ireland travel itinerary 14 days

14-Day Complete Ireland Itinerary – Created By Irish People That Know!

• April 1, 2024
• Europe , Ireland

Are you planning an Ireland road trip but unsure what to visit, for how long, and where to stay?

With so many great attractions to visit in Ireland, it is impossible to visit them all in two weeks.

However, we have taken all the major attractions and cities you must visit in Ireland and packed it all in a 14-day ultimate Ireland Itinerary .

For a less detailed but summarized version of this article – please click here .

In this itinerary, you will be completing a full lap of Ireland, including Northern Ireland, with Shannon Airport serving as the starting and finish point for your journey.

Along the way, you will visit all of the famous Ireland attractions such as the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the mysterious Giants Causeway , ancient megalithic sites such as Newgrange , drive the famous Ring of Kerry , and much much more!

Table of Contents

A Perfect Ireland Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

If you choose to fly into Dublin Airpor t or Cork Airport , you can simply pick up the itinerary from your arrival destination.

We highly recommend that your flight arrives in the morning, allowing you to get the most out of your first day in Ireland.

Additionally, We will have to warn you that this Ireland itinerary will be busy and requires early starts most days to allow you to get to the next attraction with plenty of time to explore.

We’ll provide detailed driving times and distances to give you a heads-up on what to expect each day of the trip.

Lastly, it’s essential to note that this is a self-driving tour , requiring either your own vehicle or a rented car for the duration of your stay in Ireland.

To fully explore Ireland, we highly recommend renting a car. Having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility and freedom to travel at your own pace and make spontaneous stops whenever you wish.

Please support Happy Irish Wanderers and help us grow by using the provided links. This will earn us a small commission, but won’t cost you anything extra!

14-Day Ultimate Ireland Road Trip

This ultimate Ireland road trip has it all, just wait until you see how much we have packed into this itinerary.

We are very confident that you will tick off loads on your Ireland bucket list !

Let’s find out what a complete circuit around Ireland over 14 days entails.

Ireland Itinerary in Detail

Now that we have an outline of the Ireland itinerary, let’s delve into the specifics of each day, including driving times/distances, and places to stay to ensure a well-planned and enjoyable journey.

Day 1 : Arrive at Shannon Airport

Arrive at Shannon Airport , welcome to Ireland!

Before starting your Ireland road trip, your first task will be to pick up your rental car at the airport.

This will be followed by a scenic 1-hour drive covering 66 kilometers (41 miles) to reach your first stop – The majestic Cliffs of Moher .

Next on your Ireland itinerary is the remarkable lunar-like terrain known as The Burren .

This unique landscape offers rugged beauty and unique geological formations, making it a must-see destination.

Highlights in the Burren are: The Poulnabrone Dolmen , Aillwee Cave

Accommodation

Spend the night in Doolin , offering a perfect stopover location to both rest and start afresh the following day.

Travel summary for Day 1:

• Arrive at Shannon Airport , and pick up a rental car.
• Drive 1 hour to the Cliffs of Moher .
• Explore the Burren .
• Stay overnight in Doolin .

Day 2: Lahinch to Galway

The drive from Lahinch to Galway is 75 kilometers (46 miles) and will take one hour and thirty minutes.

Along the way, you will have photo opportunities at the picturesque town of Kinvara and the Dunguaire Castle ruins .

Continue your Ireland road trip to Galway with one more at Irelands’s highest round tower at Kilmacduagh Monastery.

Once you arrive in Galway you will have plenty of time to explore one of our favourite towns in Ireland.

Explore the cobblestone streets and visit sites such as Eyre Square , Galway Cathedral , Spanish Arch , and the lively pubs and restaurants on Quay Street .

We suggest The Galmont Hotel & Spa in Galway for your overnight stay due to its excellent location, complimentary breakfast, and access to a swimming pool.

Travel summary for Day 2:

• Drive one hour and thirty minutes to Galway.
• Stop-offs include Kinvara , Dunguaire Castle ruins , and Kilmacduagh Monastery .
• Spend the day exploring Galway City .
• Stay overnight in Galway .

Day 3: Galway to Sligo

Driving from Galway to Sligo covers a distance of 138 kilometers (85 miles) and typically takes around 2 hours, with only one attraction along the way – The Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery .

Next on the Ireland Itinerary is Sligo Town. You can check in to your hotel but don’t make it too long as we are about to start the real activity of the day.

Only a short 15-minute drive from Sligo Town lies the gigantic Ben Bulben , once home to ancient Celtic warriors.

Continue your scenic road trip to Gleniff Horseshoe for some of the best views of beautiful rugged mountains and Irish landscapes.

Other highlights in the Ben Bulben area are: Devils Chimney , Glencar Waterfall , Rosses Point , and Mullaghmore

After your scenic drive, return to Sligo town and visit Sligo Abbey .

We highly recommend the Clayton Hotel & Leisure Club Sligo for your overnight stay, where breakfast is included and you can enjoy access to a swimming pool

Travel summary for Day 3:

• Drive two hours to Sligo town .
• Visit Ben Bulben and Gleniff Horseshoe .
• Explore and stay overnight in Sligo Town .

Day 4: Sligo to Derry

Day 4 of your Ireland road trip starts with an optional stop at The Slieve League Cliffs .

Standing over 600 meters high, the Slieve League Cliffs are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, surpassing even the famous Cliffs of Moher in height.

Keep in mind that driving directly from Sligo to Derry will only take 2 hours to drive 140 kilometers (87 miles).

Including Slieve League in your Ireland itinerary will lengthen your drive by an additional 75 kilometers, resulting in a total journey time of 4 hours, two hours longer than the direct route.

In our opinion, so worth it!

As you approach Derry , your journey will take you across the border into Northern Ireland, where signposts will commonly refer to the city as Londonderry .

Take a photo of the iconic Free Derry Corner (there are many more murals in the area), take a walk along the historic City Walls , learn why Derry is referred to as Londonderry in The Siege Museum , and visit the famous Guildhall Building .

For your overnight in Derry, we choose The Lawrence , for its superb location, complimentary parking, and inclusive breakfast.

Travel summary for Day 4:

• Optional visit to Slieve League Cliffs (This will add an extra 2 hours to your drive, but worth it!)
• Drive to Derry .
• Explore Derry’s murals and historic sites .
• Stay overnight.

Day 5: Derry to Belfast

Start your day bright and early for today’s activity on our Ireland road Trip.

Day 5 will take us from Derry to Belfast via the world-renowned Causeway Coastal Route .

Follow our recommended route designed to include all must-see attractions along the way.

This scenic drive will span 210 kilometers (130 miles) and require approximately 4 hours of driving time alone. Hence the early start to include all sights.

Starting in Derry: Mussenden Temple , Dunluce Castle, (there will be no time to visit Bushmills Distillery), The Giants Causeway , Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge , The Dark Hedges , The Black Arch and Chaine Memorial Tower in Larne, Carrick Fergus Castle , and rest up in Belfast for the night.

Stay in The Hilton in Belfast for two nights. Located in a perfect area a short walk from the city center and the Titanic Museum, and it offers parking facilities and complimentary breakfast.

Travel summary for Day 5:

• Drive to Belfast via our Giant’s Causeway Itinerary .
• Stay in Belfast for two nights.

Day 6: Belfast

Begin day 6 of your Ireland itinerary with a guided black taxi mural tour in Belfast, exploring the city’s political tensions.

These are great tours that tours delve into the Troubles, a period of conflict marked by political and sectarian violence from the late 1960s to 1998.

You’ll visit sites such as the Belfast Peace Walls and murals depicting political themes, and areas tied to significant Troubles events.

Whilst in the area we would recommend visiting the The Irish Republican History Museum .

The museum was created by Eileen Hickey, a former political prisoner and IRA commander. There is an array of unbelievable exhibits displayed including a prison cell, all sorts of items made by prisoners, and a very interesting library.

Entry is by donation, and opening hours are from 10.00 – 14.00.

With lots of time in the afternoon, you’ll visit the Titanic Museum at your leisure.

Allow yourself at least 2 hours as it offers lots of fantastic exhibits and experiences.

Other highlights in Belfast are St Georges Market , Belfast City Hall , and the Botanic Gardens .

Travel summary for Day 6:

• Take a Black Taxi Mural Tour .
• Visit The Irish Republican History Museum .
• spend your afternoon in the Titanic Museum .
• Stay overnight in Belfast .

Day 7: Belfast to Dublin

We are back driving again on Day 7 of your Ireland road trip from Belfast to Dublin, reentering the Republic of Ireland with stops at Newgrange , Hill of Tara , and Trim Castle .

Altogether the drive, including stops, covers 215 kilometers (135 miles) and takes around 3 hours of driving time.

Also known as  Brú na Bóinne , Newgrange is one of two UNESCO sites in Ireland.

It is believed that Newgrange was constructed over 3200 years ago making it older than the  Great Pyramids of Egypt   and the most famous megalithic site –  Stonehenge .

But what Newgrange is most famous for is its alignment with the winter solstice, a celestial event that occurs around December 21st every year when a beam of sunlight aligns with the passage tomb’s entrance and illuminates the inner chamber.

Booking tickets before your visit to Newgrange is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as tickets are often booked months in advance due to the high demand .

The Hill of Tara

The drive from Newgrange to the Hill of Tara will take 30 minutes by car.

According to Irish mythology, Tara was considered the most important political and ceremonial site in ancient pagan Ireland. So nothing to do with a girl’s name!

It served as the symbolic and spiritual center of the country, where High Kings were inaugurated, laws were enacted, and important religious ceremonies took place.

Visitors can explore the Hill of Tara and its surrounding ancient monuments without any charge.

Trim Castle

From the Hill of Tara to the town is another short drive of only 20 minutes.

Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and was featured in the Braveheart movie. Entree is 5 euro per person and the hoping hours are from 09.30 – 16.30.

The journey from Trim Castle to Dublin typically takes less than one hour, where you’ll be staying overnight.

Travel summary for Day 7:

• Drive to Newgrange .
• Explore the Hill of Tara .
• Visit Trim Castle .
• Drive to Dublin and stay for 2 nights.

Day 8: Dublin

Day 8 of the Ireland road trip starts with you waking up in the capital of Ireland – Dublin .

Due to our tight Ireland itinerary, we have limited time in Dublin, so we’ve selected the top two activities for you.

Kilmainham Jail

This renowned prison now turned tourist attraction holds a somber place in Irish history, as it was here that British forces executed the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.

Today, visitors can stand witness to the historic site where these courageous individuals faced firing squads and learn about the inmates unfortunate to have spent time here.

The Guinness Storehouse

Ireland’s number one tourist attraction and a big tick of your Ireland bucket list is the Guinness Storehouse .

Embark on a self-guided tour through seven floors of interactive exhibits, each focusing on a different aspect of Guinness’s history, brewing process, and its importance to Irish culture.

Wrap up the tour sampling delicious pints of Guinness!

Again we would advise you to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

If Kilmainham Gaol or the Guinness Storehouse aren’t appealing to you, you might want to explore other options like visiting Trinity Colleg e and the Book of Kells or exploring one of the free-to-visit National Museums of Ireland.

