing to do on an Ireland road trip!

Where To Stay On The Ring of Kerry

There are a ton of fantastic places to stay along the Ring of Kerry for all budgets. No matter where you stay, you will be close to nature. This makes getting around Ireland by car so easy.

• Mid-Range: Valhalla BnB . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury: Parknasilla Resort & Spa . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 5: Explore Killarney

Killarney is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Ireland ! The city is vibrant and welcoming with breathtaking scenery.

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!

Best Things To Do In Killarney:

Muckross House and Killarney House . These beautiful, historic homes are located in the Killarney area and are both fascinating places to visit.

Muckross House is located a bit out of the city and can be quite busy. The grounds are stunning!

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

Torc Waterfall. This pretty waterfall is a unique stop on your road trip in Ireland!

It is located right off the main road and is an easy walk to visit. It is a must-see because of how unique it is! Torc Waterfall tops my list of the best hikes in Ireland !

Ross Castle. This castle is beautiful and easy to get to. It is located in the heart of Killarney on a lake.

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 I think the best views are 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.

I recommend driving through the Gap of Dunloe and seeing Ladies View during your Ireland road trip.

Book Here: Killarney: Killarney National Park Private Tour

Where To Stay In Killarney

Killarney has plenty of lodging options! It is quite a popular town and for good reason! Here are some of my recommendations for where to stay in Killarney during your Ireland road trip.

Best Hotels in Killarney: 

• Mid-Range: The Brehon & Spa . Check Prices: Booking.com
• Luxury: Aghadoe Heights . Check Prices: Booking.com

Stop 5: Visit the Dingle Peninsula

I have done multiple Ireland road trips around the entire country and the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular places! It will beat all of your prior expectations and the views go for miles!

This is one area where you will want time to enjoy everything so think about extending your Ireland road trip for longer in Dingle!

Must-See Stops On The Dingle Peninsula:

Slea Head Drive . This is one of the most epic things to do on your Ireland road trip. This loop drive starts and ends in the town of Dingle.

It offers stunning cliffs, Star Wars movie locations, mountains, quaint towns, and breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. You will love discovering the best stops on Slea Head Drive !

Dunquin Pier. This 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 a ferry pier.

It is quite a good photo location for catching the sunset. You will have lots of fun walking down to the water.

Connor’s Pass . This is the highest pass in Ireland and a wonderful addition to your itinerary. 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. There is so much to see and do!

Walk around the shops and grab an ice cream while you enjoy the waterfront.

Book Here: Ireland: Dingle Peninsula Day Tour

Where To Stay In Dingle

Dingle is a wonderful and quaint place to stay in Ireland. There are a bunch of nice hotels and cute bed and breakfasts.

Best Hotels in Dingle: 

• Mid-Range: The Lighthouse . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury: Dingle Benners Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 6: Check The Cliffs of Moher Off Your Bucket List

Is there anything more iconically Irish than the Cliffs of Moher? Even if you don’t generally like to do “touristy” things, the Cliffs of Moher are a must on the best Ireland vacation itinerary!

I recommend budgeting at least 2 hours to see the Cliffs of Moher. Seeing these gorgeous cliffs in person will blow your mind and exceed your expectations!

You can also stop by the Visitor Center for some education and also grab a bite to eat before heading out to the views!

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

Book Here: Galway: Gaze Across the Stunning Cliffs of Moher and Burren

There are a lot of fabulous Irish Castle Hotels near the Cliffs of Moher if you are looking for a unique place to stay!

Stop 7: Drop By Doolin For Irish Charm

Doolin is an adorable town just 10 minutes north of the Cliffs of Moher. If you are already visiting the cliffs on your Ireland road trip, I recommend a quick stop in Doolin too.

Doolin is a cute little town with iconic pink houses, an adorable downtown, a castle turret, and a lovely harbor.

While in Doolin, take a day trip to the nearby Aran Islands. You can catch an affordable ferry from Doolin, and it is a short boat ride to the islands!

These islands are a unique and beautiful place to see when you travel Ireland by car!

Best Hotels in Doolin:

• Affordable: Mountain Aven Guest House . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury: Doolin Village Lodges . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 8: Experience Westport And Achill Island

I 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 in Co. Mayo with so much to offer.

Visit Westport House and see their falcon demonstration or take a bike ride through neighboring towns. Westport House is where famed pirate Grace O’Malley lived and you can go into a real dungeon too!

I highly recommend a day trip to the nearby Achill Island or even staying a night here. 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 more adventure!

Make sure to check out the other great things to do in Co. Mayo !

Best Hotels In Westport:

• Affordable: Plougastel House B&B . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: The Wyatt Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Best Hotels on Achill Island:

• Affordable: Murrayville B&B . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Affordable: Hy Breasal B&B . Check Rates: Booking.com

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

Co. Donegal, Ireland’s northernmost county, is known as its most “wild.” This isn’t a place most people visit on their Ireland road trip, but I have gone and highly recommend it.

You will love exploring the best things to do in Donegal !

This is real and unspoiled Ireland, far away from tourists. This is where you will find sheep wandering in the road with no fences to keep them in.

Best Things To Do In Co. Donegal

Slieve League Cliffs . This is a must for 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. 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.

Bad Eddie’s Shipwreck. Once you leave Slieve League, make your way up to Bunbeg, where you will find a shipwreck on the beach. This is an old wooden shipwreck located on a beach you can drive on!

It is so cool to get up close and personal with an actual shipwreck on a beach!

Glenveagh National Park. This park is the epitome of wild Irish landscapes. If you love mountains, this is the place for you!

Make sure to leave time to drive through the national park or walk up one of the mountains! This is another one of the lesser-known things to do on your Ireland itinerary that you will love!

Malin Head. Malin Head is the northernmost point of Ireland. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean with 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!

Stop 10: Finish Your Ireland Road Trip By Exploring Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is much less visited than the Republic of Ireland but the country is so beautiful you must take time to visit here. There are amazing things to do in Northern Ireland !

Belfast is located less than 2 hours 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.

Explore The Causeway Coast

The 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 close to one another so you can easily see them in one day. There is so much to do on a Northern Ireland road trip, but here are a few top Causeway Coast attractions.

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

Giant’s Causeway. This is a spectacular ode to nature with hexagonal, basalt rocks pushing up from the ocean. Make sure to go early in the morning to beat the tour buses.

Dark Hedges. This hedgerow leads to an old manor house and became popular after being featured in Game Of Thrones . Like Giant’s Causeway, make sure to go early or late to beat the tourists.

Mussenden Temple. This temple is perched on a cliff in Northern Ireland overlooking a perfect stretch of white sand beach. It is a fantastic place to catch the sunset.

Game Of Thrones Doors. If you are into Game Of Thrones , you’ll want to search out some of the Game Of Thrones Doors ! There are many located along the Causeway Coast in bars and hotels.

Book Here: From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour

Book Here: Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour

Best Things to Do in Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and is located under 2 hours from all the best nature Northern Ireland has to offer.

If you add Belfast to your driving itinerary for Ireland, check out the Titanic Museum Experience and walk around the Titanic Quarter. Interestingly, Belfast is where the Titanic was built and originally set sail.

Belfast is also home to the buzzing Cathedral Quarter. This is the perfect place for a bite to eat or a drink at one of the many pubs. If you have time, take a pub tour or walking tour around Belfast.

Book Here: Belfast: The Titanic Experience with SS Nomadic Visit

Best Hotels in Belfast:

• Mid-Range: Ramada by Wyndham Belfast . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Bullitt Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury: The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast . Check Rates: Booking.com

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

Eventually, your car trip in Ireland must come to an end. Either fly out of Dublin or Belfast.

If you fly out of Dublin, I highly recommend staying outside of the city and then driving in on the day of your flight. This will save you from going back to Dublin and will save you money on a hotel as well.

Ireland Road Trip Map

If 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 the route will take you when you visit Ireland by car.

This Ireland road trip itinerary showcases the best attractions in the country. You will see popular things as well as hidden gems in Ireland ! There is something for everyone!

I hope you have learned how to plan a trip to Ireland.

If this is your first time in Ireland, read up on the best time to visit Ireland next.

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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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Go North Tour

With epic geology, larger than life legends, and amazing vistas, this is Ireland's spirited highlands!

* Explore Antrim's gorgeous forested glens and scenic coast road. Stride the Giant's Causeway and where 6 sided stone columns descend into the sea

* Enjoy a tour of Belfast including a behind-the-scenes look at Belfast's storied past and huge wall murals

* Beam at Glenveagh's fairytale castle and pristine gardens

* Be captivated by Ireland's most northerly point on Malin Head

* Climb the fabulous Fanad lighthouse and unwinding charming Ardara, famed for its traditional tweeds, woolens, and traditional Irish music

* Tour Glencolmcille's ornate standing stones, its secluded landscape, and Donegal's stunning, untouched beaches and waterfalls

* Discover the Cooley Mountains, its ancient tombs, and medieval Carlingford town set alongside an oyster filled fjord

Explore Ireland in pictures!

Tour Pricing

2025 tours (early bird pricing).

Three tours to choose from, Go South, Go North or Go West, each with stunning sights filled with history and culture! ☘️ Book before August 31, 2024 and save $150/per tour with Early Bird Discount!

• Go South Tour - 2025 Price US$3490/US$3620** (Early Bird) |US$3640/ US$3770** (Regular)
• Go West Tour  -  2025 Price US$3565 (Early Bird) |US$3715 (Regular)
• Go North Tour -  2025 Price US$3615 (Early Bird) |US$3765 (Regular)

With the small group size of 14 - 16 people, tours can sell out quickly. Reserve your amazing 2025 Irish vacation today on our  secure  Reservations page

New in 2025!   Go South Tours marked with a ** include a special dinner demo at the Tannery Restaurant with Chef Paul Flynn!

Traveling in a small group on Ireland's back roads, exploring unique sites, and staying in small towns in locally owned guest houses connects you with the locals and the real Ireland.

Three amazing one-week tours to choose from:  Go South ,  Go West , and  Go North , available between May and early October - the best time of year to visit Ireland!

• All prices are in USD and based on double occupancy. For solo travelers, there is a single supplement of US$645.

Combination Discounts 

Would you like to travel for 2 or 3 weeks in Ireland? Link 2 tours and save US$200 (promo code  COMBO2 ). Link 3 tours and save US$300 (promo code  COMBO3 ). Promo codes must be entered ALLCAPS!

Follow us on Twitter for latest news, airfare alerts and other interesting information

✈️🇮🇪☘️Super news on flights to Ireland from not just the Minneapolis, but Denver, Hartford and many other places in the US. Read more below! 😀 https://t.co/5PelYoz3Da — Inroads Ireland Tours (@InroadsIreland) April 30, 2024

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Ireland Self Drive Tours

WE TAILOR DRIVING TOURS TO MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Quality self drive tours with excellent service & backup

• We tailor our self drive tours to suit your individual travel requirements, tastes and preferences.
• Each of our vacation packages come with a personal travel advisor and backup service
• We provide a number of specialist driving tours to cater for all your vacation tastes, such as the Gourmet Tour of Ireland, the 3 Centre Tour of Ireland and the Irish Pub & Folk Tour
• All of our self drive tours are specifically designed to deliver an authentic and rich experience of Ireland.

How to select the right driving tour for your vacation

Begin your tour selection by choosing a duration and interests that suit your requirements.

When you find a tour that interests you, simply send us an enquiry and we will contact you to begin the process of tailoring your dream vacation.

If you do not have time to browse our driving tours you can contact us directly using the details provided at the bottom of this page, and we will help you to select a driving tour that meets your exact requirements.

Holiday Duration? Pick one or more

What kind of experience are you looking for?

History & Heritage

Honeymoon & Romance

Scenic Attractions

What style of tour are you looking for?

• Self Drive Tours Ireland
• Honeymoons in Ireland

87 tours met your criteria

We know that thinking of perfect gift ideas for loved ones can be a chore so why not take the stress out of gift buying with an Irish Tourism gift voucher. An Irish Tourism Gift Voucher is the ideal way for friends and family to join together to give the gift of an unforgettable vacation in Ireland. Our gift vouchers can be purchased up to any amount, they can be used for 3 years from the date of issue and can be used against any Irish Tourism service including self-drive tours, escorted tours, private group tours and tailor made vacations. Please use the form below to send us a gift voucher request, please make sure to include your own contact details so that our sales representatives can contact you for all the necessary information.

IRELAND GIFT VOUCHERS

Stay in some of our finest Irish Castles and Manor Hotels including Ballynahinch Castle, an oasis of calm and luxury in Connemara in Ireland's Wild West!

10 Night Irish Castles and Manors Silver Tour

Stay in some of our finest Irish Castles and Manor Hotels on this 9 day vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands.

