the irish road trip killarney

An Irish Road Trip From Dublin to Killarney

The route between Dublin and Killarney is a popular drive that showcases Ireland's history and natural splendor. The most direct route—through Limerick—is roughly 191 miles (308 kilometers) by road, but taking a more southern route to see the Rock of Cashel adds only a few extra miles onto the journey and is well worth the detour. This road trip takes an average of four hours and 15 minutes, not including the time you'll require to sightsee.

The Museum of Style Icons

  AFP / Stringer / Getty Images

Your first stop outside of Dublin should be Newbridge, Ireland's silverware capital. Here, you'll find an eclectic collection of dresses and accessories worn by the likes of Tippi Hedren, Michael Jackson, Grace Kelly, Liza Minnelli, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana, and The Beatles, all housed at the Museum of Style Icons . The museum began in 2006, with the memorable black dress Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1963 film "Charade ." Since, the museum has acquired an expansive collection that any movie buff would swoon over.

The Historic Town of Kildare

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Next along the M7 highway is the historic town of Kildare, which links to Ireland’s most important female saint, Brigid of Kildare . As you walk around the small town, you'll see many reminders of Brigid in the artworks and installations erected in her memory. However, her presence is most prominent in St. Brigid's Cathedral. Some people may debate the importance of the cathedral, and instead prefer the quaint Saint Brigid’s Well just outside of town, near the Irish National Stud. This certainly is worth a visit, with its modern statue, fine landscaped garden, and living evidence of an almost pagan folk devotion to the “Mary of the Gaels.”

Kildare Village Outlet Center

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While in Kildare, take advantage of Kildare Village , an outlet center of epic proportions right off the motorway. If you hoped to do a lot of shopping in Ireland, this is where you'll find the discounts. Kildare Village encompasses more than 100 boutiques—including Levi's, Moncler, Ted Baker, The North Face, Nike, and Barbour—and a number of restaurants, such as Dunne & Crescenzi (Italian). Kildare Village makes for great browsing and dining mid-road trip.

The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens

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A five-minute drive from Kildare is the Irish National Stud, a government-owned working stud farm with a museum, landscaped woodlands, and a stunning Japanese garden. This is an excellent place for horse and nature lovers, providing insight into the quirkiness of horse science. The exhibition on the astrological influences once heeded here is also hilarious. You can treat this attraction as a day trip from either city.

The Rock of Cashel

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The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most stunning historic places. Stopping here will require you to veer onto the M8, which is slightly longer than the direct M7, but it's worth the extra few miles to see this stony outcrop, once the traditional seat of the kings of Munster. It was donated to the church by Muirchetach Ua Briain in 1101. Today, it's most famous for its collection of medieval art and architecture, with the majority of buildings dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.

The view of the Rock of Cashel is best seen from a distance, but if you choose to go inside for a visit, you might enjoy stopping at Cormac's Chapel. This Romanesque church was built between 1127 and 1134 and is currently completely enclosed in a rain-proof structure. There is also a cathedral, which was built later, and a central tower which connects to another residential castle. From the Rock of Cashel, Killarney is a two-hour drive away.

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2 Days in Killarney Itinerary (2024)

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland , make sure to make space in your itinerary for 2 days in Killarney!

Since Killarney is so packed with so many things to do and see it can be overwhelming to plan a trip. After visiting extensively myself, I’ve narrowed down the best way to experience Killarney in 2 days.

Things to do in Killarney in 2 Days

1 – Ross Castle

This 15th-century castle stands tall on the edge of Lough Leane, the largest lake in Killarney. Ross Castle sets itself apart as one of the best castles to visit in Ireland because of its legends and beautiful restoration.

The Office of Public Works took great care in restoring the castle, consulting with historians and conservation specialists to maintain the integrity of the castle.

Irish legends say that the creator of the castle, O’Donoghue Mor, still sleeps under the waters of Lough Leane. This castle is a must-visit in your 2 days in Killarney!

2 – Visit Muckross House and Gardens

Muckross House is a popular place to visit in Killarney for good reason! The Victorian house and grounds are extensive. The gardens are well-maintained and are absolutely beautiful. They were expanded for Queen Victoria’s visit to Muckross House in 1861.

You can easily spend a few hours exploring the gardens! Muckross House sits on the shores of Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park, which makes it a great spot to begin a day in Killarney.

3 – Drive the Ring of Kerry

Known all over Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is a must-do for many, it’s part of the iconic Irish road trip . If you’re visiting Killarney, I recommend taking a day to drive the Ring of Kerry.

There are many famous landmarks along the Ring of Kerry. If you’re keen to see the Irish countryside, you should make some stops along your journey at Dunloe Gap and Ladies View. Wanting to see some coastal views?

I highly recommend  stopping at the Kerry Cliffs  along your Ring of Kerry drive.

4 – Shopping on High Street

Main Street and High Street are the main shopping streets in Killarney.

These are the perfect streets to shop for some souvenirs from your trip! You can find everything from traditional Irish sweaters to handmade crafts.

5 – Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral

At the end of High Street sits St. Mary’s Cathedral. Built in the nineteenth century, it is still in use today. The St. Mary’s Cathedral is Killarney’s most known architectural landmark.

The door to the cathedral is usually left propped open for visitors! Inside you’ll find long stained glass windows and a collection of stunning tiles.

6 – Take a hike to Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is at the base of Torc Mountain, about 7 km from downtown Killarney. From Muckross House, it is only about 2.5 km away.

The Torc Waterfall Loop trail can be reached by walking, driving, or by tour. The waterfall is a popular walk because it is not too strenuous and has great views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape of the National Park.

7 – Visit a Pub with Live Music

The evenings in Killarney come to life when it’s time for dinner! Walk the main street in downtown Killarney and you’ll be sure to hear live music in the evenings. Pop into a pub for a pint of Guinness and traditional Irish food.

8 – Attend a Gaelic Roots Live Show

Although Killarney is a rural area, it has a rich heritage. A special way to learn about and celebrate the culture in Killarney is by attending a Gaelic Roots show!

These live shows have traditional singing and dancing and tell the stories of generations here. The shows typically run seasonally so plan for this experience in April – October.

2 Day Killarney Itinerary

Here’s how I would recommend spending your 2 days to make the most out of your time visiting Killarney:

Start your day by driving or taking a tour of the Ring of Kerry. The full Ring of Kerry takes about three and a half hours to complete, but you’ll want to stop along some famous viewpoints on the way. Make sure to stop at Dunloe Gap and Ladies View for iconic views of the countryside!

Travel along the Ring of Kerry and stop at the Kerry Cliffs for an incredible view of the Atlantic against the Irish cliffs. On your way around the Ring of Kerry, you can stop for lunch. Kenmare and Kells are popular quaint towns to stop at. Explore and grab some great Irish food! When you return to Killarney, visit Ross Castle in the afternoon. You can catch a sunset over Lough Leane with a view of the castle. There are also less crowds in the afternoon hours!

Make your way back to Killarney’s main street in the evening. Stop at a pub to enjoy some local music and a Guinness at the end of your first day in Killarney!

Start day 2 at Muckross House and explore the Victorian house and gardens. There is a place called the Garden Restaurant at Muckross House where you can have brunch.

After eating, take a walk to the Torc Waterfall Loop from Muckross House. Explore the amazing scenery of Killarney on foot today, and get some great photos of the famous Torc waterfall.

After you return to town, make sure you walk down High Street for shopping opportunities and local souvenirs. After this, you can stop by St. Mary’s Cathedral at the end of the downtown area to marvel at the architecture and stained glass windows.

In the evening, attend a Gaelic Roots live show to fully wrap up your incredible experience of seeing the best of Killarney in 2 days!

How to get to Killarney

You have quite a few options when traveling to Killarney. You can drive, take a train, or take a bus.

Driving in Ireland  is one of the best ways to get around the country and gives you the most freedom. If you plan on driving in Ireland, it is easy to take the M7 or M8 from Dublin to Killarney or N22 from Cork.

There is a train station conveniently about a five minute walk from downtown Killarney. The Iarnód Éireann rail system operates many times daily. Popular ways to get to Killarney by train are from Dublin Heuston Station and from Cork’s Kent Station.

Dublin has a M7 Express Service bus that runs multiple times a day to Killarney. Limerick and Cork have similar options. If you plan on taking the bus on your 2 day trip to Killarney, make sure you check the timetables in advance!

How to get around Killarney

One of the nice things about the town itself is that it’s very walkable. You can walk from Downtown Killarney to Muckross House, and even to Ross Castle. However, if you want to see the best of the Killarney countryside, I recommend driving.

Where to stay in Killarney

Best hostel in Killarney – Killarney Railway Hostel

A few minutes walk from downtown, the Killarney Railway Hostel is a perfect location for travelers. Family rooms and mixed dorms are available nightly. Wifi is free, and the hostel offers private parking to those who are driving to Killarney.

Best budget hotel in Killarney – Killarney Heights Hotel

For budget travelers, Killarney Heights Hotel is a great option. Only a 20 minute walk from the town center, this hotel features beautiful views of the countryside. It feels like luxury at a lower price point! Free wifi and parking are available.

Best mid-range accomodation in Killarney – Killarney Court Hotel

A great place to stay with many amenities, Killarney Court Hotel is within 8km of Ross Castle and Muckross Hose. Killarney Court Hotel also holds McGillicuddy’s, a traditional Irish pub set inside of the hotel. For upscale dining, they also have a restaurant called The Seasons.

Best luxury accomodation in Killarney – The Lake Hotel

You know you’re in a luxurious place when Queen Victoria chose to stay here! Right on Loch Lein, The Lake Hotel has amazing mountain views.

