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Welcome to Irish Day Tours

WELCOME TO IRISH DAY TOURS

DAY TOURS AROUND IRELAND – DAY TRIPS FROM DUBLIN

Irish day tours is Ireland's leading day tour company. Our one-day trips depart daily from Dublin 364 days a year to some of the most iconic locations in Ireland & Northern Ireland . We currently operate seven one-day trips, by coach from Dublin, which includes;

Cliffs Of Moher 

Giant’s Causeway

Blarney Castle 

Cliffs of Moher Premium tour

Celtic Boyne Valley 

Premium Wicklow & Glendalough tour

Wild Connemara

All of our trips are fully led by our legendary guides who will bring the tour to life with wonderful stories from Irish history and folklore. 

We pride ourselves on our customer service and have a 98% satisfaction rating on Tripadvisor with an overall rating of 5 stars.  

You can buy tickets for your one-day trip by making the booking online or calling one of our Tourist Offices in Dublin, located at 37 College Green and 69 O'Connell Street.

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Cliffs of Moher

20 Best Day Trips From Dublin (Cost, Transport and Tips For 2024)

Categories Clare , Cork , Dublin , Kildare , Kilkenny , Meath , Tipperary , Where To Go , Wicklow

Dublin is an amazing city with lots of things to do . From interesting museums , awesome nightlife , imposing castles to amazing ancient sites, Dublin is a good base for your Ireland adventure. However, if you find yourself running out of things to do in this Irish capital, there are several day trips from Dublin that you can do.

Here are the 10 best day trips from Dublin.

Things you'll find in this article

20 Best Day Trips From Dublin, Ireland

How to get to trim castle from dublin, recommended hours for the day trip, how to get wicklow mountains national park from dublin, how to get to rock of cashel from dublin, how to get to blarney castle from dublin, how to get to giant’s causeway from dublin, how to get to cliffs of moher from dublin, how to get to kilkenny from dublin, how to get to howth from dublin, how to get to castletown house from dublin, through uber or taxi, through train, through group tours, 11. boyne valley, 13. connemara, 14. hill of tara, 15. monasterboice, 16. malahide castle, 17. waterford, 18. aran islands, 19. athlone.

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1. Trim Castle is one of the best day trips from Dublin

Trim Castle is a Norman castle on the south bank of River Boyne in the town of Trim and currently the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland.

Built in 1173 by Hugh de Lacy, the castle was used as a center of Norman administration for the  Lordship of Meath . It is also probably best known as the setting for Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. 

The castle boasts imposing twenty-sided towers protected by curtain wall and moat. It was a great example of experimental military architecture during its period. If you want to learn more about the legacy of this castle, this day trip from Dublin is a must.

Admission Fee

€5 per adult, €3 for students, and €13 for a family of 4. It includes access to the Trim Castle grounds and an audio-visual show at the visitor center. You can get the ticket from the visitor center.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the Bus Éireann (#111) from Busaras station in Dublin to Delvin (Opp Gaffneys) and get off in Trim Castle .

It takes about an hour or you can take the Bus Éireann (#109B) to Knightsbrook Hotel and get off at Opp Boyne Bridge By-Pass in Trim. This takes a bit longer than Delvin by 10-15 minutes.

From the bus stop, take a walk towards the castle entrance. It’s about 500 meters from both bus stops and it takes about 5 minutes. The bus fare is about €10-12 one-way or €20-24 for a round trip and they have buses that leave every hour.Or you can check out this Trim Castle and Slane Whiskey Distillery Tour

Or you can check out this Trim Castle and Slane Whiskey Distillery Tour. Which is a steal given that it includes transport and admission fees!

6 hours. You have 3 hours for the journey and 3 hours to explore the castle and the surrounding area.

Opening Hours

Grounds open only at this site and free admission

Feb 8th – March 16th

09.30 – 16.30

March 17th – Sept 30th

10.00 – 17.00

Oct 1st – Oct 31st

Nov 1st – Nov 4th

09.00 – 16.00  (Weekends Only)

Contact Information

Location: Trim, Co Meath

Phone: +353 46 943 8619

Email:   [email protected]  

2. Wicklow Mountains National Park

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Wicklow Mountains National Park is the largest national park in Ireland with an area covering more than 129,500 square kilometers.  It is also the only one located in the east of the country. It extends from County Wicklow and a small area of Dublin.

It’s not that far from the city center and it’s one of the best day trips from Dublin

The park contains a variety of attractions that include lush forests, fields, and mountains, and the historical Glendalough Valley. Glendalough features early medieval monastic structures and Glendalough lakes .

Admission is free to the national park.

Without a car, going to Wicklow Mountains National Park from Dublin is expensive and much more complicated.

You can take a bus from Portobello, Richmond Street Sth (Lennox Street) bus stop to Poolbeg Street – Valleymount Road through Dublin Bus #65 and get off in County Wicklow, Valleymount Road. This costs about €10 for about 1.5 hours.

Then take a taxi to the Wicklow Mountains National Park which costs between €35-50 for half an hour ride.

Or you can take this day tour for €35 per person including Wicklow Mountain, Glendalough & Kilkenny. It also includes pick-up and dropoff in Dublin which will save you over €80 for transportation alone.

Allocate between 7-8 hours so you have ample time to explore the national park.

The park is open at all times but the visitor center is only open from May to September daily between 10 am to 5:30 pm. From October to April during weekends from 10 am to 4:30 pm. If you are planning to stay in the park, for more information click here .

Location: Wicklow Mountains National Park, Kilafin , Laragh, via Bray , Co. Wicklow A98 K286

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 761 002667

3. Rock of Cashel Day Trip from Dublin

The Rock of Cashel , also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock, is a historic site located at Cashel in County Tipperary . It is one of the most spectacular attractions in Ireland and also one of the most visited.

This iconic landmark was the seat of the High Kings of Munster and was built between the 12th to the 13th century.

Adult: €8.00

Group / Senior: €6.00

Child / Student : €4.00

Family: €20.00

Take the Dublin Airport – Cork Parnell Place bus (Bus Eireann #X8) from Outside Heuston Train Station to Main St. Get off at Main St and walk for about 10 minutes (800m) towards the entrance of Rock of Cashel.

The bus ride takes about 2 hours and it costs about €24-29 one way or €48-58 for a round trip. The bus also leaves every 4 hours so plan accordingly.

Or you can take this day tour for €75 per person which includes a trip to Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, and Cork City . This will give you an option to plan your time better and explore more places.

Allocate between 7-8 hours so you have ample time to travel and explore the Rock of Cashel.

9 am to 4:30 pm during winter and 9 am to 7 pm during the summer.

Location: Rock of Cashel, Moor, Cashel, Co. Tipperary , Ireland

Phone: 062 61437

Email: [email protected]

4. Blarney Castle is one of the best day trips from Dublin

One of Ireland’s most popular attractions is Blarney Castle located in Blarney , County Cork . Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. 

Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens. There are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations and beautiful gardens.

Aside from the castle itself, the place is also popular because of Blarney Stone.

In order to get the gift of eloquence, for over 200 years many famous people from around the world climb the stairs to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

There is an ongoing debate over the story of the Blarney Stone but no one has been able to prove the origin of the stone.

€16 for adults, €13 for students and seniors, and €40 for the family. 

The fastest way to get to Blarney Castle using public transportation is through the train and then bus. However, it will have few connections.

Take the Irish Rail from Dublin to Cork Kent (about 2.5 hours for €45-65). Get off at Cork Kent and then take a bus from Kent Station to CIT Campus and get off at St. Patrick Street (O2 Store).

It’s a short trip for 8 minutes (€3-5) and then take another bus from St. Patrick St (Drawbridge St Jctn) to Blarney Village. The bus trip is about 30 minutes for €5-6.

Then walk from Blarney village to Blarney Castle for another 7 minutes. In total, transportation might cost between €53-76 for one way trip and it might take between 3.5 to 4 hours of journey.

Or you can take this day tour for just €50 per person which includes Blarney Castle, the gardens, and shortstops in Cork City and Rock of Cashe l .

Allocate between 11-12   hours so you have ample time to travel and explore Blarney Castle.

9 am to 5 pm

Location: Blarney, Cork, Ireland

Phone: +353 21 4385252

Email: [email protected]

5. Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones filming locations

The historic path of Dark Hedges, Image by Christine Rogador

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The  Giant’s Causeway  is an area of about 40,000 interlocking  basalt columns , the result of an ancient  volcanic fissure eruption.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national nature reserve. It is located in Northern Ireland and it is about a 3-4 hour drive from Dublin on a rental car .

Game of Thrones grew in popularity for the past 7 years. The TV series focuses on medieval realism which shows several medieval and exotic locations. These locations also grew in popularity that tours to these locations have become coveted by loyal fans.

In Northern Ireland alone, there are over 10 locations where you can experience Game of Thrones in real life .

Access to the Giant’s Causeway is free however the visitor center charges £12.50 per adult and £31.00 for a family of 4.

Using public transportation, it might take between 6-7 hours to get to the Giant’s Causeway. The fastest option is by taking a train to Northern Ireland and then a bus.

Take a train from Connolly to Belfast City Centre in Lanyon Place Train Station. This takes about 2 hours and can cost between €30-45 one way. Transfer to Belfast Central station and take a train to Coleraine station . It takes about a 1.5-hour ride for €10-14.

And from Coleraine Bus Station, take a Translink UK bus to Aird Giants Causeway The Nook. It’s about a half-hour ride for €4-7. Then walk towards Giant’s Causeway. Giant’s Causeway is about 1.5km from the bus stop.

Or you can save yourself a massive headache by taking this day tour for half the price . The tour includes Giant’s Causeway and the filming locations of Game of Thrones.

16 hours at least.

The opening hours vary depending on the season. For updated opening hours, click here .

Location: 44 Causeway Road Bushmills County Antrim BT57 8SU Northern Ireland

Phone: (028) 2073 1855

Email: [email protected]

6. The Cliffs of Moher is o

Cliffs of Moher tour, Image by Christine Rogador

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The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located in County Clare , Ireland. It is one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights and one of the most visited attractions in Ireland with 1.5 million visitors annually.

Standing 702ft above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a good day, you can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay.

Cliffs of Moher is one of the best day trips from Dublin and a day tour from Galway.

For a complete list of the admission fees, click here .

Cliffs of Moher is over 266 kilometers from Dublin . If you don’t have a car, you can take 2 connecting buses that go directly to Cliffs of Moher.

From Burgh Quay, Dublin City South, you can take a Bus Dublin Coach to Dunnes, Friars Walk. This takes about 3.5 hours for €20-25 one way.  

And then from Friars Walk, walk to Ennis Bus Station to take a bus that goes to Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. This takes about an hour for €9-11 a trip. Then from the bus stop, just walk about 5 minutes to get to the entrance of the visitor center.

There’s also a Citylink bus from Temple Bar , Crampton Quay that goes to Cliffs of Moher via Gmit. Travel time and bus fare are almost the same.

Or you can also take this day tour from Dublin that only cost half of the transportation. It also includes a shortstop to Galway and Burren .

It might take 6 hours one way to just get to the cliffs so it’s better to allocate at least 14 hours to enjoy the place.

8 am to 7 pm although, during winter, the cliffs are closed by 5 pm.

Location: Lislorkan North, Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland

Phone: [email protected]

Email: +353 65 708 6145

Buy your ticket online here.

7. Kilkenny Castle and the city

Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways. It was a symbol of Norman occupation and it is an important site to the history of Kilkenny.

In 1967, the Castle was transferred to the people of Kilkenny for £50. The Kilkenny Castle is now one of the very few castles in Ireland that offer tours to the public. The garden and park in the castle complex are also open to the public.

The city of Kilkenny is one of the most beautiful and charming Irish cities. Located in the center of Ireland, it has a charming medieval center, lively pubs, and a dynamic art scene.

Because of this, there are many unique things to do in Kilkenny, Ireland . From its majestic creeper-clad castle, a bustling crafts industry, cobbled lanes, beautiful churches, and secret passages, Kilkenny will surprise you in many ways.

Adult € 8.00 | child € 4.00 | Family € 20.00

From Dublin, you can take the bus that goes directly to Kilkenny from Dublin City South, Burgh Quay station. It takes almost 2 hours for €6 – €10 for Dublin Coach or €11 – €14 for Eurobus. They have buses that leave every 3 hours so plan accordingly.

From Kilkenny, Ormond Road bus stop, you can easily walk for 5-10 minutes to go to the castle. You can also take a train from Heuston station to Kilkenny MacDonagh station. This takes about the same time as the buses but more expensive at €23- €35 for a one-way trip.

Then walk from the station to the town center and the castle.

Or you can take this day trip to Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountain for only €25 per person. 

Allocate at least 7 hours to fully enjoy the trip.

Daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm

Address: The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, Ireland

Phone: +353 56 770 4106

Email: [email protected]

8. Howth is one of the best day trips from Dublin

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Below the hilly headland at the northern boundary of Dublin Bay lies the small fishing village of Howth. It is only a half-hour drive from Dublin which makes it one of the most convenient day trips from Dublin.

There are so many things to do in Howth which includes a castle, hiking trails , amazing seafood, and a charming coastal village.

Depending on the activity, it is free sightseeing around the village but the Castle has an admission fee. For any booking information to the castle, click here .

You can reach Howth using DART which is a fast train service from Dublin’s city center. Return ticket costs €4.70 from Connolly, Tara, or Pearse stations in the City Centre and is valid for one day. There are trains every 15 minutes.

Or you can take this day trip to Howth from Dublin.

4-5 hours should suffice to explore the highlights of Howth village.

9. Castletown House is one of the best day trips from Dublin

Located in County Kildare , Castletown House and Gardens is Ireland’s largest and earliest Palladian-style estate. It was built between 1722 and 1729 for William Connolly, speaker of the Irish House of Commons and the wealthiest commoner in Ireland.

You can explore the parklands, the river walk, the temple, and the garden inside the estate. The grounds of the estate are accessible to the public for free but there’s an admission fee inside the house and one must book in advance.

€10.00 for adults, free for children below 12, €5.00 for 12-17 years old, and €25.00 for a family of 4.

Take a Bus Eireann bus (#120) from Dublin, Halfpenny Bridge to Celbridge, Celbridge. This takes about 30 minutes. Then walk from Celbridge bus stop to Castletown House for 15-20 minutes. Bus fare is between €6-8.

You can also get this Dublin pass to give you an access to over 30 attractions around Dublin. 

4 hours should suffice which makes it one of the best half-day tours from Dublin.

10 am to 6 pm but it closes earlier in winter. To get the updated schedule, click here .

Location: Castletown House and Parklands, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 V9H3

Phone: +353 1 6288252

Email: [email protected]

10. Brú na Bóinne (Boyne Valley Tombs)

Brú na Bóinne (Palace of the Boyne) or popularly known as the Boyne Valley tombs are passage tombs located near River Boyne, 8 km west of Drogheda . The site covers over 780 hectares where the majority of the monuments are located on the north side of the river.

It contains one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in the world dating back to the Neolithic  period.

Bru na Boinne is famous for its Megalithic passage tombs called Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth.

Below is the Exhibition, Newgrange, and Knowth fee. Dowth is not officially included in the tour but visitors can check out the passage tomb through private transport

Adult: €13.00 | Sen/Group: €10.00 | Child/Student: €8.00 | Family: €30.00

How to get to Brú na Bóinne from Dublin

Brú na Bóinne is only less than 40 km from the city which makes it one of the most popular day tours from Dublin.

There are several ways to get to Brú na Bóinne.

You can simply book an Uber or take a taxi to Boyne Valley tombs. Taking an Uber might cost you between €95-€130 and €75-€90 for Taxi.

You can also check for the best rates on rental companies in Ireland here: Rentalcars

Take a train from Connolly Station (Irish Rail) to Drogheda . Trains leave every hour and it takes an hour to get to Drogheda. Train fare is between €9-€14 for one way.

Then from Drogheda station, take a taxi to Brú na Bóinne in Drogheda . This might cost between €14-€17 for an almost 9km trip.

There are several companies that offer tours to Brú na Bóinne from Dublin.

The best thing about these tours is you can also combine Boyne Valley tombs with other attractions in the area such as the imposing Slane Castle and Trim Castle , Navan , and other attractions in the Drogheda area.

You can check the tours below:

  Slane Castle ,  and Boyne Valley  are both good deals. But if you are traveling with friends, this private tour of  Boyne Valley and Trim Castle Day Tour might be a better option.

5-6 hours

February – April: Daily 09.30 – 17.30

May: Daily 09.00 – 18.30

June – Mid September: Daily 09.00 – 19.00

Mid – End September: Daily 09.00 – 18.30

October: Daily 09.30 – 17.30

November – January: Daily 09.00 – 17.00

Contact Information for Brú na Bóinne

Location: Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Donore, Meath

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 41 9880300

Boyne Valley is the ideal location for exploring Ireland’s rich heritage. The Boyne Valley, a beautiful green oasis in Ireland’s Ancient East, was once the domain of Ireland’s high monarchs and has a 5,000-year history.

Simply looking at you will reveal the legacy of every major figure from Ireland’s past, encompassing high kings, Vikings, as well as Anglo-Irish nobility.

It’s a hard city to beat for foodies, with superb local vegetables, outstanding ingredients, and a thriving restaurant scene.

How to get to Boyne Valley from Dublin

The M1 will take you from Dublin’s city center to Bru na Boinne in around sixty to ninety minutes. There is no approved public transportation link for the entire Boyne Valley, although numerous operators provide daily planned trips from Dublin to Newgrange and Tara, which are typically bookable in bigger hotels or visitor’s centers.

You can also book this Boyne Valley Entry Day Tour with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne for $85. This tour led me to Newgrange, a sacred and ceremonial site. Then we tour the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre to learn about local history.

To book this tour click here.

Diverse Ring of Kerry Landscape

Discover County Kerry’s magnificently gloomy vistas, rocky headlands, and crashing surf. The sound of the ocean will be with you long after you leave.

Discover lovely towns and villages in Kerry with vividly painted buildings, traditional pubs, colorful shopfronts, and an abundance of attractions to visit.

Explore this beautiful county’s twisting rural roads and small mountain pathways. Take a trip to Kerry and you’ll see why it’s called The Kingdom.

How to get to Kerry from Dublin

A train from Dublin to County Kerry takes around 5 hours and 40 minutes, passing through Mallow as well as Casement Station. On the other hand, you may take a bus from Dublin to County Kerry in approximately six hours and thirty minutes through Lower Glanmire Rd & Merchants Quay.

If you want to save time deciding which road to follow, book this Kerry Full-Day Tour from Dublin . This full-day excursion from Dublin to Kerry brings us to a magical and pristine part of Ireland that has drawn people for centuries. The region has some of Europe’s best seaside vistas.

Connemara is a land steeped in tradition, folklore, and breathtaking beauty. The location is noted for its untamed topography and gentle hues, and it is enclosed by the Atlantic and placed in a particularly attractive portion of County Galway.

Rust-colored bogs are punctuated by polished grey-blue lakes; old dry-stone walls wind their way through hills; and coral beaches, sandy coves, and little ports are framed by an ever-changing ocean.

Traditions are still alive and well in Connemara. From the dishes on the table to the music in bars, everything is steeped with a distinct cultural history.

How to get to Connemara from Dublin

Without a car, the best way to go from Dublin to Connemara is by rail and bus, which takes 4 hours and 50 minutes and costs between 43.37 USD and 65.05 USD.

Clifden is easily accessible from Galway or Westport via the N59. The N6, a major new highway, connects Dublin to Galway.

Do you want to save time? Enjoy this Connemara Full-Day Tour from Dublin for just 95.73 USD. We leave early in the morning heading toward the Molly Malone Statue and go to Oughterard, the gateway of Connemara. Pass through charming villages with breathtaking vistas.

We proceed to Maam Cross and have our first view of one of the many lakes that make Connemara renowned.

Tara Hill has been significant since the late Stone Age after a passage tomb was constructed there.  Tara’s significance grew as Christianity gained authority over the ensuing centuries. Its halls as well as palaces are now gone, leaving just earthworks.

Nevertheless, there are still spectacular sites to be seen. One such example is the Lia Fáil, the magnificent coronation stone along with one of the four fabled riches of the Tuatha Dé Danann, which sits majestically on the An Forradh monument.

The site’s guided tours will let you comprehend the regal history of this extraordinary place and picture its past glory.

How to get to Hill of Tara from Dublin

If you’re driving, use the N3/M3 north. To escape the cost of the toll part of the M3, proceed on the R147 north via Dunshaughlin and, shortly after approximately 3.1 kilometers, approach the signs for Tara. To get past the toll section, leave the M3 at Junction 7 and proceed to follow the signage for Tara.

Take this day excursion for 99.11 USD to experience the Hill of Tara. On a full-day picturesque tour from Dublin, we visit the Boyne Valley and learn about the Hill of Tara, the historic capital of the High Kings of Ireland.

Monasterboice is a magnificent monastery site in County Louth with an amazing circular tower as well as two high crosses. Saint Buite created the neighborhood in the 600s, and it now draws people from across the world.

There is an old graveyard, two chapels, and a sundial on the grounds, but Monasterboice is most known for its stunning high crosses. Inside the remains is the spectacular Muiredach’s High Cross, often regarded as the best high cross in Ireland.

Explore the calm ancient remnants of Monasterboice to uncover a vanished world of Irish Christianity. The location is reached by crossing a tiny road from the parking.

How to get to Monasterboice from Dublin

It takes roughly 50 minutes to go from Dublin to Monasterboice if you have a car. If you prefer to go by train, the Dublin Connolly line takes around 55 minutes to Drogheda. Then, take a cab for another 15 minutes; taxi fares range from 21.66 USD to 27.07 USD.

If you don’t have a car and need to travel to Monasterboice quickly, the quickest method to go from Dublin to Monasterboice is via taxi, which costs between 90.25 and 117.32 USD and takes 50 minutes.

A castle in the heart of a freely accessible park in Malahide, a charming port community. Don’t be afraid to go: it will transport you to the core of Irish history.

Guided tours of Malahide Castle’s main chambers and banqueting hall are available. The Oak Room and Grand Hall are particularly noteworthy. The furniture, tapestries, and general design are all period.

You may finish your tour by going to the store, which sells Irish handicrafts. A small cafeteria area offers snacks including coffee and pastries.

How to get to Malahide Castle from Dublin

There are several public transportation choices from Dublin City to Malahide Castle. Dublin Bus lines 32 and 42 connect the city center to Malahide hamlet.

There is additionally an express bus service 102 from Dublin Airport to Malahide village. Malahide is served by the DART, Dublin’s rail network, from multiple city center stations. The castle is approximately. Malahide village is a ten-minute walk away.

The most affordable way to go from Dublin to Malahide Castle is by taking the Line 42 bus, which is priced at $3.25 and takes 50 minutes.

Take this Malahide Castle trip for 55.19 USD if you prefer a less stressful day trip. We begin our journey in Dublin, exploring the neighboring shore of Dublin Bay, passing through the interior, and finally the coast.

We make a picture stop at the intriguing Casino Marino to discover more about how this modest architectural beauty is used.

Ireland’s oldest city, located in the heart of Ireland’s historic East, is a treasure mine of historic antiquities, magnificent architecture, and wonderful local gastronomy.

A trip through Waterford’s downtown will reveal a plethora of exquisite architectural showpieces from this era. However, to grasp the full picture, you must go back much farther to its establishment by the Vikings.

The Vikings recognized a good thing when they saw it: a protected port, an advantageous spot on the River Suir, and a solid trade position all drew Norse raiders to Ireland’s first capital.

How to get to Waterford from Dublin

There are several ways to get to Waterford City, whether by train or by car. Waterford is served by Bus Éireann from Dublin. The bus from Dublin to Waterford is the cheapest option, costing 14.44 USD – 27.07 USD and taking 2 hours and 20 minutes.

If you have a car, driving from Dublin to Waterford takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs between $30.68 and $46.33 USD.

If you have a lot of free time, consider taking this 6-day Tour of Southern Ireland from Dublin . The trip will begin in downtown Dublin. Drive across the undulating countryside to the Wicklow Mountains, leaving the capital behind.

Continue to Kilkenny, a historic city with cobblestone streets and famed red ale. Dunmore East, on the southeast coast near Waterford Harbor, is a calm place to spend the evening with a few bars and several fantastic seafood restaurants.

The Irish-speaking Aran Islands do not fail to amaze visitors with their wild vistas and charming homes. These three islands have preserved the history and legacy of traditional Irish living, and hundreds of people come each year.

There are lot to do on Inishmore; depending on your arrival time, travelers get anything from 5 to 7 hours to bike and explore the island’s famed forts, cliffs, stores, and beaches before the boat returns.

Some people choose to experience everything Inishmore has to offer, staying overnight to soak up the traditions and take advantage of the island’s vibrant nightlife and eateries.

How to get to Aran Islands from Dublin

It is advisable to take the boat from Rossaveel or an Aer Aran Islands aircraft. Traveling from Dublin to Galway is quite simple since major roads run through the Midlands Region.

The cheapest method to commute from Dublin to Aran Islands is by bus, taking 4 hours and 20 minutes and costing between 23.46 USD and 37.90 USD. Alternatively, you may take this day trip for $100.25.

Athlone, situated on the banks of the majestic River Shannon in the heart of Ireland, has naturally caught the curiosity of anyone from saints to sergeants over the years.

Athlone’s background is filled with turmoil. Battles occurred here, Vikings looted, and two violent sieges destroyed the town, which one survivor described as “hell on Earth.” This history is brought up to date in the superb Athlone Castle on the shores of the Shannon.

How to get to Athlone from Dublin

You may get from Dublin to Athlone via train, bus, or vehicle. Train travel from Dublin to Athlone is the most cost-effective option, costing between $12.63 and $19.85 USD and taking 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The quickest method to go from Dublin to Athlone is to drive, which costs between 23.46 USD and 36.10 USD and takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Bray, the largest town in County Wicklow, has been named one of the top 14 most underrated vacation spots in the entire globe by TimeOut Magazine. It is regarded as the Gateway to the Garden of Ireland and is Ireland’s oldest beach town.

Visitors from Dublin who wish to escape the bustling pace of life in Ireland’s capital frequently visit to Bray for the day. During the summer, the number of visitors from Dublin grows, and Bray’s mile-long beachfront becomes a hive of activity.

How to get to Bray from Dublin

You may get from Dublin to Bray via rail, bus, taxi, or vehicle. The bus from Dublin to Bray is the cheapest option, costing between 2.35 and 3.25 USD and about 40 minutes.

The quickest method to go from Dublin to Bray is via taxi, which costs between 32.49 and 41.51 USD and takes around 20 minutes.

Still looking for the best place to stay in Dublin? Check out our best hotels in Dublin guide here .

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

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• Destinations

Perfect 10-Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary (Detailed Map+Tips for Planning)

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Ireland is known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, making it a great destination. Here is your go-to resource for planning a 10-day Ireland road trip itinerary ! This itinerary is based on my own experiences and is designed to help you navigate the country’s roads and discover the best of its treasures.

With a detailed map and practical tips, you’ll be well-equipped to explore everything from the iconic Cliffs of Moher to the streets of Dublin. This guide will ensure you make the most of your time in Ireland.

