best road trip for ireland

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

Mar 9, 2024 • 7 min read

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

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

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

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

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

1. The Wild Atlantic Way 

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

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

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

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

2. The Mayo Coast 

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

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

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

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

3. The Old Military Road

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

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

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

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

4. The Copper Coast

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

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

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

5. The Ring of Kerry

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

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

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

6. The Burren Loop

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

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

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

7. Slea Head Drive

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

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

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

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

8. Sky Road Loop

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

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

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

9. The Ring of Beara

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

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

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

10. The “Four Peaks” Challenge road trip

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

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

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

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

This article was first published Apr 1, 2021 and updated Mar 9, 2024.

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The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary and Travel Guide

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

The Ring of Kerry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They are also supremely crowded with tourists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was one of the best decisions we made.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the main attractions along the way are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips For a Road Trip of Ireland

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

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

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

Here are some tips for renting a campervan in Ireland.

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

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

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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

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Thanks for informative blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much. 🙂

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

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

Thanks for the pics and tips.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It definitely is. It is a stunning country. 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Ultimate 10 Day Ireland Itinerary: Ireland Road Trip Extravaganza

There is nowhere on the planet better for a road trip than Ireland–and this 10 day Ireland itinerary will show you how to pull off the absolute best Ireland road trip!

After more than a month across multiple visits spent exploring Ireland, we’ve fallen completely head-over-heels with the impossibly green landscapes, the jaw-droppingly beautiful cliffs, the quaint farms, the delightful country inns, the colorful small towns, and the quirky cities that the island is known for.

We’ve watched the sunset at the Cliffs of Moher, become obsessed with Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula, explored Dublin, sipped Guinness in countless pubs, fallen in love with colorful villages like Cobh, and sought out lesser-known destinations like the Slieve League Cliffs, Hook Peninsula, and County Mayo.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

This 10 day Ireland itinerary is a careful whittling down of our absolute favorite things we’ve found in Ireland–with plenty of choose-your-own-adventure style options thrown in. 

We want to make sure that this Ireland road trip itinerary leaves you completely smitten with the country, while also helping you narrow down the overwhelming number of amazing places to see in Ireland (which, let’s be honest–can’t all be covered with only 10 days in Ireland).

Ready to start planning your Ireland road trip? Here’s what we suggest.

Table of Contents

10 Day Ireland Itinerary Map 

How we structured this 10 day ireland itinerary, the ultimate 10 day ireland road trip itinerary, important ireland road trip tips, more (or less) than 10 days in ireland, the best time to visit ireland, what to pack for ireland.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

We structured this 10 days in Ireland itinerary so that you circle around the entire island and avoid doubling back during your trip.

This makes for a fun and, most importantly, flexible Ireland road trip itinerary, so if you have more or less than 10 days in Ireland, you’ll still be able to complete the trip with some adjustments.

It also means that you don’t have to follow our suggested stops to the letter–we’ve made notes on some of the days of this 10 day Ireland itinerary showing where there are a few logical choices to fill your time, so feel free to choose whichever adventure most appeals to you!

We’ll cover more alternate ideas and suggestions for your Ireland itinerary if you’re working with more or less than 10 days in Ireland closer to the bottom of this post.

The way this Ireland itinerary is structured does mean that you move most nights, so be prepared for that!

This 10 day Ireland itinerary does also cover destinations in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom).

Though the border is open between the two countries, keep this in mind as it will have a small impact on your trip (most noticeably, you’ll need to alert your rental car company of your plans to leave the Republic of Ireland, and you’ll need to change currencies during your trip).

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin.

Most likely, you’ll land in Dublin exhausted and jetlagged, so plan to take it easy on your first afternoon in the city!

If you land early enough in the day and want to hit some of the best things to do in Dublin , this would be a great opportunity to check out Trinity College and the Long Room, stroll across the Ha’Penny Bridge, duck into some of Dublin’s many gorgeous bookshops, and grab a cozy dinner in a traditional Irish pub.

Day 2: Explore Dublin.

Dublin is a fun, quirky city, so it’s definitely worth taking one full day to explore it during your 10 days in Ireland!

We recommend covering anything you didn’t get to from the above afternoon arrival suggestions, plus a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and/or Jameson Factory , a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral , and some time spent wandering around the pricey-but-picturesque Temple Bar district.

Want to visit both the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Factory during your 10 days in Ireland? Then this popular tour is for you!

Depending on time, you may also want to check out St. Stephen’s Green, the General Post Office, or Kilmainham Gaol.

You can read our full suggestions for spending a couple of days in Dublin here .

Day 3: Kick off your Ireland road trip and visit Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, and Hore Abbey.

This is the day your Ireland road trip truly begins: pick up your car as early in the morning as possible, and hit the road!

We recommend sleeping wherever you plan to spend day four (we’ll cover our suggestions below), but on your way down south, you have a few stops to make!

This colorful little village is exactly the sort of small Irish town you’ve no doubt been dreaming of seeing during your 10 days in Ireland: full of colorful buildings, pretty, winding streets, and a castle, it’s the perfect first stop on your Irish road trip.

The Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel’s history dates back far longer than its current buildings, which are “only” 700-900 years old.

Rumored to be the sight of the King of Munster’s conversion to Christianity in the fifth century, the Rock of Cashel served as the seat of Munster kings long before the Normans arrived in Ireland.

Today, an impressive Celtic art collection is located at the sight, and the views overlooking the nearby countryside are stunning.

Built in the 13th century as a Cistercian Monastery, Hore Abbey practically lies in the shadow of the Rock of Cashel–but unlike the former, it is both free and uncrowded to visit.

We highly recommend a quick stop here–it’s an absolutely beautiful set of ruins, and worth seeing during your 10 days in Ireland.

Day 4: Check out County Waterford + County Wexford OR visit Cork, Cobh, and Blarney Castle.

Sadly, 10 days in Ireland isn’t enough to cover absolutely everything–so we’ll outline two suggestions for this part of your Ireland road trip: either a visit to County Wexford and County Waterford, or a visit to Cork, Cobh, and Blarney Castle.

Here’s what to expect at either place.

Option 1: County Waterford + County Wexford

If you’re looking for a more offbeat option for this part of your Ireland road trip, head to County Wexford and County Waterford for the day!

The Hook Peninsula, home to the adorable Hook Lighthouse, the fascinating (and haunted) Loftus Hall, the lovely Tintern Abbey, and the John F. Kennedy Arboretum (yep, it’s named for the US president), is an absolutely delightful place to spend a day.

We adored our time in this area and highly recommend it.

Once you finish up around the Hook Peninsula, head to Waterford to tour the Waterford Crystal Factory , which is an incredibly cool (and affordable!) experience that blew both of our expectations out of the water.

Where We Stayed in County Wexford

Inishross House (New Ross)  — If I had to sum up Inishross House in a word, it would be  hospitable . This is exactly the kind of B&B you come to Ireland for: everything from the colorful breakfast room to the comfortable room to the helpful and attentive couple who ran the B&B was an absolute delight.

The included breakfast was phenomenal and kept us full for most of the day!

We adored this property, and when we return to New Ross in the future, we’ll absolutely try to stay there again.

Check rates & book your stay at Inishross House!

Option 2: Cork, Cobh & Blarney Castle

Want to stick to the classics? Beautiful Cork, with its gorgeous English Market and historical center, and famous Blarney Castle, the home of an (apparently) very kissable stone, are popular options for a 10 day Ireland itinerary for a reason!

You definitely won’t be disappointed by these classics–especially if you have your heart set on receiving the “gift of the gab” from the Blarney Stone.

Nearby Cobh is a delightful and colorful port town that packs a huge history–as the last stop for the Titanic before it met its tragic fate and a huge center of Irish emigration, Cobh’s history is impressive, heavy, and well worth learning a bit about during your trip to Ireland.

Where We Stayed Near Cork

Find Us Farmhouse (Macroom)  — Located in the countryside and nestled between a few farms, the Find Us Farmhouse is the most peaceful place we stayed in Ireland. 

In addition to the comfortable rooms and wonderful hospitality, the breakfast–and the beautiful breakfast room–were enormous highlights.

We loved staring out our bedroom window and watching the cows graze just a few feet from us, and it was definitely an experience worth having at least once on a trip to Ireland!

Check rates & book your stay at Find Us Farmhouse!

Day 5: Visit Killarney National Park.

Technically part of the Ring of Kerry, famous Killarney National Park lives up to its reputation. The views are nothing short of magnificent, and the park is an incredibly relaxing and beautiful place to pass a day.

There are endless hikes and highlights that you can find inside Killarney National Park, but here are a few popular sights that are easily accessible and that you should be sure to add to your 10 day Ireland road trip itinerary!

Muckross House

Built in the 19th century, the magnificent Muckross House is glitzy enough that it once played host to Queen Victoria itself.

The family who built the home had to sell it off less than a century after it was built, and that sale created the basis for Killarney National Park.

Torc Waterfall

Measuring around 20 meters high, Torc Waterfall barrels through thick, green vegetation in Killarney National Park, giving off a beautiful and otherworldly vibe.

It’s also incredibly easy to access–despite looking like it’s in the middle of nowhere, it’s actually only about a 5-minute walk from the road!

Ladies View

Looking for one of the best views in all of Killarney National Park? If so, be sure not to drive past Ladies View without stopping for a quick peek!

If you’re looking for a great place for a picnic lunch during this part of your Ireland road trip itinerary, you can’t go wrong with bringing a meal here.

Muckross Abbey

This beautiful abbey is located a quiet and lovely walk away from Muckross House, but it feels a world apart: incredibly well-preserved and home to a gorgeous cemetery out front, Muckross Abbey is absolutely worth seeing during your 10 days in Ireland.

Be sure not to miss the gorgeous and gigantic yew tree in the courtyard, nor the chance to head upstairs and admire the area from a different vantage point.

Lakes of Killarney

You really can’t miss the Lakes of Killarney, given that they make up more than a quarter of Killarney National Park–but it’s definitely worth noting that the upper, middle, and lower lakes are all stunning and worth paying attention to during your visit.

If you’re as lucky as we were, perhaps you’ll even stumble across some golden retrievers playing in one!

Day 6: Tour the Dingle Peninsula OR the Ring of Kerry OR the Beara Peninsula.

Driving out along one of western Ireland’s magnificent peninsulas and admiring the coastal scenery is an absolute must on your Ireland road trip–but while the Ring of Kerry is the most popular ring to drive, you’ll see we have a different opinion on the best option!

We’ve driven all three of these peninsulas personally, and, well–let’s just say we have our favorites.

That being said, any one of these peninsula drives makes for an excellent addition to your 10 day Ireland itinerary, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Option 1: Slea Head Drive + Dingle Peninsula

Slea Head Drive is home to some of the best scenery in all of Ireland–as is the Dingle Peninsula as a whole.

This drive is easy to make, chock full of interesting sights ranging from archaeological wonders to adorable lambs to beautiful beaches, and is far less crowded than the Ring of Kerry. 

In our biased opinion, the Dingle Peninsula is one of the loveliest places in all of Ireland, and since this 10 day Ireland itinerary really only leaves time to drive one of Ireland’s ring roads, we vote that you head right to this one.

We wrote an entire guide to driving Slea Head Drive , so we won’t repeat ourselves too much here–but if you head this way, be sure not to miss Slea Head Beach, Dunquin Pier, or the Sleeping Giant + the Three Sisters!

Plus, of course, there are plenty of things to do in Dingle itself–the colorful little village is quite the delight to explore!

Option 2: The Ring of Kerry

I’ll be honest: the Ring of Kerry is iconic, beautiful, and you won’t be disappointed by including it on your 10 day Ireland itinerary… but Slea Head Drive on Dingle Peninsula is better, and unless you have your heart set on the Ring of Kerry, we’d drive that one instead!

However, the Ring of Kerry is absolutely gorgeous, and we don’t want to undersell it–the scenery is stunning, especially at the end of the peninsula near the Skellig Islands.

If you’re lucky enough to experience the Ring of Kerry on a beautiful day, definitely wake up early and plan to make Skellig Michael part of your Ireland itinerary!

It’s worth noting that Killarney National Park is part of the Ring of Kerry, so this Ireland road trip itinerary does cover a portion of the ring regardless of what you choose to do on day six.

Keep in mind that the Ring of Kerry is undoubtedly the most popular of these three peninsula options, and the only one where you’ll have to contend with passing enormous tour buses on relatively tiny roads (though the Ring of Kerry does have the biggest–though I use that term loosely–roads of these Ireland road trip options as well).

Option 3: The Ring of Beara

Are you the type of traveler who likes to stray off the beaten path, who would rather avoid crowds than see the most famous sights, and who is enchanted by the idea of being on a road trip in Ireland where you might even go a few minutes without seeing another car or human being (I’d say living thing, but you know, this is Ireland–there’s always a shep around somewhere)?

If so, the Ring of Beara–the easternmost and least-touristed of these three peninsula road trip options–is an excellent choice for you.

As you drive from Cork through the Caha Pass and then wind your way down the Beara Peninsula, the scenery only grows more and more remote and beautiful.

Small fishing villages dot the peninsula–we loved Castletownbere–and by the time you reach the end of the peninsula, words like “desolate” start coming to mind.

If this sounds like the right peninsula to you, bear in mind that it also has some of the hardest driving of the three options–traffic is thin, yes, but the roads are very small, and you might find yourself having to back up quite a distance to let other vehicles pass more than once!

Day 7: Explore Doolin + the Cliffs of Moher.

The colorful village of Doolin is extremely tiny–but it’s adorable, interesting, and also the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher!

How you structure this part of your Ireland itinerary really comes down to exactly how you want to explore the cliffs.

Looking to soak in the iconic views quickly and then explore a bit of the town, or maybe even spend half a day on the island of Inisheer ? Head to the visitor’s center (and try to get there early).

More of a hiker? The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Route runs 18km from Doolin to Liscannor and can be completed in one day–but even those looking for a shorter hike are in luck. Hiking from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher takes about 2 hours each way, and from the Cliffs of Moher visitor’s center to Hag’s Head takes about one hour each way.

Rather view the cliffs from the sea? A Cliffs of Moher cruise can be a great way to get a unique perspective on the cliffs. This is the cruise that we enjoyed.

Book your Cliffs of Moher cruise today!

Day 8: Head to Northern Ireland (and maybe stop by the Slieve League Cliffs).

For the final part of your 10 day Ireland itinerary, we’ll be leaving the Republic of Ireland behind and heading into Northern Ireland–so don’t forget to swap your Euro for pounds before paying for anything with cash!

On your way to Derry, the easiest stopping point for the evening before kicking off your Northern Ireland explorations, consider a detour to visit the absolutely stunning Slieve League Cliffs: significantly taller and just as beautiful as the Cliffs of Moher, these cliffs are located in Donegal and get just a fraction of the visitors as the Cliffs of Moher.

Other stops to consider along the way between Doolin and Derry are County Mayo (especially Belleek Castle , which we absolutely adored), and Galway.

This part of your Ireland road trip itinerary will include a fair bit of driving–it’s about a 5 hour drive if you go directly from Doolin to Derry–so you won’t want to overstretch yourself, but you definitely have time for at least one detour for some sightseeing!

Day 9: Drive the Causeway Coastal Route.

The Causeway Coastal Route follows the northern coast of Northern Ireland (say that five times fast!) and is home to some of the most popular tourist sights in the area, including Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Dunmore Castle, among others.

Be sure to add the following sights to your Ireland road trip itinerary when you drive the Causeway Coastal Route!

Before taking off, though, I do want to provide one other alternative idea for this section of your Ireland itinerary: if you’re a big Game of Thrones fan, you may prefer to book a GOT tour rather than doing a self-drive of the Causeway Coastal Route. 

This well-reviewed GOT tour covers most of the spots outlined in this Ireland road trip itinerary, while also including stops at plenty of other film locations!

Book your Game of Thrones tour of Northern Ireland today!

Dunluce Castle

Dating to the 13th century and once the seat of Clan McDonnell, Dunluce Castle is best known today for its impressive location on a small island just off the mainland, accessible by bridge.

Giant’s Causeway

The famous coastline of Giant’s Causeway is made up of about 40,000 basalt columns–definitely not an everyday sight!

Like at the Cliffs of Moher, a trip to the visitor’s center (and resulting fee) isn’t required to see the basalt columns, but if you’re not interested in a 2-mile hike, you’ll want to pay to enter the more traditional way.

Grab your tickets to Giant’s Causeway today!

Mussenden Temple

This 18th-century temple-like building was once part of a grand estate. 

While it’s lovely up close, if you want to get beautiful views of it perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean during your 10 day Ireland itinerary, head to Downhill Beach.

Carrick-a-Rede

Want to cross a rope bridge suspended 30 meters above cold water and rocky, unforgiving coastline? At Carrick-a-Rede, you can!

The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is delightfully picturesque, and for a fee you can cross it from the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede.

Because of the enormous popularity of the bridge, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance , especially if your Ireland road trip falls over the summer.

The Dark Hedges

In the 18th century, an impressive number of beech trees were planted to line the path to a manor. They grew, twisted and beautiful, and eventually gave the road an eerie feel… which is how Game of Thrones came to use them briefly for a film location, causing their 21st-century popularity to skyrocket.

Though the Dark Hedges aren’t technically located on the Causeway Coastal Route, they’re a very easy detour from Giant’s Causeway, and absolutely worth adding to your 10 day Ireland road trip itinerary if you’re a GOT fan!

Day 10: End your Ireland road trip with a visit to Belfast + a drive back to Dublin.

Depending on what your flight plans look like, the last day of your 10 day Ireland itinerary might include a full day worth of sightseeing, or it may mean a quick hurry back to Dublin.

If you have a full day ahead, we recommend checking out the impressive Titanic Experience in Belfast and also learning about the important history of The Troubles on a walking tour . 

Central Belfast is located less than 2 hours by car away from the Dublin airport, so while you do want to be cautious with time, the two cities really aren’t as far apart as it might feel given the highly inefficient way you initially traveled between them on this Ireland road trip!

In the afternoon, as you drive back to Dublin, consider stopping at the Howth Cliff Walk for an easily accessible set of stunning views–a last goodbye to Irish cliffs and delightful seasides, if you will.

Remember: drive on the left during your Ireland road trip!

Sounds obvious, I know, but based on the vast number of reminders in our rental car, on the roads, and at the rental agency, I think it’s safe to say that Ireland sadly suffers a fair bit from right-side-of-the-road drivers such as ourselves giving into muscle memory and driving down the wrong side of the road.

Be extra-careful, and if you’re not used to driving on the left, be sure to chuckle a bit at yourself the 73rd time you walk around to the wrong side of the car to get in!

Rent the smallest car you possibly can.

If the car can hold your travel group and your (reasonable amount of) luggage, it’s big enough–trust us.

Irish roads can get very, very narrow–like, we’ve had to back up 300 yards to find somewhere to pull over and let someone past narrow–and any kind of large or luxury car will be a liability during your Ireland road trip, not an asset.

Keep an eye out for bikers and pedestrians.

Pedestrians and bikers–even children–are not a remotely uncommon sight along the road when taking an Ireland road trip, so be very careful! 

This is especially common along scenic drives like the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, as well as in villages, but be extra-careful regardless of where you are.

You may need an International Driving Permit (and a license of a certain age).

While International Driving Permits aren’t required in Ireland for licenses that are already printed in English, we’ve encountered stricter contracts with more obscure requirements when renting a car in Ireland than just about anywhere else–on our first trip to Ireland, we were actually turned away from several rental agencies, including the one we had a reservation with!

Be sure to check and double-check the requirements for your rental car before taking off for your 10 days in Ireland–you definitely don’t want any unpleasant surprises when you land.

Discover Cars sent our rental contract to us almost immediately after booking on our most recent trip to Ireland, and we were able to review it with plenty of notice.

Speed limits are only loosely correlated with safe driving speeds.

Err on the side of caution, always–especially on small roads where you might not have much advance notice to stop if another car turns around the corner.

Gas stations are self-service, and you usually pump, then pay.

In Ireland, don’t expect to pay for gas at the pump: generally speaking, you’ll first pump your gas, and then go into the shop to pay for it.

This is a reversal from what we’re used to in the USA, where you either pay by card at the pump or, if you’re paying by cash, pay and then pump.

Don’t start your car rental until the day you leave Dublin.

You definitely won’t need a rental car in Dublin, and it’ll be a hindrance to have to worry about parking.

Instead of picking up your rental car the moment the plane lands, wait until you’re ready to start your Ireland road trip in earnest to save yourself both money and hassle.

Ready to kick off your Ireland road trip? Book your rental car with Discover Cars now!

Working with a different number of days for your Ireland road trip itinerary than what we’ve outlined here? Here are a few suggestions if you’re trying to put together a trip to Ireland on a different timeline!