8 Night Irish Castles and Manors Silver Tour

Stay in some of our finest Irish Castles and Manor Hotels , a highlight will be the complimentary guided tour of the 15th Century Castle ruins beside Ballinalacken House by the owner

Irish Castles and Manors Silver 7 Night Tour

Highlights of the Irish Castles and Manors Gold tour will be attending the Dunguaire Castle Banquet in Kinvara, the Smithwick’s Brewery Experience Tour in Kilkenny, the Megalithic Tombs at Newgrange and much more.

10 Night Irish Castles and Manors Gold

7 Night Irish Castles and Manors Gold Tour

Stay in some Ireland's Best Castles and Manor Hotels on this 9 day vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to the Aran Islands.

8 Night Irish Castles and Manors Gold Tour

This tour has everything!! Stay in the most luxurious of our Irish Castles and Manor Hotels on this vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to the largest of the Aran Islands.

10 Night Irish Castles and Manors Platinum Tour

Stay in some of the very best Irish Castles and Manors on this 9 day platinum vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and home to the spectacular pre-Christian Dun Aonghus Fort.

7 Night Irish Castles and Manors Platinum Tour

Our most popular Ireland self drive tour - See Ireland’s best attractions and most scenic locations on this 10 night/11 day best of Ireland tour

Best of Ireland Tour (10 Night)

This Best of Ireland Tour, our most popular tour, can be accessed using any of the Irish Airports and is a 12 night tour based on Ireland’s most famous sights.

Best of Ireland Tour (12 Night)

This tour will leave you with a wonderful array of memories of the diverse scenery and cultural differences that they will encounter from one side of the country to the other.

Best of Ireland Tour (14 Night)

This tour based on Ireland’s most famous sights including Trinity College and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Powerscourt House and Blarney Castle, Killarney & much more!

Best of Ireland Tour (7 Night)

See Ireland's best attractions and locations on this comprehensive 8 night best of Ireland self drive tour

Best of Ireland Tour (8 Night)

By far our most popular Ireland vacation, the Best of Ireland tour allows you to appreciate Ireland’s best attractions and most scenic locations in the shortest amount of time.

Best of Ireland Tour 6 Nights

Irish pubs are known throughout the world for their warm and friendly hospitality and for being the meeting place for like minded souls who find themselves in search of quality conversation, humour, music and great food!

Irish Pub & Folk Tour (12 Night)

Irish pubs are known throughout the world for the friendliness and warmth of their hospitality and also for being the meeting place for like minded souls who find themselves in search of quality conversation, humour, music and food.

Irish Pub & Folk Tour (14 Night)

Irish pubs are known throughout the world for the friendliness and warmth of their hospitality and also for being the meeting place for like-minded souls who find themselves in search of quality conversation, humor, music and food.

Irish Pub & Folk Tour (8 Night)

This Irish Pub & Folk Tour will help you discover great pub locations that are famous for their great atmospheres, food, drink and of course terrific traditional Irish music.

Irish Pub and Folk Tour (6 Night)

The Irish Pub & Folk Tour takes you to towns that offer numerous great pubs renowned for their atmosphere, food and superb traditional music.

Irish Pub and Folk Tour (7 Night)

Discover ireland’s best pub locations on this 10 night Ireland self drive tour. Pubs are well-known for their great atmospheres, food, drink and great music.

Irish Pubs & Folklore 10 Nights

This tour is a seven night tour based on Ireland’s most famous sights including Trinity College and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Blarney Castle in Cork, Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and the ‘Burren Landscape’ as well as the Aran Islands.

Best of Ireland Self Drive Tour & the Rock of Cashel (7 Night)

Your 10 Night Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Self Drive Tour includes the best that Ireland has to offer in terms of service, location and gastronomy. Tasting menus are also available upon request.

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (10 Night)

This luxury tour of Ireland includes overnights in Ireland's premier five star hotels and Castles allowing you to spend your dream Ireland vacation relaxing like a true king or queen.

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (12 Night)

With our Luxury Ireland Vacations you don’t just get to visit many of Ireland’s history laden Castle’s. You stay in some of Ireland’s most prestigious five star castle’s and luxury hotels.

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (6 Night)

This luxury tour of Ireland includes overnights in Ireland's premier five star Hotels and Castles allowing you to spend your dream Ireland vacation relaxing like a true king or queen.

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (7 night)

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (8 Night)

You will have plenty of time to discover the true romance that Ireland has to offer honeymoon couples! Spend time in city of Galway, Kerry, Cork and Clare.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 10 Night Tour

Discover why Ireland is the best honeymoon location on this Romantic 12 Night Tour of Ireland. Spend time in Connemara and vibrant Galway City, Kerry & the luxurious Dromoland Castle.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 12 Night Tour

This tour will give you ample time to discover our most romantic spots including gorgeous Galway, Cork City & Beyond, Waterford, Clare and the super luxurious Dromoland Castle.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 14 Night Tour

This 6 night honeymoon tour of Ireland includes a romantic getaway in the super luxurious Dromoland Castle and five other magnificent days to tour Ireland.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 6 Night Tour

This 7 night romantic getaway will allow you to explore Galway, Kerry and Clare and it includes an overnight stay in luxury Dromoland Castle.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 7 Night Tour

Explore Galway, Cork, Kerry and Clare on this wonderful 8 Night Romantic Tour of Ireland. Spend your final day in the lap of luxury at Romantic Dromoland Castle.

Irish Romance with luxury Irish Castle Stay 8 Night Tour

This 5-Star Ireland honeymoon package includes the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, the Cliff House Hotel in Waterford, The Park Hotel in Kenmare, Dromoland Castle and Ashford Castle

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 10 Night Tour

12 Nights in Ireland gives you plenty of time to discover Ireland’s greatest treasures from the Ring of Kerry in the South to Connemara in the West. Stay in the best 5-star hotels as you travel.

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 12 Night Tour

On this 5-Star studded tour you will stay in some of the best hotels in Ireland including the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, The Park Hotel in Kenmare, Dromoland Castle, Ashford Castle and more!

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 14 Night Tour

Discover Dublin, Waterford, Kerry and Clare on this 5-Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon. On this tour you will stay in some of the best hotels in Ireland.

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 6 Night Tour

On this luxury honeymoon tour of Ireland you will stay in some of our finest hotels including the Shelbourne Hotel In Dublin and the Cliff House Hotel in Waterford, the Park Hotel in Kenmare and Dromoland Castle

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 7 Night Tour

8 nights gives you plenty of time to explore the areas of Dublin, Waterford, Clare and Connemara. In each location you will be staying in some of the finest 5-Star hotels in Ireland.

Five Star Deluxe Ireland Honeymoon 8 Night Tour

10 nights in Ireland gives you great scope for exploring Ireland’s best honeymoon locations on this affordable but unforgettable Irish honeymoon!

Irish Romance 10 Night Tour

This affordable honeymoon tour of Ireland gives you the opportunity to explore Ireland’s most romantic sites from Kylemore Abbey to Blarney Castle in Cork and much more.

Irish Romance 12 Night Tour

Discover romantic Ireland on this 14 night affordable honeymoon tour. Explore Galway with its outstandingly beautiful Connemara area and Kerry including Ring of Kerry.

Irish Romance 14 Night Tour

Discover Kerry, Clare and Galway on this Romantic yet affordable Ireland honeymoon package. Includes a romantic cruise on the lakes of Killarney and a horse and carriage journey through Killarney National Park and much more!

Irish Romance 6 Night Tour

Start 7 Night Irish Romance Tour in Ireland’s largest county, Cork. Famous for Blarney Castle where the stone of eloquence is said to grant the gift of the gab to those that kiss it!

Irish Romance 7 Night Tour

Discover the romance in Cork, Kerry, Galway and Clare on this affordable honeymoon tour of Ireland. Discover the remote Dingle Peninsula, the romantic Connemara region and the stunning Cliffs of Moher and much more

Irish Romance 8 Night Tour

Immerse yourself in one of the top driving routes in the world - The Wild Atlantic Way and discover the Wild Magnificent Ireland of your dreams!

Best of the Wild Atlantic Way (10 Night)

This Best of the Wild Atlantic Way Driving Tour is accessed through Shannon airport and is a 12 night tour based on the highlights of the spectacular coastal route that is the Wild Atlantic Way.

Best of the Wild Atlantic Way (12 Night)

This Best of the Wild Atlantic Way Tour is accessed through Shannon airport and is a comprehensive 14 night tour based on the highlights of the spectacular coastal route that is the Wild Atlantic Way.

Best of the Wild Atlantic Way (14 Night)

This Best of the Wild Atlantic Way Tour is is a 7 night self drive tour based on the highlights of the spectacular coastal route that is the Wild Atlantic Way.

Best of the Wild Atlantic Way (7 Night)

This 10 night tour features one of Ireland's best kept secrets, our northern territories, taking in Belfast, Causeway Coast, Derry/ Londonderry and Donegal & much more.

Northern Territories 10 Nights

A 7 night tour based on Ireland's best kept secret, our very own Northern Territories. Stay in Sligo, Donegal, the North Antrim Coast and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Northern Territories Tour (7 Night)

Discover Northern Ireland's greatest treasures on our Northern Territories 8 night tour.

Northern Territories Tour (8 Night)

This comprehensive All-Ireland tour can be accessed via any of the Irish Airports and encompasses all regions of the country, including Northern Ireland.

All Ireland Tour (12 Night)

This tour does entail quite a bit of driving but it will leave the traveller with a wonderful array of memories of the diverse scenery and cultural differences that they will encounter from one end of the country to the other.

All Ireland Tour (14 Night)

9 days - 8 nights Self Drive Vacation & Tour in Ireland This 3 Centre Tour is perfect for the traveler who prefers to explore the countryside from a number of bases rather than switch accommodations every night or two.

3 Centre Tour of Ireland (8 Night)

Ireland’s South West region offers its visitors a great diversity of scenery, culture and plenty of leisure activities to enjoy. This rugged and mountainous terrain is steeped in ancient history and folklore!

Scenic South West Ireland Tour (6 Night)

This popular driving tour of the picturesque counties of Cork and Kerry, including the towns of Kinsale, Killarney and Dingle has the perfect mix of sightseeing and welcoming pubs, restaurants & hotels.

Scenic South West Ireland Tour (7 Night)

This 5 Centre Tour is perfect for the traveller who prefers to explore the countryside from a number of bases rather than switch accommodations every night or two.

5 Centre Tour of Ireland 14 Nights

The 4 Centre Tour is ideal for the traveller that wishes to see the best parts of Ireland, but would prefer not to be in different accommodation every night.

4 Centre Tour of Ireland 12 Nights

The 3 Centre Tour is ideal for the traveller that wishes to see the best parts of Ireland, but would prefer not to be in different accommodation every night.

3 Centre Tour of Ireland (10 Night)

This tour includes time in some of the most historical and picturesque areas of the southern half of the country.

Southern Tour (12 Night)

This easy-going and relaxing tour includes time in some of the most historical and picturesque areas of the southern half of Ireland

Southern Tour (14 Night)

This driving tour package includes time in some of the most historical and picturesque areas of the southern half of the country.

Southern Tour 10 Night

Explore Ireland with us on this family vacation which includes a combination of our favourite family hotels and an unforgettable overnight family stay in the 5* Dromoland Castle

Ireland with Kids – 5 Star Castle Adventure

This package includes seven nights’ in Adare’s most family friendly hotel and on booking your package with us you will receive a comprehensive tour pack which will include several day tours that you may choose to take from this historic location. .

Ireland with Kids - Adare

Ballycotton Bay in East Cork is your base location for this Ireland Family Vacation. With a rich maritime and historical heritage, East Cork has a unique variety of attractions to offer the discerning family.

Ireland with Kids - Ballycotton 7 Nights

For this Irish Tourism family vacation we have chosen Dingle as your base location. The Dingle Peninsula offers some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery from the towering Brandon Mountains to the spectacular seascapes of Dingle Bay.

Ireland with Kids - Dingle 7 Nights

Kilkenny is famous for its medieval building and castle. The atmosphere and character of this unique city makes it a great base for touring Ireland with kids.

Ireland with Kids - Kilkenny

As well as cosmopolitan Dublin City and traditional Irish music loving Galway City, this tour includes the renowned Cork Film Festival which runs from 09-17th of November.

6 Night Ireland’s Cities Vacation Including Cork Film Festival

Get away from it all to the unspoilt West of Ireland and explore rugged Connemara, Galway City, Cliffs of Moher, Westport & much more!

Way out West Tour (7 Night)

Get away from it all to the unspoilt West of Ireland. By day enjoy the magnificent scenery including, The Cliffs of Moher, The Aran Islands, Killary Harbour and the stark Burren Landscape of County Clare.