Don’t forget to take a picture with the iconic statue of Molly Malone .

Travel summary for Day 8:

• Visit Kilmainham Jail .
• Explore the Guinness Storehouse in the afternoon.
• Take a picture with Molly Malone .
• Stay overnight in Dublin .

Day 9: Dublin to Cork

On day 9 of the Ireland itinerary, travelers will begin on a scenic drive from Dublin, passing through the picturesque Wicklow Mountains with planned stops at Glendalough and the Rock of Cashel , before continuing onward to Cork, where we’ll be staying for two nights.

We’ll continue to Fota Island Resort for a two-night stay. Situated in an excellent location, the resort offers easy access to the activities planned for the following.

This is another long day of driving of 4 hours and covering a distance of 310 kilometers (195 Miles).

Wicklow Mountains

Departing from Dublin, our first stop is Lough Tay Viewpoint , (via Sally Gap), a stunning spot overlooking the “Guinness Lake”.

Continuing the drive through the Wicklow Mountains via The Old Military Road , towards Glenmacnass Waterfall .

Our next stop will be at the historic Glendalough Monastery, renowned for its iconic round tower , ancient church, and picturesque surrounding landscape.

All of the morning’s activities are free of charge .

Rock of Cashel

Begin your journey southward towards Cork, making a stop at the renowned Rock of Cashel . This leg of the trip involves a 2-hour drive spanning 160 kilometers (100 miles).

The Rock of Cashel welcomes visitors from 09:00 to 16:45, offering guided tours for an admission fee of 8 euros per person.

Fota Island Resort

From Cashel to Fota Island Resort will take one more hour and is another 100 kilometers (62 miles).

Fota Island Resort is a luxurious destination with upscale accommodation located close to tomorrow’s activities.

Travel summary for Day 9:

• Tour through the Wicklow Mountains via Lough Tay Viewpoint.
• Visit Glendalough .
• Drive to Cork via the Rock of Cashel .
• Stay overnight at Fota Island Resort .

Day 10: Cork

Day 10 of the Ireland road trip starts with a short 10-minute drive to the picturesque town of Cobh , renowned for its colourfull houses and striking cathedral that dominates the skyline.

In the afternoon you’ll explore the nearby town of Midleton , famous for its Jameson whiskey distillery .

Formerly known as Queenstown, Cobh served as Ireland’s main immigration port. At the Cobh Heritage Center , visitors can learn about the lives of Irish emigrants who sought new lives in North America and beyond.

Cobh was also the last port of call for the Titanic, the Titanic Trail is a guided tour that explains the history between the town and the ill-fated ship.

Middleton Distillery Experience

In the afternoon, you’ll explore the nearby town of Middleton, just a 20-minute drive from Cobh.

The highlight of the visit is the Middleton Distillery Experience , where you’ll learn the history and craftsmanship behind one of the world’s most celebrated whiskeys, complete with a tasting session at the end of course!

If touring a distillery isn’t your preference, you can explore Cork City Centre instead.

Wander through the city’s streets, filled with shops, cafes, pubs, and street art, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Ireland’s second-largest city and according to the locals – Ireland’s real capital!

There is a daily train service that runs from Fota Island to both Cobh and Cork City .

Travel summary for Day 10:

• Visit Cobh in the morning.
• Tour Jameson Distillery Experience in Middleton.
• Alternatively, explore Cork City .
• Another overnight at Fota Island Resort .

Day 11: Cobh to Clonakilty

Day 11 will call for another early start on the road, as today’s itinerary is packed with a lot more must-see attractions to check off the Ireland Bucket list.

The first stop on the itinerary is the charming seaside town of Kinsale and its historic Charles Fort . Following that, we’ll visit Ireland’s best-preserved Stone Circle , before enjoying an entertaining evening in Clonakilty .

Altogether the driving times will be around 2 hours over a distance of 115 kilometers (71 miles)

Our first stop of the day is the historic town of Kinsale , a charming coastal town known for its colorful streets and nearby attractions such as Charles Fort .

This star-shaped fortress, built in the late 17th century, holds great significance in Ireland’s military history.

An alternative option is the Old Head of Kinsale , a breathtaking headland offering spectacular coastal scenery, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Drombeg Stone Circle

Before settling in Clonakilty, we’ll take a short 15-minute drive to a remarkable and freely accessible attraction.

Drombeg Stone Circle is considered one of Ireland’s finest examples of a stone circle, with origins dating back over 3000 years.

For your last evening in County Cork, you’ll be spending the night in Clonakilty.

Clonakilty is another wonderful Irish town renowned for its connection with Michael Collins, the best black pudding in the world, and some of the best pubs with traditional Irish music.

If time permits you can visit historical attractions such as the Michael Collins ambush site at Béal na Bláth (pronounced Bale na Bla), or the Kilmichael Ambush Site that was led by Tom Barry.

Situated just a 5-minute drive outside of Clonakilty, Dunmore House Hotel offers rooms with fantastic sea views, along with complimentary breakfast and parking

Travel summary for Day 11:

• Visit Kinsale , with options to visit Charles Fort or the Old Head of Kinsale .
• Visit Drombeg Stone Circle .
• Explore Clonakilty , and stay overnight.

Day 12: Clonakilty to Killarney

On the twelfth day of our Ireland road trip, we’ll drive the Ring of Kerry starting from Kenmare, with a scenic drive from Clonakilty passing through the towns of Bantry and Glengarriff.

This picturesque route spans just under 100 kilometers (62 miles) and will take approximately one hour and twenty minutes to reach our destination.

The Ring of Kerry

we recommend that you drive the Ring of Kerry in a clockwise direction starting from Kenmare and finishing in Killarney.

From Kenmare, explore the following highlights – Sneem , Derryname Beach , Com an Chise Viewpoint , Kerry Cliffs , Cahergal Stone Fort , Dingle Viewpoint , The Gap of Dunloe , Ladies View , Torc Waterfall , Muckross Abbey (not the house), and lastly Ross Castle .

Altogether the drive will take 3 to 5 hours over a distance of 180 kilometers (112 miles)

The most popular stay in Killarney, known for its affordability, good location, and inclusive breakfast, is without a doubt The Gleneagle Hotel & Apartments .

Travel summary for Day 12:

• Drive the Ring of Kerry .
• Stay overnight in Killarney.

Day 13: Killarney to Dingle

The last day of exploring Ireland brings us to our favorite part of Ireland – The Dingle Peninsula .

From Killarney to Dingle Town will take one hour over a distance of 65 kilometers (40 miles)

Once at Dingle start the Slea Head Drive in a clockwise direction for the best views with highlights on the way such as Ventry , Slea Head, our favorite Dunquin Pier , Coumeenoole Beach , Dunmore Head , and the Gallarus Oratory .

Driving a complete loop of Sleahead will take three to four hours over a short distance of only 50 kilometers (30miles)

As always, we’ve included additional stops for those eager to make the most of their Ireland road trip.

If time permits, take a drive from Dingle through Conor Pass , offering spectacular views along small and winding roads.

Once you reach the town of Camp, head back towards Annascaul and make a stop at the South Pole Inn , a pub that was once owned by Tom Crean, a famous Irish explorer who embarked on missions in the Arctic with Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Dingle at An Capall Dubh B&B , offering a delicious breakfast and an excellent location.

Travel summary for Day 13:

• Drive the Slea Head Drive .
• Explore Conor Pass .
• have a pint in the South Pole Inn .
• Stay overnight in Dingle .

Day 14: Departure

Unfortunately, Day 14 brings an end to our Ireland road trip, as we embark on a 2-hour and 15-minute drive from Dingle to Shannon Airport , completing our full lap of Ireland.

Ideally, you should have booked an afternoon flight allowing you plenty of time to reach the airport and return the rental car.

If driving to Shannon airport isn’t suitable on Day 14, then the itinerary must be extended by adding another day.

In that case, on Day 14, you will travel from Dingle to Limerick City with an overnight stay at Limerick City Hotel , with stop-offs at Adare Village and Bunratty Castle .

The driving time from Limerick to Shannon Airport typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes,

Then on Day 15 , you will conclude your unforgettable Ireland road trip by returning home.

Travel summary for Day 14:

• Drive two hours and 30 minutes to Shannon Airport .
• Alternatively, stay in Limerick City , and depart on the 15th day back home.

Enjoy your journey!

There you have it, an Ireland itinerary that takes you on a complete journey around the country, visiting all the main attractions and cities along the way.

Some final tips for your Ireland Road Trip

• This Ireland Itinerary requires your own car.
• In the summer days will be longer, but also busier due to extended daylight hours.
• Days will be busy with lots to see.
• Try to leave as early as possible every day when driving long distances.
• Check opening hours.

We would love to hear your thoughts and where you went. Please feel free to leave us a message below or contact us through our  socials .

Slán go fóil

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Related posts:

• Famous Ireland Landmarks: 101 of The Greatest Attractions – 1-20
• Ireland Facts – The Most Important Tips For Your First Visit!
• 5 Greatest Towns In County Cork You Must Visit Now!
• Drombeg Stone Circle Everything You Need to Know

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The Best Ireland Itinerary (Irishman’s 2024 Guide)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 15, 2024

We spent 8 months and €15,728 building what is, in my opinion, the best Ireland itinerary library available anywhere.

It became clear long ago that there is no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ Ireland travel itinerary.

For example, some of you will have a car while others will be relying on public transport.

So, we created a library of Ireland itineraries that let you pick a starting point, trip length, method of transport and much  more.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about our Ireland itinerary library

Click to enlarge

WAIT – please take 10 seconds to read the points below before you scroll. It’ll make finding your perfect Ireland trip itinerary easier:

1. You can pick your trip length and starting point

Two of the key elements in any Ireland itinerary are the length and the start point. Our road trip itineraries range from 3 days right the way up to 4 weeks. There are also multiple start points including the main ferry terminals and airports in Ireland .

2. You can pick a mode of transport

You can pick an Ireland trip itinerary based on how you plan on getting around Ireland . We have Ireland itineraries that  only  use public transport for those of you doing Ireland without a car . We also have itineraries for those of you that plan on renting a car in Ireland .

3. You can decide how fast you want to travel

Love to squeeze as much as possible into each day? Our ‘Fast Trips’ are just for you! Prefer to take it easy and avoid moving accommodation too often? You’ll love our ‘Slow Trips’.

4. You can choose a travel itinerary for Ireland to suit your fitness

Travelling with someone that has poor mobility? No problem – we have low fitness Ireland itineraries. Want to tackle some of the different hikes in Ireland? We’ve medium-high fitness itineraries just for you!

5. You’ll find our different itineraries starting from 3 days below

Now it’s time for you to find the best Ireland itinerary for  you . We’re gong to start at the 3 day Ireland itineraries and then work our way up to 21 days. Dive on in!

3 days in Ireland

3 days in Ireland is a fairly small amount of time, so you need to be careful – you can easily fall into the trap of trying to do much.

The result is that your itinerary will be over-packed and you’ll spend most of your time in the car/on public transport.