• 1. Map of 10-Day Ireland Road Trip itinerary
• 2. DAY 1 - Arrival and Dublin
• 3. DAY 2 - Dublin
• 4. DAY 3 - Dublin to Killarney
• 5. DAY 4 - Killarney National Park and Ring of Kerry
• 6. DAY 5 - Dingle Peninsula
• 7. DAY 6 - Tralee to the Cliffs of Moher
• 8. DAY 7 - Cliffs of Moher
• 9. DAY 8 - Doolin to Portrush
• 10. DAY 9 - Northern Ireland
• 11. DAY 10 - Belfast and Drive Back to Dublin
• 12. Intrepid Scout's Tips for 10-Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

Map of 10-Day Ireland Road Trip itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival and Dublin

• Arrive in Dublin
• Trinity College and the Long Room 
• Ha’penny Bridge
• Temple Bar District 

Settle Into Your Accommodations in Dublin

GOOD TO KNOW: Day 1 in Dublin will start with your arrival in the vibrant city. Next, you will dive into Dublin’s rich history and culture with a visit to Trinity College and the awe-inspiring Long Room. Next, you will cross the iconic Ha’penny Bridge and immerse yourself in the Temple Bar District, known for its pubs, live music, and street performers. Finally, you will settle into your accommodations in Dublin.

Intrepid’s Tip:

Read: 14 Tips for First Visit to Dublin to Help You Explore Ireland’s Capital

Trinity College and the Long Room

Start your Dublin exploration with a visit to Trinity College . Established in 1592, Trinity College is the country’s oldest university and boasts a rich history.

The Long Room , part of the college’s Old Library, is a majestic hall lined with shelves of ancient manuscripts and rare books. Among these literary gems is the Book of Kells , a 9th-century manuscript renowned for its intricate illumination and religious significance.

Long Room at Trinty College 

Ha'penny Bridge

The Ha’penny Bridge , a beloved Dublin landmark, spans the River Liffey and connects the north and south sides of the city.

Officially known as the Liffey Bridge , it earned its nickname from the toll of half a penny that was once charged for crossing. Designed by engineer John Windsor in 1816, the bridge is an elegant cast iron structure with ornate detailing, making it a picturesque symbol of Dublin.

Today, the Ha’penny Bridge is a popular pedestrian thoroughfare , offering stunning views of the river and the city skyline.

Ha’penney Bridge in Dublin

Temple Bar District

The Temple Bar District is a lively neighborhood that is steeped in history. Named after Sir William Temple, it has evolved into a bustling area filled with pubs, restaurants, galleries, and street performers.

In the heart of the Temple Bar District, you’ll find an array of pubs, each offering its unique atmosphere.

Start your pub-hopping adventure at The Temple Bar , an iconic spot known for its lively ambiance, live music sessions, and extensive drink selection. For a cozy retreat, head to The Auld Dubliner . If you’re seeking history along with your pint, visit The Norseman, housed in a building dating back to 1696 or The Brazen Head established in 1198, it claims to be Ireland’s oldest pub.

The Famous Temple Bar in Dublin

The Oldest Brazen Head Pub in Dublin

Read: 14 Delicious Traditional Irish Foods You Must Try During Your Visit to Ireland

Booking accommodations in Dublin at least 3 months in advance is a really good idea. My recommendation is to book your accommodations the minute you know the dates of your travel. Dublin is a busy place and the best accommodations are in high demand, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

If you’re willing to splurge, The Merrion Hotel stands out as my top choice. Its superb location, spotless rooms, and exceptional turn-down service make it an excellent option for a luxurious stay. I always look forward to staying at the Merrion.

Following closely, yet at a much lower price is The Mont . It has a great location that will place you within proximity to the city center while still offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Another place that I stayed at is Hyatt Centric The Liberties . It offers modern amenities. The rooms are clean and comfortable.

My recommendation is to check them all out and see what fits your budget. You will be staying in Dublin for 2 nights.

DAY 2 - Dublin

Dublin Castle

Christ Church Cathedral

Kilmainham goal.

• Guinness Storehouse

GOOD TO KNOW: On Day 2 you will begin at Dublin Castle, then visit Christ Church Cathedral. Next, you will discover the poignant past of Kilmainham Gaol before ending your day at the iconic Guinness Storehouse.

Begin your second day in Dublin with a tour of Dublin Castle .

Constructed in the 13th century on a former Viking settlement, it served as a military fortress before adapting to various roles, including as a prison, treasury, and court of law.

From 1204 to 1922, it was the seat of English and later British rule in Ireland. In 1922, it was handed over to the Irish government and repurposed as a government complex.

Next, visit Christ Church Cathedral .

Founded in the 11th century, it is one of the city’s oldest buildings . With its impressive Gothic architecture , the cathedral has been a place of worship for over a millennium.

Inside, you can admire its stunning stained glass windows, ancient crypts, and intricate carvings. Make sure to take a 1-hour self-guided tour of the cathedral .

INTREPID’S TIP: Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.

Christ Church Cathedral 

Continue your Dublin exploration with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol .

This historic prison, dating back to the 18th century, played a significant role in Ireland’s struggle for independence . It housed many notable political prisoners, and its stark conditions provide a sobering insight into Ireland’s turbulent past.

Make sure to take a guided tour to learn about the prison’s history and the stories of its inmates, including those involved in the Easter Rising of 1916.

Kilmainham Goal 

The Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is the final stop on our itinerary. It is a testament to the rich heritage and brewing tradition of Guinness, Ireland’s most famous beer.

The storehouse spans seven floors and offers tours of Guinness’s history, ingredients, and brewing process.

Additionally, you can enjoy a variety of experiences, including the  Guinness Connoisseur Experience , where they can learn about the art of tasting Guinness like a pro, and the  Gravity Bar , which offers stunning panoramic views of Dublin while enjoying a complimentary pint of Guinness.

Time to head back to your hotel for the second night in Dublin.

For More Information About Dublin Read: 2 Days in Dublin (15 Top Things You Can’t Miss)

DAY 3 - Dublin to Killarney

Glendalough, rock of cashel, blarney castle, drive to killarney and settle into your accommodations.

GOOD TO KNOW: Day 3 of your itinerary is packed with historical and scenic delights. Begin your day exploring the ancient monastic settlement of Glendalough, followed by a visit to Kilkenny. Continue your journey to the Rock of Cashel and nearby Hore Abbey. Next, make your way to the coastal town of Cobh. Before the day ends, stop at Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the gift of eloquence. Finally, head to Killarney to spend the night.

The first stop on today’s itinerary is Glendalough , located in the Wicklow Mountains .

It is an ancient monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. It’s renowned for its well-preserved ruins, including churches, round towers, and Celtic crosses, which offer insights into Ireland’s early Christian history.

The site is surrounded by scenic glacial lakes, towering cliffs, and dense forests.

You can easily spend a day in Glendalough, however, we have not more than 1-2 hours at this location, so here is a condensed version where you can still experience the essence of Glendalough even with limited time available:

• Start by exploring the main highlights of the monastic settlement , including St. Kevin’s Church and the round tower. These central features offer a glimpse into the site’s rich history and architectural significance.

St. Kevin’s Church And the Round Tower in Glendalough

• Take a brief stroll to one of the nearby glacial lakes , such as the Upper or Lower Lake for a chance to soak in the natural beauty of the area.
• Take a moment to enjoy the stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains from one of the designated viewpoints or walking trails.

Glendalough Upper Lake 

The next stop is Kilkenny , a medieval town. Kilkenny is often referred to as the “Marble City”.

GOOD TO KNOW:  Kilkenny, Ireland has been known as the Marble City for centuries because of its history of exporting black marble to Britain . The marble, also known as Kilkenny Marble or Kilkenny Black Marble, is a fine-grained, dark-colored carboniferous limestone. The city’s streets are paved with Kilkenny marble flagstones, which are highly polished and glisten when wet.

Here are some key highlights to explore during your visit:

• Start your tour with a visit to Kilkenny Castle , a fortress dating back to the 12th century. Explore the castle’s impressive interior, including its grand halls, art galleries, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Kilkenny Castle

• Next, head over to St. Canice’s Cathedral renowned for its medieval architecture and iconic round tower.

Kilkenny St. Canice’s Cathedral

• Finally, take a stroll along Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile Trail, which begins at St. Mary’s cruciform church and graveyard , established in the 13th century. Along the way, you will learn about Kilkenny’s history as Ireland’s medieval city.

You might want to check out Kilkenny: Historical Highlights Walking Tour . I thought it was great! It is about 2 hours long and takes you through the medieval streets of Kilkenny.

The next stop is the Rock of Cashel, situated on a limestone hill, it features ancient ruins such as a medieval castle, cathedral, and round tower.

It was originally home to the Eóganachta, Kings of Munster. In 1101, it was donated to the Church by King Muirchertach Ua Briain.

St. Patrick visited in 450, baptizing King Aenghus and establishing Cashel as a bishopric.

The round tower dates back to this time. Cormac’s Chapel , built in the 1100s for King Cormac, still stands. A cathedral, erected later, was destroyed in fires in 1495 and 1647.

Book your tour tickets here .

Aerial View of the Rock of Cashel

Next to the Rock of Cashel stands Hore Abbey , a historic ruin dating back to the early 13th century. Founded by Benedictine monks, it served as a place of worship for centuries .

Despite facing attacks and periods of abandonment, it remains a fascinating site to explore. You can wander among its crumbling walls and striking tower, imagining the monks who once inhabited this spot.

Hore Abbey 

Next, you’ll visit Cobh , a coastal town with a strong maritime history. As the last port of call for the RMS Titanic in 1912 , Cobh is home to the Titanic Experience Cobh , located in the original White Star Line ticket office.

The town features colorful streets , historic architecture, and scenic waterfront views. Visitors can explore attractions like St. Colman’s Cathedral

There are plenty of local cafes so make sure to grab some lunch and a coffee before you head out.

St. Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh

Colorful Houses in Cobh

Continuing your journey, you’ll arrive at Blarney Castle , an iconic medieval fortress located near Cork.

Dating back to the 15th century, Blarney Castle is renowned for its legendary Blarney Stone , said to grant the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it.

You can climb to the top of the castle’s battlements to kiss the stone and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Additionally, the castle’s beautiful gardens , including the Poison Garden and Rock Close, offer spots for exploration.

Check out this tour: Easy Access – The Blarney Stone & Castle Gardens Tour . It lets skip the long ticket lines with convenient access tickets to Blarney Castle and Gardens. Afterward, you can take a guided walking tour of the charming Blarney Village.

Blarney Castle 

Ahead of you is a drive to Killarney. You will stay in Killarney for 2 nights.

My top choice for a stay in Killarney is undoubtedly The Killarney Park Hotel . Its blend of old-world charm and modern amenities will provide you with an unforgettable experience. I always select a room overlooking the garden and make sure I have at least one meal at their restaurant.

My second choice, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa , is a perfect retreat in Killarney. You will like its modern feel, spacious rooms, and generously sized bathrooms.

DAY 4 - Killarney National Park and Ring of Kerry

Ross castle, muckross abbey, torc waterfall.

Ladies View 

Kenmare Stone Circle

The Kerry Cliffs

Valentia Island 

GOOD TO KNOW: Day 4 takes you through Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry. You will start at Ross Castle, then visit Muckross Abbey and Torc Waterfall. Next, enjoy the panoramic views at Ladies View before seeing the Kenmare Stone Circle. End your day at the Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Island.

Begin your exploration of Day 4 at Ross Castle , a historic fortress located on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park .

Built in the 15th century by the O’Donoghue clan, it served as a stronghold during Ireland’s turbulent past.

You can take a guided tour of the castle interior, which features furnished rooms and exhibits detailing its storied past.

Ross Castle in Killarney National Park

Next on your itinerary is Muckross Abbey located within Killarney National Park.

Muckross Abbey, founded in the 15th century, is a medieval ruin with a well-preserved cloister and intricate stonework.

The abbey has served various purposes over the centuries, including as a place of worship, burial site, and refuge.

Muckross Abbey in Killarney National Park 

Torc Waterfall  is another popular attraction in Killarney National Park. It plunges approximately 20 meters (66 feet) over rocks into a pool below, surrounded by lush greenery.

INTREPID’S TIP: You have two options to reach Torc Waterfall: either hike the Torc Waterfall Loop Trail or park nearby and take a short walk to reach it. There are 2 parking lots. One is located no more than 5 minutes from the waterfall, and the second one is about 25-20 minutes away from the waterfall.

GOOD TO KNOW:  Torc Waterfall’s name comes from ‘torc,’ Gaelic for wild boar. Legend says a cursed man, turning into a boar by night, lived in a cliff cavern. Discovered by a farmer, he offered riches to keep quiet but vanished in anger, creating the waterfall as he disappeared into a nearby lake.

Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park

Ladies View

The next stop on the itinerary is Ladies View . It offers panoramic vistas of the landscapes surrounding Killarney National Park.

The name “Ladies View” is said to originate from the admiration of the stunning scenery by Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting during her visit to the area in 1861.

The Kenmare Stone Circle is an ancient archaeological site located near the town of Kenmare. Dating back to the Bronze Age, it is one of the largest stone circles in southwest Ireland.

The circle consists of 15 standing stones, with a diameter of approximately 17 meters (56 feet). Each stone varies in height, with some reaching over 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall.

The purpose of stone circles like this one remains a subject of speculation, but they are often associated with ceremonial or ritualistic practices.

Next on your itinerary are the famous Kerry Cliffs .

These dramatic cliffs soar to heights of over 300 meters (984 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the rocky shoreline below.

The Famous Kerry Cliffs on Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

You can take in the awe-inspiring vistas from designated viewing points along the cliff edge.

The Kerry Cliffs are definitely a must-visit stop on any tour of the Ring of Kerry!

Aerial View of Kerry Cliffs on Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

Valentia Island

Next on the itinerary is Valentia Island , one of my favorite stops on the Ring of Kerry.

Valentia Island is accessible via a bridge from the mainland near Portmagee or by ferry from Cahersiveen.

One of Valentia’s notable landmarks is Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs , offering panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Skellig Islands.

Valentia is also known for its rich history, including ancient stone forts, monastic sites, and the Valentia Island Tetrapod Trackway, one of the oldest known footprints of a vertebrate animal.

Additionally, the island is home to the Valentia Island Lighthouse , which has guided ships along the Wild Atlantic Way for over 200 years.

For More Information About Killarney and Ring of Kerry Read:

9 Amazing Things to Do in Killarney National Park (Maps+Tips)

22 best stops on the ring of kerry (map+top attractions at each stop), perfect 1-day ring of kerry drive itinerary, day 5 - dingle peninsula, minard castle, beehive huts.

• Slea Head Viewpoint
• Blasket’s View

Dunquin Pier

Gallarus Oratory

• Drive to Tralee and Settle Into Your Accommodations 

GOOD TO KNOW: Day 5 of your itinerary takes you on a scenic journey along the Dingle Peninsula. Begin your day with a visit to Minard Castle. Continue to explore with a stop at the Beehive Huts. Pause at Slea Head Viewpoint and Blasket’s View. Make a detour to Dunquin Pier . Finally, traverse the stunning Conor Pass.

The first stop on your Dingle Peninsula adventure is the historic Minard Castle . Perched on a hill overlooking Kilmurry Bay, this ancient fortress, constructed by the Fitzgerald clan, stands as a testament to the region’s rich history.

Although now in ruins, Minard Castle was once a formidable stronghold, boasting four stories with vaulted ceilings on its lower levels. Sadly, the castle met its demise during a siege by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in 1650, leaving no survivors.

Aerial View of Minard Castle on Dingle Peninsula

The next stop on the Dingle Peninsula is beehive huts also known as clocháin. Here you can discover a unique piece of Ireland’s ancient past.

These conical stone structures are crafted using the ancient drystone corbelling method, a technique where rings of stone are meticulously stacked on top of each other, forming a snug, pointed roof.

Dating back over 1,400 years to the Neolithic period, these huts are characteristic of the area’s rich Celtic tradition and are commonly associated with religious sites.

Beehive Huts on the Dingle Peninsula 

Best Stops on the Dingle Peninsula Drive 

Ceann Sléibhe (Slea Head) Viewpoint

The next stop is Ceann Sléibhe (Slea Head) , a promontory on the Dingle Peninsula.

It is located in the westernmost part of the Dingle Peninsula and connects the rugged landscape to the small villages of Ballyickeen and Coumeenoole.

The viewpoint offers stunning views of ancient forts, beaches, historic churches, and the Blasket Islands.

Ceann Sléibhe is renowned for its role as a filming location in movies such as “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far and Away.” Additionally, it is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic coastal route spanning the entire west coast of Ireland.

Radharc na mBlascaoidí / Blasket's View

The next stop on the journey is Radharc na mBlascaoidí , also known as Blasket’s View .

This scenic viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the Blasket Islands, a group of rugged and uninhabited islands off the coast.

The viewpoint offers a stunning perspective of the island’s dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Blasket’s View is in my opinion a highlight on the drive where you can soak in the natural beauty of this remote and wild coastline.

Blasket’s View on the Dingle Peninsula 

The next stop is another highlight of the drive, Dunquin Pier , also known as Dun Chaoin Pier.

Dunquin Pier is a historic landmark situated at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean offering stunning views of the coastline and the nearby Blasket Islands.

Dunquin Pier has served as an important transportation hub for centuries, providing access to the islands and serving as a lifeline for the local community.

Aerial View of the Dunquin Pier

The next highlight on the Dingle Peninsula Drive is Gallarus Oratory . It is one of the finest examples of early Christian architecture in the country.

This ancient stone structure, dating back to the 7th or 8th century , is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved corbelled roof and dry-stone construction. The oratory is shaped like an upturned boat , with a small entrance on its western side.

Gallarus Oratory stands as a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders, who constructed it without the use of mortar.

Head of you is the drive to the town of Dingle and then your journey will continue to the famous Conor Pass .

Conor Pass stands as Ireland’s highest mountain pass, reaching an impressive height of 456 meters above sea level.

The narrow and twisting road spans approximately 12 kilometers between Dingle Town and Kilmore Cross, boasting an average gradient of 5.6% and bridging a vertical ascent of 399 meters.

Drive to Tralee and Settle into Your Accommodations

Head of you is the drive to Tralee.

In Tralee, my two recommended places to stay are:

Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa : This elegant hotel offers luxurious accommodations in a tranquil setting just outside Tralee. With stylish rooms, excellent dining options, and a relaxing spa, Ballygarry House Hotel provides a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.

The Ashe Hotel : Located in the heart of Tralee, The Ashe Hotel offers modern and stylish rooms, along with top-notch amenities and attentive service.

All Best Stops on Dingle Peninsula: 16 Best Stops on the Dingle Peninsula Drive (map+detailed tips)

DAY 6 - Tralee to the Cliffs of Moher

Adare manor.

GOOD TO KNOW: Today’s trip from Tralee to Doolin includes two standout stops: Adare Manor and Limerick. Admire the stunning architecture of Adare Manor before exploring the cultural heritage of Limerick, home to attractions like King John’s Castle and the Hunt Museum. Then, head to Doolin, settle into your accommodations, and get plenty of rest for the next day’s hike along the Cliffs of Moher.

The first stop on today’s itinerary is Adare Manor , a 19th-century Neo-Gothic manor house that sits on an 840-acre estate in County Limerick.

Adare Manor was built in 1832 and it has some impressive features such as 365 leaded windows, 52 chimneys, and four towers representing days, weeks, seasons, and days of the week.

The Great Hall , designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, is a standout architectural marvel and you should not miss it.

Adare Manor 

Adare Manor also houses a Michelin-starred restaurant and the afternoon tea gallery , however, reservations are highly recommended if you are interested.

My recommendation is to check out a self-guided tour of the Manor House and Manor Museum . The tour offers insights into the estate’s architecture and gardens.

The next stop on the journey is Limerick .

The 3 standouts in Limeric for me are King John’s Castle , a 13th-century fortress, the Hunt Museum that houses a diverse collection of artifacts, artworks, and antiquities spanning over 2,000 years of history, and the scenic River Shannon , Ireland’s longest river, that flows through the heart of Limerick. Here are some highlights you should know about each place:

• King John’s Castle was built between 1200 and 1210 at the behest of King John of England. The castle’s construction was intended to assert Norman dominance over the Gaelic Chieftains of the West during the first Norman conquest of Ireland.

Interestingly, despite its name, King John never set foot in the castle, having passed away before its completion in 1216. It wasn’t until centuries later that the fortress came to be known as “King John’s Castle”.

The castle itself is a formidable structure, boasting an array of impressive features including a massive gatehouse, battlements, corner towers, curtain walls, and drum towers.

Make sure to take a tour of the castle and ascend the towers for sweeping vistas of the city and river below.

King John’s Castle in Limerick

• Next head over to the Hunt Museum . The Hunt Museum is a cultural gem. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts and artworks spanning over 2,000 years of history.

Founded by John and Gertrude Hunt in 1978, the museum is housed within the historic 18th-century Custom House overlooking the River Shannon.

The museum’s collection includes items ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts and medieval religious objects to fine art pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso, Renoir, and Yeats.

One of the museum’s highlights is the collection of medieval and Renaissance objects, including intricately carved ivory pieces and illuminated manuscripts.

The Hunt Museum in Limerick 

• Finish off your visit to Limerick with a stroll along the River Shanon . There are lots of cafes and restaurants, so make sure to grab something to eat before heading out to Doolin.

Settle Into Your Accommodations in Doolin

After visiting Limerick head over to Doolin and settle into your accommodations.  You will stay for 2 nights in Doolin.

My recommendation is to check out West Haven House . It offers very clean and comfortable accommodations with scenic countryside views.

Another option is Hotel Doolin , situated in the heart of the village, which features comfortable modern rooms. Its onsite restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine.

DAY 7 - Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of moher walking trail.

GOOD TO KNOW: Today, you will embark on a hike along the famous Cliffs of Moher.

The Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail will offer you the opportunity to experience the stunning coastal scenery on foot, with the option to start at either the Doolin trailhead or Hag’s Head.

My recommendation is to begin at Hag’s Head .

Park at the Cliffs of Moher Visitors Center , then take a free shuttle from the Visitor’s Center to the Hag’s Head parking area near the Hag’s Head Viewpoint.

The distance from Hag’s Head. Viewpoint to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is approximately 8 kilometers (about 5 miles) along the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.

The trail follows the rugged coastline, providing breathtaking views of the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean along the way. While the walk can be challenging due to uneven terrain and steep sections, it offers an unforgettable adventure amidst some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes.

Aerial View of the Cliffs of Moher 

DAY 8 - Doolin to Portrush

Ashford castle.

Slieve League

Settle Into Your Accommodations in Portrush

GOOD TO KNOW: Day 8 starts with exploring the unique landscape of The Burren. Next, you will visit the majestic Ashford Castle. Then, journey to Slieve League, home to some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Finally, settle into your accommodations in Portrush, a charming seaside town.

The first stop on Day 8 of your journey is the Burren , a unique limestone landscape.

Stretching over 250 square kilometers, the Burren is renowned for its otherworldly terrain, characterized by vast expanses of exposed limestone pavement, rocky outcrops, and karst formations.

Despite its seemingly barren appearance, the Burren is home to many flora and fauna, including rare alpine and Mediterranean plants that thrive in its limestone crevices.

The Burren 

One of the things you should not miss is the iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen , an ancient megalithic tomb dating back over 5,000 years.

Iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen

Next is Ashford Castle , turned into a luxurious five-star hotel. Originally built as a medieval castle in the 13th century, Ashford Castle has been transformed into a grand Victorian estate.

The castle grounds are open to the public for walking , with a nominal fee of 5 Euro per person. Upon arrival, request a map from the doorman for a self-guided tour around the estate. You will be able to discover many of the filming locations for the popular TV series “Reign.”

My recommendation is that you pre-book lunch to secure a table and also give you an opportunity for an extra glimpse of the castle’s interior, which is open to patrons only.

Ashford Castle 

If you thought that the Cliffs of Moher were spectacular, just wait and see Slieve League !

Slieve League is home to some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe , towering dramatically over the Atlantic Ocean. These majestic cliffs reach heights of over 600 meters (1,968 feet).

GOOD TO KNOW: The most popular viewing point is known as One Man’s Path , a narrow trail that winds its way along the cliff edge, providing exceptional views.

Tonight you will be staying in Portrush.

For a comfortable stay consider the Inn on the Coast in Portrush. It is a retreat after a day of exploring the stunning attractions of the Causeway Coast.

Alternatively, the Portrush Atlantic Hotel is a good option as well. It provides modern accommodations and excellent amenities.

DAY 9 - Northern Ireland

Dunluce castle.

Giants Causeway

• Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

The Dark Hedges

• Drive to Belfast and Settle Into Your Accommodations 

GOOD TO KNOW: On day 9, you will say goodbye to the charming Portrush, and embark on a journey through Northern Ireland’s iconic landmarks. You will start with the awe-inspiring Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff’s edge. From there, you will venture to the geological wonder of the Giant’s Causeway with hexagonal basalt columns. Next, you will test your nerves at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended over breathtaking coastal views. As the day progresses, you will visit the Dark Hedges, where ancient beech trees form a mystical canopy. Finally, you will arrive in Belfast, where you can unwind and rest.

Dunluce Castle , perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the North Atlantic, is a must-stop on your Ireland road trip.

The castle is accessible by a bridge , which makes a thrilling entrance to its historic grounds.

Aerial View of Dunluce Castle / 10-Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

Originally built in the 13th century by Richard Óg de Burgh, the 2nd Earl of Ulster. The castle’s present ruins primarily date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, with its history entwined with the McQuillan and MacDonnell clans.

Dunluce Castle gained fame as the seat of House Greyjoy in the hit TV show Game of Thrones. It is a tourist hotspot with many day tours from Belfast and Dublin.

Dunluce Castle 

The next destination on your itinerary is the legendary Giant’s Causeway , a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and geological wonders. Here, you’ll encounter over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, each with a unique hexagonal shape, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.

Legendary Giants Causeway

These columns, typically five to seven irregular sides, stand as witnesses to the forces of nature that shaped them over 60 million years ago. From volcanic eruptions to slow cooling and rising sea levels, the Giant’s Causeway is a testament to the incredible power of geological processes .

As you explore, take note of the distinctive “ball and socket” joints , where horizontal fractures create a convex bottom face and a concave upper face.

Giants Causeway 

Carrick-a-Rede

Next up is Carrick-a-Rede . It’s famed for its 66-foot chasm crossed by a rope bridge, initially built by salmon fishermen over 350 years ago.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge 

You should definitly brave the bridge for stunning coastal views and an adrenaline rush.

Once you cross, explore the Carrick-a-Rede Island and soak in the natural beauty.

Next on your itinerary are the Dark Hedges , a mesmerizing avenue of beech trees. Planted in the 18th century, these gnarled trees create a hauntingly beautiful tunnel, making it a must-see stop on your Ireland road trip.

To capture the atmosphere of the Dark Hedges, the best time to visit is during sunset when the golden light filters through the branches. Make sure to use a wide-angle lens to capture the full breadth of the avenue.