Way out West Tour (8 Night)

Spend 10 nights exploring Ireland while staying in the comfort of some of our best 4-star hotels. Highlights include the stunning Waterford Castle and Greagan's Castle Hotel.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 10 Night Tour

Spend time in the cosmopolitan city of Dublin, Romantic Waterford, Historic Cork, Beautiful Kerry, Clare, Connemara and the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow. Stay in beautiful 4-star hotels and castles.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 12 Night Tour

Ireland will give you a great opportunity to see all aspects of our culture and history. Spend time in the city of Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Clare, Galway.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 14 Night Tour

Experience some great 4* luxury hotels on this honeymoon tour of Ireland. Package includes Dublin and scenic Kerry as well as an overnight stay at Waterford Castle.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 6 Night Tour

This honeymoon tour of Ireland will help you experience some great 4* luxury hotel. Package includes Dublin and scenic Kerry as well as an overnight stay at Waterford Castle and Gregan's Castle in Clare.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 7 Night Tour

Discover Dublin, Waterford, Kerry and Clare on this honeymoon tour of Ireland. The accommodations we have chosen for this tour are all four star luxury and you will stay at the authentic Waterford Castle.

Irish Delight Luxury Getaway 8 Night Tour

Our Irish Welcome tour will give you a taste of both traditional community life and the spectacular natural scenery that it nestles in.

10 Night Irish Welcome Tour

See locations associated with Ireland's contribution to world literature. Many world famous writers, poets and playwrights were born and lived here and were inspired to write about the spectacular beauty, culture and history of their native isle.

Literary Tour of Ireland (8 Night)

Join us in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, feel the energy, enjoy the sights and sounds and marvel at the spectacular performance of the parade participants. .

St. Patrick’s Day Festival Tour

Get involved and celebrate being Irish with the Gathering Ireland. Ireland will open its arms to the many millions of friends, family, loved ones and connections overseas, inviting them home to celebrate.

The Gathering Ireland Tour (8 Night)

Discover Viking Ireland for yourself on this six night tour of Ireland.

6 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

Discover how the Vikings influenced the development of the modern Ireland that we know today.

7 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

This 8 night/9 day tour of Ireland will take you through Ireland’s Viking heritage beginning in the city of Dublin where our Viking history can easily be seen.

8 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

The counties of Cork & Kerry, including the towns of Kinsale, Killarney and Dingle lay claim to some of the most varied and spectacular scenery in the country.

Scenic South West Ireland Tour (8 Night)

If so, Go-As-You-Please Ireland B&B Vouchers are for you. The ideal alternative for the independent traveller, Go-As-You-Please Ireland B&B Vouchers provide total flexibility.

Bed and Breakfast Vouchers Ireland

Nothing captures the romance, architecture and history like the castles of Ireland do.

Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (14 Night)

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"Just wanted to send you a big Thank You. We returned from our Ireland vacation yesterday afternoon and we had a wonderful time!"

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Ireland Road Trip: 7, 10 and 14 day Itinerary

LAST UPDATED: 18th June 2024

The Republic of Ireland is a beautiful country with a fascinating history, super-friendly people, and SO much to see and do. I had 2 weeks in Ireland to explore by car and was determined to make the most of the time.

If you’re planning your own Ireland road trip, hopefully, the highlights of my epic journey will inspire you. From bumpy boat trips to islands inhabited only by seals, birds and the brutal Irish weather to the exploration of UNESCO Geoparks and dramatic coast paths high above the Atlantic Ocean, there’s something to delight everyone.

I travelled by car, boat, bicycle, and my own two feet. I ate homemade cake in museum tea shops, supped Guinness on seaside piers, and sampled traditional stew in pubs filled with the sounds of Irish music.

This ultimate Ireland road trip planner for 7, 10 and 14 day itineraries will help you create the best route in southern Ireland. 

Ireland Road Trip Planning Tips

How long to spend in ireland.

Honestly? As long as possible! Ireland is a beautiful country with a fascinating history, super-friendly people, and SO much to see and do. I spent a glorious 14 days in Ireland, and it felt like the perfect time to see everything without rushing.

Touring Ireland by car is ideal if you don’t like sticking to a rigid plan dictated by train and bus times. If somewhere captures your imagination, and you want to explore more, travelling under your own steam allows you to change your itinerary.

When is the Best Time To Visit Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland depends on the individual. For some, spending St Patrick’s Day in a chaotic and vibrant Dublin would be an amazing experience; for others, it would be a total nightmare! Various regional festivals celebrate Irish culture , The Gathering in Kilkenny, County Kerry is one of the best and would be worth timing your visit to attend. 

Irish weather is unpredictable throughout the year, and sunshine is never guaranteed, even during the height of summer. My tip? Be prepared for anything, take waterproofs and warm layers as well as sunglasses and you’ll have fun, even in the rain. 

For the ultimate Ireland road trip, travel in late April and May for long days of light and mild weather or early autumn when the crowds have left and the winter chill hasn’t yet arrived. During these off-peak times, you will also get better deals on ferry prices, flights, and hotels. 

How To Get To Ireland

I travelled from the UK to Ireland on Irish Ferries, a company that has won the ‘Best Ferry Company’ award more times than any other in Ireland. It was a simple and quick booking process, and the journey was seamless.

Cars are allowed on the boat, and there is no limit on your luggage meaning you can pack all the  road trip essentials . So, for an enjoyable crossing that sets you up for a relaxing and fun holiday of touring Ireland by car, I heartily recommend Irish Ferries; read about  my experience on the Ulysses .

Irish Ferries offer fast and cruise travel options from Holyhead to Dublin and between Pembroke in South Wales and Rosslare. Prices start from £119, and you can book either single or return tickets at   IrishFerries.com

If you’re not arriving from the UK or travelling by ferry isn’t for you, Dublin has an international airport served by 44 airlines, and upon arrival in Dublin, the public transport links for onward travel are excellent, or you may want to hire a car. 

Hiring A Car In Ireland

Don’t leave car hire as an afterthought.

If you do, you’re likely to book in a panic without thinking about what you need and what represents a good deal.

Look Carefully At The Car Insurance

Car rental insurance feels deliberately confusing, so it is worth thinking carefully about what you do and don’t need and what might already be covered by your credit card.

Age Requirements

You need to be at least 25 to hire a car in Ireland and will need a valid driving licence and ID.

Is Public Transport An Option?

Renting a car can be expensive and Ireland has good transport links and plenty of fantastic tours that will take you off the beaten path.

Compare Prices And Choose A Reliable Company

Discover Cars   is an award-winning car rental company with great Trustpilot reviews. I have used them on some previous trips and would happily recommend them.

Methods Of Payment

Some car rental companies will only accept payment via credit card or allow you to u

Travel Insurance For Ireland

Even though you have taken out car insurance, you still need travel insurance to cover other eventualities. Here are some tried-and-tested travel insurance options to check out;

Get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo . Benefit from 24-hour medical assistance, 365 days a year with single, multi-trip, and long-stay insurance, cover for Covid-19 and non-refundable expenses. The handy app makes this a simple process! They give a little back too by contributing to ‘Doctors Without Borders’.

Get 5% off your travel insurance with IATI . Discover a range of policies from basic to premium, and multi-country trips for up to 3 months. IATI will cover countries where the FCDO advises against all travel. All include 24/7 Emergency Travel, Crisis, and Medical Assistance services. 

SafetyWing for Digital Nomads . Benefit from 24/7 assistance, comprehensive and medical cover including Covid-19. Buy insurance whilst you are travelling, with the option of global health insurance.

Prefer A Group Tour Of Ireland?

If a self-drive tour of Ireland is not your preferred way, there are plenty of incredible multi-day group tours with knowledgeable guides. So if you decide you’d like to skip the hassle of driving, check out these options;

• 4 Day Southern + Western Ireland Tour
• 6 Day Southern Ireland Tour from Dublin
• 9 Day National Geographic Iconic Ireland Tour 

14 Day Ireland Road Trip

Day 1-3 | dublin.

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and it’s a city where you will find delicious food, interesting museums, and the legendary Irish craic. Visit around St Patrick’s Day, and experience parades, street theatre, and a fabulous festival atmosphere. 

The best way to discover the rich history of Dublin is on a free walking tour with a knowledgeable and hilarious guide. The National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland are both feasts for the eyes, and a trip to Trinity College to see the Book of Kels is a must. 

After a few hours of learning about Ireland’s history, you’ll be hungry, so head to The Oval Bar and enjoy a bowl of their famous Irish stew. After lunch, take a walk along the river Liffey to see the iconic bridges of Dublin, the Famine Memorial, and the Custom House. 

Read my  Dublin itinerary  – a great way to start my Ireland road trip 

Day 4-5 | Dublin Bay – Dalkey & Howth

These beautiful towns are the two highlights of Dublin Bay and they are both within easy reach of Dublin City by car, train, or bus. You’ll need at least a day to appreciate the delights each. 

Day Trip To Dalkey 

The interactive tours of Dalkey Castle are fun and informative thanks to the guides who dress in full costume and become historical characters such as a cook and archer. Brilliant! 

A hike along the coast to see the stunning views is an excellent way to blow away the cobwebs before a well-earned lunch of Dublin Bay prawns at The Queen’s Bar. 

Taking the kayaks around the rugged coastline of Dalkey Island, learning the ancient history, and watching seals was a special moment.  My Dalkey experience  was a wonderful day trip from Dublin. 

Day Trip To Howth 

Howth is a lovely village where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The way-marked clifftop walks provide breathtaking views of  Ireland’s Eye , an island that is home to grey seals, rare birds, and ancient relics. It can be reached by boat from Howth harbour.

After locally caught fish and chips and ice cream on Howth Pier, head to the beautifully decorated local church and then go for a windswept stroll at Bailey’s Lighthouse.  Visiting Howth  is the perfect escape from Dublin’s busy streets. 

Day 6 | Enniscorthy

On a 14-day self-drive tour of Ireland, it’s essential to make a plan so you see all the amazing sights the country has to offer. So, on my way to Tramor, I stopped at Enniscorthy in County Wexford. 

Enniscorthy is a picturesque and friendly town with lots of history. It is the home of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, the Battle of Vinegar Hill, and a well-preserved 13th-century castle, and some beautiful beaches. 

Day 7 | Copper Coast + Mahon Falls

The Copper Coast route is named after the massive mines of the 19th century. The area is now a  UNESCO Geopark , a name given to places with international geological significance, and has some of the most spectacular scenery in Waterford County. 

This awesome route can be driven or cycled. It is 25 km long and runs between Tramore, with its fine beach, and the quaint waterfront town of Dungarvan. On your way back to Tramore, stop at the magnificent Mahon Falls. 

Highlights of the Copper Coast  include Newton Cove, where you can wild swim from the stony shore, and the Metalman statue of a sailor who warns sea-goers of tricky waters. Kilfarrasay Strand is a lovely stretch of sand on which to stretch your legs before heading to the mining heritage site at Tankardstown. 

Day 8 | Waterford City

Waterford City is the home of the Waterford Viking Triangle, a hub of three museums that tell the story of the Vikings in Ireland and more recent history in compelling ways. New additions to this fascinating learning centre include the Museum of Time and the Museum of Silver. There’s a free walking tour taking them all in. 

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant murals added to the town walls during the annual Street Art Festival. If you have time, the Waterford Crystal Factory is a beautiful and interesting place to visit. The exquisite crystal art it produces will make great souvenirs for your two-week Ireland tour. 

Rain or shine, there are plenty of things to do for a fun-filled day  exploring Waterford City .

Day 9 | Drive To Killarney Via Blarney Castle

Before you leave Tramore, start the day with a little zen at the  Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens  which commemorates the Greek-Irish literary figure, Patrick Lafcadio Hearn. The garden displays represent his biographical journey through the different stages of his life from his Victorian childhood to living in the US, travelling extensively, and finally settling in Japan and marrying into a Samurai family. This is just one of the many  beautiful gardens of Ireland .

Blarney Castle  is a two-hour drive away from Tramore and a 90-minute drive from Killarney, my next overnight stop. The castle was built six hundred years ago by an Irish chieftain, Cormac MacCarthy, a charismatic man who managed to stop Queen Elizabeth I from taking his castle with his gift of the gab. The frustrated Queen called his stalling ‘blarney.’

The Blarney Stone, or The Stone of Eloquence, is the source of myth and legend. Was it a stone soaked in the blood of the ill-fated lover of the Queen of the Faeries? Or was it a thank-you gift from Robert Bruce for helping him defeat Edward II and is part of the legendary Stone of Scone on which the Scottish Kings were crowned?

Of course, I couldn’t come all this way without kissing the Blarney Stone. It’s not as easy as you may think as it is built into the castle wall. I had to need to lie down, hold onto metal bars, and tilt my head backward.

Did you know the Blarney Stone is 85 feet off the ground? Just one of the many  interesting facts about the Blarney Stone  you should know before you visit.