The best Ireland itinerary for 3 days is one that finds a central base and that sees you explore around you on day trips.

Some people with a small amount of time like this can feel disheartened, but don’t – you can see many of the best things to do in Ireland in 3 days. You just need a logical itinerary.

4 days in Ireland

4 days in Ireland is a decent chunk of time. However, if you have the flexibility to chose when to visit Ireland (many don’t), try and arrive during summer or spring.

These two seasons boast plenty of daylight hours so, although you only have 4 days, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore.

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

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

5 days in Ireland

Click to enlarge map

5 days in Ireland is arguably the perfect amount of time to explore a section of Ireland.

These are our most popular Ireland itineraries and it’s a trip length that many people visiting Ireland choose.

If it was me, I’d try and fly into either Shannon or Dublin. Landing in Shannon places you right on the Wild Atlantic Way with everywhere from the Aran Islands to the Cliffs of Moher close by.

We’ve had our Ireland vacation itinerary guides live on our site for over a year and they’ve racked up some great reviews. Enjoy!

6 days in Ireland

6 days in Ireland is a lovely amount of time to play with and you can easily cover a decent bit of land during this time.

The beauty of 6 days, also, is that if you’re flying a good distance to get to Ireland, you can take some time out to banish the jet lag.

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

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

7 days in Ireland

Our itineraries for spending 7 days in Ireland mark the start of our longer Irish road trips.

Trips of this length are great as they give you a lot of flexibility when it comes to what you can do (even if it’ll see the cost of a trip to Ireland increase steadily).

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

8 days in Ireland

8 days in Ireland provides you with options. You aren’t too hard pressed for time and 8 days ensures you don’t have to rush at any point (unless you want to!).

With 8 days, you can explore several counties in depth or you can go full-steam-ahead and try and squeeze in as much as possible.

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

9 days in Ireland

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

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

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

10 days in Ireland

The second most popular of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides are the ones focused on spending 10 days in Ireland .

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

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

11 days in Ireland

Our itineraries for spending 11 days in Ireland have gone down well since we published them last year.

In particular, the ones that use public transport have received good feedback, especially as planning buses and trains for this number of days was a nightmare .

The best Ireland itinerary for 11 days is up for debate. Personally, I think if you have this amount of time to play with the island is your oyster – you just need to pick a well-thought-out route, which is our Ireland trip itinerary library comes in.

12 days in Ireland

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

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

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

13 days in Ireland

If you have 13 days in Ireland you’ll be the envy of many, and for good reason – you can cover a lot of ground in a 13 day Ireland trip itinerary.

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

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

14 days in Ireland

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

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

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

15 days in Ireland

15 days in Ireland poses a great number of adventure opportunities. If you’re doing Ireland on a budget , you’ll need to be careful about where you pick as your bases.

I’d avoid the various cities in Ireland along with key tourist towns and, if you can, stay slightly off-the-beaten-path.

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

16 days in Ireland

16 days in Ireland is the stuff of road-trip-envy. You’ll have the chance to see a massive amount of Ireland during this time.

As was the case with all of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides, we spent a lot of time planning our 16-day routes.

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

17 days in Ireland

17 days in Ireland is, yep, a good chunk of time. We found these Ireland itineraries tricky to plan out at times, especially the ones that use public transport.

However, we got there in the end and these routes have been read over 70,000 times in recent months.

The best Ireland itinerary for this length of time is one that doesn’t go overboard when it comes to moving hotels and that takes the time to experience each of the areas it uses as a base.

18 days in Ireland

18 days in Ireland is a massive amount of time to work with. However, it’s worth getting a sense of the lay of the land with a trip of this length.

Although you can see plenty on an 18-day Ireland travel itinerary, the aul trap of spreading yourself too thin is an easy one to fall into.

Our 18-day Ireland itineraries took a fair bit of time to map out and I’m confident you’ll find them  very  useful.

19 days in Ireland

19 days in Ireland is another considerable amount of time. However, and I’ll sound like a broken record, it comes with advantages and disadvantages.

It’s easy to fall into a trap when planning an Ireland itinerary of this length and think,  ‘Ah, sure we’ve loads of time – we’ll just head over and play it by ear!” .

19 days requires a lot of planning as there are  many  moving parts with a trip of this length. Luckily, you’ll find the best Ireland itinerary for 19 days at the link below.

20 days in Ireland

Few people, aside from those of us that live here, get to spend 20 days in Ireland .

This is a massive amount of time and it gives you the opportunity to either explore one corner of Ireland in depth or squeeze in as much as possible.

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

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

21 days in Ireland

21 days in Ireland is a huge amount of time, and this comes with both pros and cons.

You could arguably map out the best Ireland itinerary imaginable with 3 weeks, but you’ll also need to spend a lot of time planning.

This was the hardest of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides to create and the research phase took over 12 days. We did the hard work for you – cheers!

FAQs about the best Ireland trip itinerary 

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

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

What is the best Ireland itinerary?

I’d argue that there is no best Ireland travel itinerary – no ‘one size fits all’. We’ve created hundreds of Ireland itineraries for you to choose from, in an attempt to help you find the best Ireland itinerary based on your situation.

How many days in Ireland is enough?

It depends. If you’re looking to see specific things and they’re close together, 5 days could be plenty. If you’re looking to see the West of Ireland, you’ll want at least 7. There is one one clear answer.

Is Rick Steves Ireland itinerary good?

By all accounts, Rick Steves Ireland itinerary guides are pretty good. I’ve spoken to many Americans, in particular, visiting Ireland for the first time who swear by Rick’s itineraries.

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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Nicola Doyle

Thursday 7th of April 2022

Do you have a guide to travelling around Ireland with a dog?

Keith O'Hara

Friday 8th of April 2022

Hey Nicola - I don't, but this is weird timing. Myself and my dad have been chatting about doing a trip with our dog who's an absolute nightmare in the car. So, while we've nothing on planning a trip in Ireland for those with a dog yet, but hopefully it's on the horizon!

Friday 6th of August 2021

Hello. Thanks for all your posts. They are very informative and helpful.

One questions, when planning can we assume the driving times we see on Google Maps are more or less accurate? I know there are a lot of country roads and I didn't know if this was taken into account by Google.

Thanks again!

Heather Cripe

Sunday 18th of April 2021

Hello Keith,

I’m just writing to thank you for doing this. I do not have a set date for when I can come to Ireland but reading the info you provided and the extensive comments you’ve answered, I almost feel like I’ve been to Ireland already! I know that’s when I can finally plan my trip, this website will be my go to for planning my trip! God bless you Keith!

Monday 19th of April 2021

A fine message to wake up to! Thanks a million Heather - I'm glad you found it useful. Hopefully your visit is just over the horizon.

Cheers from a cold and sunny Dublin!

Sunday 17th of May 2020

Hi Keith, I am planning to take my grandparents to Ireland next spring. My grandmother has always wanted to go and never got the chance to travel. However, they are not in the best of health and I don't think they could handle walking an hour+ (which seems to be the best/only way to see some of the main spots you mention in your recommended itineraries).

Do you have any recommendations for best places to go that don't require much of a hike? My Grandparents would love: beautiful landscapes, local places that don't feel touristy (they always manage to make friends with locals while out eating, etc), places of historical significance.

Hey! A lot of people planning a visit to Ireland have this problem, but it can definitely be worked around.

Say, for example, they're very limited mobility wise, if you took them to Donegal, there's plenty of places where you can literally drive right up to for an incredible view.

Here's a couple of examples:

- The Slieve League Cliffs: you can drive right up to the 'main' view - Ballymastocker Bay: you can pull in on the road above and grab an incredible view - The Inishowen 100 drive: there's an endless number of great views on this (the one at Tra Na Rossan is unreal!

If you're looking for lovely little towns, you can't bate Ardara (Nancy's pub, in particular, is lovely!).

I hope this helps!

Lynda rendell

Wednesday 29th of April 2020

Hi Keith Just found your page. It’s brilliant My husband retires 2021 and we are planning on visiting his great great grandfathers Museum in Mayo His mother’s birthplace in Connemara and auntie in Newlawn we then want to end up in Galway and Dublin Have you any advice of B&B pubs en route to these places We are hoping to go for 15 days so any advice or help would be greatly appreciated we will be travelling from Heathrow Airport UK We’ve never been to Ireland before so we are really really looking forward to it thank you

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The Perfect 14-Day Ireland Travel Itinerary

LAST UPDATED – 2/10/24 – 14-Day Ireland Travel Itinerary

For many avid travelers, Ireland is an absolute dream destination.  Between its historic castles, lush green fields, stunning cliff shorelines, and culturally rich cities, Ireland really does have it all.  Whether you are planning a trip to take part in the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities, learn about the storied history of the area, soak up views of the stunning Irish countryside, or try your hand at some of the country’s historic links golf courses, Ireland has a bit of something for everyone.

Several months back I put together a two-week Ireland travel itinerary for Conquest Maps , which is one of my favorite travel brands, and I thought it would be valuable to do a similar itinerary here for all of my readers as well.  Ireland was one of the most amazing countries I have visited in my travels, and I got quite a few questions about what I would recommend seeing and doing while in the country.  Wonder no more, because I have laid it all out for you in this perfect two-week Ireland travel itinerary.

In this Ireland travel itinerary, I am going to lay out a 14-day trip to Ireland that has something for travelers of all interests to enjoy.  Feel free to modify this itinerary as you see fit or to follow it exactly, whichever option works best for you.  This itinerary will take you to some of the most amazing cities in Ireland and Northern Ireland, to some of the most iconic castles in the area, through some of the most amazing landscapes in Ireland, and to one of the most famous links golf courses in Europe.

Itinerary Overview

In addition to providing you with this dream Ireland travel itinerary, I am going to provide you will all of the logistical information that you will need to make your trip a success.  I will let you know when the best times are to visit, what the VISA and passport requirements are, give you some recommendations on what to do while on your trip, as well as provide you with detailed guides for each of the areas you will visit.  With this information in hand, you will be prepared to get the most out of your trip to this wonderful and beautiful part of Europe!

Ireland Travel Itinerary Navigation Menu

Best times to visit ireland.

There is never a bad time to visit a country as beautiful as Ireland, but like most destinations, there are times of the year that are better than others to plan your trip.  Factors such as the weather and tourism crowds certainly make some parts of the year more appealing than others to visit. 

To give you all of the information that you will need to pick the time of year that is best for you to visit, I have included information on the average temperature, the average amount of precipitation, and tourism levels in Ireland throughout the year for you to review in this Ireland travel itinerary guide before making your travel plans.

Average Temperature (°F)

Arguably the most important factor in determining the best time to visit any location is the average temperature throughout the year, and it is no different for Ireland.  While the temperature in Ireland doesn’t typically get too hot or too cold throughout the year, there are fluctuations in the temperature throughout the year that you should be aware of. 