The rooms look out to the countryside, and some of the rooms have balconies. You can even have a fine Irish dining experience here at the Castlelough Restaurant which overlooks the gardens.

Frequently asked questions about Killarney

I recommend a minimum of 2 days in Killarney. This gives you a good amount of time to explore the area and see the best of Killarney!

Killarney is a popular place to visit in Ireland because of its iconic landscapes! From the incredible countryside to the coastline around the Ring of Kerry, you can see all kinds of Ireland’s famous landscapes by visiting Killarney.

Author Bio : Meredith is the author behind  Counting Her Travels  where she shares her love for international travel and experiences traveling and living abroad as an American. She aims to inspire others to gain confidence and expand their worldview through traveling abroad.

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32 Best Stops Between Dublin and Killarney

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How long is the drive from Dublin to Killarney?

The direct drive from Dublin to Killarney is 189 mi (304 km) , and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 24 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Dublin to Killarney, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Kilkenny and Limerick , as well as top places to visit like Slane Castle and Wicklow Mountains, or the ever-popular Wicklow Way.

Top cities between Dublin and Killarney

Best stops along Dublin to Killarney drive

Wicklow way.

Slane Castle

Wicklow Mountains

Russborough house, trim castle.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Causey Farm

Irish national stud & gardens, michael kors outlet, rancho reilly pet farm, rock of dunamase, kilkenny castle, smithwick's experience, st canice's cathedral, birr castle demesne.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Rock of Cashel

Hore abbey entrance, irish workhouse centre, nenagh castle, glen of aherlow, lough gur public park and visitor centre.

King John's Castle

Bunratty castle & folk park, the burren perfumery.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Burren National Park

Heart of burren walks, the donkey sanctuary ireland, trump international golf links & hotel doonbeg ireland, listowel castle, top searches in killarney, other popular road trips from dublin, explore nearby places.

• Castlemaine
• Castleisland
• Caragh Lake
• Ballyvourney
• Knocknagoshel
• Glengarriff
• Templeglantine

All related maps of Killarney

• Map of Killarney
• Map of Fossa
• Map of Headford
• Map of Farranfore
• Map of Kilgarvan
• Map of Castlemaine
• Map of Castleisland
• Map of Killorglin
• Map of Rathmore
• Map of Kenmare
• Map of Caragh Lake
• Map of Glencar
• Map of Ballyvourney
• Map of Tralee
• Map of Glenbeigh
• Map of Millstreet
• Map of Knocknagoshel
• Map of Tuosist
• Map of Camp
• Map of Fenit
• Map of Glengarriff
• Map of Ardfert
• Map of Kealkill
• Map of Sneem
• Map of Lauragh
• Map of Abbeyfeale
• Map of Bantry
• Map of Adrigole
• Map of Listowel
• Map of Templeglantine
• Map of Ardgroom

Killarney throughout the year

• Killarney in January
• Killarney in February
• Killarney in March
• Killarney in April
• Killarney in May
• Killarney in June
• Killarney in July
• Killarney in August
• Killarney in September
• Killarney in October
• Killarney in November
• Killarney in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Killarney?

Get inspired for your trip to Killarney with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Killarney Itinerary
• 2-Day Killarney Itinerary
• 3-Day Killarney Itinerary
• 4-Day Killarney Itinerary
• 5-Day Killarney Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from dublin to killarney.

Yes! You can drive from Dublin to Killarney.

How far is Killarney from Dublin by car?

The drive from Dublin to Killarney is 189 miles (304 km).

How long does it take to drive from Dublin to Killarney?

Driving from Dublin to Killarney should take you 3 hrs 24 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Dublin to Killarney?

Gas from Dublin to Killarney would cost around $17 to $39 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Dublin to Killarney?

You could check out Slane Castle and Wicklow Mountains, or the always popular Wicklow Way!

What are the best cities to visit between Dublin and Killarney?

People love visiting Kilkenny and Limerick, among others.

What's the weather like in Dublin?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Dublin in January
• Weather in Dublin in February
• Weather in Dublin in March
• Weather in Dublin in April
• Weather in Dublin in May
• Weather in Dublin in June
• Weather in Dublin in July
• Weather in Dublin in August
• Weather in Dublin in September
• Weather in Dublin in October
• Weather in Dublin in November
• Weather in Dublin in December

What are some other road trips from Dublin?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Dublin.

• Dublin to London drive
• Dublin to Dublin drive
• Dublin to Paris drive
• Dublin to Edinburgh drive
• Dublin to Amsterdam drive
• Dublin to Rome drive
• Dublin to Barcelona drive
• Dublin to Belfast drive
• Dublin to Liverpool drive
• Dublin to York drive
• Dublin to Berlin drive
• Dublin to Blackpool drive
• Dublin to Glasgow drive
• Dublin to Prague drive
• Dublin to Madrid drive
• Dublin to Manchester drive
• Dublin to Birmingham drive
• Dublin to Brussels drive
• Dublin to Florence drive
• Dublin to Llandudno drive
• Dublin to Milan drive
• Dublin to Vienna drive
• Dublin to Budapest drive
• Dublin to Lisbon drive
• Dublin to Venice drive
• Dublin to Bath drive
• Dublin to Galway drive
• Dublin to Killarney drive
• Dublin to Cardiff drive
• Dublin to Bruges drive

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Ring of Kerry: The Complete Guide

Read our travel guide on the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. Includes tips on best things to do and see, top attractions, itinerary, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.

The iconic Ring of Kerry is often considered one of the best scenic drives in the world.

This 170-kilometer circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in the west part of County Kerry is packed with top attractions, incredible stops, and epic views.

The scenery is incredibly diverse, and the journey that will take you from the mountains to the sea will often leave you speechless.

It's no wonder the Ring of Kerry is pretty much on every Ireland road trip itinerary .

On top of that, this road is part of a much larger scenic route called the Wild Atlantic Way , which features some of the most incredible places in Ireland, including the Ring of Kerry.

So far, we have talked about the Ring of Kerry only in superlatives.

But with great hype comes great expectations.

And the reality can often be quite different. In this travel guide, we'll strive to help your plan your trip around the Ring of Kerry better and answer your most burning questions.

Is the Ring of Kerry worth visiting? What are the best things to see and do while there? And what to really expect?

So, without any further ado, here's everything you should know before visiting the Ring of Kerry.

Things to Know Before You Go

Before we dive into the article, there are a few essential things about the Ring of Kerry every traveler should know.

Ring of Kerry

As mentioned above, the Ring of Kerry is 170 kilometers long and encircles the Iveragh Peninsula.

It consists of three national roads, namely N70, N71, and N72, creating a circle around the peninsula.

This road has two lanes and is easy to drive on, even if you don't have much experience with driving on the left side of the road.

However, this is just the main circle, often referred to simply as the Ring.

The route can be easily extended by adding several detours to your itinerary, such as the Skellig Ring or Valentia Island .

Honestly, these extensions were by far the best places we visited while in this area.

If you have time, make sure to include at least some of the attractions that don't sit directly on the Ring.

The experience is worth the time and effort.

The next thing that is good to know about the Ring is that it basically consists of two different worlds.

The area around Killarney has majestic lakes, lush green woodlands, and rugged mountains.

The coastal drive features beaches, colorful seaside villages, and amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.

It allows you to explore some of the finest landscapes in Ireland in a relatively short amount of time.

Starting Point

Killarney is often considered to be the starting point of the Ring of Kerry, but it doesn't mean that your journey has to start or end there.

It's completely fine to either start exploring the Iveragh Peninsula from either Killorglin in the northeast or Kenmare in the southeast.

Clockwise or Counterclockwise

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether you should drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise or counterclockwise.

So, the general advice is to do the Ring of Kerry clockwise, as you won't get stuck behind tour buses traveling around the Ring.

However, our opinion is that it really doesn't matter.

Due to their size, they have to stick to the main road, and you will often take one of the rural roads in order to reach attractions situated off this road.

We traveled around the Ring of Kerry in a clockwise direction, but only because we planned the trip around the entire of Ireland this way.

And at the beginning of May, there were basically no tour buses along the way anyway.

Lastly, the Ring of Kerry is a top tourist destination and one of the most heavily visited places in Ireland.

The main road is popular with large tour buses and can sometimes be crowded during the peak season.

However, there are always ways to escape the crowds, and the Ring of Kerry is no exception.

As we mentioned earlier, try to include some less-traveled attractions to find a quiet moment.

Or avoid the summer season and explore Ireland during the shoulder or off-season. It's simple as that.

And lastly, start early. There is no way around it.

While it's always tempting to sleep in during your vacation, it's definitely worth it to hit the road early to beat the crowds .

Best Things to Do

Unsurprisingly, there are tons of things to do and see on the Ring of Kerry for all ages and abilities.

It's also one of the main reasons to visit the Ring of Kerry in the first place, as you won't simply get bored here.

Whether you're a solo backpacker, a family with kids, or a couple on a honeymoon (or anyone else), you couldn't choose a better destination in Ireland.

One of the main appeals of traveling the Ring of Kerry is that the more time you spend there, the more you discover and the more you will enjoy this area.

But even when pressed for time, Ring of Kerry is worth visiting.

We visited the Ring of Kerry on our way to Dingle Peninsula and eventually the Cliffs of Moher , and these are some of the best stops we visited along our way.

Killarney National Park

For many, the town of Killarney and the adjacent Killarney National Park is the starting point of their Ring of Kerry road trip.

And with places such as Ross Castle , Torc Waterfall , Muckross House , or Muckross Abbey , you couldn't choose a better place to kick off your journey.

This is Ireland at its finest, and it's no wonder why this area has gained so much in popularity over the years.

It truly is one of the most  beautiful national parks in Ireland .

