travel ireland by car

The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary and Travel Guide

Last Updated: February 5, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

The Ring of Kerry

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

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

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

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

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

Dark Hedges Game Of Thrones Northern Ireland Road Trip Campervan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They are also supremely crowded with tourists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was one of the best decisions we made.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the main attractions along the way are:

Drive the spectacular Ring of Beara.
Walking around Kenmare.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunset Howth Ireland Road Trip Campervan

Tips For a Road Trip of Ireland

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

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

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

Here are some tips for renting a campervan in Ireland.

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

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

Campervan View Ireland Road Trip Campervan

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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

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Destination Guides , Itineraries , Road Trips

10 days in ireland: the ultimate ireland road trip itinerary.

There’s something magical about Ireland. With emerald fields dotted with sheep (hence the nickname “The Emerald Isle”), Ireland is a perfect destination any time of the year. And, as a small island nation, it’s especially prime for spending 10 days in Ireland.

Most travelers will spend at least one day in Dublin during an Irish vacation, be it to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or to see the famous sights and historical spots.

More intrepid travelers will want to explore further. There are some amazing scenic drives in Ireland to take: the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way are chief among them. If you want to explore Ireland in 10 days by car, this is how to do it!

In 2013, three friends and I spent a week in Ireland, drinking all the Guinness and driving around the countryside (not at the same time!). I’ve also been to the country multiple times since and have gone on various road trips around Ireland. Based on these experiences, here’s the perfect guide for planning your own trip to visit Ireland in 10 days with a car.

This post was first written in 2016 and was last updated in February 2023.

Table of Contents

Quick Glance: Your Ireland Itinerary for 10 Days

Here’s the super-quickest, TL;DR version of my suggested 10-day itinerary for an Ireland road trip. Below you’ll find a table that gives the start and end points each day, plus a map that shows you exactly how much of Ireland you’ll see. If you like what you see on this Ireland road trip itinerary for 10 days, you can read the rest of the article for more detail!

Tips for Your Ireland Road Trip for 10 Days

Before we get into the details, here are a few other tips to help you make the most of your Ireland road trip:

Have a packing list. Making sure you have everything you need before you go can help you avoid extra stops on your trip, so you can reference my list of what to pack for Ireland if you need ideas.
Rent a car. While I do have advice on how to drive in Ireland without a car , that doesn’t apply to this post. You will need to be able to drive or have someone in your party get you to all the destinations on this list.
Drive on the left! Due to its British heritage, Ireland observes the British rules of the road, which include driving on the left. You’ll need some time to wrap your head around it, but if I can do it – you can do it!
Go manual to save. As is the case for most rental car situations in Europe, you can save a lot by renting a manual transmission car instead of an automatic one. I ended up as the sole driver for my Irish road trip because I was the only one who knew how to drive a manual transmission.
Rent a small car. While a larger vehicle may be just fine on the freeways, you will not be able to fit in many small-town streets. I’ve been on so many that could barely fit my sedan, much less two cars at the same time, so always go for smaller ones when possible to make your 10 day Ireland itinerary easier.
Distance doesn’t correlate to time. Though some of the distances I mention seem brief for a day, you’ll notice the estimated time might be quite long. Some of these routes include winding two-lane roads and mountain passes. It takes a while to see this much of a country, okay? Settle in for the ride, and remember to bring snacks.
Adjust accordingly. This Ireland 10 day itinerary is flexible. If, for example, you’ve already visited Dublin or have planned out your trip, you could cut those days and turn this into a 7-day Ireland road trip itinerary instead. If you fly into Cork or Shannon airport, you could start from that point on the itinerary and work your way around. I’m not here to tell you exactly how to do this trip – just to provide suggestions and help you have an unforgettable experience.
Understand the rules of the road. You’ll want to research driving tips in Ireland so you will feel more confident before you set off.
Be flexible. I personally think this is the best 10 day Ireland itinerary because I’ve done it myself, but feel free to take out some attractions or even whole days and spend more time in others if you find that you prefer them. This is just a suggestion!

The Ultimate Itinerary for 10 Days in Ireland

Without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details of this Ireland road trip I’m suggesting. You’ll find a day-by-day breakdown below, with suggested start and stop points, plus breaks and scenery/sites to see along the way. While this is for a 10 day trip to Ireland, you can always add or subtract a few days to match how much time you have.

Day 1: Arrive in Ireland

I often see itinerary and road trip posts jump right in and put you on the road from Day 1. I’m a bit more realistic: if you’re flying into Ireland from North America, you’re going to need a day to recover. Unless you’re invincible, you’ll likely have jet lag and need to rest up for a day to be ready to go.

This is that day. Catch up on sleep, get on Irish time, and be ready for adventure for your 10 day Ireland itinerary. I promise you – it’ll be worth it to have one slower day before driving around the country.

If you’re a hotel person, try checking Booking.com to see what hotels fit your budget and style. Here’s a map you can use if you’d prefer to stay based on location during your road trip around Ireland.

I have a whole list of where to stay in Dublin , as well as bed and breakfasts in Dublin , but here are a few hotels I recommend otherwise:

Wren Urban Nest is a modern hotel that’s close to the Temple Bar area and other attractions that are within walking distance. Rates start at $122/night.
The Address Connolly is a treat to stay at, with a sauna, gym, and rooms with power showers. Rates start at $158/night.
Ashling Hotel Dublin is right by the LUAS tram and Heuston Station, making it a breeze to get around. Rates start at $169/night.

If you’d instead go for a more local option, consider a VRBO. Here are a few, right in the heart of the city, that catch my eye:

This penthouse is a rare find in Dublin with a large patio overlooking the city and a kitchen, and it sleeps up to four, from $283/night.
This two-bedroom is another good group option; it says it can fit up to eight people and has two bathrooms, from $176/night.
For a little less – and if you’re not spending much time in the room – this homely apartment fits two comfortably, from $89/night.

Resources for Day 1:

You’ll need to book three nights at your Dublin accommodation. Ensure your Irish travel adapter is on hand to charge your electronics.

If you don’t have as much time, you might prefer a 6 day tour of Ireland instead.

Day 2: Dublin

For the first two days of this Irish road trip, you should spend some time in the Irish capital: Dublin. I’ve already detailed extensively what you should do for three days in Dublin , so here’s a short version of that.

There are loads of attractions in Dublin (consider getting the Dublin Pass to save money), but here are some of my favorites to check out during your 10 days in Ireland:

Jameson Distillery Tour

The Jameson Distillery on Bow St is a must-see during your ten days in Ireland if you’re interested in Irish Whiskey. Consider it part of your cultural education, and book a tour even if you’re not. They have three tour options:

The Jameson Distillery Guided Tour is a 40-minute group tour that includes a drink at JJ’s Bar. Tickets are €20 for Adults and €16 for Students and Seniors. Book here.
The Skip the Line Tour is a 90-minute small-group tour where you learn how the drinks are made from a Jameson Ambassador and get to try the beer and whiskey. €90 per person. Book her e.
The Whiskey Cocktail Making Class is a 60-minute small group where you can make and try three Jameson cocktails. €50 per person. Book here.

Like visiting the Guinness Factory (which I recommend on Day 2, to help balance the impact of a trip to Dublin on your liver), the Jameson Factory is a must-do during your 10 day Ireland road trip!

Ha’penny Bridge

On my trip to Dublin, I stayed in an Airbnb literally right at one end of the Ha’penny Bridge – I could see it out the window from the tiny studio I was sharing with the three classmates traveling with me!

Officially called the Liffey Bridge, this cast-iron span is a pedestrian-only crossing of the River Liffey and connects the Temple Bar and North City.

Here’s another rental apartment right next door to where I stayed if you want another option right near the Ha’penny Bridge.

Oh, and conveniently, it’s a short walk from the Jameson Factory to the Ha’penny Bridge, which you can then cross to visit Temple Bar! It’s touristy but fun to put on your Ireland itinerary for 10 days, and you may learn some fun Ireland facts while there.

Temple Bar is possibly one of the most popular parts of Dublin, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. This neighborhood is the center of all tourist nightlife in the city, and you have your choice from noisy pubs to bass-pumping clubs (perfect for trying traditional drinks in Ireland ).

Since I stayed so close to Temple Bar (like I said, literally across the Ha’penny Bridge!), I had dinner here almost every night and partook of a few pints too! It is very touristy though, so make sure you know what not to do as an Irish tourist first.

Resources for Day 2:

Stay another night in your Dublin accommodations.

Day 3: Dublin

For your second day in Dublin, take in the city’s Greatest Hits: the masterpieces of history, architecture, intellect, and cuisine that make the Irish capital unique. You could see these sights in any order, but I’ve arranged them in an order that makes sense for walking between them. You’ll also learn a ton of fun facts about Dublin while you’re there.

Trinity College

Trinity College is an active academic institution – but it’s also one of the most touristed sites in the city. You can walk freely through the gorgeous green courtyards past the statues of famous Irish citizens. I think this is one of the best winter activities in Dublin , so you can stay warm and dry.

Or, book a tour of the picturesque library with its Long Hall and the exhibit on the Book of Kells , the most famous medieval manuscript in the world. Can you believe students actually go to school here?

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle dates back to the year 1204, which is older than just about anything I’ve ever seen – how about you?! The castle was the seat of British power in Ireland until the civil war in the 1920s; now, it houses government staterooms and two museums.

The building and grounds are generally open to the public, and sometimes public events like concerts are hosted here. Since you’re mainly inside, it’s one of the best things to do in Ireland in December .

You can do a self-guided tour (€7 for adults, €6 for students/seniors, €3 for kids) or book a guided 70-minute tour which includes the State Apartments, the Viking Excavation, and the Chapel Royal (€10 for adults, €8 for students/seniors, €4 for kids) to make the most of your Ireland road trip for 10 days.

Save up to 50% off attractions with the Go City Pass ! It’s a great way to save money if you plan on visiting multiple sights in Dublin.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is close to Dublin Castle, just a five-minute walk. The Cathedral is the older of the two medieval cathedrals in Dublin, dating back to 1028. (Seriously, if you’re from the U.S. like me, it’s pretty mind-blowing how old buildings can be – and they’re still preserved and open for tours!)

You can explore the crypt (including seeing the famous mummified cat and rat), walk in the footsteps of pilgrims (this church was once a famous site for Catholic pilgrims), and experience Evensong (typically sung at 5 pm or 6 pm, so this depends on your time of visit).

Religious travel is a common activity, and if you enjoy visiting sacred sites, Christ Church Cathedral is a must. Christmas in Dublin is an especially special time of year to visit.

Guinness Storehouse

While everything else you visit in Dublin for Day 2 is pretty old, the Guinness Storehouse is relatively new: it was only established in 1902. However, it’s likely to be around as long as any of them since Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on the land!

The Guinness Storehouse is part brewery, part museum, and part bar. When you book a tour, you get to see all three. Tickets are €18.50 (adults/students/seniors), and you can pretty much wander through the museum as long as you like. Make sure you end at the Gravity Bar, with its panoramic views of Dublin, where you can enjoy the freshest pint of Guinness in the world. You can also take a private guided tour to skip the line.

Alternatively, you could also take a day trip from Dublin if you want to see the surrounding area but still return to your hotel at the end of the night.

At the end of this day, take an easy night and rest – tomorrow, you hit the road to continue your 10 day driving tour of Ireland!

Resources for Day 3:

Stay a final night in your Dublin accommodations.

Make sure to book your car rental in advance! I love using Discover Cars when I travel.

Day 4: Dublin to Kinsale

Details for Day 4:

Start: Dublin
Stops: Kilcullen, Gowran, Inistioge
End: Kinsale
Distance: 200mi (323km)
Estimated time: 4.5 hours, not including stops

The first thing you’ll need to do this morning is pick up your rental car to start your 10 days in Ireland by car. You can rent a car from the city center or the airport (or read about other ways to get from the Dublin Airport to Dublin City Center until you’re ready to rent a car). Both Sixt and Europcar have rental locations near the city center; Enterprise and Hertz are further out of town.

Setting out from Dublin is an exciting prospect: once you leave the city traffic behind, Ireland’s rolling emerald-green fields appear almost immediately.

Rather than taking the most direct motorway from one town to the next, I recommend smaller highways and roads for your 10-day self-drive in Ireland. Therefore, take the M7 to the M9 and stop for a late breakfast in the town of Kilcullen. I recommend Ann Tearmann for a light breakfast and coffee.

From Kilcullen, continue on the M9 toward Gowran. There, friends and I stopped to explore the ruins surrounding St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, parts of which date back over 2,000 years to Celtic times:

These kinds of diversions are one of the best parts of taking a road trip through Ireland: you can stop and explore at will, on your own schedule. There are numerous famous landmarks in Ireland to enjoy. Please be respectful of ruins and historical sites while exploring!

From Gowran, I recommend you continue to the small town of Inistioge (“In-ish-teeg”) during your road trip around Ireland for 10 days. An Irish friend recommended lunch here, and the diversion from the main route is worth it. Aside from lunch at Circle of Friends Cafe, you can see a beautiful arched bridge across the River Nore:

From Inistioge, make the 2.5-hour drive along the N25 to Kinsale for the evening. While there, spend time admiring the boats as they come into the harbor for the night; their fresh catches will be on the menu at many restaurants around town.

The best is Fishy Fishy , recommended by my Irish friend and verified when friends and I dined there during our 10 day Ireland road trip itinerary. With a full belly of fresh seafood, enjoy a well-earned night of rest after your first day on the road.