With One Week in Ireland

With one week in Ireland, you’ll be best served by cutting your stops dramatically–consider sleeping in exactly 3 places during your week in Ireland: a night in Dublin/the city you fly into when you first arrive, 3 nights on either the Dingle Peninsula or the Ring of Kerry, and 3 nights in/near Doolin to visit the Cliffs of Moher and surrounding area.

You certainly could move faster and see a bit more, but by basing yourself in a few spots and taking day trips, you’ll be able to see a surprisingly large percentage of the most popular things to see in Ireland with limited time.

With 2 Weeks in Ireland

With a few extra days tacked onto this 10 day Ireland itinerary, we would recommend adding 1-2 of the optional suggestions we cover during this Ireland road trip itinerary: maybe you drive both the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry, maybe you see both Cobh and County Wexford, maybe you take a Game of Thrones tour in Northern Ireland and drive the Causeway Coast independently.

The options are limitless, but with 2 weeks in Ireland, you definitely have a bit more flexibility!

With 3 Weeks in Ireland

With 3 weeks in Ireland, you truly have the opportunity to dive deep into the country.

While it’s tempting to add in enough cities and towns to cover new places every day, we definitely recommend spending at least some time slowing down and exploring a region that interests you more deeply–perhaps for 4-5 days.

You will be able to add in a lot of extras with a full 3 week Ireland itinerary to work with, though: consider dedicating more time to Derry and/or Belfast, exploring Donogal or County Mayo more thoroughly, spending a night or two on the Aran Islands, or heading down to Kinsale… just to name a few options.

If you’re hoping for sunshine and the warmest weather possible, summer–especially late June, July, and August–is absolutely the best time to visit Ireland. 

It probably comes as no surprise that Ireland has a rather short summer, but that also means that its peak tourist season can come with lots of crowds.

While we found it fairly easy to avoid the worst of the crowds during our most recent Ireland road trip (we’ve spent time in Ireland in June, July, and August), if you would rather feel like you have the country to yourself, aim for shoulder season.

Visiting Ireland in the spring or fall naturally means cooler weather, more rain, and even more crowds, but the trade-offs of sharing the roads and villages with fewer tourists can be worth it.

Winter in Ireland is rather mild as far as temperatures go, so if you’re willing to bundle up, you can even have a delightful off-season Ireland road trip.

However, some seasonal businesses like inns, especially in the countryside, do close for the off-season, so be aware that by spending 10 days in Ireland over winter, you might find your plans need to be a bit more flexible.

We’ve created a complete, detailed suggested packing list for Ireland here –but in the meantime, here are a few things we absolutely recommend bringing with you as you complete your 10 day Ireland itinerary!

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and an Ireland road trip (hello, driving on the left) is definitely a time to be better safe than sorry. We use and recommend Safety Wing  for trips to Ireland.

Travel Adaptors for Ireland  — Ireland uses the same plugs that the UK does–and note that these are different from the bulk of mainland Europe. Double-check you add the right ones to your Ireland packing list!  We use these  and have never had any issues.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this 10 day Ireland itinerary, that’s totally understandable. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Waterproof Boots  — In my opinion, waterproof boots are an absolute must-have item on your Ireland packing list year-round. They’ll keep your feet warm and dry regardless of the circumstances, they’re comfortable to wear, and they can be fashionable, too!

This is my pair , and I adore them. Even when my jeans got  completely  drenched (like just-climbed-out-of-a-pool levels of drenched) during a rainstorm in Dingle, they still kept my feet completely dry. Jeremy  wore these  and loved them.

Rain Jacket  —  Having a rain jacket is a huge asset when visiting Ireland, and if you don’t already have one, we absolutely recommend picking one up when planning a trip to Ireland.

This is mine , and I love and recommend it. It folds up incredibly well to fit into your suitcase, it’s comfortable and flattering for photos, and–most importantly–it’s completely effective at keeping you dry.

Jeremy opted not to bring one and definitely had plenty of regrets whenever the rain started pouring!  This one  is a great choice for men.

Binoculars  — Coastal regions in Ireland are home to all sorts of delightful creatures, including a wide variety of birds (like puffins!) and beautiful dolphins. Binoculars are an inexpensive & easy-to-pack item for your Ireland packing list, and they’ll greatly enhance your trip to the coast!

Definitely plan ahead and pack these as precautions! I’m always so glad to have it along, including on our recent ferry to Inisheer in Ireland.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

24 thoughts on “The Ultimate 10 Day Ireland Itinerary: Ireland Road Trip Extravaganza”

Kate, thank you so much for this detailed review! My daughter and I are planning to visit Ireland next spring for her college graduation gift and I’ve been so overwhelmed. This is exactly what I needed. We’re going to follow most of your itinerary and I’m bookmarking your blog now!

Thank you, Melisssa! I’m so glad you found our itinerary helpful. Hope you and your daughter have an amazing trip to Ireland, and tell her congratulations on her graduation from us!

Love your blog! And this is a perfect itinerary! My mom and I did a similar route 2 years ago – only 7 days but started in Shannon (flights & car rentals are MUCH cheaper than to Dublin) and skipped N. Ireland. All of your suggestions are exactly what I would recommend as well – definitely worth a few days on Ring of Kerry. We wandered off the main hwy a couple times when we saw an interesting road sign and found some hidden gems in cemeteries, abbeys, etc. Driving was definitely an adventure and I feel the speed limits were set as a personal challenge vs a maximum speed – makes for some great videos of the narrow roads vs oncoming traffic.

Thanks so much, Marianne! Those roads sure did make for some great videos. We loved Ireland too–fingers crossed we get to go back before too long!

This is a fount of knowledge I truly needed! Thank you! Do you have an area on your blog that details lodging recommendations at all of the locations? Thank you for letting us all live vicariously through y’all!

Thanks, Onni!

I don’t have any separate posts on where to stay, but we have suggested B&Bs under each location on this itinerary!

Hi Kate, thanks for your review! The pictures are lovely!! Would you share how much would it cost in average for a couple 10 days there? thanks

Hi Constanca! The cost can vary quite dramatically depending on your taste, but your rental car + hotels will generally make up the bulk of the budget.

We break down details of planning an Ireland budget here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/trip-to-ireland-cost/

My daughter and I plan on going to Ireland June of 2023!! This sounds just what we were looking for. So excited to plan our trip! Thank u so much!!! Kathy

So happy we could help! Ireland is such a wonderful place for a mother/daughter trip!

Kathy, thankyou for a detailed descriptions and beautiful pictures. We are planning to use your itinerary when we go in September for 13 days. We are thinking of doing both the ROK and the Slea head Peninsula. Also spending one day exploring the Killarney park. May be spend a day in London Derry. Do you think this will be too much?

So glad it was helpful!

With 13 days, you’ll probably want to cut a few things from our itinerary to work in Slea Head Drive, Ring of Kerry, and Londonderry, but you can definitley reach all of your most important spots in that timeframe!

Hi! I can’t tell in your 10 day itinerary how many different cities you stayed/slept in and how many nights in each . Do you have this written anywhere ? I may have missed it ! Thanks !

I listed the places we stayed under the day where the sightseeing is closest–so the place we stayed in Dingle is listed that day, etc. We’ve loved everywhere we stayed in Ireland!

How many nights you spend where is a bit flexible in Ireland and the drive times are often pretty short for a road trip. Some people prefer to move almost every night to avoid doubling back on driving, and others would rather drive another couple of hours a day and pack/unpack fewer times.

If you want to complete the itinerary without doubling back, you’ll move every 1-2 nights.

This itinerary is a cut down, optimized version of our roughly one month spend in Ireland over 2 trips, so we spent a bit longer in each place (and visited some places that didn’t make the cut).

Kate: Thanks for this great information. I am planning to go to Ireland for approx. 9 days and wanted to see if I could fit most of these items for my trip to travel most of the island. Is there anything that you would suggest skipping to maximize my time? Please advise. Thanks!

That’s really just down to personal preference–whichever bits and pieces fall in, say, the bottom 10% of what you want to do, I’d trim it–especially if it’s out of the way. Spots like the Slieve League Cliffs and the Hook Peninsula probably aren’t ideal if you’re wanting to condense the route (though both are wonderful, of course).

Hope you have a wonderful time!

I came to find your blog and it’s so interesting ✨ I lived in Ireland back in 2006 for a couple of months, and went back to Dublin for a weekend 8 years ago. I love this country. I’m planning to go on a road trip in May/June with my best friend. I was just wondering, haven’t you been to Connemara or Wicklow Mountains National Park? One question, I’d love to spend a night or two in a cute little cottage somewhere. Any suggestions? :)

Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to visit either Connemara or Wicklow yet, but they’re both earmarked for our future trips to Ireland! We hope to visit many, many more times. :-)

We’ve opted for bed and breakfasts instead of cottages for most of our trips, but we did stay in Danloes Thatched Cottage outside of Kenmare and loved it!

Hello and thank you for the 10 day road trip itinerary suggestions. Would you recommend reversing the route and starting out from Dublin, touring the city for two days then heading to Belfast first? Thank you. Monica

There’s no reason why that can’t work! Just keep in mind that with limited exceptions (like Giant’s Causeway), you’ll mostly spend your trip starting in less-crowded areas and end up in progressively more popular/crowded ones by the end, so be prepared for the shift!

Hi Kate Really appreciated your blog-just the right amount of information-comprehensive without becoming too overwhelming. Thank you! One question: If you had to choose between using Killarney or Dingle as a hub, which would you choose?

Thanks so much, Rob!

Personally, we’d opt for Dingle–the Dingle Peninsula is one of our absolute favorite places in Ireland! You really can’t go wrong, though, both are wonderful in their own way.

I am using all of your advise and will follow a lot of your itinerary. I am having trouble scrolling up and down this blog. Can you please list the towns you stayed over night at and the places you stayed?

For a 10 day trip , how many diff hotels should I be at ?

I am looking to do a 10 day trip but going from Dublin to the Wicklow Mountain Nat Park – do some hikes but then going on your route to the south and then over to the west seeing the Blarney stone the Ring of Kerry and Dingle . But also doing some hike in that national park and up to the Cliffs of Moore. Then would drive back over to Dublin.

I know the places I want to see but am not sure how many hotels/ overnight spots to stay at??

This is a distillation of about a month worth of traveling in Ireland for us, so our exact itinerary was a bit different. For this route, though, I included overnight stops in Dublin (2 nights), the Ancient East (we stayed in New Ross, but anywhere in County Waterford or Wexford works) OR in the Cork/Cobh area (we stayed at the FindUs Farmhouse in Macroom when in that area), Killarney and either the Ring of Kerry, Ring of Beara, or Dingle Peninsula (our personal favorite of the 3), Doolin/the Cliffs of Moher, and the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland with a final stop in Belfast.

Of course, this is just one option of many–part of why this itinerary is one of the longest we’ve published is because there are so many wonderful options within a short drive in Ireland.

Your route sounds extremely doable in 10 days, and I’d spend at least one night in Wicklow, Cobh or Cork, and the Dingle Peninsula. Depending on how fast you want to move, you can make a day of driving from the Cork area to the Ring of Kerry, exploring that drive, and then heading to Dingle to spend the night and start your next day of travel.

Personally we like to spend at least 2 nights in each place in Ireland, which is actually a bit faster than we travel in other places–but it gives you time to appreciate each area (and each B&B’s breakfasts, a big highlight of Ireland road trips for us).

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• Destinations

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

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

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

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

Map of 10-Day Ireland Road Trip itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival and Dublin

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

Settle Into Your Accommodations in Dublin

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

Intrepid’s Tip:

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

Trinity College and the Long Room

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

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

Long Room at Trinty College 

Ha'penny Bridge

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

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

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

Ha’penney Bridge in Dublin

Temple Bar District

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

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

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

The Famous Temple Bar in Dublin

The Oldest Brazen Head Pub in Dublin

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 2 - Dublin

Dublin Castle

Christ Church Cathedral

Kilmainham goal.

• Guinness Storehouse

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

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

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

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

Next, visit Christ Church Cathedral .

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

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

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

Christ Church Cathedral 

Continue your Dublin exploration with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol .

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

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

Kilmainham Goal 

The Guinness Storehouse

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 3 - Dublin to Killarney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glendalough Upper Lake 

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

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

Here are some key highlights to explore during your visit:

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

Kilkenny Castle

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

Kilkenny St. Canice’s Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your tour tickets here .

Aerial View of the Rock of Cashel

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

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

Hore Abbey 

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

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

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

St. Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh

Colorful Houses in Cobh

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

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

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

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

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

Blarney Castle 

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

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

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

DAY 4 - Killarney National Park and Ring of Kerry

Ross castle, muckross abbey, torc waterfall.

Ladies View 

Kenmare Stone Circle

The Kerry Cliffs

Valentia Island 

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

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

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

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

Ross Castle in Killarney National Park

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

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

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

Muckross Abbey in Killarney National Park 

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

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

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

Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park

Ladies View

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

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

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

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

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

Next on your itinerary are the famous Kerry Cliffs .

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

The Famous Kerry Cliffs on Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

Aerial View of Kerry Cliffs on Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

Valentia Island

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

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

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

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

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

For More Information About Killarney and Ring of Kerry Read:

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

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

• Slea Head Viewpoint
• Blasket’s View

Dunquin Pier

Gallarus Oratory

• Drive to Tralee and Settle Into Your Accommodations 

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

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

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

Aerial View of Minard Castle on Dingle Peninsula

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

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

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

Beehive Huts on the Dingle Peninsula 

Best Stops on the Dingle Peninsula Drive 

Ceann Sléibhe (Slea Head) Viewpoint

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

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

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

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

Radharc na mBlascaoidí / Blasket's View

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

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

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

Blasket’s View on the Dingle Peninsula 

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

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

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

Aerial View of the Dunquin Pier

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drive to Tralee and Settle into Your Accommodations

Head of you is the drive to Tralee.

In Tralee, my two recommended places to stay are:

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

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

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

DAY 6 - Tralee to the Cliffs of Moher

Adare manor.

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

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

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

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

Adare Manor 

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

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

The next stop on the journey is Limerick .

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

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

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

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

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

King John’s Castle in Limerick

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

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

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

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

The Hunt Museum in Limerick 

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

Settle Into Your Accommodations in Doolin

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

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

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

DAY 7 - Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of moher walking trail.

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

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

My recommendation is to begin at Hag’s Head .

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

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

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

Aerial View of the Cliffs of Moher 

DAY 8 - Doolin to Portrush

Ashford castle.

Slieve League

Settle Into Your Accommodations in Portrush

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

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

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

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

The Burren 

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

Iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen

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

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

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

Ashford Castle 

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

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

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

Tonight you will be staying in Portrush.

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

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

DAY 9 - Northern Ireland

Dunluce castle.

Giants Causeway

• Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

The Dark Hedges

• Drive to Belfast and Settle Into Your Accommodations 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dunluce Castle 

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

Legendary Giants Causeway

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

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

Giants Causeway 

Carrick-a-Rede

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

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge 

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

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

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

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

Mesmerizing Dark Hedges

Drive to Belfast and Settle Into Your Accomodations

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

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

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

DAY 10 - Belfast and Drive Back to Dublin

Howth cliff walk.

Flight Back Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stunning Titanic Belfast Building

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Howth Cliff Walk with Baily Lighthouse in the Distance

Dublin and Flight Back Home

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

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

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

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

More Information About Ireland:

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

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

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

You Might Also Like: 

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

102 Beautiful Irish Proverbs and Sayings Offering Timeless Lessons

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

Read All the Posts about Ireland in:

Ireland Travel Guide

Read All the Posts About the Europe in: 

Europe Travel Guide

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

Last Updated September 1, 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).

In This Article

Highlights of a 7 day ireland road trip, recommended travel time, areas to focus, best time to go, packing essentials, where to stay, flying into ireland, 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.

• Learn what is essential kit for your road trip car and what we always carry with us while on the road.
• Discover when is the best time to take your road trip and how long to factor in the extra bits.
• Plan the perfect route in Ireland and find out why this is one of our favorite places to take a road trip.
• If you have dreamed about driving around Ireland but have no idea where to start, this post will give you all you need!

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING IRELAND

• Our favorite spot – You’ll discover this as you go through the itinerary but if I had to pick, I’d say it was our day at Skellig Michael , not only as a Star Wars nerd, but our timing in being able to see the puffins in droves.  Truly a special day.
• Where to stay – We used Booking.com for all of our stays and is great for finding those charming B&Bs. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
• Renting a car – An important part to a road trip is obviously a car. Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
• Flights – International flights are never cheap, but with the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature you can find the best deals. Check how much it would be for you to get to Ireland!
• Insurance – This is a must for a road trip! Check out the best travel insurance .
• Hottest deals – Bookmark our frequently updated travel deals page .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other highlights include:

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

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

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

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

The full loop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places we stayed across Ireland in 7 days:

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

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Tips and Advice:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 7 Day Ireland Itinerary

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

Interactive Map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If we had more time:

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

PETRONELLA RESTAURANT & CAFE

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

TripAdvisor

NEWLANDS LODGE

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

Booking.com

Tips and Tricks:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SALA THAI RESTAURANT

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

SKELLIG VIEW WHITE ROOM AIRBNB

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

Check rates

Tips and Tricks :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE BRIDGE BAR

With barely any time to snack on Skellig Michael, we were famished by the time we arrived back in Portmagee.  Right along the main street is this nice little local restaurant which gets all the Skellig tourists.  Their fish and chips definitely hit the spot.

THE LAKE HOTEL

A historic hotel that is full of character but doesn’t show its age.  The rooms here are incredibly spacious and comfortable.  Breakfast as part of the B&B package was of the highest quality and the perfect charge-up for the day.  Location wise, it can’t be beat either being practically on Killarney National Park Grounds with that amazing view of the old castle ruins at the footsteps of Lough Leane.

• Booking:  You must book at least 4-5 months in advance in order to guarantee a spot for a specific date.  If you haven’t, don’t fret because cancellations happen all the time.
• Casey’s Tours to Skellig Island
• Skellig Michael Cruises
• The Skelligs – Force Awakens Boat Trip – Leaves from Ballinskelligs which is a totally different pier from Portmagee
• Skellig Boat
• Skellig Walker Cruises
• Skellig Michael Voyage
• The Skelligs Tour – Departs from Caherdaniel
• Skellig Experience Visitor Centre also has a page for boat tours here .
• Weather:  If the weather is poor for the boats, they’ll cancel the trip.  That’s why Skelligs Rocks ensured we called the morning of to confirm whether the trip would be a go or not.  There’s not much you can do here other than perhaps planning 2 days in the Ring of Kerry area so that if one day doesn’t work, you can reorganize things so you can have a second day to attempt a trip out.
• Boat ride:   With the speed of the boat, you’re not going to get that rocky, nausea inducing feeling that folks sensitive to being on the water get.  That being said, the water does get choppy especially on the way out which is why you have to wear the waterproof gear provided by the boat.  For those that get sea sick easily, they do offer medicine on board prior to leaving the pier if you need it but nobody on our boat ride had issues.  Make sure you tuck your camera away once the boat is out in open water because you will get very wet especially if you sit near the back.  The captain was also nice enough to provide big zip-loc bags in case.
• Difficulty:   There are two main sets of steps to the Monastery but I would say it’s relatively easy.  The first set slowly winds up with some natural spots for breaks.  The steps are wide enough to allow people to pass.  The second set of steps are more steep but if you take your time, you’ll make it up with no issues.  Compared to the Inca Trail where altitude was in effect , this felt very easy since it only required short spurts of energy.
• Tour:  Make sure you stick around for the educational talk given by one of the rangers when you get to the Monastery.  I don’t think there’s a fixed schedule but I could be wrong.  It felt like it was every hour.
• Valentia Lighthouse  – Admission to here was 5 EUR per person but didn’t think it was worth it.  The lighthouse and the small museum weren’t too interesting and the views weren’t anything special.  What was a nice view was in fact from the slate quarry which is visible when you look back inland from the lighthouse.  From here you get sweeping views of the lighthouse and the sprawling peninsula fingers that meet here.
• Skellig Ring – The Skelligs are in view for most of the drive around here and was honestly more of a joy to drive through compared to the Ring of Kerry because the large coaches don’t come here.  There weren’t designated stops per say but it was a joy to find pullovers to see the villages below.
• Ring of Kerry –  I would recommend driving counter-clockwise which is the official designated route for all the coach buses.   I’d much rather be stuck behind one and feel comfortable that opposing traffic will have to yield and when the opportunity arises to pass.  The driving section will cover this in more detail but I’ll say two things. 1) The speed limit is way too high so don’t feel pressured to drive that fast and 2) As scary as everyone made driving the ring sound, it wasn’t that bad because you’re never at a cliff’s edge and there are usually tiny pull offs for oncoming cars.