For example, if you would like to avoid dealing with colder evenings that require a jacket, I would steer clear of the winter months of December through February.  To give you a better idea of what type of temperatures you might expect to see in Ireland throughout the year, I have included a chart of the average temperatures by month in this Ireland travel itinerary guide below for you to review.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

Another important factor that you need to consider before deciding when to visit Ireland is the amount of precipitation that you can expect to see when you get there.  While Ireland has relatively moderate temperatures throughout the year, it does get a fair amount of rain. 

As indicated in the chart on the average precipitation levels in Dublin, Ireland throughout the year, the amount of rain is fairly consistent from month to month.  However, in the early autumn and winter months, Ireland gets a bit less rain than it does during the rest of the year.  If you are planning on spending a good amount of time outdoors on your trip, these periods might be the best times to plan your trip.

Average Number of Tourist Visitors (in 1,000’s)

The last factor that I would suggest that you consider when determining the best time for you to visit Ireland is the number of other tourists that you might expect to be visiting throughout the year.  To assist you in determining the most and least busy times of year to visit Ireland, I have included a graph of the average tourism numbers for Ireland throughout the year for you to review below.

As the chart below shows, the number of visitors from the UK and elsewhere in Europe is fairly steady throughout the year.  However, the number of visitors from North America and elsewhere in the world steadily grows throughout the spring and peaks in the summer months before falling off in the autumn months and hitting their lowest numbers in the winter.  Therefore, if you would like to avoid larger crowds when visiting Ireland, I would recommend that you steer clear of the summer months and aim for the shoulder months in the spring and autumn instead.

How to Get to Ireland

One of the most important components to planning your trip to Ireland will be deciding on how you plan to get there.  For most people traveling to Ireland or Northern Ireland from outside of the island, the most logical way to get there is by airplane.  However, numerous ferry boats will get you from the United Kingdom to Ireland if you would prefer to travel by boat. 

These ferry rides can take anywhere from 1.5 hours (for the Holyhead to Dublin route) to 3 hours (for the Pembroke to Rosslare route).  To assist you in determining which method of getting to Ireland is best for you, I have included a map that outlines your options in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

View Larger Map

Keep in mind, that the itinerary that I outline in this article makes a big loop around the island of Ireland\Northern Ireland.  Where you start and finish that loop is entirely up to you.  My example itinerary both stops and starts in the city of Dublin, but you can easily modify this Ireland travel itinerary to start and stop in Belfast or Rosslare as well.  It all depends on how and where you plan on arriving in Ireland or Northern Ireland for your trip.

What to Know Before Visiting Ireland

In addition to coordinating your transportation to Ireland, you are also going to want to make sure you have all of the necessary passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland before you disembark on your trip. 

While both Ireland and Northern Ireland require a valid passport for the duration of your stay, the Republic of Ireland, which is part of the European Union (EU), also requires an ETIAS Authorization for most travelers from outside the EU as well.  Neither country has immunization requirements to enter the country. 

To assist you with your planning, I have included a table that outlines the requirements for you to review in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

What to Pack for Ireland

For as much thought and preparation goes into planning a trip, for some people, the process of deciding what to pack can be the most stressful part of travel planning.  Fear not, as I have included some advice below to help you out. 

In addition to supplying you with links to some of my most popular packing advice articles and checklists, I have also included some general packing guidelines for Ireland for you to review in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below as well.

General Packing Guidelines for Ireland

When packing for your trip to Ireland, I would strongly recommend that you focus on the following packing guidelines.  If you follow these guidelines, you should be prepared for all types of weather and situations you will face while traveling.

• Bring layers to wear as the weather can change quickly
• Bring rain gear as Ireland and Northern Ireland get quite a bit of rain
• Pack comfortable walking shoes as you will want to spend some time exploring
• Don’t forget to bring the proper power converter to use for your chargers

Packing Resources

Packing can be stressful, especially when you have so many other components of your trip to worry about planning.  To make things easier for you and ensure that you don’t forget anything, I have included links to some of my most popular packing resources for you to review in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

Finding Transportation in Ireland

When it comes to arranging your transportation for the trip, getting from Ireland is just half the battle.  Once you arrive in Ireland, you are going to need a way to get around.  There are several different methods of transportation you can choose from, depending on the amount of time you will be in-country and your comfort level with driving.

Renting a Car

If you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road, the quickest and most convenient method of travel is undoubtedly a car rental (or car hire as it is called in Europe).  If you are considering renting a car for your trip, I have included some important tips for you to consider in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

Ireland Car Rental Tips

• The main car rental companies in Europe are Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt.
• If you choose to pick up your car while at the airport, you will likely get charged an extra fee.  To save money, you can consider renting from a location outside the airport.   Whether the cost savings on the rental is worth it or not will depend on the cost of transportation to pick up the car and the amount of time it will require.
• Most car rental companies in Europe will charge you an extra fee to take your rental car outside the country, but this typically does not apply to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  However, I would strongly suggest you check with the car rental company to confirm before signing your rental agreement.
• As long as you have a valid US driver’s license, in English, you should not need an international driver’s license to drive in Ireland or Northern Ireland.
• In both Ireland and Northern Ireland motorists drive on the left side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the right side of the car.
• Both Ireland and Northern Ireland use the metric system, so milage is listed in kilometers instead of miles.
• In Ireland, the motorways have the letter “M” as a prefix (such as M30), while the national roads are prefixed with the letter “N” (such as N30).  Be cautious when on secondary roads as they could have two-way traffic.  In Northern Ireland, motorways are also prefixed with the letter “M” (such as M30), and primary and non-primary roads are prefixed with the letters “A” and “B”, respectively.

Using the Rail System

If you aren’t comfortable driving while in Ireland and Northern Ireland, another great option for getting around on your trip is to use the railway system.  While this does provide you with a convenient way to get around and affords you the luxury of not having to worry about renting a car and finding parking, the train system in Ireland and Northern Ireland may not reach every destination that you wish to see. 

If you want to get to certain locations, you may be forced to use a combination of buses and ridesharing or taxis along with the train system to get around.  For instance, if you would like to stay at the Dromoland Castle Hotel, you will need to take a train to Galway or Enis and then use another form of transportation to get to the hotel.

While Convenient, the Train System is Less Flexible

However, the biggest drawback to using the train system when in Ireland and Northern Ireland is the rigid nature of the train schedule.  While taking trains saves you the hassle of having to rent a car, it doesn’t leave you much flexibility in making your schedule.  Instead of being able to come and go whenever you like, you are forced to work around the train schedules. 

While some trains run fairly frequently and may not be an issue, other trains may not run as frequently and can pose scheduling problems.  There is nothing wrong with using the train system when in Ireland, but it does require a bit more forward-thinking on your part to make it work.  To give you a better understanding of where the train system in Ireland and Northern Ireland travels and how long the travel takes, I have included a helpful map for you to review in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

The Ireland Travel Itinerary

There is a seemingly endless number of amazing things to see and do in Northern Ireland and I think one could reasonably spend months exploring all of these amazing sites and activities.  However, for most of us, taking months off to travel isn’t really an option. 

With that said, if you follow my perfect 14-day Ireland Itinerary, you should knock off all of the must-see sights and activities and get a great taste of what Ireland and Northern Ireland have to offer.  To give you a better understanding of where my travel itinerary will take you and what you will see, I have included a map and an itinerary overview in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below for you to review.

Arriving in Dublin

The first stop you will make on your trip is to the beautiful capital city of Dublin, Ireland.  In my itinerary, I have you arriving and departing from Dublin, but you can modify the itinerary if you are going to be traveling into and out of a different city.  Not only is Dublin Ireland’s capital, but it also has a large number of ca n’t-miss attractions for you to see.  This includes the Temple Bar, the Guinness Storehouse, the Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Green the Jameson Distillery.  It’s a big city, so I have you spending the first three days in Dublin exploring (including the day you arrive).

If you are a big fan of beer and whiskey, I would definitely recommend checking out the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery.  Both of these iconic brands offer taste tests and tours for visitors.  If you are a history buff, then the Dublin Castle and the historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral are right up your alley. 

To finish off any long day of sightseeing, stop by one of the city’s wonderful pubs for a pint or two of beer.  I would recommend the Temple Bar area of town as it is world-renowned for its high concentration of pubs and lively nightlife.  If you would like more information on what to see and do, as well as where to stay and eat, in the city of Dublin, I have included a link to my visitor guide for you to review in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

On Day 4 of your trip, you will head north into Northern Ireland and to the capital city of Belfast.  Belfast is a gorgeous city that has had a steep and sometimes troubled history.  As the epicenter of “the troubles”, where there were conflicts between the Irish Republican Army and the British government in the 19th and 20th centuries, the city has been through its fair share of painful times.  In fact, if you visit Belfast today you will still see murals about the conflict lining some of the city streets.  Once peace was restored in the 1990s, Belfast quickly blossomed into one of Europe’s prettiest cities.

Arguably the most popular attraction in Belfast is the Titanic Quarter, which was built to celebrate the city’s pivotal role in the construction of the infamous passenger ship that famously sank back in 1912.  The ship was built in Belfast and the city is still proud of its great shipbuilding legacy to this day. 

Visitors to the Titanic Quarter can walk through an interactive museum that is dedicated to the building of the Titanic and the workers who built the gigantic vessel.  For more information on the Titanic Quarter and other fun things to see and do in Belfast, please refer to my Belfast Visitor Guide referenced in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

The Dark Hedges

After spending a full day in Belfast, you will continue heading north towards the northern coast of Northern Ireland.  The first stop you will make on your way to the coast is a place called the Dark Hedges.  If you are a fan of the HBO series “Game of Thrones”, then the Dark Hedges should look very familiar to you.  This is the infamous location used to film the road to King’s Landing in the series. 

Make sure you have your camera with you because you will want to take a look at pictures of this epic location.  For some tips on how to visit the Dark Hedges and how to get the best pictures while you are there, please consult my Dark Hedges Visitor Guide linked below.

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

When you make it to the north coast, the first of many stops that you will make is to the popular suspension bridge at Carrick-a-Rede.  If you are looking for some locations to get some epic Instagram shots, then the Carrick-a-Rede bridge is just what you are looking for.  This 65-foot-long and 100-foot-high suspension bridge connects the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede. 

It may not be the longest suspension bridge in the world, but it certainly is one of the prettiest.  The views of the rocky coastline are absolutely breathtaking and the experience of walking across the bouncy bridge to the other side will give you the shot of adventure you are looking for on your trip.  For more information on the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, please see my visitor guide linked below.

The Giant’s Causeway

Located just up the coast from the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Giant’s Causeway is another of the popular tourist destinations along the north coast of Northern Ireland.  This is one of my favorite spots in Northern Ireland and is an absolute must-see if you are in the area. 

The shore of the beach is covered with roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that were formed long ago in a volcanic eruption.  It looks like a giant jigsaw puzzle put together by Mother Nature for visitors to enjoy.  If you would like to learn more about this iconic landscape, please view my Giant’s Causeway Visitor Guide referenced below.