Resources for Day 4:

Actons Hotel , the top-rated hotel in Kinsale. Rooms from $152 per night.
Kinsale Hotel & Spa , a beautiful hotel with an indoor swimming pool and spa. Rooms from $153 per night.
Or opt for a VRBO, such as this harbor view apartment (from $191/night) , this charming home (from $102/night) , or this two-bedroom home in the center of Kinsale that has a garden (from $158/night) .

Day 5: Kinsale to Ballinskelligs

Details for Day 5:

Start: Kinsale
Stops: Blarney Castle, Blarney Stone, Drombeg Stone Circle, Schull
End: Ballinskelligs
Distance: 186mi (299km)
Estimated time: 5.5 hours, not including stops

Rise early for an ambitious day of sightseeing and driving. Explore Kinsale a little while making your way to breakfast at the Lemon Leaf Cafe . They claim to offer the best coffee and breakfast in the county, and I agree. You’ll also love the colorful buildings when deciding what to see in Ireland in 10 days.

Cork & Blarney Castle

Backtrack slightly on a 45-minute drive to the city of Cork and Blarney Castle. This must-see sight during your 10 days in Ireland is home to the famous Blarney Stone. If you arrive early enough (or on a rainy day, as I did), you can avoid the crowds that form and explore the castle and grounds at your leisure.

Without crowds, the precariously perched Stone will also be slightly less gross or terrifying.

While you can’t stay at this castle, there are many Ireland castle hotels that you can book a room at, or you can find a place to stay in Cork !

Drombeg Stone Circle & Schull

By mid-morning, head away from Cork toward the town of Schull (“Skull”) to continue your 10 day road trip in Ireland. En route along the N71, stop off to see the Drombeg Stone Circle, a 75-minute drive.

This megalithic site dates back to the Bronze/Iron Ages (as far back as 3200BC) and is one of the most-visited sites of its type. It also looks out across stunning rolling fields dressed up in Irish green. It’s not hard to see why people have settled here for five millennia.

Note: The road to Drombeg Stone Circle is what my past passengers call a “Valerie Road.” It’s narrow, unpaved, and a bit tricky to navigate. However, it’s really cool to see the stone circle, thus proving Valerie Roads are always worth it.

Drive another 45 minutes along the N71 to Schull for lunch. This seaside town is popular with visitors in the summer months due to close ocean access and beautiful countryside. I recommend you enjoy lunch at the Black Sheep Bar; during winter in Ireland , they usually have a fire going where you can warm up.

Ballinskelligs

After a leisurely lunch, you still have roughly three hours of driving on your road trip in Ireland from Schull to Ballinskelligs on N71 and N70. The majority of this drive will be along Ireland’s famous Ring of Kerry, and this renowned route creates a circle on the Kerry Peninsula, which you’ll drive in part from Kenmare to Ballinskelligs.

You should arrive in Ballinskellings with enough daylight to stop at Ballinskelligs Castle and the nearby Abbey and watch the sunset on the Pacific coast.

Once the sun goes down, you’re in for one last treat for the day: Ballinskelligs is part of the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve. This area of Ireland has one of the darkest skies in the country, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. You can check their website to see if any events are happening or just head out of town to a darker spot to look up at the night sky.

Resources for Day 5:

Stay at a cute B&B, The Old School House B&B , for waterfront and mountain views in the Ballinskelligs. From $111 per night.
Skelling Cottages are close to the beach and St. Michael’s Abbey. From $175 per night for six adults.
This family-friendly cottage has room for 10 people with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. From $155 per night.

Day 6: Ballinskelligs to Dingle through Killarney

Details for Day 6:

Start: Ballinskelligs
Stops: Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park, Killarney
End: Dingle
Distance: 117mi (187km)
Estimated time: 4.0 hours, not including stops

Hopefully, you didn’t stay up too late stargazing last night! There’s another exciting day of driving ahead. You might wonder: how can only 100 miles take four hours to drive?! Remember what I said about two-lane roads and mountain passes?

This is one of the main days you’ll experience both . You’re also taking a meandering route rather than a direct one to enjoy the sights along the way. The scenery is definitely worth it, though.

Gap of Dunloe

Set out from Ballinskelligs after breakfast (Cafe Cois Trá seems to be the place for a morning bite!) back to N70, then head north. You’ll follow the Ring of Kerry around to N72, then cut south on Gap of Dunloe to… the Gap of Dunloe!

Park. Stop off to stretch your legs and enjoy the view, or take a tiny two-lane road to the Gap of Dunloe and the Wishing Bridge.

This mountain pass is famously beautiful, and as you can tell, it’s for a good reason.

Killarney National Park

Continue south on Gap of Dunloe to Molls Gap, then turn east toward Killarney National Park on N71. You may want to stop at this point (there’s a little roadside shop called Avoca Shop & Café) to grab a bite and snacks if you don’t have any and are feeling peckish. This also gives you the luxury to stop in Killarney National Park and enjoy the scenery during your 10 days in Ireland.

Some of the famous viewpoints along N71 in Killarney National Park include Ladies View , Torc Waterfall , and Muckrock House . As you approach Killarney, you can also drive out on Ross Island to view Innisfallen Abbey on its island in Lough Leane. In short, it’s easy to spend most of the day making your way through the national park!

From Killarney, it’s one more hour north and west to the town of Dingle on the peninsula of the same name. Dingle is yet another seaside fishing town, well known to locals and recommended by my friend. This is your base for the night, and you’ll love exploring all the things to do in Dingle .

Resources for Day 6:

You’re halfway! If you want to splurge, consider Castlewood House , a luxurious manor with reasonable rates. From $114 in the off-season or $176 in the summer months.
Dingle Benners House is a more budget-conscious option. From $96 per night.
Harbour Haven is right on the waterfront, includes street parking, and sleeps up to seven guests. From $233 per night.
You can also look at the six best areas to stay in Dingle for more options.

Day 7: Dingle to Liscannor & the Cliffs of Moher

Details for Day 7:

Start: Dingle
Stops: Conor Pass, Castlegregory, Tarbert
End: Liscannor
Distance: 107mi (172km), including a ferry ride

Castlegregory

Set out after breakfast in Dingle over Conor Pass to the town of Castlegregory. This beautiful drive takes you to an elevation of 1,500 feet above sea level and offers stunning views to both the north and south as you cross the top of the pass.

Though it’s a short drive over the pass to the town (just 30 minutes), stop and wander along the beach for a while. The water isn’t generally warm enough to swim, but the beaches in this area are popular with surfers and scuba during certain months.

Tarbert Ferry

Back in the car, it’s an hour’s drive to the town of Tarbert and a ferry ride that helps cut an hour of driving off the day. The ferry is officially called the “Tarbert-Shannon Ferry,” and cars are €19 for a one-way transfer.

If you choose to skip the ferry, you’ll pass through Limerick and Shannon, both well-known spots to explore (and you’ll love the kid activities in Limerick if with your family). Otherwise, you can continue north another two hours to the town of Liscannor, and this is your base for the night.

Depending on the timing of your arrival and sunset, you have two choices: dinner first or sunset at the Cliffs of Moher first. The drive to the Cliffs from Liscannor is less than 10 minutes. There are plenty of hiking trails you can walk along if the weather is nice, and the views are unforgettable.

If you want a second opinion on what makes the Cliffs of Moher so incredible, this guide to visiting the Cliffs of Moher will help.

When sunset begins, all you have to do is enjoy the show:

For dinner, there’s only one place to go: Vaughan’s Anchor Inn . This award-winning Inn and restaurant had the freshest seafood I’ve ever eaten; it’s well worth indulging in starters and dessert too. You can book a room at the Inn as well or consider the other options below.

If you only have 7 days in Ireland , you may end your trip here and return to Dublin (and maybe check out some Dublin hiking trails while you’re at it). Otherwise, continue on for the rest of your itinerary.

Resources for Day 7:

The Cliffs of Moher Hotel , in the heart of Liscannor. Rooms from $90 per night.
If you’re all in for a vacation rental on this trip, this charming cottage starts from $9 per night and has three bedrooms.

Day 8: The Cliffs of Moher to Bushmills

Details for Day 8:

Start: Liscannor
Stops: The Cliffs of Moher, Sligo, Londonderry
End: Bushmills
Distance: 260mi (417km)
Estimated time: 6.0 hours, not including stops

This, the eighth of 10 days in Ireland, is a long day of driving – the longest by far. It’s an unfortunate reality that, at this point, you’ve got to make some choices about what to see.

You could take these last three days and go to Galway, book yourself a room at a charming Galway bed and breakfast , and check out some pubs in Galway. However, I have an itinerary for you if you only have one day in Galway .

Instead, I recommend making the long haul up to the northern coast for a Northern Ireland road trip . You can spend a few hours in the morning at the Cliffs of Moher (Doolin2Aran Cruises leaves the town of Doolin north of the Cliffs of Moher. Their Cliffs cruise is only one hour and gives you a different perspective on the cliffs), then set out for the long drive north.

As today’s route takes you past most of the remaining parts of the Wild Atlantic Way , you can make stops in Sligo and/or Londonderry for a meal en route to the small town of Bushmills.

Resources for Day 8:

You’ll need to book two nights in Bushmills.
Portcaman House is close to the city center and Giant’s Causeway. From $118 per night.
Carnside Guest House is another great option, with beautiful views and an excellent location. From $153 per night.
Ready for one last VRBO? This three-bedroom cottage is one of the closest places you can stay to Giant’s Causeway and has beautiful views. From $153 per night.
You can also check out beautiful Irish country house hotels for a unique place to stay or the best places to stay in Galway .

Day 9: The Giant’s Causeway & Carrick-a-Rede

After a long day of driving, Day 9 of my suggested Ireland road trip is almost no driving – instead, you’ll be exploring two of the most famous sights in Northern Ireland during your 10 days in Ireland.

Located just outside Bushmills, you can spend a few hours exploring the terrain and admiring the weirdly shaped volcanic rock formations at the Giant’s Causeway. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is protected and may be closed in certain portions, so respect any signage.

There’s also a stunning visitor center that I highly recommend if you have the time. It teaches you about the formation of the ’causeway’ and the region’s fascinating geology.

Want someone else to take care of the details? Consider booking a tour to the Giant’s Causeway instead.

After the Giant’s Causeway, head east along the coastline to see the ruins of Dunseverick Castle and the Carrick-a-Rede. This famous rope bridge takes you to a small island with limited walking trails. It’s still worth taking the time to check off this activity for your Irish bucket list if you’re in the area.

There are numerous Game of Thrones filming spots in this area, so make sure to check them out to reenact your favorite scene.

Resources for Day 9:

Stay another night in your Bushmills accommodation.

Day 10: Belfast & Dublin

Details for Day 10:

Start: Bushmills
Stops: Belfast
End: Dublin
Distance: 163mi (262km)
Estimated time: 3.0 hours, not including stops

Depending on your departure, your last day of this 10-day Ireland road trip can be as quick or leisurely as you like. If you flew into Dublin, you’ll need to get back there: the best way is by passing through Belfast en route south.

However, if you have time, you might consider making a stop in Belfast, too, as there are plenty of fun things to do in Belfast (including plenty of kid-friendly Belfast activities if you’re with the family).

The Titanic Belfast Museum (£18.50 for adults, £15 for students/seniors, £8 for kids) is the most popular site, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars where you could have lunch on your way back to Dublin.

If you decide to stay in the area, check out my post on where to stay in Belfast .

There can be some traffic from Belfast to Dublin, so I’d allow at least a few hours to get back, time to drop off your rental car, and then a few hours to check in for your flight. You’ll likely be pretty exhausted at this point, so you can cozy up at one of the pubs in the airport for some last-minute Irish food and drink.

If you want to stay in the area longer, there are plenty of day trips from Belfast you can go on.

Resources for Day 10:

None, you’re done! Great work!

Have other questions about your own 10 days in Ireland itinerary? Let me know in the comments.

Marissa became obsessed with Ireland when she first visited in 2015, and has been back numerous times since to explore more of the Emerald Isle. She started this site to help others plan their trip to Ireland based off her experiences.

28 thoughts on “ 10 Days in Ireland: The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary ”

Great choice! Traveling around Ireland by car is awesome. A car is the only way to see all of Italy’s nooks and crannies. Don’t wait until you’re over there to rent a vehicle. It is invariably cheaper to rent a car from home.

Great tip! I highly recommend booking a car hire in advance 🙂

Ireland is on my bucket list but I didn’t know what I wanted to see. How handy is this post?! Pinning!

I’m glad you found it helpful!! Thanks for pinning 🙂

I have to do this!!!!! 😀 I was thinking of either visiting New Zealand, Australia or Ireland next summer! 🙂 This trip looked beautiful!

I’ve never been to NZ or Aus, but I can vouch that Ireland is awesome 😉

I’ve always, always wanted to do an Ireland road trip. I have family history there and my mom did one when she was about my age, and I think it’d be so cool to follow in her footsteps! Bookmarking

Thanks so much for bookmarking – I hope this comes in handy when you finally start planning your trip. Let me know if you have any other questions when the time comes!

Ireland is by far my favorite country in the world! You captured it beautifully. I haven’t been to Kinsale yet, so I’ll have to check it out next time I’m there.

That’s a great compliment, thanks! You should definitely visit Kinsale – it’s the one place I most want to go back and visit again at length.

Ireland is still on my list of places to go and a road trip would be awesome! This trip sounds like a lot of fun.

Thanks so much! I hope you can make it soon.

I want to visit Ireland so much! This looks gorgeous!

Make it happen! It really is this beautiful – if not more so!

Ireland is on my list of places I want to visit. It looks so nice there.