Day 10 | Ring Of Kerry Drive

The Ring of Kerry is a magical drive of 179 km. It’s a jaw-dropping route around the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula that reveals panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, pretty villages where you can have tea and cake, dramatic mountain scenes, and swooping seabirds. I drove round clockwise, the opposite way to tour groups, so I had some of these gorgeous places to myself. 

I loved the lake and rolling green hill vista at Ladies Views, the colourful houses at Port Magee, and eating a delicious lunch at the seafront village of Waterville and beautiful St Finian’s Bay. The Stague Stone Fort, an atmospheric 2,500-year-old ruin and the 19th-century Derryanne House that sits proudly in the heart of the National Park are both well worth a visit. 

Journeying through this incredible landscape was the first time I felt rushed on this trip as there was so much to see! If I’d had an extra day in my itinerary, I would have included the Dingle Peninsula too.

Day 10 | Limerick

Limerick, a Viking town founded in 922AD, is a 1-hour 40-minute drive from Killarney. This pretty place has been at the centre of bloody battles and political intrigue from its inception, and there are many historic places to visit on a day trip here. King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral are two highlights.

Limerick is on the River Shannon, and that waterside location has made it an important place for trade and commerce in Ireland for generations. It is famous for exquisite handmade lace. The story of Limerick’s more recent history is told in the People’s Museum. Art galleries, the Hunt Museum, and the Limerick Gallery are fantastic too. 

The town was named the Irish City of Culture in 2014 and received lots of investment; new shops, bars, and restaurants appeared, and it is now a great night out. 

Enjoy a friendly welcome from the locals as you discover the charms and  attractions of Limerick .

Day 12 | Cliffs Of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are awe-inspiring vertical edifices that tower over the swirling Atlantic Ocean below. They formed 320 million years ago and run eight miles along the coast of County Clare. The panoramic views from the cliffs toward the Isles of Arran will stay in your memory forever and it is especially beautiful at sunset. 

The paths around the cliffs are well-maintained and perfect for a walk, just stay away from the edge! You can wander south towards Hag’s Head, about 5.6km away. The path north to Doolin is currently closed. 

There’s a visitor’s centre with craft shops, an excellent café and lots of information about the seabirds who call the cliffs home. O’Brien’s Tower is a folly built by a local landlord and MP in 1835 to impress the women he was stepping out with. Climb it in good weather to see extended views of Connemara across Galway Bay. 

The Cliffs of Moher are part of a unique landscape called the Burren and both have UNESCO Geopark status. The archaeological, geological, and botanical significance of this karst limestone-rich area and the seven dedicated geo sites make it an enthralling and eerily beautiful place to visit.

The Burren scenic drive is 41 miles long and starts at Kilfenora, a historic cathedral town. Before you set off, take the time to visit the Burren Visitor Centre to understand the weird terrain you’re about to drive through.

Day 13 | Ferry To Inishmore From Galway

Inishmore is the largest of the Isles of Aran, and you can reach it by ferry from Galway Bay or Doolin. On the island, you’ll find Ireland at its most authentic. It is the home of traditional music and one of the few places left where Irish is the dominant language. 

I left the car in Galway Bay as only local cars are permitted on Inishmore. Hiring a bike was the best option for me as I wanted the freedom to explore at my leisure. The seal colony was disappointing as I didn’t see any. The huge views were worth the stop, however. 

The Worm Hole cave was a natural marvel, and I loved Dun Aengus Fort, an imposing ancient stone fort with massive walls and a defensive pattern of spikes. My favourite part of my visit to Inishmore was cycling gleefully along the quiet lanes of the old cottage road with the wind in my hair. It felt remote, rugged, and like I was seeing the real Ireland. 

The Aran Islands are a treasure worth experiencing, any traveller will be transfixed with the bucolic  magic of Inishmore .

Day 14 | Drive To Dublin Via Kilkenny

I didn’t want to waste the last day of my Ireland road trip. So, instead of driving straight back to Dublin for the late-night ferry to Holyhead, I stopped in Kilkenny. The main attraction is  Kilkenny Castle  and Parkland, a Victorian remodelling of a 13th-century castle. It has an absorbing history, informative tour guides, and outstanding homemade cakes in the café. 

Kilkenny  is a medieval town, and it was a joy to wander down the cobbled streets and feel the history underneath my feet. The ancient architecture is remarkably well-preserved, and the Medieval Mile Trail brings old stories to life. 

The Smithwick’s Experience is one of Kilkenny’s newest tourist attractions and is the story of the town’s love affair with their 300-year-old beer. The tour is very hands-on, you’ll be milling the malt and stirring the mash, so it’s good fun.

Dublin is 90 minutes away from Kilkenny, so before I left, I had a bite at Kyteler’s Inn, a pub built in 1324. The food was tasty, and the old building had lots of gorgeous little nooks and crannies to explore. The stained-glass windows are works of art in themselves. 

More Ireland Road Trip Itineraries

Ireland road trip 10 days.

• Howth + Ireland’s Eye
• Copper Coast
• Blarney Castle + Killarney
• Ring of Kerry
• Cliffs of Moher

Ireland Road Trip 7 Days

Handy links for your ireland road trip.

Here are some useful links for your Ireland road trip, find tours, and where to stay. These are companies I have used and can recommend with confidence.

Accommodation In Ireland

• Best accommodation deals with  Booking.com
• Top hostel deals with  Hostelworld
• Experience Irish hospitality, stay with locals via  Homestay

Tours In Ireland

• Multi-day tours in Ireland with  G Adventures
• Book attractions and multi-day tours with  Viator
• Discover tours and things to do in Ireland on  Tripadvisor
• FREE walking tours in Ireland

Transport For Ireland

• Hire your  own wheels with Discover Cars
• Check train times with  Irish Rail
• Travel from the UK to Dublin or Rosslare with  Irish Ferries .

PIN FOR YOUR 2 WEEK IRELAND ROAD TRIP

Disclosure : This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. It comes at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

I'm a content creator for She Wanders Miles ♡ Digital marketer, photographer, hiker, and nature lover ♡ Passion for slow, sustainable and responsible travel ♡ Join me in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.

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5 great Ireland Road Trips

These five road trips will bring you down winding country roads and along wild cliff-side ...

These five road trips will bring you down winding country roads and along wild cliff-side routes to reveal some of Ireland’s best-hidden secrets.

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Torr Head, County Antrim

Causeway Coastal Route

Welcome to what is rightfully known as "one of the world’s great road journeys": the Causeway Coastal Route . Curving around the northeastern coast from Belfast Lough to Lough Foyle in County Londonderry, the journey takes you along imposing cliffs, by crystal-clear waterfalls and even past of a castle or two.

Along the way, you’ll meander past the Gobbins cliff-walk , a masterful feat of Edwardian architecture and through the Glens of Antrim, bound for the geological marvel of the Giant’s Causeway . Remnant of an epic battle (or volcanic activity, depending on your beliefs), its 40,000 basalt columns are the perfect combination of legend and lava. As any driver will tell you, the views are spectacular.

Moll's Gap, County Kerry

Ring of Kerry

Beginning and ending at Killarney, the Ring of Kerry  sits in the beautiful surrounds of Killarney National Park – and when it comes to stunning scenery, this is one of the island’s most lauded spots, loved by National Geographic and Vogue magazines alike. Ladies View (named for Queen Victoria and her ladies), with its sprawling vistas of the Lakes of Killarney, stands in stark contrast to the craggy Atlantic coast and the dramatic spikes of the Skellig Islands . But both will take your breath away.

This is also the heartland of quintessential Irish villages. Sneem, Waterville and Derrynane are just some of the brightly coloured, postcard-perfect stop-off points scattered throughout Kerry. It's almost impossible to pick just one highlight in the Ring of Kerry, but the Bog Village stands apart, a snapshot in time of an authentic thatched village. You’ll want to bring your camera for this one!

The Dark Hedges, County Antrim

Game of Thrones®

If you’ve dreamed of travelling to Westeros since HBO's Game of Thrones®  first exploded on to our screens, you can’t get much closer than this. From the Dothraki grasslands to the Kingsroad, George RR Martin’s epic landscapes are brought to life as you roam through Northern Ireland – and there’s a lot to pack in.

Explore the 400-million-year-old caves at Cushendun – where Melisandre’s shadow-baby was born – or peek past Mussenden Temple to Downhill Beach below (Dragonstone, to fans of the show). And it’s not just the natural attractions that people come to see. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, practice their skills with a bow and arrow, and even meet "direwolves" at a range of Game of Thrones® experiences  throughout Northern Ireland. Just make sure to avoid the White Walkers if you make it to Tollymore Forest Park…

Copper Coast, County Waterford

Ireland's Ancient East

Spanning 5,000 years of history across 15 counties, Ireland’s Ancient East  shows you every facet of the island – if you know where to look. Dotted across this lush landscape are megalithic tombs and medieval castles, holy treasures and ghostly gothic architecture, rolling down to panoramic seascapes.

You’ll find tombs that predate the pyramids, feuding families and paths that have seen footfall for millennia. Whether you're running from the witch’s ghost in St Canice’s Cathedral, exploring the 6 th century monastic retreat of Glendalough, or gazing across the Irish Sea from the world’s oldest lighthouse at Hook Head, one thing is for certain: Ireland’s ancient history is still very much alive.

Slea Head Drive, County Kerry

Wild Atlantic Way

Windswept, untamed and uniquely Irish: the Wild Atlantic Way is exactly what it sounds like. Extending over 2,500 km along the length of the west coast, from Kinsale in County Cork to Malin Head in County Donegal, this is the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. And what a route it is...

Cruise along the magnificent Slieve League Cliffs , some of Europe’s highest; catch sight of Ireland’s only cable car on the Beara Peninsula; or pause for a picnic and some inspiration on the shores of Glencar Lake in spellbinding Yeats Country, County Sligo. Plus, the surfing along the west coast is second to none! Whatever you see along the Wild Atlantic Way, trust us: you won’t find its equal anywhere else.

Where do you want to go?

Do you feel like tasting wild Atlantic sea spray on your lips? Strolling through vibrant city streets? Exploring ancient ruins? Right this way…

Ireland Road Trip Planner: The Perfect Budget Itinerary in 2024

In this Ireland road trip planner , I provide all the information needed to enjoy an epic 28 day adventure around the Emerald Isle . I suggest which route to take, what activities to enjoy and which places to stay for every day of the trip.

If you’re looking for an Ireland trip planner then look no further – I’ve put the hard work in so you don’t have to!

This Ireland road trip itinerary is suitable for those who enjoy the outdoors and are looking to keep accommodation costs to a minimum.

Disclaimer:  Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!

Travel to Ireland on a Budget

Do you want to fully explore Ireland but have a limited budget ? Do you have several weeks and lots of energy to spare? If so, then a camping road trip around Ireland could be the best trip for you.

Many of the best places to see in Ireland are outdoors, which means they are mostly free to visit. Combine this with the ability to cook your own food and camp in the wild and a 28 day Ireland road trip suddenly becomes very affordable .

If you need a car camping packing list for your Ireland tour, take a look at this post!

Self Drive Ireland Itinerary

This Irish road trip itinerary is based on a self drive visit we made a few years ago. We drove our car from the UK and crossed via ferry to Rosslare. This itinerary will therefore start in Rosslare, however it can easily be modified to begin at any other point along the route.

We took 28 days to complete this Ireland road trip and we felt that was about right for us. We wanted to fully explore this beautiful country. This Ireland itinerary allows plenty of time to enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, however it can be shortened to fit your needs. 

We incorporated a couple of rest days along the way to take stock and also to hide from very wet weather.

Ireland needs a lot of rain to be that green!

The best time to travel in Ireland to avoid the wet weather is typically the Summer months of June, July and August. September can also be dry but a little cooler.

If you’re renting a car in Ireland make sure you know the driving rules and regulations before you set off. Discover more Ireland driving tips here.

This Ireland travel itinerary includes three nights in Northern Ireland which is part of the UK. Most places in Northern Ireland will accept Euros but not at a great rate. I suggest having some Sterling at hand for these days.

Ireland Top Ten

Picking one highlight from our Ireland driving tour is a pretty impossible task, so instead I will put forward my Ireland top ten. If you’re wondering what to see in Ireland, then these are my top 10 must do activities:

• Scramble up the Devil’s Ladder to Carrauntoohil
• Hike the exposed edges of Slieve League
• Explore the iconic Giant’s Causeway
• Spend an evening listening to traditional Irish music in Galway
• Enjoy epic views from the top of Croagh Patrick
• Spot dolphins on the Loop Head Peninsula
• Take the old cable car to Dursey Island
• Enjoy samples at the Guinness Storehouse
• Absorb scenic views on Glendalough Loop
• Wild camp on the beach at Doonlaughaun Bay

The best of my Ireland photographs are available to view here.

The Republic of Ireland: A few facts

• Capital: Dublin
• Currency: Euro
• Population: 4.9 million
• Taosieach (Prime Minister): Leo Varadkar

Ireland Road Trip Planner

Day 1 – rosslare to boola.