After a hearty breakfast at The Lake Hotel , we ventured about the hotel grounds.  The hotel backs right into the largest lake of the national park and as part of that, there’s also the ruins of The McCarthy Mór Castle.

You’ll need a full day exploring Killarney National Park because it’s huge.  For us, we wanted to hit up the main sights.  We were able to see Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and Ross Castle.  I was probably most impressed with the Abbey and its courtyard that must’ve inspired Tolkien.

Wanting to spend time in the town of Dingle, we hit the road right after we finished at the castle.  The drive through the southern coast of the peninsula was amazing with views of the water as you winded through.  The Ring of Kerry side was always visible across the water and we made quite a few stops along the way.

We quite enjoyed our time in Dingle as we were able to take a relaxing stroll along the main streets of town, popping into the small shops that were painted in a variety of colors.   After dinner, we also made sure we tried a few more flavors at Murphy’s Ice Cream.

• Killarney National Park – I would’ve loved to have done a few hikes in the park.  I was also sad that we weren’t able to take the boat across from Ross Castle to the Meeting of the Waters and Old Weird Bridge.
• Gap of Dunloe – This was part of the plans but had to be cut.  There’s an awesome hike there that takes around 2 hours with breathtaking views of the lake, a heritage cottage, and the surrounding mountains.
• Killarney City – If there’s one city we completely skipped because of time, it was Killarney.  It’s supposed to be a charming city with great food options like Quinlan’s Seafood Bar and Lane Cafe Bar.

OUT OF THE BLUE

If you love seafood, this is your spot.  The seafood chowder is out of this world.  The fish is all locally caught and fresh and it comes through in the two dishes we had – sea bass and pollock were probably the best of the entire trip.

This is one of the few B&Bs located on the western part of Dingle Peninsula which is the perfect spot to launch into the main sights along Slea Head Drive and the ferry out to the Blasket Islands.  The owners, Rónán and Geraldine are warm and friendly hosts that also serve up delicious breakfast.  The rooms are spacious, clean, and even come furnished with a rocking chair.

Starting in Dunquin, which is where our B&B was located, was a bit of a blessing and a curse because it allowed us to jump right into Dunquin Harbour and The Blasket Centre but since driving counter to traffic is highly inadvisable as we were told, we had to cut across the mountain in order to drive on Slea Head Drive in the clockwise direction.

When it comes to Slea Head Drive , there really wasn’t a specific sight that you’re looking for.  It’s very much a look out into the ocean as you’re driving around.

We were told that the Famine Cottages are a tourist trap so we skipped that.  There are also beehive huts along the way but because as we had done Skellig Michael, we passed as well.  Cross at Slea Head is a good spot for a quick stop where you’ll see great views of the Blasket Islands.  From there, you can see Coumeenoole Beach .  The beach is a good spot for a picnic and there’s a nice hike to the peninsula’s edge.

We continued around the peninsula with stops at Clogher Head, which is more or less another beach, and the Louis Mulcahy Pottery studio (good for a bathroom break and quick peek).

We drove back into town for another quick stop before detouring north to cross Conor Pass.  At the peak, there’s a carpark where we stopped briefly to check out the magnificent sights here.  You can see the coast in the distance, farms at the valley floor, along with lakes and cliffs.

This is when the heavy driving started as we had to wind up Northeast towards Limerick before turning Northwest.  Along the way, we stopped in the city of Ennis where it started pouring but we ducked into Cruises Pub for dinner.

• Gallarus Oratory – This was on our itinerary for the drive around Dingle but because we didn’t have enough time, I quickly flew the drone and continued along our way.
• Quaint small towns of Dingle – Our B&B hosts recommended that we stop by Ballydavid but short on time, we had to skip them.
• Blasket Islands – This is a full day kind of event but if you had a couple of days in the area, we recommend getting a ferry over to the Great Blasket Island to create your own eco adventure.

CRUISES PUB

This spot was a bit of a happy accident for us.  Originally we wanted to eat at The Cloister Restaurant & Bar but they weren’t taken anyone without reservations.  This pub was full of energy when we stepped in with a Gaelic football match televised with live Irish music.  There was a good selection of local beer here on top of comfort Irish bar food.  The Guinness meat pie and bangers and mash were perfect.

SLIEVE ELVA B&B

Just outside the town of Lisdoonvarna is this amazing B&B which features cosy guest rooms which are both spacious, clean, and modernly renovated.  What makes any stay special is the hospitality of the owners Kris and Ireen who will go out way to make you feel at home.  Their breakfast is marvelous and you will love their personal touch of home made bread and jams.  On top of that, each room gets Ireen’s homemade biscuits.  This would be my B&B of choice for anyone want to visit Cliffs of Moher or The Burren in County Clare.

• Driving in Dingle – Having done the drive myself, I can confidently say that you do not want to drive counter-clockwise.  Slea Head Drive is designated as a two way road but some parts along the coast are only wide enough for one car.
• Tarbert to Killimer Ferry – Instead of driving through Limerick as we ended up doing, there’s an alternative route that involves a ferry from Tarbert and goes across to Killimer.  We were originally going to do this but it didn’t save us any time so we just kept on driving.  However, if you plan it well or just have a more flexible schedule, check the schedule beforehand and this’ll be a great way to cut down driving time.  It costs 19 EUR per car or 17.10 if you book online .

We started off by crossing through the countryside before dropping to the coast.  Where there were rolling valleys before, large forested areas popped up and the ground burst with streams of sharp jagged limestone.

The Cliffs of Moher were staggeringly impressive with its continuous sheer drop of 214 meters that winds out as far as the eye can see.  Where the vistas truly opened up was beyond the fences of the maintained park.  There, I only dared to walk to the death-defying edges a few times before following the ridge line down to the most northern point.   We ended up spending quite a bit of time here.

Our next stop was Burren Smokehouse .  What we learned was that the Smokehouse itself is just a store and next to it on the same street is the Storehouse.  We grabbed a sample platter to eat one of our few lunches on the trip.  It was so good that after lunch we picked up a few for home.  The tricky part was figuring out how to keep it refrigerated the remainder of the trip.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in Burren National Park , followed by a quick walk around the portal tomb, Poulnabrone .  The Burren region is out of this world.  Even though we didn’t get to do a full hike in this geopark, it shows the power of glaciers that carved through and left behind limestone pavement with fissures created by rainwater dissolution.  The end result is something that is so dramatically different from anywhere else in Ireland.

We closed out the day in Galway , my favorite city in Ireland.  We didn’t get to stay there long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core, making it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners and get a full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with an eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cozy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

We closed out the day in Galway which has got to be my favorite city in Ireland.  It’s not like we even got to stay there that long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core which made it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners where they gave us the full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cozy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

• I put together an article about top things to do in Galway .  Head over there for more ideas.
• Ballyvaughan Fairy Fort – A hidden spot in The Burren, this ring fort is said to be on the road up to Poulnabrone, just opposite the left hand turn into the Ailwee Caves. Access is restricted but it’s supposedly easy to walk in.
• Ballyvaughan – Pretty thatched cottages, nice crafts shops, and restaurants.
• Aran Islands – The easiest way to get there is by catching a ferry from Doolin.  I’d recommend staying overnight at a minimum.  There are 3 islands in the chain but the most interesting is Inis Mór which features the cliff tops prehistoric ring forts.  A ton to see and explore here.
• Burren National Park – I’m still a bit disappointed in the hike we attempted here.  With a little better planning, I would’ve picked a better marked hike.
• Aillwee Cave/Pollnagollum  – Pollnagollum is a secret spot but if you know where to look, you can find the cave that inspired Lord of the Rings’ character, Gollum.  Entrance to the longest cave in Ireland, the more accessible way is through Aillwee Cave which is open to the public.  The best way to see it is to join up with a local caving tour ( Back West Adventures ).

THE BURREN STOREHOUSE

Everyone raved about The Burren Smokehouse and their restaurant (Storehouse next door) and it sure didn’t disappoint.  After our morning at the Cliffs of Moher, we made our way over here for a quick bite.  While they have a ton of other great menu items such as their pizza, what we really wanted to try was a sampling of their smoked fish. Luckily they have the Smokehouse Platter which has 6 of their products.  Two of us shared one plate and it was just right for a half lunch.  There’s often live music playing here as well.

GALWAY GLAMPING

The most unique accommodations of our Ireland itinerary.  Who would’ve thought we’d be able to stay in a Mongolian yurt in the middle of the Irish countryside.  What used to be an estate in ruins, the grounds have now been converted to this eclectic mix of yurts, axe-throwing, group games, party rooms, and other funky rooms.  What makes it glamping is that all rooms are furnished and powered while also including super clean bathroom, kitchen, and lounging facilities next door.

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• What the entry ticket is actually for – The entry ticket is only to get into the mass lot across the street.  Once you’re parked, all you do is cross the street and that’s it.  This kind of makes sense because there’s no way to police the cliffs to the north and the south.  Anyone can walk in.  They just bank on everyone driving.  You do have to get in the same line as everyone regardless if you purchase your ticket online ahead of time.
• How to get in for free – There’s a farmer that has land right next to the most northerly edge of the cliffs who is apparently super cool with people parking along the road as long as his car can still drive through.  The photo below is the spot that you should be looking for.  If you’re coming from the north, you’ll see this before the mass parking lot.  You can use either side as you can see.
• Best time to go – If I were to do it again, I’d definitely plan to go after 4PM.  During the middle of the day, there are way too many tourist buses and the sun is right above you which creates incredibly harsh shadows.  I’ve seen the photos and sunsets are epic here.
• Best spots for photos – To get that postcard perfect shot, you need to leave the official bounds of the tourist site (there are signs that let you know).  We couldn’t do both ends but chose to hike to the northern edge which gives a full view of the pinnacle and a long depth of cliffs front to back.

• Burren National Park – This park is unique because there aren’t any specific boundaries and isn’t run like a national park that we’re used to.  That’s why the visitor center is in the nearby town of Corofin.  We didn’t go there and just plotted a route to the park via Google Maps.  In retrospect it wasn’t a good idea because I had no clue where the hike trails were.  At the Gortlecka Crossroads, we saw a bunch of cars parked here so we did as well.  Thing is, there’s only one board here that indicated there was a trail here.  We tried to follow it but eventually got side tracked by a gate opening that we thought was the right way.  Long story short, we gave up and turned back.  Either we are terrible at hiking or the trails are just poorly marked.  Lesson learned:  Get a trail map from the visitor center first.
• Tunnel toll – When driving up to Galway, we hit an unexpected toll since there’s a tunnel you have to go through.  This is an unattended machine so you have to make sure you have enough coins for this.  The toll is 1.90 EUR.
• Galway parking – You’re probably not going to find free parking here.  We circled around for a bit to see if we could get free parking to no avail.  In the end, we found a paid lot.

On our last full day in Ireland we started early.  We had an exciting morning planned with Clash Gaelic Games and we needed to travel East to get there.  While that sounds daunting, it was mostly on the motorway (highway) and took about 2 hours.

One thing you need to understand about Ireland is that while European football is popular, it pales in comparison to the Gaelic sports.  Gaelic Football and Hurley are the top two sports in the country and what better way to end off the trip than to get to learn how to play these two sports.  I had found out about Clash Gaelic Games through my research and I thought it was such a fun way to learn about culture while burning a few calories and making a fool of ourselves.  

After our mini workout, we had to get into the city, check into our hotel, cab over to Kilmainham Gaol prison, then make it late to Trinity College’s Old Library to see the Book of Kells .  We were able to stroll the streets and get some retail therapy at the hyper cheap Penny’s following.

With one night to make it count, we had dinner at L. Mulligan Grocer and spent the rest of the night drinking Guinness and listening to live Irish music at The Temple Bar .

• Dublin  – I would have liked to have seen St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Green, done more shopping, tried more restaurants, and drank a little harder.
• Pubs – The Temple Bar is the most popular one in the city but there are so many other good ones including The Dame Tavern and The Brazen Head.
• Guinness – While we weren’t big fans at the beginning, this famous stout grew on us throughout the trip.  The Guinness Storehouse is in Dublin and would be a fun place to visit for any lover of this beer. You can get advance tickets here .
• Newgrange – While technically not in Dublin, north of the city is a large and ancient burial site built of stone and architectured to only let light into the ritual chamber at sunrise on Winter Solstice.
• Howth – This is a village north of Dublin and near Portmarnock.  Located on a bulbous peninsula and featuring sweeping coastal views, it includes a superb food and crafts market.  It’s a place that gives you a flavor of everything we saw on the west coast without driving too far from Dublin.
• Malahide Castle & Gardens – While I’m sure this would’ve been impressive, we couldn’t fit this in with how long Clash went.  I wasn’t too sad in this case though since we had seen Blarney Castle & Gardens and I imagine it would be somewhat similar.

L. MULLIGAN GROCER

It’s a peculiar name for sure and it’s a bit far from the city centre but well worth it for the wide range of craft beers on tap and menu items.  We tried a most interesting watermelon wheat beer which tasted like…you guessed it…watermelon!  Our Moules Frites and Free Range Chicken Kiev were most excellent.

THE CROKE PARK HOTEL

This Doyle Collection hotel is located right next door to the famed Croke Park stadium where all the biggest Gaelic sport matches are held.  This signature hotel in the Dublin is a contemporary hotel that is big on comforts.  Their mattresses are heavenly with velvety duvets, there’s good table space to work, comfy furniture to relax, and the marbled bathrooms.  If you get the packing that includes breakfast, you’ll be treated to a wide buffet selection including honey straight from the honeycomb and my favourite, the croissants, which were delightful.  The staff was incredibly friendly and lastly, parking is included for free.  It’s the perfect hotel to launch your Dublin adventures from.

• Clash Gaelic Games  – While it was a bit of a specialized session with just the two of us, if you’re traveling with a big group of friends or if you’re a family, this is a great way to stay active and honestly try something you’d never be able to do anywhere else.
• Driving in Dublin – Everyone said “don’t do it” and they were right.  The core is a mess especially with the construction going on.  You do not want to drive in the city.  Taking a cab or local transit is the way to go so make sure you either return the car rental, wait to rent the car later, or your hotel has free parking.
• Uber – I experienced the most peculiar thing with Uber in Dublin.  There were numerous times when I’d order a cab and while it was on its way, they could cancel the ride.  I couldn’t understand why this kept happening until I realized that all the Uber drivers were regular cabbies essentially.  Every cab had Uber and another local app running on their phones and so they had to allegiance to any one of them and if they found a more convenient ride along the way, they’d take it.  On top of that, Uber also doesn’t display prices because it’s all standard meters.  At the end of the day, just understand that hailing a cab or ordering an Uber is no different.  In Dublin, I’d say hailing is just easier if you’re in a busy area because you won’t get canceled on.
• Kilmainham Goal is 8 EUR per person (plus booking fees online) and Book of Kells is 10 to 13 EUR depending on peak or off-peak hours per person.

Trips never go as planned.  This one was no different.  For the most part though, nothing dramatically changed where we had to restructure things around.  This trip was one where I simply packed too much in and had to make the call to fast forward if time was running low.

Here’s a little insight into why I feel that our plans deviated to help in your own planning:

• Not starting the day early enough – We could’ve fit more in if we hit the road after breakfast by 8AM instead of 9 or 10AM on most days.
• Taking too long in each spot – Between photos, videos, drone, and eyes, we spent more time than we had planned for.
• Driving time according to GPS is inaccurate – If you drove by Ireland’s ridiculously high speed limit and didn’t stop, sure, but the reality is that you’ll be making stops to take photos of the views and you’ll be slowing down around all corners and when there’s opposing traffic.
• Skipping meals – This is more of what happened as a result of a packed schedule.  Since we always had breakfast included by our B&Bs or hotels, lunch was the first thing to go out the window.
• Unexpected stops – You can’t plan for these but we stopped along the Ring of Kerry to help a couple with their flat tire which put us behind.  Alternatively, I didn’t have much planned for Dingle but we got a long list of suggestions from the B&B, so we ended up spending more time there before driving out of the peninsula.
• Losing track of time – As much as it was a massive advantage to have incredibly long days (usable light up until 10PM), it was also easy to just keep going.  As a result, there were a few times where we got to our dinner spot too late and had to make alternate plans.

So there you have it, the itinerary guide for a south Ireland road trip.  It was an ambitious trip for sure, but we only covered a small portion of everything Ireland has to offer.

Hopefully you’ll be able to use this as a starting point for your trip planning and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

Make Trip Planning To Ireland A Breeze Make sure to read this companion travel guide to planning the best road trip in Ireland.

No, as long as you have a valid driver’s license you do not need an international one. A valid driver’s license allows you to rent a car as well. Note that there are different age requirements in Ireland when it comes to renting a car, be sure to look into that if concerned.

The amount of days really depends on what parts of Ireland you’d like to see and if you’d like to take your time seeing them all or not. You’ll need to decide if you want to do the north part, the south or the full loop. In our case, 7 days was barely enough to tour southern Ireland, but to do the full loop we would recommend more.

The best month to travel Ireland is June. There’s not as much rainfall during this month and the days are longer due to summer solstice, therefore you get more time to do and see more.

Read more about Ireland

• 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
• 6 of the Best Things to do in Galway

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

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

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

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

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

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300 ) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The one we find using the most 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. The newest eSIM we’ve tried is KnowRoaming that sneakily has great rates on unlimited plans. We’ve partnered with them to give you a custom code GAP10 to save you 10%.

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 . Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

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 (now eligible for One Key ).

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.

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

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

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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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The Perfect Ireland Road Trip Itinerary You Should Steal

May 8, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   98 Comments

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

No matter where you choose to visit in Ireland, you are in for a real treat! There are so many amazing things to do in Ireland ! I love Ireland so much and keep coming back for more!

Planning your trip to Ireland last minute?

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

Top experiences and tours in Ireland:

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

Top Hotels In Ireland:

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

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

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

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

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

If you are planning a trip to Ireland , I am here to help with tips and full itineraries!

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

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

Begin Your Ireland Road Trip By Flying Into Dublin

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 1: Explore Dublin To Begin Your Ireland Road Trip

Dublin is the largest city in the Republic of Ireland and has so much to do. I recommend a quick stop in Dublin and then getting out to visit the rest of what Ireland has to offer.

No Ireland itinerary would be complete without a stop in Dublin, but the rest of Ireland is much less expensive and way cooler in my opinion!

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

Best Things To Do In Dublin:

Have a Guinness in the Temple Bar area.  Temple Bar is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Dublin. It is lively and the perfect place to experience your first Irish pub!

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

Book Here: Dublin: Generation Pub Crawl

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

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

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

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

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

Book Here: Dublin: Guinness Storehouse Entry Ticket

Where To Stay In Dublin

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

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

Best Hotels in Dublin: 

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

Stop 2: Enjoy Rock of Cashel And Hore Abbey

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

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

There is an entrance fee to visit the Rock of Cashel. However, the outside is the best part and a dream for photographers!

If you are looking to get off the beaten path, visit the nearby Hore Abbey instead. You can see Hore Abbey from the Rock of Cashel but significantly fewer people visit there.

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

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

Best Hotels Near Rock of Cashe l:

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

Stop 3: Visit Ireland’s Ancient East

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

See Cobh During Your Ireland Road Trip

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

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

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

Best Hotels in Cobh:

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

Kiss The Blarney Stone

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

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

You must stop here when driving around Ireland!

Book Here: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

Best Hotels Near Blarney Castle: 

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

Stop 4: Drive The Ring Of Kerry

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

Please note that the Ring of Kerry is quite a harrowing drive with extremely narrow roads. There are also large tour buses that go by quickly so you must be very careful.

If you see a car coming down the road, it is best to pull over and wait for it to pass before proceeding. This is one of my top tips for road trips in Ireland.

Visit Kerry Cliffs

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

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

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

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

Ride The Car Ferry To Valentia Island

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

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

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

Where To Stay On The Ring of Kerry

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

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

Stop 5: Explore Killarney

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

Killarney is a wonderful place to stop on your Ireland road trip because the area is so diverse and truly has so much to offer!

Best Things To Do In Killarney:

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is completely free to visit the castle and view it from the outside. There is a fee if you want to go inside, but I think the best views are from the outside near the lake!

Killarney National Park. The town of Killarney is located right on Killarney National Park and there is so much to see and do.

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

Book Here: Killarney: Killarney National Park Private Tour

Where To Stay In Killarney

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

Best Hotels in Killarney: 

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

Stop 5: Visit the Dingle Peninsula

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

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

Must-See Stops On The Dingle Peninsula:

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

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

Dunquin Pier. This is an iconic postcard destination on the Dingle Peninsula. It is located in the town of Dunquin on the Slea Head Drive loop and is a ferry pier.

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

Connor’s Pass . This is the highest pass in Ireland and a wonderful addition to your itinerary. Be prepared for slow driving and very narrow roads.

Conner’s Pass is beautiful but the roads are quite thin so be sure to pull over well in advance for any oncoming traffic.