It’s lovely there! I hope you can make it soon 🙂

These photos are incredible! I have always wanted to go to Ireland SO badly and this post made it even worse! haha. Loved reading this!

Thanks so much! I hope you can make it soon 😀

views are really incredible! I love mountains so much

Ireland *is* pretty freakin’ beautiful! Thanks for your comment!

Absolutely perfect timing! I will be following this itinerary in Jan 2020. It hits all of the POI I was looking at but several I hadn’t discovered. Will add a visit to my family’s place of origin outside of Limerick. Great, informative article. Thank you!

Glad to help, Matthew! Have an amazing trip!!

Wonderful tips, thanks so much! We can’t wait for our trip this summer 🙂

Glad to help! Have an amazing trip, Monika!!

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

It’s a beautiful country and I hope you get the chance to explore it!

Which castle would be a good alternative to Blarney castle? I’ve heard it’s very crowded there and touristy.

There are quite a bit to choose from luckily – what area are you looking at?

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Ireland Road Trip: 7, 10 and 14 day Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Ring of Kerry- Ultimate Ireland road trip

Ireland Road Trip Planning Tips

How long to spend in ireland.

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

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

When is the Best Time To Visit Ireland?

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

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

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

Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore

How To Get To Ireland

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

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

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

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

Hiring A Car In Ireland

Don’t leave car hire as an afterthought.

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

Look Carefully At The Car Insurance

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

Age Requirements

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

Is Public Transport An Option?

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

Compare Prices And Choose A Reliable Company

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

Methods Of Payment

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

Travel Insurance For Ireland

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

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

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

Prefer A Group Tour Of Ireland?

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

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

14 Day Ireland Road Trip

Day 1-3 | dublin.

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

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

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

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

Day 4-5 | Dublin Bay – Dalkey & Howth

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

Day Trip To Dalkey

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

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

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

Day Trip To Howth

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

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

Baby gull on Ireland's Eye, off Howth, Dublin Bay

Day 6 | Enniscorthy

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

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

Day 7 | Copper Coast + Mahon Falls

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

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

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

Kilfarassy Beach on Copper Coast - Ireland road trip

Day 8 | Waterford City

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

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

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

Strongbow and Aoife Statue in Waterford Viking Triangle

Day 9 | Drive To Killarney Via Blarney Castle

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

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

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

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

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

Day 10 | Ring Of Kerry Drive

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

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

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

Day 10 | Limerick

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

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

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

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

Day 12 | Cliffs Of Moher

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

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

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

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

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

Cliffs of Moher - Tour of Ireland road trip

Day 13 | Ferry To Inishmore From Galway

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

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

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

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

Day 14 | Drive To Dublin Via Kilkenny

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

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

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

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

More Ireland Road Trip Itineraries

Ireland road trip 10 days.

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

Ireland Road Trip 7 Days

Handy links for your ireland road trip.

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

Accommodation In Ireland

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

Tours In Ireland

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

Transport For Ireland

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

PIN FOR YOUR 2 WEEK IRELAND ROAD TRIP

Guide to the perfect Ireland Road Trip from Dublin

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

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

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The Ultimate 8 Day Ireland Road Trip – Must See Stops & Places to Stay

They say “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.” This past spring my husband and I were lucky enough to get away on our annual friendship vacation with some good friends for an incredible once in a lifetime trip to Ireland. After looking at the best way to tour the country we determined it was best to rent a car and do an Ireland Road Trip. Since most of our stops were just 90 minutes to two hours away it really seemed like an easy way to get around. Our 8-day journey started in Dublin and took us around southern Ireland and truly was the Ultimate Ireland Road Trip. Follow along and I will break down all the sights you should check out and places to visit if you are traveling by car in Ireland.

The Ultimate 8 Day Ireland Road Trip – Must See Stops & Places to Stay

Things you should know about driving and renting a car in Ireland

First off, let’s get to the things you need to know before you rent a car in Ireland. Everyone drives on the left-hand-side of the road, so for us, being from America it was quite a different experience. Our friend Josh, volunteered to be the driver since he lived a year in England during college, but we had my husband be the navigator and you would often hear my husband yell, “tight left” to remind Josh of the unorthodox turns you have to make. For the most part, it wasn’t too bad, the turns were a bit tricky he said and on the rural roads where no one is round is where Josh would find himself drifting to the right lane.

Second, most rental cars in Ireland are a manual transmission, so book early as Automatic Transmission is a luxury. Many cars do mention that they don’t have air, it’s pretty cold in Ireland so I would not worry about that.

Lastly, insurance. Ireland does require you to pay insurance, so don’t get too excited by those $5.00 a day fares you see, it will end up being more like thirty to forty dollars. Plus, there is a 30 euro return charge when you drop off the vehicle. One final tip I recommend is to get a smaller car if you can fit into one. The roads in Ireland or more narrow than the ones we are used to in the states so the smaller the car the better.

Day 1 & 2 – Dublin

We arrived in Dublin on day one in the late afternoon and could not wait to get our vacation started, (even after 18 hours of flying, blasted layovers). We only had about 36 hours in Dublin so we really wanted to get the most out of this city.

Where to Stay –

Our Dublin stay was at the Ariel Bed & Breakfast. This cute B & B was exactly what we were looking for in a hotel stay in Dublin. The staff was incredibly friendly offering you help before you even realized you needed it. They have an incredible Breakfast in the morning, in fact, they were voted the 2nd Best Breakfast for hotels in all of Ireland.

The breakfast included some fresh loaves of bread, fruits, and smoothies, plus your choice of hot breakfast. We all went with the traditional Irish Breakfast, which consisted of eggs, sausage, ham, rice pudding cakes, and soda bread. It was incredible and Ariel’s did have the best breakfast of any of our other hotels, and those were quite good as well.

There are so many great places to stay in Dublin, check them all out here .

Things to Do –

Literary Pub Tour* – Our first evening we enjoyed a fun journey on the Dublin literary pub crawl that we booked online at Tripadvisor. It was a great way to get a feel for the town while stopping into some wonderful pubs. We had two tour guides who led us on a walking tour and would act out scenes from famous literature, offer some pretty humorous jokes and then we would take a break and enjoy a pint of beer. The tour was great we ended up heading to four different pubs along the way and found our favorite pub in Dublin, Duke’s while on this tour.

Guinness Factory Tour* –

The next afternoon we headed to the Guinness Factory which we also booked through Tripadvisor. I really did not know what to expect from the Guinness Tour, but when I walked in I was in awe. The Factory is 7 stories tall where you can walk around and enjoy a self-guided tour. Some of the highlights of the tour is the Pour the Perfect Pint Class where you get to learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness (as you can see from the picture below). Also, there are a lot of interactive exhibits and at the top is the Circle Bar with a 360 view of all of Dublin *Pro Tip* I recommend heading up to floor 4 and pouring your own pint. Then you can head back down and enjoy it as you stroll through the factory tour.

Dublin Traditional Irish House Party including Dinner and Show*-

During the evening we went to the Dublin Traditional House Party Dinner and show , of course, booked online through our fav resource- TripAdvisor again. My husband was a bit skeptical of my booking and he already had plans of finding a way to disappear back into the pub if the show was bad. I was pretty confident though as the show had 4 1/2 stars on Tripadvisor. First, you start off with a nice dinner which is included in the show price. After about an hour you head on downstairs to the show. The act was absolutely incredible and my husband had to eat his words (which I kind of loved). The band had great humor, told some incredible stories and of course, the music and dancing were amazing. One of the performers used to tour with the Riverdance which we had never seen before and it was quite impressive.

Kilmainham Jail –

The one thing we did not get to do for a lack of time was the Kilmainham Jail. Every person we spoke with told us this is the one spot that gives an incredible history of Ireland and is worth it for everyone to visit.

Temple Bar –

Temple Bar is a great area to go and have some pints with friends. While it is a bit touristy, they do play it up for us tourists, but honestly, we loved it. There are a ton of pubs and some great pub food to enjoy in the area and it is definitely worth a visit.

Learn how to SAVE MONEY on your Dublin attractions here

Day 3 – Kilkenny

Our next stop on our Ireland Road Trip was Kilkenny, Ireland. It was about 90 minutes from Dublin and a pretty easy drive, especially once we got out of Dublin.

Where to Stay in Kilkenny

We stayed just a little outside Kilkenny about 15 minutes away at the Mount Juliette Estate . It was one of the most beautiful hotels we have ever stayed in. The grounds at Mount Juliette Estate were unmatched. In the morning we took a short walk along their path where we saw their beautiful horses with several little foal prancing around in the beautiful green meadow. Every turn around the estate’s grounds was incredible, from a beautiful lily garden to the pristine Jack Nicklaus golf course, we were all in awe of how incredible this place was to visit.

Things to Do in Kilkenny

Kilkenny castle –.

Situated in the center of town is the Kilkenny Castle. The castle is surrounded by beautiful grounds and parks where you will see kids playing and having a good time. You can also climb to the top of the tower at the castle which is a unique climb as you have to take ladders to get up to the top. Some say it was to protect from Vikings but our guide informed us that the tower was more of a status symbol thing anything else.

Smithwicks Brewery Tour

The 2nd most popular (behind Guinness) in Ireland is Smithwicks. It’s home is right here in Kilkenny. This is a much smaller but more in-depth tour then you will see at the Guinness Factory

Unfortunately for us, we only had one day in Kilkenny and couldn’t do any of their other incredible activities including:

River Adventures down the River Noor
Jerpoint Park – where you can feed sheep
Hurling Museum
You can view all there activities here

Day 4 & 5 – Cork

Our next day we traveled to Cork. I have to say I absolutely am in love with this city. The 2nd largest city in Ireland is simply charming. This town is a part college town which gives to the youthful vibe that invigorates the city. The drive from Kilkenny to Cork is just under two hours and once again was an incredibly beautiful drive.

Where to Stay –

We were lucky enough to stay at the incredible Hayfield Manor , and if you have the chance to stay at this resort, do it. From the moment we pulled into the roundabout (we entered the roundabout the wrong way by the way) we were immediately greeted by the bellman Michael who was as charming as can be. Our concierge, Gary, welcomed in the warmest way, he told us incredible places to visit, dine and explore the city. He even told us the story of how back during the potato famine the United States was the one to deliver food right here to Cork to help Ireland and since then our two countries have always been close. The Hayfield Manor has also been host to a pretty impressive guest list as well from Bill Clinton to Paul McCartney.

Ultimate Ireland Road Trip - Hayfield Manor

Rooms- Our room at the Hayfield Manor was simply gorgeous. Inside was a spacious room with bed and couch, and a lovely view of the garden at Hayfield Manor. I loved the little amenities inside the hotel, for instance, my husband loved the putting machine inside the room, while I loved the robes and delicious espresso machine.

Things to do in Cork-

English Market –

The English Market is an incredible marketplace with fresh foods, bread, fish and more. We headed upstairs to the cafe where my husband claims he had the best sandwich of his life. While I enjoyed some delicious soup.

St. Patricks Street

If you are a fan of people watching and shopping than St. Patricks Street is a great place to visit. I just loved the lively atmosphere of the area, the wide streets, incredible architecture and great places to dine along the street

Blarney Castle –

On the way down from Kilkenny to Cork is the Blarney Castle where you can kiss the blarney stone and get the “gift of the gab” My husband said I already have that gift, so there was no need to kiss the stone. Kissing the stone is no easy feat by any means as you have to kind of hang backward to kiss the stone.

Day 6 & 7 – County Clare

We left cork for the longest journey of our Ireland Road Trip to County Clare. County Clare is where the Cliffs of Moher are located and this definitely is the most harrowing of all the road travels as there are a lot of narrow roads along the drive. Halfway through our journey, we stopped at one of the most adorable towns you will ever visit, Adare. This town is lined with cute thatched houses and a beautiful church built in the 12th century. I recommend stopping at this town for a cup of coffee as it is a nice way to break up the drive and only a couple minutes off the path.

Where to Stay in County Clare

Dromoland Castle – This was the first castle I have ever stayed in and it was simply unbelievable. There is a wide variety of things to do at Dromoland Castle where you can find yourself enjoying a day just exploring the grounds. On one day we set out and did an archery lesson, went on a bike ride (they provide complimentary rentals) around the grounds, explored their flower gardens and went boating on their lake. In addition, you can play golf, do some falconry, enjoy horse-drawn carriages all at Dromoland Castle. In the coming weeks, I will have a full review of the Dromoland Castle.

Things to do in County Clare

Cliffs of moher –.

There are two options when traveling to the cliffs of Moher. You can drive up directly to the cliffs of Moher and see the incredible cliffs. The other option is taking a hike from the town of Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher. We opted for the latter and it was an incredible experience. There are a couple things to note about the hike to the cliffs of Moher.

Make sure to wear shoes that you are willing to get muddy and have traction.
The hike is relatively easy but it is 14 kilometers long so bring water.
The trail is not very clearly marked so bring a map
Some of the walk is not fenced and right on the cliff’s edge.
You will experience some of the most beautiful views in all of Ireland on this single hike.

My favorite part of the hike where we got to the first part of the cliffs of Moher called “Pat’s View”. While not the highest part, it was the most beautiful as there were no people around and was just incredibly picturesque.

I would say if you have the time and energy I would highly recommend the hike. That being said, as a nervous mama I don’t know if I would have brought my kids along the walk as there are some parts of the walk that are not fenced.