Mesmerizing Dark Hedges

Drive to Belfast and Settle Into Your Accomodations

As you wind down your day of exploration, it’s time to drive to Belfast and settle into your accommodations .

For a cozy and hassle-free stay, I highly recommend the Ibis Belfast City Centre . With its clean, modern rooms and a delicious hot and cold breakfast to kickstart your morning, it’s the perfect home base. Plus, its proximity to downtown shopping and lively pubs means you’re never far from the action.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a touch of luxury and some elegance, look no further than the Europa Hotel . From its prime location to its impeccable service, every detail is crafted to ensure your comfort. Make sure to indulge in a memorable dining experience at the hotel’s restaurant

DAY 10 - Belfast and Drive Back to Dublin

Howth cliff walk.

Flight Back Home

GOOD TO KNOW: On the final day of your Ireland adventure, you’ll kickstart your morning in Belfast with a brief exploration, choosing from options like the Titanic Belfast museum, Crumlin Road Gaol, or a guided political tour. Afterward, venture to Howth for a picturesque cliff walk along the stunning coastline. Then, it’s time to head to Dublin for your flight back home.

Start your day in Belfast with a short exploration before heading to Dublin for your flight home. Here are some options to consider:

• Crumlin Road Gaol : Step back in time with a visit to this historic prison, which operated for over 150 years.

Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history, including its role during the Troubles, and explore its eerie underground tunnels.

• Ulster Museum : Discover Northern Ireland’s rich history and culture at the Ulster Museum.

From ancient artifacts to contemporary art, the museum offers a diverse range of exhibits to explore, including the renowned Irish Game of Thrones tapestry. Free entrance .

• Titanic Belfast : Immerse yourself in the story of the Titanic, from its construction in Belfast to its tragic maiden voyage.

Explore interactive exhibits and artifacts in this iconic museum, located on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard. Book your tickets here .

Stunning Titanic Belfast Building

If you prefer a guided experience, consider joining one of these tours:

• Belfast: Political Taxi Tour : Hop into a taxi and embark on a guided tour of Belfast’s political murals and peace walls.

Learn about the city’s complex history and the legacy of the Troubles from a knowledgeable local guide. Book tickets here .

• Belfast: Political Conflict 3-Hour Walking Tour : Lace up your walking shoes and delve into Belfast’s turbulent past on this informative tour.

Visit key sites associated with the city’s political conflict, including murals, memorials, and peace lines. Book your tickets here .

Whichever option you choose, you’ll have a couple of hours to delve into Belfast’s history and culture before continuing your journey to Dublin.

Next on your itinerary is the Howth Cliff Walk . This picturesque trail offers stunning views of Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea with the iconic Baily Lighthouse standing as a picturesque landmark along the route.

Despite limited time, you can still enjoy a portion of the well-defined trail. The trail is accessible from the Howth DART station

Howth Cliff Walk with Baily Lighthouse in the Distance

Dublin and Flight Back Home

After enjoying the Howth Cliff Walk, it’s time to head back to Dublin and prepare for your flight home.

Reflect on your experiences in Ireland as you return to the city.  Grab a meal at a local spot, and maybe pick up some souvenirs. Then, head to the airport, ready to fly home with memories of your trip.

Intrepid Scout's Tips for 10-Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

• Drive on the left: Always remember to drive on the left side of the road during your Ireland road trip, and be mindful of roundabouts and traffic flow.
• Rent a compact car: Irish roads are often narrow and winding, so opt for the smallest car that can comfortably accommodate your travel group and luggage. This will make navigating tight spaces and narrow roads much easier.
• Mind pedestrians and cyclists: Pedestrians and cyclists are common along Irish roads, especially in rural areas and scenic routes. Exercise caution and be prepared to yield to them, especially on narrow roads and blind corners.
• Check rental requirements: Ensure you meet all rental car requirements, including age restrictions and documentation like an International Driving Permit if necessary. Review your rental contract carefully to avoid any surprises.
• Drive cautiously: Speed limits in Ireland may not always reflect safe driving speeds, particularly on smaller roads with limited visibility. Take your time, especially on unfamiliar routes, and be prepared for unexpected hazards.
• Self-service gas stations: Gas stations in Ireland typically require payment inside the shop after pumping gas. Familiarize yourself with this process and be prepared to pay before hitting the road.
• Delay car rental in Dublin : If you’re starting your trip in Dublin, consider delaying your car rental until you’re ready to leave the city. Parking in Dublin can be expensive and challenging, so save yourself the hassle and expense by renting a car when you’re ready to explore beyond the city limits.
• Plan for toll roads: Some highways and bridges in Ireland have tolls, so be prepared to pay with cash or card.

More Information About Ireland:

20 Must-See Sights and Attractions in Ireland (Your Essential Guide to the Emerald Isle)

14 Delicious Traditional Irish Foods You Must Try During Your Visit to Ireland

16 Best Stops on the Dingle Peninsula Drive (map+detailed tips)

You Might Also Like: 

82 Quotes About Ireland And the Irish Spirit Celebrating the Emerald Isle

102 Beautiful Irish Proverbs and Sayings Offering Timeless Lessons

92 Irish Blessings And Wishes Embracing Joy on St. Patrick’s Day

Read All the Posts about Ireland in:

Ireland Travel Guide

Read All the Posts About the Europe in: 

Europe Travel Guide

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Cliffs of Moher Tour from Dublin

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Ashford Castle

Whether you're here to indulge in the castle's world-class amenities, such as its award-winning restaurants, serene spa, or outdoor activities like falconry and fishing, Ashford Castle offers a retreat like no other. And as you settle into the lavish surroundings of this iconic Irish estate, you'll find that the journey from Dublin to Ashford Castle is not just a transfer, but the beginning of an extraordinary adventure filled with luxury, romance, and timeless beauty.

The K Club 

Whether you're here for a round of golf, a rejuvenating spa retreat, or simply to soak up the tranquility of the Irish countryside, the K Club offers an unforgettable experience that combines elegance, luxury, and natural beauty in equal measure. And as you settle into the sumptuous surroundings of this renowned resort, you'll find that the journey from Dublin to the K Club is not just a transfer, but the beginning of an unforgettable escape.

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11 Best Day Trips from Dublin: An Insider’s Guide to Ireland’s Charms

Are you dreaming of expanding your Irish adventure beyond the bustling streets of Dublin, yet feeling a little lost in planning the best day trips from Dublin to truly uncover Ireland’s beauty? Feel lost no more!

With my local knowledge of Ireland, I’ve put together a list of the 11 best day trips from Dublin , specially curated for travellers like you, seeking the quintessential Irish experience.

This guide will help you dive deep into Ireland’s diverse landscapes, charming towns and iconic landmarks, all while keeping Dublin as your cosy base.

Ready to unveil the hidden treasures of the Emerald Isle? Let’s embark on this captivating journey together!

• Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Monasterboice

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Whether you are interested in Belfast day trips from Dublin, a day trip from Dublin to explore some castles or even one of the half-day tours from Dublin to see monastic sites or ancient Neolithic tombs, you are sure to find a day trip or two on the list that will help you explore more of Ireland from your base in the capital. You will find 11 top day trips from Dublin as well as 6 shorter trips to take from Dublin to help you see more of the beautiful Emerald Isle.

Best day trips from Dublin, Ireland under 2.5 hours

In this section, you will find trips and one day tours from Dublin to a variety of places across the Emerald Isle. These are under two and a half hours from Dublin so easily manageable in one day including Galway day trips from Dublin and day trips from Dublin to Belfast.

These trips are located within 2.5 hours from the capital and can be visited using car hire, a tour group, or by public transport in some cases. Some of the suggested destinations are best explored yourself by car, while some are best done using a tour group. Whichever way you choose to make your day trip is a personal choice.

A day trip from Dublin to Galway is a popular one for visitors to the capital as it helps them combine two of Ireland’s best cities to visit in one trip.

Galway is located approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Dublin by car and a similar time via train should you wish to visit by public transport. The train departs from Heuston Station in Dublin and arrives at Galway Station located right off Eyre Square in the heart of the city. Departing at 7.30 am, you could be in Galway for brunch.

As the ‘capital’ of the West of Ireland, there are a host of things to do in Galway City including visiting the Spanish Arch, wandering Eyre Square, taking a stroll along the River Corrib or bagging yourself a souvenir of a Claddagh Ring in the area after which it was named. Galway is one of my personal favourite cities in Ireland and is a must for anyone visiting the Emerald Isle.

If you don’t fancy getting the train yourself or driving, one of the most popular day tours from Dublin to Galway is this tour which covers Galway, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.

Glendalough

A great day tour from Dublin is one to visit the beautiful monastic site of Glendalough in County Wicklow. This is one of the best places to visit in Ireland and is just over an hour’s drive from Dublin City Centre. It is reachable via public transport and will take around one and a half hours.

Glendalough is one of Ireland’s best monastic sites and was established by St Kevin in the 6 th century. The site has many monuments and buildings, a Visitor’s Centre and an impressive Round Tower. The monastery ruins are located near the two lakes of Glendalough and many visitors take time to hike around the lakes and take in the views from elevated points over the lakes.

Glendalough is also located on the edge of the Wicklow Mountains National Park , an area of outstanding beauty which helps give it the nickname the “Garden of Ireland”. If you are looking for a day trip from Dublin that isn’t too far, then Glendalough is the perfect place to visit.

This tour from Dublin to Glendalough visits the monastic site and other parts of the Wicklow Mountains National Park and is a small tour which is perfect if you don’t like larger coach tours.

If you want to combine the Republic of Ireland with a trip to Northern Ireland, then consider joining a day trip from Dublin to Belfast. Belfast is just less than two hours’ drive from Dublin and can also be reached via public transport in just over two hours, making it a great city to visit from the Irish capital.

As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a great city to visit on the Emerald Isle. Belfast is the birthplace of Titanic, so visiting the docklands area is a must where you can learn more about the fateful liner and her construction. You can visit both the Titanic Trail and the Titanic Experience in this area.

You can also learn about the “Troubles” a turbulent time in Irish history while in the city. There is a great black cab tour which will take you on a historical tour of the city and show you some of the many murals painted in honour of the Troubles. There is plenty of things to do in Belfast that will easily fill a day.

Book your Black Cab Mural tour of Belfast today.

Book your one day tour to Belfast from Dublin HERE !

A great one day trip from Dublin to take is to visit the historical town of Kilkenny. Located one and a half hours’ drive by car from the Irish capital (or approximately 1hr 45mins by public transport), Kilkenny is a great place to visit while staying in Dublin if you are looking to explore more of Ireland.

Kilkenny is a medieval town and a great one to visit in Ireland. As well as being a lively town full of crafts shops, cosy restaurants and pubs where you might stumble upon a ‘trad’ session, the town’s centrepiece is the beautiful medieval castle.

Located on the banks of the River Nore, Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland’s most visited castles and has a history dating back to the 12 th century. Winter visits are by guided tours only but during summer you can take leisurely self-guided tours of the castle. It is a large site so allow plenty of time to wander and explore.

If you are looking for a day tour that visits Kilkenny, then book this Kilkenny, Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains one day tour from Dublin .

Boyne Valley Monuments

Another popular day tour from Dublin is one to see the ancient monument and tombs at Brú na Bóinne. The Boyne Valley Monuments include Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. These are located less than an hours’ drive North West of Dublin City Centre. However, you cannot visit the site via public transport. The nearest you can go is to Drogheda and then take a taxi to the site, a journey of under 15 minutes.

The monuments at Brú na Bóinne are older than Stonehenge and is a complex site with burial tombs, chambers and standing stones. There is a Visitor Centre from where you leave to visit Newgrange and Knowth (separate buses). You cannot wander between the sites and must check-in at the Visitor’s Centre as numbers are strictly controlled.

The Brú na Bóinne site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland and pre-booking is advised. If you are looking to visit Ireland on a budget , getting a Heritage Card ahead of your trip can help you to save money.

A visit to the Boyne Valley is a popular way to get out of the city and there are daily tours from Dublin.

Book this tour to visit the Brú na Bóinne Valley, the Hill of Tara and Trim Castle . Note it does not include your entry fees to the Brú na Bóinne site.

Rock of Cashel

If there is a one day tour from Dublin you should try and do, it is one in which you visit one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, the Rock of Cashel. Cashel is located just 2 hours from Dublin and can be reached by public transport by train in under 2.5 hours.

The Rock of Cashel is an impressive landmark that makes a dramatic appearance as you approach Cashel town from the motorway. Although many of the buildings and structures date from the 12 th or 13 th century, it is located on what was originally the seat of the High Kings of Ireland.

The roofless abbey is the main attraction and although the roof is gone, the supporting arches are still in place, giving you an idea of how it may have looked. There is a small round tower, church and many gravestones. It is an iconic site to visit and a must if you can make it. 

Visit the Rock of Cashel on a day trip from Dublin which also visits Cork City and Cahir Castle. Click here for more information and book it now !

Hook Peninsula

A great part of Ireland to visit on a day trip from Dublin is the Hook Peninsula and its spectacular lighthouse. The Hook Peninsula is located two and a half hours south of Dublin City Centre and just makes it into this section. It is not possible to reach the Hook Peninsula by public transport.

This beautiful corner of the South East of Ireland is home to one of Ireland’s best lighthouses , the Hook Head Lighthouse. This is one of the world’s oldest lighthouses still in operation today and is the perfect backdrop for some pictures in Ireland.

The Hook Peninsula is also home to castles, famine ships , gardens, an arboretum and more. This is the ideal location for a trip out of Dublin for a day if you have your own transport.

Book your skip-the-line entry tickets for the Hook Lighthouse HERE !

A great 1 day trip from Dublin is to visit the oldest city in Ireland, Waterford. Waterford is just over 2 hours’ drive from Dublin and can be reached by public transport in less than three hours. It was founded more than 70 years before Dublin by the Vikings.

Waterford still holds remnants of its Viking history throughout the city and the best place to discover this is in the Viking Triangle, home to the museums and Reginald’s Tower. Discover the Waterford Treasures which include the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace and Reginald’s Tower.

As well as the city’s history, you can also visit the headquarters of one of Ireland’s famous exports , Waterford Crystal. You can take a tour and learn about the glass-blowing and the famous crystal. Waterford Castle is located just outside the city centre and is another great place to visit in Waterford, especially for its stunning location on a private island!

Book your Waterford Crystal tickets HERE !

Best one day trips from Dublin over 2.5 hours

If you don’t mind a bit more travelling time, then the trips outlined in this section are additional ideas for day trips and tours from Dublin. These trips have a travel time of over two and a half hours each way which you need to factor in but are still worth considering.

Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle is another place in Ireland that many visitors would like to add to their itinerary. But if you are staying only in Dublin, you can still visit this famous castle. Blarney Castle is located approximately 3 hours’ drive south of Dublin. However, although it can be reached by public transport, you are looking at 5 hours just to get there, so public transport might not be the ideal mode of transport for a day trip.

Blarney Castle is a 16th-century tower house set in stunning grounds approximately 20-minutes from Cork City. The main reason people flock to this part of the Emerald Isle is to kiss the Blarney Stone. This stone, located at the top of the castle, is said to bestow the person who kisses it with the gift of the gab (never to be stuck for words).

As well as the stone and castle, Blarney Castle is set on amazing grounds that have gardens, an arboretum, playgrounds, waterfalls and more. My advice is to arrive as early as possible, climb the 99 steps to kiss the stone first, and then take a leisurely walk around the grounds.

There are some Cork day trips from Dublin available if you don’t want to drive yourself. One tour visits both Blarney Castle and the Rock of Cashel on the return to Dublin.

Find more information and book this tour here.

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher day trips from Dublin are among the most popular. The Cliffs are another of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions and are located 3 hours and 15 minutes drive west of Dublin. The Cliffs cannot be reached by public transport, so if you don’t want to drive, then joining a tour is your best option.

Rising to a height of 214m above the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are dramatic sea cliffs that make many people’s Ireland bucket list. With crashing waves below and seabirds, the Cliffs provide an amazing backdrop for pictures. There is a Visitor’s Centre where you can watch interactive exhibitions on the Cliffs of Moher and the flora and fauna found in them.

As well as the Visitor’s Centre, you can enjoy walks along the cliffs from O’Brien’s Tower to Hag’s Head.

Book your Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin here and visit Galway City as well!

Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Another tour you can take from Dublin is one in which you visit the stunning Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The Giant’s Causeway is located three hours from Dublin by car and is not possible to visit in one day by public transport, so joining a tour is necessary if you won’t have a car.

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the best things to visit in Antrim , Northern Ireland, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unusual rock formations are what brings tourists from across the globe to this part of the Emerald Isle.

Formed over 60 million years ago from molten basaltic rock, there is a legend that says a giant named Finn McCool built a bridge to Scotland to fight a giant there, and the Causeway was created when the Scottish giant fled home, ripping up the bridge in his retreat. There is a Visitor’s Centre at the Giant’s Causeway where you can learn more about these unusual rocks, as well as enjoying time to explore them.

A short drive from the Giant’s Causeway is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, another popular place to visit in Northern Ireland. Hanging 30m above the water, it was strung to connect the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede to the mainland and is a popular tourist spot in Antrim. Will you be brave enough to cross it?

Book your Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge tour HERE!

Best Day Trips in Ireland from Dublin under 1 hour

If you don’t fancy spending time travelling to other areas of Ireland, these additional day trips from Dublin have a travel time under 1 hour and many can be reached by public transport. Not all are available through a guided tour, so be aware of this. However, if you are looking for some short trips to take from Dublin, these might fit the bill.

Howth is one of the prettiest coastal towns in Ireland and is a suburb of Dublin. This small fishing village lies at the base of Howth Head and is a short 35-minute drive or less than thirty minutes from Dublin City Centre by DART (train).

Howth Head enjoys beautiful views across Dublin Bay and you can also visit Howth Castle and its grounds, which are free to visit. There is a vintage radio museum, the National Transport Museum and a beach. If you want to escape the city, head to Howth and enjoy walks around the headland before stopping somewhere for a seafood lunch.

Book your Howth tour here which includes a visit to Malahide Castle (see below).

Malahide Castle

Located less than 30 minutes from the city centre by car, and reachable by public transport in an hour, Malahide Castle, which lies in the north Dublin suburb of the same name, is an impressive castle to visit, some of which dates to the 12 th century. It was home to the Talbot family for nearly 800 years until 1976 when it was sold to the Irish State.

Guided tours of the castle are available and visitors can view some of the most impressive rooms in the castle including the Oak Room and the Great Hall. There are extensive grounds in which you will find a botanic garden with walled gardens, lawns and seven glasshouses in which tropical plants from the Southern Hemisphere can be seen.

There are playgrounds, a model railway and a fairy trail, making it the ideal place to visit if you are in Dublin with kids and looking to escape the city centre.

Book your visit to Malahide Castle here if you are looking for a guided tour which includes a visit to Howth.

Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens

One of my favourite places to visit outside of Dublin is the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens . Located an hours’ drive from Dublin City Centre, you can visit using public transport but it will take you at least two and a half hours to reach.

As the name suggests, this is the Irish National Stud Farm and has been breeding world-class racehorses for over 100 years. Visitors to the National Stud can take guided tours around the farm and discover what makes an amazing racehorse.

You can see living legends in the form of retired racehorses who have collectively won millions of euros in prize money throughout their careers and who now live a life of leisure. You can see the studs in residence and also some of their offspring if you time it right. The tour is fascinating and you might even bump into one of the horses being moved from stable to paddock.

Beside the National Stud are the Japanese Gardens, a must-visit if you come to this part of County Kildare. They are a tranquil haven away from the city with Japanese tea houses, bridges, water features and ornamental plants to view.

There are no organised tours to this attraction as it is relatively easy to visit yourself. Book your tickets here ahead of your visit.

Powerscourt Estate and Waterfall

One of the best half-day trips from Dublin to do is a visit to the Powerscourt Estate and Waterfall. Located 45 minutes drive south of Dublin City Centre, the nearest public transport links is Bray, where you would then need to take a 20-minute taxi ride.

Occupying 64 square kilometres, the Powerscourt Estate is one of Wicklow’s most visited places. The estate has existed since the early 14 th century and is home to a Palladian Mansion, sprawling grounds, landscaped gardens, a luxury hotel, no less than two golf courses and a 121-metre high waterfall (located in a separate part of the estate, 6km from the main house). It is not recommended to walk from the house to the waterfall as the roads are narrow, so if you want to visit both, you will need a car.

Book this tour if you’d like to combine a trip to the Powerscourt Waterfall with a visit to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains National Parl.

A day trip from Dublin that does not need to involve a car or tour group is a visit to Bray. Located less than 50 minutes south of Dublin City Centre, Bray can be visited by public transport using the DART system which will take approximately 50 minutes and the route follows the coastline, giving you lovely views across Dublin Bay as you travel south.

Bray Head is a 241m hill that lies between Bray and Greystones in County Wicklow. If you want the best view towards Dublin from Bray, then climbing Bray Head is a must. I did it once as a teenager and it was worth the hike. From the summit, where there is a cross, you can also get incredible views across to the Sugar Loaf Mountain, an iconic landmark in Wicklow.

The trail is accessible from Bray promenade and once you descend, reward yourself with some fish and chips as you watch the waves crash on the beach at the seafront.

Located less than an hour north of Dublin City Centre is Monasterboice, an intriguing monastic site. There are no public transport links from Dublin, although you could get a train to Drogheda (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes) and then get a taxi for the 10-minute journey to the site.

The original monastic settlement at Monasterboice is believed to date back to the 5 th or 6 th century and was founded by St Buithe who was a follower of St Patrick. Some of the best Celtic symbols in existence today in Ireland are the High Crosses of Monasterboice.

As well as high crosses, you can also view a round tower (minus the cap), two ancient church ruins and a cemetery. To avoid crowds arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon.

There is a full-day tour from Dublin which visits Monasterboice as well as Newgrange and the Hill of Tara. Find more information and book this tour here .

Final thoughts on the best days trips from Dublin

Whether you decide to take a full one day trip from Dublin or combine your visit to the Irish capital with one of the shorter trips, you will be able to see more of Ireland than just the big city with any of the suggested destinations on this list.

Read more about visiting Dublin:

• Top 10 Dublin Attractions
• How to Get around Dublin by Bus, Tram, Train, on Foot, and More
• Best Time to Visit Dublin
• 3-Day Dublin Itinerary
• One Day Dublin Itinerary
• Best Free Museums and Galleries in Dublin
• Unique Things to Do in Dublin
• Best Free Things to Do in Dublin
• Best non-Tourist Pubs to Visit in Dublin
• Best Cliffs of Moher Tours from Dublin
• Best Whiskey Tours of Dublin
• Best Food Tours of Dublin
• Best Walking Tours of Dublin
• The Two Fascinating Capitals of Ireland: Dublin and Belfast

by Cath Jordan

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EPIC 10 Day Ireland Itinerary: The Perfect Irish Road Trip 2024

Imagine the moment you step off the plane in Dublin. Your 10 day Ireland itinerary is ready to set sail and you’re more than ready to explore this new country and take in all it has to offer!

It’s your first time there and you have no idea what to expect. What should you see? Where should you stay? What about food and drinks?

This is a common concern among travelers who are visiting Ireland for the first time. So, I’ve decided to share exactly how to plan an amazing 10-day Irish itinerary that will capture all of the best places to go and things to do while still allowing plenty of room for spontaneity!

On top of the ultimate routes for your itinerary, I have also provided my personal top tips for visiting Ireland from my own experiences, the best foods to try, how to get around, where to stay, a full, downloadable packing list, great souvenir ideas, what to avoid, AND the best tours to go with if you plan on making a full-day trip to the Cliffs of Moher!

This full Ireland guide is intended to help experienced travelers and newbie tourists alike. So, if you’re in the middle of planning your one, two, or even three-week Ireland itinerary, use this post as your personal guide to booking the trip of a lifetime.

I have primarily focused on the Republic of Ireland in this article, but if you’re looking to visit Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland we highly suggest it!

Download My FREE 9-Day Ireland Itinerary!!

Ready to visit Dublin, Galway, Doolin, and Cork among other incredible Irish cities? Let me send you my 9-day itinerary! Don’t worry, you can unsubscribe any time 😉

The Ultimate 10 Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

This Irish road trip itinerary is best done by renting your own car, however, it can be done by utilizing the local train and bus systems.

But, if you have the option of renting a car and are up for the challenge of conforming to the way the Irish drive, then this is the way to go since you’ll have a more authentic and flexible experience!

☘️ Day 1: Dublin

A must-visit on any 10 day Ireland itinerary road trip , the Irish capital is overflowing with museums (specifically the Irish Emigration Museum), pubs, and iconic landmarks like the Guinness Factory and Jameson Distillery!

Start your day bright and early with a visit to the historic Trinity College, home to the ornate Book of Kells. Once you’ve soaked in the ambiance of academia, head towards the bustling Temple Bar area. Here, you can immerse yourself in the lively Irish pub culture, and maybe even sample some traditional Irish breakfast.

Post brunch, make your way to the Irish Emigration Museum to gain insights into the profound influence of Irish emigration on the world. As the afternoon sun begins to wane, take a leisurely stroll in the city center, soaking in the city’s vibrant energy.

Finally, as evening settles, consider a drive to the Wicklow Mountains for a breathtaking sunset view. Of course, you may have just flown in so the thought of additional travel time may sound gross to you, so if that’s the case hit the Jameson Distillery or the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse for some much-needed r&r.

Wrap up your day in Dublin with a hearty meal at a local restaurant (I really enjoyed The Old Storehouse Bar & Restaurant )

☘️ Days 2-3: Blarney Castle, Cork, & Cobh

Blarney Castle located in County Cork stands as one of Ireland’s most beloved tourist attractions and a must-see for visitors to the Emerald Isle. A stone’s throw from Blarney village, sitting atop the famous castle lays another important attraction: The Blarney Stone .

This stone attracts thousands every year who come to firmly plant their feet while leaning over backward trying not to fall off what is now known as “the kissing stone”.

Visitors who kiss this block of limestone are said to be endowed with great eloquence or even to have been blessed by “The Gaelic Blessing” (commonly referred to as having received the gift of Blarney).

To get there, make your way (typically by rental car) south of Dublin about 3 hours and 10 minutes. It’s advisable to get there as early as possible (it opens at 9:00AM everyday) since crowds will start forming well beforehand on weekends and in the peak season months of May through August.

Here are the 7 BEST Blarney Castle Tours from Cork & Dublin 2024 if you don’t plan on renting a car during your trip or you simply would prefer to leave the logistics to someone else!

Once you’ve spent a fair amount of time at the stone and exploring the castle, take the short 20-minute drive into Cork. Start your journey in Cork at the English Market , a food lover’s paradise housing a plethora of stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheese.

Once your tastebuds are sated, make your way to St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral , a stunning piece of Gothic architecture that promises to impress. As lunchtime approaches, consider having a picnic in the charming Fitzgerald Park where you can also explore the Cork Public Museum.

Finally, spend your afternoon exploring the historic Elizabeth Fort and its striking views over the city. Wind down the half-day tour with a leisurely stroll along the quays, crossing over numerous bridges and taking in the unique maritime charm of this Irish city.