Dingle Town. The town of Dingle is a must-see on your Ireland road trip because it is so cute and centrally located. There is so much to see and do!

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

Book Here: Ireland: Dingle Peninsula Day Tour

Where To Stay In Dingle

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

Best Hotels in Dingle: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 7: Drop By Doolin For Irish Charm

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

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

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

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

Best Hotels in Doolin:

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

Stop 8: Experience Westport And Achill Island

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

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

I highly recommend a day trip to the nearby Achill Island or even staying a night here. Achill Island is pristine Irish beauty at its best with white sand beaches, mountain lakes, and cute towns.

You can even go surfing, paddle boarding, or snorkeling on Achill Island if you want more adventure!

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

Best Hotels In Westport:

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

Best Hotels on Achill Island:

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

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

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

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

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

Best Things To Do In Co. Donegal

Slieve League Cliffs . This is a must for your Ireland road trip itinerary because they are one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe (second only to the cliffs on Achill Island).

The cliffs are located in the southern end of Donegal. You can drive to them and walk the rest of the way.

The views are incredible and you will hardly see another tourist in sight. After the busy Cliffs of Moher, this is a more relaxed portion of your Ireland itinerary.

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

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

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

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

Malin Head. Malin Head is the northernmost point of Ireland. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean with many sea cliffs and beaches to explore.

Malin Head is also a Star Wars filming location so if you love the movies, this will be a must-see stop on your Ireland road trip!

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

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

Belfast is located less than 2 hours from Dublin, so if you are flying out of Dublin after your Ireland road trip, you can spend a night or two in Belfast or Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast.

Explore The Causeway Coast

The Causeway Coast is a stunning coastal drive that offers everything from pristine white sand beaches to castles perched high on the edge of cliffs!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Things to Do in Belfast

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

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

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

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

Best Hotels in Belfast:

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

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

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

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

Ireland Road Trip Map

If you want to see what it all looks like on paper, here is your Ireland road trip map!

Unfortunately, Google Maps only lets us put 10 destinations, so we weren’t able to capture all the small stops like Cobh or Slieve League Cliffs.

This is the general idea of where the route will take you when you visit Ireland by car.

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

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

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

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Reader Interactions

June 14, 2018 at 7:11 pm

I’ve followed you away for several years now and I think this is the best one yet. Be safe while traveling.

June 18, 2018 at 3:06 pm

Thank you so much! This means so much to us!

February 15, 2019 at 5:41 pm

What timeframe was this completed in, My wife and I are coming to Ireland for 10 days.

February 15, 2019 at 8:12 pm

You can do it in 10 days if you spend one day in each. I would recommend skipping Ring Of Kerry and Donegal if you want this itinerary in a more relaxed time frame!

February 15, 2019 at 8:18 pm

We will be there for 10 days and will need to return to Dublin

Any specific landmark/ site that are a “must” is appreciated.

Also want to see a few of the Great Lighthouses

August 5, 2019 at 5:07 am

Please add Inishowen Peninsula (Malin Head) to your map then take the Greencastle ferry to the causeway coast. We are always forgotten by the tourist and is winning the loto but forgot to claim the prize.

April 14, 2019 at 7:04 am

Nice itinerary, and the watercolour is beautiful but there are so many inaccuracies and spelling errors

April 14, 2019 at 1:38 pm

Hello! What was inaccurate? We would love to correct it! Thanks!

June 3, 2019 at 10:02 pm

We have 6-7 days what do you recommend.

June 19, 2018 at 11:04 pm

Victoria, this is the most comprehensive list I’ve ever seen. Will refer to it if I ever have the opportunity to travel to Ireland. Thank you for this.

June 21, 2018 at 1:45 am

Great trip , but you should visit Bunratty Castle for a medieval banquet and folk park a great nights entertainment

June 21, 2018 at 5:07 am

Have always wanted to tour Ireland. Your list is great, I know it will come in handy once i get the chance to visit. Amazing photos too.

June 22, 2018 at 9:29 pm

Awesome! I wish I knew more about Ireland to know for sure where to go, but I thought this definitely helped for my future road trip! ?

May 15, 2019 at 11:34 pm

I am landing in Dublin on 26 Dec and leaving on 11jan. My gf wants to stay in a city until 1jan so I was wondering if the itinerary can be completed in 10 days? Especially with daylight hours being so short. And is it advisable to stay in Dublin for 5 days? Thank you!

June 23, 2018 at 2:45 am

Your photos are incredible! I’ve only been to Dublin but this has me itching to go back! Great post!

June 23, 2018 at 2:53 am

Great blog. We loved Kerry and Dingle although didn’t know about Cobh. A definite visit next time. Thanks for sharing your itinerary.

June 23, 2018 at 12:06 pm

I did an Ireland road trip in 2003 with my mom and have been wanting to return ever since! Dingle was my favorite!

June 23, 2018 at 4:49 pm

This is a great itinerary! And very similar to the road trip I just did in Ireland last week with my mom and sister! Our favorites were the Rock of Cashel and Cobh, I think, along with having tea at Ashford Castle!

June 25, 2018 at 12:56 pm

We LOVED Cobh and Rock Of Cashel too! And Dingle! We really wanted to do Ashford Castle but didn’t get around to it!

June 23, 2018 at 10:55 pm

What a brilliant resource! I can’t believe I’ve still never been to Ireland, but I’d love to do a road trip like this!

Thank you so much! Ireland is an amazing place to road trip!

July 15, 2018 at 12:07 pm

I’ve always wanted to do a trip to Ireland. I will surely have this one on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing your itinerary! Definitely one to steal 🙂

July 16, 2018 at 1:23 pm

Thank you!! Have fun in Ireland when you go!

August 4, 2018 at 11:14 pm

Fabulous itinerary!!! This is pretty much what we will follow for our second trip to Ireland. Two things you could include that are not to be missed: Kylemore Abbey which is just stunning and staying at Ballynahinch Castle which was also incredible and surprisingly inexpensive. Thank you for all of the tips!

November 24, 2018 at 1:30 pm

Hi! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post about your trip. I will be traveling to Ireland this summer. I was wondering, is it necessary to rent a car to do a trip like this? I’ve heard mixed reviews about car rentals in Ireland and am unsure what to do! There will be 4 of us going. Any advice is appreciated 🙂

November 24, 2018 at 3:12 pm

Hello! Thank you! Sadly yes, to do this trip you must rent a car. That being said, there are some day tours from Dublin that go to many of the areas in this list except Donegal. They are pretty affordable and we recommend some here: https://www.followmeaway.com/day-tours-from-dublin/ Renting a car allows freedom BUT if you do we recommend taking pictures and a walk around video when you get the car so you aren’t taken advantage of by the rental companies. The driving on the “wrong” side of the road really isn’t that difficult and you will get the hang with slow and cautious driving!

January 1, 2019 at 6:12 pm

Hi! This trip looks amazing,do you have a link you re able to provide to the google maps screen shot you posted? My family and I are looking to do an 8 day road trip in August.

January 12, 2019 at 12:25 pm

My friends and I will be visiting Ireland in March and would like to do a road trip. Can you provide me with a link to the google maps screen shot you posted? If not, maybe a list of places you stopped?

January 12, 2019 at 10:24 pm

Hello! Yes I have to recreate a better one! Can you email me [email protected]

January 23, 2019 at 2:32 pm

I sent you my email, but have not received the link to the google maps screen shot you posted.

February 7, 2019 at 11:22 am

This was super interesting and informative- thank you! My partner and I are considering this trip in the Springtime, does anyone have insight as to what we can expect budget-wise?

March 8, 2019 at 3:41 pm

I’ve been trying to plan a trip of a lifetime my husband & I will be taking in October…right after he retires on the 1st. We have purchased our plane tickets & plan to stay for 3 weeks. How do we plan reservations for lodging, without staying at 21 places & keeping a strict schedule? Is there a way we can plan to do it in segments, staying in one place & making day trips for several days & then moving on to the next section of the trip? Is there someone you can recommend that could help us do This? I don’t want to blow this special trip because of poor planning…I want no regrets! Your blog is the most concise & so enjoyable-any help would be so appreciated!

July 17, 2019 at 4:39 pm

I can help you out.

I ran into your comment here and think your post is so nice and am really happy your going to spend some time in Ireland. Its really beautiful here. I am a Canadian living in Belfast currently and have been doing a lot of research on travel around Ireland and have covered most of the island already. I can make you an itinerary tailored to things you might like no problem let me know.

Maybe leave your email here that way i can get in touch with you if you would like the help.

Best, Hannah

October 27, 2019 at 9:33 pm

I could really use some help! Me, my 2 sons and one of their girlfriends will be visiting my daughter in Ireland in a couple weeks? I have never done this and am trying to read blogs like this and create an itinerary. If you have any advice on maps to download or rental car advice I would so appreciate it! I am confusing myself on how many nights to stay at one place!! We have 7nights. Flying in and out of Dublin. My daughter is studying abroad in Gallway. She plans to meet us in Dublin and we will road trip to Gallway for the week. I appreciate any help! Thank you! Maureen

October 27, 2019 at 11:04 pm

I would recommend Dublin, Galway, and one other place such as Dingle/Killarney!!! Car rental you can get something affordable just make sure to take photos of the car to ensure you aren’t being scammed!!

March 9, 2019 at 7:06 am

Hi, Super post. We are planning a trip this June and would highly appreciate the link to the Google maps itinerary. Many thanks.

March 17, 2019 at 12:06 am

We are planning to spend about 3 weeks (August 20-September 6) and this itinerary is incredibly helpful. Thanks so much! My husband’s great-great grandfather is from Newry, County Down in Northern Ireland, so we will add that to the trip, and maybe find more information…Americans hunting for their Irish roots.

March 18, 2019 at 2:55 pm

Have so much fun!!

April 7, 2019 at 1:22 am

thanks for the wonderful information and it will be most helpful in September when I travel with my Mom for a 2 week Ireand/Scotland trip. I am starting to get excited now. flights are booked and have booked a B & B for our first couple of nights in Dublin,

Your map and itinerary is so spot on and has helped immensely with my plans for Ireland. I will most definatley be visiting Norther Ireland after reading your information.

Do you have any suggetions for a similar trip to Scotland? 5-6 days?

April 8, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Lori… just saw your post… my husband and 2 adult daughters are looking to travel to Scotland/Ireland in September… are you traveling to Scotland first? I’m just in the beginning stages of planning our trip… wondered what you have found? Places to stay?

May 14, 2019 at 11:33 pm

Shelly. I am sorry it took so long to reply! We are traveling to Ireland first. Round trip to Dublin was cheaper from Canada. We will take a quick cheap flight to Edinburgh for the remainder of the trip.

I have been booking B&B through Booking.com and finding an average of $120 Canadian per stay. What have you planned so far for Scotland?

April 16, 2019 at 7:47 pm

Could you post a map or directions leaving Dublin working up to Derry and back down to Dublin? I have enjoyed your blog and will be reading for new helpful hints. Thanks for sharing.

April 18, 2019 at 4:41 pm

Hello Donna!

We have never been to Derry in Ireland just yet so we can’t share a post featuring that location. Hopefully we will visit soon!

April 21, 2019 at 10:32 am

Hi this itinerary is wonderful and very detailed. My husband and I are traveling to Dublin in late November for 7 days. I read that during winter a lot of attractions are closed. Any recommendations for us of places not to missed and how can we do a shorter itinerary since be have to flight back home from Dublin.

April 29, 2019 at 9:35 pm

Hello!! Sounds like an amazing trip! I would recommend doing a loop of the southern Irish coast and western. So essentially when you get to the “cliffs of moher’ section of this itinerary that is when you are done and you head back to Dublin. So for 7 days in winter we recommend to stop on this itinerary at Cliffs Of Moher. That should be plenty to see and do and still have things that are open!

April 30, 2019 at 8:09 am

What a great itinerary! Our family is having a debate about our December Christmas holiday and it’s between Ireland (my choice) and Estonia (my husband’s). Armed with this wonderful road trip, I have a much better idea of where to go, stay and what sights to see. I even have to prepare a PowerPoint presentation to win the debate, so this helps me soooo much! We have two teenage daughters so we will be looking for family type accommodation. Any recommendations on what type of vehicle to hire that will be suitable for 4 people, luggage and the roads in Ireland?

April 30, 2019 at 1:14 pm

We recommend renting a hybrid SUV. Just toggle that “on” when searching for a car. Tell your girls this is an EPIC place to visit, especially for teens! The sights are totally amazing and you guys should 100% go to Ireland! There is something for everyone

May 3, 2019 at 11:59 pm

Hey! I am hoping to visit Ireland next year. I will have graduated from college but will only be 18. I understand that I can’t rent a car until I’m older. Are there any bus lines I can take? Hoping to spend 2 weeks there.

May 4, 2019 at 12:37 pm

Sometimes you are able to rent a car under 25 and just pay a higher fee than anyone else. Have you checked into that option? There are a variety of tours and also trains that go around Ireland! So you do have options. It isn’t the most public transport friendly place in the world but there are options

May 8, 2019 at 1:13 pm

Hello there,

thoroughly enjoyed reading your itinerary. Can you please let us know which all cities/places you have opted to stay in the nights and what was the duration of each stays? if you can provide some tip on recommended hotels that would be great.

we are having a trip coming up in next 10 days, with two toddlers

your help is really appreciated.

May 13, 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hey ! enticing write up 🙂 I just booked a 5 day trip for July. Wonder if you could help with a crash course here to plan my route. We will self drive, and I have Belfast on my mind followed by the expansive ocean drives. So mostly chasing vistas and landscapes (don’t mind the occasional historic sites en route) Many thanks in advance.

May 14, 2019 at 10:18 pm

This looks amazing. Unfortunately, we arrive in Dublin on Monday and fly home via Dublin the following Tuesday early morning. Would you recommend an abbreviated itinerary? My husband was thinking we should spend Monday night and Tuesday night in Dublin, heading out for our drive early Wednesday morning, returning to Dublin on Monday night (late is ok).

May 14, 2019 at 11:04 pm

Hello!! YES! A good shorter itinerary is to simply cut off at the Cliffs Of Moher! so do the entire itinerary from the beginning and after COM you just return back to Dublin. So you leave Dublin, head down to Cork and Cobh, then over to Killarney, then Dingle, then Cliffs Of Moher. If you have to shorten this even more I recommend leaving off Killarney and heading straight to Dingle. It is TRUE Ireland and you will love it!

May 20, 2019 at 1:27 pm

Hello, thank you for this itinerary. I am thinking of a surprise trip for my husband to Ireland. Question – when is the best time to plan a road trip like this for weather and can this be done in two weeks and not feel too rushed . plan is for year 2020. Thank you again for posting this

May 20, 2019 at 2:50 pm

We personally LOVED fall in Ireland! September and October were wonderful. Spring is also a great time, Late March and April. We recommend avoiding the end of May and early June as there are multiple bank holidays in Ireland and the UK and it makes things crazy busy! Just look up the bank holiday schedule for 2020 and avoid that time. Ireland is amazing all year!

May 23, 2019 at 8:04 am

Hi. Your itinerary is a great help. We are traveling in July and are flying into Dublin and driving straight to Kilkenny..1 night, Blarney..1 night, Killarney..2 nights, Galway..3 nights and back to Dublin..3 nights. Are those good places to stay for the nights?

May 28, 2019 at 5:40 am

Ireland is on top of my bucket list. Even though I couldn’t make it yet, I’m pretty sure to visit it in the nearest future. Looks stunning in pictures, so I can only imagine how much more beautiful it is in reality. Thank you for sharing your amazing experience. I’ve just lived through your travels.

June 9, 2019 at 6:43 am

Thank you SO MUCH for this itinerary! My traveling partner and I were spending hours searching for things to see as we began mapping out a plan when I decided to Google “Ireland mapped trip”. What a find! By the way, do you know you have two Stop 5s?

June 9, 2019 at 2:48 pm

UGH!!! no i didn’t know that! I will go fix straight away! And this is amazing to hear I’m glad we can help! We totally LOVE Ireland so much!

June 9, 2019 at 10:38 pm

Was parking an issue anywhere or was it easy to find places to park?

June 9, 2019 at 11:19 pm

It was very easy to find pretty much everywhere! It is wonderful!

June 22, 2019 at 8:14 am

I’m an American driver. How difficult is it to acclimate to driving this suggested itinerary ?

June 22, 2019 at 12:36 pm

It isn’t too difficult at all! You begin on the interstate which is actually easier than on the 2 lane roads so you can get a gist of it. JUST GO SLOWWWWW. If you are traveling with someone else task them to remind you when it comes to turning and such. Otherwise just be careful and think. You just have to get back in the mindset of when you were learning to drive. You had to think about each step. That is how it is here for a day or two! But it is easy you got this!

June 27, 2019 at 10:53 am

Hi – This itinerary is really helpful, appreciate your efforts. I plan to visit Ireland this August. My cousin lives in Cork and we plan to stay there towards the end of our trip.Do you see any issues taking the reverse route…Dublin, Belfast, Cork back to Dublin. Please let me know. Thank you.

June 27, 2019 at 10:07 pm

Nope!! Belfast is real close to Dublin so its only around 1.5 hour drive!! Really nice!

July 3, 2019 at 2:00 pm

Thank you, One more query – if I have 3 nights to cover from Dublin to Dingle via Belfast/cliffs of Moher etc, which are the best places/towns to stay to be able to cover the best along this route ? Please suggest, thank you again.

July 3, 2019 at 5:15 pm

If you have three nights we recommend possibly skipping Belfast and going straight to Cliffs Of Moher and staying nearby Cliffs of Moher then possibly staying in Limerick which is a really cute area!!

July 2, 2019 at 7:09 am

This looks amazing we are crossing by ferry from Liverpool on 10th of July and returning 23rd July 2019. Looking forward to doing most of these places.

July 13, 2019 at 8:02 am

It will be our very first trip to Ireland. I checked out quite a few ideas for Ireland but yours was the best I have come across. But we have only 8 days from Dublin to Dublin. I am a bit confused as to what we should drop and what is a must do. I do want to visit Doolin, Dingle and even Westport but how do i plan it. Can you suggest some tweaks. I am really looking forward to a great time.

July 13, 2019 at 2:45 pm

That is a great itinerary! I would recommend going:

Dublin> Cork

Cork>Dingle

Dingle> cliffs of moher and doolin

Cliffs of Moher to Westport

Westport back to Dublin

That is how I would space it out and you will see A LOT! So on the way down SKIP ring of Kerry and Killarney!

July 17, 2019 at 10:43 pm

My husband and I will be going to Ireland in August and have given ourselves 3 weeks approximately. Staying in Meath for 4 days for a christening. Twhile there were going to visit Donegal area etc. we have booked Kilkenny for a couple of nights before heading off, where would you suggest next? We leave the 13th Aug so I need to book ASAP

July 20, 2019 at 2:45 pm

Very interesting subject and posts. I am going next week, for 4 days only, and it will only be the Republic of Ireland. Would you mind to to help me with a route for 4 days?

Much appreciated,

July 20, 2019 at 3:38 pm

Would highly recommend Dublin, Cork/Cobh, and Cliffs of Moher. It will be a lot of driving! Alternatively you can do Dublin with day trips to Howth and Bray and perhaps a tour to Cliffs Of Moher!

July 23, 2019 at 2:26 pm

Thank you for this itinerary. We’re traveling next year and I’m putting together a 14 day trip. I believe you have chosen well and I’m going to use this for a model. Love your beautiful photos too.

July 23, 2019 at 2:38 pm

Thank you so much!!! Have so much fun in Ireland!

April 9, 2022 at 11:52 am

just curious … how much you are estimating for the trip… money wise>>>>

August 10, 2019 at 8:44 pm

You forgot Dingle. Amazing people and awesome nightlife of traditional music. Go to Dick Mack’s, it’s across the street from the church.❤️

August 12, 2019 at 7:16 am

Dingle is totally included on this itinerary!!!! Thanks!

September 18, 2019 at 4:09 pm

Beautiful pictures. Thank you for a great plan! We have 9 days before a cruise so have to get to Southampton at the end of the road trip. Flying into London and can take a flight to Ireland. Where would you suggest starting? On our cruise we have one day in Dublin and one day in Belfast….surely not enough so want to see more of the country. Have you bookmarked for ideas!

September 19, 2019 at 11:48 am

Thank you!!! So you will be there for 9 days? You can easily do Killarney, Dingle and Cliffs Of Moher with TONS of time to spare!