Visit the Town of Ennis –

Our first evening in County Clare was spent in Ennis. Ennis is charming and character-rich little town: There are some wonderful little pubs with traditional Irish Music. We found ourselves at Brogan’s Bar & Restaurant. Steeped in tradition, Brogan’s is one of the oldest family-run pubs. Inside this pub, traditional Irish Music is played most nights and the food is quite delicious. Another thing to do in Ennis is to visit the Clare Abbey which was the first, largest and most important Augustinian house in Clare, founded in 1189.

Have Dinner & Drinks at Newmarket on Fergus –

If you want to experience a truly local atmosphere one evening. I highly recommend Newmarket on Fergus. Just 10 minutes from Dromoland Castle is this tiny little town. Our first stop was Weaver’s Inn, this traditional Irish Pub also serves some incredible Indonesian Food. My husband & I were thrilled because although we really loved the Irish pub food, it was nice to change up the routine. After our delicious meal, we headed to O’Neill’s Pub.

This pub was one of our favorite’s as it is filled with locals. Ann, the owner, works behind the bar and offered us a complimentary shot of their “Irish Flag” and told us how the pub has been in her family for over 100 years. If you visit on Friday night you will meet a cast of character playing cards. For decades now, every Friday cards have been played in the same spot amongst this group of friends. O’Neill’s Pub was really a highlight of our trip.

Day 8 Road Back to Dublin –

Our fun Ireland Road Trip vacation with friends concluded with about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Dromoland Castle back to Dublin. On the way, we did stop at Barack Obama plaza which is just a fancy gas station which named themselves Barack Obama Plaza in hopes the president would visit when he traveled to Ireland. It was a nice drive back as we reminisced about the amazing trip we had together and began planning our next destination for our annual friendship vacation.

Overall our trip was absolutely incredible, if there was anything I would change was to add a day or two to the itinerary so that we had more time to enjoy the small towns we passed along the way.

*Disclosure- this post was created in partnership with TripAdvisor who supplied a credit which we used for several attractions featured in this post. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are, as always, 100% our own.

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Reader Interactions

July 18, 2018 at 10:47 pm

Stunning photographs! I love this post and so much detail, Thanks for sharing this!

January 25, 2019 at 5:32 am

I also visited Ireland about two years ago to trace some ancestral roots and I must say I really enjoyed Ambers review. Pity I didn’t get the chance to read it prior to travelling. I visited many of the locations that Amber mentions above including Dublin, Cork and Kilkenny and stayed in some wonderful hotels along the way including the Newpark in Kilkenny but Hayfield Manor does look really impressive.

April 7, 2020 at 4:01 pm

If ye every visit Ireland again, especially Kilkenny. Don’t miss Graiguanamanagh, it’s a hidden gem.

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The Perfect Ireland Itinerary & Road Trip

The Best One Week Ireland Itinerary to plan a perfect Ireland vacation (16)

Visiting Ireland

I just got back from an amazing trip to Ireland. While the country wasn’t necessarily at the top of my list, a work opportunity in Killarney popped up and I jumped at the chance to stick around after to explore the country.

I’m SO glad I did!

The natural scenery, food and hospitality of Ireland really stuck with me. While the entire country is beautiful and scenic, with lots of rolling green hills, each county and region of Ireland offers a slightly different look and feel.

We spent about 3 weeks in the Republic of Ireland, exploring the coastal Wild Atlantic Way and the cultural Ancient East on a self drive route. I thought I’d share some advice and helpful tips about planning a trip to Ireland in today’s post.

Keep reading below for advice on how to plan the perfect trip to Ireland!

Travel Guide to Planning an Ireland Vacation | Table of Contents

Ireland Itinerary
Galway and Connemara
The Cliffs of Moher
Dingle Peninsula
Killarney and Kenmare
Before You Go: Ireland Travel Checklist
When is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
What to Pack for Ireland
Getting around: Self-drive Road Trip vs. Public Transportation

Where to Stay in Ireland

Or save this article to read later by pinning it ⇟

See more photos on my Instagram account, @shershegoes

Where Should You Go in Ireland?

The island of Ireland is politically divided in two.

The southern portion constitutes The Republic of Ireland while a section of the north, called Northern Ireland , belongs to the United Kingdom. Unless you have significant vacation time, I would recommend choosing one or the other for a first time visit.

The Republic of Ireland has 2 main regions that are popular for first time visitors:

On the western coast from north to south is the famous Wild Atlantic Way , a coastal driving route which offers dramatic views of the Atlantic ocean juxtaposed against cute hamlets and fishing villages.

Must-see attractions along this route include Kylemoore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher and the Dingle Peninsula, to name a few!

On the eastern coast is Ireland’s Ancient East , a region rich in 5,000 years of storytelling and legends as a result of the Viking invasion and subsequent Norman conquerors.

If you like museums, history and culture you’ll love journeying back in time to visit places like Waterford, Wexford and Cork – sites which inspired epic battles and strange tales.

Must See Cities and Destinations in Ireland

If you have:

A short trip , base yourself in Dublin, explore the city and do some nearby day trips.
If you have 1 week , I recommend checking out Western Ireland, where the lush countryside meets the Atlantic – small towns like Dingle, Adare and Killarney National Park in County Kerry offer dramatic, beautiful views!
With 2 weeks or more , you can make a circular loop and see Dublin, Western Ireland and explore Ireland’s Ancient East to learn more about the country’s Viking past. Explore harbor front cities like Wexford and Waterford , picturesque Cobh and kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork! The eastern section was my favorite part of visiting Ireland.

3 Week Ireland Itinerary

What’s Not in the Itinerary Below: Northern Ireland.

I didn’t have time to see everything and made the decision to skip Northern Ireland on this trip so it’s not included in this article. Northern Ireland itineraries frequently include a tour of Giant’s Causeway, the dark hedges and lots of the Game of Throne locations.

County Donegal, on the northwest, was recently voted by National Geographic as ‘the coolest place on earth’ and has gotten great recognition for outdoor adventure sports so that’s high on our list of places in Ireland to visit.

Northern Ireland is geographically close to Scotland, with ferry options from Belfast and since we’re hoping to road trip Scotland next year, we decided to save Northern Ireland for a later date!

Below is a suggested itinerary for visiting Ireland, which takes into account my personal favorite Irish cities and attractions. You can use it as a starting route planner!

Update : I visited Northern Ireland!

My Belfast travel guide is up here, and I’m working on more posts about Game of Thrones, the Giant’s Causeway and other great experiences to have in Northern Ireland.

The Best Ireland Itinerary

After spending 3 weeks in Ireland, I had an amazing time and felt like I covered a lot!

We slowed down in some areas and sped up in others so I wanted to offer some tips on Ireland itineraries of various lengths, since I know not everyone has the luxury of three weeks.

Below, I’ve featured 7 of the best Irish cities to visit, including notes on the places I loved most, to give you an idea of what there is to experience in Ireland.

I find that it helps to see a visual summary when mapping out my trip so modify your Ireland travel itinerary depending on your preferences!

County Dublin

Most international airlines offer nonstop flights to Dublin. You can set a flight alert here for airfare deals.

2 full days is a must to explore the Irish capital but if you have more time, you can add in a couple noteworthy nearby day trips!

Dublin reminded me a lot of London, with gorgeous stone architecture, local pubs on every other corner and green spaces.

Best Things to Do in Dublin

Visit the Guinness Factory!

This is the #1 attraction in all of Ireland and for good reason, it’s an entire experience. Learn about how Guinness is made, try new flavors and eat at their cafe for some hearty Guinness-made cuisine.

Even if you’ve been before, come again – they add new experiences constantly to keep things fresh. On our last trip, they added the option to 3D print your face into the beer foam!

2. See The Book of Kells , an illustrated Latin manuscript of the four Gospels.

Dating back the early 9th century, you can see a whole host of beautiful ornate manuscripts in Trinity College’s Old Library.

3. Have a drink at Temple Bar , the colorful Dublin pub which inspired a whole area of pubs.

4. Relax in St Stephen’s Green, a large park with a Victorian layout

5. Also visit the Jameson Whiskey factory to learn about whiskey production

Where to Stay in Dublin

There’s just no way around it, accommodation in Dublin is expensive.

Even in “low season” in mid to late October, all the Dublin hotels I searched for my trip were about $350-$500+ per night on a weekday – I’m talking even the airport hotels. Crazy, right?!

It turns out Dublin has a hotel bed shortage so the limited number of hotels can charge sky high prices. Enter a great affordable pick like Generator Hostel, part of the new wave of chic, “not so hostel” hostels.

Overnight: Generator Hostel Dublin

Located right in the city center, Generator Hostel Dublin is set in the hip neighborhood of Smithfield – conveniently next to the Jameson Distillery and a quick walk to Temple Bar.

The space is brilliantly designed in a industrial chic vibe, with exposed brick beams and original stonework. The best part is, you can book a private bedroom and still make new friends in Generator's many social lounges & spaces.

Check rates: Hotels.com , Booking.com | Read reviews: TripAdvisor

More Recommended Hotels in Dublin:

1 | Shelbourne Hotel – If you want historic, iconic and luxurious you’d best stay at Shelbourne. Lots of US presidents and anyone of importance has stayed here! Or just admire the splendor during afternoon tea in their gorgeous parlor overlooking St. Stephen’s Green.

Book: Hotels.com , Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

2 | O’Callahan – This well priced chain of hotels offers a good location and breakfast. Trinity College often puts up its guests and visiting professors here so it’s a solid, mid-range hotel!

Book: Hotels.com , Booking.com | Check prices : TripAdvisor

3 | Airbnb – Lots of locals are opening up rooms or entire apartments.

While these aren’t cheap by any means (you’re paying what you would for a hotel in another city!) it can be much more affordable than a Dublin hotel, so check out Dublin airbnb listings as well.

Browse Airbnb listings here .

2. Galway & Connemara

County Galway

On Ireland’s western coast is the city of Galway, a harbor town where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. Galway has great shopping, colorful buildings and a large student population.

We enjoyed a quick day trip into town and then continued westward to the district of Connemara, a gorgeous rugged landscape home to Atlantic coastline, bogs, heathlands, mountains and lakes.

Best Things to Do in County Galway

Explore Galway's shops and traditional pubs at Eyre Square . Pop in for some traditional Irish music!
Visit Kylemoore Abbey , a stunning castle now owned by Benedictine Nuns with magnificent Victorian Gardens.
Drive the exhilarating 11km circular loop known as the Sky Drive , a breathtakingly beautiful coastal route from Clifden
Hike through Connemara National Park and spot the herd of wild Connemara ponies
Explore the outdoors in Clifden – hiking, beaches and wild Atlantic seascapes are all nearby

Where to Stay in Connemara

Overnight: Rosleague Manor

Pulling up to the ivy-decked pink exterior of Rosleague Manor, we knew we were in for a treat. This cozy country manor occupies 30 acres of private woodland and overlooks Ballinakill Bay.

The highlight of our stay was playing fetch with local resident, Tyson, who had the most human-esque understanding of any dog I've ever met! All the rooms are spacious and if the weather gets too rainy.. just cozy up to the parlor and have afternoon tea by the fireplace !

Check rates: Booking.com | Read reviews: TripAdvisor

3. Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

County Clare

You can’t visit Ireland and not see the dramatic Cliffs of Moher! Even on a cloudy rainy day, these natural rock formations are quite dramatic.

We also explored the Burren, a stunning landscape characterized by rock karst formations all over the ground. It’s a barren region that reminds me of the moon and was J R Tolkien’s inspiration for The Lord of the Rings.

He actually was a guest of Gregans Castle Hotel , the manor house that I stayed at, which I discovered while I was exploring the grounds!

You can read my hotel review here .

Fun Things to Do in County Clare

Cliffs of Moher : Ireland's most visited natural attraction. Just don't go too close to the edge, it's a vertical drop!
Poulnabrone dolmen: a dramatic portal tomb dating back to Ireland's Neolithic period
Check out Bunratty Castle , a large 15th century tower house in the center of Ballyvaughan
Visit Aillwee Cave , underground karst caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.

Where to Stay in County Clare

Overnight: Gregans Castle

A stunning luxury hotel in the heart of beautiful Ballyvaughan village.

This historic Irish hotel was once an 18th century manor house, but has been beautiful restored and I really loved the Irish country interiors! We also had dinner here,which I highly highly recommend.

Check room rates: Hotels.com or Read reviews on: TripAdvisor

4. The Dingle Peninsula

County Kerry

Dingle is a charming seaside town perched on the Atlantic.

As the only town on the Dingle Peninsula, the joke is that the next town over is Boston. From its dolphin resident to waterfront pubs, Dingle is a family friendly favorite to both Irish and international visitors.

The town is mainly supported through fishing and tourism and has a great street full of shops, pubs and restaurants.

Dingle is one of Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht towns, where Irish is the official language and the town is technically called An Daingean or Daingean Uí Chúis. You’ll see this listed alongside Dingle on all the road signs!

Fun Things to Do in Dingle:

Grab a scoop of Murphy's Ice Cream – try their Dingle gin and salted caramel flavors!
Stop by an authentic Irish Pub for dinner and enjoy the traditional Irish music
Take a boat tour around the harbor and spot Fungie , the local dolphin resident
Circle the Dingle peninsula by driving dramatic Slea Head Drive .
See the remains of Minard Castle , now just ruins along the Atlantic

Overnight: Dingle Skellig Hotel

Dingle Skellig is a family run hotel and one of the best hotels in Kerry. With friendly staff, a heavenly spa and epic views of the Atlantic Ocean, staying here is a treat!

Check room rates: Hotels.com | Booking.com or Read reviews on: TripAdvisor

5. Killarney and Kenmare

Killarney remains one of my favorite areas to explore in Ireland.