The Dunluce Castle

Your last stop on the northern coast of Northern Ireland will be a stop at one of the most breathtaking castle locations you will ever see.  The Dunluce Castle is only a short drive from the Giant’s Causeway and is a must-see because of its location.  The castle itself has seen better days, but if its location perched high above the ocean on top of steep shoreline cliffs isn’t breathtaking, I don’t know what is.  Make sure you check out my Dunluce Castle Visitor Guide linked below to learn all the best spots to photograph this amazing castle.

The Cliffs of Moher

Widely considered to be one of the most iconic landscapes in all of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are among the most beautiful landscapes in all of Europe.  Lucky for you, they are the first stop on your itinerary after heading back south into the Republic of Ireland when your tour of Northern Ireland is complete.  This will be the longest stretch of travel on your trip, so if you would like to plan a few small stops along the way, you can fit those into your schedule.

There are many different ways in which you can explore the Cliffs of Moher, and I recommend all of them.  There are some absolutely fantastic viewpoints from land that I recommend you stop at for sure, but you can also tour the cliffs from the water on a boat.  If you have the time, I recommend this as you get a completely different perspective of the cliffs from the water, and you have the potential of spotting one of the beautiful Puffin birds that live along the cliffs.  For more information on how best to see the cliffs, please see my Cliffs of Moher Visitor Guide linked below.

The Dromoland Castle Experience

After exploring the Cliffs of Moher, your next stop will be one of the most unique experiences you will have on your whole Ireland trip.  If you have ever dreamed of what it would be like to live in a castle, you will get a chance to find out at the Dromoland Castle Hotel.  The Dromoland Castle Hotel might be Ireland’s most magical address as it is a real castle that has been converted into a hotel for guests to stay in. 

You will get a chance to marvel at the decor, the gardens, and the exemplary service in what will be one of the most memorable hotel experiences of your life.  To learn more about the Dromoland Castle Hotel experience, check out my Dromoland Castle Hotel Guide linked below.

The Ring of Kerry

There are some truly epic road trips that you can take while traveling throughout this world and it just so happens that one of the best is located in Ireland.  The Ring of Kerry, as this road trip is called, is a loop route through the County Kerry in Southern Ireland that has become world renowned for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural attractions, and historical significance.  Some of the highlights that can be seen when driving the Ring of Kerry include the Muckross House, the beautiful Muckross Abbey, the Gap of Dunloe, and Killarney National Park.

If you decide to rent a car while in Ireland, you will be really glad that you did when you get to the section of the itinerary on touring the Ring of Kerry.  While there are guided tours that you can book that will take you around the Ring of Kerry by bus, I think it is a much better experience when you can go at your own pace.  You can learn more about available tours for the Ring of Kerry and the other amazing stops on this route in my Ring of Kerry Visitor Guide, which I linked below.

The City of Cork

When you have finished touring the Ring of Kerry, you will next head to the city of Cork, which you will use as your base of operations as you explore one of Ireland’s most famous castles and do a little golfing on one of Europe’s most beautiful links golf courses.  If you have some extra time, I would suggest spending a bit of time exploring the city of Cork as well.  It is a beautiful city with a rich history.

Golf at Old Head Golf Links

If you like to golf, I would definitely recommend that you play a round at the Old Head Golf Links while you are in the Cork area.  If you don’t like golfing, you can use the extra day to explore the beautiful city of Cork and its surroundings.  With a stunning ocean shoreline on almost every hole, Old Head Golf Links is an absolutely stunning golf course. 

The defining feature of the course is the beautiful lighthouse that backdrops its signature hole.  If you do decide to play, make sure you polish up your bump-and-run game because the course is as difficult as it is beautiful.  For more information about Old Head Golf Links, please refer to my Old Head Golf Links Course Guide linked below.

Blarney Castle

After hitting the links at Old Head Golf Links, I would recommend visiting one of the Cork area’s other big tourist draws, Blarney Castle.  Located a short 20-minute drive to the Northwest of Cork, Blarney Castle is one of the most famous castles in all of Europe.  One of the most popular activities for visitors to the castle is to take their turn to get down and kiss a stone in the castle’s battlements that has become known as the “Blarney Stone”. 

The tradition of “kissing the Blarney Stone”, as it has come to be known, is said to give the kisser the gift of gab.  Regardless of whether the myth is true, taking part in this fun tradition is a great way to build a connection with this area and with this beautiful castle.  If you would like to learn more about Blarney Castle, please refer to my Blarney Castle Visitor Guide linked below.

Cahir Castle

The last stop on your trip before returning to Dublin may be one of the most underrated touristy stops in all of Ireland.  Situated on the banks of the river Suir in the heart of the city of Tipperary is the Cahir Castle, which is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in all of Ireland. 

It may not get the notoriety that other castles in Ireland such as the Blarney Castle get, but it is remarkably well preserved and is open to the public to tour.  To learn more about this beautiful castle and how best to photograph it, please refer to my Cahir Castle Visitor Guide linked below.

Depart from Dublin

The last stop on your trip will be to head back to the city of Dublin to catch your flight home.  If you are flying into and out of a different city or arriving and departing from Ireland using a different mode of transportation, you will need to adjust the itinerary accordingly.  If you have time before you leave Ireland, I suggest taking one last opportunity to explore the city of Dublin before you depart.

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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4 comments ›.

This all sounds AMAZING! I want to visit Ireland so badly!

Thanks Laci!! You will love it!! 😀👍

I must say, Ireland is one of those places that has never been a big draw for me, but you sure do make it sound enticing. Great post. We have an Irish friend who lives in Dublin, so we may get there someday…

Thank you so much for the kind words! If you do go, don’t miss Northern Ireland 😃👍

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Thank you!!

Perfect Choice

[…] Click here To read The ultimate guide To saving money on hotels when traveling. […]

Thanks so much for the kind words Nick!!

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14-Day Ireland Adventure Route

Arrival in dublin.

Kickstart your Irish adventure with an airport transfer to Dublin, Ireland's vibrant capital.

Explore Dublin's cultural treasures, including Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the historic Dublin Castle.

Overnight stay in Dublin, immersing yourself in the city's lively atmosphere.

Dublin to Belfast

Pick up your rental car and head north to Belfast, a city steeped in history.

Explore the Titanic Quarter and the famous Belfast murals.

Overnight stay in Belfast, where you can enjoy the city's thriving arts and culinary scene

Game of Thrones & Bushmills Tour

Embark on a day tour exploring Game of Thrones filming locations and visit the iconic Bushmills Distillery.

Continue to Derry for an overnight stay, discovering the city's rich history and well-preserved walls.

Slieve League & Donegal

Experience the breathtaking cliffs of Slieve League, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Overnight stay in Donegal, a town surrounded by stunning landscapes and historic sites.

Wild Atlantic Way to Westport

Begin your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, unveiling coastal wonders.

Arrive in Westport, a town with a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Overnight stay in Westport, where you can explore the scenic Quay area and enjoy local hospitality.

Day Trip to Achill Island

Venture to Achill Island, known for its rugged beauty and outdoor activities.

Explore Keem Bay, Atlantic Drive, and the historic Deserted Village.

Return to Westport for another night of relaxation.

Wild Atlantic Way & Connemara to Galway

Continue along the Wild Atlantic Way, with a detour into the magical landscapes of Connemara.

Arrive in Galway, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene and lively streets.

Overnight stay in Galway, where you can experience traditional Irish music in the lively pubs.

Day Trip to Aran Islands

Embark on a day trip to the Aran Islands, steeped in Irish culture and stunning landscapes.

Overnight stay in Kilrush, a charming town on the Shannon Estuary.

Ring of Kerry

Experience the famous Ring of Kerry, a scenic route through Ireland's southwest.

Explore Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and the charming town of Killarney.

Overnight stay in Killarney, surrounded by natural beauty.

Day Trip to Dingle

Enjoy a day trip to Dingle, a picturesque town on the Dingle Peninsula.

Explore the colorful streets, visit Slea Head Drive, and perhaps spot Fungie, the local dolphin.

Return to Killarney for another night of Irish hospitality.

Tour West Cork to Kinsale

Journey through the scenic landscapes of West Cork, visiting charming towns and coastal viewpoints.

Arrive in Kinsale, a picturesque town known for its gourmet dining and maritime history.

Overnight stay in Kinsale.

Tour Cobh & East Cork to Waterford

Explore Cobh, a historic town with a rich maritime heritage.

Continue to East Cork, discovering the scenic beauty and cultural gems.

Overnight stay in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city.

Tour via New Ross & Thomastown to Kilkenny

Visit New Ross and the historic Dunbrody Famine Ship.

Explore Thomastown and its artistic community.

Overnight stay in Kilkenny, a medieval city with a vibrant atmosphere.

Tour via Rock of Cashel & Kildare (Return Rental Car) to Dublin

Explore the Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress with panoramic views.

Visit Kildare and its impressive National Stud and Japanese Gardens.

Return your rental car in Dublin and spend the final night in the capital.

Conclude your epic journey with an airport transfer, departing from Dublin with cherished memories of Ireland's diverse landscapes and rich culture.

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Ultimate Ireland itinerary 14 days: A 2 week road trip

This two week in Ireland road trip includes Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland where some of the sites that should be on your bucket list. This Ireland itinerary of 14 days can start from where ever you fly into. I’ve written it so that if you fly into Shannon you can start from there, Dublin and Belfast the same. Simply follow the 14 days in Ireland itinerary from the point where you land and you are on your way to experience magical Ireland .

Planning the perfect 14 day self drive itinerary Ireland does not have to be stressful or overwhelming. In fact the more you relax on your Irish road trip the better it will be. My 14 day Ireland travel guide will help you make some decisions with regard to places you want to visit in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Hubs and I are originally from Ireland ( we got our Irish passports ) and left when we were kids. We came back to housesit around 5 years ago and decided to make our home in Ireland once more. We have been able to visit the corners of Ireland that tourists rarely get to see when we head out on our Irish road trips.

101 Things to see in Ireland – the best Irish landmarks to add to your bucket list

Getting from the Airport to Dublin

Taxi to dublin city centre, day 1.  spending time in dublin, day 2. newgrange and boyne valley, day 3. belfast, day 4. causeway coast , day 5. derry (londonderry) , back to the republic of ireland, glenveagh national park and castle, day 7. sligo – the most underrated county in ireland, day 8.  mayo – on the wild atlantic way, day 9. galway city – music town, connemara national park, day 10. cliffs of moher & bunratty county clare, day 11 – dingle peninsula drive, day 12 ring of kerry and skellig michael, day 13 blarney castle  , day 13 – 14  kilkenny – medieval mile .

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Want to travel to both Ireland and Scotland? This itinerary could be helpful

We have travelled the length of Ireland and stayed all over the country both North and in the Republic, we currently make our home in Donegal . This is an incredibly diverse country and taking a two-week road trip around Ireland no matter how long or how short we can guarantee you will want to return to the Emerald Isle.

This what to see in Ireland in 14 days Ireland itinerary is pretty comprehensive but trust me it will be exhausting as there is just so much to see and you will be pulling over your car endlessly just to capture those phenomenal Irish scenic moments .