After a local dinner and a good night’s rest in Cork, head just a half an hour southeast to the iconic Irish town of Cobh. Kickstart your day in Cobh with a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre: The Queenstown Story , where you can dive deep into the city’s rich maritime history and heritage of the city.

After that, make your way to St. Colman’s Cathedral , an awe-inspiring Neo-Gothic structure with a towering spire that dominates the city skyline. Take a moment to admire the intricate stained glass windows and the largest carillon (49 bells) in Ireland.

For lunch, savor some local delicacies at a waterfront restaurant (the Titanic Bar & Grill is almost eclectic), immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant charm. In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour of the picturesque town, soaking in the views of brightly painted houses cascading down to the harbor – better known as the “deck of cards” houses .

Don’t miss a visit to the poignant Titanic Experience , located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office. Your day in Cobh wouldn’t be complete without a tranquil stroll along the promenade, watching the boats gently bobbing in the harbor. Wrap up your day at one of the local pubs, enjoying a pint of traditional Irish Guinness while soaking in the cozy, friendly atmosphere.

☘️ Days 4-5: The Dingle Peninsula

Located in County Kerry, the mesmerizing Dingle Peninsula is brimming with historical and natural wonders. From the captivating Blasket Islands to its breathtaking landscapes, this scenic peninsula beckons explorers with its charm and allure.

Start your journey in Dingle Town, a vibrant spot filled with colorful houses and charming shops. After a seafood lunch at Out of the Blue, take a scenic drive along the iconic Slea Head Drive, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic and easily one of the best things to do in Dingle !

En route, stop by the ancient Dunbeg Fort and the Fahan Beehive Huts to get a glimpse of Ireland’s early civilization. Spend your evening at O’Flaherty’s Bar, a traditional Irish pub offering a wide selection of drinks and live music.

On the second day, embark on a boat tour to the Blasket Islands , known for their wildlife and rich literary heritage. After lunch, head further west to Coumeenoole Beach for a leisurely stroll and a picturesque view of the islands.

Your next stop is the Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian church with beautiful architecture that dates back centuries. End your day exploring the local food scene in Dingle Town, perhaps dining at the incredibly sophisticated Chart House .

Heading to the Dingle Peninsula and aren’t sure where to stay? Check out the Best Accommodations in Dingle !

☘️ Days 6-7: The Cliffs of Moher and Doolin

Doolin, a charming town in County Clare, is renowned for its cozy pubs, vibrant townhouses, plethora of fishing boats, and lively music scene. Just eight miles from the town center, you’ll find the majestic Cliffs of Moher, adding to the allure of this picturesque destination.

Start your adventure in the charming town of Doolin, renowned as a hub of Irish music. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, perhaps McGann’s, known for their welcoming atmosphere.

Post breakfast, take a scenic coastal walk to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher . The journey itself is an experience, offering panoramic views of the rugged Atlantic coastline and vibrant green fields. Spend your afternoon exploring the cliffs, standing 700 feet above the ocean at their highest point and stretching for 5 miles – the views are breathtaking.

After the cliffs, unwind at a local pub in Doolin preferably Gus O’Connor’s (my personal favorite pub in Doolin), immersing yourself in traditional Irish music, known locally as ‘Trad sessions’. These informal gatherings are common in Doolin’s pubs, and you’re bound to enjoy the lively tunes and friendly banter. Wrap up the evening with a sumptuous seafood dinner at one of Doolin’s acclaimed restaurants ( Russell’s Fishshop has the best fish and chips).

Early on your second day, take a ferry to the Aran Islands , a group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay . Here, you’ll experience a step back in time, with traditional Irish culture preserved by the island’s inhabitants.

Visit the historic Dun Aengus Fort on Inishmore , the largest of the Aran Islands, and marvel at its cliff-top location. After a day of exploration, return to Doolin for a quiet evening in or a celebratory round of live traditional music while reflecting on the incredible experiences you’ve enjoyed over the past two days in Doolin!

To help you get around, here are 9 BEST Tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher 2024 .

☘️ Day 8: Galway & Traditional Irish Dance

Following your exploration on the stunning Dingle Peninsula, make the 90-minute journey by car up to Galway.

Begin your day in Galway with a hearty Irish breakfast at a local cafe ( Dela Restaurant has the best local fare). Spend your morning exploring the lively city center, strolling through the charming Latin Quarter with its cobbled streets, vibrant shops, and historic landmarks.

Don’t miss out on the Spanish Arch , a remnant of Galway’s medieval city walls, and the Galway City Museum , which houses exhibits on local history and culture.

As the afternoon rolls in, grab a bite at one of the city’s gourmet seafood restaurants. Post-lunch, head to the picturesque Salthill Promenade , popularly known as “the Prom,” to soak in the coastal charm of Galway. Here, you can revel in the breathtaking views of Galway Bay and The Burren in County Clare across the bay.

The highlight of your visit will be the evening performance of “Trad on the Prom” . This dynamic show turns traditional Irish music and dance into a spellbinding spectacle. Watch as world-class performers, including former Riverdance members, take the stage and immerse you in the vibrant rhythm and energy of true Irish culture. They have been called Ireland’s leading display of Irish music and dance for over a decade!

Wrap up your day by enjoying a late-night feast at a traditional Irish pub, perhaps The Quays , where you can once again enjoy live music and good craic in the heart of the city.

☘️ Days 9-10: Sligo & Slieve League Cliffs

To wrap up your 10 day Ireland itinerary, continue your journey 2 hours north to the vibrant town of Sligo, a haven of culture and history. Visit the Sligo Abbey , a remarkable 13th-century Dominican convent brimming with ancient sculptures and carvings.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the rich literary history of Sligo at the Yeats Society Sligo , dedicated to the life and works of the great Irish poet W.B. Yeats.

For lunch, indulge in the local cuisine at Swagman Bar , renowned for its authentic Irish pub fare. Post-lunch, unwind at Lough Gill , a picturesque lake that inspired Yeats’ famous poem, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree.” Conclude your day at Hargadon Bros , a timeless pub with incredible ambiance, and savor traditional Irish food paired with local craft beers.

On your second day, embark on an early 1 hour 40-minute journey to the majestic Slieve League Cliffs , some of the highest marine cliffs in Europe ( they’re even higher than the Cliffs of Moher!) Revel in the awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal Bay, and the Sligo Mountains from the cliff summit.

After a picnic lunch amidst this natural splendor, explore the nearby traditional Irish village of Glencolmcille , steeped in folklore and age-old customs.

End your day with a delicious dinner at Bridgefoot House back in Sligo. Wrap up your two-day journey with live traditional music at Shoot the Crows , a quintessential Irish pub, reflecting on the unforgettable sights and sounds of Sligo and the Slieve League Cliffs.

☘️ Day 11: Return to Dublin or Shannon Airport

As your incredible 10-day journey through Ireland concludes, make the scenic drive back to either Dublin or Shannon Airport.

If you’ll be coming from Sligo, the entire drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, with plenty of stunning views along the way, regardless of which airport you’ll be departing from.

10 Day Ireland Itinerary Map

I created this quick map so you can see all of the locations I mentioned above. If some of them seem too far from the city of Dublin or you would prefer to spend the majority of your time on the more popular southern end of the country, simply divide your time between your preferred locations instead!

Ireland Itinerary Routes: 1 Week, 2 Weeks, & 3 Weeks

Three weeks.

Day 1: Shannon Airport Day 2: Galway Day 3: Doolin Day 4: Limerick Day 5: Adare Day 6: Dingle Day 7: Shannon Airport

Day 1: Dublin Day 2: Dublin Day 3: Kilkenny Day 4: Cork Day 5: Cork Day 6: Kinsale Day 7: Killarney

Day 8: Killarney National Park Day 9: Dingle Peninsula Day 10: Dingle Day 11: Doolin Day 12: Doolin Day 13: Galway Day 14: Shannon or Dublin Airport

Day 1: Dublin Day 2: Sligo Day 3: Sligo Day 4: Sligo Day 5: Galway Day 6: Galway Day 7: Doolin

Day 8: Doolin Day 9: Limerick Day 10: Limerick Day 11: Adare Day 12: Dingle Day 13: Dingle Day 14: Killarney

Day 15: Killarney National Park Day 16: Kinsale Day 17: Kinsale Day 18: Cobh Day 19: Cork Day 20: Kilkenny Day 21: Dublin Airport

The above Ireland itineraries follow 7, 14, or 21 days and are absolutely full of the best sights and attractions based on the amount of time you have!

Of course, they only mention the basic locations, so you’ll want to use everything I mentioned in the above itineraries as a guideline for things to do, but it’s a great start to your route planning.

For example, the one-week Ireland itinerary skips Dublin. Unless you are very keen on seeing the city, we suggest avoiding the tourist traps and getting out into the countryside as quickly as possible.

This won’t only save you an additional 3.5 hours of driving if you plan on seeing the Cliffs of Moher, but it will also put you right in the middle of many of the major sites and cities right from the start of your trip.

If you only have one week for your Ireland itinerary, I highly suggest flying into Shannon Airport.

But, if you are able to spare some extra time and have between 10 days and 2 weeks, then we definitely suggest including Dublin!

You’ll have far more time to get from place to place without having to rush, and you’ll get to experience most of what Ireland has to offer in a relatively short time.

The two-week itinerary includes both small seaside towns and big cities, gives you the opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney National Park, and allots far more time in each destination.

As for the three-week Ireland itinerary , you can’t get much more comprehensive than that!

Over your time in Ireland, you’ll have the chance to see Blarney Castle, the Wild Atlantic Way, major cities including Dublin, Galway, and Cork, both the Cliffs of Moher and the cliffs of Sligo, as well as spend an ample amount of time in each place.

In our opinion, try to spend at least 10 days or more in Ireland to give yourself the chance to really take in all of the incredible sights and small towns.

The people are so kind and hospitable, the food is rich and delicious, the music will keep you singing and dancing, and the endless rolling hills will keep you mesmerized for days.

So, do yourself a favor, and don’t shorten your trip too much !

Where to Stay on Your 10 Day Ireland Itinerary

When planning an Ireland road trip, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which places to go and what to see and do. Yes, the country may be small, but it is packed full of incredible places!

That’s why I’m suggesting you stay for at least 10 days so you can slow down and enjoy all the places you visit. If you have at least 10 days in Ireland ( but hopefully more ), then these are some of the best places you could stay!

If you are interested in history and culture, then Dublin is the place for you. There are several museums that outline Irish history from prehistoric times up until the present day as well as modern art exhibits all over town.

The city even hosts its very own literary festival every year which features many authors both local and international coming together to discuss their works.

Looking to knock “having a Guinness in Dublin” off your bucket list? Then the Guinness Factory should be included in your 10 day Ireland itinerary!

After you have finished your tour, be sure to save room for a pint at one of the most famous bars in both Ireland and Europe… the Temple Bar !

☘️ Pro Tip : If you are planning on staying close to Dublin for your 10 day Ireland itinerary, check out these 20 ultimate day trips from Dublin ! They’ll help you plan an itinerary that will keep your traveling time down and get you out of Dublin to explore the countryside.

Doolin, Ireland is an enchanting little fishing village that has been attracting visitors for decades due to its scenic location on the western coast facing into the Atlantic Ocean between two grand pillars – The Cliffs Of Moher & Burren National Park .

This secluded coastal haven with only around 100 inhabitants during winter still manages to attract thousands of travelers every day who are drawn by natural wonders like limestone pinnacles or legendary places such as ‘ The Poulnabrone Portal Tomb ‘.

☘️ Dingle – my favorite stop on this 10 day Ireland itinerary!

The Dingle Peninsula is located in County Kerry and is my absolute favorite place to travel to in Ireland. It has beautiful open spaces and many local shops to visit.

The peninsula itself stretches 58 kilometers out into the Atlantic Ocean with picturesque views of both mountains and ocean along its coastlines as well as vast beaches that stretch for miles on end.

Our favorite place to stay is the Pax Guest House which offers unbelievable views overlooking lush green fields and the ocean! If you decide to include the Dingle Peninsula on your 10 day Ireland itinerary (I really recommend that you do…), be sure to book at least one night at Pax!

They are incredibly hospitable and offer the most amazing full Irish breakfast in the morning!

☘️ Cobh – a very popular stop on any 10 day Ireland itinerary

Spending a day in Cobh, Ireland is an experience you will never forget. The charming town has a stunning cathedral and vibrant streets that are sure to keep you walking up and down its cobblestone streets for days on end.

Cobh is also home to the picturesque “ Deck of Cards ” houses lining a hill with the beautiful spires of the cathedral in the backdrop. In addition to its vibrant scenery and charming streets, Cobh, also known as Queenstown in 1897, was the last port of call for the Titanic.

Kinsale, Ireland is a small seaside town in County Cork. The port has an old fishing-village atmosphere and its streets are lined with colorful shops selling local produce as well as Irish crafts like hand-knit sweaters and intricately designed Celtic jewelry.

There’s also lots of delicious fresh food to eat at some great restaurants along with traditional music being played on certain nights of the week which makes it more worthwhile to visit during your trip!

Sligo is located on Ireland’s Atlantic Coast just southwest of Donegal Town with easy access to both Dublin City and Belfast International Airport.

It’s a quintessential Irish town with its quaint, windy roads and mountainous landscape.

This lovely seaside town has an abundance of pubs serving traditional Irish fare for lunch or dinner as well as many shops selling unique souvenirs like hand-woven Celtic jewelry.

Galway is a charming town located on the west coast of Ireland. In fact, it’s sometimes referred to as one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for its small-town feel but big history; you can see this by just taking an evening stroll through some parts where cobblestone roads still exist from centuries ago!

It has long held the title of “The City of Tribes” because it was once home to many different races that had their own areas within Galway such as the Vikings.

Galway is also home to the wonderfully famous Irish Step Dance and Music show, Trad on the Prom !

Be sure to book your tickets in advance and research when they will be in Galway before booking your trip to Ireland. Sometimes, they are only in Galway for one week a year!

One of the coolest cities in Ireland, Cork , is a small town with an abundance of culture and character. Located in County Cork on the south coast of Ireland sits this beautiful city.

It’s known for its charming old-time pubs and cobbled streets that date back to medieval times.

There are many activities people can partake in if they visit this lovely destination such as walking along Spike Island or taking a boat tour out into Roaring Water Bay where you’ll get great shots of the stunning scenery surrounding it like Drombeg Stone Circle from across the water.

☘️ Killarney

Killarney is an adorable Irish town with plenty of natural beauty around it for visitors or locals alike to enjoy. It has many attractions such as lakes, woodlands, and lush greenery all over its hillsides perfect for walks amongst nature lovers interested in flora and fauna.

Located just south of the town is also home to one of the most famous natural landmarks in the country: Killarney National Park! This expansive nature preserve is found at the southwestern edge of Ireland’s Ring of Kerry.

The region surrounding it includes some spectacular tourist attractions like Lakes Laune and Lough Lein which are stated by many travelers who have visited this site to be “breathtakingly beautiful”, as well as numerous opportunities for hiking and scenic outlooks!

☘️ Limerick

Limerick is a city in County Limerick, Ireland. It lies on both banks of the River Shannon near where it enters Lough Derg and also borders smaller communities such as Adare, Shanagolden and Castleconnell.

Limerick is filled with a rich history and is well known for its limestone cliffs. It has been the setting of many famous literary works and is where many of the country’s artists come to do their work.

What to Eat on Your 10 Day Ireland Itinerary

The Irish have a great culinary history and some of the best food is served in traditional pubs. The culture surrounding pub life has influenced many people’s cuisine, creating their own specialties that will leave you wanting more when done right.

The Irish take pride in serving up hearty portions with fresh ingredients cooked to perfection; each dish tells its own story behind it and should not be missed out on if visiting Ireland!

☘️ Fish and Chips – a must-try on any 10 day Ireland itinerary!

When it comes to fish and chips, few other places in the world rival that of Ireland. The fish is always freshly caught in local waters, thinly battered, and fried to deep golden perfection, and served with a heaping pile of well-made fries.

If you love seafood, be sure to include this Irish staple on your Irish itinerary!

☘️ Black and White Pudding

Briefly described previously, this Irish dish is made of boiled pig or cow blood that is mixed with oatmeal or barley and suet, then rolled into a sausage.

It is often served in sandwiches, with traditional Irish breakfasts, and on its own or with potatoes.

It isn’t my personal pleasure, but if you’re traveling to Ireland I highly suggest you try it, even if it’s just for the experience alone!

☘️ Beef Stew

Irish stew, made with beef and potatoes is a popular dish in Ireland. It consists of meat like lamb or mutton along with root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and onions that are often accompanied by parsley sauce.

The origins of Irish stew date back to the 1700s when it was invented for poorer communities who couldn’t afford large amounts of cuts from big animals but instead had small pieces leftover which they cooked slowly until tender enough to eat.

Ireland is known for its buttery scones and delicious jam.

Often served alongside tea and coffee, these tasty treats make the perfect breakfast! You can find them at almost every accommodation offering breakfast and at most local bakeries.

☘️ Traditional Irish Soda Bread – be sure to try this on your 10 day Ireland itinerary!

When in Ireland, eat soda bread! It has a special ingredient in the dough called baking powder (carbonate), also known as sodium bicarbonate, that causes this homemade treat to rise into fluffy goodness with an appealing golden-brown crust when cooked on top of or under heat.

The use for this simple batter dates back for centuries during hard times where resources were scarce but making good food was important.

☘️ Colcannon

Ireland is known for its colcannon mashed potatoes. These are made with boiled and smashed up white potatoes, as well as cabbage leaves or kale that have been cooked in salted water until tender.

Milk, butter, salt, and pepper are added to taste before serving it hot beside a big Irish breakfast of sausages or smoked salmon on toast alongside eggs.

More popular today, you can order colcannon potatoes as a side dish at many traditional Irish restaurants and pubs!

☘️ Shellfish

The Irish love their shellfish. They also have a strong connection to the sea and take pride in catching, cooking, and consuming it.

All types of shellfish can be enjoyed, from clams to oysters and lobster.

☘️ Full Irish Breakfast – the most popular breakfast on any Ireland itinerary!

Ireland has long been associated with its traditional “full” breakfasts which include foods such as smoked bacon (“rashers”) sausage links/patties, black pudding, white pudding, baked beans or mushrooms in a tomato sauce, heated and fried tomatoes, buttery pancakes, sunny side up eggs, and scones.

You can often order this kind of breakfast at most hotels and upscale accommodations as well as any breakfast restaurant.

10 Day Ireland Itinerary Packing List

The weather in Ireland is known for its unpredictable nature. It can range from a warm and humid summer to a cold winter rain that lasts weeks on end, so it’s important you pack accordingly!

Ireland has very temperamental weather due to the Atlantic Ocean’s influence, however, overall it tends towards being milder than most of Europe during the winter months but colder than England in the summers.

No matter what season you decide to visit Ireland (though I urge you to consider the shoulder seasons) these are the most important items to include on your packing list for Ireland.

☘️ A Rain Jacket ☘️ Warm Boots ☘️ Comfortable Walking Shoes ☘️ Layers ☘️ An Umbrella

For my complete Ireland packing list, check out these 23+ Ireland Packing List Items ! Or jump down to the last section in this article for a FREE downloadable packing list for Ireland!

How to Get to Ireland for 10 Days

As you may already be aware, Ireland is an island nation situated in the heart of the vast Atlantic Ocean. If you were already privy to this fact, you might understandably presume that the sole means of journeying to this captivating destination is by air or sea.

Think again! If coming from the United Kingdom , travelers can book train tickets with the Welsh company, Arriva , which includes a ferry to cross the Irish Sea. Once you arrive back on land, you’ll be transported onto a new train where they will take you to your final destination in Dublin.

But, if you aren’t coming from the U.K., a plane is likely in your future. I always use Expedia to compare the latest routes, fares, and timetables! It’s also a great way to see which airlines are flying your routes if you prefer to book directly with the airline.

Getting Around on Your 10 Day Ireland Itinerary

Ireland is a rather small country with relatively well-maintained roads and plenty of options for getting from place to place.

Whether you’re looking to be stress-free and book a multi-day tour that will take you all over the country or you want to plan your very own road trip so you have unlimited freedom on where you go and how much time you spend somewhere, Ireland has something for you!

First off, public transportation . Ireland is well-equipped with trains (Iarnród Éireann) that travel to almost all of the major cities in the country from Dublin. From there, you’ll need to arrange to take a bus or a private vehicle to get you to smaller towns.

As for buses , Ireland is chock full of them. Each city has its own bus system, and Local Link runs a rural bus service for smaller towns and villages.

So, if you want to avoid renting a car, you can take a train from most major cities then a bus into smaller towns and rural areas. However, if you don’t like to be on someone else’s schedule, then I suggest avoiding this option altogether.

Trains and buses run strict schedules so you’ll be limited on when you go to each place and how long you get in each place. If you are more like me and like to “wing it” when it comes to planning road trips, I suggest renting yourself a car.

Also, I like to have my space when traveling long distances, so tight quarters on a multi-hour bus ride doesn’t sound too enjoyable to me. If you agree, there’s another reason to rent a car . Ireland’s roads are well-kept and yes , the driving can be a little intimidating at first , but it is well worth the rewards!

You’ll be sitting on the right side of the car and driving on the left side of the road. The first roundabout is going to be hard if you aren’t used to this, but once you get the hang of it you’ll be fine. Just take your time and avoid parallel parking. And while most of the cars are manuals, you can pay extra ( a lot extra ) for an automatic.

Travel Tips for Visiting Ireland for 10 Days

Whether this is your first trip to Ireland or your 5th, there are a few insider tips I want to share with you! I made some of these same mistakes on my first trip to Ireland, so hopefully I can prevent you from doing the same.

☘️ First, if you order a sandwich and it comes with this little black or white paddy inside with small, white speckles in it, that’s called black pudding

It is made from boiled beef or pork blood, suet (animal fat), and oats or barley. This is a staple in Irish cuisine so it’s going to be included in pretty much everything, but don’t be afraid to ask them to omit it if this isn’t your style. Personally, I wasn’t much of a fan, but you might be!

☘️ Second, the bars open early

If you’re from the U.S., you’re probably used to most bars opening around noon or 1pm, or even as late as 4pm or 5pm. In Ireland, you can expect to see “open” signs hanging from windows as early as 8 o’clock in the morning.

☘️ Always order your stouts first or you’ll hear about it from the bartender

Stouts take a long time to settle, so if you order multiple Irish ciders, some Irish coffees, and then order a Guinness at the very end, the bartenders will kindly ask you to order it first next time. This helps them be as efficient as possible with every person who comes to the bar.

You’re in Ireland, so they’ll be nice about it, but it’s best to help them out right from the beginning!

☘️ Speaking of beer, there are two sizes

Half pints and full pints. Don’t go up to the bar and order anything in ounces. Chances are, they’ll choose either a half or whole pint depending on how much you asked for and give you the closest one.

☘️ Bring home something with Irish wool

It’s the softest and warmest material that’s locally made in Ireland! Scarves, sweaters, and gloves are the most common options and they are well worth the splurge.

☘️ The people are so, so kind

Nowhere else in the world are the people as lively and hospitable as they are in Ireland.

Do yourself a favor and start up some conversations with the locals, buy the CDs from the live bands, and don’t be afraid to make friends here!

☘️ Driving in Ireland can be hard to get used to

If you’re a Westerner like I am, you’ll need to mentally prepare for driving on the left-hand side of the road and driving from the right-hand side of the car.

Locals usually drive fast and drinking and driving is common in cities like Dublin and Cork, so be wary when driving at night.

How to Plan Your First Trip to Ireland

To plan your first trip to Ireland, the first step is to get organized . Ireland is a small country that can be seen in just about two weeks, however, you shouldn’t let that rush your trip planning.

You’ll need to decide what cities and small towns are the most important for you , as well as which attractions should not be missed .

Once those decisions have been made, map out an itinerary with all of the key points included in it (i.e., don’t forget hotels !).

Since it may be your first time visiting, you’ll probably want to see a lot of the major points. Think Cliffs of Moher, Guinness Factory, Blarney Castle, Galway, Wild Atlantic Way, Killarney National Park, Sligo, Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland , and so on.

Once you know exactly what you want to do, you’ll need to decide if you want to rent a car , take the train , or take buses .

Keep in mind that drivers sit on the right side of the car and drive on the left side of the road in Ireland, with most cars being manuals. If this doesn’t scare you away, then we highly suggest renting a car !

☘️ Renting a car gives you full freedom to travel at your own pace and add in or take away items on your 10 day Ireland itinerary at your leisure.

Now that you have where you want to go and how you’re going to get there figured out, you can plan your 10 day Ireland itinerary . We suggest typing everything into Google Maps and organizing each location for time and distance efficiency .

Once your itinerary is made , you can start looking into accommodations and flights . Once you’ve spoken will all of your accommodations and are comfortable with the flight prices, you are ready to book your Irish vacation!

What to Buy in Ireland

Looking for a special keepsake to bring home that will remind you of your amazing visit for decades to come? Or some traditional Irish products to enjoy at home?

These are the absolute best items to buy on your trip to Ireland!

☘️ Pottery and Ceramics

There is something truly special about hand-crafted Irish pottery! Small, local shops scatter the country selling unique (and expensive) dish sets, vases, bowls, and almost anything else you can think of!

For a true keepsake that can be passed on for generations, you can buy yourself a new dish set and have it safely shipped home. Talk about the best present on your doorstep to welcome you home!

☘️ Aran Island Wool – be sure to pick this special souvenir up on your 10 day Ireland itinerary!

The Aran Islands have been renowned for generations for their wool sweaters and scarves. Irish tradition dictates that the unique stitch patterns on each garment were passed down from mother to daughter, so every sweater tells a story about its wearer’s ancestors.

Jerseys, cardigans, mittens, and more are all woven from this special stitching and are often seen being worn by many locals in the rural villages of Ireland.

To this day, I still wear my original Irish scarf made of Aran Island wool. Each time I wear it I’m reminded of my fond memories of Ireland and how much I can’t wait to return!

☘️ Homemade Soap

Small craft shops cover both the larger cities and the more rural towns of Ireland, each selling their own take on what makes the best bars of soaps.

They are always made using local creams, extracts, and florals, and make a perfect gift for both yourself and any loved ones waiting for you back home!

☘️ Cheese and Chocolate

Cheese, chocolate, and the beauty of Ireland go hand in hand. Head to Doolin for the best cheese plates in the country, all using locally sourced cheeses, and paired with honey from local bee farmers.

As for the chocolate, it’s impossible not to devour at least a few pieces in every store in Dublin. Especially in the big cities, you can find everything from Belgian to French chocolates, as well as other delectable sweets.

☘️ Waterford Crystal

Waterford Crystal is one of the world’s most sought-after luxury glassware companies. It was founded in 1783 and has been based near Dublin, Ireland since its inception.

Waterford Crystal is a top-tier company that produces some of the finest glasses around today; it began as an Irish factory almost 200 years ago and continues to produce extravagant products to this day.