It’s quaint, colorful and a little touristy – but in my opinion, it has a great mix of the outdoors and the comforts of luxury.

You can hike or ride a horse & buggy through Killarney National Park during the day and then come back into town for some shopping, afternoon tea or a massage.

Best Things to Do in Killarney

There’s no shortage of things to do, excellent pubs and Irish food, and overall the charm of Killarney really won us over!

Kenmare is a similar twin to Killarney so if you have time, check out both towns. If not, pick whichever is more convenient to access on your road trip!

Ride a horse and buggy through Killarney National Park – or hike!
Explore magnificent Muckross Castle , Ross Tower and row across the lakes
Relax with a blissful spa at The Brehon's Angsana Spa
Take a day trip to Derrynane beach
See the fairy huts and sculpture garden in Sneem

Where to Stay in Killarney

The Killarney Royal occupies a great location right in the center of town.

It's a short walk from the Killarney train station and its luxurious, comfortable beds are just what you need after all the adventure and outdoor pursuits in Killarney!

There's also a wonderful on site restaurant with a very reasonably priced set menu, if you're looking for a great place to eat in town.

Book: Hotels.com , Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

More Recommended Hotels in Killarney:

1 | Old Weir Lodge – A cozy, family run hotel in between Killarney town and the Convention Center.

This is a great pick for families or business travelers! We also like their breakfast options, which include oatmeal with Baileys :)

Book: Hotels.com | Booking.com | Check prices : TripAdvisor

2 | The Brehon – If you want 5 star luxury, there’s no place better in Killarney than the Brehon hotel. Just step into the lobby for a drink and you’ll experience the glam firsthand!

We also had deep tissue massages at the Angsana Spa – such a treat! Their Thai masseuses really know how to work out any tension.

Book: Hotels.com | Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

County Wexford

Wexford is a coastal haven in southeast Ireland.

There’s miles of spectacular coastline, quaint villages and an abundance of historic sights. We’ve heard the county is quite popular with local Irish, and that many buy vacation homes near the sea.

Best Things to Do in Wexford

Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, with a classic black and white exterior and incredible views of Hook Peninsula.
Enniscorthy is a picturesque town dating back 1500 years. We checked out the castle, met locals for a step back into Irish / British history and visited some local pubs!
To explore Ireland's cultural evolution, visit the Irish National Heritage Park , an open air museum with lots to do. We had a fun Viking meal here and also got to meet the park's falcons!
Local Wexford weavers have created Ross Tapestry , a series of colorful, elaborate tapestries illustrating the Norman invasion and history of Ireland. It's a completely volunteer led community project and was a nice way to learn more about the city and Irish history.
Genealogy trips to Ireland are a common reason for overseas Irish to visit the country. If you're interested in learning about the Irish famine period and Irish history, visit the Dunbrody Famine ship for an interactive experience.

Where to Stay in Wexford

Overnight: Brandon House Hotel

A 4 star country manor house, Brandon House is a comfortable hotel midway between Waterford and Wexford. It's conveniently located on the N25 road (on route to Dublin) and is close by to many of Ireland's best beaches.

We ate dinner here and it was an excellent meal – in particular, they have a huge dessert menu and a group of us ordered everything off it and literally everything was amazing. Try the cheesecake!

Book: Hotels.com , Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

More Recommended Hotels in Wexford:

1 | The Clayton – Clayton Whites is located right in Wexford’s city center and a great choice for sight seeing and shopping. It’s within walking distance of the train and bus station and rooms are large and comfortable.

Book: Hotels.com , Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

2 | The Talbot Hotel – The Talbot Hotel is located in downtown Wexford, right on the harbor. With huge, apartment style rooms this is an ideal hotel for families visiting Wexford. Free parking and a pool on site!

Book: Hotels.com , Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

7. Waterford

County Waterford

Waterford is Ireland’s maritime getaway and has a vivid past.

First invaded by Viking raiders, then Norman conquerors and medieval merchants, it was notably also the last port of call for many Irish seeking their fortunes overseas.

Best Things to do in County Waterford

Waterford Crystal is headquartered in duh, Waterford! They offer a really fun guided tour that I highly recommend. You can read more about the crystal and tour in this post here .
For medieval history fans, check out Waterford Treasures and the Bishop's Palace .
Into adventure? Head to Dunmore East and jump in the ocean for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or try the adventure obstacle course!
Make sure to try Dungarvan Brewing Company beer while you're in the area. Try the Copper Coast Irish Red Ale!
Understand Ireland's Viking past through virtual reality at The Viking Museum
Cycle along the Waterford Greenway , the longest off-roading and cycling experience in Ireland!
Explore Mount Congreve mansion and gardens, a must if you like dahlias!
Make sure to eat at the Irish pub, The Reg . The food here is incredible. Again, don't skip dessert!

Where to Stay in Waterford

Overnight: Dooley's Hotel

Located right on The Quay harbor front, this family run hotel has cozy rooms and a full Irish breakfast. It's near the city center, shopping and sights and is a great affordable hotel pick in Waterford.

Book: Hotels.com , Booking.com | Check prices: TripAdvisor

How to Plan a Trip to Ireland

I planned my Ireland vacation itinerary quite quickly and relied heavily on Rick Steves Ireland and Lonely Planet .

The reason I used both guidebooks is that Rick Steves’ tends to cover his favorite Irish cities and he omitted Killarney entirely. Lonely Planet covers more places but lacks Rick Steves’ warm commentary and insightful suggestions.

P.S. Get a 30 day trial free of kindle unlimited here !

If you’re like me, you enjoy a healthy dose of travel inspiration through popular culture. I’ve always loved reading about the Celts and Irish folklore and in high school, Irish authors like James Joyce were part of our curriculum.

And of course, most people wanting to visit Ireland nowadays are hoping to see locations made famous from Game of Thrones! Below are some popular books and movies written about Ireland should you want some inspiration before your trip.

Recommended Books, Shows & Films About Ireland:

Guidebooks : Rick Steves Ireland & Lonely Planet Ireland
Films : P.S. I Love You (filmed in County Wicklow), Star Wars: The Last Jedi (filmed at Skellig), Laws of Attraction (Humewood Castle)
Books : Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt, Ulysses and Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
HBO: Game of Thrones (scenes shot mostly in Northern Ireland)

Should You Plan a Self Drive Ireland Itinerary?

In my opinion, the best way to tour Ireland is by self driving.

Ideally, plan an Ireland itinerary for enough days to cover a full circularly loop around the island, so that you get to experience a bit of scenery from the Wild Atlantic Way and the rich culture of Ireland’s Ancient East.

It’s best to rent a car and self drive so you have the freedom to stop and go as you wish. If you’re hesitant to drive on the left, I wrote about our experience driving in Ireland here .

Driving in Ireland

While Ireland is a small country, the roads are really curvy and narrow compared to driving in America.

Add the uncertainty and hesitation that comes with driving on the left, we found that it took a bit longer to get from place to place than Google Maps suggested. So if you want to self drive a Dublin to Dublin loop, I would budget at least 10 days and ideally 2 weeks .

We rented a small, 4-door sedan and extra collision insurance.

Most cars are manual, so specify if you need an automatic. You can also pick up and drop off in different cities.

I have an in-depth post here covering everything you need to know about renting a car in Ireland, with helpful information about costs, extra fees and advice so you can check out that post for more info!

Ireland in 1 Week

If you have less time of course, you can speed through and/or cut out towns.

We added the Dingle Peninsula and Connemara to our driving itinerary in Ireland, but both are geographically a bit west, so you can cut these out if you have just 7 days and keep to a tighter route.

Or, you can fly into Dublin and out of Shannon or Cork to save additional time.

Public Transportation in Ireland

Regarding public transportation, there isn’t a wide spread bus or train network that covers the entire Irish countryside. Instead, you can take buses from city to city and book individual tours to day trip to popular sites.

For example, you can take the bus from Cork to Killarney and then book tours for the Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park, Muckross House etc. It’s a little more piece meal this way and requires a bit of planning but Irish bus route schedules are available online.

A third option is to book a package tour if you’re not comfortable with driving and don’t want the hassle of booking public transportation.

I saw loads of tour buses all over the entire journey, everything from Trafalgar to Globus. I’m always curious how self-planning trips compares to tour packaged itineraries so I looked online afterwards – they do hit all the popular cities and sights in their “best of Ireland” tours and so if you wanted to avoid driving on the left yourself, I think they would be a good option.

Or you can book individual day tours to popular places. I’ve included some of the most popular day tours below:

Ireland of course offers 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, just like you would find anywhere else. Some glamorous, some bare bones – there’s lots to choose from. You can browse current hotel deals for Ireland here .

If you want standout and unique accommodation in Ireland, look for one of the typically Irish bed & breakfasts and castles!

Country Houses & Historic Hotels

Ireland’s Blue Book has a stunning portfolio of Irish country houses, historic hotels and manor houses.

All of them remain family run, with charming exteriors and brilliantly decorated interiors and for a romantic Ireland vacation, you will definitely want to stay in one of these!

Historic Ireland hotels also tend to have incredible chefs running their on site restaurants. I’m not typically one to eat at a hotel but in Ireland we ate dinner at so many hotel restaurants because they’re excellent!

Then after, we would head over to the bar / pub area inside and there would be so many people, both locals and tourists, listening to live Irish music and having a great time.

Here are some of the charming hotels we experienced on our trip to Ireland:

Where to Stay in County Waterford: The Cliff House Hotel Review

Where to Stay in County Galway: Rosleague Manor Hotel Review

Where to Stay in County Clare: Gregans Castle Hotel Review

Where to Stay in County Kerry : The Killarney Royal and The Brehon

Staying in an Irish Castle

Most of Ireland’s castles lay in ruins and there aren’t many castle attractions remaining in Ireland. Instead, the most dramatic castles are privately owned and have been restored into luxury 5 star hotels.

Most all the castle options are luxury hotels, given the cost of maintenance but even if you just splurge on 1, it’s such a treat.

Staying in a castle in Ireland gives you an insider look at some really gorgeous architectural details and the grounds typically have masterpiece gardens to explore.

For kids, there’s archery, falconry, horse back riding and other medieval pursuits to enjoy while parents can relax at the spa or play a round of golf.

And that’s it! Hope this Ireland itinerary guide was helpful. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!

Essential Tips for Visiting Ireland

Getting In | Aer Lingus, the national Irish airline, offers non-stop flights from select US cities. Two reasons to recommend Aer Lingus: low nonstop fares from many US cities and their pre-clearance facilities. We found cheap flights to Ireland in October – you can check for flight deals and routes here .

When returning to the U.S., take advantage of the U.S. pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon airports, where you complete U.S. immigration, customs and agriculture controls before departure so that when you land in the U.S., you can just collect your bags.

Getting Around | If there's one thing I can recommend, it's to rent a car and drive around Ireland. Not only is the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route one of the world's most scenic drives, transportation in Ireland is a bit difficult without your own vehicle. We were nervous about driving on the left but ultimately renting a car was the best decision! Check car rental prices for your dates here .

Where to Stay | I highly recommend staying at an Irish country house during your trip. Irish hospitality is truly something else. For unique luxury accommodation check out out Ireland's Blue Book. Or, take advantage of Airbnb for a local experience!

Protect | Lastly, be sure to visit Ireland with travel insurance . Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, your phone gets stolen, or a flight delay leaves you with nothing but the clothes on your back, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Hurricane Ophelia hit the country smack in the middle of our road trip! Get a quote for your trip here .

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Hey Sher, great write-up…very comprehensive. I agree, Ireland was never really tops on my list either, but I’m so glad I had a chance to go. I love it when a place exceeds my expectations. How did you do with the driving? Did you fall in love with Tyson at Roseleauge?

Ha I wrote about our experiencing with the driving in this post .

It ended up being fine so now I want to road trip Scotland! The main thing I found strange was how you had to pay inside at the gas station, there would also be like empty parked cars while everyone waited to pay ha!

I read your Tyson story – loved the interview with Mark! Funny enough I wrote my post about Rosleague last night.. will be publishing it in a couple weeks :) Which was your favorite of the blue book properties?

Hello Mike. Yes it’s true. Ireland is a nice place to visit. Even I never thought of going to Ireland but somehow we made a plan with friends and my experience to travel Ireland was one of my best trip ever.

Love this post! I’ve always wanted to do a trip to Ireland so this is so much food for thought and really comprehensive! I’m based in Dubai at the moment but definitely one for the bucket list when I’m based in the UK again. Thanks for sharing all your tips! : )

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Hi Sher: Love all your articles! We are budget travelers, but would like to splurge 1 night to stay in a castle or another luxury type accommodation. Do you have a suggestion for one that will accommodate 4 per room? We’re open to any location at this point as we are still working on our itinerary for 8-9 days. I looked at Gregan’s Castle and it appears we would have to get 2 rooms there which would be out of our budget even for a splurge! Thanks for all the great info!

Hi Donna! Thanks for the kind words. Yes – I would definitely recommend splurging a night in one of Ireland’s cool castle hotels. Have you seen my post on the list here ?

Hm, I’m not sure if they have room for 4 at Gregans , perhaps you could email them to ask if one of their suites could accommodate? Gregans is a more cozy house. If you can’t get rooms there, I would still recommend making a dinner reservation. It was very good!

At Rosleague , in Connemara, the rooms are HUGE and they might be able to fit 4.

In Killarney there’s lots of options for bigger parties. We had 4 of us in a loft style room at Old Weir Lodge for incredibly affordable rates.. I think we each paid around $30/night but this was also off season. I wouldn’t say it’s luxury but definitely very comfortable.