I have to add here that many Canadians and Americans I know think flying to Ireland is expensive, trust us it isn’t really if you choose to come off-season as in Spring or Fall flights are much cheaper. They get even cheaper if you choose January (after New Year) and into April. Our son booked a flight through Skyscanner that cost less than $500 Canadian for mid-January.

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If you are flying in from North America you will probably take an overnight flight and end up at your destination airport very early in the morning. Don’t worry about your luggage as your hotel will allow you to store it before you can check in.

An Ireland road trip 14 days

For this Irish Road trip, you are going to need a car to be able to drive yourself. You can rent a car at the airport but it probably isn’t going to be needed in the City so I would suggest contacting My Irish Cousin who provides rentals and can bring the car to your hotel in the City or arrange a pick-up location that works for you. Touring Ireland by car is the best way to see not only the major sites but things off the beaten path. Don’t be afraid to drive in Ireland as it is the only way to explore Ireland and see all those of the beaten path hidden treasures.

Renting a car in Ireland is a pain in the ass because of the cost and the insurance rules. I strongly recommend that you take all the insurances that are offered simply for your peace of mind.

Uber is NOT available in Dublin but you can use the My Taxi app to get a taxi to where you have booked your accommodation. This will be somewhat expensive though at around €30. So if you don’t want to spend that kind of money and save it for your adventures in Dublin take the local bus.

I recommend picking up a  Leap Visitor Card  at the airport. The best way to get around on your first day in Dublin. Even if you are only spending a day or two in Dublin this will work out much cheaper for you.

The Leap Card will allow you to use the Dublin buses and the trams in Dublin. A Leap Card can be bought at the Airport or some selected DART lines throughout the City. You can also purchase top-ups for your Leap card through the Android or Apple apps on your phone. The cost for an adult Leap card is 24 hours €10.00 or a 3 day (72 hours) €19.50.

Express Public Buses Airlink

Get Tickets:  Airlink Express: Dublin Airport to Dublin’s City Center

The Airlink Express route 747 will get you to the centre of town and you have a few stops to choose from. So pick the one closest to your hotel and grab the Airlink. The cost of the Airlink is €6 one-way for adults. These buses run every 15 minutes or so and go to Dublin’s main bus station Busaras, then to O’Connell Street in the city centre and finally to Heuston, one of Dublin’s main train stations. See the official Airlink timetable.

You can catch the Airlink bus just outside Terminal 1 Arrivals level. Look for the big green buses which will be to the left of the Arrivals exit. You can use your Leap Card on the Airlink Express.

Getting in and out of Dublin airport

Express private coach (Aircoach)

Aircoach is a privately operated, 24-hour coach service that takes folks from the airport to the city centre. The Aircoach that goes to Dublin city centre is number 700. The Aircoach departs every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day. The Aircoach stops just outside Terminal 1 arrivals level and outside the main door of Terminal 2 departures level.  The adult fare from the airport to Dublin city centre (O’Connell Street) with the Aircoach is €7

Public bus (Dublin Bus)

The Dublin Buses are easy to recognise they are double-decker yellow with blue stripes. The main bus to Dublin is #41. This bus stops at Terminal 1, usually every 10 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes non-peak hours. with yellow with blue strips along on the bottom, although sometimes Dublin Buses are used to display advertising, usually on the rear.

O’Connell Street is the main stop from where you can find your hotel or accommodations. Make sure you get the 41 bus that is marked Lwr Abbey Street via Aerfort. Keep in mind you must pay cash on the buses the driver cannot give change so pick some up when you hit the ATM.

There is another Dublin Bus that comes to the airport and this is #16. This route stops in the city centre (O’Connell Street) then crosses the River Liffey and continues through the southside suburbs. If you get this bus make sure you ask the driver to let you off on O’Connell street. You can catch the Dublin bus just outside Terminal 1 Arrivals cost will be €3.30 and remember the exact coins will be needed.

Here are a few tips for your 14 day tour of Ireland:

Planning a dream trip to Ireland? Everything you need to know

f What is an Irish Heritage Card & should I buy one?

53 Ultimate Ireland travel tips

An Ireland road trip 14 days all the best things to do

This 14-day self-drive itinerary in Ireland begins in Dublin. You are probably more than aware that Dublin has a host of activities and sites you may want to see. Dublin is a very walkable city so I would suggest picking 4 or 5 “must-sees” and then figuring out your route. This 14-day self-drive itinerary in Ireland begins in Dublin. You are probably more than aware that Dublin has a host of activities and sites you may want to see. Dublin is a very walkable city so I would suggest picking 4 or 5 “must-sees” and then figuring out your route. You could also do a tour of Dublin on one of Dublin’s free walking tours .

There are many things to do in Dublin but it is an easy city to walk around. Since you will probably be somewhat jet-lagged if you flew overnight I’m going to keep this part of the itinerary a little simple.  Now you could get a Dublin Pass for your day in the City that would cost you around €62 for an adult pass. Now that will get you into over 30 Dublin attractions and includes the Hop on Hop off bus tour which is very handy to learn the layout of the city.

You may be suffering from jet lag and are starving after that crappy airline food so try out some of the best pubs in Dublin for a pint and some food, or check out one of Dublin’s great coffee shops .

If you do get the Ireland Heritage Pass here are the sites I recommend.

• Hop on Hop Off bus pass
• Jameson’s Distillery Tour or Guinness Storehouse
• Glasnevin Cemetery and the Gravediggers pub
• Epic Museum
• GPO Witness History

The pass also includes entry to other great Dublin attractions such as the James Joyce Centre, The Little Museum of Dublin, Christchurch Cathedral and Dublin Zoo for example. You can sort of pick and choose the sites that are on your must-see list.

BOOK HERE FOR A JAMESON DISTILLERY TOUR

BOOK HERE FOR AN EPIC GUINNESS STOREHOUSE TOUR SKIP THE LINE AND GET A FREE PINT

BOOK HERE FOR A CRAZY DUBLIN PUB CRAWL

If you don’t want to see all the usual suspects then perhaps the off the beaten path sites are for you. I would recommend booking an evening’s meal and entertainment at the Brazen Head. Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub and one of the best known for great food, cracking music and storytelling. The Brazen Head is a short walk from Christchurch Cathedral, The Guinness Storehouse The Jameson Distillery and most hotels and hostels in Dublin.

TO BOOK YOUR CASTLE STAY IN DUBLIN CHOOSE CLONTARF CASTLE

At this point, it’s probably time to head to bed and get rid of that jet lag. The next morning your hotel will probably provide a full Irish breakfast and you can have My Irish Cousin deliver your car and head out on your two weeks in Ireland journey.

BOOK A STAY AT DUBLIN’S BEST HOSTEL – THEY HAVE PRIVATE ROOMS

BEST DUBLIN BUDGET HOTEL – THE BOUTIQUE DEAN 

Newgrange is about a 45-minute drive from Dublin, depending on traffic. Newgrange is a deeply historic site in County Meath where countless ancient artefacts and tombs are located. I would expect to spend around 2 hours touring the site.

At Newgrange, you park your vehicle and then walk to the Visitor’s Centre which has a cafe and a small museum. At the Centre, you will board a shuttle bus to the site itself. At the site, you will be given a brilliant tour by a knowledgeable guide who will demonstrate how the great tomb appears during the solstice.

From Newgrange, you can take a short drive to the Battle of the Boyne which commemorates the biggest battle in the history of Ireland that took place in 1690.

If you have time take a small detour to the Hill of Tara once the ancient seat of power in Ireland.

Northern Ireland Itinerary

So now we head up to N. Ireland, there is no border to cross and no paperwork required just remember to tell your car rental company that you are driving into and through N. Ireland.

To get to N. Ireland google directions through Carlingford which is one of the prettiest villages in Ireland and there is a ferry across the water to N. Ireland where you will land after a 10-minute boat ride in Kilkeel. The boat ride will cost around €12 for all passengers and the vehicle.

Before you board the ferry makes a stop in Carlingford where you will find some great restaurants including Michelin-starred ones serving some phenomenal seafood chowders with fish caught fresh that day.

Now that you are in N. Ireland you can head towards Tollymore Forest . This is a beautiful national park area that was featured in Game of Thrones .

You will pass through the Mourne Mountains which offer some incredible scenic vistas across County Down. So take a moment to stop on your way to Belfast for some brilliant photos to take home with you.

The Capital city of Northern Ireland Belfast is easy to get around so don’t be panicked about driving into Belfast it’s a pretty small city no different than in any other small town in N. America. Do make sure your hotel or accommodation has parking though or make sure you can find the parking which is often not necessarily near the actual building.

Belfast is a small city again like Dublin very walkable and easy to get around. I recommend the following places to see when in Belfast.

1  St. George’s Market is one of my favourite places in Belfast to just hang out, grab some groceries or simply head there for breakfast. You will find something for everyone here. They are only open Friday through to Sunday with a different group of vendors each day.

2  The Titanic Exhibition is almost across the river from St. George’s Market. If you are really into boats and exhibits you will love this place. I have to be honest here I found it very pricy given that there is virtually nothing of the Titanic still around so the exhibits are mainly maps, charts, architectural-type drawings and interactive displays. But having said that practically every tourist I know who goes on the tour loved it. 

BOOK HERE FOR YOUR TITANIC EXPERIENCE WITH SS. NOMADIC VISIT 

The Titanic Experience is a self-guided experience through 9 interactive galleries that explore the full Titanic story (approx. 1hr 45 mins), and admission to SS Nomadic (approx. 30-40mins). Book your tickets in advance to avoid queues! The online cost is £19.00 for adults and for children is £8.50.

3  The Europa and the Crown Pub are across the road from each other in central Belfast. The Europa has an interesting history of being the most bombed hotel in Europe during the Troubles. It’s been rebuilt and renovated many times but it’s a good central place to stay in Belfast.

4  The Crown Liquor Saloon was once regarded as one of the mightiest Victorian gin palaces in the British Isles. The Crown hasn’t changed since it was built. There are ten snugs that were built during the Victorian era to provide privacy for some of the pub’s customers. Within each sung is the original metal plates for striking matches and the antique bell system for summoning staff.

The Crown is decorated with intricate tiling, beautifully carved woodwork and spectacular stained glass.

5  A Black Taxi Tou r is an absolute must in Belfast. The drivers are witty and skilled in Irish banter and slang and unbiased in their commentary. The tour will take in all areas that were targets and centres for The Trouble which hit Belfast particularly hard.

BOOK HERE FOR YOUR FABULOUS BLACK TAXI TOUR

Belfast will keep you busy for the day and I would say in the evening treat yourself to a fabulous meal in the Cathedral Quarter at the Merchant Hotel.

BOOK A LUXURY STAY AT THE MERCHANT HOTEL

BOOK A BUDGET STAY IN A GREAT HOSTEL 10 MINUTES FROM CENTRAL BELFAST

BOOK A BEAUTIFUL BUDGET HOTEL IN THE QUEENS QUARTER 

Next morning bright and early you should start on your way to the Causeway Coast part of your trip. Your breakfast will be served up at your BnB or hotel so you are well prepared for today’s journey.