☘️ Original Artwork

Ireland is a very popular destination for both local and foreign artists to come to work. From the stunning scenery to the charming cottages and cow fields, there is no better place to bring home an original piece of artwork to hang on your wall.

Not looking to carry a canvas painting on your flight home? Don’t worry!

Many artists provide shipping opportunities as well as pre-packaged prints of their original works, so you don’t have to leave Ireland empty-handed.

☘️ Donegal Tweed

Donegal tweed, a type of wool fabric produced in County Donegal, Ireland has an elegant and distinctive appearance.

The tweed was originally made by having been hand-woven by talented, hardworking people for centuries but now it’s also being made to meet modern fashion needs with new colors like camel brown or midnight blue.

You can buy a sweater or other fashionable items made from the tweed, or if you’re interested in creating your very own piece of clothing, the tweed is for sale at a variety of places in Ireland.

☘️ Wool Yarn

Wool yarn is produced all over Ireland owing to the extremely large amount of sheep and farmers local to the different areas. Not all wool yarn is from the Aran Islands, and a spool or two of high-quality wool yarn makes for excellent gifts to those who love to knit on their own!

Wool yarn is wonderful for making warm scarves, mittens, and sweaters for the cooler months. For the ultimate warm blanket to cozy up on the couch with, be sure to buy quite a few spools!

Now, you can opt to buy the handcrafted pottery mugs from the local shops (which I highly suggest as they are unparalleled), or if you’re looking to stay on a tighter budget, there are plenty of souvenir shops that sell manufactured coffee mugs that are also quite nice.

There’s nothing better than waking up in the morning to a cup of hot coffee in your favorite Irish mug! And keep in mind that you can always pick up something simple at a nearby Aldi .

For a complete list of my favorite Irish gifts and trinkets, check out these 27 BEST Souvenirs from Ireland !

Best Day Trips From Dublin

While most folks often think of Ireland as one of the drinking capitals of the world with major cities and endless pubs, there is so much more to this unique island set in the middle of the Atlantic.

Hundreds of rural villages and towns boast quintessential Irish ambiance with their stray sheep and cows, stone-bordered grass fields, rock and clay cottages, and panoramic vistas.

Don’t get me wrong, there are endless pubs galore and you could live in Ireland for a year without drinking at the same bar twice, but don’t forget to include pieces of the beautiful countryside on your 10 day Ireland itinerary.

If you were to visit Ireland and only travel to Dublin, you would be missing out on 99% of what Ireland is all about.

That’s why I’ve created this list of the best day trips from Dublin, so even if you are very short on time, you can still experience more of this amazing place.

It is far from all-inclusive, so if you want a complete list, check out this post on 20 EPIC Day Trips By Train From Dublin [2024 UPDATE] !

☘️ Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are located on the west coast between Doolin and Liscannor. They rise 120 meters above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag’s Head, reach their maximum height just north of O’Brien’s Tower, and extend for about 8 kilometers to Hags Bay looking out towards Inisheer Island.

They offer visitors the most unbelievable views over the ocean and are the most popular destination in Ireland, as well as one of the most popular destinations in the world!

All-inclusive full-day tours are available from Dublin, so you won’t need to worry about doing any planning if you’ll only be in Dublin for a few days and don’t want to rent a car. If that’s the case, read up on my 9 BEST Rated Cliffs of Moher Tours from Dublin in 2024 !

☘️ Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle, located in Malahide near Dublin, is one of the largest castles in Ireland.

It was built around 1185 by Richard Talbot as his principal residence to guard access from the sea into Dublin Bay and eventually developed within a walled town with four gates giving it an important defensive position on its landward sides too.

This impressive castle is very popular among tourists and makes for a great day trip from Dublin. At less than a thirty-minute drive from the city, there is no reason not to include this amazing castle on your 10 day Ireland itinerary!

☘️ Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel, one of the most iconic and recognized sites in Ireland, is a medieval fortress located near Cashel Town. It was originally built during King Cormac’s reign in approximately 1101 AD to serve as both his palace and Tipperary County’s cathedral church.

The rock itself stands 70 meters tall (230 feet) with steep cliffs on all sides except for where three outcrops have been cut down by St Patrick Street/High Street so that people can walk up to its entrance gate. The gift shop sells unique jewelry and other crafts.

This attraction is located just under two hours southwest of Dublin and can easily be combined with a day trip to Kilkenny!

☘️ Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is a basalt sea cliff in Northern Ireland. The rocks are the remains of an ancient lava flow after cooling for 50 million years ago, and it stretches over 40 kilometers along the coastline.

It was declared as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1986 and brings in thousands of visitors every year!

Giant’s Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns of varying heights and widths. The landscape borders on magical and is one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Ireland. Keep in mind, you will need to cross into Northern Ireland to get here.

☘️ Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery and National Monument located in Connemara, County Galway just outside of Connemara National Park (absolutely worth visiting if you have time!)

Its settlement is placed on top of beautiful hills with lush vegetation and it’s surrounded by the beautiful Pollacapall Lough Lake.

The monastery can be explored inside and out and boasts romantic gardens simply full of blooming flowers in the springtime.

For those who love history, nature, or medieval castles, Kylemore Abbey makes for the perfect day trip from Dublin. While it is a longer distance from Dublin than the other day trips, averaging 3.5 hours by car, it is one of the best sights in Ireland and is absolutely worth the long day.

If you have a little extra time to spare, I would recommend booking an accommodation nearby and driving back to Dublin the next morning, if possible.

FAQ: 10 Day Ireland Itinerary

In this next section, I’ll be delving into some essential questions you’ll want to know before planning your trip to Ireland!

What is the Best Month to Go to Ireland?

It really is true when people say that Ireland is spectacular no matter what time of year you visit. In the winter , visitors can dance the night away with locals in cozy pubs and enjoy festive Christmas markets each with their own unique souvenirs and holiday gifts.

In the summer, the weather is enjoyable with more frequent sunny skies (though it is Ireland, so rain is always a possibility) and all of the major attractions are open for their peak season hours.

However, we truly believe that the best time to visit Ireland is in the off-season months of April and May or August through November . These months will still provide comfortable (well, let’s say bearable) weather but a fraction of the number of tourists you would see in the summer months.

There will be shorter wait times at restaurants and bars, fewer tour buses, and less crowded photographs at all of the major attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher.

Not to mention, visiting Ireland in these months can also save you a lot of money. That’s right!

Many tour groups, hotels, car rentals agencies, and airlines increase their rates for the peak summer months, so by booking outside of this period, you’ll actually save yourself from paying inflated rates everywhere you go!

While Ireland is beautiful no matter what time of year you decide to visit, we highly suggest planning your 10 day Ireland itinerary for one of the shoulder seasons.

How Many Days Is Ideal for Ireland?

Between 10-14 days is ideal for Ireland, though it is possible to see a large portion of the island in less time.

Depending on your travel style, how much time you want to spend traveling around the country, where you want to go, what you want to see, and how long you don’t mind being away from home, this answer could change drastically.

For us, we believe you need to spend at least 7 days in Ireland. This is how long we spent on our first visit, and we left feeling as though we had seen a lot… but there was also so much we hadn’t seen .

7 days gave us the perfect amount of time to see a lot of the “big hitters”: the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dingle, Kilkenny, and so on.

But, it didn’t give us too much time for just relaxing. Each and every day included driving multiple hours and jumping from one place to the next with little sleep in between.

Then again, we don’t mind traveling this way as backpackers, but for those looking for a relaxing vacation, 7 days is a tight squeeze for Ireland.

Instead, we think spending 10 days in Ireland is enough time to do and see a lot, but also provides you time to soak it all in.

Once you get there, you’ll want to sip your morning coffee while looking out over fields of cows and sheep, enjoy a pint (or a few) in the pubs with the locals, and dance to some traditional Irish folk music.

Don’t deprive yourself of these experiences by cutting your trip too short!

So, to answer your question: “ What Can I Do in Ireland for 10 Days? “, the answer is a lot! Fly into the capital, spend two days in Dublin visiting the Temple Bar, Guinness Factory, and Jameson Distillery, then rent a car and get out of the city.

From Dublin, we suggest including the Cliffs of Moher in Doolin, then including Galway and a few of the smaller towns on the west coast of Ireland.

If you decide the city isn’t really your style, I hear you! Instead, fly into Shannon Airport and include the Dingle Peninsula, Limerick, Killarney, Kinsale, and Cork in your 10 day Ireland itinerary.

Both itineraries can be completed in 5 days, but if you don’t want to feel too rushed, then we suggest staying for at least 7 days.

Don’t worry, we go into these itineraries in much more detail below!

Is 10 Days Long Enough for Ireland?

10 days is a solid base to start exploring Ireland, but in our experience, we have found that you could probably spend a month on the island and still feel like you haven’t seen it all!

10 days will provide you enough time for seeing many of the big cities, getting out into the rolling countryside, and seeing a lot of the iconic attractions. As long as you are comfortable with being on the road for a good portion of your trip, you’ll be able to fit a lot into your vacation.

If you would prefer to spend less time traveling between destinations, then perhaps 14 days is a better option for you.

Is 12 Days in Ireland Enough?

Twelve days gives you a generous amount of time to explore the charm that Ireland has to offer and is enough for most people.

You’ll have ample opportunity to discover the vibrant culture and history in cities like Dublin and Galway, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, and soak up the tranquil beauty of the Connemara countryside.

Let’s not forget, you’ll also have time to enjoy a pint or two of Guinness at a traditional Irish pub!

How Do I Plan a Perfect Ireland Itinerary?

Planning a perfect Ireland itinerary takes a bit of thought but is absolutely doable . Start by outlining your must-visit destinations and dividing your days according to the distance between these locations. Prioritize the experiences you don’t want to miss – be it exploring the medieval castles, hiking the cliff trails, or touring the famed whiskey distilleries.

Don’t forget to factor in some downtime to just sit back and immerse yourself in the Irish culture. The locals are so hospitable and love sharing stories, so don’t neglect to leave some time for a genuine conversation with a local.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy and experience Ireland at your own pace. The Emerald Isle is known for its relaxed vibe, so take a leaf from that book. Plan , but don’t overplan .

What To Do If You Have More or Less Than 10 Days in Ireland

The itineraries I’ve provided in the above one, two, and three-week ranges are perfect if you have more or less time than 10 days in Ireland. You can change up the routes, add or take away stops, and spend as much time as you would like in each place.

The routes have been designed to accommodate what we would say is the recommended amount of time in each place, but do some research and decide what is best for you and your travel preferences.

How Much Does Ireland Cost?

Though many people believe that Ireland is an affordable destination, it may not be as cheap as you think. The major cities like Dublin and Galway offer hotels that usually cost hundreds of dollars per night.

While Airbnb is in full swing, even renting out a private room or apartment can get pricey due to cleaning and booking fees associated with your stay. It can be easy to get swept away by Ireland’s charming pubs with live music, delicious Irish coffee, and medieval castles.

However many people don’t realize how quickly costs add up in Ireland due to high prices within the country itself along with expenses from traveling between cities.

From planes to car rentals, alcohol, and hearty meals, Ireland isn’t the cheapest destination in Europe. But, don’t let that sway your decision to visit. Ireland can be seen on an affordable budget, you’ll just have to be mindful of where you spend your money.

Below is a list of the average cost for everything from accommodations to car rentals, meals, and attractions. Use it to help guide your budget to a comfortable level, but be reasonable in understanding that these averages could change depending on the season, day of the week, location, and numerous other factors .

Accommodations

Budget Hostel (per person): €45-60 per night Mid-Range Hotel: €95-150 per night Luxury Hotel: €200-400+ per night

Transportation

Car Rentals: between $30-50 per day plus insurance Dublin to Galway Train: $35-40 (one way) Dublin to Galway Bus: $15 (one way)

Fish and Chips Dinner: €8-12 Burgers and Fries for 2 People: €30-40 Full Irish Breakfast: €3-6 Pint of Guinness: €5-7

Attractions

Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center: €10 per adult (children 12 and younger are free) Cliffs of Moher Parking: €6 Guinness Factory Tour: €25 per adult

What Should I Avoid on My 10 Day Ireland Itinerary?

When visiting Ireland, there really are very few things you need to avoid in terms of places, sites, and attractions. That being said, some are more worth your time than others in our opinion.

For example, we don’t necessarily recommend visiting Dublin . Sure, it’s a cool city that is well known for the Jameson Distillery, the Guinness Storehouse, and other iconic attractions, however, we often fail to see the authentic Irish charm that is so prominent throughout the rest of the country. It is worth checking out if you like cities, but we suggest spending more time elsewhere for the most part.

Next, I need to tell you how NOT to stand out like a tourist . This isn’t Paris or London where you should be trying to show off your fanciest dress and sandal combo… instead, opt for leggings or jeans with a warm sweater and rainboots to fit in better.

Don’t get me wrong – they will still know you’re a tourist as soon as you start talking, but at least you can play the part a little.

Trust me, broken heels aren’t cute. Leave the heels, short shorts, and spaghetti-strap tank tops at home . It’s likely going to be too chilly for this sort of attire anyways.

Cozy sweaters, flowy dresses matched with comfortable, cute shoes, and wool socks will make you look and feel like a local! Ireland is not a place where you want to stand out as much as you will want to fit in.

Everyone is very fun-loving and hospitable, so there is no need to feel like you need to impress anyone (the best kind of vacation in my book!)

Lastly, don’t be rude . The Irish are some of the kindest people in the entire world who will stop what they are doing at the drop of a hat to help you with something. They truly care about your experience and invite you into their homes (b&bs) with open arms and full hearts! So, do your part and return the kindness.

Things in Ireland don’t always happen quickly and efficiently, but that’s all part of the experience.

Use your trip to Ireland as an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the little things like the Irish do – a hot cup of coffee with a loved one, a pint of Guinness with a friend, and hours on end of trad sessions in a small pub in a rural village in the middle of nowhere.

These things are what make Ireland so special. As they say, it’s the little things that make us happy!

The Ultimate Packing List for Ireland ☘

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With its picturesque rolling green hills that seamlessly meet stunning coastlines, it’s no surprise that Ireland captures the hearts of countless tourists seeking the ultimate getaway destination.

From our list of must-see destinations and things to do, to our personal picks for the best day trips and the best souvenirs to remember your trip, there is something here that will appeal to everyone who visits this beautiful country.

With this ultimate guide to help plan your 10 day Ireland itinerary , you’re sure to get a good feel for the Irish craic that everyone’s talking about!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

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7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide For The South

Last Updated April 25, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide For The South

This 7-day Ireland itinerary guide is broken into three main parts – trip planning decision points, the comprehensive breakdown of each day, and my personal planning tips.  This is meant to be super comprehensive and is everything I would have wanted to know when I planned this South Ireland road trip, along with what to see in 7 days.

Ireland is a place where legends, epics, and science fiction become reality.  Ireland is a breathtaking ancient landscape, rolling green hills and craggy sharp rock. Ireland is céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes).

Read more about Ireland

• Things you have to see and do on your Ireland road trip
• 6 of the Best Things to do in Galway
• Must-read Ireland travel guide

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING IRELAND

• Our favorite spot – You’ll discover this as you go through the itinerary but if I had to pick, I’d say it was our day at Skellig Michael , not only as a Star Wars nerd, but our timing in being able to see the puffins in droves.  Truly a special day.
• Where to stay – 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.
• Renting a car – An important part to a road trip is obviously a car. Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
• 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 – This is a must for a road trip! Check out the best travel insurance .
• Hottest deals – Bookmark our frequently updated travel deals page .

In This Article

Recommended travel time

Areas to focus, best time to go, packing essentials, where to stay, flying into ireland, interactive map, itinerary day 1 – a peek inside the ancient east, itinerary day 2 – from castles to a ring called kerry, itinerary day 3 – magic on skellig michael, itinerary day 4 – a day in killarney, itinerary day 5 – coastal adventures on dingle peninsula, itinerary day 6 – mighty cliffs and the burren, itinerary day 7 – clash of gaelic sport and dublin delight, itinerary flexibility and changes, frequently asked questions, travel resources for your next trip, ireland road trip planning.

Planning a South Ireland road trip isn’t hard.  There’s a few things to consider as you put everything together before you start planning.

For more details make sure to read everything you need to know when you plan a trip to Ireland .

There’s three scenarios here: 1) You have limited vacation days, 2) you found a flight deal with specific dates, or 3) there’s flexibility.

If it’s #1 or #2, you already know your answer but if it’s #3, things become intriguing.  It’s in part dictated by your decision on how much you’d like to see and the pace at which you travel.

Our week in Ireland wasn’t enough to see everything we wanted in the south but was the perfect amount to see the highlights.  I’d say Ireland in 7 days is a bare minimum and your itinerary will be decently packed.  Any less, you’ll have to focus on less regions or drive aggressively which isn’t recommended.

Two weeks is the perfect amount whether you decide to deep dive in a specific area or see the whole island.  For the sake of keeping this guide focused, let’s say you only have 7 days to work with.

A week in the Emerald Isle is certainly not enough but if you’ve got limited time like we did, you’ll have to make a pretty critical decision.  Do you focus on the North, South, or the whole island?  Do you want to take it slow or hit up as much as you can? 

The island of Ireland is divided into two parts.  The majority of the land is covered by the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland) and the other sixth is Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom to the northeast.

One of the most recognizable places of Ireland is Giant’s Causeway and it’s the reason you’ll want to come to this part of the island.  The unusual basalt pillars are incredibly unique and will boggle your mind.  In the north, it’s cities like Belfast and Derry which present the most compelling and fascinating political history if you’re interested in learning about that and the complicated past around Ireland’s independence.  There is plenty to see here and it’s just as beautiful as the southern part of the island.

Other highlights include:

• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Dark Hedges
• Donegal – There’s a reason why this region was picked as ‘Coolest Place on the Planet for 2017’ by  National Geographic Traveler

There is no official “southern Ireland” borderline but we’re labeling that as everywhere below the line connecting Galway to Dublin.

Southern Ireland is dramatically different in terrain and sights than the north.  The south is where you’ll find a majority of the larger cities of Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Galway city, and Limerick.

Our main reason for doing a South Ireland road trip is to experience the Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael, Dingle, Connemara National Park and explore castles and ancient ruins.

The full loop

The island itself isn’t that large (area wise, it is in fact smaller than Iceland) and doing a loop is certainly possible in 7 days.  It’s an ambitious schedule but definitely possible.

Ultimately we chose to do the south because we had done Northern Ireland on a separate short stopover trip and wanted to see a different side to Ireland.

The summer months are short and in the winter most things in the country are shut down.  As a result, it kind of makes it simple in terms of when to plan your trip.

July and August are the peak of high season; school is out and you contend with the large hoards of tourists, both domestic and international.  On average these months have a high of 20C.

Spring and fall are going to be a bit temperamental but, if you’re okay with rain, you’ll find awesome flight deals and cheaper hotels.  Expect the temperatures to be colder though with highs of 15C.

The sweet spot, however, has to be June .  It’s during the summer solstice with the longest days of the year and it’s the start of high season.  You get the best of amazing weather and smaller crowd sizes.  It was incredible that there was enough light to sightsee until 10PM.

Packing for a South Ireland road trip shouldn’t be too hard as you’ll be staying at B&B’s and hotels all the way through.

Since you’ll have access to a car you don’t have to pack ultra-light.  You will want to rent the smallest car possible though, which means minimal trunk space.

Waterproof – You’re not going to skip every spot you have on your itinerary because of rain.  This means that you’ll have to brave the elements.  Have rain gear with you in case you need it.

GPS – If you have a data plan, using your smartphone for GPS will be your first choice so you can leverage any traffic information to take the most optimal route.  If not, a stand-alone unit will work just as well. Don’t assume your car will have GPS built in.  Before your trip, make sure you save areas offline on Google Maps and Save/Star all your destinations.  Google Maps will work offline (minus traffic adjustments).

Money – Ireland is part of the EU and as such, Euro is the currency.  Cash or credit is widely accepted.  If you’re from Canada, make sure you have the right credit card to either minimize on foreign exchange fees or maximize points.

Always cool – In the summer, it tops out in the low 20Cs.  Evenings drop down to the 10Cs or lower so pack accordingly.  I had a light Quiksilver hoodie always ready to go in the car in case things got chilly.

You can find other gear that I recommend for a trip to visit Ireland below.

• 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?

After deciding the focus area of your trip and having a rough idea of the spots you want to see, the next step is figuring out where to stay.

The best part about Ireland is the hospitality and it’s a big reason we had such a great time.  The scenery blew our minds, but those conversations with the owners of the B&Bs and hotel staff made for a lasting impression.

B&B’s:   You’ll only find hotels in the big cities. In the country-side you’re going to rely on family owned B&B accommodations.  Each one is unique and the best part is the delicious breakfast included.

Hotels:   In the bigger cities you’ll have the option to stay at a hotel.  We quite enjoyed our big rooms, luxurious beds, and room cleaning when we had the opportunity.  Not to say we didn’t have that at the B&Bs, but it was nice to go into a hotel knowing the level of service and quality that you’d expect.

Glamping:   When I found out about Galway Glamping with Mongolian yurts, I knew we had to try it.  You get an experience that gets you into the charming countryside setting while not sacrificing the comforts of a hot shower, kitchen, and lounge rooms.  Similar to B&Bs, the hosts are just as accommodating, friendly, and helpful.

Places we stayed across Ireland in 7 days:

• Kilkenny – Newlands Lodge
• Portmagee – Skellig View White Room Airbnb
• Killarney – The Lake Hotel
• Dingle – An Portán
• Lisdoonvarna (near Doolin) – Slieve Elva B&B
• Galway – Galway Glamping
• Dublin – The Croke Park Hotel

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Tips and Advice:

• Be careful about check-in times.  Typically there are very specific time slots where they expect you to come in.  If you aren’t able to, make sure you reach out to them beforehand, give the owners an estimate of when you’ll arrive, and get approval.
• When glamping, make sure to ask what facilities are available so you come prepared.  In Galway Glamping’s case, they did not provide towels so we had to bring our own travel towel .

The main international airport is Dublin (DUB) but there are also airports in Shannon (SNN), Belfast (BFS), Cork (ORK), and Knock in West Ireland (NOC).

Coming from Canada, Dublin airport will be your primary access point into Ireland.  Our choice of airline is Air Transat .  We flew economy and were greeted with great leg room, a solid entertainment system, excellent service and amazing food.

If you’re coming from another part of Europe, you have even more airports open to you.

• Kerry Airport : Served by flights from Dublin, Manchester, London-Luton, London-Stansted and Frankfurt.
• Waterford Airport:  Served by flights from London-Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bordeaux, Lorient.
• Galway Airport:  Served by flights from Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradfort, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton.
• Donegal Airport
• Sligo Airport
• George Best Belfast City Airport
• City of Derry Airport

These options allow you to get creative with your itinerary.  For instance, instead of doing a round trip journey in and out of Dublin, you could start in Dublin on the East side of the island to Shannon on the West.

Table of Contents

The 7 Day Ireland Itinerary

With the basics covered, the next step is to plan your day by day Ireland itinerary.

This high level outline shows everything we did across the 7 day road trip including sights, restaurants we tried, where we stayed, and invaluable insight we learned through adventure and misadventure.

This is meant to be a guideline because everyone’s situation will be different.  That said, if you’re looking for a baseline to start from, this guide is probably the best out there.  Sign up to become an insider and get access to the downloadable spreadsheet .

If you’re coming from North America, you’ll most likely be taking a red-eye flight, flying out in the evening and arriving the next morning.  This means you may be too tired to hit the ground running.  For us, we tried to sleep through the flight so that we’d have enough energy to last the first day.

Upon landing in Dublin and out of the airport by 1PM, we made an explicit decision to hit the road right away.  There’s more details in the driving section of our road trip guide but since I knew driving in Dublin was going to be a headache, it seemed more logical to finish there, return the car in the city and then rely on local transportation.

After picking up our rental car from Europcar we found our way to Glendalough in the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains region.  Glendalough Monastic City ruins were very impressive and almost fairytale-like with the Round Tower, Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, the high crosses in the graveyard, and the priest’s house.  Make sure not to miss the walk up to the Upper Lake which has a postcard worthy view.  It’s roughly a 30 minute walk each way.

We then drove to the city of Kilkenny, our final destination of the day.  We arrived too late to do the Kilkenny Castle tour but there was plenty to see walking around the grounds, including the massive green park on one side and the rose garden on the other.

After dinner, we treated ourselves to Murphy’s Ice Cream.   Our favorite flavor has to be their Dingle Sea Salt, try it!

If we had more time:

Smithwick’s Experience – Smithwick’s ended up being our beloved beer for the trip and would have loved to have done this tour.  They also had an evening experience that sounded fun.

PETRONELLA RESTAURANT & CAFE

Quaint restaurant down a small alleyway in Kilkenny that serves excellent European dishes that span Irish to Italian.  Ordered the Baked Goatsbridge trout and Pappardelle pasta and both were very good.  Loved the decor here as well.  Best part was when the manager, Frank, came out to greet all the customers to see how everything was.

TripAdvisor

NEWLANDS LODGE

Just outside of Kilkenny, this B&B is a lovely property that will exceed all expectations whether it comes to the spacious rooms that are impeccably clean, friendly service from owners Mairead and Jimmy, and delicious all-inclusive breakfast.

Booking.com

Tips and Tricks:

• Car rental and driving tips – See everything you need to know to plan a trip to Ireland . We found our car rental via Discover Cars .
• Parking at Glendalough – We parked at the first parking lot we saw which turned out to be the Glendalough Hotel.  The parking was “free” and we weren’t ticketed although I’d say in high season it may not be as easy as it was for us.
• Glendalough Monastic City – No admission required.
• Relieve and hydrate – The walk to the Upper Lake is long and there isn’t much cover at the main site so either use the visitor center or Glendalough Hotel for the bathroom facilities.
• Kells Priory – This is an off-the-beaten-path spot that would be worth considering in your itinerary.  Read more about it here .

With a full stomach from our Irish breakfast, we hopped into our car and made our way to the Rock of Cashel .  

On a green hill with banded limestone, ancient fortifications create a ring around the Gothic cathedral, round tower, and chapel.  We were able to walk through the open, yet remarkably intact, ruins while also enjoying the rolling countryside of Tipperary.

Next stop was the famed Blarney Castle just outside of Cork.  The grounds of Blarney Castle and Gardens are huge and require a half day to fully explore everything.  We walked straight to the castle tower to line up to kiss a stone famed for giving the gift of eloquence.  

Wrapping up at Blarney Castle, we rushed through Killarney and connected to the Ring of Kerry to start our counter-clockwise rotation.  

The scenery at this point dramatically changed from tree lined country roads to coastal cliffs and crashing waves.  This is where you’ll appreciate having your own car .

After a few impromptu stops along the way, we made our final stop of the night at Kells Bay House & Gardens .  Here, we had a lovely and surprisingly authentic Thai meal at their in-house Sala Thai Restaurant.

We had the Summer Solstice on our side and there was still a ton of light out after dinner.  This made navigating the road to Portmagee and over to our Airbnb much easier.  Sadly, we had to skip pretty much everything along the way along this part of the Ring of Kerry except a quick stop at a gas station to pick up breakfast and snack items for the next day.