We also stayed at the Killarney Royal in one of their corner rooms which had 2 queen size beds and I’m sure 4 would be comfortable there.

If I went back to Ireland I would love to stay at Adare Manor or Ashford . Both are pricey (depending on the season) but they seem like once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Falconry, boating, archery, golf etc. Adare opened right after my trip ended but we saw the outside renderings and it looks FAB. Ashford books out months in advance, even in the off season. They also have a cottage on the grounds which are converted into rooms, I believe those are cheaper and you still get to experience the castle + grounds.

I will say in general the Irish are very hospitable and friendly. We made a mistake one night and booked a last minute room in Dingle which only came with a twin (there were 2 of us). It was meant for a single. They were very nice at the front desk and didn’t force us to upgrade rooms. Instead, they added in an extra cot / rollaway bed.

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Hi!! This was an amazing guide! I was wondering what your opinion on staying at one hotel in Dublin for the duration of the trip and taking multiple day trips to certain sights?! It seems to be less expensive and less stressful than trying to find a bunch of different hotels, but I also don’t want to miss anything since this is a once in a lifetime thing! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

Hi Savannah – glad the guide was helpful! Hm, so do you mean you don’t plan to rent a car? If that’s the case then yes, a great way to see Ireland is to base yourself in Dublin and do day trips. Dublin is on the northeast of the Republic of Ireland and a lot of the famous sights are on the western coast, so it will be a bit of a longer drive. It’ll also probably be much more expensive than if you rented a car to drive around Ireland on your own and Dublin hotels tend to be much more expensive than in other cities. But, a guided tour will take care of all your transportation! so, there’s pros and cons :)

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This is the best itinerary of an Ireland trip I have read yet! Thank you so much. I traveling with children (3.5 years and 8 months) is there any of the stops that you would recommend NOT going to? Or ones that you would recommend on adding? I often wear the baby in a carrier, so needing to use a stroller is not necessary.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks so much for the kind words!! I am actually planning to head back to Ireland this year!

Hm… So let me preface this by saying I don’t have kids so I may not aware of all the do’s & don’ts for young children. I would suggest spending less time in Dublin, which is most popular for its bars, and seeing the countryside. I think kids would like Dingle, with the dolphin, boat tours and the Slea Head drive is very beautiful. Skip Minard Castle, it is a long drive and they are ruins, not a still standing & furnished castle like Kilkenny. The town of Kilkenny is nice too.

Kerry is probably very kid friendly. The town center is very cute, lots of shopping, great food + ice cream, Killarney park is beautiful and kids probably like the horse buggy rides. If you have time, pop over to Wexford and the Irish National Heritage Park – the park itself is a open air museum, and then they have some excellent activities you can book like falconry, archery, dressing up like Vikings, etc. I wrote some more about it here , and you can check out their Youtube channel to get a feel for it.

Hope that helps!

Thank you so much for this! Just a quick 1uestion re Itinerary…Does the number of days include the previous days’ plans? I.e. for the 5 day itinerary, is the idea that you’d do the itinerary for days 3 and 4 as well? (i.e. Dublin, Newgrange, Howth, Galway, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara Galway)? Thank you!

Hi! It’s flexible depending on how many days you have and whether or not you’ll be renting a car! If you have 3-4 days, I would recommend staying in Dublin and taking a day trip or two :)

Thank you so much for this post. We will be first time overseas travelers with a “once in a lifetime” trip next year. It’s a 2 week trip and we are hoping to see as much as we can. You gave me some feedback initially when we were thinking of taking a Viking Cruise. We’ve changed our minds and are now looking at Ireland, England, and Germany. Do you think we could see enough of Ireland in 4 days? Dublin looks great but we aren’t as interested in the bigger ‘cities’ so we are thinking only 1 day there. After I mapped out your recommendations, it looks like we would be most interested in the Galway/Clare areas. Thinking maybe we fly into that side of the island and out of Dublin to England. Interested in how many days you think we would need to see Kylemore/Clifden/Connemara Park/Aran Island/Mohr/Bunratty Castle?

Hi! You can see a lot of Ireland in 4 days, but you’d probably need to rent a car (and be comfortable driving on the left). I don’t think Galway has its own airport, so you have to check for the closest airport + factor in driving time.

Aran Island would be a full day trip. Connemara you could drive through or you could spend all day hiking and exploring. Kylemore Abbey might still be under construction, in which case, just a couple hours (it’s mainly the garden as the castle was under renovation when I visited) The Clifden drive is beautiful – it would take maybe a couple hours. Galway would be nice to spend a day in, we just drove through and had lunch. Galway is a smaller city and known for its pubs so if you like nightlife you could spend the night.

It depends on how long you want to linger in each place, and the driving. Typically what do is I add all the destinations I want to see in Google Maps and use their driving distance as a benchmark. The roads in Ireland are very narrow, and we were unused to driving on the left, so I’d add 30-45 minutes longer to the Google Maps driving estimates.

At a quick glance, I’d estimate 5 days at minimum for the places you listed, and 6-7 if you wanted to take it leisurely? Hope that helps!

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Hi! I live your Ireland pages, but I wish your pictures were labeled. They are all so nice! :)

I am going to visit Ireland month of June 19, and these tips are very helpful for me before landing there. Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips <3

You failed to mention The Quiet Man in your list of films! The best movie ever made. Cong was the filming location. If you haven’t seen this movie yet it is a must see!! John Wayne at this best.

Can you recommend which areas to begin and end on a 4 night country trip. Leave from Dublin on Tues AM. Spend Tue/Wed/Thur/Friday night in country. Picked these areas:

Doolin – Doolin Inn or Limestone Lodge? Cliff Walk/Caves Clifden – Cong – Ashord Lodge What is best base for Connemara National Park area – want beautiful scenery

Don’t know where to go first. Dublin to Doolin, night in Doolin. Doolin to Clifden night in Clifden. Clifden to Cong 2 nights Cong then home to Dublin. Can you recommend a better itinerary. 2 Teenage boys in tow. First time in Ireland. Thanks.

Help please. Hope for somewhat relaxing trip.

For the best route, plug in all the stops you want to make in Google Maps and then order your itinerary by the most efficient driving route. That’s what we did, and I recommend trying to keep driving to no more than 2.5 hours a day if you can.

Haven’t been to Doolin!

Ashford Lodge is gorgeous, you will love it. They have lots of add on activities like salmon fishing, golfing, archery, falconry etc which kids would enjoy.

We stayed in Clifden and Delphi Mountain in Connemara. Both were great, but slightly different experiences. Clifden is closer to Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. We stayed at Rosleague – fabulous hotel, great service but slightly older clientele. Our review post is here if you want more photos.

Delphi Mountain Lodge was our second overnight. The hotel is more of a casual hunting lodge style and they sit on 1,000 acres so pretty scenery and also add-on activities. We tried ziplining and archery, very fun. Some more photos of that on our Facebook, here .

I am loving your information! I am planning a trip with my 23 year old daughter. Could you share your google map?

Hi Shannon, Sorry I don’t have a saved Google Map for Ireland. I just plugged in the destinations I was interested in when I was planning my trip. That gives me an idea though – I’ll start creating maps with saved locations for the future!

Great itinerary! We definitely need to go back to visit more of the places on your list, and ours. We were excited to see you mention Minard Castle on the Dingle Peninsula. Judging by how remote it seemed, and the complete lack of people visiting, we felt like we stumbled onto our very own stunning secret spot! Looks like the secret is out! ;)

The link for the best time to visit Ireland wasn’t working and my apologies if I missed it in the comments section but when is the best time to visit?

Oh, thanks for letting me know! I will fix the link.

Generally the shoulder season (May, September) is best. Summer can get pretty crowded. We’ve visited in both April and October and had a great time! There’s always on and off rain so be sure to pack a good rain jacket and some rain boots if you have.

When is the best time to visit Ireland?

Excellent introduction to Ireland

Thank you for such a thorough post with so much information for planning my trip to Ireland. I really appreciate it. There is so much information here I will need to study it to take it all in. Many thanks.

Wow! Incredible blog, thank you so much for taking the time to put this together. Very helpful for planning my Ireland 2021 trip!

Thanks for the help, we want to go if the virus allows us in the fall, and your post has helped us learn more about what it takes to go. We hope to enjoy Irish culture and cuisine.

I was lucky to know Ireland because I went for a study trip and I had the opportunity to know almost the whole country, very modern and quiet to stay for good.

My family and I are going in June. I was wondering if the places to stay book up in early June? I was wondering if we need to book ahead or can we wing it?

Hi James – definitely recommend booking ahead for summer travel!

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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).

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.

downtown dingle streets in 7 day southern ireland itinerary road trip

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

7 day ireland itinerary focused on the southern parts and what to see

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.

temperature chart for ireland throughout the year for when is the best time to go

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?

Slieve Elva B&B Bedroom in 7 day ireland itinerary road trip

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.

what to see in ireland in 7 days - itinerary road trip map day 1

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 .

will kissing the blarney stone in ireland itinerary

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.

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 2 - what to see in ireland in 7 days

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.

Will wielding a Sith lightsaber at Skellig Michael

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.

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 3

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.

The view into Killarney National Park from Ladies View

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.

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 4

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.

An Portán B&B in Dunquin, Dingle, Ireland

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.

Will In Front of Wild Atlantic Way Sign in Dingle

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.

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 5

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.

7 day ireland itinerary dingle driving direction suggestion

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 ).

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 6

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.

Book Directly

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.

Directions to get free parking at Cliffs of Moher

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.

rainy evening in front of temple bar in dublin ireland with umbrella

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.

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 7

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.

sunset in kilkenny ireland with street and castle in background

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

7 Day Ireland Itinerary - Ultimate Road Trip Guide for the South Story

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
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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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Top 10 things to know before traveling to Ireland

Mar 27, 2024 • 9 min read

From pub etiquette to catching public transport – here's what you need to know before you go to Ireland © Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

A lifetime of living in Ireland has given me some insight into the vagaries of my home country, beginning with the number one rule: never assume anything. This is a country that delights in confounding even your most comfortable expectations about pretty much everything, from the weather to the quality of the wifi.

Here are 10 tips that I’m pretty comfortable giving anyone who plans a visit, whether for the first time or the fifth. I’ve got some practical tips around VAT refunds and the most efficient ways to get around, but then there’s a bunch of suggestions on how to crack the mightiest nut of all – the Irish themselves. Because be in no doubt, while Ireland has gorgeous landscapes, a rich history and the best pubs in the world, your visit will only be truly memorable if you get to know the people – friendly and welcoming but often contradictory and inscrutable.

1. Plan on at least seven days to start making sense of the country

Ireland is small, but there’s an awful lot to it. Luckily, distances in Ireland aren’t huge so you can get most anywhere in a few hours, but the list of where to go can get very long, very quickly.

It’ll take you a couple of days to even begin to make a dent in Dublin , but once you go beyond the capital you’ll need at least five days to make a lightening stop tour of the major highlights of the west: Galway and Connemara, Clare (where you’ll find the Cliffs of Moher and the most authentic traditional music in the country), Kerry (you’ll need a whole day just for the Ring of Kerry and another for the Dingle Peninsula ) and Cork , only it’s time to go home so you can only make enough time for Cork City .

Clearly the only solution is to plan for a month; at the end of it, you’ll be wanting to stay a year.

Older woman happily trekking in the mountains around Kenmare.

2. Keep it to casual wear

The Irish aren’t big on formal wear and only pull it out for very specific occasions (a wedding, a ball, the opening of a parliamentary session). Which means you can wear pretty much whatever you want: smart casual is the most you'll need for fancy dinners, the theatre or the concert hall.

Irish summers are warm but rarely hot, so you'll want something extra when the temperatures cool, especially in the evening. Ultimately the ever-changeable weather will determine your outfits, but a light waterproof jacket should never be beyond reach for the almost-inevitable rain. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking – in cities or on hills – a good pair of walking shoes, preferably waterproof, will do the trick.

Add these top beaches around Ireland to your travel itinerary.

3. The land of a 100,000 welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – literally, 100,000 welcomes. The famous Irish greeting suggests a country that is big on displays of affection, but nothing could be further from the truth. A firm handshake – with eye contact – is the appropriate greeting when meeting men, women and older children for the first time. Once a friendship is made, then all bets are off and anything goes, from a hug and a kiss on the cheek (primarily amongst female friends) to an air nod and a casual "hey".

Younger Irish are less formal than their older counterparts, but even they generally eschew effusive greetings: more often than not, a quick handshake and a casual nod is the best way to say hello for the first time.

4. The Irish love to talk, until they don’t

The Irish are renowned for their chat, but with people they don’t know particularly well they generally like to keep it to topics that are light and not likely to embarrass. Despite their gregarious nature, the Irish tend to be reserved when it comes to life’s more serious issues and are very mistrustful of "oversharers".

The old adage that the Irish will talk about anything except sex, religion and politics is something of an over-simplification, but if you do find yourself steering into deeper waters around sensitive topics it’s always better to listen: locals aren’t shy about getting into heated discussion amongst themselves about all kinds of topics but take a dim view of outsiders who express (even legitimate) criticisms of Ireland or the Irish.

5. You’d better learn about the rounds system

It’s a firm rule of drinking with locals. If someone buys you a drink, you’re obliged to buy them one back – this is the bedrock of Irish pub culture. Nothing will hasten your fall from social grace here like the failure to uphold this pub law.

The time to repay the drink you’re drinking? It’s when the person you’re drinking with is just about to finish theirs. It doesn’t matter if you’re halfway through your own drink at that moment: you can’t let your drinking buddy sit in front of an empty glass. Your greatest challenge will probably be trying to keep up with your fellow drinkers, who may keep buying you drinks in every round even when you've still got a collection of unfinished pints in front of you and you're sliding face first down the bar.