By the way, this is also the oldest national park in Ireland, and tourism has been playing a vital role in this area since the 19th century.

Killarney National Park offers great hiking trails, stunning landscapes, and many amazing sights.

There is no entry fee, which is great even for travelers doing Ireland on a budget .

Ladies View

After twenty minutes of driving south along the N71, you will come across one of the best viewpoints on the Ring of Kerry.

This is a relatively quick stop unless you want to spend more time in the local cafe. On a clear day, the views from the Ladies' View are simply stunning.

A short trail will take you to an even better viewpoint above the parking area if you prefer being more active.

Gap of Dunloe

After another few kilometers, you will reach Molls Gap, from where you can start your Gap of Dunloe adventure.

This mountainous pass, nestled between MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range in the west and Purple Mountain mountain range in the east, is one of the most popular places in entire Ireland.

There are a few essential things you should know about Gap of Dunloe before you go, so make sure to read our guide.

In a nutshell, you can drive, walk, cycle, or take a jaunting car tour along this scenic road.

Due to its proximity to Killarney and the undeniable beauty of a traditional Irish mountainous landscape with lakes, the Gap of Dunloe is often crowded, especially during the peak season.

Start early to avoid disappointment. 

The small seaside town of Kenmare is probably not the most distinctive attraction on the Ring, but it has a fantastic location for those seeking accommodation on their journey.

Killarney indeed gets busy during the summer, and while Kenmare shares the same destiny, we believe there is a less hectic pace around the town.

Kenmare offers a great selection of hotels and pubs, and as a result, it gets really lively during the peak season.

By the way, one of the best things to do in Kenmare is seal spotting, as you can join one of the Seafari Wildlife Cruises departing from the local marina.

If you're looking for a megalithic monument that is easy to visit, head out to Kenmare Stone Circle, situated only a short walk from the main street.

Surrounded by mountains, the vibrant and colorful town of Sneem is a popular stop on the Ring of Kerry.

The small-town vibe, combined with an excellent location and a few good hotels, makes Sneem a great place to stay overnight.

The traditional Irish pubs get lively during the summer months and often provide live music and, not surprisingly, a good selection of refreshing beverages.

While there is not much to see and do in Sneem itself, the town is ideally located and makes a great base for exploring the Ring of Kerry.

Staigue Stone Fort

This ancient stone fort, entirely built without the use of mortar, was the first place of this kind we visited on the Ring of Kerry.

An especially narrow road will take you to a parking area, from which it's only a short walk to the fort's entrance.

The Staigue Stone Fort has a typical circular shape (30 meters in diameter), massive six meters high and three meters thick walls, and a strategic location.

The fort is situated in the hills above Kenmare Bay, and the views are pretty awesome.

Once again, not much is known about Staigue Stone Fort, but it seems it was used for the security of a wealthy landowner.

Even though the fort had houses and some additional structures, none of them have survived to the present.

Derrynane Bay

One of the most surprising things we learned about Derrynane Bay on our journey around the Iveragh Peninsula was that there is so much more about it than meets the eye.

It has a great sandy Blue Flag Beach, a fantastic nature trail, ancient Ogham Stone, and a well-preserved Derrynane House, where a local politician named Daniel O'Connell used to live during the 19th century.

The house is open to the public and offers a great insight into the life and work of this famous Irish public figure.

On top of that, you can walk to a nearby Abbey Island, at least when the sea is out.

The island is home to an ancient monastery and graveyard and offers fantastic views of the Derrynane Bay area.

Before the trip, we thought this would be a relatively quick stop, but in the end, we spent more time there than initially planned.

This little village is known for its lovely beach, freshwater Lake Currane, golfing opportunities, and great accommodations.

And due to its excellent location, staying in Waterville is a great option for those who want to split their journey along the Ring into several days.

No wonder Waterville was one of Charlie Chaplin's favorite vacation destinations.

There are plenty of great accommodations in Waterville to choose from, and if you decide to stay here overnight, make sure to pay a visit to the beach during the sunset.

Watching the sun dip below the horizon after a tiring day on the road will definitely help you recharge your internal batteries.

And tasting seasonal specials with amazingly fresh seafood in one of the restaurants near the waterfront also sounds like a great idea.

Skellig Ring

In our opinion, places such as the Skellig Ring make the Ring of Kerry so special.

This is the Ring of Kerry at its finest, even though you could argue it's technically an extension, not the Ring itself. Anyway.

Jutting out into the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the westernmost tip of the Iveragh Peninsula is an area just waiting to be explored.

Luckily, a short but dramatic scenic route that winds along the Skelligs coastline allows you to see this area in its full glory.

Skellig Ring is home to amazing places such as picturesque Ballinskelligs Beach , remote St. Finian's Bay, or the impressive Kerry Cliffs .

But most importantly, it's the place where you won't see tour buses as the roads in this area are simply too narrow for them.

Without any doubt, Skellig Ring is one of the best extensions of the Ring of Kerry, and it was one of the highlights of our road trip.

Portmagee 

With its picturesque harbor, charming setting, a bridge to Valentia Island, and traditional colorful houses, Portmagee is one of the best stops on the Skellig Ring.

Even those travelers who don't want to take any side trips off the Ring of Kerry might eventually end up in this seaside village.

Portmagee is one of the best places to catch a boat tour to the Skellig Islands.

Due to its convenient location, Portmagee is a great departure point for the Skellig Michael tours.

The landing boat tours, known simply as Skellig Michael Landing Tours, are available between Portmagee and Skellig Michael only in the summer season.

Don't forget that this activity is weather dependent and might be canceled due to bad weather.

In case these tours are sold out, you can join a regular tour, usually named Skellig Michael Eco Tour, that cruises around both islands.

While you won't get a chance to step on the island during this trip, it's a great alternative for people traveling in the off-season or travelers with reduced mobility.

Skellig Michael

The Skellig Islands, consisting of Skellig Michael and Little Skellig, are among the most incredible places you can visit in Ireland.

The Skellig Michael is a World Heritage UNESCO site known for its rugged landscape and 6th-century monastic settlement.

It features steep stairs, epic views, a serene atmosphere, and typical beehive dwellings.

The Little Skellig is not accessible to the public and is home to one of the largest gannet colonies in Ireland.

This UNESCO site was used as a filming location for the Star Wars trilogy and became so popular that you need to book your landing boat trip well in advance.

As we mentioned a few times already, don't leave it for the last minute.

Valentia Island

Once you reach the small village of Portmagee, you will face a decision of whether to visit nearby Valentia Island or not.

If you have enough time, we suggest you should go for it.

Unlike places such as Aran Islands, Valentia is connected with the mainland by a road bridge. It means it's easily accessible by car, and the visit doesn't require extra planning.

Valentia Island is known for its stunning Geokaun Mountains and Fogher Cliffs , Bray Head, a lighthouse, tetrapod footprints, and telecommunications history.

Honestly, the story of the Transatlantic Cable, which shortened the amount of time needed for a message to travel between Europe and North America from two weeks to minutes, is simply mindblowing.

It's the surviving testimony of human ingenuity and perseverance that helped to shape the modern world as we know it today.

Despite its potential, Valentia Island remains still very quiet, and that's what we liked about it probably the most.

On the way out, catch a ferry from Knightstown to Reenard Point to save time and make your journey even more exciting.

Cahersiveen

The small seaside town of Cahersiveen is known as a gateway to the Skellig Ring and Valentia Island.

Similar to Kenmare, this is a great place to spend a night or two.

With a peaceful atmosphere, colorful houses, a few accommodations, and traditional pubs, Cahersiveen is a great option for most travelers.

The town also has a few interesting places worth visiting, such as the ruins of a monastery, the Old Barracks, the birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, and the St. Brendan the Navigator monument.

Outside the town can be found a few lovely beaches, a medieval castle ruin, and a couple of ring forts.

Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts

Only a few kilometers north of Cahersiveen are sitting the stunning Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts .

These forts are technically two different sites, but as they're basically next to each other, we listed them together.

Unfortunately, the history of these stone forts is not as clear as the well-documented history of places such as Blarney Castle or the Rock of Cashel .

It seems that the Cahergall Fort was home to an important person and his family, while Leacanabuaile was used as a farmstead.

However, these ring forts are arguably even more impressive than the Staigue Fort in the south, and Leacanabuaile even has remains of the original structures.

The parking area for both forts is less than four kilometers north of Cahersiveen, so this is a great detour from the main Ring.

Way of Kerry

While the majority of travelers prefer to explore the Ring of Kerry on a road trip, there is a fantastic alternative for all outdoor lovers.

It's called the Way of Kerry and will allow you to explore some of the finest landscaped of County Kerry in a completely different way.

This 200-kilometer long-distance trail loops around the Iveragh Peninsula and is renowned for one of the best hiking experiences in Ireland.

The main downside is that you will need a good fitness level and about nine days to complete this circular route.

However, the reward for testing your physical and mental endurance will be well worth the effort.

Entrance Fee

The Ring of Kerry is technically just a national road, and there is no fee to drive along it.

Even admission to Killarney National Park is free.

If you're coming from North America, where most national parks, such as Banff National Park or Yellowstone National Park , charge an entrance fee (require entrance pass, to be precise), this is a nice change.

However, some attractions do require a small admission fee, such as the stone forts located on private properties.

How Much Time Do I Need

The Ring of Kerry scenic driving tour covers 170 kilometers, and you can easily do the whole loop in one day.

If your time is limited, a full day will allow you to see most of the Ring of Kerry's top attractions, though you will need to start super early and finish super late.

Honestly, this approach is mostly doable only in summer, when the days are the longest.

However, we strongly recommend allowing yourself at least two full days for the Ring of Kerry.