• Cork – It would’ve been nice to explore Cork and their English Market and visit the Cobh Heritage Centre.
• Blarney Gardens – I would have loved to have spent more time doing the various walks around the Poison Garden, Fern Garden, Arboretum, and the endless other garden walks that explore the mystical and magical landscapes.
• Killorglin – This is the first town we passed by along the Ring of Kerry.  We zipped right through but I would have loved to have stopped here even for a few minutes to get a feel for a small town like this one.
• Cahirciveen – This is home to the Ballycarbery Castle and the Old Barracks which is built in the Schloss style.  Legend says they mixed up plans for this and a building designed for somewhere in Punjab, India.

SALA THAI RESTAURANT

This is the in-house restaurant as part of the Kells Bay House property.  As someone that’s had a lot of Thai food, I have to say that the curries, noodles, and skewers we had were all very good and very authentic.  The only knock I’d have on this place is the service.  Our order took way too long to get to the table and only after following up did they realize that they missed our order completely and had to make it from scratch at that point.

SKELLIG VIEW WHITE ROOM AIRBNB

A no frills kind of Airbnb that I booked pretty early on because I was worried that the town of Portmagee would sell out.  Our host, Marie, was very accommodating of our late check-in request and I appreciated the free passes to Kerry Cliffs.  The room was just the right size and in relatively clean condition.  Wifi included as well.

Check rates

Tips and Tricks :

• Rock of Cashel – Parking is right up the narrow road right at the base of the hill.  It’s an automated parking system where you pay the machine when you’re leaving.  This parking costs 4.50 EUR.  To save money you could park in town and walk up.  Entrance is 8 EUR per person.
• Blarney Castle  – Be ready for lines to kiss the Blarney Stone.  If you’re not in a rush, I recommend doing the other parts of the garden, waiting for the line to subside and then doing the castle itself.
• Blarney Gardens –   Entrance is 14 EUR per person booked online.

Thinking about what to see in Ireland in 7 days, this is my #1 must-do.  The entire pilgrimage experience of zipping across the North Atlantic to discover that the white tipped Little Skellig was in fact covered by white gannets and adorable puffins that made Skellig Michael their home.  Then following in the ancient footsteps of Luke Skywalker and Rey up to the monastery itself was pure magic.

The 2.5 hours we had on the island seemed like a lot initially but once we started climbing the steps and exploring the beehive huts of the monastery, time passed quickly.

Back on the mainland and after lunch, we explored the lesser-known Valentia Island.  We wouldn’t have known about this part of the Ring of Kerry if it wasn’t for incredible photos I had seen from this area.  With the higher vantage points of Geokaun Mountain (5 EUR per car) and the slate quarry behind Valentia Lighthouse (5 EUR per person), the scenery was as close to postcard perfect as it gets.

We then continued along our ring road journey by joining up with the Skellig Ring where we stopped by Kerry Cliffs (4 EUR per person) which is an impressive view of the jagged edged rocky coast.  It’s at the edge of the peninsula where the land rises and then sharply drops into the ocean.

The driving adventure continued along until rejoining the main Ring of Kerry.  Due to time, we couldn’t stop in the towns along the way.  From Waterville and onwards, it was straight driving.  Since we weren’t close to the coast there wasn’t much to stop and see.

At Molls Gap , we took a quick break before descending into Killarney National Park with sunlight starting to wane.  We were able to make quick stops at Ladies View where you can see where the glaciers carved through the valley before the opening into Killarney itself.

It was late by the time we checked into The Lake Hotel so no restaurants were open.  We hopped downstairs to the Devil’s Punchbowl Bar , grabbed a pint, and ordered a sandwich.

• Waterville, Sneem, Caherdaniel, and Kenmare – It would’ve been nice to take our time through these idyllic coastal towns but I feel the trade off of spending more time on Valentia Island and the Skellig Ring was worth it.

THE BRIDGE BAR

With barely any time to snack on Skellig Michael, we were famished by the time we arrived back in Portmagee.  Right along the main street is this nice little local restaurant which gets all the Skellig tourists.  Their fish and chips definitely hit the spot.

THE LAKE HOTEL

A historic hotel that is full of character but doesn’t show its age.  The rooms here are incredibly spacious and comfortable.  Breakfast as part of the B&B package was of the highest quality and the perfect charge-up for the day.  Location wise, it can’t be beat either being practically on Killarney National Park Grounds with that amazing view of the old castle ruins at the footsteps of Lough Leane.

• Booking:  You must book at least 4-5 months in advance in order to guarantee a spot for a specific date.  If you haven’t, don’t fret because cancellations happen all the time.
• Casey’s Tours to Skellig Island
• Skellig Michael Cruises
• The Skelligs – Force Awakens Boat Trip – Leaves from Ballinskelligs which is a totally different pier from Portmagee
• Skellig Boat
• Skellig Walker Cruises
• Skellig Michael Voyage
• The Skelligs Tour – Departs from Caherdaniel
• Skellig Experience Visitor Centre also has a page for boat tours here .
• Weather:  If the weather is poor for the boats, they’ll cancel the trip.  That’s why Skelligs Rocks ensured we called the morning of to confirm whether the trip would be a go or not.  There’s not much you can do here other than perhaps planning 2 days in the Ring of Kerry area so that if one day doesn’t work, you can reorganize things so you can have a second day to attempt a trip out.
• Boat ride:   With the speed of the boat, you’re not going to get that rocky, nausea inducing feeling that folks sensitive to being on the water get.  That being said, the water does get choppy especially on the way out which is why you have to wear the waterproof gear provided by the boat.  For those that get sea sick easily, they do offer medicine on board prior to leaving the pier if you need it but nobody on our boat ride had issues.  Make sure you tuck your camera away once the boat is out in open water because you will get very wet especially if you sit near the back.  The captain was also nice enough to provide big zip-loc bags in case.
• Difficulty:   There are two main sets of steps to the Monastery but I would say it’s relatively easy.  The first set slowly winds up with some natural spots for breaks.  The steps are wide enough to allow people to pass.  The second set of steps are more steep but if you take your time, you’ll make it up with no issues.  Compared to the Inca Trail where altitude was in effect , this felt very easy since it only required short spurts of energy.
• Tour:  Make sure you stick around for the educational talk given by one of the rangers when you get to the Monastery.  I don’t think there’s a fixed schedule but I could be wrong.  It felt like it was every hour.
• Valentia Lighthouse  – Admission to here was 5 EUR per person but didn’t think it was worth it.  The lighthouse and the small museum weren’t too interesting and the views weren’t anything special.  What was a nice view was in fact from the slate quarry which is visible when you look back inland from the lighthouse.  From here you get sweeping views of the lighthouse and the sprawling peninsula fingers that meet here.
• Skellig Ring – The Skelligs are in view for most of the drive around here and was honestly more of a joy to drive through compared to the Ring of Kerry because the large coaches don’t come here.  There weren’t designated stops per say but it was a joy to find pullovers to see the villages below.
• Ring of Kerry –  I would recommend driving counter-clockwise which is the official designated route for all the coach buses.   I’d much rather be stuck behind one and feel comfortable that opposing traffic will have to yield and when the opportunity arises to pass.  The driving section will cover this in more detail but I’ll say two things. 1) The speed limit is way too high so don’t feel pressured to drive that fast and 2) As scary as everyone made driving the ring sound, it wasn’t that bad because you’re never at a cliff’s edge and there are usually tiny pull offs for oncoming cars.

After a hearty breakfast at The Lake Hotel , we ventured about the hotel grounds.  The hotel backs right into the largest lake of the national park and as part of that, there’s also the ruins of The McCarthy Mór Castle.

You’ll need a full day exploring Killarney National Park because it’s huge.  For us, we wanted to hit up the main sights.  We were able to see Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and Ross Castle.  I was probably most impressed with the Abbey and its courtyard that must’ve inspired Tolkien.

Wanting to spend time in the town of Dingle, we hit the road right after we finished at the castle.  The drive through the southern coast of the peninsula was amazing with views of the water as you winded through.  The Ring of Kerry side was always visible across the water and we made quite a few stops along the way.

We quite enjoyed our time in Dingle as we were able to take a relaxing stroll along the main streets of town, popping into the small shops that were painted in a variety of colors.   After dinner, we also made sure we tried a few more flavors at Murphy’s Ice Cream.

• Killarney National Park – I would’ve loved to have done a few hikes in the park.  I was also sad that we weren’t able to take the boat across from Ross Castle to the Meeting of the Waters and Old Weird Bridge.
• Gap of Dunloe – This was part of the plans but had to be cut.  There’s an awesome hike there that takes around 2 hours with breathtaking views of the lake, a heritage cottage, and the surrounding mountains.
• Killarney City – If there’s one city we completely skipped because of time, it was Killarney.  It’s supposed to be a charming city with great food options like Quinlan’s Seafood Bar and Lane Cafe Bar.

OUT OF THE BLUE

If you love seafood, this is your spot.  The seafood chowder is out of this world.  The fish is all locally caught and fresh and it comes through in the two dishes we had – sea bass and pollock were probably the best of the entire trip.

This is one of the few B&Bs located on the western part of Dingle Peninsula which is the perfect spot to launch into the main sights along Slea Head Drive and the ferry out to the Blasket Islands.  The owners, Rónán and Geraldine are warm and friendly hosts that also serve up delicious breakfast.  The rooms are spacious, clean, and even come furnished with a rocking chair.

Starting in Dunquin, which is where our B&B was located, was a bit of a blessing and a curse because it allowed us to jump right into Dunquin Harbour and The Blasket Centre but since driving counter to traffic is highly inadvisable as we were told, we had to cut across the mountain in order to drive on Slea Head Drive in the clockwise direction.

When it comes to Slea Head Drive , there really wasn’t a specific sight that you’re looking for.  It’s very much a look out into the ocean as you’re driving around.

We were told that the Famine Cottages are a tourist trap so we skipped that.  There are also beehive huts along the way but because as we had done Skellig Michael, we passed as well.  Cross at Slea Head is a good spot for a quick stop where you’ll see great views of the Blasket Islands.  From there, you can see Coumeenoole Beach .  The beach is a good spot for a picnic and there’s a nice hike to the peninsula’s edge.

We continued around the peninsula with stops at Clogher Head, which is more or less another beach, and the Louis Mulcahy Pottery studio (good for a bathroom break and quick peek).

We drove back into town for another quick stop before detouring north to cross Conor Pass.  At the peak, there’s a carpark where we stopped briefly to check out the magnificent sights here.  You can see the coast in the distance, farms at the valley floor, along with lakes and cliffs.

This is when the heavy driving started as we had to wind up Northeast towards Limerick before turning Northwest.  Along the way, we stopped in the city of Ennis where it started pouring but we ducked into Cruises Pub for dinner.

• Gallarus Oratory – This was on our itinerary for the drive around Dingle but because we didn’t have enough time, I quickly flew the drone and continued along our way.
• Quaint small towns of Dingle – Our B&B hosts recommended that we stop by Ballydavid but short on time, we had to skip them.
• Blasket Islands – This is a full day kind of event but if you had a couple of days in the area, we recommend getting a ferry over to the Great Blasket Island to create your own eco adventure.

CRUISES PUB

This spot was a bit of a happy accident for us.  Originally we wanted to eat at The Cloister Restaurant & Bar but they weren’t taken anyone without reservations.  This pub was full of energy when we stepped in with a Gaelic football match televised with live Irish music.  There was a good selection of local beer here on top of comfort Irish bar food.  The Guinness meat pie and bangers and mash were perfect.

SLIEVE ELVA B&B

Just outside the town of Lisdoonvarna is this amazing B&B which features cosy guest rooms which are both spacious, clean, and modernly renovated.  What makes any stay special is the hospitality of the owners Kris and Ireen who will go out way to make you feel at home.  Their breakfast is marvelous and you will love their personal touch of home made bread and jams.  On top of that, each room gets Ireen’s homemade biscuits.  This would be my B&B of choice for anyone want to visit Cliffs of Moher or The Burren in County Clare.

• Driving in Dingle – Having done the drive myself, I can confidently say that you do not want to drive counter-clockwise.  Slea Head Drive is designated as a two way road but some parts along the coast are only wide enough for one car.
• Tarbert to Killimer Ferry – Instead of driving through Limerick as we ended up doing, there’s an alternative route that involves a ferry from Tarbert and goes across to Killimer.  We were originally going to do this but it didn’t save us any time so we just kept on driving.  However, if you plan it well or just have a more flexible schedule, check the schedule beforehand and this’ll be a great way to cut down driving time.  It costs 19 EUR per car or 17.10 if you book online .

We started off by crossing through the countryside before dropping to the coast.  Where there were rolling valleys before, large forested areas popped up and the ground burst with streams of sharp jagged limestone.

The Cliffs of Moher were staggeringly impressive with its continuous sheer drop of 214 meters that winds out as far as the eye can see.  Where the vistas truly opened up was beyond the fences of the maintained park.  There, I only dared to walk to the death-defying edges a few times before following the ridge line down to the most northern point.   We ended up spending quite a bit of time here.

Our next stop was Burren Smokehouse .  What we learned was that the Smokehouse itself is just a store and next to it on the same street is the Storehouse.  We grabbed a sample platter to eat one of our few lunches on the trip.  It was so good that after lunch we picked up a few for home.  The tricky part was figuring out how to keep it refrigerated the remainder of the trip.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in Burren National Park , followed by a quick walk around the portal tomb, Poulnabrone .  The Burren region is out of this world.  Even though we didn’t get to do a full hike in this geopark, it shows the power of glaciers that carved through and left behind limestone pavement with fissures created by rainwater dissolution.  The end result is something that is so dramatically different from anywhere else in Ireland.

We closed out the day in Galway , my favorite city in Ireland.  We didn’t get to stay there long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core, making it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners and get a full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with an eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cozy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

We closed out the day in Galway which has got to be my favorite city in Ireland.  It’s not like we even got to stay there that long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core which made it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners where they gave us the full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cosy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

• I put together an article about top things to do in Galway .  Head over there for more ideas.
• Ballyvaughan Fairy Fort – A hidden spot in The Burren, this ring fort is said to be on the road up to Poulnabrone, just opposite the left hand turn into the Ailwee Caves. Access is restricted but it’s supposedly easy to walk in.
• Ballyvaughan – Pretty thatched cottages, nice crafts shops, and restaurants.
• Aran Islands – The easiest way to get there is by catching a ferry from Doolin.  I’d recommend staying overnight at a minimum.  There are 3 islands in the chain but the most interesting is Inis Mór which features the cliff tops prehistoric ring forts.  A ton to see and explore here.
• Burren National Park – I’m still a bit disappointed in the hike we attempted here.  With a little better planning, I would’ve picked a better marked hike.
• Aillwee Cave/Pollnagollum  – Pollnagollum is a secret spot but if you know where to look, you can find the cave that inspired Lord of the Rings’ character, Gollum.  Entrance to the longest cave in Ireland, the more accessible way is through Aillwee Cave which is open to the public.  The best way to see it is to join up with a local caving tour ( Back West Adventures ).

THE BURREN STOREHOUSE

Everyone raved about The Burren Smokehouse and their restaurant (Storehouse next door) and it sure didn’t disappoint.  After our morning at the Cliffs of Moher, we made our way over here for a quick bite.  While they have a ton of other great menu items such as their pizza, what we really wanted to try was a sampling of their smoked fish. Luckily they have the Smokehouse Platter which has 6 of their products.  Two of us shared one plate and it was just right for a half lunch.  There’s often live music playing here as well.

GALWAY GLAMPING

The most unique accommodations of our Ireland itinerary.  Who would’ve thought we’d be able to stay in a Mongolian yurt in the middle of the Irish countryside.  What used to be an estate in ruins, the grounds have now been converted to this eclectic mix of yurts, axe-throwing, group games, party rooms, and other funky rooms.  What makes it glamping is that all rooms are furnished and powered while also including super clean bathroom, kitchen, and lounging facilities next door.

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• What the entry ticket is actually for – The entry ticket is only to get into the mass lot across the street.  Once you’re parked, all you do is cross the street and that’s it.  This kind of makes sense because there’s no way to police the cliffs to the north and the south.  Anyone can walk in.  They just bank on everyone driving.  You do have to get in the same line as everyone regardless if you purchase your ticket online ahead of time.
• How to get in for free – There’s a farmer that has land right next to the most northerly edge of the cliffs who is apparently super cool with people parking along the road as long as his car can still drive through.  The photo below is the spot that you should be looking for.  If you’re coming from the north, you’ll see this before the mass parking lot.  You can use either side as you can see.
• Best time to go – If I were to do it again, I’d definitely plan to go after 4PM.  During the middle of the day, there are way too many tourist buses and the sun is right above you which creates incredibly harsh shadows.  I’ve seen the photos and sunsets are epic here.
• Best spots for photos – To get that postcard perfect shot, you need to leave the official bounds of the tourist site (there are signs that let you know).  We couldn’t do both ends but chose to hike to the northern edge which gives a full view of the pinnacle and a long depth of cliffs front to back.

• Burren National Park – This park is unique because there aren’t any specific boundaries and isn’t run like a national park that we’re used to.  That’s why the visitor center is in the nearby town of Corofin.  We didn’t go there and just plotted a route to the park via Google Maps.  In retrospect it wasn’t a good idea because I had no clue where the hike trails were.  At the Gortlecka Crossroads, we saw a bunch of cars parked here so we did as well.  Thing is, there’s only one board here that indicated there was a trail here.  We tried to follow it but eventually got side tracked by a gate opening that we thought was the right way.  Long story short, we gave up and turned back.  Either we are terrible at hiking or the trails are just poorly marked.  Lesson learned:  Get a trail map from the visitor center first.
• Tunnel toll – When driving up to Galway, we hit an unexpected toll since there’s a tunnel you have to go through.  This is an unattended machine so you have to make sure you have enough coins for this.  The toll is 1.90 EUR.
• Galway parking – You’re probably not going to find free parking here.  We circled around for a bit to see if we could get free parking to no avail.  In the end, we found a paid lot.

On our last full day in Ireland we started early.  We had an exciting morning planned with Clash Gaelic Games and we needed to travel East to get there.  While that sounds daunting, it was mostly on the motorway (highway) and took about 2 hours.

One thing you need to understand about Ireland is that while European football is popular, it pales in comparison to the Gaelic sports.  Gaelic Football and Hurley are the top two sports in the country and what better way to end off the trip than to get to learn how to play these two sports.  I had found out about Clash Gaelic Games through my research and I thought it was such a fun way to learn about culture while burning a few calories and making a fool of ourselves.  

After our mini workout, we had to get into the city, check into our hotel, cab over to Kilmainham Gaol prison, then make it late to Trinity College’s Old Library to see the Book of Kells .  We were able to stroll the streets and get some retail therapy at the hyper cheap Penny’s following.

With one night to make it count, we had dinner at L. Mulligan Grocer and spent the rest of the night drinking Guinness and listening to live Irish music at The Temple Bar .

• Dublin  – I would have liked to have seen St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Green, done more shopping, tried more restaurants, and drank a little harder.
• Pubs – The Temple Bar is the most popular one in the city but there are so many other good ones including The Dame Tavern and The Brazen Head.
• Guinness – While we weren’t big fans at the beginning, this famous stout grew on us throughout the trip.  The Guinness Storehouse is in Dublin and would be a fun place to visit for any lover of this beer. You can get advance tickets here .
• Newgrange – While technically not in Dublin, north of the city is a large and ancient burial site built of stone and architectured to only let light into the ritual chamber at sunrise on Winter Solstice.
• Howth – This is a village north of Dublin and near Portmarnock.  Located on a bulbous peninsula and featuring sweeping coastal views, it includes a superb food and crafts market.  It’s a place that gives you a flavor of everything we saw on the west coast without driving too far from Dublin.
• Malahide Castle & Gardens – While I’m sure this would’ve been impressive, we couldn’t fit this in with how long Clash went.  I wasn’t too sad in this case though since we had seen Blarney Castle & Gardens and I imagine it would be somewhat similar.

L. MULLIGAN GROCER

It’s a peculiar name for sure and it’s a bit far from the city centre but well worth it for the wide range of craft beers on tap and menu items.  We tried a most interesting watermelon wheat beer which tasted like…you guessed it…watermelon!  Our Moules Frites and Free Range Chicken Kiev were most excellent.

THE CROKE PARK HOTEL

This Doyle Collection hotel is located right next door to the famed Croke Park stadium where all the biggest Gaelic sport matches are held.  This signature hotel in the Dublin is a contemporary hotel that is big on comforts.  Their mattresses are heavenly with velvety duvets, there’s good table space to work, comfy furniture to relax, and the marbled bathrooms.  If you get the packing that includes breakfast, you’ll be treated to a wide buffet selection including honey straight from the honeycomb and my favourite, the croissants, which were delightful.  The staff was incredibly friendly and lastly, parking is included for free.  It’s the perfect hotel to launch your Dublin adventures from.

• Clash Gaelic Games  – While it was a bit of a specialized session with just the two of us, if you’re traveling with a big group of friends or if you’re a family, this is a great way to stay active and honestly try something you’d never be able to do anywhere else.
• Driving in Dublin – Everyone said “don’t do it” and they were right.  The core is a mess especially with the construction going on.  You do not want to drive in the city.  Taking a cab or local transit is the way to go so make sure you either return the car rental, wait to rent the car later, or your hotel has free parking.
• Uber – I experienced the most peculiar thing with Uber in Dublin.  There were numerous times when I’d order a cab and while it was on its way, they could cancel the ride.  I couldn’t understand why this kept happening until I realized that all the Uber drivers were regular cabbies essentially.  Every cab had Uber and another local app running on their phones and so they had to allegiance to any one of them and if they found a more convenient ride along the way, they’d take it.  On top of that, Uber also doesn’t display prices because it’s all standard meters.  At the end of the day, just understand that hailing a cab or ordering an Uber is no different.  In Dublin, I’d say hailing is just easier if you’re in a busy area because you won’t get canceled on.
• Kilmainham Goal is 8 EUR per person (plus booking fees online) and Book of Kells is 10 to 13 EUR depending on peak or off-peak hours per person.

Trips never go as planned.  This one was no different.  For the most part though, nothing dramatically changed where we had to restructure things around.  This trip was one where I simply packed too much in and had to make the call to fast forward if time was running low.

Here’s a little insight into why I feel that our plans deviated to help in your own planning:

• Not starting the day early enough – We could’ve fit more in if we hit the road after breakfast by 8AM instead of 9 or 10AM on most days.
• Taking too long in each spot – Between photos, videos, drone, and eyes, we spent more time than we had planned for.
• Driving time according to GPS is inaccurate – If you drove by Ireland’s ridiculously high speed limit and didn’t stop, sure, but the reality is that you’ll be making stops to take photos of the views and you’ll be slowing down around all corners and when there’s opposing traffic.
• Skipping meals – This is more of what happened as a result of a packed schedule.  Since we always had breakfast included by our B&Bs or hotels, lunch was the first thing to go out the window.
• Unexpected stops – You can’t plan for these but we stopped along the Ring of Kerry to help a couple with their flat tire which put us behind.  Alternatively, I didn’t have much planned for Dingle but we got a long list of suggestions from the B&B, so we ended up spending more time there before driving out of the peninsula.
• Losing track of time – As much as it was a massive advantage to have incredibly long days (usable light up until 10PM), it was also easy to just keep going.  As a result, there were a few times where we got to our dinner spot too late and had to make alternate plans.

So there you have it, the itinerary guide for a south Ireland road trip.  It was an ambitious trip for sure, but we only covered a small portion of everything Ireland has to offer.

Hopefully you’ll be able to use this as a starting point for your trip planning and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

Make Trip Planning To Ireland A Breeze Make sure to read this companion travel guide to planning the best road trip in Ireland.

No, as long as you have a valid driver’s license you do not need an international one. A valid driver’s license allows you to rent a car as well. Note that there are different age requirements in Ireland when it comes to renting a car, be sure to look into that if concerned.

The amount of days really depends on what parts of Ireland you’d like to see and if you’d like to take your time seeing them all or not. You’ll need to decide if you want to do the north part, the south or the full loop. In our case, 7 days was barely enough to tour southern Ireland, but to do the full loop we would recommend more.

The best month to travel Ireland is June. There’s not as much rainfall during this month and the days are longer due to summer solstice, therefore you get more time to do and see more.

What you should read next

• A Week in Ireland – Enchanting Castles, Wild Coastline, and Star Wars
• 10 Must-See and Do Things For Any Road Trip in Ireland
• Ireland Road Trip Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know
• Why You Absolutely Must Do A Road Trip Around Ireland In Photos

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% .

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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.

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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.

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• 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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Laura Baker says

March 8, 2023 at 11:41 PM

Thank you sooooo much for your informative guide on Southern Ireland. I truly enjoyed reading about your adventures. Keep on adventuring and sharing it with all of us!!

William Tang says

March 9, 2023 at 1:18 PM

Thanks for stopping by! You’re welcome and oh how I miss the southern part of Ireland. Hope you have an amazing time when you go!!

Sara Riobom says

June 22, 2022 at 12:21 PM

Really cool article, William. As a fellow travel blogger I am finding it hard to find really informative and honest articles to plan my trip to Ireland, and yours helped a lot. Thanks! :)

June 23, 2022 at 8:48 PM

I’m so glad Sara!!

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Day Trip to Dublin from only £12 return!

Sail away for the day on our Day Trip to Dublin by foot and enjoy a day away with a difference. Sail any day from Holyhead with fares starting from only £12 per adult return, kids aged 4-15 travel for half price and infants aged 0-3 travel for free! With our great value family fare, 2 adults and 2 children can get away on a day trip from only £30.

Discover this bustling cosmopolitan city and learn about some of literary and music’s most influential characters, whilst enjoying the famous warm Irish hospitality. Explore Temple Bar which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It’s packed with quirky shops, cafes, and traditional bars and is a must-see for all visitors. Enjoy a pint of the Black Stuff – Guinness – in one of Dublin’s many pubs, take a stroll around St. Stephen’s Green or hit the shops of Grafton Street.

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The Ultimate 10 Day Ireland Itinerary: Ireland Road Trip Extravaganza

There is nowhere on the planet better for a road trip than Ireland–and this 10 day Ireland itinerary will show you how to pull off the absolute best Ireland road trip!

After more than a month across multiple visits spent exploring Ireland, we’ve fallen completely head-over-heels with the impossibly green landscapes, the jaw-droppingly beautiful cliffs, the quaint farms, the delightful country inns, the colorful small towns, and the quirky cities that the island is known for.

We’ve watched the sunset at the Cliffs of Moher, become obsessed with Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula, explored Dublin, sipped Guinness in countless pubs, fallen in love with colorful villages like Cobh, and sought out lesser-known destinations like the Slieve League Cliffs, Hook Peninsula, and County Mayo.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

This 10 day Ireland itinerary is a careful whittling down of our absolute favorite things we’ve found in Ireland–with plenty of choose-your-own-adventure style options thrown in. 

We want to make sure that this Ireland road trip itinerary leaves you completely smitten with the country, while also helping you narrow down the overwhelming number of amazing places to see in Ireland (which, let’s be honest–can’t all be covered with only 10 days in Ireland).