A young, mixed-race couple laughing together in Temple Bar, Dublin

6. The best way to visit cities is on foot or by public transport

Driving and parking in Irish cities is a nightmare. There’s no free parking anywhere; the unrelenting traffic will test even the most patient of drivers; and the one-way systems in major urban centres will confound you to the point of madness (although map apps are pretty good at pointing you in the right direction).

The good news is you don’t need a car to visit any Irish city. Dublin, the biggest by far, has a pretty decent system of public transport, but even then most of the major sights are within walking distance of each other. Same goes for Cork, Belfast, Limerick and Galway, which are more easily explored without a car.

Save this guide to the best road trips in Ireland.

7. The easiest way to explore Ireland is by car

If cities are best experienced without a car, the most effective way to explore the rest of the country is with one. The bus network, made up of a mix of public and private operators, is extensive and generally quite competitive, though journey times can be slow and lots of the points of interest outside towns are not served. The rail network is quicker but more limited, serving only some major towns and cities. Both buses and trains get busy during peak times; you'll need to book in advance to be guaranteed a seat.

Cars can be hired in every major town and city. The Irish drive on the left hand side; distances and speed limits in the Republic are measured in kilometres, but once you cross the invisible border into Northern Ireland everything switches to miles.

8. Ireland is good cycling country

Ireland's compact size and scenic landscapes make it a good cycling destination, albeit one you need to prepare for. The weather is unreliable, roads can be very narrow and Irish drivers tend to drive quickly, even on those narrow roads. A growing network of greenways, such as the 42km Great Western Greenway in County Mayo and the Royal Canal Greenway that runs through the midlands, are a great and hassle-free way to see the country from two wheels. A good tip for cyclists in the west is that the prevailing winds make it easier to cycle from south to north.

Buses will carry bikes, but only if there’s room. Intercity trains will also carry bikes, but you’ll need to book a space in advance as there’s limited capacity. Suburban rail services in Dublin won’t take bikes during rush hour (7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm). A number of Irish companies arrange cycle tours, including Go Visit Ireland and Cycling Safaris .

A scene from the annual Christmas Day swim, with hundreds of swimmers turning up for a leap into the water at the Forty Foot this morning, in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.

9. Pick the right season to travel in Ireland

June to mid-September is high season: the weather is at its best and the most popular parts of the country – Dublin , Kerry and the southern and western coasts – are at their busiest. The downside is big crowds and the highest rates for accommodation and car hire.

Rates drop off from mid-September as the crowds start to thin, but most tourist spots are still open to take advantage of the last weeks of the season. Although weather can never be predicted with any degree of accuracy, the weather can be surprisingly lovely right up to mid-October.

Low season runs from November to the middle of March; Irish winter days are short, damp and cold, but the upside is fewer visitors and some terrific accommodation deals. A lot of the west coast goes into winter hibernation, though, with a lot of attractions and hotels closing down; if you’re planning to visit during this time you should check what’s open before you travel.

Ready to head to Ireland? These are the best times to visit.

10. Claim your VAT back if you’re visiting from outside the EU

Most goods come with value-added tax (VAT) of 23%, which non-EU residents can claim back as part of the Retail Export Scheme, so long as the purchase was made with a credit card. Visitors from the UK can also benefit from this, but not visitors from Northern Ireland.

Before making a purchase, check with the retailer that they operate the scheme. If they do, you will be issued an export voucher for the purchase, which you need to get certified by customs when you leave Ireland. The voucher is sent back to the retailer who then refunds you the VAT (minus any processing fee).

Rather than operate the scheme themselves, many retailers use VAT-refunding agencies, whereby you go through the same process of presenting the agency’s own certificate at customs. Some agencies, though, operate a scheme where you don’t pay any VAT upfront, but if you don’t file the paperwork correctly (either sending it back to the agency or presenting it to customs) your card will be charged later. Some goods such as books, children's clothing and educational items are excluded from VAT.

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Driving in Ireland

The essential information you will need before getting around Ireland by road.

Planning on a road trip? Here's what you need to know about driving laws, tolls, parking and more

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Roads in ireland, driving laws, tolls and fuel, speed limits.

If you ’ re going to be driving on your trip to Ireland, you ’ ll need to know the basics. So we ’ ve put together this handy guide that covers everything from the laws in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to helpful tips and useful links to official bodies where you can get more information.

Roads in Ireland are generally of a high standard. They range from motorways and dual carriageways to secondary roads with two-way traffic and winding country lanes.

In the Republic of Ireland, motorways are prefixed with an “M” (for example, the M50 ring road around Dublin city). National roads are prefixed with an “N” (for example N18). Secondary roads may also be dual-carriageways or have two way traffic.

Roads in Northern Ireland are prefixed with an “ M ” for motorway; an “ A ” and a “ B ” for primary and non-primary roads. Signs in the Republic of Ireland show distances in kilometres, while in Northern Ireland miles are used.

Driving laws

We drive on the left hand side of the road in Ireland.

Everyone in your vehicle (front and back) MUST wear a seat belt at all times.

Riding a motorcycle? Both you and your passenger must wear helmets. Ireland has strict laws against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the penalties for breaking these laws are stiff.

Never use your mobile phone while you're driving.

Licence and insurance

You ’ ll need either a valid, full national driving licence or an international driving permit to drive in Ireland. In the Republic of Ireland, you must carry your driver’s licence at all times.

You must also have car insurance either in your own name or as a named driver on another’s policy. EU-registered vehicles will need to carry a green card (as proof of motor insurance) for all vehicles, including caravans and trailers if driving in Northern Ireland or planning to cross the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

UK-registered vehicles (with valid insurance) will not need a Green Card to drive in Ireland or from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland. If you ’ re renting a car, the Car Rental Council of Ireland can give you advice on the kind of insurance, waivers and options that will suit you.

There are no tolled roads in Northern Ireland but you ’ ll find tolls on a number of roads in the Republic of Ireland. They ’ re managed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Dublin City Council . Generally, you can pay tolls at the toll booth, however, there is one exception: M50 eFlow Barrier System.

M50 eFlow Barrier System

There is a barrier-free toll system in operation on the M50 ring road around Dublin. So instead of paying your toll at a toll booth, the system will record your trip by photographing your licence plate number. It is important to pay your toll before 8pm the next day, either online , via the app for Apple or Android, or in branded Payzone outlets. Disabled drivers are not charged tolls on roads in the Republic of Ireland.

You ’ ll find plenty of service stations, particularly on main routes. Fuel prices will vary between service stations and if you ’ re travelling between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, you ’ ll notice that fuel prices are given in euro in the Republic and pounds in Northern Ireland.

Almost all service stations accept credit cards as well as cash. Just fill up at the pump and then head into the station to pay. Some stations may have self-service pumps where you can just pay and go.

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity in Ireland and you ’ ll find charging points all around the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Speed limits: Republic of Ireland

Speed limits: northern ireland.

In the Republic of Ireland, road signs show distances and speed limits in kilometres. Road signs and place names are displayed in both Irish (Gaelic) and English. In Gaeltacht areas (where Irish is the primary language) only Irish is used.

Signposts and speed limits in Northern Ireland are in miles and miles per hour, while all place names are displayed in English only.

You will need to pay for parking in many places in Ireland. Look for street signs showing parking information for guidance. You can pay for parking using:

1. Coins in the Pay and Display machine on the street.

2. Parking Tag or Park by Text in the Republic of Ireland and Park by Text in Northern Ireland.

3. Some car park management companies have their own apps for cashless parking so check for signs in the car park.

Parking for people with disabilities

If you have an EU Parking Permit for People with Disabilities, you can use this in any vehicle in which you ’ re travelling. UK Blue Badges and Australian and New Zealand Disability Parking Permits can also be used on the island of Ireland. Contact the Disabled Drivers ’ Association of Ireland for more information on parking in the Republic of Ireland and the Blue Badge Unit for information on parking in Northern Ireland.

Useful links

AA Route Planner

Up-to-date traffic information and a route planner that recommends the best route to get you to your destination.

NI Direct Motoring

Road safety, insurance and licences, towing a caravan... it's all here on Northern Ireland's official government website.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Toll information and traffic news from the national body that manages the Republic of Ireland's transport network.

Where do you want to go?

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

Driving in Ireland: Narrow streets, insurance extras and staying on the left side of the road

DUBLIN, Ireland – A sticker on the front windshield of our rental car offered this constant reminder: Drive on the left.

Fortunately, my husband, who was the sole driver on our trip to Ireland, didn’t need the tip. But I did. Even after a week of motoring through Ireland, I still headed to the right side of the car for my passenger seat every morning. Good thing I wasn’t behind the wheel.

Driving on the left was only one of the many challenges during our weeklong tour through Ireland.

Some of the roads in Ireland are crazy narrow, with no shoulders and solid-rock walls inches from the driving lanes. On more than one occasion, I had to yank my arm in from the open window to keep from getting buzzed. And I often found myself holding back a desire to yell: “You’re too close to the side of the road!”

To my husband’s credit, we returned the car after seven days with nary a scratch. He jumped a curb just once, and even then, there were extenuating circumstances. (We were both distraught about leaving a bag behind at a hotel the day before.)

All in all, the driving experience in Ireland was, though not exactly relaxing, relatively easy and stress free.

Renting a car

I was tempted to rent a manual-shift car because they are much cheaper, in Ireland and in most of Europe. Both my husband and I drove a stick-shift for years – but I opted for an automatic at the suggestion of Cleveland-area travel agent Mark Hollywood, who said that driving on the left presents enough challenges. Better to not add one more.

Though automatic cars are typically much more expensive, if you look early, you might score a deal. I reserved my car back in December – five months before my trip – and found an automatic for rent that wasn’t too much more than a manual. I paid $567 for a compact car for seven days, which included mandatory insurance coverage.

Typically, I decline insurance offered by the rental car companies and opt for coverage from my credit card company, Capital One.

However, many credit cards, Capital One included, don’t offer coverage for drivers in Ireland and a handful of other countries, including Northern Ireland, Israel and Jamaica.

I’m not sure why that is – Capital One covered our rental car earlier this year in Costa Rica, where the roads were in much worse condition. (Note: I reached out to Capital One and didn’t hear back.)

In any case, I bought insurance through Budget, which included theft protection and collision-damage waiver coverage. I declined what’s sometimes called super collision-damage waiver coverage – which would have eliminated the 2000-euro hold on my credit card to cover any deductible, if needed, in the event of an accident. At a hefty 20 euros per day, I decided to take my chances.

Thankfully, we didn’t need any of it.

I met several people on this trip who were afraid of driving in Ireland, including one couple who was hopping a plane in Dublin to fly to the west coast, where they were going to hire drivers to take them around the Ring of Kerry. That seemed like a very expensive way to see the country.

Easy for me to say – I wasn’t the one driving – but driving in Ireland wasn’t that bad. It wasn’t nearly as terrifying as Costa Rica – where the roads, at least in some parts of the country, were in bad shape, and pedestrians, motorcycles and bicyclists were constantly weaving in and out of traffic.

Read more: Renting a car, driving in Costa Rica not for the faint of heart: What you need to know

In Ireland, the roads were in good shape – at least the main roads were – and there weren’t obstacles in the street (except the occasional sheep!)

A couple of locals advised us to ignore GPS instructions occasionally, as the most direct routes sometimes take visitors on seldom-used back roads.

“If you have the chance to drive the better roads in Ireland – you take the better roads,” one innkeeper said. But we didn’t always follow her advice.

I did have a paper map that I attempted to use – but boy, after you’re so accustomed to using your phone, it’s hard to go back to the old way.

So we occasionally found ourselves on super-narrow local roads – some with grass growing in the middle – and a couple of places where two-way traffic was reduced to one lane without warning.

But for the most part, the driving wasn’t too difficult. And boy was it scenic.

My only regret? My husband, with his eyes so firmly focused on the roadway in front of him, didn’t get to enjoy all of it. Maybe next time I’ll drive?

If you go: Driving in Ireland

Extra charges: Budget was going to charge us an extra 13 euros per day for a second driver, which we declined.

Some rental companies, including Budget, charge extra to take your car into Northern Ireland. We paid 30 euros to cross the border.

Exploring Ireland’s west coast: from Dingle to Donegal, Achill Island and the Cliffs of Moher

En route from Dublin to Dingle: Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny Castle

48 hours in Dublin: New Aer Lingus flight from Cleveland makes for an easy international getaway

First flight on Aer Lingus: Go to sleep in Cleveland, wake up in Dublin

Narrow Conor Pass on the Dingle Peninsula.

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How To Get Around Ireland Without A Car

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

If you asked us 4 months ago was getting around Ireland without a car easy, we’d have said… “No… No it isn’t” .

Then we spent €10,000+ euro researching and writing Ireland’s largest collection of public transport itineraries .

And after that… We’d have still said “No!”

In fact, the time and money it cost us to plan trips that rely on getting around Ireland without a car made us realise how tricky it really is .

However, we’re now confident that, by using these itineraries , you’ll be able to get around via bus or train with ease.

But this guide isn’t dedicated to us tooting our own horns, it’s to give you the low-down on how to explore Ireland without a car !

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about getting around Ireland without a car

Click to enlarge

If you read the points below, first, they’ll get you up-to-speed quickly on what Ireland without a car is like:

1. If you’re visiting main cities/towns a car isn’t needed

Most of the main towns and cities in Ireland , like Dublin, Limerick and Galway, are, for the most part, wonderfully walkable . You will, at times, need to use public transport, but a car is by no means necessary.