This is one of Ireland's most beautiful regions, and two days will allow you to travel in a more relaxed manner.

Simply put, doing this scenic drive is not all about ticking attractions off the list and rushing through all the sites in a short amount of time.

Three days would be optimal; however, we understand that the majority of international travelers don't have that much time for a single area.

The Ring of Kerry in three days will give you plenty of time to spend a day in the Killarney area, and then you will have one day for the Ring and another day for the Skellig Ring and Valentia Island.

4 to 7 Days

If you prefer slow travel, you can obviously stay even a full week here and still won't see everything. That's the beauty of the Ring of Kerry.

The Ring of Kerry can be explored all year round. Thanks to long, sunny, and warm days, summer is often considered to be the best time to explore the Ring of Kerry.

Obviously, this season attracts many travelers, and some places might get crowded.

The hotels are full, and the prices for accommodation skyrocket.

The main advantage is the highest chance of great weather and ideal conditions for water sports.

However, with a little bit of planning and patience, we believe the summertime won't disappoint.

Spring and Autumn

A great alternative to the summer season is either spring or autumn, especially the months of May and September.

We arrived at the Iveragh Peninsula at the beginning of May and were surprised by how few tourists we met along the way.

After reading how busy the Ring gets, that was one of the best discoveries of our road trip adventure.

The main disadvantage was that the weather was still not warm enough for water activities.

Honestly, we didn't come to Ireland to find Tayrona National Park there, so that was not a big issue for us.

While you can visit the Ring of Kerry in winter, don't forget that the days are often wet and cold, and there is less daylight.

However, if you plan your itinerary right , you will get a chance to have many places along the way just for yourself.

Read this guide on the best time to visit Ireland to learn more about this topic.

What to Pack

The Ring of Kerry is incredibly popular and accessible. It might give you the impression that the weather here is less severe, but that's simply not true.

Regardless of the season you want to explore the Ring, make sure to have a good quality rain jacket with you. Or at least bring some basic rain poncho .

As you will drive a lot, proper footwear is another must-have item.

If you plan on doing some hikes, don't forget that you should also have another pair of hiking shoes just for this activity. Driving in muddy and wet shoes is not comfortable.

As the days on the Ring of Kerry are often long, make sure to bring plenty of water with you, together with your favorite water bottle , to stay hydrated.

In the summer, bring good sunscreen , insect repellent , and swimwear.

For more information, here's our Ireland packing list .

How to Get There

There are several ways to get to the Ring of Kerry.

Don't forget that you will also need to decide not only how to get there but also how to get around the Ring.

In our opinion, the best way to explore the Ring of Kerry is by car. Furthermore, we believe it's the best way to get there.

Driving in Ireland is not as daunting as you might think, and renting a car in Ireland is very straightforward.

To make things easier, we set the town of Killarney as the reference point for this section's purposes.

Killarney is only 90 kilometers west of Cork, and the journey between these two towns takes about 90 minutes.

Limerick is about 110 kilometers northeast of Killarney, and you will need about 2 hours to get from one place to another.

Dublin and Dublin Airport are more than 300 kilometers east of Killarney, and the trip via M7 takes about 4 hours.

Travel Resources

When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com .

Unlike some more remote peninsulas, you can reach the Ring of Kerry by train, at least if you want to start at Killarney.

The train to Killarney runs from popular places such as Cork, Limerick, Dublin, or Galway , though you will most likely need to change train at some point.

Getting to Killarney by train might be a good option for those planning to rent a car or join an organized tour from there.

You can also get to Killarney by bus from Cork or Limerick and then catch a local bus that links the villages along the Ring (or rent a car there).

This option may be appealing to budget travelers, but we believe it's not very convenient.

While getting to Killarney is relatively easy when relying on public transport, the following journey will most likely require a change of mode of transport.

Here you will find more tips on how to get around Ireland .

One of the best ways to explore the Ring of Kerry without your own transport is with a guided tour.

There are tons of Ring of Kerry tours, starting from different towns and cities.

Here you can reserve a Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip from Cork .

Alternatively, here you will find a Ring of Kerry Full-Day Tour from Killarney .

How to Get Around

In the previous section, we've basically answered the question of what we believe is the best way to get around the Ring of Kerry.

If you have your own transport, then you're all set. Without any doubt, having your own car for the Ring of Kerry is a huge advantage.

For instance, the local bus only follows a pre-decided route here, and you will lose a big chunk of your freedom when relying on this mode of transport.

There are tons of amazing sights off the main road, and having a car gives you an opportunity to explore them all at your own pace.

It might sound like a cliche, but as far as we know, it's the best option for exploring the Ring of Kerry.

If you don't want to drive in Ireland, taking a guided tour is your next best bet.

In our opinion, this is the best approach if you want to do the Ring of Kerry without a car.

Public Transport

Obviously, you could also use a combination of public transport and taxis, but it won't be cheap as you would probably expect.

As we already hinted above, the Local Bus Link or the Bus Eireann service (Route 279A - Killarney - Killorglin - Caherciveen - Waterville) is not ideal, especially if you're short on time.

Of course, if you're an avid hiker, you can consider exploring the Iveragh Peninsula on foot.

Cycling around the Ring of Kerry might seem like an exciting idea, but don't forget that the main national roads are quite busy.

Therefore, we would probably explore only the less-traveled places, such as the Skellig Ring or Valentia Island.

Where to Stay

Without any doubt, choosing a great accommodation is one of the main keys to the success of your Ring of Kerry trip.

The best selection and range of hotels is found in Killarney, but even the capacity in this relatively large town is not endless.

One of the best alternatives is the little town of Kenmare or the Killorglin area (some people will stay even at Tralee).

If time and your travel plans allow, we recommend staying directly in one of the tiny villages and towns along the Ring.

These settlements are not known for large hotels or resorts.

And lastly. If you're visiting the Ring of Kerry in the peak season, make sure to book early to avoid disappointment.

The Ring of Kerry is a top tourist destination beloved by locals and international travelers, and hotels fill up quickly.

So here are the best hotels on the Ring of Kerry.

Kenmare | Brook Lane Hotel - This boutique hotel offers excellent service, spacious rooms, a top location, and fantastic food. Great value for money.

Killarney | Dunloe Hotel and Gardens - If you're looking for luxury, then you should stay in Killarney. This 5-star hotel boasts modern rooms, a 25-meter swimming pool, a sauna, a great restaurant, an amazing location, and much more.

Waterville | Butler Arms Hotel - With lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean, spacious rooms, a seafood restaurant, free parking, and a Charlie Chaplin's connection, this mid-range hotel is one of the most popular on the Ring of Kerry.

Sneem | Parknasilla Resort and Spa - This resort hotel is set within a lush green parkland just outside the town of Snemm. It features modern rooms overlooking Kenmare Bay, a seafood restaurant, a gold course, a spa with a swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs, and free parking.

Cahersiveen | Sive Hostel - This budget accommodation offers basic rooms but affordable rooms, laundry facilities, free WiFi, and an excellent location.

Kells | Kells Bay House and Gardens - Set in a beautiful garden with subtropical plants, Kells Bay House has direct access to a Blue Flag beach, serves a full Irish breakfast in the morning, and has charming and quiet rooms.

Killorglin | Kingston's Townhouse - This family-run guesthouse features spacious rooms with modern decor, welcoming staff, a great location, and a typical Irish pub.

Staying Safe

In general, the Ring of Kerry is a safe place to visit, but you should still use your common sense while there.

When driving, you will most likely make many stops along the way.

While the parking areas often seem remote and safe, the general rule of thumb is never to leave your valuables in your car.

Also, most of the rural roads outside the Ring are very narrow, so drive carefully.

In case you want to go swimming when exploring the Ring of Kerry, it's better to visit one of the Blue Flag Beaches that are known for safety and great water quality.

The bathing season at Ireland's Blue Flag sites runs from June 1st to September 15th.

It is only awarded for one season at a time, so you need to check each year if nothing has changed from the previous season.

We already talked about it above, but we have to repeat ourselves. When hiking in the countryside, make sure to bring proper gear.

The weather is often more severe in the coastal areas and mountains than in some inland regions.

For more information on this topic, read our guide on staying safe in Ireland .

Travel Insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.

Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.

SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.

Travel smarter and safer!

Is the Ring of Kerry Worth Visiting?

The Ring of Kerry is one of the finest scenic drives in the world.

It's the epitome of an Ireland road trip , and even though it gets busy during the summer, it's definitely worth exploring.

It boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines in Ireland and is a perfect destination for people on the lookout for an unforgettable vacation experience.

However, we strongly suggest also leaving the Ring from time to time, discovering the local rural roads of the Iveragh Peninsula, and visiting some not-so-heavily visited attractions.

This brings us to another topic.

The only small pet peeve we have with the Ring of Kerry is that its popularity overshadows some of the lesser-known nearby peninsulas, namely, Mizen Head , Sheep's Head Peninsula , and Beara Peninsula .

We know. It's not its fault. We just want to say that there are many amazing places to see in Ireland worth checking out as well.

And as everyone talks about the Ring, these places often remain overlooked.

So, if you're looking for more inspiration or just don't know where to go next, check out our travel guides that will hopefully inspire you to visit these incredible but not-so-famous places as well.

Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.

Accommodation : When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld .

Tours : Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.

We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator .

Rental Cars : When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com , a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.

Flight Tickets : When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.

Travel Insurance : World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.

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!

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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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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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15 Ring of Kerry Highlights (I Know You’ll love)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: January 9, 2024

Having driven the route 14 times now, I have a handful of Ring of Kerry highlights that I never tire of.

Some, like Torc Waterfall, are fairly well known while others, like the viewpoints listed below, tend to get missed.