Heading out of Belfast you can choose a couple of different directions. If you plan on doing the entire Causeway Coast you may want to start at Carrickfergus where you can tour the Carrickfergus Castle .

If not follow the signs or your Google maps to head towards Cushendall. Gleneamon sweeps down to the picturesque village of Cushendall which is the heart of the Glen. This area is known for its spectacular waterfalls and stunning walks. The 9 Glens of Antrim are worth a stop as they are one of the most stunningly beautiful areas in N. Ireland.

You’ve probably seen those tunnels carved into the solid rock faces on the Causeway Coast. Cushendall is also, where the coast road was widened years ago and you will see the Red Arch that sits below Red Bay Castle.

From Cushendall you will head to Cushendun which is famous for being the place where the Game of Thrones filmed Melisandre’s shadow baby scenes.

Continuing down the Coast Road follow the signs to Ballycastle this drive will take at least an hour from Belfast but count on about 2 hours because guaranteed you will need to stop and take advantage of the many beautiful photo opps.

If you have some extra time and are looking to find some puffins why not take the ferry to Rathlin Island when you are in Ballycastle. The cost of the ferry is around £12.00 return and remember to book the fast ferry. When you get to Rathlin you can take the Puffin bus for £5.00 return. Count on spending at least 3 hours here.

Carrick-a-Rede that infamous swaying rope bridge is only about 10 minutes from Ballycastle. This is a must-do on many folks’ bucket lists when they come to Ireland.

Keep in mind that the walk to the bridge itself is around 2 km and it’s pretty rough and uneven terrain so it can be very hard going depending on the weather. The cost of the walk across is £13.00 per person. You can see the bridge from the sea if you take one of the fabulous boat trips around the Causeway Coast .

There is a good-sized parking lot for the bridge and there is a nice little gift shop and cafe in the area to keep warm in if someone in your party insists on walking the bridge. You will probably be at Carrick-a-rede for around 2-3 hours if you walk the bridge.

At this point, you are probably famished with all that exercise so head out to the Giant’s Causeway , which is only 15 minutes away and is one of the world’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The sea-washed basalt cliffs define N. Ireland’s Causeway Coast as nothing else does. Sitting at the edge of the Antrim plateau in Northern Ireland the Giant’s Causeway is made up of 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The dramatic sight has inspired legends of giants striding over the sea to Scotland.

TIP: Park behind the little pub and enjoy a lovely warming bowl of chowder or a pint before heading to the Giant’s Causeway. If you park here you won’t be subjected to the National Trust’s exorbitant £11.00 per person entry to the parking lot fee.

The Giant’s Causeway is FREE but the National Trust doesn’t like to tell you that and there has been a rather nasty controversy at the GC about this for years. The Visitor ticket cost gets you into the visitor’s centre that is all. If you wish to take the shuttle bus for £1 down to the viewing areas it is a separate fee and the shuttle runs every hour. You can catch the shuttle behind the Visitors Centre. If you park at the pub you will see the tunnel behind the visitor’s centre and as you pass through the tunnel you will see the shuttle bus stop.

Ten minutes away from the Causeway sits Dunluce Castle the atmospheric ruin perched high on the cliffs on the Causeway Coast. Access is limited for those with wheelchairs and the ruin itself is tricky but manageable if you have some mobility issues. There is a gift shop and a small visitors’ centre museum and the parking is free. Adults tickets are £6.00, Child/Seniors: £4.00.

On the way to the Dark Hedges, which will take you around 25 minutes driving you will pass through Bushmills where it is worthwhile to do a tour of this world-renowned distillery. Tickets for the tour cost around £9.00 and include a tasting, the tour itself takes about 40 minutes.

The Dark Hedges are another site that is on everyone’s bucket list thanks to the Game of Thrones and their use of the area for the King’s Road. Sadly the trees are nearing the end of their lives as they only live to be around 100 years and that has been reached. The hedges used to intertwine so dramatically years ago that you felt you were driving through a green tunnel it was magical.

The Dark Hedges are still magical but you can no longer drive down the road and must park in the hotel across the road from them.

In the summer months, the days are very long in this part of the world so it will still be light well into the evening as the sun sets around 10 pm. So you can still visit Mussenden Temple even when it is getting late. The drive from the Dark Hedges will take around 40 minutes or so.

101 Landmarks in Northern Ireland to add to your bucket list

The site has some outstanding views of the coastline and is free to visit. There is a fabulous little coffee shack called Wee Al’s, and yes he is Scottish, that serves some of the best coffee in Ireland.

From Mussenden head down to Derry or Londonderry as you prefer this will take you about an hour. I recommend staying overnight in Derry so you can appreciate the city the next day.

BOOK THE BEST BUDGET HOTEL IN DERRY – RIGHT NEAR THE PEACE BRIDGE

BOOK THE BEST ULTRA-LUXURIOUS HOTEL IN DERRY

BOOK THE BEST HOSTEL IN DERRY

I highly recommend a taxi tour around Derry , we took one with Adrian and it was the best tour I have ever been on. The tour takes you around Bogside where the infamous Bloody Sunday event t ook place. Our driver was born and raised in Bogside and showed us sights we never expected to see. His commentary was unbiased and provided us with deep insights into both the Troubles and Irish culture.

I would recommend spending the day in Derry as you are probably pretty tired from your Causeway Coast Tour and the next day you can head out to Donegal.

Day 6. Donegal – It’s different up here

From Northern Ireland we head to the west coast of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way. This trip through Ireland will treat you to stunning views and landscapes that go on for miles.

Donegal is a huge County and there is just no way to see all of it in a day. So I recommend heading from Derry to Glenveagh Castle and National Park where you can spend a couple of hours touring the magnificent castle and gardens. This drive will take around an hour from Derry. From here you will see Mount Errigal and some stunning views of the interior of Donegal. There is a small cafe and gift shop if you need to stop for some sustenance.

From Glenveagh your next stop will be the Cliffs of Slieve League . This drive takes an hour from Glenveagh along the Wild Atlantic Way where the scenery will be breathtaking. I highly recommend a drive through Glencolmcille and if you get a chance a visit to the Folk Village. Glencolmcille is an area of outstanding beauty, the raw waves of the Atlantic crash on some magnificent beaches and the hills around the area are often bathed in a golden glow even when raining.

From Glencolmcille head towards the Cliffs of Slieve League, that’s about a 20 drive. When you reach the Slieve League, depending on the time of year you will find the visitors centre and a shuttle bus to take you up to the Cliffs. If you feel like a good 2km plus hike park in the lot below the sheep gate and hike to your heart’s content.

If you can’t do that hike then grab a shuttle bus and head up to the viewing platforms at the top. If the area isn’t busy with no shuttle, simply head up through the sheep gate (don’t forget to close it behind you) and you can drive up to the small parking lot at the viewpoint.

The views from Slieve League will leave you breathless and there is a truly scary hike up the pathway if you dare. If you have more time you need to head up to the Inishowen Peninsula . Inishowen Ireland is a hidden gem, and offers a captivating blend of untamed beauty and cultural treasures, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Irish experience. From the majestic cliffs of Malin Head to the ancient fortresses and picturesque beaches, Inishowen has something for everyone.  

From here I recommend heading to Donegal Town and the best place to stay while you are in Donegal. On the way, you will pass by some lovely traditional Irish villages and if you are getting pretty hungry I suggest a stop in Killybegs where you can grab some great food at the Ahoy Cafe right across from the harbour or the Seafood Shack where you can get some of Killybeg’s finest fish and chips.

From here head-on into Donegal Town and the place where you booked your hotel or BnB stay. Donegal town has loads to explore but since you will probably be getting in a bit late in the day you may want to take a rest before you head out for a musical pub night.

BOOK YOUR LUXURY STAY AT A CASTLE

BOOK YOUR BUDGET STAY AT A GREAT BnB

BOOK YOUR HOSTEL STAY IN DONEGAL TOWN

Pubs I recommend very highly in Donegal Town are McCafferty’s which is often packed to the gills and has brilliant musicians playing every night it is right beside the Diamond the town’s central point. There is also the Scotsman and the Reel Inn both of which have great live music and are closer to the River. For the oldest pub in Donegal Town check out The Forge behind the church on the river.

Some great places to eat in Donegal Town include the Blueberry Cafe for breakfast and lunch and The House which has been voted Ireland’s Best Gastro Pub. If you fancy some of Ireland’s best Indian Food check out Chandpur which is just off the Diamond behind Toni’s Bistro.

I recommend spending at least half the day exploring Donegal Town. It’s very easy to walk and you can see Donegal Castle and the Abbey Ruins and take a Donegal Bay boat tour all before you head out to Sligo.

We will make this a quick tour of Sligo , although I have to say if you get a chance to come back to Sligo, do it. Sligo is the most underrated County in Ireland which means its lack of tourists makes it an easy place to fall in love with.

Head out from Donegal Town towards Sligo, you will find it a quick drive and soon you will be seeing Benbulben in the distance. As you head down the motorway look for the signs for the Gleniff Drive and take an hour or so to travel around this jaw-droppingly beautiful drive. As you exit Gleniff Drive look for the signs for Drumcliff which is where W.B. Yeats is buried.

From Sligo, we will head into Mayo where you can head towards Beleek Castle for your overnight stay. Belleek is located near Ballina Mayo and is a stunningly beautiful castle hotel where rooms start at around €150 including breakfast.

BOOK YOUR LUXURY STAY AT BELLEEK CASTLE

From Belleek Castle head towards Downpatrick Head in Mayo which is about a 45-minute drive. Once you reach Downpatrick head you can park in the free parking lot and hike towards the sea views where you can see the Dun Briste sea stacks which have graced Irish calendars for decades.

This sea-stack is called Dún Briste (broken fort). Local legend says that when a pagan chieftain refused to convert to Christianity, St Patrick struck the ground with his crozier, splitting a chunk of the headland off into the ocean, with the chieftain on top! The walk from the parking lot is around 1.5 km and covers quite rocky and uneven ground so take care.

From Downpatrick Head, we are going to head to Galway. Sadly you will miss the Ceide Fields on this trip but next time you must come back and explore further. It’s around a 3-hour drive to Galway City where you can spend the night.

On your drive to Galway if the day is still long enough – take a brief stop in Cong where the Quiet Man was filmed you won’t regret it.

If you need to stay a night in a luxury castle you could always book into Ashford which has every conceivable luxury within it. From hawking on the grounds to fishing in the lake – Ashford had delighted royalty to world leaders.

I wouldn’t stay in Galway City as it is very expensive and runs around 200 per night and truth be told the City Centre is full of activity and that means loads of drunks in the streets. However, I would spend the day exploring the City. Take a look at BnB’s in Salthill which is just on the edge of the city or another option would be to find a hotel or BnB in Athenry which is around 30 minutes from Galway City.

BOOK YOUR 5 STAR LUXURY HOTEL IN CENTRAL GALWAY

BOOK A GALWAY BAY HOTEL WITH SUPERB VIEWS IN SALTHILL

Galway is a small town but it is lively, to say the least. Loaded with fabulous pubs, the best Irish musicians and of course home to the Claddagh Ring Galway is a must-visit.