This epic tour of Ireland begins in the Ancient East . Most of the day will be spent enjoying the views along the Copper Coast, before heading inland and up into the mountains. The Copper Coast is far less known than the Wild Atlantic Way, but as a UNESCO Global Geopark it offers some incredible scenery.

Stops to include on this day:

• Hook Lighthouse. It’s great to see from the outside but tours of the inside are also available every hour.
• Stop at Annestow beach to enjoy the views.
• Explore Tankardstown Copper Mill to learn about the areas’ industrial past.
• Take a picnic and enjoy lunch at Stradbally Cove
• Enjoy the short walk to Mahon Falls

Camp at Powers the Pot Camping.

Day 2 – Boola to Cork

Start the day fairly early as there is a big hike to get stuck into as well your first visit to an Irish Castle. After breakfast take the short drive back to Kilclooney Wood where you will begin the hike. After a healthy dose of mountain it’s time to head to Cork.

• Hike Coumshingaun Lough loop. I suggest doing the loop in a clockwise direction so you ascend the more tricky ridge. 7.5km round trip. 580m elevation gain.
• Visit Blarney Castle. Get the gift of the gab by kissing the Barney Stone and stretch the legs off with a wander through the fabulous gardens.

Camp at Blarney caravan and camping.

Day 3 – Cork to Beara Peninsula wild camp

Spend the morning exploring a little of Cork City and sample some traditional Irish dishes , before you head out to the first peninsula drive of the trip. Once you hit the coast you will see signs for the Wild Atlantic Way. Welcome to the next two weeks of your life!

The Wild Atlantic Way is a coastal driving route that runs 2600km from county Cork in the south to county Donegal in the north. 

• Visit the English Market and enjoy a swift half at Franciscan Wells Brewery.
• Take your time driving the southern part of the gorgeous Ring of Beara.

Wild Camp towards the end of the peninsula.

Day 4 – Beara Wild Camp to the Ring of Kerry via Dursey Island

This day was one of our favourite days on our driving tour of Ireland, as we were blessed with (mostly) good weather and fabulous views from start to finish.

Drive to the Dursey Island Cable car terminal at the end of the Beara Peninsula. Take the cable car and enjoy a hike across Dursey Island before completing the Ring of Beara Loop drive.

To learn more about this day on the Beara Peninsula, take a look at this post.

• Hike 7km across Dursey Island (one way). Make sure you keep walking until you can walk no more. The Atlantic Ocean just opens out in front of you and it feels like you’ve reached the end of the world! Hike back via the watch tower to enjoy a 360 degree view.
• Complete the Ring of Beara drive and continue on to the Ring of Kerry, This drive is truly epic!
• Enjoy a well earned beer at a local Irish pub in Caherdaniel

Camp at Wavecrest Camping.

Day 5 – Ring of Kerry

Today we wanted to take a boat trip to the Skellig Islands, however due to strong winds all tours were cancelled for this day. Instead we took our time as we drove around this beautiful peninsula, stopping at the many marked viewpoints along the way.

If the weather is with you, then a boat trip to the Skelligs will take most of the day.

• Take a boat trip to Skellig Michael. This small UNESCO island has become hugely popular since the filming of Star Wars VII took place there. Visitors to the island are limited so book tours in advance.
• Visit the cliffs of Kerry
• Visit Valentia Island

Camp at Cronin’s Yard at the foot of Carrauntoohil.

Day 6 – Ring of Kerry to Kilarney

It’s time to get those legs moving again today with the chance to hike Ireland’s highest peak. Cronin’s Yard campsite is the perfect place to camp as the hike will start right from your tent. Afterwards it’s just a short drive to the town of Kilarney, where we spent two nights.

• Hike Carrauntoohil. We hiked up Devil’s Ladder which was a fun waterfall scramble and descended via Brother O’Sheas Gulley, which again involved some scrambling and route navigating. Its a really fun hike with incredible scenery the whole way around. 12km round trip. 880m elevation gain.
• Drive to Kilarney via the gap of Dunloe. This road is very narrow and windy so avoid this if you have a big camper van.

Camp at Fresk Camping.

Day 7 – Kilarney

Kilarney is a fun little town and a nice place to spend a couple of nights. There are a few options here depending on whether you want to stay in town and rest your muscles or if you are happy to keep moving.

• Cycle around Kilarney National Park (we walked around but it’s a paved path the whole way, cycling would be more enjoyable)
• Check out Torc Waterfall
• Visit Muckross House
• Have a well earned beer at Kilarney Brewing Company. This brewery made the cut for my top Craft Breweries from around the world.

Day 8 – Kilarney to Querrin via Dingle Peninsula

Today is a big day with quite a lot of driving and photo stops. After leaving Kilarney it’s time to get back to the coast and make your way around the Slea Head Drive. This is another fabulous peninsula with coastal views to take your breath away.

After a short visit to Dingle the drive continues north and crosses onto the next peninsula. An alternative option would be to follow the coast around to Limerick and spend the night there.

• Cruise around the Slea Head Drive, visiting the Beehive houses along the way.
• Take a stroll around Dingle and enjoy some yummy seafood.
• Drive to Tarbert and take the ferry across to Kilimer.

Camp at Pure Camping.

Day 9 – Querrin to Doolin via Loop Head Drive

I hope you have your camera batteries charged as there is more fantastic coastal scenery on the cards for today. Your Ireland road trip itinerary continues with the Loop Head Drive. Still following the signs for the Wild Atlantic Way, you will make your way around the coast until you reach the cute little town of Doolin.

• Make your way around the Loop Head Drive.
• Visit Head Lighthouse.
• Keep your eye out for bottle nose dolphins at the Bridge of Ross.
• Enjoy sea stacks for free around Dunlicky Point.
• Visit the Cliffs of Moher for sunset.

Camp at Aille River Hostel (free laundry!)

Day 10 – Doolin to Galway via Burren National Park

When we arrived at the Cliffs of Moher, the weather was pretty poor so we waited until this morning to visit. We went before 8am to avoid the crowds and discovered that if you park before 8am you don’t have to pay. Bonus!

Today this Ireland tour itinerary heads inland to Burren National Park, before rejoining the coast on arrival at Galway. Burren National Park has a unique landscape that is unlike anything you will have seen so far.

• Hike one of the marked routes around Burren National park. Each route has colour coded markers. We followed the blue loop and it took us about 2.5 hours to complete. 7km round trip. 150m elevation gain. More information on the trails is available by clicking this link.  
• Drive to Galway and spend the night on bar street.

Spent the night at one of the many comfortable hotels in Galway .

Day 11 – Galway

Galway is a small city with a great atmosphere. It’s definitely worth spending a day here to learn about Galway’s history and to wander along the promenade.

• Join a free walking tour of Galway.
• Relax on the beach.
• Enjoy traditional Irish music at one of Galway’s many pubs.

For more a more detailed itinerary of one day in Galway, take a look at this post.

Day 12 – Galway to Doonlaughaun Bay via the Aran Islands

A fairly early start is required today in order to catch the first ferry to the Aran Island of Inishmore. Allow one hour to get to the port.

Most of the day will be spent on Inishmore. Once this is done, jump back in the car and enjoy the beautiful drive past countless loughs to Doonlaughaun Bay. A small section of off-road driving will take you to a beach where you can set up camp for the night.

• Drive to Rossavel and take the ferry to Inishmore. Save money by booking online beforehand.
• Rent a bicycle and ride from one side of the island to the other.
• Hike up to the 2000 year old Celtic fort of Dun Aengus.
• Drive to Doonlaughaun Bay to enjoy one of the best wild camping spots in the country!

Day 13 – Doonlaughaun Bay to Westport

An alternative camp to this beautiful bay would be on Omey Island. However, access to this island is tidal so we didn’t want to take the risk. Instead this morning, if the tide is out, enjoy driving across the sand highway to Omey island where you can enjoy a short walk to stretch the legs.

Next drive into the mountains of Connemara National Park and hike Diamond Peak. Depending on time you can then take the coastal route to Westport or take the more direct inland road.

• Drive across the sand to Omey Island
• Hike Diamond Peak.
• Visit Kylemore Abbey
• Stop at the viewpoints to admire Kilary Fjord.
• Take a short walk to see the salmon ladder at at Aasleagh Waterfall.
• Relax with a Guinness in Westport.

Stay at a guesthouse in Westport .

Day 14 – Westport to Achil Island via Croagh Patrick

Before leaving Westport I’d highly recommend spending the day hiking up Ireland’s most holy mountain – Croagh Patrick. The views from the top are incredible.

Then it’s a fairly short drive to Achill Island, which is your home for the night. Our plan was to wild camp here but due to heavy rain we retreated to a campsite with a kitchen and toilets!

• Hike Croagh Patrick. 7km round trip. 730m elevation gain.
• Drive to AchilI Island and kick back onto island time.

Camp at Sanybanks campsite or wild camp.

Day 15 – Achill Island to Belmullet peninsula

Weather permitting, this day can be spent enjoying any number of water activities on offer at Achill Island. Once you are done continue north, stopping at Balycroy National Park for a short walk along the boardwalk.

• Enjoy surfing, kayaking, SUPping or kitesurfing at Keel beach
• Hike the cliffs at Keem Bay
• Take a short walk around Balycroy National Park

Wild Camp on the west coast of Belmullet peninsula.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Wandering Welsh Girl | Hiking & Travel (@welshylou09)

Day 16 – Belmullet to Sligo

There are more top places to see in Ireland today as you drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to the town of Sligo. Stop en route to see Downpatrick Head Sea Stack. Once in Sligo there are also some options for hiking.

• Visit Downpatrick Head for another sea stack photo opportunity.
• Hike Knocknarea near Strandhill. 3km round trip. 200m elevation gain.

Camp at Strandhill Caravan and Camping park

Day 17 – Sligo to Donegal

The beach at Strandhill is another great spot for surfing, so spend the morning enjoying water sports at the beach. Then drive the short distance north to the great little town of Donegal.

• Catch some surf at Strandhill beach
• Drive the loop around Mullaghmore for some more amazing coastal rock formations.
• Visit Donegal Castle.

We were lucky enough to have friends in Donegal so we spent a few nights here. There is quite a lot to do around the area, so we used Donegal as a base from which to do a series of day trips.

Many guest house are available in Donegal. A budget option would be the Atlantic Guest House .

Day 18 – Slieve League

Drive to Slieve League and hike to the summit for amazing panoramic views. After a break for lunch drive around the coast to the beautiful bay at Silver Strand beach.

Take the most direct route across country for a fabulous scenic drive to Maghera Waterfall. The waterfall is pretty special too.

• Drive to the top car park and hike Slieve League. 9.2km round trip. 460m elevated gain.
• Chill out at Silver Strand Beach.
• See the watch tower at Malin Beg
• Take the scenic drive to Maghera Waterfall.

Day 19 – Glenveagh National Park

Our plan for today was to hike Errigal Mountain in Glenveagh National Park. The weather, however, had other ideas and we had to abandon this plan. Instead we had an easy wet weather day in Donegal, catching up on life chores. If the weather is good I recommend the following:

• Hike Mount Errigal.
• Visit Glenveagh Castle.

Day 20 – Donegal to Portsalon

After a well earned break from camping, it’s time to get back on the road. Continue along the last section of the Wild Atlantic Way to Fanad Head, taking a trip to Tory Island en route.

• Visit the most northerly inhabited Irish island – Tory Island
• Admire the beautiful lighthouse scene at Fanad Head

Camp at Knockalla Caravan and Camping.

Day 21 – Portsalon to Bellarena

Drive to most northerly point in Ireland, Malin Head. Take a wander around the peninsula before heading back down south and crossing into Northern Island. Spend the afternoon exploring Londonderry.

• Visit Malin Head
• Take a walking tour of Londonderry Walls and murals.

Camp at Golden Sands Camping.

Day 22 – Bellerena to Belfast

There are lots of highlights today, some with a Game of Thrones influence. Drive along the coast to the Giants Causeway and spend a few hours exploring the basalt columns. Swing by Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge before heading into the countryside to walk along the Dark Hedges.

• Take a photo stop at Benone Strand and Mussenden Temple. This one is for the GOT fans.
• Hike around the hexagonal columns of the Giant’s Causeway.
• Cross Carrick-a-rede Rode Bridge.
• Walk the Dark Hedges of Bregagh Road. One of the most famous locations from GOT.

Stay at a hostel in Belfast. We stayed at Botanical Backpackers .

Day 23 -Belfast

Spend the day exploring this gritty city. The Titanic museum is outstanding. Probably the most fun/interactive museum I have ever been to. After all that interactive goodness, sit back and refuel at one of Belfasts fine eateries . 

Afterwards, there are options for free walking tours around the city centre and I recommend taking some time to visit the Peace Wall.