The Ring of Kerry route contains  endless  attractions. In this guide, you’ll find stops that I’m confident you’ll enjoy. Dive on in!

Table of Contents

My Ring of Kerry highlights

Click to enlarge

It’s worth taking 30 seconds to look at the map above before you scroll. It shows some of the main things to do on the Ring of Kerry along with the main towns.

It also shows the Skellig Ring which, although not part of the main route, is well worth the short detour (it’s home to the Kerry Cliffs , Valentia Island and plenty more).

1. Killarney National Park

Photos via Shutterstock

Killarney National Park is home to many of the Ring of Kerry highlights. Although it was only in 1932 when it became Ireland’s first national park, its story goes back  much  further.

There is evidence of human life in the park from over 4,000 years ago, during the bronze age. In fact, as you explore the park, you’ll discover one historical site after the other.

The most notable is the 15th century  Ross Castle which stands proudly overlooking the glorious Lakes of Killarney . Then there’s the opulent Muckross House , which dates to 1843 and boasts 65 Tudor-style-rooms.

One of the most impressive Ring of Kerry highlights is located a short spin from the centre of Killarney – the majestic ruins of Muckross Abbey . You can explore them on foot for free (keep an eye out for the ancient yew tree growing at their centre!).

2. Torc Waterfall

A visit to Torc Waterfall is one of the more popular things to do on the Ring of Kerry. However, it comes with a warning – this place gets  painfully  busy at times.

I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve visited Torc only to have to drive on due to a lack of parking. The easiest way to visit is to rent a bike in Killarney Town and cycle to it through the park.

Torc is 20 metres high and very easy to access. From the parking area, it’s less than a 10-minute walk away. The falls gets its name, which means ‘wild boar’, from a tale from Irish folklore.

If you fancy a bit of a hike, both the  Torc Mountain Walk  and the strenuous  Cardiac Hill start a stones throw away.

3. The tunnel

Photos via Google Maps

OK, so this isn’t actually a stop, but bear with me. Since the first time I did this drive with my parents back in the early 90s, I’ve always loved the buzz of passing beneath this tunnel outside of Killarney.

You’ll stumble upon it if you’re following our 1 day Ring of Kerry itinerary along the road between Killarney and Ladies View ( here on Google Maps ).

You tend to come across these tunnels a fair bit in this part of Ireland. Turners Rock along the Ring of Beara is another fine example. 

4. Ladies View and Moll’s Gap

As you make your way along the N71 towards Kenmare, you’ll pass two of the more famous Ring of Kerry highlights. The first, Ladies View , is a viewpoint right by the side of the road.

The view got its name back during Queen Victoria and Prince Alberts visit to the area in 1861. It’s said that the Queens ‘ladies-in-waiting’ were so taken by the view that it was named after them.

As you continue along the road you’ll drive around a bend before arrive at an Avoca Cafe. From the parking area here you’ll get a good eyeful of Moll’s Gap .

It gets its name from Moll Kissane who ran a ‘Shebeen’ (an unlicensed pub) at the time when the Killarney to Kenmare road was being built in the 1820s.

It’s said that those building the road were so grateful for Moll’s Poitin (a ‘hard liquor’ sometimes made from potatoes) that they names it after her.

5. Kenmare and Sneem

Photo left: The Irish Road Trip. Others: Shutterstock

Sneem and Kenmare are two of the Ring of Kerry towns you’ll come to shortly after leaving the hustle and bustle of Killarney.

Although there are plenty of things to do in Kenmare , it’s Reenagross Woodland Park, Kenmare Stone Circle and the colourful buildings on Henry Street that steal the show.

The magic of Sneem first hits you as you enter the village and the mountains that act as a backdrop for the area meet your eye. 

Hop out and head for a ramble. When you see the bridge, make a beeline for it. It’s here that you’ll get a good look at the river and Sneem falls.

6. Staigue Stone Fort

Photo bottom right: powerofforever. Others: pepmiba (Canva)

One of the more unique Ring of Kerry sights is the ancient Staigue Stone Fort. It’s reached via a narrow country road, not far from Caherdaniel .

It’s believed that the fort was constructed sometime between 300 and 400 AD, during the Iron Age. Many ancient sites from the same period are dotted around Kerry.

Staigue Stone Fort is well preserved given its age. It would have been built to act as a defensive structure, likely for a local king.

If you visit during the summer months, there’s a coffee van (Roast at Staigue) and a toilet on-site.

7. Derrynane Beach

One of my favourite things to do on the Ring of Kerry is to visit  Derrynane Beach during the mild summer months, early morning, before the crowds arrive.

This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland and thus attracts the crowds. Derrynane is sheltered and backed by sand dunes. However, while the water looks inviting, there are strong currents in places (look for the no-swim signs).

There’s plenty of history to be discovered in the area. If you’re at the beach, keep an eye out for Abbey Island with its ancient burial ground.

Nearby, you’ll find Derrynane house, which was the ancestral home of politician Daniel O’Connell (1775-1847). You can tour the house and see artefacts from his life.

8. Coomakista viewpoint

Photos by The Irish Road Trip

Many of the Ring of Kerry highlights are the viewpoints that you stumble upon as you make your way around the route (follow our 1 day Ring of Kerry itinerary if you’re not sure where to start).

One of the better-known viewpoints along the way is known as the ‘Coomakista viewpoint’. As it’s a Wild Atlantic Way discovery point, there’s dedicated parking right beside it.

Even on fine days this place is blustery! As you gaze out to the horizon you’ll notice two islands. No, they’re not the Skelligs – you’re looking at Deenish and Scariff islands.

9. The Skellig Ring detour

OK – bear with me for a moment. So,  the Skellig Ring is  not part  of the Ring route. However, we include it in  every  Ring of Kerry drive guide as it’s a tiny detour that packs a punch.

Thousands of people have followed our ROK guides over the years and this detour gets mention in every ‘Cheers’ email we receive.

When you leave Waterville, aim for  Ballinskelligs and head for the beach. This is your first taste of the Skellig Ring. Soak up views of the beach, the mountains and the castle before heading to the stop below.

10. Coomanaspig

One of my favourite things to do in Kerry is located on the road that takes you down to Portmagee (one of the main departure points for the Skelligs).

Coomanaspig is a Wild Atlantic Way discover point and there’s a nice bit of parking where you can admire the view from. However, the magic of this place kicks-in as you begin your descent.

On a clear day, it’ll feel like you’re driving into an oil painting. By all accounts, Coomanaspig is one of the highest places in Ireland reachable by car.

11. The Kerry Cliffs

The Kerry Cliffs stand at a whopping 1,000 feet high and they are some of the most impressive cliffs in Ireland.

They formed over 400 million years ago and they are now easily reachable via privately owned land that you pay to enter (around €5/6).

There’s a bit of a steep climb to the various viewpoints here but the reward is some of the Wild Atlantic Way’s finest coastline.

12. Valentia Island

A stone’s throw from the Kerry Cliffs along the Skellig Ring is the magnificent  Valentia Island . 

It was on Valentia that the world’s first transatlantic telegraph cable was built over 150 years ago!

You can visit Valentia Lighthouse , drop into the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre or take a spin up to the Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs viewpoint.

The island offers views of both the Iveragh and Dingle Peninsula on a clear day. 

13. Cahergall Stone Fort

We’re leaving the Skellig Ring now and heading for Cahergall Stone Fort a short drive from Cahersiveen .

It’s thought (although not confirmed) that Cahergal was built at some point during the 7th century. When you see it for yourself, you’ll likely be surprised at how in-tact it looks.

 The reason for this is that it was reconstructed in places. There are little stairs attached to the inner walls which stand between 6 and 13 ft high.

On a fine day as you admire the fort and gaze around at the panoramic view that takes in mountains and ocean, you’ll understand why this is one of the more popular things to do on the Ring of Kerry.

14. Rossbeigh Beach

One of our final Ring of Kerry highlights is the brilliant Rossbeigh Beach – arguably one of the most impressive beaches in Kerry .

Located a short spin from Glenbeigh , Rossbeigh is an impressive 7km in length and the perfect spot for a stroll. You’ll also often see surfers attempting to tame the waves just off the shoreline.

One of the finest views in the area can be experienced on the nearby Rossbeigh Hill Walk. It’s a tough and very steep hike that takes in some outstanding views of the beach and beyond.

15. The optional detours

So, now that we have the various things to do on the Ring of Kerry out of the way, it’s time to look at some attractions that lay a little off the main route.

One well worth heading for is  Ballaghbeama Gap , pictured above. This is a narrow road that snakes through the mountains around a 55-minute drive from Killarney.

The Gap of Dunloe is one of the most popular attractions in the area. You can see it on a long walk from Kate Kearney’s cottage or you can take a boat tour that brigs you to the head of the Gap.

For those looking for a challenging hike, Kerry’s Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s highest mountain. It’s a tough climb and navigational experience is needed.

FAQs about the best things to do on the Ring of Kerry

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What Ring of Kerry sights are the most unusual?’ to ‘Which can be reached by camper?’.

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.

What are the main Ring of Kerry highlights?

For me, Ladies View, Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey and Derrynane Beach are the best things to do on the Ring of Kerry. The Torc Mountain trail is another great stop if you like a hike.

What is special about the Ring of Kerry?

An area of immense natural beauty, the Kerry’s famous Ring route is home to a wealth of history, areas steeped in history and countless colourful and charming towns and villages.

What is the best part of the Ring of Kerry?

Many of the Ring of Kerry highlights I’ve mentioned above can be found on the first ‘half’ of the route, between Killarney and Waterville. This section is, in my opinion, the most rewarding section of the drive.

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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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!