September 24, 2019 at 2:24 pm

Great information! We are planning an Ireland trip in 2021 We are thinking of around 14 days Flying into and out of Dublin. Thinking about spending more time in each city but after Westport driving back to Dublin and skipping the northern part of your itinerary.Your thoughts? Also we plan on using your suggested hotels What time of year is best? Least rain Thank you

September 25, 2019 at 8:55 am

Yep!!!! 10000% think that is a GREAT itinerary and will give you great time to enjoy each area. Don’t miss Westport area as it is a lesser known part of the country so you will get the best of both worlds! We REALLY enjoyed being there in late april/early May as well as the fall in October/September. Avoid summer as all of the UK is on bank holiday and then Ireland has bank holiday and it is a crazy mess!!

September 25, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Hello. I just returned from Ireland yesterday after a 5-day trip. I used Victoria and Terrence’s post to plan my itinerary. This was an awesome road trip. We went to most places recommended by you + more! In our 5-day trip, we drove 1400 kilometers (870 miles!). It was great! Thank you for the post (and for recommending the ice cream).

September 29, 2019 at 1:26 pm

Thanks Rhonda! We are SO GLAD you had an amazing time! The ice cream in Ireland is just so good right?!

November 18, 2019 at 7:29 am

I was so inspired by your Blog, that I booked tickets for my husband and I to visit Ireland in the Spring. I wanted to ask if you could provide a link to the google maps screenshot? Also, I know you mentioned that you did not want to give specific days/times to spend for each stop and leave it to our discretion, but I would love to get your opinion on where we should stop and stay overnight versus where to just pit stop on the road trip. Any feedback would be appreciated, I’m currently in the process of looking up places to stay.

November 19, 2019 at 9:03 pm

Hey!!!! YES I can but I couldn’t put all the stops sadly so it would be better to do it yourself! As far as spending the night I recommend Dublin, Cork/Blarney/Cobh area [all within 30-ish min so anywhere there can be fine!] then you can do Dingle AND Killarney or just one. If you can just do one I recommend Dingle. Then stay near Cliffs Of Moher. Then stay near Westport or Achill Island. Then stay somewhere in Donegal. Then stay near the Antrim Coast or in Belfast for day trips! I hope this helps! This is if you want to do the FULL itinerary!

November 19, 2019 at 10:20 pm

I would loveee to do it all! Do you think it is doable in 7 days?

November 20, 2019 at 2:43 pm

I think it is doable but I don’t think you would enjoy yourself! I would choose either the top half of the bottom half. Meaning you either END with Cliffs of Moher [Dingle, Cobh, Cork etc] or your start where this itinerary starts with cliffs of moher and do Westpoert/Donegal/Northern Ireland. Just take half the itinerary for 7 days if you don’t want to rush about!

December 5, 2019 at 1:54 pm

Hi, many thanks for publishing your fabulous trip. Four of us are arriving in Belfast, staying 2 nights and then hiring a car to tour the west coast and over to Dublin. We will have 7 days before returning to Belfast for one night and then flying home. We will take in your recommendations for places of interest, the only thing I have not yet been able to establish is whether crossing the border is allowed by the car hire company, any ideas? Thanks

December 7, 2019 at 7:52 pm

Yep!!! It is usually always allowed with no issues!! If you are very worried, simply email or call to be sure for peace of mind! But never had any issues! Have fun!

January 5, 2020 at 11:38 pm

Omg this was so helpful! Now I’m thinking of changing the itinerary we had planned for 7 nights in June. We have hotels booked for : 1. Dublin 2. Cork 3. Killarney 4. Galway 5. Bunratty Castle for my 2 year olds birthday + an Irish night 6. Kilkea Castle for a wedding 7. Dublin Galway wasn’t even on your list! Maybe Dingle instead?? So hard to choose!

February 21, 2020 at 12:12 am

Hi… we will be in Ireland for 5 days in late Aug… we’re renting a car and starting in Dublin. I know we can’t do it all, but what route would you suggest? Thanks. David

December 9, 2020 at 1:05 pm

Amazing pics and list! Do you recommend booking all lodging beforehand or could we just do it as we travel around? Was just thinking that would give us freedom to stay where and when we wanted rather than sticking to a hard schedule.

December 9, 2020 at 2:04 pm

You can do it as you travel around and that is what we have done MANY times! Just book 2-3 days in advance you don’t have to do the whole thing! Enjoy!

October 18, 2021 at 8:49 pm

This post is AMAZING!!! We are planning a 7 day trip April 2023! Did you rent your vehicle directly from the rental car agency at Dublin airport?

October 18, 2021 at 11:32 pm

Yes we did! You have to take a shuttle to the rental car center but yes it is on the airport!! Super easy! Enjoy!

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Ireland road trip – 7 epic Itinerary ideas to inspire you

Looking for Ireland road trip ideas and places to visit? These itinerary suggestions are perfect for Irish road trips of 5 days, a week or 10 days with a car, camper or motorhome. Start planning your Ireland travel today!

Considering a trip to Ireland? Feeling a little daunted by all the beautiful locations and not sure where you should visit or how to start planning an Irish road trip?

Don’t worry, my friend. I know exactly how you feel.

It can be almost impossible to choose where to go, but I’m going to let you into a secret – WHEREVER you go will be AMAZING. You’ll be totally enchanted by the beauty and friendliness of Ireland; it’s a fantastic place to visit, whether you’re going for a long weekend, 5 days or a week.  

We’ve put together 7 incredible road trip itinerary ideas to whet your appetite and help you plan your adventure. Think of me when you’re sipping your Guinness in a pub and listening to the locals play the heck out of their fiddles (yes, this REALLY happens. A lot.)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

The most Famous Ireland Road Trip- Wild Atlantic Way

Recommended by Grace | Extreme Nomads

The Wild Atlantic Way is a tourist route that runs the entire length of the west coast of the Republic of Ireland, stretching from Mizen Head, County Cork, in the south to Malin Head, County Donegal, in the north. Famous for anyone wanting to go motorhoming or campervanning in Ireland , it’s characterised by a raw and rugged coastline, winding country roads, and myriad suggested stop-offs at some of Western Ireland’s favourite landmarks, the Wild Atlantic Way is one Irish road trip you definitely won’t want to miss.

How long does it take to drive the Wild Atlantic Way?

The beauty of this route is that you can choose to commit to as little or as much of it as suits your itinerary. Say, for example, you were going to fly into Cork airport and wanted to focus your trip on the south in particular. You could choose to cruise down Cork and Kerry’s coastline, stopping off in places like Bantry Bay, Baltimore, Glengarriff, and Dingle. This way, you could explore a modest chunk of the route in just a couple of days.

If you have a more lenient timeframe and want to tackle the entire route, it would be wise to give yourself a minimum of a week — and even better if you can commit two or three.

Highlights of a Wild Atlantic Way road trip

Some of the highlights of a Wild Atlantic Way road trip include:

• Mizen Head (one of the locations where the latest Star Wars movie was shot)
• the windswept isle of Skellig Michael,
• Achill Island (Ireland’s largest island and an epic kitesurfing destination)
• Galway City
• Cliffs of Moher

When is the best time for an Irish road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way?

As Ireland’s weather is notoriously volatile, summertime is typically the best time to visit Ireland & tackle the Wild Atlantic Way. June/July are usually the best months in terms of low rainfall and likelihood of sun — but you never really can know for sure (prepare for the worst, hope for the best as they say!).

Ring of Kerry- another famous Irish road trip idea

Recommended by Elaine | Your Ireland Vacation

The Ring of Kerry is one of the most beautiful road trips in Ireland. The route is a 200 km circular drive which begins from the lively town of Killarney, Co. Kerry and takes in some of the most stunning views and landscape in Ireland. 

Best places to visit in a Ring of Kerry road trip

There are many incredible stops on the Ring of Kerry but the one that tops most visitors wish lists is the Skellig Islands. The Skellig Islands are a rocky outcrop of islands located just off the coast of Co. Kerry and are often regarded as one of the best places to visit in Ireland . The islands, which were once home to a monastery of monks, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most well-known of the islands is Skellig Michael and a limited number of tourists are allowed to set foot on the island each day. During summer months there are day trips from the port of Portmagee to the islands. Skellig Michael was the setting for some famous scenes in the new Star Wars movies.

The scenic lookout known as Ladies View is located close to Killarney town and is one of the most spectacular vistas in Ireland. The viewpoint overlooks the sprawling lakes of Killarney National Park.

Valentia Island is another beautiful stop. This relatively small island has spectacular views of the coast and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland highest mountain range. It is home to the village of Knight’s Town which has a traditional Irish feel.

How long should a Ring of Kerry road trip take?

While you can drive the entire route in one day, we recommend taking at least 2 days, or ideally 3, to explore the Ring of Kerry. The summer months are the best time to drive this route, despite the large number of tourists. 

Ring of Beara road trip itinerary

Recommended by Kate | Our Escape Clause 

Uncrowded, untamed and featuring unbelievable beauty, the Ring of Beara road trip in Ireland is one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

While visitors flock to the Ring of Kerry (practically next door to Beara) and many also visit the stunning Slea Head Drive on Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Beara feels much more undiscovered.

Why should you consider Beara for your Ireland road trip?

Featuring all the hallmarks of an excellent Irish road trip- rolling green views, castles, colourful villages, rugged coastal terrain (and plenty of sheep!)- driving the Ring of Beara is a wonderful way to get off the beaten path in Ireland , especially if you like to avoid crowds.

Start your drive in Kenmare (which is also very convenient to the Ring of Kerry, if you’d like to use the village as a base and drive both peninsulas back-to-back), and as you set off to the explore the Ring of Beara, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to stop along the way.

Castletownbere, a charming fishing village, makes an excellent stop for lunch, but also be sure to stop in Eyeries (known as one of the most colourful villages in Ireland–a huge feat!), Adrigole (home of a beautiful waterfall) and Dzogchen Beara (a Buddhist meditation centre that welcomes visitors and has incredible views).

How long does it take to drive the Ring of Beara?

You can comfortably road trip the Ring of Beara in a day, starting and ending in Kenmare, but be sure to get an early start! If you have the opportunity to spend a night on the peninsula and savour the experience a bit more, it’s all the better.

When is the best time of year for this Irish road trip?

Like most road trips in Ireland, this one is best undertaken in the summer, when you’ll have the best chance of clear weather!

Slea Head Drive/ Dingle Peninsula Loop road trip

Recommended by Stephanie | History Fangirl

No matter how long you have to drive around Ireland, Slea Head and the Dingle Peninsula will become one of your favourites.

Starting in the town of Dingle, Slea Head drive is a loop that covers the Dingle Peninsula. That’s why its alternatively called the Dingle Peninsula Loop or just driving the Dingle Peninsula.

Highlights of Slea Head/ Dingle Peninsula include

Some of the best highlights of Slea Head Drive include:

• the historic stone Beehive Huts
• views across to the Blasket Islands
• Gallus Oratory

There are a few places closer to the town that you’ll also want to visit. Some people include a visit to the Dingle Distillery as part of their Slea Head drive time. However, I think it’s better saved for another afternoon so you can do the full distillery tour without worrying about trying to finish the drive at a specific time.

There are many other  fun things to do in Dingle in the evening when you’ve completed the drive, like go to a traditional music performance or look for the Dingle Dolphin.

How long does a Slea Head, Ireland road trip take?

To complete Slea Head Drive, most tourists will base themselves in the town of Dingle and then spend half a day to a full day enjoying the drive. The time you take depends on how often you stop to take pictures, but if you set aside half a day you will be able to see the whole drive and take the time for 3-4 stops.

When is the best time of year for a Dingle Peninsula road trip?

The best time to drive in Ireland is in the late spring or early autumn when it’s not too crowded but the weather is still lovely. 

Central Ireland road trip- Comeragh Mountain

Recommended by Maria & Ciaran- Maptrekking.com

The often overlooked area of central Ireland is a less touristy region filled with undiscovered gems for road trips in the wilderness. Since so many visitors are drawn to the Wild Atlantic Way, a one-day road trip through the secluded Comeragh mountains would be a great alternative to explore in the summer.

Base yourself in the coastal town of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford- it has beaches, a castle, a coastal bike trail, and a Gaeltacht village. 

Highlights of a central Ireland road trip

Some of the best places to visit on this road trip include:

• The Magic road (get pulled uphill by nature… seriously)
• Mahon Falls
• Lough Mohra
• Rath Beag walk
• Carey’s Castle

Comeragh Mountain Road Trip itinerary- (including the magic road!)

Starting from Dungarvan, drive 20 mins north-west to the Magic Road. Look for a fairy tree with items hanging off the branches. Put the car into neutral and be amazed as you are pulled up the hill towards the rock saying ‘Magic Road’.

Drive a little farther to spend time at Mahon Falls. Continue another 15 mins to the Kilclooney Wood Car Park. There are walking trails here; the most popular being to Counshingaun Lough. It is the largest lake in the area and offers beautiful views if you can make the effort to reach it.

Continue for another 15 mins to the Lough Mohra & Rath Beag Loop Walk. Here are more great views and the less well-known Lake Mohra. There is also a sandstone hill and historical ring forts called ‘raths’ to explore. 

Take the 30 min scenic drive through the Nire Valley to Carey’s Castle. Far off the beaten tourist path, it is a peaceful park with a hidden castle to explore. 

Drive to the last stop, Holy Year Cross about 10 mins away. With a wonderful view of Clonmel, it is a great place for sunset after the long day of adventuring. For a well-deserved pint and dinner, drive 5 mins into Clonmel to eat at Mulcahy’s. 

Southern Ireland road trip- historical tour

Recommended by Cath | Travel around Ireland

Enjoy history? One of the best Irish road trip ideas is an itinerary which explores the many historical sites of the region.

Highlights of a Southern Ireland road trip

Some of the best places to visit in Southern Ireland include:

• Bunratty Castle
• King John’s Castle
• Blackrock castle
• Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone
• Cahir Castle
• Rock of Cashel
• Kilkenny Castle

7 day Southern Ireland historical road trip itinerary

The route includes some of the best castles in Ireland , plus other historical sites in counties including Tipperary, Clare, Cork and Waterford, and would take at least 7 days to complete the trip.

First on your stop would be Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare. This beautiful 15th century castle is located in County Clare and hosts a medieval banquet every evening which is worth booking. The Folk Park is a step-back-in-time and shows life in a 19th century Irish village.

From Bunratty, continue to Limerick City and visit King John’s Castle on the banks of the River Shannon. From Limerick, head south to Cork where you can visit Blackrock Castle, now an observatory on the banks of the River Lee, before heading to Blarney to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of the gab.

From Cork, you can head to Tipperary to visit Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel, a historic abbey sitting on a rock and dating from as far back as the 12th century. It was originally the seat of the High Kings of Munster and is an impressive site to visit. Get there early to avoid the tour buses.

From Tipperary, you can visit Waterford and immerse yourself in its Viking history before stopping at Kilkenny Castle to complete your tour, one of the most popular castles in Ireland.

There is no bad time of year to visit these sites, although late spring or early summer would be best to avoid too many crowds and in the hopes of good weather, something you cannot guarantee in Ireland.

No matter what time of year you visit, this tour will let you discover the history of the Emerald Isle in the best way possible.

Northern Ireland road trip- Causeway Coastal Route

Recommend by Dave | Show them the Globe

The incredible Causeway Coastal Route is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland. This road trip is a great way to explore Northern Ireland and is packed with awesome sights and things to do.

Highlights of driving the Causeway Coastal route

• Giants Causeway
• Carrick-a-rede rope bridge
• Dunluce Castle
• Dark Hedges (you can actually drive down this road)

Northern Ireland road trip itinerary

Start in Belfast and head north. We recommend heading straight to the Giants causeway if you can and get there at opening time. It’s about a 90 minute drive if you go the direct route.

The Giants Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Irish mythology says that the unique rock formations were created when an Irish giant called Finn MacCool was challenged to a fight by a Scottish giant. Finn built the causeway to get to Scotland. (It’s unclear who won…)

The nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bride connects the mainland to the tiny Carrickarede island and crossing on foot is an exhilarating experience. Expect to queue for a while to get across, but it’s worth the wait.

Another unique stop on the route is the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle which hang precariously above the sea below.

Don’t miss the Dark Hedges. This road of arching 18th Century beech trees features in the HBO Series Game of Thrones and is one of the most beautiful roads in Ireland.  It can be easy to drive right past it, but be prepared for a LOT of tourists and people milling around.

We actually drove right down the road, which was fun.

How long does it take to drive the Causeway coastal route?

One of the best aspects of the Causeway Coastal Route is that it is a relatively short route to drive. At less than 200 miles long you can comfortably explore the whole route in one weekend. All of the main sights are located close to each other so there are no long drives and the route is stunning and interesting.

When is the best time of year for a Northern Ireland road trip?

We recommend exploring the Causeway Coastal route in September when the weather is most likely to be fair and visitors can avoid the summer crowds.

Inspired to plan an Ireland road trip now? Where will you go first? Don’t forget to grab your free road trip checklist and get started!

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest so others can benefit too. See you out on the road!

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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Could find anything north of Clare mentioned for Rep of Ireland :- other than Nothern Ireland Causeway Coast. Do you have an itinerary for Galway West to Malin Head in Donegal? Thanks

Not at the moment sorry- we haven’t had as much time as we would like to explore. Hoping to get over there in 2021… global pandemics not withstanding!!

Hey Kat – which of these would you say are most dog friendly? Thanks!

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

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: March 11, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternative Route Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin Airport and Explore Belfast

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

Renting a Car in Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Malahide or Killeavy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Political Mural Black Cab Tour

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

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

Shopping in Belfast

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

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

Ride Hydrobikes on the River Lagan

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

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

Titanic Belfast Experience

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

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

Evening in Belfast

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

Overnight in Belfast

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

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

Day 2: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast

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

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

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

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

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

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

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

Giant’s Causeway

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

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

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

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

Dunluce Castle

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

Overnight in Derry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ashford Castle

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

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

Overnight in Westport (or Galway)

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4: Explore Connemara National Park and Galway

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

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

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

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens

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

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

Connemara National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk and Visitor Center

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

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

Lunch in Limerick

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

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

Evening in Dublin

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

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

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

Overnight in Dublin

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

Day 6: Explore Dublin

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

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

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

Trinity College Library & Book of Kells

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

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

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

St. Stephen’s Green

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

Grafton Street

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

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

Dublin Castle

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

Christ Church Cathedral

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

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

Guinness Storehouse

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

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

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

Temple Bar Neighborhood

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

Day 7: Depart from Dublin Airport

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

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

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

Day 1: arrive in dublin and explore.

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

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

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

Day 2: Travel from Dublin to Belfast

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

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

Day 3: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast 

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

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

Day 4: Explore Derry and Drive to Galway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Killarney National Park

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

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

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

Evening in Killarney

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

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

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

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

Option 1: Ring of Kerry

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

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

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

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

Option 2: Dingle Peninsula

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Depart from Shannon Airport

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

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

Use This Ireland Itinerary for 7 Days as Your Guide

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

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The best road trips in Ireland

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Ireland is not short of inspiring drives to explore its scenic splendours – the show-stopping, long-distance Wild Atlantic Way ; the little-visited, single-track roads known as boreens; remote mountain passes and short but sweet spins through pretty Irish villages . With our edit of the best road trips in Ireland, you can choose between the drama of countless coastal routes sculpted by the Atlantic surf, signposted circuits threading their way through ancient sites and some of the lesser-known beautiful places in Ireland , from Kenmare to Killybegs.

1. Copper Coast, County Waterford

Leave the lively seaside resort of Tramore behind and set off on the Copper Coast’s tranquil trail. This swathe of coastline forms part of the 25-mile stretch between Tramore and Dungarvan was known for its mining industry during the 19th century. These days people come to exploit the views of its breathtaking landscape, now something of an outdoor geology museum and designated UNESCO Global Geopark. Along the way there are pretty scalloped beaches , rocky coves, sea stacks, arches and 460-million year-old rocks visible where cliffs collide with the ocean. Pass through a string of six villages including Bunmahon, which is home to the Geopark Visitor centre, and the picturesque Stradbally with its prim and pretty main street and sheltered Stradbally Cove.

Recommended time: One day.

2. Inishowen 100, County Donegal

The name sounds racy, but this 100-mile circuit of Donegal ’s Inishowen Peninsula needs to be taken at a slow pace to appreciate the wild, untainted nature and superlative views. Set off from Bridge End close to the Northern Irish border and Londonderry, then follow the signs in an anti-clockwise direction skirting the eastern coast of Lough Foyle through Muff and Greencastle, ascending the upland stretch between Dunree and Mamore Gap, which is arguably the most scenic. Malin Head and Banba’s Crown is the must-see, Ireland’s most northerly tip and start or finish of the long-distance Wild Atlantic Way. Then it’s on to Ballyliffin Beach, Five Finger Strand – one of Donegal’s finest beaches – and the town of Buncrana on the shores of Lough Swilly.

Recommended time: A full day with an overnight stop.