2. It’s possible to get around without a car, but you need to plan

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and you’re going to be relying on public transport to get around, a finely tuned itinerary pays dividends . Public transportation in Ireland has its limitations, especially when you step off-the-beaten-path. Find hundreds of Irish Road Trip itineraries that only use buses/trains here .

3. Public transport availability varies greatly

You’ll be grand getting around Ireland’s cities and towns on public transport, but services are heavily reduced in certain parts of the country. The likes of Donegal, in particular, can be a nightmare to get around without a car.

4. Buying tickets in advance has pros and cons

When you decided on your Ireland itinerary , it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of buying your bus/train tickets in advance . The advantage of buying tickets ahead of time means a guaranteed seat but also often, in the case of trains, a cheaper fair. Buying a ticket on the day gives you flexibility to change your plans, but you’ll also risk higher fares and limited seating.

The advantages of exploring Ireland without a car

There are plenty of pros and cons to travelling in Ireland without a car. We’ll tackle the pros first, as there are several.

1. Car rental is expensive

While you’ll find hire companies all over the country, renting a car in Ireland is expensive and even more so in the high season months of July and August, so book well ahead.

Most cars are manual; automatic cars are also available, but tend to cost more to hire.

Additional petrol and parking eat into your spending money and make the cost of a trip to Ireland skyrocket.

2. Ireland has a good train network

Ireland’s train network is good and serves all major cities and towns (though you may have to change trains in some spots).

Belfast, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford are all reached direct from Dublin and it’s a much faster way to travel than by bus or coach.

Prices are reasonable too, but time and comfort are train travel in Ireland’s best attributes.

3. You can use a combination of public transport and day tours

There will invariably be some places that public transport won’t reach (or, if it does, will take far too long). A good way to combat this is to book a combination of public transport alongside day tours.

Use public transport where it’s logical, and then book on a day tour to visit more remote but famous attractions in Ireland such as the Cliffs of Moher, for example.

The disadvantages of exploring Ireland without a car

Many guides on how to get around Ireland without a car are packed with negatives, and we can’t blame them.

There’s definitely a lot of limitations to public transport road trips, as you’ll discover below.

1. You’ll find it much harder to go off-the-beaten-path

From spectacular mountains to gorgeous fishing villages, some of Ireland’s greatest treasures lie well off the beaten path and reaching them without a car is almost impossible, unfortunately.

This isn’t a densely populated country, and if you want some great experiences outside of the major cities and towns then you may have to look into car hire (some of Ireland’s coastal roads and mountain passes are stunning, after all).

2. Some organised tours only run during the peak season

Organised tours are a great way of seeing sights that are difficult to reach without a car, but if you’re travelling here outside of the peak season then you may run into a spot of bother.

Some tours won’t be running in off-season months like January and February, so bear that in mind if you’re planning a car-free trip to Ireland.

3. Certain counties have terrible public transport

Parts of Ireland remain incredibly rural and, while in some ways that’s a good thing, it’s a nightmare if you’re attempting a car-free trip.

There’s no train service in West Cork for example, and entire counties like Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan have no network at all (buses are equally slow and unreliable).

Again, plan ahead and use day tours when possible if visiting these more rural spots.

FAQs about how to get around Ireland without a car

We’ve had endless emails over the years from people about traveling in Ireland without a car.

Below, we’ve answered the most FAQs, but feel free to ask away in the comments section.

Can I get around Ireland without a car?

Traveling in Ireland without a car is 100& possible, you just need to plan carefully to take into account the limitations of buses and trains. It’s completely doable though.

What is the easiest way to get around Ireland?

We’d argue that a car is the easiest way to explore. Or, if you’ve cash to splash, a private driver. Alternatively, organised tours take the pain out of planning and getting around.

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 .

Cammie Edgar

Thursday 29th of December 2022

I sooo appreciate your site as we plan for our 2023 bucket list trip to Ireland! I may be missing something, but the links above for the public transport itineraries takes me to the road trip itineraries and I don't see how to figure out which are public transport and which are car tours.

My other question is if you can recommend a way to find accommodations in the Gaeltacht (mostly looking around Galway) where we could stay in an Irish-speaking household. My Gaeilge is not great, but I'd love to have practice opportunities!

IMAGES

Ireland Road Trip Map
Self-Drive Tour: Exploring Ireland by Car
Top 5 BEST ways to travel Ireland, RANKED
Ireland Self-Drive Tour
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary in 14 days in 2020
The Perfect Ireland Road Trip Itinerary You Should Steal

VIDEO

Luxury car collection😂
IRELAND CAR SCENE OVER POWER POLICE
Common Travel Area
Traveling around Dublin Ireland by car
Things Must Know Before Buying Car In Ireland
Is Ireland The Perfect Family Road Trip Destination? (Beginner’s Guide)

COMMENTS

The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary and Travel Guide
The Ring of Beara. Newgrange. Ireland Road Trip Itinerary. Day 1 - Dublin to Wexford (150km) Day 2 - Wexford to Cork (190km) Day 3 - Cork to Kenmare via the Ring of Beara (200km) Day 4 - Kenmare to Killarney via the Ring of Kerry (140km) Day 5 - Killarney. Day 6 - Killarney to Tralee via Dingle (160km)
The Best Ireland Itinerary (Irishman's 2024 Guide)
The Best Ireland Itinerary (Irishman's 2024 Guide) By Keith O'Hara. Last updated: April 15, 2024. We spent 8 months and €15,728 building what is, in my opinion, the best Ireland itinerary library available anywhere. It became clear long ago that there is no such thing as a 'one-size-fits-all' Ireland travel itinerary.
10 best road trips in Ireland
Detour: At the tip of the Ring of Beara, make a stop to take the cable car to Dursey Island, a neat way to cross the choppy waters below. 10. The "Four Peaks" Challenge road trip. The best challenge of a road road trip. Carrauntoohil-Mweelrea-Slieve Donard-Lugnaquilla; 865km (540 miles), 1 day to 1 week.
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Disadvantages. The biggest disadvantages of using a car for getting around Ireland is that it'll be expensive for solo travellers and it's likely to make the trip unnecessarily stressful for some drivers. If you're on your own, it can be expensive. If you're a nervous driving, it can make the trip stressful. 2.
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Traveling around Ireland by car is awesome. A car is the only way to see all of Italy's nooks and crannies. Don't wait until you're over there to rent a vehicle. It is invariably cheaper to rent a car from home. February 16, 2016 at 8:31 am . Reply. Valerie says: Great tip! I highly recommend booking a car hire in advance 🙂
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2 Weeks in Ireland: The Perfect Ireland Road Trip Itinerary. Breanna Farrell. September 27, 2023. Ireland has so much to offer to travel-hungry adventurers, and the best way to experience it all is through a road trip. From sleeping on secluded beaches to climbing hidden ring forts and learning to surf, this ultimate guide to a road trip in ...
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Starting and ending point: Dublin to Belfast -> the Causeway Coast. Mileage: 247 km (154 miles) Area of Ireland: Leinster and Ulster. Kicking off day two of your ten days in Ireland itinerary is a trip up the M1 to Belfast in Northern Ireland. It is only around an hour and forty-five minutes from Dublin.
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Top Tips For Traveling To Ireland. 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.; Car rentals - If you are planning an Ireland road trip then you will definitely be renting a car.Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and always start your ...
The Best Ireland Road Trip Itineraries in 2024
To give you a better idea, here's a sample itinerary for a 10-day road trip around Ireland: Day 1: Arrival in Dublin. Day 2: Dublin sightseeing. Day 3: Dublin to Galway. Day 4: Galway and Connemara National Park. Day 5: Galway to Killarney via the Cliffs of Moher.
The Perfect Ireland Itinerary & Road Trip
Must See Cities and Destinations in Ireland. If you have: A short trip, base yourself in Dublin, explore the city and do some nearby day trips.; If you have 1 week, I recommend checking out Western Ireland, where the lush countryside meets the Atlantic - small towns like Dingle, Adare and Killarney National Park in County Kerry offer dramatic, beautiful views!
14 DAYS IN IRELAND: the ultimate Ireland road trip itinerary
Hiring a car: Companies such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Enterprise Rent-a-Car offer a range of car rental options to suit your requirements. Cars can be picked up and dropped off at locations around the country, including at airports. Travel insurance: Ireland is a relatively safe country. However, it is important to make sure you have ...
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7 Day Ireland Itinerary
The 7 Day Ireland Itinerary. 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.
Ireland Itinerary: Where to Go in Ireland by Rick Steves
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Top 10 things to know before traveling to Ireland
9. Pick the right season to travel in Ireland. June to mid-September is high season: the weather is at its best and the most popular parts of the country - Dublin, Kerry and the southern and western coasts - are at their busiest. The downside is big crowds and the highest rates for accommodation and car hire.
Driving in Ireland: Tips for Tourists + First Timers (2024)
One of the most overlooked tips for driving in Ireland for the first time is to check if you can legally drive here in the first place. The two main things you need to check are the licence requirements and the insurance requirements for driving in Ireland. 1. Licence requirements for Americans.
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DUBLIN, Ireland - A sticker on the front windshield of our rental car offered this constant reminder: Drive on the left. Fortunately, my husband, who was the sole driver on our trip to Ireland ...
Car Mileage & What You Need To Know
The average annual mileage for a car in Ireland can vary depending on factors such as individual driving habits, vehicle usage patterns, and geographic location. However, according to various sources and studies, the typical annual mileage figure ranges from 15,000 to 18,000 kilometres per year. ... Some drivers enjoy a lot of leisure travel ...
The Best Guide to Renting a Car in Ireland (2024)
For added insurance when renting a car in Ireland, take out your phone and photograph all damage that's currently inside and outside of the car. This ensures that there's no issue when you're dropping the car back. 3. Check who pays the tolls. Check in advance if your car comes with a 'Toll Tag'.
Car rental in Dublin
Our van rental services in Dublin are perfect for families, groups of friends, or business travelers looking for flexibility and comfort during their stay in the Irish capital. Choose from a wide range of vans to suit your needs, from compact models to larger options for extra space. Enjoy competitive rates and flexible rental options to fit ...
Why are hybrid cars outselling electric cars in Ireland?
From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, RTÉ Environment Correspondent George Lee on a new report which finds electric cars are failing to win over the mass market. Hybrids feature lithium-ion (Li ...
Ireland Without a Car (Locals 2024 Guide)
1. If you're visiting main cities/towns a car isn't needed. Most of the main towns and cities in Ireland, like Dublin, Limerick and Galway, are, for the most part, wonderfully walkable. You will, at times, need to use public transport, but a car is by no means necessary. 2.
China develops revolutionary electric car battery that can charge in 10
Jonathan Leake 17 May 2024 • 12:34pm. China has developed a revolutionary car battery that can charge in just 10 minutes and power a car for hundreds of miles before it needs to be plugged in. A ...

The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary and Travel Guide

The Ring of Kerry

Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

Tips For a Road Trip of Ireland

Alesha and Jarryd

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Destination Guides , Itineraries , Road Trips

Quick Glance: Your Ireland Itinerary for 10 Days

Tips for Your Ireland Road Trip for 10 Days

The Ultimate Itinerary for 10 Days in Ireland

Day 1: Arrive in Ireland

Day 2: Dublin

Jameson Distillery Tour

Ha’penny Bridge

Day 3: Dublin

Trinity College

Dublin Castle

Christ Church Cathedral

Guinness Storehouse

Day 4: Dublin to Kinsale

Day 5: Kinsale to Ballinskelligs

Cork & Blarney Castle

Drombeg Stone Circle & Schull

Ballinskelligs

Day 6: Ballinskelligs to Dingle through Killarney

Gap of Dunloe

Killarney National Park

Day 7: Dingle to Liscannor & the Cliffs of Moher

Castlegregory

Tarbert Ferry

Day 8: The Cliffs of Moher to Bushmills

Day 9: The Giant’s Causeway & Carrick-a-Rede

Day 10: Belfast & Dublin

28 thoughts on “ 10 Days in Ireland: The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary ”

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Ireland Road Trip: 7, 10 and 14 day Itinerary

Ireland Road Trip Planning Tips

When is the Best Time To Visit Ireland?

How To Get To Ireland

Hiring A Car In Ireland

Look Carefully At The Car Insurance

Age Requirements

Is Public Transport An Option?

Compare Prices And Choose A Reliable Company

Methods Of Payment

Travel Insurance For Ireland

Prefer A Group Tour Of Ireland?

14 Day Ireland Road Trip

Day 4-5 | Dublin Bay – Dalkey & Howth

Day Trip To Dalkey

Day Trip To Howth

Day 6 | Enniscorthy

Day 7 | Copper Coast + Mahon Falls

Day 8 | Waterford City

Day 9 | Drive To Killarney Via Blarney Castle

Day 10 | Ring Of Kerry Drive

Day 10 | Limerick

Day 12 | Cliffs Of Moher

Day 13 | Ferry To Inishmore From Galway

Day 14 | Drive To Dublin Via Kilkenny

More Ireland Road Trip Itineraries

Ireland Road Trip 7 Days

Accommodation In Ireland

Tours In Ireland

Transport For Ireland

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The Ultimate 8 Day Ireland Road Trip – Must See Stops & Places to Stay

The Ultimate 8 Day Ireland Road Trip – Must See Stops & Places to Stay

Things you should know about driving and renting a car in Ireland

Day 1 & 2 – Dublin

Where to Stay –

Things to Do –

Guinness Factory Tour* –