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Detailed itineraries + travel guides

Things To See On An Ireland Road Trip – With Map Of Ireland Tourist Attractions

Last Updated April 25, 2024 William Tang

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Alright, we know we don’t need to tell you that Ireland is one gorgeous country. Sweeping landscapes, jagged rock, and lush, flowing greenery are all hallmarks of Ireland. With seven days to work with, we had to decide where we were going to go and what we were going to do in the southern part of Ireland. Trip planning is always an exciting time but also a pain. Here, we’ve narrowed it down to what we think are the best things to see on an Ireland road trip.

Our trip through our interpretation of southern Ireland was stunningly beautiful, not only in landscapes but also in its culture, people, wildlife and of course the delicious food. If we had to pick, these are our top ten reasons why you have to plan an road trip through Ireland.

Read more about Ireland

• 7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide for the South
• Why You Absolutely Must Do A Road Trip Around Ireland In Photos
• A Week in Ireland – Enchanting Castles, Wild Coastline, and Star Wars
• Read more Ireland travel tips

BEST TIPS FOR AN IRELAND ROAD TRIP 

• Where to Stay – Out of all of the incredible and unique stays in Ireland, we have to say our first at Newlands Lodge was full of character, charm, and amazing hospitality just outside of Kilkenny. We used Booking.com for all of our stays and is great for finding those charming B&Bs. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
• Car Rentals – Rent a car at Dublin airport to get around the narrow roads. Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and book with RentalCars and Discover Cars to find the best deals.
• Activities – Most of the tours/attractions we did were those that needed to be booked through the site specific website ahead of time. If time allows check out additional tours through GetYourGuide or Viator .
• Flights – International flights are never cheap, but with the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature you can find the best deals. Check how much it would be for you to get to Ireland!
• Insurance – Make sure you’re covered for all of your adventure activities with the best travel insurance .
• Hottest Deals – Bookmark our frequently updated travel deals page .

Table Of Contents

In This Article

Map of Ireland counties

#1 skellig michael, #2 rock of cashel, #3 ring of kerry + skellig ring, #5  killarney, #6 cliffs of moher, #7 burren national park, #9  kilmainham prison, #10 blarney castle, what to pack for ireland road trip, where to stay in southern ireland, final thoughts, frequently asked questions, travel resources for your next trip, things to see on an ireland road trip.

There are so many great things to see on an Ireland road trip, as well as different attractions and activities to explore and experience, but if we were to pick our favorite things we saw on our southern Ireland itinerary and why we would go back, it would be these!

As you plan your Ireland road trip itinerary, seeing the many counties Ireland consists of will be useful in determining your path of travel. 

Ireland road trip map 

This map represents one of many examples of routes you can take to explore the several attractions Ireland has to offer. It not only highlights the top areas of things to see on an Ireland road trip through the southern region, but a possible road trip route through the northern Ireland region as well. 

If you expand your road trip to Northern Island it is worth visiting Slieve League cliffs, driving the causeway coastal route, and exploring Derry, Londonderry and Belfast.

We kind of needed to start here, right?  I mean this place is nothing short of incredible.  Yes, I am a Star Wars fan and yes, I totally brought a mini lightsaber.  Did I duel a kid while I was there with said lightsaber too, you bet I totally did! This place is so much more than a Star Wars nerd’s dream come true though.   

First let us break it down how it works. You will get on a boat in Portmagee , and you will be out in the middle of the ocean where these two giant islands jut out of the water.  The first one, aptly named Little Skellig , looks completely white and you think it is just a really white island and that’s when you see ALL the birds.

Past that, you have Skellig Michael, which is the sanctuary ecosystem for so many unique species of birds, including the cute puffin.  June is the perfect time to see tens of thousands of puffins and their babies. If this is something you’d like to see on your Ireland road trip, plan accordingly. 

I almost forgot about the monastery, which includes a cemetery and a medieval church, surrounded by beehive shaped huts we saw when we first got off our boat.  The sights and architectural structures offer a one-of-a-kind experience.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Duration – 2.5 hours to tour the island, 5 hours total
• Departure Point- The Marina, Portmagee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
• Season – Tours run May 15th – September 30th.
• €45 per person for bot tour around the islands
• €125 per person for a landing tour
• There are no children, student, senior or group discounts for the landing tour, children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the landing tour.

Language: All tours are spoken in English

Website: Skellig Michael

• Are reservations required? Yes, and you will need to book way in advance as tours fill up and sell out quickly.
• Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be climbing hundreds of stairs in the landing tour.
• If you want to see the puffins book a tour before August as this is their migrating period.
• There are no restrooms on the islands. There are some on the boats, go before arriving to the island if you don’t think you’ll make it the entire 2.5 hour tour.

Alternative Skellig Island Tours :

• Skellig Michael : The Ultimate Skellig Coast Cruise Tour : 3 hour interactive tour cruising around the island by boat.
• Ultimate Skellig Coast Tour : small group guided tour by boat around the island.

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most unique and spectacular archaeological sites.  It is legitimately a Castle On A Hill .

Found on a prominent green hill, banded with limestone outcrops, rising from a grassy plain and bristling with ancient fortifications, this was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster hundreds of years prior to the Norman Invasion.  

This picturesque complex has a character of its own and is one of the most remarkable collections of medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe .  Given the age of the structure, it is surprisingly still intact.

Given that this is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations, you can expect higher crowd numbers when visiting this historical site. However, this is one of the few attractions in Ireland that is open year round. So even if you are there in the off season definitely add this stop to your Ireland road trip itinerary. 

• Duration – 1 to 1.5 hours
• Times – 9AM-5PM (last entry at 4:45PM) mid-March through Early October, 9AM-4PM (last entry at 3:45PM) mid-October through mid-March

Price: All visitors must have a ticket and they can be purchased online.

• Adult – €8.00
• Group/Senior – €6.00
• Child/Student: €4.00
• Family: €20.00

Parking: There’s a public car park close to site. Note there is a short walk up an incline from here.

Language: Tours are in English but there are printed information sheets available with translation in several different languages.

Website: Rock Of Cashel

• Are guided tours the only way to see Rock of Cashel? No, you can tour the grounds on your own at your own pace, unless you are wanting to tour Cormac’s Chapel.
• Cormac’s Chapel visit is by guided tour only. Last tour is 2:30PM daily, there are limited tickets and they can only be purchased online
• Call ahead for tour times, they can change short notice.
• If you have time Kilkenny Castle is close by and also worth a visit.

Alternative Rock of Cashel Tours:

• Blarney Castle Day Tour from Dublin Including Rock of Cashel & Cork City : this includes admission into the Rock of Cashel.
• Rock of Cashel in Kilkenny Smithwick’s Experience Semi Private Tour : get a personal tour of the Rock of Cashel, along with some of Ireland’s well known sites.

Ireland at its wildest can be found in this picturesque loop at the heart of County Kerry .  This 179 kilometer circuit of this peninsula is perfect for driving with the road that winds past pristine beaches, medieval ruins, mountains, lakes, and views of the island-dotted Atlantic.  

This is the same Ring of Kerry where you will get access to the Skellig Michael , which we already covered above.

This driving loop starts in Killarney and it is recommended that you drive counter-clockwise because, officially, all big coach buses have to go this way.  Now while everyone warned us that these roads would be hard to drive, we did not find it too bad. Though that might be because we were always on a whacky time schedule because we started late and ended late based on our personal Ireland road trip itinerary.  

You can easily do the full loop in one day BUT you will have to be a bit creative with your own Ireland road trip itinerary if you want to do Skellig Michael because that often starts in the morning and departs from Portmagee, which is about midway through the loop. If you plan on basing your trip from Portmagee, check out Atlantic Sunset guest house.

Also, don’t miss Valentia Island, which has gorgeous views of the landscape and its towns.  Enjoy these beautiful views from your room in the Royal Valentia Hotel. There is also Kerry Cliffs, which most guidebooks do not seem to talk about, but is well worth the view.  Kerry Cliffs is a brother to Cliffs of Moher, but we loved it there because there are way less tourists and you get this wild collection of jagged rock and dramatic cliff drops from the several viewpoints that are available.  To round things out you have Molls Gap and Ladies View . Both of these are just as popular as the others mentioned when talking about tourist locations and both are definitely worth taking the time to see. Molls Gap offers stunning mountain views, while Ladies View gives you gorgeous sights of Killarney’s breath-taking lakes.

How you do this southern Ireland road trip is up to you.  A lot of planning your southern Ireland itinerary depends on the amount of time you have. So stop where you please if you have the time for it or continue onwards if you are short on time.

Kerry Cliffs Visitor Experience:

• Duration – at least an hour but can stay as long as you want
• Departures – Opening hours is dependent on weather, cliffs will be closed if weather is bad. Also closed during the winter season

Price: Roughly €5 a person for a ticket, purchased at the booth at the entrance.

Parking: Large car-park on-site.

Website: Kerry Cliffs

• You will climb a steep incline so be prepared for that and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• Always check the weather before going, if it’s bad weather the cliffs will be closed.
• There is food and drinks available on-site.

Ring of Kerry Tours:

• From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip : this guided tour hits all the spots with breathtaking views and the quaint villages in between.
• Ring of Kerry: Full-Day Tour from Killarney : guided tour of the best spots along the famed Ring of Kerry.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the trip for me was the entirety of the Dingle peninsula .  This may be a little less famous than its cousin, the Ring of Kerry, but it is equally, if not more charming and beautiful.  

It’s a place where land meets ocean, the sharp rocks jut out of the water, tiny settlements are spread all over, and sandy coves appear once in a while.  Here you will also find an ancient landscape of ring forts, beehive huts, early Christian chapels, picturesque hamlets and abandoned villages.