3. Cooley Peninsula, Co Louth

The Cooley Peninsula drive proves that not all road trips need to be long-distance. This small spur of land between Dundalk Harbour and Carlingford Lough on the border with Northern Ireland is something of a well-kept secret, a meandering route where land meets water swirling in stories of ancient Irish mythology – it set the scene for The Táin Bó Cuailnge , an epic tale of early Irish Literature. Short and sweet it is scattered with noteworthy historical, archaeological and cultural stops like the Anglo-Norman Castle Roche and Proleek Dolmen. At Greenore you can hop aboard the historic ferry to Greencastle in Northern Ireland or linger on the lough in Carlingford, settled by Vikings in the shadow of Slieve Foy and the medieval King John’s Castle slurp some of its superior oysters. Park up for a walk along the Carlingford Omeath Greenway, a walking and cycling trail along the banks of the lough before heading back to Newry.

4. Ring of Hook Peninsula County Wexford

Wexford’s Hook Peninsula is a slender crook of land reaching out into the crashing waves of the Atlantic. At its tip is the highlight, the distinctive black and white stripes of the Hook Lighthouse, built in the 13th century and the oldest working lighthouse in the world. Ascend its 115 steps for a wide angle sweep of the Waterford Estuary and open ocean where you might even catch a glimpse of whales or dolphins out at sea. Other noteworthy detours are the remains of Tintern Abbey and its walled gardens, the 15th century Fethard Castle and spooky country pile, Loftus Hall, which is reputedly Ireland’s most haunted house . Finish your drive in the fishing village of Duncannon, a beloved seaside resort with a broad sweep of sand and a bastioned fortress where Charles II fled after the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. It’s also renowned for its spankingly fresh catch, so fish and chips on the harbour is a must. Recommended time: One day with plenty of stops off along the way.

5. Kinsale to Baltimore

Kinsale, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, this 50-mile spin takes in some of West Cork’s most charming towns and villages. Kinsale, one of Ireland’s prettiest waterside towns , is the gateway and is also the start or end point of the long-distance Wild Atlantic Way. But treat the main route, the N71, like more of a jumping off point to visit hidden away spots along the indented, gently undulating coastline like Galley Head, Glandore, Union Hall and Toe Head before ending your journey in the popular yachting spot Baltimore with its cute harbour and views of Sherkin and Cape Clear islands. West Cork is celebrated for its food scene and local produce – Clonakilty is famed for its black and white pudding, the weekly Skibbereen farmer’s market is a must and gourmet hotspots abound like Pilgrim’s in Rosscarbery and the Michelin-starred Dede at the Customs House in Baltimore run by Turkish born chef, Ahmet Dede.

Recommended time: Two to three days to truly appreciate its natural beauty and atmosphere.

6. Galway to Westport, County Galway and County Mayo

The N59 leaves Galway City, journeying into the real heart of the west of Ireland. The city soon falls away and each passing mile takes drivers further into the wild, windswept landscape of Connemara . The region is surrounded by a silent mosaic of bogland, slate-coloured lakes, stone walls and views of the distinctive Maamturk mountains and Twelve Bens. After the village of Recess, you have a choice: take the R334 for the unspoiled beauty of the Lough Inagh before rejoining the N59, or swing onto the coast for white sands and ocean scenery. At Clifden, make time for the 10-mile Sky Road, negotiating its hairpin bends for views of the Inishturk and Turbot islands before continuing to Leenane and Westport.

Recommended drive time: Ideally take two or three days with a stay in Connemara at Ballynahinch Castle , set deep in the wilderness in the shadow of the Twelve Bens mountain range, overlooking a salmon- and trout-rich river.

7. The Vee, County Waterford and County Tipperary

Set off on this short but sweet drive from the pretty town of Lismore, dominated by the sight of Lismore Castle, the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire, which perches above the River Blackwater. Before long, the track begins to ascend through the unspoilt Knockmealdown Mountains, climbing to a height of about 2,000ft. From The Vee Gap, you can gawp at views of the peaks and the velvety green mosaic of the Tipperary countryside stretching out below. Tackle a hairpin bend and continue through Clogheen, stopping off at the romantic, thatched Swiss Cottage, before arriving in the charming town of Cahir on the banks of the River Suir, known for its 13th-century castle – one of Ireland’s largest and best preserved.

Recommended drive time: Two hours.

8. Atlantic Drive, Achill Island, County Mayo

You can’t escape that edge-of-the-world feeling on Achill Island, which sits off the western coast of County Mayo. The Atlantic Drive is really two in one; starting on the Currane peninsula on the mainland before hopping over the Achill Sound by way of a bridge. To the south are staggering views of the 365 islands, scattered like polka dots in the expanse of Clew Bay. Follow the signposted route, looping around the isle past latticed dry-stone walls and the lonely remains of a ghost village at Slievemore. There is a clutch of some of Ireland's best beaches , such as Keel’s Trawmore and the unmissable crescent of Keem Bay. After this, the road peters out at Croaghaun mountain, where a hill-top viewing point provides a widescreen look across the island, with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out as far as the eye can see.

Recommended drive time: Five to six hours.

9. The Ring of Kerry, County Kerry

Starting out as a horse-drawn carriage tour in the 1900s, the 111-mile circuit starting and ending in Killarney takes in some of Ireland’s most spectacular mountain and coastal scenery on the Iveragh peninsula. Go in an anti-clockwise direction, making sure to peel off the road outside Cahersiveen for views of the UNESCO World Heritage -listed Skellig Michael island, and be sure to pull up at Moll’s Gap for the magical panoramas of Killarney National Park and its lakes shimmering below.

Recommended drive time: Two to three days.

10. Yeats Country, County Sligo and County Leitrim

One of Ireland’s most celebrated playwrights and poets, William Butler Yeats had a special affinity with County Sligo, which inspired many of his memorable poems. Fans can plot a course through the countryside, visiting some of the places most closely associated with his life and work. Start on the shores of Lough Gill where you can see the small island immortalised in The Lake Isle of Innisfree , and continue to Sligo town before heading to the windswept sandy beach at Rosses Point where Yeats spent childhood summers. Then it’s onto the stately Lissadell House, before hopping across the border to County Leitrim and Glencar Waterfall, referenced in the poem The Stolen Child . Drumcliffe Cemetery is a fitting spot to finish, set in the dramatic shadow of Benbulben Mountain, at the foot of which Yeats was reburied in 1948 – his epitaph reads, ‘Cast a cold eye. On Life, on death. Horseman, pass by!’

Recommended drive time: Dedicate a day to meandering around the county. Stay at historic Georgian house Coopershill .

11. Causeway Coastal Route, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

The sights just keep on coming on the 130-mile Causeway Coastal Route between Belfast and Derry. As the canary-yellow gantry of the Titanic Quarter fades from the rear-view mirror, the journey heads north – on a clear day you can catch a glimpse of Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre across the water. Then there are the Glens of Antrim, the Cushendun Caves, famous as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones, and onto the well-known Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The drive winds past the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway, a legend-steeped landmark of hexagonal rock formations that is about 60 million years old. Finally, the route ends in the walled city of Derry/Londonderry, now forever known as the backdrop for Channel 4’s critically acclaimed Derry Girls .

Recommended drive time: Two days with an overnight at the atmospheric 17th-century coaching stop The Bushmills Inn .

12. Donegal to Letterkenny, County Donegal

Tick off several of the county’s scenic highlights on this journey, taking the N56 in a westerly direction from Donegal town to Letterkenny. Near the fishing port of Killybegs, head west past Kilcar – a favoured spot of American actors Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick – for a walk on the wild side at the edge of the sheer Sliabh Liag cliffs. Rejoin the N59 via the Glengesh Pass, more of a tarmacked rollercoaster than a road, and continue north towards Letterkenny, stopping off at deserted silver-sand beaches, the mist-snagged Mount Errigal, 15th-century Doe Castle and the enchanting woodland of the Glenveagh National Park.

Recommended time: Best done over three days, ideally with a stay at diminutive design-led guesthouse Breac House on Horn Head.

13. The Wild Atlantic Way

Hugging Ireland’s Atlantic seaboard for more than 1,553 miles, the Wild Atlantic Way spans nine counties in one unbroken driving route from Donegal’s Inishowen peninsula to the charming seaside town of Kinsale in County Cork. This is the island’s headlining road trip; it rivals many of the globe’s other road trips and is the longest signposted touring journey in the world. Choose a section in either a northerly or southerly direction following the unmistakable zigzag signs – there are 15 landmarks, including the elemental Malin Head, the northernmost point, and Mizen Head in Cork, in the country’s extreme south-west.

Recommended drive time: Around three weeks. The route can be easily broken into shorter stages.

14. Sheep’s Head peninsula, County Cork

The ocean is never far away on the Sheep’s Head peninsula, a slender finger of land in West Cork poking out into the ocean with Dunmanus Bay on one side and Bantry Bay on the other. Start the 44-mile trip at Bantry and take it slow. This is a place of dramatic Atlantic views, sheep-dotted fields and ragged coastline to savour – park up and stretch your legs on a section of the 124-mile Sheep’s Head Way walking trail. At Kilcrohane, head further west to the tip of the peninsula before continuing east to Ahakista and Durrus, where the surrounding vegetation has a tropical feel thanks to the warming currents of the Gulf Stream.

Recommended drive time: A day.

15. Ballaghbeama Gap, County Kerry

Cars are something of a rarity on this little-known mountain route that cuts across the Iveragh peninsula’s MacGillycuddy’s Reeks range in the shadow of Ireland’s highest peak, Carrauntoohil. You’re more likely to encounter wild goats and sheep. The twisting, mostly single-track road tops out spectacularly through a pass filled with dramatic rocky outcrops and far-reaching views in both directions of the heather-flecked landscape and ocean beyond.

Recommended time: 1 hour 15 minutes – stay at the enchanting Arts and Crafts mansion Ard na Sidhe , which overlooks Caragh Lake, outside Killorglin.

16. The Braveheart Drive, County Wicklow

The cinematic connections are fitting given that The Braveheart Drive, named after the 1995 film starring Mel Gibson and shot on location around County Wicklow, starts and ends in the picturesque village of Hollywood. Local lore has it that it was the inspiration for its more famous Californian counterpart – the village even has a copycat sign on one of its hills. But beyond the celluloid credentials, this 50-mile route is an easy drive south of Dublin , winding its way around some of the best scenery Wicklow has to offer. Highlights include the stark beauty of the blanket-bog Wicklow Mountains at Sally Gap and the sixth-century monastic settlement of Glendalough, romantically set in a deep, lake-filled valley.

Recommended drive time: A perfect day trip from Dublin – keep to the starry theme with a stay at the city’s storied Shelbourne Hotel overlooking St Stephen’s Green.

17. Beara peninsula, County Kerry and County Cork

This road twists and turns like an asphalt ribbon on its path through an ever-changing backdrop that includes the looming Caha Mountains and fractured coastline of islands, cliffs and small, sheltered coves. Stop for the subtropical garden at Derreen and at the tip of the peninsula for a cable-car trip to Dursey Island that regularly counts local sheep as passengers. Don’t miss the inland section of road linking Kenmare with Glengarriff and Priest’s Leap, a high mountain pass with dizzying panoramas of the Bantry and Kenmare bays.

Recommended drive time: Spend a day or two exploring with a night just outside Kenmare at the romantically set Sheen Falls Lodge and along the route in Castletownbere or Glengarriff.

18. The Slea Head Drive, County Kerry

Set off from Dingle, the charming Kerry seaside town which gives the peninsula its name. With jauntily painted shopfronts, pubs and views over Dingle Bay, this is one of the main Gaelic-speaking areas, known as Gaeltacht – so the Irish language abounds. The Slea Head Drive snakes along the shoreline, with breathtaking panoramas of the Atlantic-ravaged coast, the Blasket and Skellig islands and the silky sands of Coumeenoole beach. Follow the route in a clockwise direction, but be warned: nervous drivers need not apply. Some of the narrowest sections mean passing oncoming traffic is a nail-biter, with sheer cliffs on one side and sea on the other.

Recommend drive time: Four to five hours due to the pretty stops and windswept beach strolls.

19. The Burren Loop, County Clare

The Burren, which comes from the Irish word for rocky, lives up to its name; a lunar-like, limestone landscape extending across an expanse of County Clare . To see it at its best, follow a figure of eight along 62 miles starting in Ballyvaughan that threads around the countryside via Kinvara, Corofin, Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna. The drive takes in sweeps of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, famed for its unique ecosystem of Arctic, Mediterranean and Alpine plants. Other standouts include the vertigo-inducing Cliffs of Moher just outside Doolin, Fanore beach and the detour-worthy megalithic Poulnabrone Dolmen, the Burren Perfumery and Corkscrew Hill.

Recommended drive time: Two to three days with a stay in the Burren at locavore-leaning Gregans Castle Hotel .

20. Boyne Valley Drive, County Meath and County Louth

For centuries, the Hill of Tara in Meath was Ireland’s political and spiritual heart: home to the High Kings of Ireland, steeped in mythology. It’s one of 22 historic sites scattered around the countryside along the 140-mile, signposted Boyne Valley Drive, an easy jaunt north of Dublin. Undoubtedly, the highlight is Newgrange, a prehistoric marvel of engineering that predates both the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. It forms part of the larger Brú na Bóinne Unesco World Heritage Site, one of the most important clusters of ancient remnants in Europe with a trio of Neolithic passage graves. But the route also shines a light on gems such as Trim Castle, Slane Castle and the site of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne between William of Orange and King James II.

Recommended drive time: Do it as a day trip from Dublin with a stay at one of the capital’s newest hotels, The Mayson , which overlooks the River Liffey from the regenerating docklands district’s north bank.

Ireland In 2 Weeks: 56 Different Itineraries To Choose From

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

Yes, we have  56  different 14-day Ireland itinerary guides for you to choose from…

Why 56 you ask?!

The reason for this is that we’ve covered  every  (we hope…) possible want or need you could have.

Each of our 14-day guides:

• Has been meticulously planned
• Follows logical routes we’re confident you’ll love
• Has a detailed hour-by-hour itinerary
• Makes planning a trip to Ireland easy

Table of Contents

In the guide below, you can pick a 2 week Ireland itinerary based on:

Please take 15 seconds to read the graphic above as it’ll help you pick the most suitable Ireland itinerary down below!

As you can see, we have 14-day Ireland itinerary guides that cover every angle we could think of.

All you need to do to find your perfect itinerary is read the section below  carefully .

How to browse our Ireland in 2 weeks itineraries

Photos via Shutterstock

The handiest way to browse our itineraries is to select, from the list below, where you’re starting your road trip from/near.

We’ve used the main entry points to Ireland for those of you flying in or arriving by ferry.

Simply click one of the start points below and you’ll be taken to 2 weeks in Ireland itineraries that start at that location:

14 days in Ireland from Dublin

This is a  sample  14-day itinerary

If you’re looking to explore Ireland in 2 weeks and you’re starting from County Dublin, this section is for you.

There are two sections below, split depending on how you plan on getting around Ireland .

As we explained in this graphic , ‘Fast Trips’ are for those of you looking to see/do as much as possible and who don’t  mind moving hotel regularly and ‘Slow Trips’ are ones where you’ll move accommodation as little as possible.

For those of you with a car

• A 14-day slow trip for those with good fitness
• A 14-day slow trip for those with low fitness
• A 14-day fast trip for those with good fitness
• A 14-day fast trip for those with low fitness

For those of you using public transport

An overview of the route from dublin.

Photos by Stephen Power via Ireland’s Content Pool

If you’re starting your 14-day Ireland itinerary in Dublin, the route above is hard to beat.

Although it varies slightly depending on how you’re getting around Ireland, both the car rental and the public transport itineraries take in many of Ireland’s top sights.

Over the course of your 2 weeks in Ireland you’ll:

• Explore the many things to do in Dublin
• Explore the Clare Coast, including Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher
• Take a day trip to Wicklow, Meath and Louth
• See Galway City, Connemara and Cong
• Tackle the Ring of Kerry Drive , explore the Dingle Peninsula and see a chunk of West Cork

2 weeks in Ireland from Shannon

This is a sample 14-day itinerary.

If you’re looking for a 14-day Ireland itinerary that kicks off in Shannon, this section should tickle your fancy.

We’ve split up the different itineraries into ones for those of you using a car and ones for those of you that aren’t.

As we mentioned in this graphic , our fast 2 weeks in Ireland itineraries are for those of you looking to explore as much as possible and who don’t  mind moving about a lot.

Our slow itineraries are ones where you’ll move accommodation as little as is physically possible.

An overview of the route from Shannon

A lot of people start their 14-day Ireland itinerary from Shannon due to the convenience of flying into Shannon Airport.

One of the benefits of starting from here is that you’re kicking off your 14 days in Ireland a stone’s throw from some of the country’s most popular attractions

If you follow our route from Shannon, you’ll:

• Explore Connemara National Park
• See the mighty Inis Mor Island
• Visit Bunratty Castle before heading into the ancient Limerick City
• See Killarney National Park and its many attractions
• Visit Blarney Castle and tackle the many things to do in Cobh

Ireland itinerary 14 days from Belfast

This is one of our sample 14-day trips from Belfast

Another great way to tackle Ireland in 2 weeks is to fly/get the ferry into Belfast and take it from there.

Belfast is a great starting point for a road trip as you can explore the Antrim Coast before continuing on to Derry and Donegal.

Like we explain in this graphic , we split up our itineraries below into two sections – 1 section is for those using a car and the other is for those that aren’t.

An overview of the route from Belfast

This 14-day Ireland itinerary is one of my favourites in this guide as it takes in some of the most scenic parts of the country.

You’ll kick things off by spinning along the Antrim Coast, with a whole host of stops to choose from along the way.

If you follow our route from Belfast, you’ll:

• Explore the Causeway Coastal Route
• Tackle some of the best things to do in Belfast
• See the best of the Boyne Valley
• Spin around a good chunk of the Wild Atlantic Way

2 weeks in Ireland from Rosslare

This is one of our sample 14-day trips from Wexford

If you’re spending 2 weeks in Ireland and you’re arriving at the ferry terminal at Rosslare, we’ve plenty of itineraries ready for you.

Now, as was the case with the ones above, we’ve split them into 2; 1 section is for those of you with a car and another for those of you using public transport.

If you’re wondering what ‘Fast Trips’ and ‘Slow Trips’ are, refer to this graphic at the top of the guide.

An overview of the route from Wexford

Now, this 14-day Ireland itinerary varies a lot  depending on whether or not you’re getting around in a car.

The public transport around some of the more remote parts of Wexford, in particular, are what causes there to be such a contrast in the different itineraries.

If you follow our route from Wexford, you’ll:

• See the glorious Hook Peninsula
• Ramble around the town of Kinsale
• Tackle some of the best things to do in Killarney
• Explore the mighty Dingle Peninsula

14 days in Ireland from Cork

This is one of our sample 14-day trips from Cork

Our 14-day Ireland itinerary guides that kick off in Cork take in some of the best that Ireland has to offer.

You can choose (or opt out of) some magnificent walking trails, soak up spectacular scenery and step back in time at heritage sites.

These are some of our more popular 2 weeks in Ireland itineraries. As usual, we’ve split them up for those of you with a car and for those of you without one.

An overview of the route from Cork

Cork is a great starting point for a road trip. At the start of the trip, you can spend a bit of time in the city before moving into the wilds of West Cork.

Our itineraries from Cork then take you around the coast, into Kerry and up towards Limerick before heading to Dublin and back to Cork.

If you follow our route from Cork, you’ll see:

• The beautiful Beara Peninsula
• Wild West Cork
• The Ring of Kerry
• A chunk of Limerick, Tipperary and Clare

Ireland in 2 weeks from Knock

This is one of our sample 14-day trips from Mayo.

Although there likely won’t be a huge number of people looking for a 14-day Ireland itinerary that starts in Knock, we felt it important to include it as a start-point.

I can safely say that the public transport road trips from Knock were  very  tricky to research and map out. However, it was worth it.

Below, you can pick a 2 weeks in Ireland itinerary kicking off in Mayo based on trip speed, your fitness and how you’ll get around (we explain how to browse the itineraries in this graphic ).

An overview of the route from Knock

If your 2 week Ireland itinerary kicks off in Knock, you’re in luck – Mayo is home to an endless number of adventure opportunities.

Now, the public transport itineraries vs the car itineraries vary a fair bit due to the lack of buses and trains in places, but both versions pack a punch.

If you follow our route from Knock, you’ll:

• Explore Achill Island
• Tackle some of the best things to do in Galway
• See some of the finest beaches in Ireland
• Spend time in Sligo and plenty more

2 weeks in Ireland from Donegal

This is one of our sample 14-day trips from Donegal

The last of our 2 week Ireland itinerary guides kicks off in Donegal.

This was by far the hardest one to map out for public transport, and as a result, the itineraries vary a lot.

As always, we’ve split the different itineraries up into sections for those of you with a car and for those without.