Ready to start planning your Ireland road trip? Here’s what we suggest.

Table of Contents

10 Day Ireland Itinerary Map 

How we structured this 10 day ireland itinerary, the ultimate 10 day ireland road trip itinerary, important ireland road trip tips, more (or less) than 10 days in ireland, the best time to visit ireland, what to pack for ireland.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

We structured this 10 days in Ireland itinerary so that you circle around the entire island and avoid doubling back during your trip.

This makes for a fun and, most importantly, flexible Ireland road trip itinerary, so if you have more or less than 10 days in Ireland, you’ll still be able to complete the trip with some adjustments.

It also means that you don’t have to follow our suggested stops to the letter–we’ve made notes on some of the days of this 10 day Ireland itinerary showing where there are a few logical choices to fill your time, so feel free to choose whichever adventure most appeals to you!

We’ll cover more alternate ideas and suggestions for your Ireland itinerary if you’re working with more or less than 10 days in Ireland closer to the bottom of this post.

The way this Ireland itinerary is structured does mean that you move most nights, so be prepared for that!

This 10 day Ireland itinerary does also cover destinations in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom).

Though the border is open between the two countries, keep this in mind as it will have a small impact on your trip (most noticeably, you’ll need to alert your rental car company of your plans to leave the Republic of Ireland, and you’ll need to change currencies during your trip).

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin.

Most likely, you’ll land in Dublin exhausted and jetlagged, so plan to take it easy on your first afternoon in the city!

If you land early enough in the day and want to hit some of the best things to do in Dublin , this would be a great opportunity to check out Trinity College and the Long Room, stroll across the Ha’Penny Bridge, duck into some of Dublin’s many gorgeous bookshops, and grab a cozy dinner in a traditional Irish pub.

Day 2: Explore Dublin.

Dublin is a fun, quirky city, so it’s definitely worth taking one full day to explore it during your 10 days in Ireland!

We recommend covering anything you didn’t get to from the above afternoon arrival suggestions, plus a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and/or Jameson Factory , a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral , and some time spent wandering around the pricey-but-picturesque Temple Bar district.

Want to visit both the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Factory during your 10 days in Ireland? Then this popular tour is for you!

Depending on time, you may also want to check out St. Stephen’s Green, the General Post Office, or Kilmainham Gaol.

You can read our full suggestions for spending a couple of days in Dublin here .

Day 3: Kick off your Ireland road trip and visit Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, and Hore Abbey.

This is the day your Ireland road trip truly begins: pick up your car as early in the morning as possible, and hit the road!

We recommend sleeping wherever you plan to spend day four (we’ll cover our suggestions below), but on your way down south, you have a few stops to make!

This colorful little village is exactly the sort of small Irish town you’ve no doubt been dreaming of seeing during your 10 days in Ireland: full of colorful buildings, pretty, winding streets, and a castle, it’s the perfect first stop on your Irish road trip.

The Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel’s history dates back far longer than its current buildings, which are “only” 700-900 years old.

Rumored to be the sight of the King of Munster’s conversion to Christianity in the fifth century, the Rock of Cashel served as the seat of Munster kings long before the Normans arrived in Ireland.

Today, an impressive Celtic art collection is located at the sight, and the views overlooking the nearby countryside are stunning.

Built in the 13th century as a Cistercian Monastery, Hore Abbey practically lies in the shadow of the Rock of Cashel–but unlike the former, it is both free and uncrowded to visit.

We highly recommend a quick stop here–it’s an absolutely beautiful set of ruins, and worth seeing during your 10 days in Ireland.

Day 4: Check out County Waterford + County Wexford OR visit Cork, Cobh, and Blarney Castle.

Sadly, 10 days in Ireland isn’t enough to cover absolutely everything–so we’ll outline two suggestions for this part of your Ireland road trip: either a visit to County Wexford and County Waterford, or a visit to Cork, Cobh, and Blarney Castle.

Here’s what to expect at either place.

Option 1: County Waterford + County Wexford

If you’re looking for a more offbeat option for this part of your Ireland road trip, head to County Wexford and County Waterford for the day!

The Hook Peninsula, home to the adorable Hook Lighthouse, the fascinating (and haunted) Loftus Hall, the lovely Tintern Abbey, and the John F. Kennedy Arboretum (yep, it’s named for the US president), is an absolutely delightful place to spend a day.

We adored our time in this area and highly recommend it.

Once you finish up around the Hook Peninsula, head to Waterford to tour the Waterford Crystal Factory , which is an incredibly cool (and affordable!) experience that blew both of our expectations out of the water.

Where We Stayed in County Wexford

Inishross House (New Ross)  — If I had to sum up Inishross House in a word, it would be  hospitable . This is exactly the kind of B&B you come to Ireland for: everything from the colorful breakfast room to the comfortable room to the helpful and attentive couple who ran the B&B was an absolute delight.

The included breakfast was phenomenal and kept us full for most of the day!

We adored this property, and when we return to New Ross in the future, we’ll absolutely try to stay there again.

Check rates & book your stay at Inishross House!

Option 2: Cork, Cobh & Blarney Castle

Want to stick to the classics? Beautiful Cork, with its gorgeous English Market and historical center, and famous Blarney Castle, the home of an (apparently) very kissable stone, are popular options for a 10 day Ireland itinerary for a reason!

You definitely won’t be disappointed by these classics–especially if you have your heart set on receiving the “gift of the gab” from the Blarney Stone.

Nearby Cobh is a delightful and colorful port town that packs a huge history–as the last stop for the Titanic before it met its tragic fate and a huge center of Irish emigration, Cobh’s history is impressive, heavy, and well worth learning a bit about during your trip to Ireland.

Where We Stayed Near Cork

Find Us Farmhouse (Macroom)  — Located in the countryside and nestled between a few farms, the Find Us Farmhouse is the most peaceful place we stayed in Ireland. 

In addition to the comfortable rooms and wonderful hospitality, the breakfast–and the beautiful breakfast room–were enormous highlights.

We loved staring out our bedroom window and watching the cows graze just a few feet from us, and it was definitely an experience worth having at least once on a trip to Ireland!

Check rates & book your stay at Find Us Farmhouse!

Day 5: Visit Killarney National Park.

Technically part of the Ring of Kerry, famous Killarney National Park lives up to its reputation. The views are nothing short of magnificent, and the park is an incredibly relaxing and beautiful place to pass a day.

There are endless hikes and highlights that you can find inside Killarney National Park, but here are a few popular sights that are easily accessible and that you should be sure to add to your 10 day Ireland road trip itinerary!

Muckross House

Built in the 19th century, the magnificent Muckross House is glitzy enough that it once played host to Queen Victoria itself.

The family who built the home had to sell it off less than a century after it was built, and that sale created the basis for Killarney National Park.

Torc Waterfall

Measuring around 20 meters high, Torc Waterfall barrels through thick, green vegetation in Killarney National Park, giving off a beautiful and otherworldly vibe.

It’s also incredibly easy to access–despite looking like it’s in the middle of nowhere, it’s actually only about a 5-minute walk from the road!

Ladies View

Looking for one of the best views in all of Killarney National Park? If so, be sure not to drive past Ladies View without stopping for a quick peek!

If you’re looking for a great place for a picnic lunch during this part of your Ireland road trip itinerary, you can’t go wrong with bringing a meal here.

Muckross Abbey

This beautiful abbey is located a quiet and lovely walk away from Muckross House, but it feels a world apart: incredibly well-preserved and home to a gorgeous cemetery out front, Muckross Abbey is absolutely worth seeing during your 10 days in Ireland.

Be sure not to miss the gorgeous and gigantic yew tree in the courtyard, nor the chance to head upstairs and admire the area from a different vantage point.

Lakes of Killarney

You really can’t miss the Lakes of Killarney, given that they make up more than a quarter of Killarney National Park–but it’s definitely worth noting that the upper, middle, and lower lakes are all stunning and worth paying attention to during your visit.

If you’re as lucky as we were, perhaps you’ll even stumble across some golden retrievers playing in one!

Day 6: Tour the Dingle Peninsula OR the Ring of Kerry OR the Beara Peninsula.

Driving out along one of western Ireland’s magnificent peninsulas and admiring the coastal scenery is an absolute must on your Ireland road trip–but while the Ring of Kerry is the most popular ring to drive, you’ll see we have a different opinion on the best option!

We’ve driven all three of these peninsulas personally, and, well–let’s just say we have our favorites.

That being said, any one of these peninsula drives makes for an excellent addition to your 10 day Ireland itinerary, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Option 1: Slea Head Drive + Dingle Peninsula

Slea Head Drive is home to some of the best scenery in all of Ireland–as is the Dingle Peninsula as a whole.

This drive is easy to make, chock full of interesting sights ranging from archaeological wonders to adorable lambs to beautiful beaches, and is far less crowded than the Ring of Kerry. 

In our biased opinion, the Dingle Peninsula is one of the loveliest places in all of Ireland, and since this 10 day Ireland itinerary really only leaves time to drive one of Ireland’s ring roads, we vote that you head right to this one.

We wrote an entire guide to driving Slea Head Drive , so we won’t repeat ourselves too much here–but if you head this way, be sure not to miss Slea Head Beach, Dunquin Pier, or the Sleeping Giant + the Three Sisters!

Plus, of course, there are plenty of things to do in Dingle itself–the colorful little village is quite the delight to explore!

Option 2: The Ring of Kerry

I’ll be honest: the Ring of Kerry is iconic, beautiful, and you won’t be disappointed by including it on your 10 day Ireland itinerary… but Slea Head Drive on Dingle Peninsula is better, and unless you have your heart set on the Ring of Kerry, we’d drive that one instead!

However, the Ring of Kerry is absolutely gorgeous, and we don’t want to undersell it–the scenery is stunning, especially at the end of the peninsula near the Skellig Islands.

If you’re lucky enough to experience the Ring of Kerry on a beautiful day, definitely wake up early and plan to make Skellig Michael part of your Ireland itinerary!

It’s worth noting that Killarney National Park is part of the Ring of Kerry, so this Ireland road trip itinerary does cover a portion of the ring regardless of what you choose to do on day six.

Keep in mind that the Ring of Kerry is undoubtedly the most popular of these three peninsula options, and the only one where you’ll have to contend with passing enormous tour buses on relatively tiny roads (though the Ring of Kerry does have the biggest–though I use that term loosely–roads of these Ireland road trip options as well).

Option 3: The Ring of Beara

Are you the type of traveler who likes to stray off the beaten path, who would rather avoid crowds than see the most famous sights, and who is enchanted by the idea of being on a road trip in Ireland where you might even go a few minutes without seeing another car or human being (I’d say living thing, but you know, this is Ireland–there’s always a shep around somewhere)?

If so, the Ring of Beara–the easternmost and least-touristed of these three peninsula road trip options–is an excellent choice for you.

As you drive from Cork through the Caha Pass and then wind your way down the Beara Peninsula, the scenery only grows more and more remote and beautiful.

Small fishing villages dot the peninsula–we loved Castletownbere–and by the time you reach the end of the peninsula, words like “desolate” start coming to mind.

If this sounds like the right peninsula to you, bear in mind that it also has some of the hardest driving of the three options–traffic is thin, yes, but the roads are very small, and you might find yourself having to back up quite a distance to let other vehicles pass more than once!

Day 7: Explore Doolin + the Cliffs of Moher.

The colorful village of Doolin is extremely tiny–but it’s adorable, interesting, and also the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher!

How you structure this part of your Ireland itinerary really comes down to exactly how you want to explore the cliffs.

Looking to soak in the iconic views quickly and then explore a bit of the town, or maybe even spend half a day on the island of Inisheer ? Head to the visitor’s center (and try to get there early).

More of a hiker? The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Route runs 18km from Doolin to Liscannor and can be completed in one day–but even those looking for a shorter hike are in luck. Hiking from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher takes about 2 hours each way, and from the Cliffs of Moher visitor’s center to Hag’s Head takes about one hour each way.

Rather view the cliffs from the sea? A Cliffs of Moher cruise can be a great way to get a unique perspective on the cliffs. This is the cruise that we enjoyed.

Book your Cliffs of Moher cruise today!

Day 8: Head to Northern Ireland (and maybe stop by the Slieve League Cliffs).

For the final part of your 10 day Ireland itinerary, we’ll be leaving the Republic of Ireland behind and heading into Northern Ireland–so don’t forget to swap your Euro for pounds before paying for anything with cash!

On your way to Derry, the easiest stopping point for the evening before kicking off your Northern Ireland explorations, consider a detour to visit the absolutely stunning Slieve League Cliffs: significantly taller and just as beautiful as the Cliffs of Moher, these cliffs are located in Donegal and get just a fraction of the visitors as the Cliffs of Moher.

Other stops to consider along the way between Doolin and Derry are County Mayo (especially Belleek Castle , which we absolutely adored), and Galway.

This part of your Ireland road trip itinerary will include a fair bit of driving–it’s about a 5 hour drive if you go directly from Doolin to Derry–so you won’t want to overstretch yourself, but you definitely have time for at least one detour for some sightseeing!

Day 9: Drive the Causeway Coastal Route.

The Causeway Coastal Route follows the northern coast of Northern Ireland (say that five times fast!) and is home to some of the most popular tourist sights in the area, including Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Dunmore Castle, among others.

Be sure to add the following sights to your Ireland road trip itinerary when you drive the Causeway Coastal Route!

Before taking off, though, I do want to provide one other alternative idea for this section of your Ireland itinerary: if you’re a big Game of Thrones fan, you may prefer to book a GOT tour rather than doing a self-drive of the Causeway Coastal Route. 

This well-reviewed GOT tour covers most of the spots outlined in this Ireland road trip itinerary, while also including stops at plenty of other film locations!

Book your Game of Thrones tour of Northern Ireland today!

Dunluce Castle

Dating to the 13th century and once the seat of Clan McDonnell, Dunluce Castle is best known today for its impressive location on a small island just off the mainland, accessible by bridge.

Giant’s Causeway

The famous coastline of Giant’s Causeway is made up of about 40,000 basalt columns–definitely not an everyday sight!

Like at the Cliffs of Moher, a trip to the visitor’s center (and resulting fee) isn’t required to see the basalt columns, but if you’re not interested in a 2-mile hike, you’ll want to pay to enter the more traditional way.

Grab your tickets to Giant’s Causeway today!

Mussenden Temple

This 18th-century temple-like building was once part of a grand estate. 

While it’s lovely up close, if you want to get beautiful views of it perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean during your 10 day Ireland itinerary, head to Downhill Beach.

Carrick-a-Rede

Want to cross a rope bridge suspended 30 meters above cold water and rocky, unforgiving coastline? At Carrick-a-Rede, you can!

The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is delightfully picturesque, and for a fee you can cross it from the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede.

Because of the enormous popularity of the bridge, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance , especially if your Ireland road trip falls over the summer.

The Dark Hedges

In the 18th century, an impressive number of beech trees were planted to line the path to a manor. They grew, twisted and beautiful, and eventually gave the road an eerie feel… which is how Game of Thrones came to use them briefly for a film location, causing their 21st-century popularity to skyrocket.

Though the Dark Hedges aren’t technically located on the Causeway Coastal Route, they’re a very easy detour from Giant’s Causeway, and absolutely worth adding to your 10 day Ireland road trip itinerary if you’re a GOT fan!

Day 10: End your Ireland road trip with a visit to Belfast + a drive back to Dublin.

Depending on what your flight plans look like, the last day of your 10 day Ireland itinerary might include a full day worth of sightseeing, or it may mean a quick hurry back to Dublin.

If you have a full day ahead, we recommend checking out the impressive Titanic Experience in Belfast and also learning about the important history of The Troubles on a walking tour . 

Central Belfast is located less than 2 hours by car away from the Dublin airport, so while you do want to be cautious with time, the two cities really aren’t as far apart as it might feel given the highly inefficient way you initially traveled between them on this Ireland road trip!

In the afternoon, as you drive back to Dublin, consider stopping at the Howth Cliff Walk for an easily accessible set of stunning views–a last goodbye to Irish cliffs and delightful seasides, if you will.

Remember: drive on the left during your Ireland road trip!

Sounds obvious, I know, but based on the vast number of reminders in our rental car, on the roads, and at the rental agency, I think it’s safe to say that Ireland sadly suffers a fair bit from right-side-of-the-road drivers such as ourselves giving into muscle memory and driving down the wrong side of the road.

Be extra-careful, and if you’re not used to driving on the left, be sure to chuckle a bit at yourself the 73rd time you walk around to the wrong side of the car to get in!

Rent the smallest car you possibly can.

If the car can hold your travel group and your (reasonable amount of) luggage, it’s big enough–trust us.

Irish roads can get very, very narrow–like, we’ve had to back up 300 yards to find somewhere to pull over and let someone past narrow–and any kind of large or luxury car will be a liability during your Ireland road trip, not an asset.

Keep an eye out for bikers and pedestrians.

Pedestrians and bikers–even children–are not a remotely uncommon sight along the road when taking an Ireland road trip, so be very careful! 

This is especially common along scenic drives like the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, as well as in villages, but be extra-careful regardless of where you are.

You may need an International Driving Permit (and a license of a certain age).

While International Driving Permits aren’t required in Ireland for licenses that are already printed in English, we’ve encountered stricter contracts with more obscure requirements when renting a car in Ireland than just about anywhere else–on our first trip to Ireland, we were actually turned away from several rental agencies, including the one we had a reservation with!

Be sure to check and double-check the requirements for your rental car before taking off for your 10 days in Ireland–you definitely don’t want any unpleasant surprises when you land.

Discover Cars sent our rental contract to us almost immediately after booking on our most recent trip to Ireland, and we were able to review it with plenty of notice.

Speed limits are only loosely correlated with safe driving speeds.

Err on the side of caution, always–especially on small roads where you might not have much advance notice to stop if another car turns around the corner.

Gas stations are self-service, and you usually pump, then pay.

In Ireland, don’t expect to pay for gas at the pump: generally speaking, you’ll first pump your gas, and then go into the shop to pay for it.

This is a reversal from what we’re used to in the USA, where you either pay by card at the pump or, if you’re paying by cash, pay and then pump.

Don’t start your car rental until the day you leave Dublin.

You definitely won’t need a rental car in Dublin, and it’ll be a hindrance to have to worry about parking.

Instead of picking up your rental car the moment the plane lands, wait until you’re ready to start your Ireland road trip in earnest to save yourself both money and hassle.

Ready to kick off your Ireland road trip? Book your rental car with Discover Cars now!

Working with a different number of days for your Ireland road trip itinerary than what we’ve outlined here? Here are a few suggestions if you’re trying to put together a trip to Ireland on a different timeline!

With One Week in Ireland

With one week in Ireland, you’ll be best served by cutting your stops dramatically–consider sleeping in exactly 3 places during your week in Ireland: a night in Dublin/the city you fly into when you first arrive, 3 nights on either the Dingle Peninsula or the Ring of Kerry, and 3 nights in/near Doolin to visit the Cliffs of Moher and surrounding area.

You certainly could move faster and see a bit more, but by basing yourself in a few spots and taking day trips, you’ll be able to see a surprisingly large percentage of the most popular things to see in Ireland with limited time.

With 2 Weeks in Ireland

With a few extra days tacked onto this 10 day Ireland itinerary, we would recommend adding 1-2 of the optional suggestions we cover during this Ireland road trip itinerary: maybe you drive both the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry, maybe you see both Cobh and County Wexford, maybe you take a Game of Thrones tour in Northern Ireland and drive the Causeway Coast independently.

The options are limitless, but with 2 weeks in Ireland, you definitely have a bit more flexibility!

With 3 Weeks in Ireland

With 3 weeks in Ireland, you truly have the opportunity to dive deep into the country.

While it’s tempting to add in enough cities and towns to cover new places every day, we definitely recommend spending at least some time slowing down and exploring a region that interests you more deeply–perhaps for 4-5 days.

You will be able to add in a lot of extras with a full 3 week Ireland itinerary to work with, though: consider dedicating more time to Derry and/or Belfast, exploring Donogal or County Mayo more thoroughly, spending a night or two on the Aran Islands, or heading down to Kinsale… just to name a few options.

If you’re hoping for sunshine and the warmest weather possible, summer–especially late June, July, and August–is absolutely the best time to visit Ireland. 

It probably comes as no surprise that Ireland has a rather short summer, but that also means that its peak tourist season can come with lots of crowds.

While we found it fairly easy to avoid the worst of the crowds during our most recent Ireland road trip (we’ve spent time in Ireland in June, July, and August), if you would rather feel like you have the country to yourself, aim for shoulder season.

Visiting Ireland in the spring or fall naturally means cooler weather, more rain, and even more crowds, but the trade-offs of sharing the roads and villages with fewer tourists can be worth it.

Winter in Ireland is rather mild as far as temperatures go, so if you’re willing to bundle up, you can even have a delightful off-season Ireland road trip.

However, some seasonal businesses like inns, especially in the countryside, do close for the off-season, so be aware that by spending 10 days in Ireland over winter, you might find your plans need to be a bit more flexible.

We’ve created a complete, detailed suggested packing list for Ireland here –but in the meantime, here are a few things we absolutely recommend bringing with you as you complete your 10 day Ireland itinerary!

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and an Ireland road trip (hello, driving on the left) is definitely a time to be better safe than sorry. We use and recommend Safety Wing  for trips to Ireland.

Travel Adaptors for Ireland  — Ireland uses the same plugs that the UK does–and note that these are different from the bulk of mainland Europe. Double-check you add the right ones to your Ireland packing list!  We use these  and have never had any issues.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this 10 day Ireland itinerary, that’s totally understandable. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Waterproof Boots  — In my opinion, waterproof boots are an absolute must-have item on your Ireland packing list year-round. They’ll keep your feet warm and dry regardless of the circumstances, they’re comfortable to wear, and they can be fashionable, too!

This is my pair , and I adore them. Even when my jeans got  completely  drenched (like just-climbed-out-of-a-pool levels of drenched) during a rainstorm in Dingle, they still kept my feet completely dry. Jeremy  wore these  and loved them.

Rain Jacket  —  Having a rain jacket is a huge asset when visiting Ireland, and if you don’t already have one, we absolutely recommend picking one up when planning a trip to Ireland.

This is mine , and I love and recommend it. It folds up incredibly well to fit into your suitcase, it’s comfortable and flattering for photos, and–most importantly–it’s completely effective at keeping you dry.

Jeremy opted not to bring one and definitely had plenty of regrets whenever the rain started pouring!  This one  is a great choice for men.

Binoculars  — Coastal regions in Ireland are home to all sorts of delightful creatures, including a wide variety of birds (like puffins!) and beautiful dolphins. Binoculars are an inexpensive & easy-to-pack item for your Ireland packing list, and they’ll greatly enhance your trip to the coast!

Definitely plan ahead and pack these as precautions! I’m always so glad to have it along, including on our recent ferry to Inisheer in Ireland.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

24 thoughts on “The Ultimate 10 Day Ireland Itinerary: Ireland Road Trip Extravaganza”

Kate, thank you so much for this detailed review! My daughter and I are planning to visit Ireland next spring for her college graduation gift and I’ve been so overwhelmed. This is exactly what I needed. We’re going to follow most of your itinerary and I’m bookmarking your blog now!

Thank you, Melisssa! I’m so glad you found our itinerary helpful. Hope you and your daughter have an amazing trip to Ireland, and tell her congratulations on her graduation from us!

Love your blog! And this is a perfect itinerary! My mom and I did a similar route 2 years ago – only 7 days but started in Shannon (flights & car rentals are MUCH cheaper than to Dublin) and skipped N. Ireland. All of your suggestions are exactly what I would recommend as well – definitely worth a few days on Ring of Kerry. We wandered off the main hwy a couple times when we saw an interesting road sign and found some hidden gems in cemeteries, abbeys, etc. Driving was definitely an adventure and I feel the speed limits were set as a personal challenge vs a maximum speed – makes for some great videos of the narrow roads vs oncoming traffic.

Thanks so much, Marianne! Those roads sure did make for some great videos. We loved Ireland too–fingers crossed we get to go back before too long!

This is a fount of knowledge I truly needed! Thank you! Do you have an area on your blog that details lodging recommendations at all of the locations? Thank you for letting us all live vicariously through y’all!

Thanks, Onni!

I don’t have any separate posts on where to stay, but we have suggested B&Bs under each location on this itinerary!

Hi Kate, thanks for your review! The pictures are lovely!! Would you share how much would it cost in average for a couple 10 days there? thanks

Hi Constanca! The cost can vary quite dramatically depending on your taste, but your rental car + hotels will generally make up the bulk of the budget.

We break down details of planning an Ireland budget here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/trip-to-ireland-cost/

My daughter and I plan on going to Ireland June of 2023!! This sounds just what we were looking for. So excited to plan our trip! Thank u so much!!! Kathy

So happy we could help! Ireland is such a wonderful place for a mother/daughter trip!

Kathy, thankyou for a detailed descriptions and beautiful pictures. We are planning to use your itinerary when we go in September for 13 days. We are thinking of doing both the ROK and the Slea head Peninsula. Also spending one day exploring the Killarney park. May be spend a day in London Derry. Do you think this will be too much?

So glad it was helpful!

With 13 days, you’ll probably want to cut a few things from our itinerary to work in Slea Head Drive, Ring of Kerry, and Londonderry, but you can definitley reach all of your most important spots in that timeframe!

Hi! I can’t tell in your 10 day itinerary how many different cities you stayed/slept in and how many nights in each . Do you have this written anywhere ? I may have missed it ! Thanks !

I listed the places we stayed under the day where the sightseeing is closest–so the place we stayed in Dingle is listed that day, etc. We’ve loved everywhere we stayed in Ireland!

How many nights you spend where is a bit flexible in Ireland and the drive times are often pretty short for a road trip. Some people prefer to move almost every night to avoid doubling back on driving, and others would rather drive another couple of hours a day and pack/unpack fewer times.

If you want to complete the itinerary without doubling back, you’ll move every 1-2 nights.

This itinerary is a cut down, optimized version of our roughly one month spend in Ireland over 2 trips, so we spent a bit longer in each place (and visited some places that didn’t make the cut).

Kate: Thanks for this great information. I am planning to go to Ireland for approx. 9 days and wanted to see if I could fit most of these items for my trip to travel most of the island. Is there anything that you would suggest skipping to maximize my time? Please advise. Thanks!

That’s really just down to personal preference–whichever bits and pieces fall in, say, the bottom 10% of what you want to do, I’d trim it–especially if it’s out of the way. Spots like the Slieve League Cliffs and the Hook Peninsula probably aren’t ideal if you’re wanting to condense the route (though both are wonderful, of course).

Hope you have a wonderful time!

I came to find your blog and it’s so interesting ✨ I lived in Ireland back in 2006 for a couple of months, and went back to Dublin for a weekend 8 years ago. I love this country. I’m planning to go on a road trip in May/June with my best friend. I was just wondering, haven’t you been to Connemara or Wicklow Mountains National Park? One question, I’d love to spend a night or two in a cute little cottage somewhere. Any suggestions? 🙂

Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to visit either Connemara or Wicklow yet, but they’re both earmarked for our future trips to Ireland! We hope to visit many, many more times. 🙂

We’ve opted for bed and breakfasts instead of cottages for most of our trips, but we did stay in Danloes Thatched Cottage outside of Kenmare and loved it!