The most memorable thing here is the drive around where things can get a bit hairier than the Ring of Kerry. This is because you do get pretty close to the edge of the cliffs and the roads narrow to one lane along Slea Head Drive . Even though this route is more intimidating than the others, it is said to be one of Ireland’s most scenic routes.

Don’t miss the town of Dingle either because you’ll find some amazing food here and charming streets. It’s also where Fungi the dolphin used to reside, and there’s plenty more history this little town has to offer. Try out a tour like this to get a full view of the peninsula and then enjoy a relaxing stay at the Old Irish Farmhouse while there!

• Travel Slea Head Drive in a clockwise direction (follow the road signs) to avoid on coming traffic, including large tour buses.
• You can drive the loop of Slea Head Drive in an hour’s time, but we recommend giving yourself at least a half day to do so to stop and see the many sights and attractions along the way.

We have a Killarney in Canada but it surely is not the same as the original Killarney National Park in Ireland. 

Within the park you can view Ireland’s largest mountain range, as well as the famously beautiful lakes . The natural beauty of Killarney is undeniable and spans a large area. Try out a walking tour to see what we mean.

During your visit here you will most likely base your stay in the city of Killarney and from there you’ll be able to enjoy the sights of several attractions, as well as the best routes for the ideal road trip. These attractions include Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, Ross Castle, and Torc Waterfall .

Killarney is perfectly situated to be either at the start or end of your drive through Ring of Kerry. Further down in this post we go into more detail on where exactly to stay in Killarney, so keep an eye out for that.

• Hours – 24 hour pedestrian access to park, access to gardens at both Killarney House and Muckross House are open daily but hours vary. Visitor center is open daily 9:15AM-5:15PM.

Price: No fee to enter the park but attractions within do charge to visit.

Parking: There’s free parking on-site and several car-parks available.

Website: Killarney National Park

• Are reservations required? No, you can go at any time.
• Always look into the weather before going and bring what you need for that.
• It’s recommended to stay on the marked trails especially if you’re not an experienced hiker.

A trip to Ireland wouldn’t be complete without this behemoth sight!

It is hard to describe the staggering beauty of these vertical cliffs that fall into the ocean and the colors that shine through depending on the lighting conditions. You can expect to see hues of amber, amethyst, rose-pink and deep garnet-red.

Now as a super popular destination, like the others mentioned before, it is also going to be crowded here.  Be sure to check out this blog post so you can see that we have dropped a ton of super secret tips about not having to pay for parking, as well as where the best spots are to hike to. Hopefully with these tips and tricks you can easily navigate the crowds of people while enjoying what all the sights have to offer.  

What we will say is that the official “Cliffs of Moher” viewing points are just alright, but if you leave the official boundary and head north, that is where you get that glorious view of the cliffs. From there you can see the waves of towering rock weave in and out for miles, views you thought never existed! 

• Duration – Morning and evening tours are 2 hours, afternoon tour is 4 hours
• Departures – Open daily 9AM-5PM: morning tour 9AM-11AM, afternoon tour 11AM-3PM, evening tour 3PM-5PM.

Price: Seeing the cliffs is free, but to gain access to all areas you must purchase a ticket.

• Adults – from €7.00
• Child (12 years and under, max 4 children per adult booking) – FREE
• Family Ticket 2 Adults, 2 Children under 12 – from €14.00

Parking: Parking on-site is included with ticket purchase.

Website: Cliffs of Moher

• Are tickets required? Technically no since it is a mountain range that can be seen from all angles, but if you want walk the paved paths of the mountains and visit the attractions there you will need tickets.
• Plan your tour for the morning or evening, tickets are cheaper, there’s less people and the sunrise/sunset make for beautiful views.

Alternative Cliffs of Moher Tours:

• From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour : enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through the Cliffs of Moher PLUS the Burren and Galway.
• Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge & Galway City : this tour lets you skip all the tourist lines and enter the attractions through separate entrances!
• Independent Cliffs of Moher Half Day Trip from Galway : With a shuttle ride to and from, you can relax and tour the cliffs at your own speed. After a couple hours, you have the rest of the day to do as you please.

I think what really impressed us about our Ireland road trip is just how distinctly different each county is.  Once you get to County Clare , not only do you have the Cliffs of Moher, but you also have the alien-like landscape in Burren National Park .

This national park is smaller than the others in Ireland, but it is still wildly popular to tourists and locals due to its unusual features. 

Just as its name suggests, you can expect to see lots of rocky terrain and rock formations in the park. While that may sound thrilling to the geologists reading this, it may not sound like a party to the rest. Rest assured, this park still has a lot to offer and will take most by surprise.

What is interesting about this park, other than the unique flora that grows there, is that it’s not run like your standard National Park. Meaning it does not have an official entrance.  The visitor center is actually located in a nearby town.  The park itself you find by taking a small road through said town and if you know your hiking trail routes, you just park on the side and head out!

• Hours – Park is open year round, Corofin Information Point open daily 10AM-5PM in October to April and 9:30AM-5PM May to September, closed for lunch 1pm to 2pm.

Price: Free

Parking: Park at the Corofin Information Point and take the free shuttle offered to the park.

Website: Burren National Park

• There are seven different trails marked with how difficult they are, but all are rugged so wear strong hiking shoes.
• Look at trail maps ahead of time and plan your trip there in advance.

Burren Tours To Try:

• From Galway: Full-Day Cliffs of Moher & Burren Guided Tour : After seeing the Cliffs of Moher, enjoy this guided tour driving through the Burren.
• Dublin:Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Wild Atlantic and Galway Tour : enjoy a guided tour of the unique landscapes of the Burren, along with so much more on this full day tour!

Now this is our favorite city in Ireland .  

What we love about it is that it is comfortably small, making it easy to explore. Because of its small size, you can easily get around all over the city simply on foot. This gives you a little break from being in the car, as well as a chance to calm your nerves from the intense road routes previously mentioned at other sights.

Here you will find the friendly locals to be full of energy and excited to help or offer tips of getting around, things to do and places to see . Not to mention the delicious f ood that can be found in Galway.  It’s approachable, it’s fun, it’s artsy, and it’s bohemian. We highly recommend adding this stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary.

Don’t miss the buskers, live music on the streets, boutique shops, cafes, and local restaurants along the long promenades of pedestrian streets.  

For more inspiration, read the top 6 of the best things to do in Galway for our suggestions of attractions to see or do, restaurants and pubs to try, as well as hotel recommendations for a good night’s rest while there.

• Galway is a compact city, making it easy to walk from place to place. It also has a great bus service so for this leg of your trip you won’t really need a car, plan accordingly.
• There’s tons of attractions, restaurants, events and sights to see here, plan ahead of everything you’d like to do and give yourself plenty of time.

We have stayed at a prison converted into a hostel in Sweden and we have been to Alcatraz, but we have to say that this is the most fascinating prison turned museum we have been to.  Located in Dublin, steeped in a dark history, our guide walked us from wing to wing, recounting the story of the painful path to independence and the famous inmates that resided there.

The most memorable part is the newest wing of the prison, which was a big change in philosophy to incarceration with open spaces and natural lighting.

Our only regret was that we did not know enough about Irish history to start to remember all the inmates! So if this is something that sounds like you would want to experience, a little research beforehand could make a world of difference. 

Make sure you book your tickets online because they sell out fast and they have fixed times for their excellent tours.

• Duration – 90 minutes; 60 minutes for the guided tour of the building and the remaining time can be spent touring the museum
• Hours – January-June  9:30AM-5:15PM, July-August  9:30AM-05:45PM, September-December  9:30AM-5PM

Price: The visitor center is free but there is an admission fee if you’re going into the pioneer village and ruins.

• Adults – €8.00
• Senior – €6.00
• Student – €4.00
• Family – €20 (2 adults and 2-3 children under the age of 18)
• Children under 12 – free but still require a ticket.

Parking: There’s no parking facility on-site but there is available parking at the Irish Museum of Modern Art/Royal Hospital Kilmainham, 5 minutes walking distance – access via East Gate, Military Road.

Language: Guided tour is offered in English and Irish but you can download information pamphlets online in other languages.

Website: Kilmainham Gaol Museum

• Can you make group bookings? Yes, group bookings of 10 or more people must book their tour in advance.
• Are tickets refundable? No, tickets are non-transferrable and non-refundable.
• Purchase tickets in advance, tours fill up quickly.
• Arrive 15 minutes early or 20-30 minutes early if you are the last tour to have time to explore the museum.
• It’s not recommended that young children do the tour due to the nature of it and strollers are not permitted.

Alternative Kilmainham Gaol Tours:

• The History of Dublin With Locals: 1916 Easter Rising Private Tour : this private guided tour gives you a ton of insight into Dublin’s history.

Oh the famous Blarney Stone .  We saved the best for last of course!

Now everyone knows about the Blarney Stone, and yes, we lined up for almost an hour to experience it ourselves.  We are proud to say that we are a recipient of eloquence, or really leveling up our smooth talking.  It is a tradition that goes back to Queen Elizabeth I where a saying was invented “to talk blarney”.

While it was certainly interesting to see this 15th century castle up close and personal while some random guy held us in place for us to make contact at the top of the battlements, it is honestly the rest of the grounds of this place that does not get the credit it deserves.

From the fern garden, to toxic plants in the Harry-Potter-like poison garden or landscaped nooks and crannies of the Rock Close.  These are the places that make this place worth spending time at. 