An overview of the route from Donegal

The route from Donegal for those of you driving is a peach. You’ll see parts of the county that rarely make it into tourist guidebooks and you’ll see many of Donegal’s historic sites.

You’ll then move into Sligo before heading to Mayo, Galway and beyond. For those of you using public transport, the route is  very  different due to Donegal’s poor public transport.

If you follow our route from Donegal, you’ll:

• Explore some of the best things to do in Donegal
• Soak up some of Sligo’s finest views
• See the Connemara coast

FAQs about exploring Ireland in 2 weeks

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is 2 weeks in Ireland enough?’ to ‘What route should I follow?’.

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

Is 2 weeks in Ireland too long?

No. If anything, it’s no where near enough. Although Ireland is small in comparison to the likes of the US, there’s endless things to see and do scattered right the way across the island. 2 weeks will only scratch the surface.

What to do in Ireland for two weeks?

This will depend on whether you want a a busy or an easy 14 day Ireland itinerary. You could see a lot of Ireland in 2 weeks, but you’d be driving constantly. You’re best off following one of our itineraries in this guide.

Where to spend 2 weeks in Ireland?

Again, this depends on you and what you want to see and do. If you follow our route from Dublin, Belfast or Shannon in this guide, you won’t go wrong.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Rod Chapman

Sunday 7th of May 2023

Hi, I love your website but it looks like the 14 day "good fitness with a car" trips from Dublin are the same for the fast trip and the slow trip. It looks like the correct itinerary for the fast trip is missing and the slow trip has been duplicated.

Keith O'Hara

Tuesday 9th of May 2023

Hi Rod - cheers for the kind words and I hope all is well! I've just checked this and compared the table of contents for both itineraries and I can see they're both different (e.g. 8 stops on the first day in the fast itinerary vs 6 for the slow one). Shout if I can help with anything. Cheers - Keith

10 Best Road Trips in Europe [2024 Europe Road Trips Guide]

F act: road trip destinations don’t get much better than Europe. From the winding alpine roads of Switzerland and France to the spectacular coastal routes in Italy and Ireland, there are more incredible road trips in Europe than you can shake a stick at!

Furthermore, there are road trips for all occasions and interests. The best road trips in Europe take you through wine country, around lakes, into ancient towns, and up sweeping mountain passes. Truly, whether you have an afternoon or an entire month available, if you’re looking for an epic adventure, a cultural experience, or a simple break from the city, there’s a European road trip that’s up to the task.

The tricky part’s deciding which one to do first! To help, we’re going to reveal 10 of the best Europe road trips available – whether you go in a car, a campervan , or on a motorbike. Let’s dive in.

The Best Road Trips in Europe

Wild atlantic way in ireland.

The Wild Atlantic Way is an epic road trip that runs 1600 miles (2600km) along the west coast of Ireland. One of the world’s longest-defined coastal routes, it starts from Derry in the north and ends at the pretty town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south.

Wild in both name and nature, driving the entire distance will reveal the very best of Ireland’s rugged, ancient, and weather-beaten coastline. You’ll pass through stunning countryside and picturesque villages, bearing witness to historic monuments, towering cliffs, and legendary landscapes at every turn.

A few highlights of the route include:

• The magical Cliffs of Moher
• Slieve League (a mountain in Country Donegal whose name in Irish means “mountain of stone pillars”)
• The lively and historic town of Galway, and
• The Ring of Kerry (another famous European road trip)

North Coast 500 in Scotland

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is Scotland’s answer to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Widely regarded as the best road trip in Scotland, it brings together 500+ miles of the country’s most impressive scenery, sights, and attractions.

Passing through the notorious Highlands, your mind will boggle at the remote and unblemished beauty on display. Quaint fishing villages, sugar-soft white sand beaches, age-old lochs, rugged mountains, and sites of historical significance are just a few of the hidden gems you can expect to encounter.

Starting and finishing in Inverness – the UK’s northernmost city – you hug the coast of Scotland along a series of existing roads that form a loop around the top of the country. This road trip was actually only established in 2014 but quickly became popular among locals and visitors alike. A few highlights of the route include:

• The huge Smoo Cave, which was formed by both sea and rainwater (making it unique in the UK)
• The ruins of Ardvreck Castle at Loch Assynt
• The wildlife (especially the infamous highland deer!)
• The mile-long Corrieshallock Gorge, complete with a Victorian suspension bridge that crosses it

Check out our guide to things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland .

Atlantic Road in Norway

Often referred to as one of the most beautiful drives on the planet, the Atlantic Road in Norway is a real sight to behold. A unique route and remarkable feat of engineering, the road connects Averoy with the mainland, snaking out over the ocean in a series of small islands and bridges.

Proof that the best road trips in Europe aren’t always the longest, the Atlantic Road itself is only 5 miles (8km) long. Officially, it runs from Karvag to Vevang. However, it forms one section of a longer National Tourist Route between Bud and Kristiansund – the entirety of which is worth driving.

A phenomenal road trip, it’ll be a struggle to keep your eyes on the road as you gaze at the coastal scenery – views that chop and change depending on the weather conditions you happen to experience at the time.

Explore more of Norway! Here are the best things to do in Oslo , family-friendly things to do in Bergen , and our guide to exploring Norway’s fjords .

Almafi Coast in Italy

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular travel destinations. And for a good reason! This 30-mile (50km) stretch of coastline is unlike any other on the planet.

Colorful old villages sit atop sheer cliffs, with cerulean waters below reflecting the blue skies and blazing sun above . Beautiful beaches and hikes litter the area, matched only by the mass of restaurants, bars, shopping opportunities…and tourists!

Trust us, a road trip along this inimitable coastline is hard to beat. Driving down the Amalfi Coast road, otherwise known as the SS163, will leave you speechless.

A staggering stretch of tarmac, it hugs the cliffs and winds through pristine, pastel-colored towns – starting in Sorrento and heading south past Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Vietri sul Mare. Take it slow, stop to explore each town, and fall in love with the aptly-named Divina Costiera (AKA the Divine Coast).

Arctic Coast Way in Iceland

You’ll find another of the best road trips in Europe in Iceland. One of the most picturesque countries on earth, it’s full of incredible sights and natural wonders – as well as infamous driving routes that take you past some of its most iconic attractions.

Chief among Iceland’s famous road trips is the Arctic Coast Way. This epic, 560-mile (900km) journey runs along the country’s northern coast, encompassing six peninsulas and just as many islands. The whole route takes anywhere from 3 to 12 days to drive, and a 4×4 is recommended for the trip.

This is nature at its finest, and you’ll pass a huge array of unforgettable attractions. Indeed, it’d require an entire article to provide a complete list of Arctic Coast highlights! To keep things short, here are a select few items to add to your Iceland road trip itinerary:

• The Hofsos swimming pool, with its mindblowing views over the ocean
• The Hofsos basalt columns that rival the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
• Humpback whale watching
• The geothermal sea baths at Husavik
• The Arctic Henge in Raufarhofn

Transfagarasan Highway in Romania

Welcome to what’s arguably Romania’s best-known road – not to mention one of its most popular tourist attractions.

Over 93 miles (150km) in length and with countless twists and turns, the Transfagarasan Highway looks like it was built solely to please road trippers! Expect switchback after switchback through a stunning landscape , leading up to an impressive high point of 6500 feet and exceptional views over the surrounding area.

The road cuts a striking sight – especially from above. Another amazing feat of engineering, it winds back and forth up a beautiful natural gorge, passes through tunnels, and crosses the Vidraru Dam (offering a fantastic look at the eponymous lake in the process).

Be sure to take your time and stop at the viewing points as you go. This is partly to stay safe on the ascent! But, with so much beauty on display, it’s mainly so you can make the most of the Transfagarasan Highway’s unbelievable scenery.

Ready to explore the Romanian capitol? Here are 10 great activities in Bucharest, Romania to enjoy with kids .

Route Napoleon in France

Route Napoleon isn’t just one of the best road trips in Europe. It’s also one of the most famous.

Following an escape route that Napoleon Bonaparte took in the early 19 th Century, the journey takes you 200 miles (325km) from the coastal town of Golfe-Juan, in the French Riviera, all the way north to the city of Grenoble.

The route’s as scenic as it is historic, too, passing a wide range and ever-changing landscapes from sweet-smelling lavender fields and pine forests to rolling hills, rocky outcrops, gorges, and mountains. Get ready for stunning vistas and equally impressive roads at every turn.

Trekaroo Tip: You can stick with tradition and attempt this Europe road trip in the same direction as Napoleon (from south to north). Yet many people choose to do it from north to south instead. That way, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea when you approach the French Riviera at the end.

Romantic Road in Germany

Romantic in both name and nature, this wonderful road trip is one of the very best in Germany. The Romantische Straße , as it’s called there, is 285 miles (460km) long and takes you through a slew of charming towns and jaw-dropping countryside, complete with ancient castles that look like something straight out of a Disney movie!

As for how long this road trip takes, consider giving yourself between three and four days to go from the start, in Wurzburg, until the end in Fussen. To prolong your German adventure, we recommend spending another couple of days in Munich afterward. Located just over 1.5 hours away from Fussen, the Capital of Bavaria is a popular travel destination in its own right.

Oberalp Pass in Switzerland

Searching for another iconic European road to drive down? Look no further than Oberalp Pass (AKA Route 19) in Switzerland.

Located at over 6,719 feet (2,048m) above sea level, this high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps connects the Graubunden and Uri cantons. However, all you really need to know is that it’s utterly phenomenal! Just under 20 miles long, the pass runs from Disentis to Andermatt and provides unbelievable views of the surrounding mountains at every twist and turn in the road.

Steep and riddled with switchbacks, the pass is magnificent. Take note, though: Oberalp Pass is usually impassable between the end of October through April (although the final dates depend on how much snow and meltwater are present).

Read our full guide to visiting Switzerland with kids .

Glossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Last but not least on this list of the best road trips in Europe is the Glossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria – the highest paved mountain road in the country.

Popular with cyclists and sports car enthusiasts alike, this memorable toll route climbs up to an almighty 8215 feet (2504m) above sea level in a mere 30 miles (48km), with no fewer than 36 hairpin bends along the way. It runs from Fusch-Furleiten in Salzburg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, taking you into the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park in the process.

Once again, this European road trip isn’t available all year round. It’s usually open from the start of May until the end of October, although inclement weather conditions can restrict access to the road at any time of year.

As you can tell, thanks to its countless scenic roads and awe-inspiring landscapes, this diverse continent across the pond is a haven for anyone with a penchant for road trips. In fact, there are so many routes available that picking one can feel impossible!

With any luck, the options in this post will have given you some useful inspiration for which European road trip to do first. From the stunning Swiss Alps to the rugged coastline of Ireland, any of them is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Danny Newman is a digital nomad and freelance writer with a deep passion for travel. He’s also mad about #vanlife and offers fellow enthusiasts wide-ranging advice and inspiration on the topic over at campervantips.com .

10 epic road trips in Europe

If you ask me, one of the best ways to experience Europe is on an epic road trip. There’s something liberating about taking to the open road and discovering new destinations along the way.

Winding through stunning landscapes, quaint villages and historic sites, the best road trips in Europe offer heaps of beauty and adventure. 

From the sun-drenched coasts of the south to the rugged fjords of the north, I’ve handpicked each of these road trips for their scenery, activities and diversity.

Here’s my pick of the best road trips in Europe.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

This post contains affiliate links.

1. Amalfi Coast in Italy

We’re all familiar with the postcard-perfect scenery of the impossibly pretty Amalfi Coast.

One of the best ways to experience it is on a road trip, where you can soak up breathtaking views of the coastline along the way. 

The 50 km stretch of winding road is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s not hard to see why! 

This road has panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea on one side, and picturesque little villages on the other. A series of cliffs adds to the uniqueness of this beautiful spot. 

One of the highlights of the trip is braving the narrow winding roads from Nocelle, then rounding a bend, and getting the first glimpse of Positano .

Pastel-coloured buildings cascade down the hillside in an amazing way unique to this part of the world. 

If you have time, make a stop at the town of Amalfi, one of the most beautiful Italian coastal towns . The small town is bursting with history and interesting architecture. 

The Arab-Norman Cathedral with its Byzantine, striped facade is a testament to the colourful cultural heritage of the area.

Amalfi is also known for its limoncello, so make sure to sample some of that – just don’t get behind the wheel until the effects have worn off!

2. Ring Road in Iceland

The Ring Road of Iceland, or Road 1, is one of the longest on this list, as it’s a 1,332 km drive, showcasing the country’s fascinating landscapes.

This road trip is a geologist’s dream, with unbelievable views of active volcanoes, immense glaciers, and everything in between fire and ice. 

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is unmissable, with its huge icebergs that calve from a glacier, and then drift serenely across the lagoon. 

At the nearby Diamond Beach , little chunks of ice wash up on the dark sand, creating a sparkling carpet that shimmers magically in the dusk.

The magic doesn’t end there, as the Northern Lights are a sight to behold. 

It’s worth noting here that the best time to watch these dancing celestial lights is during the months from September to March.

That’s when the Aurora Borealis really comes to life with its green and purple hues. You can park your car at any spot in the road, turn the headlights off, and enjoy the light show!

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland , have a read of my guides before you go:

• 15 luxury hotels in Iceland
• Ultimate guide to visiting the Golden Circle
• Everything you need to know about the Blue Lagoon
• Visiting Iceland in November: what to know
• 7 incredible Michelin restaurants in Iceland

3. North Coast 500 in Scotland

The North Coast 500, or the NC500, also known as Scotland’s Route 66, is an 830 km drive that starts and ends at Inverness Castle.

It’s a perfectly circular route that became open to the public in 2015. The rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands is unparalleled, and this is a great way to explore it. 

This road also takes you through historic castles and stunning coastal scenery.

One of my favourite stops along the road is Dunrobin Castle , which is one of Scotland’s grand houses.

Its fairytale spires, manicured gardens, and wild landscapes surrounding it are simply picture-perfect. 

The NC500 , by design, twists and turns through sparsely populated areas like Sutherland and Caithness.

The long drive with only heather-covered hills, and grazing cattle in sight, is a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature. 

If you’re planning a trip, have a read of my Scotland guides before you go:

• 10 epic castles in Scotland
• 10 gorgeous boutique hotels in Scotland
• 10 charming seaside towns in Scotland

4. Romantic Road in Germany

Germany’s Romantic Road is a 350 km drive through the heart of Bavaria.

The Romantic Straße, as the Germans call it, takes you back in time where there are castles, medieval walled towns, and half-timbered houses. It’s a real-life fairytale! 

For me, the highlight of this trip is the spectacular Neuschwanstein Castle . This 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace stands regally on top of a rugged hill.

Some say that it inspired Walt Disney’s Princess animations, and in particular, the castle in Sleeping Beauty. 

Another surreal stop along this road is the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber . Its cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval architecture will transport you back in time!

I was lucky to be there around Christmas, when the whole town transformed into a winter wonderland. 

Discover more ideas for your Europe bucket list .

5. Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland

Imagine standing atop a 214 m high cliff, and watching the Atlantic waves crashing against massive rocks below.

This unforgettable view is at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare , and it’s one of many that you too can see along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. 

The 2,500 km drive runs mostly along the country’s western seaboard. As you advance through this road trip, you’ll savour Ireland at its best: rich culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. 

If you love visiting castles, I’d recommend a stop at Kylemore Abbey , which is a beautiful Victorian neo-Gothic castle standing in the middle of Connemara’s wild landscape. 

The coastal villages are also amazing, and I’d suggest visiting Dingle in County Kerry. It’s a particularly delightful destination with jolly colourful houses and friendly pubs.

Plus, if you look carefully at the coast, you might spot the famous resident dolphin, Fungie.

6. Basque Circuit in Spain and France

The Basque Circuit straddles the northern parts of Spain and southwestern France. 

It’s an out-of-this-world drive through verdant mountainous regions, charming coastal towns , and vibrant cities.

The 482-km drive starts at Bilbao, Spain and ends at Biarritz, France.

Don’t miss the chance to explore San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) . This elegant city has incredibly beautiful beaches; as for the afternoons, you should definitely sample its world-class cuisine. 

If you like architecture, then you’ll find a treasure in Espelette’s white-washed houses, and as you cross into France, you’ll be dazzled by the beauty of Biarritz. 

This French seaside town was the preferred destination for European aristocrats, and its Belle Époque architecture reflects that so well! 

7. Dalmatian Coast in Croatia

To fully explore the Dalmatian Coast, you’ll need to free up 7-10 days. There’s so much to explore, and every spot is worth seeing. 

The road winds through medieval towns, Roman ruins, oyster farms, family-run wineries, and some of the clearest waters in the whole world. 

One of my favourite places is the old town of Split . At its core, there’s a palace that was built in the 4th century AD.

The UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace is a filmmaking site, with TV shows like Game of Thrones taking advantage of its ancient walls and narrow streets.  

Croatia’s roads and beaches are busiest from June to August when tourists enjoy luxury hotels and turquoise bays.

The ‘shoulder months’ from September to early May are the best times for taking the Dalmatian road trip.

8. The Great Dolomites Road in Italy

The Great Dolomites Road, or as the Italians call it, the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, is a 110 km road trip through the heart of the Alps.

I love the mountains, so this is one of my favourite road trips in Europe for its dramatic mountain scenery. 

A breathtaking moment during the Dolomites road trip comes when you reach the Pordoi Pass. You’ll stand at an elevation of 2,239 m, watching the surrounding peaks.

If you’d like to see more stunning vistas, you can take the cable car to the Sass Pordoi plateau, also known as the “Terrace of the Dolomites”. 

I’d recommend making a stop at Cortina d’Ampezzo, which will be hosting the next Winter Olympics in 2026.

It’s a quaint but glamorous village, and one of the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe . While in the summer, you’ll find plenty of hiking opportunities .

The food there is a fusion of Italian and Austrian tastes. Make sure you try canederli, which are bread dumplings served in broth; it’s simple and absolutely delicious! 

9. Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania

The Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania isn’t too long, as it’s a 90 km drive, but it’s most certainly an unforgettable experience!

The road twists, winds, and wades into the Carpathian Mountains, sometimes making steep descents and hairpin turns. But these heart-stopping moments are totally worth it! 

This highway was built in the 1970s, initially intended as a strategic military route.

At its highest point, it has an altitude of 2,042 m, and that’s where you’ll get the best views of the valley below.

A little heads-up for those who get car sick like me: the road zigzags sharply as it ascends the mountainside. 

If you like photography, then you shouldn’t miss the Bâlea Lake, which is a fascinating glacier lake near the road’s highest point.

The crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding peaks on its mirror-like surface in a picture-perfect scene you can only find in Romania. 

Discover more of the most beautiful lakes in Europe .

10. The Fjords in Norway

Taking a road trip through Norway’s fjords is like watching extraordinary landscapes in an art gallery, except that all this beauty is real.

As you drive from Bergen to Geiranger, you’ll come across snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls, and deep blue fjords. 

The Geirangerfjord is one of the most visited locations in Norway. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best places to experience the country’s unique nature.

The Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba is Europe’s highest fjord viewpoint. From there, even the cruise ships appear tiny and inconsequential beside the massive towering cliffs.

Have you done any of these road trips in Europe? Let me know your favourites in the comments below!

If you’re planning a European getaway, you may also like: 

• 10 underrated European cities to visit
• 12 amazing hidden gems in Europe
• 10 European destinations that are hot in October

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What to Pack for a Trip to Ireland, According to Locals

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Putting together an Ireland packing list means preparing for the unpredictable. “The old cliché of four seasons in one day in Ireland is true,” says Cathrine Burke, co-owner of the modern luxury boutique hotel Breac House in Dunfanaghy. Navigating this beautiful yet capricious weather requires a thoughtful approach. So I sought out professional packing tips from experts like Burke, and Sara Banks—founder of Dublin-based SteamLine Luggage and 20-year Ireland resident. (Her collection of vintage-inspired luggage and bags would look right at home inside Irish castles and historic boutique hotels .)

So what are Ireland packing list essentials? Given Ireland’s diverse climate, you'll want to pack practical pieces that can stand up to chilly and damp conditions. But don’t forget to think of style; look to the season for inspiration. “Clothing very much reflects the colors and textures of the landscape coupled with the need to be practical for outdoor activities and the lifestyle of a coastal community,” says Burke. And Banks reminds us to not overpack: “Bring less, because you'll want to pick up stuff when you're there.” These expert tips, coupled with staple items to round out a versatile wardrobe , will prepare you to stay comfortable in whatever season the Emerald Isle throws your way.

Ireland packing list essentials:

Waterproof outerwear.

• A trench coat

Clothing staples

Layering pieces, comfortable walking shoes, leggings and cropped pants, travel accessories and gear.