Hello and thank you for the 10 day road trip itinerary suggestions. Would you recommend reversing the route and starting out from Dublin, touring the city for two days then heading to Belfast first? Thank you. Monica

There’s no reason why that can’t work! Just keep in mind that with limited exceptions (like Giant’s Causeway), you’ll mostly spend your trip starting in less-crowded areas and end up in progressively more popular/crowded ones by the end, so be prepared for the shift!

Hi Kate Really appreciated your blog-just the right amount of information-comprehensive without becoming too overwhelming. Thank you! One question: If you had to choose between using Killarney or Dingle as a hub, which would you choose?

Thanks so much, Rob!

Personally, we’d opt for Dingle–the Dingle Peninsula is one of our absolute favorite places in Ireland! You really can’t go wrong, though, both are wonderful in their own way.

I am using all of your advise and will follow a lot of your itinerary. I am having trouble scrolling up and down this blog. Can you please list the towns you stayed over night at and the places you stayed?

For a 10 day trip , how many diff hotels should I be at ?

I am looking to do a 10 day trip but going from Dublin to the Wicklow Mountain Nat Park – do some hikes but then going on your route to the south and then over to the west seeing the Blarney stone the Ring of Kerry and Dingle . But also doing some hike in that national park and up to the Cliffs of Moore. Then would drive back over to Dublin.

I know the places I want to see but am not sure how many hotels/ overnight spots to stay at??

This is a distillation of about a month worth of traveling in Ireland for us, so our exact itinerary was a bit different. For this route, though, I included overnight stops in Dublin (2 nights), the Ancient East (we stayed in New Ross, but anywhere in County Waterford or Wexford works) OR in the Cork/Cobh area (we stayed at the FindUs Farmhouse in Macroom when in that area), Killarney and either the Ring of Kerry, Ring of Beara, or Dingle Peninsula (our personal favorite of the 3), Doolin/the Cliffs of Moher, and the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland with a final stop in Belfast.

Of course, this is just one option of many–part of why this itinerary is one of the longest we’ve published is because there are so many wonderful options within a short drive in Ireland.

Your route sounds extremely doable in 10 days, and I’d spend at least one night in Wicklow, Cobh or Cork, and the Dingle Peninsula. Depending on how fast you want to move, you can make a day of driving from the Cork area to the Ring of Kerry, exploring that drive, and then heading to Dingle to spend the night and start your next day of travel.

Personally we like to spend at least 2 nights in each place in Ireland, which is actually a bit faster than we travel in other places–but it gives you time to appreciate each area (and each B&B’s breakfasts, a big highlight of Ireland road trips for us).

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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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Visiting Europe, Biden Will Find Both Solidarity and Isolation

The president arrived in France for a visit meant to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion and showcase Western unity. But even as he rallies American allies in defense of Ukraine, he will defy them on the war in Gaza.

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By Michael D. Shear and Peter Baker

Michael D. Shear and Peter Baker are both in Paris covering President Biden’s trip.

As President Biden visits France this week, he will be rallying European leaders to his side and showcasing the resolve he has helped to foster on behalf of Ukraine.

But he will also be defying the very same leaders and standing virtually alone among Western democracies still firmly in support of Israel as it wages war in Gaza.

Mr. Biden arrived in Paris on Wednesday morning for a trip aimed at celebrating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. It is his first visit to Europe since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack led by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people in Israel and triggered a military retaliation that has killed about 36,000 people in Gaza. Next week he will return to Europe for a summit in Italy with the leaders of the Group of 7 nations, and three weeks after that he will host the 75th anniversary summit of NATO nations in Washington.

The series of meetings will put Mr. Biden in a position he has not experienced since becoming president: He will be embraced and isolated at the same time by the same group of allies he has courted for nearly four years. For a president who has emphasized his support for America’s traditional alliances, it represents a challenge that will test his diplomatic skills in unfamiliar ways.

“Gaza undermines the moral clarity of the argument they want to make about Ukraine,” said Peter Beinart, a professor of journalism and politics at the City University of New York and a longtime analyst of Middle East affairs who has been critical of Israel’s government. “The Gaza war makes that story a lot less compelling to a lot of people.”

Ivo Daalder, who was an ambassador to NATO under President Barack Obama, acknowledged the tension in Mr. Biden’s approach.

“Yes, it seems to be slightly contradictory to be making one argument on Russia and another argument on Israel,” said Mr. Daalder, who now serves as president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. “But the situations are different. One was attacked, and the other did the attacking. It’s pretty big.”

The European allies, with a couple of notable exceptions, have been strongly aligned with Washington for more than two years in the multinational campaign to defeat Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, broadly matching American investments in the war with their own commitments to Kyiv. But the Europeans have grown increasingly critical of how Israel is conducting its operation in Gaza over the past nine months, even as the Biden administration has rejected efforts by the chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court to seek arrest warrants for Israeli leaders on war crime charges.

The disparate priorities will play out at an event on Thursday meant to showcase Western unity and resolve. The D-Day landings at Normandy on June 6, 1944, will be celebrated as a high-water mark of the alliance that defeated Nazi Germany. President Emmanuel Macron of France will host leaders of the World War II partner countries, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, representing the two nations that joined the United States in staging the climactic amphibious invasion.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, representing the vanquished enemy, will also attend in a show of Europe’s reconciliation. Not present, however, will be President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, despite the Soviet Union’s alliance with the West during the war. Mr. Macron’s government initially invited lower-level Russian representatives to participate but rescinded the offer after objections stemming from Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine.

By contrast, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine will attend the ceremony, an opportunity for him to press Western leaders for more aid. White House officials said on Tuesday that Mr. Biden would meet with Mr. Zelensky while in France and then again during the G7 gathering in Italy.

John F. Kirby, a White House spokesman, said Mr. Biden knew that not every nation agrees with his policies. “Disagreements with allies and partners is not something new to President Biden,” Mr. Kirby said, “any more than unity and cooperation and collaboration, which he also fosters across a range of issues.”

The meetings between Mr. Biden and the allies come at a critical moment in both Europe and the Middle East. Ukraine is trying to fend off an escalating Russian offensive that threatens to break through its eastern defenses in a decisive way after two years of grinding combat. Hundreds of miles away, Israel and Hamas are both under pressure to agree to a cease-fire deal that could be the final chance for a path toward a more sustainable peace in the region.

Mr. Biden on Friday outlined such a cease-fire agreement that would eventually lead to the release of all hostages held by Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a “permanent” end to the war. By advancing a deal that Europeans can support, the president may have found a way to minimize differences when he is in Paris.

The Group of 7 nations, including the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, issued a statement on Monday endorsing the deal that Mr. Biden outlined and calling on Hamas to accept it. Mr. Biden characterized the deal as a proposal put forward by Israel but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not explicitly endorsed or rejected it publicly as he navigates his own domestic politics and seeks advantage in any renewed negotiations with Hamas.

At the same time, Mr. Biden addressed another difficult issue before the trip by authorizing Ukraine for the first time to use U.S.-provided weapons against targets inside Russia for self-defense in limited circumstances, something France, Britain, Germany, Poland and other allies had already embraced .

“The only way out of such a dilemma is to push ahead on both problems — help Ukraine do better or win and get Israel on a path to peace,” said Dan Fried, a retired diplomat now at the Atlantic Council in Washington. “Hence the decision to lift some restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S. arms and to push a complex and ambitious peace plan” in Gaza.

Still, the differences remain real and stark. Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized an independent Palestinian state last week, just days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its military offensive in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Most European governments have endorsed the war crimes action against Israel at the International Criminal Court. “France supports the International Criminal Court, its independence and the fight against impunity in all situations,” the country’s foreign ministry said in a statement .

France has not acted to recognize a Palestinian state but did vote in the United Nations in May to support including Palestine as a full member of the organization. Britain, which is no longer a part of the European Union, abstained from that vote.

Critics of Mr. Biden said he has no one to blame for his diplomatic challenges in Europe but himself for an inconsistent approach to international crises.

“The contradiction, I think, is in American policy,” said Peter Rough, the director of the Center on Europe and Eurasia at the Hudson Institute and a former aide to President George W. Bush. “In Ukraine, he’s backing Ukraine against the Russian-Iranian alliance, while in Gaza he is managing Israel, even limiting it, as it confronts an Iranian proxy.”

From the other side of the spectrum, some foreign policy veterans said Mr. Biden has brought troubles upon himself by being too supportive of Israel.

“I am not at all sure that Biden has made the right choices on Israel-Gaza, although I acknowledge that he’s in a tough spot, as is our country,” said Eric Rubin, a longtime U.S. diplomat and the former president of the American Foreign Service Association. “Israel has lost the sympathy of most other countries and their citizens, and we won’t see it get it back in our lifetimes, I fear.”

But at the end of the day, some diplomats said, France and the other allies ultimately defer to the United States when it comes to such issues. And even though he will find them on different pages, Mr. Biden enjoys a constructive relationship with his peers, unlike his predecessor, and possible successor, Donald J. Trump, who berated European allies over their disagreements and left them dreading his potential return to office.

“The United States still plays the indispensable role,” said Mr. Daalder. “Everybody is looking to us to figure out how do we deal with Russia, how do we deal with China, and frankly even how do we deal with Israel. We’re still looked at by our friends and by our adversaries as the ones who will determine the outcome.”

Michael D. Shear is a White House correspondent for The New York Times, covering President Biden and his administration. He has reported on politics for more than 30 years. More about Michael D. Shear

Peter Baker is the chief White House correspondent for The Times. He has covered the last five presidents and sometimes writes analytical pieces that place presidents and their administrations in a larger context and historical framework. More about Peter Baker

How Much Does A Trip To Ireland Cost? A Guide With Examples

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

If you’re wondering how much is a trip to Ireland, we’ll cut to the chase!

The average trip to Ireland cost, based on a 5-day trip for two people flying from the USA in June is:    

• Budget: €2,523/$2,679 (or €1,261/$1,340 per person)
• Mid-range: €4,281/$4,545 (or €2,141/$2,273 per person)
• Luxury: €6,641/$7,051 (or €3,321/$3,525 per person)

In the guide below, you’ll find both the avoidable and unavoidable costs you need to consider along with several detailed examples of real-life trips .

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about how much a trip to Ireland costs

Click to enlarge

There are several factors to consider when trying to determine how much for a trip to Ireland. Take 20 seconds to read the points below as they’ll get you up-to-speed quickly:

1. You can spend anywhere from €89/$95 to €150/$159 per day

There really is no average cost of a trip to Ireland – every trip and every traveller is different. For example, some of our younger readers might be happy to stay in a hostel while some of our older readers won’t. Some people prefer to take organised tours while others like to rent a car and go it alone. All of this impacts your Ireland trip cost massively.

2. You’ll have avoidable and unavoidable costs

Flights, accommodation and food are all unavoidable costs . Now, the cost of each can go up and down depending on 1, the time of year you visit and 2, whether you choose budget, mid-level or luxury options. Some avoidable costs are the likes of drinks in pubs, souvenirs and car rental.

3. What you spend ultimately comes down to you

As is the case with any country, you can do Ireland on a budget if you need to. You just need to be careful when planning your trip to Ireland to make sure you stick within the budget you have to play with.

4. Always add a safety buffer

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of how much you can expect to spend in Ireland. However, please note that it’s always worth adding a buffer of 10-15% to your overall budget just to be safe. Unexpected costs will always arise.

The main things to consider when trying to estimate an Ireland trip cost

Many different variables come into play when trying to figure out a trip to Ireland cost.

Below, we’re going to show you costs for the likes of flights, public transport etc. We’ll use Dublin prices, as it’s one of the most expensive parts of the country.

1. Trip to Ireland cost #1: Flights

The first thing to consider when coming up with an average cost of a trip to Ireland is the price of flying into one of the airports in Ireland .

The cost of flights will vary depending on where you’re flying from, when you fly, the type of seat you book, baggage, etc. Here are some sample prices:

Example 1: Flying from JFK in the USA

• December : From €515/$546
• March : From €415/$440
• June : From €585/$621

Example 2: Flying from Frankfurt in Europe

• December : From €124/$132
• March : From €134/$142
• June : From €127/$145

2. Trip to Ireland cost #2: Accommodation

Your choice of accommodation can have a massive impact on the overall cost of your trip to Ireland. For this section, we’ll be looking at accommodation prices in Dublin.

We’ll use a Friday night and the price will be based on two people sharing. Please note that prices are likely to change – you can browse the latest prices here (affiliate link):

• December : From €66/$70 per night
• March : From €93/$99 per night
• June : From €104/$110 per night

2. Mid-range

• December : From €197/$208 per night
• March : From €174/$185 per night
• June : From €254/$270 per night
• December : From €527/$559 per night
• March : From €548/$582 per night
• June : From €418/$444 per night

3. Trip to Ireland cost #3: Food and drink

Photos via Monk’s on FB

The cost of food and drink is another unavoidable element that can have an enormous impact on the cost for a trip to Ireland.

Location plays a role. For example, the price of a pint of Guinness in rural Donegal will be considerably cheaper than Dublin City.

The type of establishment also has a big impact (e.g. having lunch in a cafe vs a restaurant). Here are some sample costs based on Dublin prices:

1. Breakfast: Between €10/$10.60 and €15/$15.92

If you have breakfast included in your accommodation, happy days. If not, you can expect to pay between €10/$10.60 and €15/$15.92 in a pub or cafe.

2. Lunch: Between €15/$15.92 and €20/$21.22

Lunch (e.g. soup and a sandwich or an Irish stew) can cost between €15/$15.92 and €20/$21.22. If you’re looking to keep your Ireland trip cost down, buy items to make a packed lunch in a shop/store.

3. Dinner: Between €15/$15.92 to €25/$26.53

The cost of dinner varies  hugely . If you opt for pub grub or a mid-range restaurant, allow between €15/$15.92 to €25/$26.53 for a drink and a main course. If you’re opting for higher-end restaurants, allow €60/$63.67 to €106.11 p/p.

4. Drinks:  €5.50/$5.84 to €8/$8.49

Drinking every night can see the cost of a trip of Ireland skyrocket. In Dublin, you’ll now pay a minimum of €5.50/$5.84 for a Guinness, €8/$8.49 for a glass of wine and €8/$8.49 for a low-end whiskey.

4. Trip to Ireland cost #4: How you’ll get around

There are several different ways of getting around Ireland (from rental car to private group tours) and they vary a fair bit in terms of price.

How you get around will not only effect the cost of a trip to Ireland but it’ll have a profound effect on your overall experience. Here’s an overview:

1. Rental car

Renting a car in Ireland can be costly but it gives you  a lot  of flexibility. There are a number of costs to consider with a rental and driving in Ireland in general.

Below, you’ll find prices for a 5-day trip in April 2024. The prices are for an economy car that seats four and that has an automatic transmission (note: prices may change so see latest rental costs here ):

• Cost of the rental : €403/$428
• Insurance : €51/$54
• Fuel : €144/$153 (€1.80 per litre for a 1,000 km trip)
• Tolls : Allow €17/$18

Buses tend to come in two forms – the ones that operate within a county, e.g. Galway, and ones that travel between counties. Here are some price examples:

• The Dublin Leap Visitor Card : Get unlimited travel in Dublin. 3 days costs €16/$17
• Dublin Bus Fares : From €1.70/$1.81 to €3/$3.19
• Dublin to Sligo : €21/$22.30 (single), €29.50/$31.33 (return)
• Cork to Galway : €21/$22.30 (single), €34/$36.11 (return)

If you’re exploring Ireland without a car , the chances are you’ll take a train or three. Here are some sample prices:

• Dublin to Belfast : From €16/$17
• Dublin to Cork : From €21/$22.30
• Dublin to Galway : From €14/$14.87

4. Organised tours

Organised tour prices vary massively . We have seen several 5-day tours for this year that cost in the region of €1,155/$1,227.

This includes your transport, 5 nights in high end hotels, numerous paid attractions, 3 dinners and 1 lunch. You’ll need to add in your flights, other meals, any drinks and tips .

5. Trip to Ireland cost #5: Attractions

Photos via Shutterstock

There’s plenty of things to do in Ireland and, while there are endless places that are free to visit, other attractions will have an admission fee.

This varies quite a lot depending on the attraction. But, to give you a rough idea of what to expect, we’ll go over some of the more popular places below.

1. State owned attractions

Some of the most popular attractions in Ireland are run by the state and, in general, prices tend to be reasonable.

The likes of Dublin Castle , the Rock of Cashel and Kilmainham Gaol are all good value at €8/$8.49 for an adult ticket.

2. Privately owned attractions

There are a number of other privately owned attractions that are well worth a visit on your trip to Ireland. Tickets for these tend to be more expensive.

An adult ticket for Kylemore Abbey , for example, costs €16/$16.97 while admission to the  Guinness Storehouse costs €26/$27.57.

3. Organised full and 1/2 day tours

You can find countless organised day trips throughout Ireland. They typically offer a comfortable coach journey that takes in a clatter of attractions before dropping you back where you started.

For example, you could be staying in Dublin and you take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher or the Causeway Coast . Expect to pay from €75/$78.47 for these tours ( browse prices here ).

6. Trip to Ireland cost #6: Travel insurance

The second last variable in your trip to Ireland cost is travel insurance. There are any number of things that can cause you to cancel your trip altogether, but it’s also worth covering yourself for any issues that might happen while you’re away.

A decent travel insurance policy will give you peace of mind and ensure that should the worst happen, you’ll be protected. For shorter trips, you can easily find travel insurance for less than €20/$21.21 (covering two people), with an excess of around €100/$ to €150/$.

Annual cover typically starts at around €30/$31.81 but can cost more than €100/$106.05 depending on the level of cover and the amount of excess you’re willing to pay.

7. Trip to Ireland cost #7: Souvenirs

Now, if you’re trying to cut the cost of your Ireland vacation cost, avoid souvenirs altogether.

However, if you want to bring a bit of Ireland home with you, here are some examples using Carroll’s Irish Gift prices:

• Claddagh ring : From €15/$15.91
• Magnets : From €5/$15.91
• Aran jumper : From €49/$51.96

8. Trip to Ireland cost #8: Safety buffer

As mentioned earlier, there is no ‘average cost of a trip to Ireland’. Unfortunately, many travel blogs claim otherwise. The result is that people very often underestimate their Ireland vacation cost.

It’s for that reason that we’d  always  recommend adding 15% to whatever figure you come up with.

For example, if you estimate your Ireland trip cost will work out around €3,000/$3,181 add an additional €450/$477 on top to cover unexpected costs.

Calculating the average cost of a trip to Ireland for 2 people and solo travellers

Now that we’ve got an idea of how much you can expect each of the major elements to cost, we can calculate the average cost of a trip to Ireland for 2 people and solo travellers flying from the US.

Of course, everyone will have different experiences, so the following budgets are a rough guideline only. These examples use a departure date of June (peak season).

1. Budget trip for one person:

• Flights from JFK : €415/$440
• Public transport : €122/$130*
• Accommodation : €520/$552**
• Food : €40/$42 per day
• Drinks : None
• Tours/attractions : €80/$85***
• Travel Insurance : €20/$21.21

TOTAL trip to Ireland cost with 15% buffer: €1,561 / $1,658

* Two train journeys at €21/$22.30 each and five bus journeys at an average of €16/$17 each ** €104/$110 per night average *** 5 state run attractions at €8 each and one ½ day tour at €40

2. Budget trip for two people:

• Flights from JFK : €830/$880
• Public transport : €244/$260*
• Food : €80/$84 per day
• Tours/attractions : €160/$170***
• Travel Insurance : €40/$42.42

TOTAL cost of a trip to Ireland for 2 with a 15% buffer: €2,523/$2,679 (or €1,261/$1,340 per person)

* Train journeys at €21/$22.30 each and five bus journeys at an average of €16/$17 each ** €104/$110 per night average *** 5 state run attractions at €8 each and one ½ day tour at €40

3. Mid-range trip for one person:

• Flights from JFK: €415/$440
• Economy rental car: €403/$428
• Rental car insurance: €51/$54
• Fuel: €144/$153
• Tolls: Allow €17/$18
• Accommodation: €1,270/$1,350
• Food: €60/$64 per day
• Drinks: €81/$86**
• Tours: €104/$110
• Travel Insurance: €20/$21.21

TOTAL Ireland vacation cost with 15% buffer: €3,226 / $3,426

* €254/$270 per night ** Based on the person having 2 pints of Guinness at a cost of €5.50/$5.84 each and 2 whiskies at a cost of €8/$8.50 each on three nights of the trip *** 5 state run attractions at €8/$8.50 each and 4 privately run attractions at an average of €16/$16.99 each

4. Mid-range trip for two people:

• Flights from JFK: €830/$880
• Accommodation: €1,270/$1,350*
• Food: €120/$128 per day
• Drinks: €160/$172**
• Tours: €208/$220
• Travel Insurance: €40/$42.42

TOTAL Ireland vacation cost with 15% buffer: €4,281 / $4,545 (or €2,141 / $2,273 per person)

* €254/$270 per night ** Based on the couple having 2 pints of Guinness at a cost of €5.50/$5.84 each and 2 whiskies at a cost of €8/$8.50 each on three nights of the trip *** 5 state run attractions at €8/$8.50 each and 4 privately run attractions at an average of €16/$16.99 each

5. Luxury trip for one person:

• Flights from JFK: €599/$564*
• Large rental car: €603/$640
• Rental car insurance : €71/$75
• Fuel: €224/$238
• Accommodation: €2,090/$2,220**
• Food: €145/$154 per day***
• Drinks: €240/$225****
• Tours: €234/$248*****

TOTAL cost of trip with 15% buffer: €5,546/$5,888

* Includes large carry on bags and extra legroom seat ** €418/$444 per night *** All meals eaten out allowing €20/$21 for breakfast, €35/$37 for lunch and dinner in a high end restaurant at an average cost of €90/$96 per meal **** Allowing for a bottle of wine on three evenings at a cost of €80/$85 per bottle ***** 5 state run attractions at €8/$8.50 each, 4 privately run attractions at an average of €16/$16.99 each and 2 experiences (e.g. private whiskey tasting) at an average of €65 each

6. Luxury trip for two people:

• Flights from JFK: €1,198/$1,128*
• Rental car insurance: €71/$75
• Food: €290/$308 per day***
• Drinks: €480/$450****
• Tours: €468/$496*****

TOTAL cost of trip with 15% buffer: €6,641 / $7,051 (or €3,321 / $3,525 per person)

* Includes large carry on bags and extra legroom seat ** €418/$444 per night *** All meals eaten out allowing €20/$21 for breakfast, €35/$37 for lunch and dinner in a high end restaurant at an average cost of €90/$96 per meal **** Allowing for 2 bottles of wine on three evenings at a cost of €80/$85 per bottle *** 5 state run attractions at €8/$8.50 each, 4 privately run attractions at an average of €16/$16.99 each and 2 experiences (e.g. private whiskey tasting) at an average of €65 each

FAQs about a trip to Ireland cost

We get emails and DMs asking how much does a trip to Ireland cost constantly , and it can be a tricky question to answer as there are so many variables to consider.

I’m going to pop in the most common Ireland trip cost questions that we receive below, but shout in the comments if you have one we haven’t tackled.

How much does the average trip to Ireland cost?

How much does it cost to go to ireland for a week, what is the cheapest month to go to ireland, how much does a weekend in ireland cost.

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.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Saturday 21st of January 2023

Hello Kieth, When was your Example A budget created? We are headed to Ireland May of 2023 and wondering how accurate those figures are. They look on the low side. Kelly

Keith O'Hara

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Hey Kelly - This was all done at the end of last year and I know Andy, one of our senior writers here, put a lot of time into the research of each of the workings. You can click into the google sheet that shows the calculations, also. Shout if there's anything you need!

Thursday 19th of January 2023

Do you have a 14 day recommendation that included N. Ireland. We are traveling end of August.

Hey Debra - if head into

and scroll down to the itineraries starting from Belfast you'll find plenty of 14-day road trips to choose from!

UK Social Work travels to Ireland and Northern Ireland for Education Abroad trip

• Published June 13, 2024
• College News , Featured News , Impacting Students

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LEXINGTON, Ky. – Experiencing education in a global context, students and professors from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) embarked on an enlightening journey to Ireland and Northern Ireland this May. This education abroad trip , renowned for its ability to expand students’ understanding of their field through immersive cultural experiences, saw the group exploring Belfast and Derry in Northern Ireland, as well as Dublin, Ireland.

During this transformative 10-day trip, participants engaged in hands-on learning, observing community activism and social work practices firsthand. These experiences are instrumental in developing a broader worldview and enhancing both academic and professional prospects.

“This kind of education abroad experience increases students’ cultural adaptability, helps foster international awareness and concern, as well as exposes them to social work practice on an international level,” Dr. Natalie Pope, associate professor and PhD Program Director at the CoSW, said.

Pope, along with assistant professor Dr. Aubrey Jones, facilitated the trip that included undergraduate students, as well as Master of Social Work (MSW) students. The CoSW group shared many different experiences while abroad, including volunteering at the East Belfast Mission , visiting the Clonard Monastery, and learning about the Bloody Sunday massacre.

Students had the opportunity to visit the peace walls in Belfast, participate in a formal tea service, and take part in a self-care for trauma healing session at the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.

Traveling outside of the United States for the first time, Alison Calnan, a 2024 MSW grad, said that her favorite part of the trip was meeting with Jon McCourt, a former IRA member and now peace activist in Derry, Northern Ireland.

“Walking with Jon clarified a humble perspective of working with polarized communities, as he exemplifies a story of lived trauma and transformation,” Calnan said. “Jon stated that there is more that is unified in human experiences between Catholics and Protestants, but ‘we allow those outside of us to tell us differently.’  I gained that in a sense, we humanize these forced divisions, on both sides, truly losing our humanity in stride to resolve the discomfort they cause.”

A sense of connection and understanding of different cultures was a big part of the trip, as well as being exposed to more community-level work and peace building that can be done to unite people.

“I hope this group of students feel more connected to the UK CoSW, given that most of them were online, remote students. I hope they fell in love with traveling abroad and learned about the lived experiences of people in a completely different part of the world,” Pope said.

Experiencing social work in a real-world setting, instead of in a classroom, was an impactful part of Calnan’s experience abroad.

“The overall experience was really cool. What’s great about education abroad is that it gives life to the things you’re learning, and it becomes real and tangible. Being able to interact with people in their communities was powerful,” Calnan said.  “I saw a lot of social work, whether by people in the field or not, that embraced the core values of practice and implemented them in a fashion that epitomized the true roots of social work in the United States,” Calnan said.

For over 85 years, the College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky has been a leader in education. Our mission is clear: Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the CoSW works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways.

As the state’s flagship university, our mission is actualized through our deeds. Our faculty are renowned academicians dedicated to fostering the development of high-quality practitioners and researchers. As a college, we promote community and individual well-being through translational research and scholarship, exemplary teaching, and vital community engagement. We are committed to the people and social institutions throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world.

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