• Hours – January-March 9AM-5PM (Last Admission 4PM), April 9AM-5:30PM (Last Admission 4:30PM), May-September 9AM-6PM (Last Admission 5PM), October 9AM-5:30PM (Last Admission 4:30PM), November-December 9AM-5PM (Last Admission 4PM)

Price: You can purchase tickets online or upon arrival, tickets are not based on time slots

• Adults – €20
• Student/Seniors (65 years and over) – €16
• Children (6-16 years / 5 & under free) (Must be accompanied by an Adult) – €9
• Family (2 adults + 2 children) – €50

Parking: There’s a car-park on-site for €2

Website: Blarney Castle & Gardens

• Are reservations required? No, you can go at any time during open hours. Either purchase ticket online or upon arrival.
• Depending on when you go, there will most likely be a line to kiss the stone. Be prepared to wait quite awhile to do this and tour the gardens and grounds before you get in line.

Alternative Blarney Castle Tours:

• From Dublin: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour : this tour makes sure you get your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone!
• Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin : tour Blarney castle, the gardens, kiss the famous stone and enjoy a leisurely drive through County Cork.

The luxury of a road trip is that you have a car to store things as you go, so you can prepare a little more than you might if you were dragging a backpack around the country on public transport. Space should be less of a concern and you don’t need to think about keeping things ultralight. Power is also a luxury you have as you go.

As part of this Ireland road trip travel guide, here’s a list of the things we brought on the trip and why they should be on your packing list.

• Columbia Women’s Outdry Ex ECO Tech Jacket  – Whether it’s this or another waterproof jacket, the key is to have a light and durable outer layer that will at least keep your upper body dry.
• Helly Hansen rain pants – We were lucky enough to never needs these on our trip but have learned from Iceland, it is always good to have pants that you can slip on.
• Columbia Conspiracy Titanium OutDry Trail Running Shoe – To round out the waterproofing gear, having good shoes that perform well during hikes, walks, and rain is so important.  We love these shoes because they’re breathable, low profile which is good for summer, and very comfortable.
• Travel towel – B&B’s are great at providing amenities like towels, but the one instance for us where we needed this was at Galway Glamping .  Whether you need it or not, these are super compact and can be useful in other scenarios like if you get wet from the rain, decide to go to the beach, or do surfing lessons.
• Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set  – These are awesome for any travel you do.  We’ve been using this set for awhile to keep our shirts organized, underwear together, and all our random loose cables and chargers in one spot.
• Victorinox Travel Organizer – Ireland was so safe that we didn’t feel the need to travel with a money belt so organizers like this were perfect to keep my passport and travel papers nice and tidy.
• Toiletry kit – The hanging toiletry organizer is a must for any traveler.  We’re a big fan because the hook allows you to hang this off of a vanity mirror or towel rack in a hotel/hostel and gives you counter space.  Kits like this are small but surprisingly allow you to pack a ton of things inside.
• Travel power bar – Surge protectors such as this that take 1 outlet into 3 is helpful especially if you have to charge a bunch of things at night. You never know how many outlets your B&B or hotel is going to have so this is super handy.
• Cigarette USB adapter – USB plugs in cars are notorious for being slow charging.  Get one of these chargers for the cigarette adapter to allow two USB devices to be charged at the same time and at a faster rate.  The one we used was unfortunately a slow speed one.
• Power bank – If you have more devices you want to charge on the go and you’ve run out of ports/adapters in the car, it’ll be smart to have a basic power bank as your back up.  This Xiaomi one has a ton of capacity (10,000 mAH) and is super light.
• Car phone holder – If you’re going to be using your phone as your GPS, don’t forget to bring a holder. Our favorite are these magnetic ones which clip to an air vent.  The unfortunate thing for us was that we didn’t account for our rental car to not have a regular air vent which made it near impossible to mount.  We eventually found a way but it was at a weird angle and the phone would periodically fall off.  The kind of things you don’t really think about when you’re packing right?

The following hotels are all based out of Killarney . As mentioned above, we think this is a great location for base since it has so many great sights and attractions nearby, as well as being a great starting or ending point for the best Ireland driving routes during your road trip.

Killarney Court Hotel

This hotel is unique amongst most, as it features a beauty center in which you can schedule a facial, massage, body wrap and body scrubs! Not to mention a pub and a restaurant on site, as well as 24-7 room service. After a long day on the road seeing all the sights, this is the perfect place to come back and unwind with a whiskey for the night!

Great Southern Killarney

Labeled as a Victorian landmark and one of Ireland’s most beautiful hotels since the 1800s, this hotel features 6 acres of gardens, an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, restaurants and a bar! Even though this hotel is secluded and surrounded by beautiful gardens, it lies in the heart of Killarney town center, so there’s lots to explore nearby!

“The Ross is a beautiful hotel, right in the center of town. My room was spacious, with a massive king bed! The view from my bedroom was stunning. Dinner was good, and the cocktails delicious. The staff were all so friendly!”

The Killarney Park

This 5-star, family-run hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa and fitness center. There are also two restaurants on-site; one being a well-known, award-winning place, and the other is a newer addition. Staff here can help you plan and schedule one of the many day trips there is to offer here!

Ireland is truly a one of a kind destination for a road trip. With views like nowhere else and friendly locals that want you to experience all the wonders the place they call home has to offer, although planning a trip like this may seem stressful, you will quickly realize how worth it it all is.

Now that you are ready to plan your vacation to explore the top things to see on an Ireland road trip, we only hope that you truly enjoy the experience these places offer like we did. Amongst the breathtaking views, the history and culture, and even feeling the rush of the winding, curving, sometimes frightening Ireland driving routes, there is no other experience like it.

It’s recommended to visit Ireland between the months of April to September, when the days are a bit longer and the weather a little better. We’d say, if possible, aim for June. This is the start of it’s peak season, right before crowds get too large and the weather is typically best.

It only takes 13 hours to drive around Ireland, but we recommend at least a week stay (7 days) so that you have the time to stop and enjoy the many tourist attractions along the way. To get the full experience of all the attractions without having to rush or pack your itinerary full daily, we’d say a two week stay would be the perfect amount of time.

All you need to rent a car and drive in Ireland is a valid driver’s license and credit card. We recommend that you bring a letter from your credit card company that states the coverage you have if that is what you plan to use.

Absolutely yes! As well as the things we have listed in this post there is so much to discover which are best to access by car. Drive along Giant’s Causeway, pass the Wicklow Mountains, visit the dark hedges and the rede rope bridge, and finish off your trip with is visit to Jameson Distillery or at the infamous Temple Bar for a pint of Guinness.

What you should read next

• Save on Car Rentals – Best Car Rental Coupon Codes
• The Best Europe SIM Card For Data – A Review of KnowRoaming
• How To Backpack Europe On A Budget
• Ultimate Eurotrip Packing Guide

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Sharon Galvin says

March 22, 2021 at 3:56 PM

Next time you should visit county Waterford.Waterford city is the oldest city in Ireland and was founded by the vikings.It is of course the home to Waterford Crystal too.There are tons of beautiful little beaches along the coast .Also there are beautiful gardens namely Mt .Congreve and Curraghmore.Not forgetting the greenway which is a 40 km walking / cycling trail from Waterford city to Dungarvan along an old railway line.There’s some spectacular scenery along the route including the Comeragh mountains and Dungarvan bay .You also walk through an old railway tunnel on route.

Will Tang says

March 22, 2021 at 9:40 PM

That sounds absolutely incredible! We need to do that next time we come back to Ireland :)

November 11, 2019 at 8:18 PM

Will, for months now I have been researching a trip for my family and me to visit Ireland. It seemed the more I looked at, the more difficult it became to narrow down our 8 day trip. I finally decided on the southern part of Ireland. I found your web site and you had basically mapped out the trip I had come up with! The best part of your piece on southern Ireland is that you gave me all the sites that I was having trouble narrowing down. Thank you for all your information! I will incorporate what you did into our trip.

November 12, 2019 at 9:50 AM

So glad that you found the guide helpful! I know there are a ton of blogs out there on this topic but I too had trouble finding an itinerary that covered the Southern part well and had enough detail to be actually helpful with planning. I hope you have a great trip!!

Dave | Jones Around The World says

October 26, 2017 at 1:03 PM

So many of my friends were recently in IReland for TBEX, and have gotten me really excited to head back again soon. Great post!!

October 26, 2017 at 2:02 PM

Thanks for stopping by Dave! Oh my gosh it seriously is gorgeous out there. I went earlier in the year so didn’t end up going to TBEX but I heard it was a BLAST!

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I see some options, but most are outside the town. We don't have a car .

2 replies to this topic

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186612-i487-k5786051-Laundry_in_Killarney-Killarney_County_Kerry.html

Thanks Italian Chaffeur

I googled, the one you mentioned didn't show up on the map.

But good to know, there is one right in the town center.

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Killarney primed for first summer festival 

SPECTACULAR SETTING: Killarney is widely considered one of Ireland's most picturesque racecourses.

Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for its first summer horse-racing festival, 'MayFest,' which takes place from next Sunday, May 12 to Tuesday, May 15.

This event promises exciting racing alongside live music and delectable food and drink options, all set in Ireland's most picturesque racecourse.

The festival features three action-packed days with jump racing on Sunday afternoon and Monday evening and all-Flat card on Tuesday evening.

Tickets range from general admission to premium dining experiences, catering to various preferences. Adult admission costs €20 and includes access to viewing stands, bars, restaurants, and entertainment. OAPs and students enjoy reduced rates, while children under 14 enter for free when accompanied by an adult.

Chairman Billy O’Sullivan said: “Killarney Races is a boutique festival. It encompasses a wonderful mix of summer horse racing blended with live entertainment and a wide variety of delicious food and beverage offerings, family fun, and fashion. Here at Ireland’s most scenic racecourse our focus is on customer experience. We offer an unrivalled quality product where sport, entertainment, and hospitality all combine to create a memorable day out.” 

 For more information and to book your tickets and hospitality packages visit www.killarneyraces.com.

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