• Allow a few hours to take everything in at the Titanic Belfast Museum.
• Take a tour of Crumlin Road Gaol.
• Visit the Peace Wall and murals around Shankill and Falls Road. Several companies offer waking tours or black cab tours to teach people about the troubled history of this area, which I have heard good reviews about. Unfortunately they didn’t quite fit with our schedule.

Day 24 – Belfast to Howth

The drive today has little to offer compared to other days on this Ireland road trip, however there is one very impressive stop along the way and a must see in Ireland. Allow a few hours to explore the neolithic sites of Newgrange and Khowth.

To visit these sites you must drive to the Bru na Boinne visitor centre. Brown signs for Newgrange will show you the way. At the visitor centre you can purchase the tickets and shuttle buses will take you to the sites.

Continue on with the drive to the small town of Howth. Here you can enjoy a few final Irish beach strolls.

• Visit the incredible passage tombs of Newgrange and Khowth.
• Explore the beaches of Howth.

Howth is pretty well developed so it’s difficult to wild camp here. Treat yourself to a room for the night. We stayed in McNeills of Howth.

Day 25 – Howth to Dublin

It’s just a short drive to Ireland’s capital city where you can spend the day exploring. With a bigger budget you might want to spend more than one night here but we were keen to get back out to the countryside. Click here for a full 2 day Dublin itinerary.

In Dublin be sure to visit the following places:

• Ascend the giant pint glass that is, the Guinness Storehouse.
• View the Book of Kels and see the Long Room at Trinity College.
• Visit Dublin Castle.
• Enjoy a drink at Temple Bar.

Stay at a hostel/hotel in Dublin .

Day 26 – Dublin to Lough Dan

Leave the city and head south to a must see Irish destination – the Wicklow Mountains National Park. There are a number of hikes to choose from but I would recommend the Glendalough loop. Even though it will be busy, the views are spectacular.

• Park at the Upper Lake in Glendalough and hike the loop marked with white arrows. The route takes you up the Spinc boardwalk and returns via Glenealo Valley. 9km round trip. 270m elevation gain.

Camp at Lough Dan Scout Centre. Spend two nights here to fully explore the Wicklows.

Day 27 – Wicklow Mountains

There are options to do more hiking today but instead we opted for a more relaxing day. Drive first to Powerscourt waterfall and then enjoy the scenic drive around Lough Tay.

• Option to hike Sugarloaf Hill
• Visit Powerscourt Waterfall – the tallest waterfall in Ireland!
• Enjoy a beautiful scenic drive on Military Road and then the R759 to view Lough Tay aka the Guinness Lake.

Day 28 – Wicklow to Rosslare

This is the final day of your epic Ireland road trip itinerary and you can finish off by learning about some more Irish history. Drive first to Enniscorthy and walk to the top of Vinegar Hill. After lunch drive onto New Ross and take a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship.

• Learn about the Irish rebel’s big stand at Vinegar Hill.
• Discover how tough the conditions were on board a famine ship bound for a new life in America, at Dunbrody Famine Ship Visitor Centre. Guided tours are optional but cost no extra so I would definitely recommend it.

We sailed back to the UK on this evening.

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Ireland Trip Planner Summary

So there we have it – your complete budget Ireland road trip planner . I hope you found this post helpful and are able to enjoy exploring Ireland as much as we did. If you have any questions feel free to shoot me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Designing our Ireland road trip itinerary was made possible with the help and suggestions from Irish friends and fellow travellers. Slàinte!

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Louise is an Adventure Tour Guide, Snowboard Instructor & Mountain Leader from South Wales. Through working as a tour guide and snowboard instructor, she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and currently guides mountain trips in the UK.

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Ireland Self-Drive Tour – Your 7-Day to 14-Day Itinerary

Enjoy this self-driving road trip of Ireland.  Whether travelling for one week or two weeks, our itinerary provides all the major highlights of the beautiful Emerald Isle. On this scenic drive, see ancient historic sites and monastic ruins set in the beautiful Irish countryside. The stunning sheer cliffs of the coast hide secluded bays and sheltered beaches ready to explore.

Best of all, meet the locals in their friendly towns, small and large, that define the island.

Table of Contents

Ireland Road Trip Map

Use our map to plan your road self-drive tour of Ireland.

7-Day Ireland Itinerary

A 1-week Ireland road trip is a good introduction to the Republic of Ireland.  This road trip itinerary concentrates on the highlights of the southern half of the island, beginning and ending in Dublin.

• Day 1.  Dublin
• Day 2.  Glendalough and Ireland’s Ancient East
• Day 3.  Cork
• Day 4.  Killarney
• Day 5.  Ring of Kerry Drive
• Day 6.  Dingle Peninsula Drive
• Day 7.  Cliffs of Moher and return to Dublin

14-Day Ireland Itinerary

A 2-week Ireland road trip explores the whole island. Drive the 7-day route, then continue north on the Wild Atlantic Way into Northern Ireland before returning to Dublin.

• Day 8.  Limerick and County Clare
• Day 9.  Galway
• Day 10.  Ceide Fields and Sligo
• Day 11.  Donegal
• Day 12.  Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route
• Day 13.  Belfast
• Day 14.   Brú na Bóinne and return to Dublin

Spend at least a day in Dublin enjoying this city full of history, museums and traditional Irish pubs.

Walk the green squares of the historic Trinity College campus .  The most impressive part is the Long Room inside the Old Library which holds over 200,000 of the library’s oldest books.  At 65 metres long with an amazing barrel-vaulted ceiling, this room is an excellent photo stop.  Get in line to admire the famous 9 th century gospel manuscript Book of Kells .

Walk along the River Liffey admiring the many bridges spanning the river, such as the beautiful Ha’penny Bridge .

Ireland is the home of Guinness so a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is a must.  It’s an impressive multimedia experience. Learn how Guinness has been brewed and enjoyed for centuries.  Attend the Guinness Academy to master the art of the perfect pour then enjoy your pint.  The tour ends at the Gravity Bar , on the top floor. Enjoy another pint and admire the panoramic views of the city of Dublin.

On a second day in Dublin, visit several world-class national museums . 

The National Museum – Archaeology and History houses Ireland’s treasures including prehistoric and Viking artifacts.  Next door at the Natural History Museum , explore the endless displays of preserved specimens. Its creaky floors give it an old-world charm.  Enjoy the art at the National Gallery of Ireland with 4 wings and 54 galleries of works.

Nearby St. Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens are perfect city parks for a peaceful break.

End the day in the Temple Bar District .  This trendy area has many interesting shops and restaurants.  After dinner, enjoy a walk through the lovely cobblestone streets, stopping at pubs along the way for some traditional Irish music.

Check out our article, Two Days in Dublin for more details about visiting Ireland’s capital.

Glendalough

Visit the Glendalough Monastery in the beautiful Glendalough Valley. This 6 th -century monastic settlement has seven church ruins, graveyard and an intact round tower .  After walking the ruins, explore the surrounding trails and lakes of the stunning valley, part of Wicklow Mountains National Park.

We provide more details in our article about Glendalough Monastery and the Best Glendalough Walks .

Ireland’s Ancient East

Explore Kilkenny , dubbed “Ireland’s Medieval Capital”.  Walk the colourful streets where there are over 60 traditional pubs.  Tour the 12 th -century, fortress Kilkenny Castle , perched over the River Nore.  See the many architectural additions that have been made over hundreds of years.  Enjoy a lovely stroll on the paths and grassy lawns of adjacent Kilkenny Castle Park.

The Rock of Cashel is an ancient fortress.  Built high atop an outcrop of limestone, this was the home of the High Kings of Ireland.  Walk through several spectacular medieval buildings.  The immense, thick walls and the roofless shell of the 13 th -century St. Patrick’s Cathedral are incredible.  Admire the wonderful entry archway of Cormac’s Chapel built in 1127.  Walk through the old cemetery and view the oldest building on the Rock, the Round Tower.

Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way stretches 2,600 kilometres through nine counties on Ireland’s west coast.  It is described as the longest coastal driving route in the world.

Get ready for dazzling coastal viewpoints, stunning jagged cliffs and the friendly towns along the way.

Cork City is a gastronomic delight, defined by its great food markets and restaurants.  The heart of a food tour is the famous English Market in the city centre.  In a Victorian building, with beautiful columns and vaulted ceilings, over 140 vendors create colourful picture-worthy displays of their wares, typically local produce.

Wander town exploring historic sites, like the medieval city wall in Bishop Lucy Park .  At St Anne’s Church to climb the 120-foot tower and ring the famous Shandon Bells .

Visit Fota House Arboretum and Gardens , outside of the city.  Take a tour of the impressive home and walk the massive arboretum and gardens.

With extra time and no hatred for throngs of tourists, drive to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone .

A great end to your foodie tour is dinner at Ballymaloe House.   Known for new Irish cuisine, their menu is crafted from local produce including food produced at the onsite farm.

The town of Killarney has been welcoming visitors to the Killarney Lakes for 250 years. It is a busy town with lots of restaurants, bars and accommodation options.

Be sure to spend some time in town. Admire the beautiful, Gothic revival St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral . The interior is equally impressive. The Franciscan Friary’s ornate Flemish-style altar piece and stained glass windows are well worth a look.

Killarney National Park includes the three Killarney Lakes and the surrounding mountains and woodlands. The lakes cover about a quarter of the park’s 10,200+ hectares. The park is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and a special protection area for birds, with many birds staying year-round.  Wildlife is abundant. Ireland’s only remaining herd of Red Deer roam the park. The lakes contain a number of fish species.

The heart of the park, the Bourn-Vincent Memorial Park (originally called the Muckross Estate), is a great starting point for visitors. The ivy-covered Muckross House , built in 1843, is open for tours.

Muckross Gardens are extensive and renowned for their rhododendrons and azaleas. Plant species not usually found this far north flourish due to the area’s milder climate. The ruins of Muckross Abbey , a 15 th century Franciscan friary, are nearby.

The fully-restored, 15th-century Ross Castle sits on the shore of Lough Leane. It is a typical tower house surrounded by a defensive wall, with towers at each corner.

Walking, cycling and boating are great ways to explore the national park. For a relaxing tour, take a jaunting car ride . These traditional horse-drawn carts are driven by locals who are happy to share their stories about the region with visitors.

About 3 kilometres south of Muckross House, visit Torc Waterfall . A wooded pathway leads to the 18-metre waterfall. Nine kilometres further south, Ladies View is a great stop for a stunning view of Upper Lake.

Ring of Kerry Drive

This 150-kilometre drive around the Iveragh Peninsula is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations.  It make a perfect day trip and provides a taste of the Wild Atlantic Way. Get ready to see spectacular mountains, rugged coastline, pristine beaches, medieval ruins and friendly, picturesque villages.

Stop at the Kenmare Stone Circle . Built in the Bronze Age between 2,000 and 4,000 years ago, the circle is more ovoid measuring 15.5 metres by 17.5 metres.  This is the largest stone circle in southwest Ireland. A large boulder-dolmen tomb is at its centre. If staying in Kenmare , check out Sheen Falls and Holy Cross Church .

At Kenneigh, leave N70 and take the Skellig Ring, a wild, scenic drive itself. Pull over and enjoy the view anywhere along the route. There are countless options. Kerry Cliffs is the closest point on the mainland to the Skellig Islands.

Portmagee , a pretty, little town, is famous for the colourful houses along its main street.  Cross the bridge to Valentia Island . The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre highlights the Skellig Michael Monastery and the Skellig Islands .  With more time in County Kerry, consider a day trip to visit the islands. Get tickets ahead of time as the number of visitors allowed on Skellig Michael is quite limited and weather often cancels trips. Trips run daily from March through October weather permitting.

Skellig Michael , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Europe’s most magnificent monastic sites. Sixth-century monks built a compact settlement on the cliffs, 200 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. Climb the 600+ steps, chiselled by the monks into the sandstone, to the ruins of beehive huts, the Church of St. Michael and more. The island is an internationally renowned site for breeding seabirds and was a filming location for Star Wars: Episode VII and Star Wars: Episode VIII.

From Portmagee, travel north to Cahersiveen . There are two stone forts on the peninsula, 3 kilometres west of town. Cahergall , over 1,000 years old, has massive drystone walls with flights of steps and terraces in the inner face of the wall. The circular wall of Leacanabuaile , built in the 9th or 10th century AD, is over 3 metres thick.

The Ring of Kerry drive ends in the town of Killorglin . The town comes alive for 3 days every August for the Puck Fair, one of Ireland’s oldest fairs.

Dingle Peninsula Drive

The most westerly peninsula in Europe, Dingle Peninsula has rugged mountains, valley lakes, seaside cliffs and long, sandy beaches. The charming town of Dingle is the peninsula’s hub. Beautiful stone buildings house the town’s many art galleries, shops, diners and pubs. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. We timed our arrival to catch the Dingle Food Festival , which is held annually on the first weekend of October. It’s a popular event with lots of food stalls and cooking demonstrations along with wine and beer tasting.