Travel light to navigate Ireland’s cobbled streets or Dublin city transit with agility. Opt for a standard carry-on , and keep contents organized with packing cubes to minimize suitcase chaos and account for extra room for items you may purchase. Ireland is a treasure trove of excellent artisan goods, like Irish linen and wool, so consider bringing a foldable duffel bag in your carry-on to fill with extra souvenirs and check on your way home. Burke recommends Dublin boutiques: “ Stable of Ireland for apparel and the Irish Design Shop for a beautifully curated selection of Irish gifts.”

When venturing out for the day, “bring a bag for a water bottle , a rain jacket, and an extra layer,” says Banks, “but leave the umbrella at home—nobody uses umbrellas.” A good day bag should be large enough to have room for a few purchases, and include zippers for keeping your wallet close to you and secure. A water-repellent exterior is an added bonus, and slings keep you hands-free. If you need to hold more, a tote bag is roomy enough to carry extra essentials you might need if you’re traveling with kids.

Ireland's weather is notoriously unpredictable. “The weather is mild and is constantly changing which means even if it's raining, it's not for very long,” Burke says. So pack a waterproof jacket or raincoat , ideally one that folds up into its own pouch so you don’t have to hold the wet item on your arm or wrap it around your waist when not in use. Banks loves the Rains brand, which combines Swedish functional design with contemporary style. “I bought one and it's changed my life because it's so cute and stylish.”

Trench coat

A water-repellent trench coat never goes out of style, and will look right at home on urban travels through Dublin or Galway. “Trench coats always have a nice moment,” says Banks. The longer length protects your entire look from getting damp and can work as an evening layer for a nice dinner much better than a rain jacket. Trench coats are the ultimate shoulder-season outerwear item because of their versatility, and ideal for temperature changes between southern and Northern Ireland.

If you’re traveling during Ireland’s peak visitation months—the spring, summer, or even into fall— “you will experience all seasons in one day,” says Banks. Start your outfit with a lightweight tee, then layer on a button-down long-sleeve. Finish with a wool cardigan if the temperature requires, then add a raincoat or trench coat. This sequence will keep you warm and dry traveling through windy coastal towns, and allow you to shed the layers when you head inside to a cozy pub.

If you’re going to spend time being active outdoors, you’ll want to be able to regulate your temperature with items you can easily take on or off. A vest allows for better temperature regulation than donning a sleeved sweater. Cardigans, shirt-jackets, or overshirts with a bit of extra room for movement are invaluable as a layering item. Ireland is famous for the wool Aran jumper (to Americans—Aran sweater). “Wool itself is water-repellent,” Banks says, “that's where the Aran jumper came from. They were knit for seamen by their wives.” Despite its water-resistant properties, wool can be itchy, so wearing a long-sleeve shirt or T-shirt underneath is the key to staying comfortable in wool. Burke recommends picking up locally-made wool knitwear from Donegal’s Moss & Cable .

“People love to walk [in Ireland],” says Banks. “My in-laws can easily get 20,000 steps in a day.” To live as the locals do, you'll want sturdy, waterproof shoes. Banks called out the Nike Gore-Tex trail shoes and Tretorn sneakers for their comfort, support, and durability on various terrains. For evenings out, comfortable yet stylish sneakers or flats are ideal. “You can leave the heels at home,” Banks says. Ireland has uneven terrain, from cobblestone streets to rugged hiking trails, that are often wet with rain or mud. Stick with a versatile pair of comfortable, waterproof walking shoes instead.

When it comes to navigating Ireland’s puddles, bogs, and muddy conditions, wellies are a staple . “You will see a lot of welly-ware,” says Banks. For added comfort, she recommends fur-lined, lower-cut wellies from Tretorn. “They're just the low ones that I can wear whenever it's raining out.” Especially if you're planning to pack them, look for shorter ankle-high wellies with added support.

“You know, athletic leisure is really big now in Ireland, too,” says Banks. The comfortable and functional aspect of leggings will be useful in Ireland where your day could have you on active adventures like hiking, walking, cycling, golfing, or horse riding. But even if you’re not moving a lot, leggings paired with an oversized Aran sweater and some simple sneakers make a great day outfit for urban exploring. “Jeans are super acceptable and seen everywhere,” says Banks. Go for a crop style, or cuff your jeans, so your pant hem doesn’t get soggy.

Equip your day bag with a few staples for urban and rural exploring and you’ll be ready for anything. Burke says, “I strongly recommend the McKenna Guide,” for an insider’s guide to seeing the best of Ireland. She also recommends leaving your phone in your bag and going old school, suggesting “a street map [for Dublin], it's really key to understand the different quarters that are driven by the different historical periods in the city.”

To protect your tech without worrying about the weather, a waterproof phone case or water-repellent screen protector goes a long way. Tuck in a dry pair of socks in your bag if you’re trekking outdoors all day.

Personalized audio tours are abundant, even in smaller towns and museums, which Burke suggests packing audio jack headphones for. And as much as Ireland gets a rainy reputation, “you would be surprised how many people think that rain means no sun,” she says, so pack sunscreen . You might like to throw in binoculars for wildlife spotting and a notebook for jotting down your observations, too.

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26 Scenic Filming Locations for Your Ultimate Movie and TV Show Road Trip 

28th August 2024 Laura Hammond -->

Quirky Routes – The Best TV and Movie Filming Locations for a Star-Studded Road Trip 

Step into fantasy and away from your everyday life with this guide to the filming locations of your favourite TV shows and Movies. The UK is home to some of the most beautiful filming locations in the world, from stunning beaches to stately homes, rugged wilderness and quaint villages. There’s no shortage of filming destinations right on your doorstep. 

With this location guide you can embark on the ultimate film and TV location road trip across the UK. Experience first-hand the iconic landscapes and historic sites that have set the stage for some of your favourite shows and films. From the awe-inspiring Scottish Highlands, seen in Outlander , to the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds, home to Downton Abbey , this guide will take you on a journey through the real-life settings that have brought your favourite stories to life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for an unforgettable adventure, this road trip promises to immerse you in the magic of the UK’s most cinematic locations.

How to Use Quirky Camper’s Movie and TV Location Guide

Here at Quirky Campers – road trips are our speciality. We’ve been in the campervan business for over 10 years and have been on more than our fair share of road trips. We know just what you need when it comes to road trip success! From hidden locations to perfect park-ups and most importantly, the ideal campervan companion. To use this guide simply:

• Choose your location – We have film and TV show locations in Devon & Cornwall, North and South England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales for you to choose from.
• Pick your scenic park up – Choose from a selection of campsites or check out our guide on finding a park-up in the wild! 
• Choose your campervan! – No trip is complete without a campervan companion so take a peek at our selection and get booking. 

Why Choose a Campervan Road-trip? 

We may be biased but we believe no road trip is complete without a campervan by your side. Not only do they offer the freedom to travel where and when you like without having to return to a hotel or BnB at the end of the day, but they can also take you off the beaten track to experience a whole new world of exciting sights. Our unique range of hand-crafted campervans are available for hire from across the country – so no matter where you’re starting your journey or where you’re heading, we’ve got the perfect campervan for you. 

Film and TV Location Filming Guide 

All the hot spots from the tip of Cornwall to the Northern mountains of Scotland and everything in between. We’ve researched all the best and most interesting filming locations that have been featured in your favourite TV shows and films from Batman to Bridgerton.

Filming Locations – South England 

Highclere Castle, Hampshire, England 

Filmed at highclere castle – downton abbey .

Highclere Castle’s grandeur has attracted visitors from near and far for years. As the iconic filming location for Downton Abbey , its fame has skyrocketed, becoming the celebrated home of the beloved TV series. A visit to Highclere Castle is a must for fans of the show and anyone who appreciates stately castles and stunning grounds. Nestled within Arcadian parkland, you can stroll for miles and feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Castle Coombe – Wiltshire, England 

Filmed at castle coombe – stardust, the wolf man, war horse.

Castle Combe is one of the many charming, picture-perfect villages in the Cotswolds, is renowned for its historic atmosphere, cosy cobbled streets, rustic charm, and old-world allure. Frequently featured in films and TV shows, it offers a glimpse into quintessential Britain. Immerse yourself in the magic as you wander the streets, soak in the views, and indulge in the delicious cakes and coffees served at the local cafés.

Hatfield House – Hertfordshire, England

Filmed at hatfield house – bridgerton, enola holmes, batman, charlie and the chocolate factory, the crown .

This magnificent stately home is steeped in rich history, with its striking design making it a sought-after filming location for numerous TV shows and movies. Notable filming here includes the Netflix films Enola Holmes, The Crown, the Bridgerton TV series, and the 2005 adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Ashridge Estate – Hertfordshire, England 

Filmed at ashridge estate – maleficent .

The majestic house and picturesque grounds of Ashridge Estate served as the enchanting backdrop for Disney’s epic remake of Sleeping Beauty—Maleficent (2014), starring Angelina Jolie. It’s clear why this location was chosen, with its ornate gardens, stunning architecture, and lush surroundings creating the ideal fairy-tale castle setting.

Castle Howard – Painshill Park, Surrey, England

Filmed at castle howard – bridgerton .

Netflix’s Bridgerton has captivated audiences in the last few years, and with its filming locations scattered across the UK there’s plenty of ways to get immersed in your favourite steamy period drama! From London’s bustling streets to the opulent estates these settings bring the show to life. Among the most impressive is Castle Howard in Surrey, featured in Season One as the Duke of Hastings’ country home. This luxurious estate boasts sprawling gardens perfect for promenading, lush green fields ideal for picnics, and a wealth of rich history to explore.

Shere – Surrey, England 

Filmed in shere – the holilday, bridget jones’ diary, the wedding date.

Shere’s claim to fame lies in its romantic appeal—often named one of the most romantic villages in the UK. It’s a favourite setting for UK rom-coms, including The Holiday and Bridget Jones’s Diary . This quintessential British village oozes cosy charm, with its rustic church, thatched roofs, quaint cobbled streets, and charming red-brick homes that have captured hearts on the big screen.

Puzzlewood – Gloucestershire, England 

Filmed in puzzlewood – harry potter, star wars, the secret garden .

The mystery and magic of Puzzlewood has long captivated visitors, and its allure has only grown with its appearance in iconic films like Harry Potter and Star Wars . This enchanting, otherworldly forest is sure to bewitch anyone who steps into its magical depths.

Wells – Somerset, England 

Filmed in wells – hot fuzz.

Wells is the quintessential small-town UK, and gained fame as the filming location for Hot Fuzz , which showcased the town and its stunning cathedral with tongue in cheek humor. In real life Wells is a charming red-brick town with old English appeal, with its stone-walled homes, cobbled streets, Gothic cathedral, and picturesque countryside backdrop.

Herne Bay – Kent 

Filmed in herne bay – heartstopper .

The classic British seaside town of Herne Bay was the filming location for the beach scenes in the Netflix TV Show Heartstopper. Complete with a kaleidoscope of colourful beach huts, a shingle beach, a traditional pier with a carnival and even a carousel – it’s the ultimate British seaside town!

Filming Locations – North England 

Alnwick Castle – Northumberland, England

Filmed in alnwick castle –  harry potter, downton abbey, robin hood.

Easily recognisable from its imposing towers and turrets, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland has been featured in many movies and TV shows from Harry Potter and Robin Hood to Downton Abbey. The impressive castle sits atop a mound and looks out over the stunning views of Northumberland. 

Lyme Park – Cheshire, England 

Filmed at lyme park – pride and prejudice .

Set in the stunning Peak District, Lyme Park, alongside Chatsworth House is one of many grand homes in the area used for the filming of TV and film adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels. The beautiful scenery, lush green surrounds and idyllic lake setting are unspoilt and beautiful to visit. 

Haworth – Yorkshire, England 

Filmed at haworth – the railway children, the railway children return, to walk invisible .

Haworth’s rich literary heritage, tied to the Brontë sisters, has long made it a must-visit destination. However, it also gained fame as the filming location for both film adaptations of Edith Nesbit’s The Railway Children . The idyllic scenery and stunning landscape of Haworth were beautifully captured on screen, perfectly complementing the nostalgic charm of the beloved children’s story.

Filming Locations – Wales 

St Catherine’s Island – Pembrokeshire, Wales 

Filmed on st catherine’s island – sherlock .

St. Catherine’s Island in Pembrokeshire is surrounded by dramatic natural beauty, this small island has become a notable destination thanks to its role as a filming location for Sherlock . The historic fortress was featured in the last season of the TV Show adaptation. The tidal island sits amidst an enchanting landscape with scenic vistas.

Filming Locations – Devon and Cornwall 

Holcombe Beach – Devon, England 

Filmed at holcombe beach  – shakespeare in love .

Holcombe Beach is famous for its breathtaking coastal scenery wind swept golden sand and grass covered dunes, but was also featured as a filming location for the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love . This picturesque beach, has dramatic cliffs and serene sands, Its stunning natural beauty and tranquil setting make it a must-visit spot for fans of the movie or those who love charming quiet beaches.

Botallack Mine – St Just, Cornwall, England 

Filmed at botallack mine – poldark, deep down .

Botallack Mine was a key filming location for the hit TV series Poldark . Featured prominently in the show, this historic mine, perched on the edge of the cliffs, provided the perfect backdrop for the series’ sweeping drama. The striking landscape and worn ruins were the perfect backdrop for the simmering drama. You can still visit today and experience the site for yourself.

Port Isaac – Cornwall, England 

Filmed in port isaac – fisherman’s friends .

The small fishing village of Port Isaac has a picturesque harbour, and was used as the filming location for the musical film, Fisherman’s Friends . This idyllic Cornish village, has quaint cobbled streets and a lively seafront with pubs and cafes. Its traditional charm and Cornish coastal beauty make it a gem to visit.

St Michael’s Mount – Cornwall, England

Filmed at st michael’s mount – house of the dragon .

St Michael’s Mount is a sight of Cornwall not to be missed – the dramatic castle setting on the tidal island was used as a stunning cinematic filming location for the Game of Thrones prequal series, House of the Dragon . Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it provides a breathtaking backdrop. You can visit the island garden and stately house daily to explore the verdant gardens, historic architecture and panoramic sea views.

Kynance Cove – Cornwall, England

Filmed at kynance cove – house of the dragon .

Kynance Cove is a family-favourite beach every summer and was recently used in the HBO series, House of the Dragon . Renowned for its turquoise waters, dramatic rock formations, and pristine sands, this breathtaking cove is easy to imagine as a scene from an epic fantasy world.

Filming Locations – Scotland 

Glen coe and glen etive, scotland, filmed in glen coe – james bond – skyfall .

Glen Coe’s valleys and surrounding mountains create an eerie and mesmerising landscape. Shrouded in mist you can see why it was chosen as a key filming location for Skyfall , the James Bond film. The imposing mountains and mystical atmosphere can be seen in some of the movie’s most memorable scenes.

Glen Nevis – Scotland

Filmed in glen nevis – braveheart .

Glen Nevis in Scotland is famed for its natural beauty- the epic film Braveheart used the Scottish mountains as the backdrop for the film’s historic battles and sweeping vistas. Hiking or driving through the area you’ll easily see why it inspired such dramatic storytelling.

Callanish Standing Stones – Scotland 

Used as the inspiration for – brave.

The Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland inspired the setting for Disney’s animated film Brave . These ancient stones with their ethereal presence, lend a real-world magic to the Scottish Highlands.

Hunterson House – West Kilbridge, Scotland 

Filmed at hunterson house – outlander, vincent van gogh, the 39 steps, malevolent, sherlock holmes .

Hunterston House in Scotland was featured as a filming location in Outlander . This historic mansion’s grand architecture and lush grounds were used as one of the elegant and atmospheric homes for the show’s 18th-century setting. With plenty more filming credits – this location is a must-see for movie buffs.

Doune Castle – Scotland 

Filmed at doune castle – monty python and the holy grail, game of thrones .

Doune Castle in Scotland featured prominently in Monty Python and the Holy Grail as the iconic Castle Anthrax and in Game of Thrones as the backdrop for Winterfell. Its striking medieval architecture and historic charm give visitors a glimpse behind the scenes of both the film and series, making it a must-see for fans of both the comedy classic and the fantasy epic.

Filming Locations – Northern Ireland

The Dark Hedges – Northern Ireland

Filmed at the dark hedges – game of thrones .

The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland is a hauntingly beautiful tree-lined avenue, which have been pictured in many movies and TV shows, most memorably in Game of Thrones . Known for its striking appearance and ghostly appeal, this picturesque corridor of beech trees is a captivating location to visit.

Londonderry (Derry) – Londonderry, Northern Ireland 

Filmed in londonderry – derry girls .

Londonderry, also known as Derry in Northern Ireland, is the vibrant setting for the hit TV series Derry Girls . The city’s historic streets and distinctive landmarks bring the show’s 1990s backdrop to life, capturing the unique character and charm of the area. A visit to Londonderry offers fans a chance to explore the real-world locations that inspired the beloved series and experience the city’s lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Inch Abbey – Northern Ireland 

Filmed in inch abbey – game of thrones .

Inch Abbey is a ruined medieval Abbey located south of Belfast. The haunting site was used as a dramatic filming location for the Riverlands in Game of Thrones , for scenes depicting Robb Stark’s army waiting at the Trident. You too can wander in and out of the ancient stone structures and scenic surroundings that are steeped in history and TV glamour.

Choose your Park Up – Best Scenic Campsites 

Now you’ve chosen your film sites – it’s time to choose your campsite! The beauty of a campervan is in the freedom of movement it provides, we recommend these stunning scenic campsites to complete your movie tour with a spectacular backdrop of your own. If you need more inspiration you can check out our campsite directory , or our guide on how to find great park ups. 

Invercaimbe Caravan Site – Scotland 

A small but charming family-run campsite with jaw-dropping views across the Small Isles and Skies. With space for campervans and plenty of great amenities. 

Address – Invercaimbe Caravan Site, Arisaig, Inverness-shire, PH39 4NT

Perran Sands Holiday Park – Cornwall 

A great spot for families this holiday park is right on the edge of Perranporth Beach with panoramic views across the golden sand. There’s tons on from surfing to swimming for all the family. Campervans of all sizes welcome and plentiful amenities for all. 

Address – Perran Sands Holiday Park, Perranporth, Cornwall, TR6 0AQ

Celtic Camping – Pembrokeshire, Wales 

With stunning views across the Irish Sea there’s no better spoilt for camping in Wales. This laid-back site has basic facilities and open space to park up in. It’s a great spot for relaxing and enjoying the panorama. 

Address – Pwll Caerog Farm, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6DG

Kielder Camping and Caravan Site – Northumberland, England 

Set against the backdrop of Kielder Forest this campsite’s dramatic location will take your breath away. You can relax and enjoy the local nature, or make use of the expansive onsite facilities. 

Address – Kielder Village Campsite, Kielder, Northumberland, NE48 1EJ

Best Campervans for a Filming Location Road Trip 

We have a wide range of over 200 unique campervans for hire with every modern convenience, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing. We’ve narrowed it down for this guide to the best campervan for hire with TVs or projector screens – so you can recreate your favourite movie or TV scenes right on location – then get back to your campervan and watch it all over again! 

Inigo – Available to Hire from Warrington 

Ready for you to pick up in Warrington, between Liverpool and Manchester, epic road trips are just a short drive away. Why not lose yourself in the vast expanse of the Yorkshire Dales? Or take in the serene beauty of the Lake District? Whatever adventure you choose, Inigo is the perfect home to come back to after a long day of exploring.

Cornish Shores – Available to Hire from Truro

Cornish Shores is the perfect campervan for escaping modern life and exploring the rugged beaches and wild moors of Cornwall and Devon. This fully equipped campervan comes with everything you could need on your adventures. From an enviable kitchen with fridge, freezer, double hob and even a coffee maker, to a portable toilet, awning and impressive off-grid capabilities. If you’re stopping off at some of the stunning campsites in Cornwall, Cornish Shores has an electric hook-up, so you’ll never be short on power.

Pearl – Available to Hire from Crick 

True to her name, Pearl is a campervan of rare beauty. The stunning Skandi style, open and airy design and plentiful storage space make this campervan the perfect travel companion for whole families of campervan lovers hitting the road. Pearl boasts not one but two double beds, so there’s no shortage on sleeping space, and the panorama windows let in abundant light and give a spectacular view wherever you go.

Freyja – Available to Hire from Tasburgh

This home from home campervan is a cosy nook ready for you to take on your next big adventure. Hitting up the Norfolk Broads? Or setting off on a grand adventure into Europe? Then Freyja is the campervan for you. Fully equipped with an indoor toilet and hot water shower, you can be sure of keeping all your modern conveniences while experiencing the outdoor adventure of a lifetime.

Are you ready to make your movie dreams come true? Dive into a world of adventure today and book a campervan for a real-life escape! 

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