Boat tours of Dingle Bay take visitors out for a different view of the stunning coast. The bay’s star attraction for over 35 years was a bottlenose dolphin named Fungie. He disappeared in 2020 and is missed. He delighted in playing close to the tour boats becoming a favourite with locals and tourists alike.

Slea Head Drive heads west from Dingle hugging the ocean coastline.  This drive travels through a dramatic landscape of prehistoric ring forts, early Christian churches and picturesque villages.

Dún Beag Fort , built atop the steep sea cliffs, has guarded the land for over 2500 years. A series of banks and ditches show its defensive structure. While there are several examples of beehive huts along the drive, the huts at Fahan are a popular stop. It is a great example of how the plentiful, flat stones were piled into beehive-shaped, waterproof buildings without using any mortar. Unfortunately, a visit into the fort is no longer allowed, due to cliff erosion. Safe viewpoints have been established. Be sure to see the short audio-visual presentation in the Visitor Centre to learn more.

At Dunquin, the Blasket Centre explains the rich cultural heritage and rugged life of subsistence fishing and farming on the Blasket Islands. Evidence exists of island habitation for 2500 years up to their abandonment in 1953. If time permits, take a day trip to Great Blasket , the largest island.

Continue to the stone-walled Riask Monastic Settlement, thought to be from the 5 th or 6 th century. See outlines of beehive-shaped huts and slabs with carved crosses. The drystone-walled Gallarus Oratory is a Christian church over 1000 years old. Nearby see Gallarus Castle , a 15 th -century fortified house. The 12 th -century Kilmalkedar Church shows classic Romanesque architecture with its round-arched doorway. The church sits on the site of a 6 th or 7 th -century monastery.

Return to Dingle. Drive north through Conor Pass , the highest-driveable mountain pass in Ireland. It’s a perfect stop for one last panoramic view of the peninsula.

Cliffs of Moher

The shear, limestone Cliffs of Moher , on Ireland’s west coast, stand 214 metres at their highest point. The eco-friendly visitor centre, built in 2007, has world-class exhibits. O’Brien’s Tower, at the edge of the cliffs, was built in the early 1800s as a tourist attraction. It still provides visitors a great bird’s eye view to the base of the cliffs.

The cliffs are a protected area for seabirds, with over 20 species under protection. The cliffs stretch for 8 kilometres. Explore their wild beauty with an easy hike along the well-worn trail. Make sure to bring a camera to capture incredible views of the iconic cliffs and surf beaches.

These impressive cliffs form a protective barrier around the rich, fertile land at the southern end of the Burren region . The region is the northwestern portion of County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren were awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2011.

Stop at any of the small towns and villages of the Burren and enjoy the local pubs and restaurants. Find many hidden churches, abbey ruins and medieval forts. Just north of the cliffs is Doolin , internationally known as a centre for live Irish music played at many popular pubs.

This is the end of the 7-Day Road Trip.  We know that those on the 7-day tour want to stay longer. Sorry. Its time to drive back to Dublin which is about 3 hours from the Cliffs of Moher.

Limerick and County Clare

A stroll along the River Shannon is the perfect way to start a visit to the city of Limerick.  On the river bank, see the restored King John’s Castle , Limerick’s most iconic landmark.  Its high-tech 3D projections show what it was like to live in a castle 800 years ago.

Just outside the city, in County Clare, enjoy Bunratty Castle & Folk Park . It recreates a 19 th -century, Irish village with actors playing Victorian era residents.

County Clare’s most famous landmark is the Cliffs of Moher . Be sure it’s on the “Must-See” list.

With more time in the area, check out the remains of the ancient 10 th century stone fort, Cathair Chonaill . Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen nearby, a megalithic tomb which archaeologists have shown was in use between 5,200 and 5,800 years ago.

County Clare is the unofficial capital of Irish music. Spending the night in Doolin is a great idea.  Visit a lively, local pub to enjoy this fine music tradition.

This is another vibrant, Irish city worth spending time in.  It’s an easy walk around the town’s compact Latin Quarter . These colourful, pedestrian-only streets are filled with stores and pubs. St. Nicholas Collegiate Church , Ireland’s largest medieval parish church, has operated continuously as a church for over 700 years.

At Connemara National Park , the7-kilometre Diamond Hill Loop is a great, short hike.  Its wonderful, blue lakes and peat bogs are a sample of the entire park.

Another popular activity in County Galway is cycling the 12-kilometre Sky Road loop starting from the town of Clifden.

With more time in the county, visit Inishmore in the Aran Islands .  Meet the friendly locals and discover stone structures that were built 3,000 years ago.

Ceide Fields and Sligo

The beaches of Westport , in County Mayo, are some of the best on the west coast.  Enjoy a walk or a swim to get the day started. For the rest of the day explore several prehistoric sites.

Almost 6 centuries ago, Ceide Fields was a Neolithic farming village high on the ocean cliffs.  The visitor centre provides a huge amount of information about these early villages, their agricultural methods, and the ancient walls preserved beneath the blanket bog.  Guided tours of the grounds show visitors sections of the excavated walls and demonstrate how the walls are found under the bog. The site is open daily June through November and by appointment the rest of the year.

Carrowkeel Passage Tombs is a megalithic cemetery on a quiet hilltop. A less developed site than the larger Carrowmore, this National Monument complex has 14 visible, passage tombs.

Ireland’s largest megalithic cemetery is Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, with over 60 tombs.  The oldest tomb, labelled tomb 52A, is thought to be 7400 years old.  It is the earliest known piece of free standing stone architecture in the world.

Before continuing the drive north, duck into the partial ruins of Sligo Abbey to see its 15 th century high altar. The abbey is open to wander from April through October.

The impressive Donegal coastline is the finale on this drive along of the Wild Atlantic Way.  Find secluded coves and dramatic cliffs. 

The cliffs of Slieve League are some of the most magnificent.  The 600-metre cliffs are much higher than the Cliffs of Moher, but not as well known.  The views from the upper car park are stunning.  Hike further up the footpath for 500 metres to be rewarded with an even more spectacular view of these sheer cliffs.

Glenveagh National Park is 16,000 hectares of wilderness.  Enjoy a guided tour of its fairy-tale 19 th -century, Glenveagh Castle overlooking Lough Veagh.  Walk the castle’s impressive gardens and see many exotic plants.

With more time in Donegal, drive the Inishowen Peninsula .  Find pretty villages and reach Malin Head , Ireland’s most northern point.

Northern Ireland

Derry City (also called Londonderry) is one of Europe’s finest examples of a walled city.  It is the only city in Ireland whose city walls are still completely intact. These 9-metre thick walls even survived the 1688 ‘Siege of Derry’.  Spend at least an hour walking along the top of the walls soaking in history and viewing the old medieval town within them.

A drive along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route showcases many great sites.

See the ruins of a bishop’s mansion at Downhill Demesne .  Walk over to the nearby Mussenden Temple perched on the cliff edge to get panoramic views of the coastal beaches below.

Make a brief stop to see the ruins of Dunluce Castle .  The 17 th century castle was abandoned when part of it collapsed into the ocean below.

The highlight of the drive is the over 40,000 interlocking rock columns of Giant’s Causeway.  This beautiful landscape was created 60 million years ago. The columns formed when lava flows cooled, shrinking and cracking like mud puddles do.  Scramble among the long interlocking basalt columns.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a great visitor centre that explains the unique geology of the area.

Brave enough to walk across the swaying Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge ?  The bridge, 30 metres above the sea, is the same bridge local salmon fishermen have used for centuries to reach Carrick-a-Rede Island (with repairs of course).

Game of Thrones fans enjoy the many recognizable locations along the coast including: Ballintoy Harbour, Larrybane and Cushendun .  The Dark Hedges are just a short trip inland. With more time, drive the entire Antrim Coast for even more spectacular cliffs on the way toward Belfast.

Titanic Belfast , an amazing multi-media experience, is the city’s most popular attraction.  Its four floors and nine interactive galleries tell the story of the world’s most famous ocean liner, from construction to its sinking in the middle of the Atlantic. Learn everything, from the detailed construction of the ship and its outfitting, to the atmosphere of the thriving city and shipyards of Belfast during the early 20 th century. A multimillion pound refreshment of the museum opens in 2023.

Large windows in Titanic Belfast look north to the Titanic Slipway where the Titanic was actually built. Walk this plaza and see the outline of the ship on the ground. It provides a better appreciation for the ships truly titanic size.

The SS Nomadic floating museum is moored just to the south. It was the Titanic’s original tender ship, ferrying passengers from shore to ship for their ill-fated voyage.

The Ulster Museum displays artifacts of Irish history from prehistoric treasures to modern times.

Belfast Castle overlooks the city from the slopes of Cave Hill.  Built first by the Normans in the 12 th century, Belfast Castle has burned down and been rebuilt several times throughout its history. The latest reconstruction was completed in 1870.  Take a tour of the interior of this elegant home.  See the stunning Italian-style serpentine exterior staircase.  In the adjoining yard, have some fun searching for the nine cat references and sculptures in the gardens.

“The Troubles” were an unsettling and violent era in Northern Ireland’s history.  On a Black Taxi Tour visit landmarks important in these conflicts between Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods. The local guides provide their perspective on the events and impact of the Troubles.  Additionally, self-tour these neighbourhoods to see the various political murals located at the Peace Wall and the Solidarity Wall .

Brú na Bóinne

Driving back to Dublin, a noteworthy stop is Brú na Bóinne (the Boyne Palace).  In the Boyne Valley, there are a number of ancient cemetery tombs dating back to the Neolithic time period.  Two of the main necropolis sites are Newgrange and Knowth   Newgrange, with its large stone walls topped by a grass dome, is immense at 80 metres in diameter.  Walking into the long tomb, it seems incredible that this structure is well over 5000 years old, older than the Egyptian pyramids.

The 14-day Ireland road trip ends back in Dublin. Visit the attractions missed on Day 1.

Know Before You Go

When is the best time to go to ireland.

The best weather is June through August making it peak tourist season. We went in late September-early October and found touring to be enjoyable. Yes, of course, it rained but the temperatures were still reasonable.

Is it easy to self-drive Ireland?

Although many people join organized bus tours, we feel that you’ll experience greater satisfaction touring Ireland by car. The itinerary in this article provides a great way to plan your Ireland road trip with lots of flexibility.

How do I rent a car in Ireland?

Rental cars can easily be picked up when you arrive at Dublin Airport. North American visitors are reminded that most rental cars have manual transmission. Automatic transmission vehicles are available, but usually at a surcharge.

What currency is used in Ireland?

The island of Ireland consists of two nations, each with their own currency. – The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€). – Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling (£).

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Andy is the co-founder of Avrex Travel, where he shares his many travel experiences. Andy enjoys videography and creating great Road Trips for his readers.

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• Kiss the Blarney Stone and be mesmerised by the Ring of Kerry
• Kayak with dolphins and hike along the mighty Cliffs of Moher
• Discover the lunar landscape of the Burren

“I had the best experience I could've asked for. The places we visited and activities were all incredible.”

• Learn of myth and legend in the Emerald Isle
• Kiss the Blarney Stone and enjoy the sights of the Ring of Kerry

“He made our disparate group feel like a family and that we were long lost relatives come for a visit.”

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Step back in time and visit the medieval Rock of Cashel
• Learn a few Irish words and head to the edge of Europe
• Capture the dramatic landscapes of Ring of Kerry

“Picturesque, historical, and thrilling sights of Southwest Ireland. Accommodations and breakfasts were nice.”

• Get your camera ready as you visit the Cliffs of Moher
• Learn a few Irish words and admire Ireland's scenery
• Explore the remarkable Gaelic culture of Ireland

“A great tour led by great people! 10/10 would do this again and recommend it for anyone looking to see Ireland and its beauty!”

• Go shopping in Blarney and explore Blarney castle
• View Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil
• Savour seafood in Portmagee and go to pubs in Killarney

“We made so many little stops along the way that were not part of the official tour...definitely catered to our little group.”

• Listen to the waves crash against the Cliffs Of Moher
• Learn the histories and legends of the Emerald Isle
• Enjoy the craic during an Irish pub evening with the group

“Ireland is beautiful and I highly recommend. Our hotels were all very clean and comfortable.”

• Stay in quaint colourful towns & villages, away from the crowds
• Capture the dramatic scenery of Cliffs of Moher, Dingle & the Ring of Kerry
• Step back in time with visits Manor Houses & Historical Castles

“Everything was well organized. Activities allowed for active participation at different levels.”

• Experience ancient settlement of Glendalough & medieval Kilkenny
• Step back in time at the ancient seat of The Rock of Cashel

“The acomodations were very good, the itinerary wonderful and our guide, Sean Power, deserves the best review.”

• Christmas & New Year
• Hike the trails at Cliffs of Moher
• Explore ancient Dingle Peninsula
• Taste whiskey at Kilbeggan Distillery

“We had a great tour with a very knowledgable guide and a lovely small group of people.”

• Enjoy live music in Killarney's pubs
• Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the stone

“Air B&B's Perfect, great having a 3 night stay in 1place. Along with his knowledge and Happy Irish Personality.”

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The Emerald Isle's Best: A 12-Day Guided Tour of Ireland & Northern Ireland

Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed.

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This tour version ends in Belfast with a transfer to Belfast George Best City Airport and Belfast International Airport, and has a maximum of 40 guests.

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

A re 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!

Niall Horan Announces New UK & Ireland Tour Dates For 2024

Niall Horan has this week announced SIX extra dates for the UK and Ireland leg of his upcoming The Show – Live On Tour 2024. 

Having delighted fans earlier in the year with the news he was heading back out on the road for his first headline run since 2018’s ‘Flicker World Tour’, Horan’s current set of shows will be his biggest solo jaunt yet as he continues to promote the release of his third studio album, “The Show”.

The new dates announced include a show at London’s The O2, as well as new shows in Leeds, Newcastle and Aberdeen, and additional new dates in Manchester and Dublin. 

“My favourite thing in the world is being on tour,” Niall said via a press release. “Performing my songs for my fans and sharing those incredible moments together are the reason why I write music in the first place. This is going to be my best tour yet and I cannot wait to see all you ‘lovers’ on the road in 2024. There’s nothing better than watching the crowd sing back to you with all that emotion on their faces and knowing that they’re attaching the song to something meaningful in their own lives. To me, that’s always the greatest thing that can ever come from songwriting.”  

Tickets for all shows go on general sale Friday, September 8th at 10am. Artist , O2 and Manchester Co-op Live member pre-sales begin at 10am, Wednesday September 6th, with all other venue pre-sales starting Thursday, September 7th at 10am.

The Show – Live On Tour UK & Ireland Dates

FEBRUARY 2024 21 – Belfast, UK – SSE Arena Belfast 23 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena 27 – Birmingham, UK – Resorts World Arena

MARCH 2024 1 – London, UK – OVO Arena Wembley 4 – Cardiff, UK – Cardiff International Arena 5 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena

AUGUST 2024 23 – Dublin, IE – Royal Hospital Kilmainham (extra show) 27 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live (extra show) 28 – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena (extra show) 30 – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena (extra show) 31 – Aberdeen, UK – P&J Live (extra show)

SEPTEMBER 2024 3 – London, UK – The O2 (extra show)

Heaven (Official Music Video)

Let us know your thoughts on niall horan over on x @celebmix now.

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99+ Free Ireland Self Drive Tours (All Done For You)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: August 21, 2023

We spent 8 months and €16,000 creating the world’s largest collection of free Ireland self drive tours.

Why? Well, planning an Ireland itinerary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know the lay of the land.

So, we’ve done  all the hard work for you ! Each of our self driving tours of Ireland:

• Can be filtered by length, how fast you like to travel + more
• Have been meticulously planned
• Have hour-by-hour itineraries
• Follow logical and scenic routes

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about our Ireland self drive tours

WAIT – please take 10 seconds to read the points below before you scroll. It’ll help when it comes to browsing our Ireland self drive tours:

1. They cover every possible angle

We’ve tried to cover every possible want or need with our itineraries. Below, you’ll be able to pick a free driving tour of Ireland based on:

• Trip length : From 2 to 28 days
• Start point : All major ferry terminals and airports in Ireland
• How fast you like to travel : Fast or slow
• Your fitness level:  High fitness or medium-to-low fitness

2. Our free self drive tours vs what other companies charge for

There are countless companies that charge for creating self guided tours of Ireland. You’ll generally pay them a hefty fee and they’ll customise a trip based on your likes and dislikes. Some also help you book hotels along with renting a car in Ireland . 

We  don’t do any of this . We’ve simply created an extensive library of  detailed  road trip itineraries that we  definitely could charge for – but we don’t.

3. Jump to the tour length you want

Right – time to get stuck in! The easiest way to browse our self drive Ireland tours is to select how much time you have and work from there. Select a trip length below:

3 day driving tours of Ireland

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3 days in Ireland is a  tiny  chunk of time so you need to be careful – it’s easy to end up trying to do way too much.

With this trip length, the danger is that you’ll end up with a packed schedule, and most of your time will be spent in the car.

The best Ireland self drive tours for 3 days is one that uses a central base and that sees you explore around you on day trips.

4 day Ireland self drive itineraries

Those of you with 4 days in Ireland have the ability to explore a corner of Ireland in depth. 

However, a word of caution – if you have the ability to choose  when to visit Ireland , try and visit during spring or summer.

These seasons have the advantage of long and mostly bright days, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore.

These shorter road trips can be tricky to map out at times so, when it comes to planning a trip to Ireland with only 4 days to work with, take your time.

The best Ireland self drive tours for 4 days is one that uses 1 – 2 ‘bases’ max and that explores a specific corner of Ireland, e.g. Kerry and West Cork.

5 day self driving tours of Ireland

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5 days in Ireland is arguably the ideal length of time to explore a specific corner of Ireland, e.g. Galway and Mayo.

These 5 day trips our most popular self guided tours of Ireland. The reason for this is people  often  panic trying to squeeze in too much.

Chill! Each of our 5 day self guided tours of Ireland follow clear and logical routes.

6 day self guided Ireland tours

6 days in Ireland is a lovely amount of time that provides you with  endless  opportunities.

The best Ireland self drive tours for 6 days, in my opinion, is one that doesn’t stretch itself too thin.

If you’re starting in Belfast, for example, tackle the Causeway Coastal Route and then explore the many places to visit in Donegal .

7 day self guided tours of Ireland

If you’re spending 7 days in Ireland you’re in for a treat. A week gives you lots of options and a good whack of time to play with.

Longer Irish road trips like these give you loads of flexibility in terms of what you can do (even if it means the cost of a trip to Ireland increases).

If you’re visiting for 7 days, try and visit during summer or spring as the weather in Ireland tends to be better then and you’ll get more bang-for-your-buck.

8 day self drive tours of Ireland

Those with 8 days in Ireland have options, which is a luxury. 

You’re not overly constrained by time, and 8 long days guarantee that you won’t need to hurry at any point (unless you want to, that is!).

With 8 days, you have the chance to explore multiple counties in depth. Or, if you like, you can go all-out and pack in as much as is physically possible.

The best driving tours of Ireland for 8 days, for me, would be starting in Dublin and then working down through Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and then around through Cork and Kerry.

9 day Ireland self drive tours

So, you’re spending 9 days in Ireland . Wonderful! However, you want to see all of the ‘main’ attractions during this time and you’re worried it’s too much.

It’s likely (and I’m basing this on getting emails from endless visitors) that you’re trying to pack in too much to the point that you’ll spend all your time moving accommodation and travelling.

9 days is a lovely chunk of time. But don’t get carried away. You can see and do  a lot  during this time frame. You just need to decide how much travelling about is ‘too much’.

10 day driving tours of Ireland

Our 10 days in Ireland guides are the second most popular trip length and we first published them several years back.

Since then, they’ve been edited based on endless feedback and they have now been refined into tours that we’re proud of!

This is a mighty amount of time for an Irish road trip and it gives you a huge amount of flexibility.

For this trip length, you could easily pick 3-4 bases and fit a huge amount in while still taking it nice and handy. Or, you could go full whack and try and see as much of the island as possible!

11 day Ireland self drive itineraries

Those spending 11 days in Ireland are the envy of many. This is a lovely chunk of time and it allows you to really explore until your heart’s content.

You can pick one of our Ireland self drive tours based on your starting point (e.g. Shannon or Belfast), your fitness level and how fast you like to travel.

Many people doing a trip of this length tend to edge towards fitting in as much as possible. However, avoid going overboard if you can.

12 day self guided Ireland tours

If you’re spending 12 days in Ireland , you’re in for a treat. You can see a whole lot in 12 days, from the  many  castles in Ireland to islands, cliffs and lots more.

You don’t have to worry too much when it comes to picking a start point for a trip of this length, as you’ve a bit of room for error.

If I had the option, I’d start in Cork and drive the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in the likes of Kinsale , the Beara Peninsula , Doolin and Achill Island .

13 day self driving tours of Ireland

If you have 13 days in Ireland you’ll be the envy of many, and for good reason – you can cover a lot of ground on one of our 13 day driving tours of Ireland.

We’ve created 56 different self guided tours of Ireland for a 13-day trip (yes, 56) and they’ve been used by over 100,000 people in only a few short months.

The different routes take in everywhere from County Mayo and County Clare to some of the most charming small towns in Ireland . Check ’em out below!

14 day Ireland self drive tours

Our 14 day self guided Ireland tours were some of the most enjoyable to research, plan and write as we had a fair idea that this trip length would be popular.

Thankfully, it was! Those of you planning a 2-week Ireland trip itinerary are on the cusp of a bucket list road trip that you’ll remember for a life time.

Although I’d argue that there’s no best Ireland itinerary for a trip this length, we’ve created 56 different options for you to choose from at the link below.

15 day self guided tours of Ireland

15 days in Ireland poses an endless amount of adventure opportunities. You have a trip that’ll be the envy of many ahead of you.

Now, with 15 days you have a lot of flexibility. You could easily explore opposite ends of Ireland with this amount of time (e.g. 5 days in Donegal, 3 in Antrim and then remainder in Cork and Kerry).

We spent a huge amount of time mapping out our 17-day Ireland self drive tours and, based on initial feedback, they’re going down very well already!

16 day self guided Irish road trip

16 day Irish road trips give you the chance to see a huge amount of Ireland.

As was the case with all of our self guided tours of Ireland, we spent a lot of time planning our 16-day guides.

At the link below, you’ll be able to pick a trip based on start point, fitness level, mode of transport and how fast you like to travel.

17 day self drive vacations Ireland

Although we don’t encounter many people spending 17 days in Ireland , this trip length does crop up from time-to-time.

To be honest with you, we found the 17 day self guided Ireland tours tricky to plan out.

However, we published and then heavily edited again after 5 months of feedback and our 17-day tour guides have now been read well over 30,000 times.

The best Ireland self drive tours for this length of time are ones that use carefully selected bases and avoid moving accommodation too frequently.

18 day self drive Ireland itinerary

18 day Irish road trips are the stuff of dreams. It’s worth comparing our ‘Fast’ and ‘Slow’ 18-day driving tours of Ireland to see what’s possible with a trip of this length.

Those of you looking to see and do as much as possible will fit plenty into 18 days.

Those looking to explore at a leisurely pace might be surprised at what’s possible when following one of our 18-day self guided Ireland tours.

19 day self guided Ireland tour

A 19 day Irish road trip is hard to bate, however, and I know I’m like a broken record at this stage, it comes with pros and cons.

Planning self guided tours of Ireland of this length often lead people to think, ‘Ah, we’ve plenty of time – we can just head to Ireland and take it as it comes’ .

Don’t be that person as you’ll regret it when you get here. A trip of this length requires careful consideration and a  lot  of planning.

Luckily, we’ve 50+ 19-day driving tours of Ireland for you to browse at the link below.

20 days self driving tours of Ireland

Very few people, aside from those of us who live here, have the chance to spend 20 days in Ireland . This is bucket list territory. 

This trip length provides you with two options:

• Explore a specific region of Ireland in depth
• Cram in as much as possible

For example, you could explore Kerry (the Ring of Kerry , Dingle Peninsula , etc.) and then progress through West Cork, Waterford, Wexford, and more.

The best self guided tours of Ireland for 20 days is one picks an adequate number of bases near key areas of interest and that avoids falling into the trap of trying to ‘fit everything in’.

21 days in Ireland self guided

If you have the luxury of spending 21 days in Ireland , you’re in for a treat. An unforgettable experience awaits.

This was one of the hardest of our Ireland self drive tours to map out as there’s a danger of doing either too much or too little with a trip of this length.

It took us 8 days to research these 21-day itineraries and twice that to write and edit them. Enjoy!

FAQs about the best Ireland self drive tours

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from Ireland vacation ideas to detailed train itineraries.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Can I tour Ireland on my own?

Yes. Although many people tackle driving tours of Ireland with friends or family, many people go it alone. Ireland is relatively small which means that you can see a lot, even on day trips.

How many days do you need to drive around Ireland?

Although we have free self drive Ireland tours ranging from 2 to 28 days, the minimum we’d recommend for driving around Ireland is 7 days. Just keep in mind that you’ll be very limited in what you can see and do.

How do I plan a driving tour of Ireland?

Start with how long you have to play with and work from there. Once you have your trip length, move to when you can visit and then proceed to what part of Ireland you can arrive into.

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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