Things to do in Galway

• Visit the Galway Museum, 3 floors of Galway and Irish history from the prehistoric era to medieval times and more and it’s free. It’s located near the Spanish Arches.
• The Front Wall of the Spanish Arches used to protect the quays of Galway and there are only two arches left. They are nearly 500 years old and nearby you will find Nimmos the best place to eat in Galway.
• Nimmo’s isn’t a cheap cafe but the food is glorious and well worth the price. Lots to choose from for vegetarians and vegans as well .
• Shop street the perfect name for the perfect shopping area. Beautifully coloured buildings, pubs and restaurants are all down shop street. If you love your Instagram this is the place for the perfect insta photos, although a tad crowded with tourists at the best of times.
• All down Shop Street throughout the day you will spot every kind of busker there is. From dancers to full bands or singular musicians. Stop and have a coffee at any of the sidewalk cafes and enjoy the music and dance.
• The Claddagh Museum at Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold is located in Quay Street, just off Shop Street they have a little museum detailing the history of the Claddagh.
• A booklover’s dream come true Charlie Byrne’s , filled with anything bookish over 100,000 new, used and bargain books.
• Strolling down the Salthill Prom with the Galway Girl song in your head. Just outside the City is Salthill which is not only a great place to stay in Galway but it has a beautiful path along the waterfront and you can even swim there if you can take the cold.

If you find the time take a trip to the Connemar National Park it’s only 53km from Galway City if you have a car. You can visit Kylemore Abbey , see the only Fjord in Ireland at Killary , you can visit beautiful beaches, drive the sky road and so much more.

Since Day 10 is going to be spent exploring the Cliffs of Moher I’m going to recommend that from Galway you head to Doolin which is a quintessential Irish village that is just picture-perfect. Book your BnB or hotel here for the night so you can set out early to explore the Cliffs of Moher which are only 10 minutes from Doolin.

BOOK YOUR BOUTIQUE HOTEL EXPERIENCE IN DOOLIN

Doolin is a fantastic jumping-off point for exploring the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and the Aran Islands.  Adventure beyond the usual by taking a horseback ride through the Burren , or head to one of the two pubs in town: McGann’s and Fitzpatrick’s and enjoy some great Irish craic.

The Cliffs of Moher, quite likely the most visited Irish location ever. You can walk from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher.

If you fancy a good hike you can leave the car in Doolin and follow the marked trails to the Cliffs. If you can find Nag’s Head which is the most southerly point of the Cliffs there is a little car park there where you can drop €2 into the honesty box, and it’s just a 15-20 minute walk to the Cliffs.

Guerin’s Path , which is about 1km away from the visitor centre at the Cliffs of Moher costs €5 per person. This is a family-owned farm and business and will give you a spectacular walk along the Cliffs.

The Wild Atlantic Way route itself is free with many sites along the way that also have no entry cost, but there are places where to get the best views, such as the Cliffs of Moher you will pay a parking and entry fee. The cost to see the Cliffs of Moher is €8.00.  If you want to climb O’Brien’s Tower at the Cliffs there is an extra charge of €4.00. There is a large car park at the Cliffs and all-day parking here is included in the price of a visitor centre ticket.

From the Cliffs of Moher, we head South to Bunratty Castle which is just beyond the Shannon Airport. Since you have probably spent the morning exploring the Cliffs of Moher the afternoon will be spent exploring Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Moher to Bunratty.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Bunratty Castle is a large 15th-century tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It is believed that it was originally a Norse settlement that was destroyed by Brian Bor u in the 900’s.

The Castle and Village cost is €15.25 per adult and €10.50 per child and that covers the full experience of the castle and village but not the medieval banquet.

Bunratty Castle showcases one of the finest collections of medieval furniture in Ireland. You can trek up to the roof where you will see spectacular views of the area. The rooms are filled with a collection of artefacts from the late medieval to the renaissance period and include rugs, tapestries, clothing, furniture, tools, art and weaponry.

From Bunratty, you now head down to Adare which is one of my favourite villages in Ireland. In Adare, you can book either a luxury castle stay at Adare Manor which is next to the ruins of a 15th century Franciscan Abbey.

On the main street are some truly lovely boutiques and fabulous places to eat and have a coffee. I particularly recommend the Village Bistro.  Where we had the best breakfast ever of brioche French toast with caramelized bananas and bacon – oh my god heaven on a plate.

BOOK YOUR ULTIMATE LUXURY CASTLE HOTEL AT ADARE MANOR

There are so many reasons to visit the Dingle Peninsula not the least of which is the jaw-dropping scenery. From Adare, the drive to the Dingle Peninsula is about an hour and a half. To drive the Dingle peninsula will take 4 – 6 hours, it is a 50km route, depending on how many times you stop for photos and believe me you will stop a lot. In truth, I would spend 2 days in the Dingle area as there is so much to see.

Because of the narrow roads and lots of tourists and buses and the roads are very narrow you do have to be very wary of the large tour buses. The narrow road winds through an unforgettable landscape, ancient ruins, small villages, beautiful beaches and the rugged and raw Atlantic frame the views.

As you travel to the Peninsula you will drive through the lovely village of Dingle which is a seaside paradise. Colourful shops line the street and you can grab some fabulous icecream or fish and chips if you fancy lunch.

The scenic Slea Head Drive is one of the most spectacular in Ireland . Winding around the edges of the peninsula you will be treated to some incredible photo opportunities.

After finishing the Dingle Peninsula Drive head to Killarney for your overnight stay and Day 12’s Ring of Kerry Drive or a trip to the Skelligs.

BOOK YOUR FABULOUS KILLARNEY B&B

The  Ring of Kerry  is around 179km (111 miles) long and takes around 3.5 hours to drive around without stopping. Trust me though you are going to want to stop – a lot. You could take a famous Jaunting Car around the ring if you want it is an experience everyone should have.

Killarney National Park is one of the most impressive on the Ring of Kerry and has everything from Manor Houses to stunning waterfalls. 

If you want to add a trip to the famous Star War Islands the Skelligs you should plan to add another Day to your visit to Kerry.

Boat rides to the Skellig’s cost around €80 to €100 for landing trips. However, you should know that the boats are often cancelled due to the weather.  There are also no facilities on the boats or on the Island which mean no washrooms or cafes. You will need to be very fit to climb the steps but that cluster of beehive huts overlooking the wild Atlantic is jaw-dropping.

By this time I’m pretty sure you are exhausted so we are going to head towards Cork and a rest. This drive will take around an hour or so depending on traffic.

BOOK A FABULOUS HOTEL A WALK FROM BLARNEY CASTLE

So Day 13 and we are at Blarney Castle , a tour of the Castle and the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone will cost you around. Probably one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks the legend of the Blarney Stone is one that many tourists pilgrimage to. Not my idea of fun as you have to hike up many narrow and worn stairs and then take care that someone has a good grip on you as you bend over backwards to kiss the stone. But it does seem to be high on many a bucket list. Adult tickets are €16.00 online  (normally €18.00) .

So from Blarney Castle head up to Cork and if you have some extra time explore the City which has a young interesting vibe to it. Don’t forget to explore the Cork English Market when in town.

Once you have done your flying visit to Cork it’s off to Kilkenny and its famous Medieval Mile. This drive will take around 2 hours but it puts you in a good position to head to Dublin on the 14th day when your flight probably leaves.

Rock of Cashel

On your way to Kilkenny try and take time to stop off at the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel rises out of the landscape as you approach it placed high on top of limestone outcrops where it oversees the fertile landscape of Tipperary.  Resolute stonewalls circle a round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and an exceptional 12th-century Romanesque chapel containing some of Ireland’s oldest frescoes. One of Ireland’s stunning archaeological sites, The Hill of the Rock is located on is banded with limestone outcrops rising up to the green mound that the Rock sits on.

Kilkenny is known for its Medieval Mile and also as the Marble City because of its distinctive black marble. When walking the Mile you will see medieval slipways or alleys, a Tudor Inn, a Dominican Abbey and a fine example of a 17th-century merchant’s house and the only example of its kind in Ireland.

Kilkenny also has a fascinating history of witches in Irelan d so be sure to look out for Kytelers Inn to learn the story of the Irish witch burning.

There’s a little train in Kilkenny at €8 for adults, this is a great way to get around Kilkenny if you are mobility challenged. This small road train does tours all around the city starting at Kilkenny Castle and does a 30-minute tour of Medieval Kilkenny. Don’t forget to visit Kilkenny Castle one of the finest castles in Ireland.

You can either stay in Kilkenny for the night or head up to your hotel near Dublin Airport to catch your flight home.

Alternatively, you could take a drive through the Wicklow Mountains to take in the beautiful views and the filming locations of the Vikings TV show. In the area you could visit Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement, and the Powerscourt Estate , featuring the restored mansion Powerscourt House. On the estate, you will find Ireland’s highest waterfall as well as magnificent gardens.

I hope this 14 day Ireland itinerary has been useful for you. Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have and if you want to download a printable PDF just click here .I know this Ireland 14 day itinerary can feel a little hectic so don’t forget to slow down take it easy and you can always come back again.

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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14 thoughts on “Ultimate Ireland itinerary 14 days: A 2 week road trip”

What a great itinerary. We travelled in a motorhome there over 20 years ago, blimey was it that long? Sadly the unpredictable weather didn’t make it perfect although still had a blast.

yep that old 4 seasons in one day can make a doozy of a trip

Wow great road trip! Although I think I’d bump it up with a few rest days in between! Looks like a beautiful route!

LOl I agree but if I only had 14 days in Ireland I would try to fit everything in as exhausting as it will be.

Ireland wasn’t really on my list of places to visit but after reading your article and looking at your gorgeous photos its on my list! So many places to visit, so little time!

Don’t discount Ireland lol it has many surprises and some incredibly different landscapes to see

Wonderful suggestive itinerary. I love Carlingford and Donegal. 🙂

The tiny colorful houses combined with that nature and the old architecture… who would not like to see that?

As another of our travel plans fell apart yesterday – thanks Covid, we started talking about a trip around Ireland. Then I came across this post – it’s a sign! And looks exactly what we want to do – yay!

LOL go for it if you have any questions just ask.

Why did you start with Belfast & go that way? Many other itineraries go the other way, towards Kilkenny or Waterford first.

No particular reason I live in Donegal and lived in N. Ireland for years so just favour that route – sort of like I’m on automatic pilot when I leave Dublin lol.

Thanks, Faith. Weather late Aug/early Sept.?

Either will be pretty much the same and the tourist sites you may want to visit will also still be open and with far less crowds. The weather will be the usual 4 seasons in one day but probably slightly better in August maybe – that’s a real toss-up here, to be honest. September will be less expensive for flights as long as you miss that first weekend when the kids go back to school.

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14 Day Hidden Gem Ireland Itinerary – A Complete Guide

The rolling green hills, the welcoming Irish and the stunning cliffs make Ireland a destination on many travellers dream lists. The island may look small on a map but the question when planning a trip to the green isle soon becomes where to visit in Ireland. In this two week hidden gem Ireland itinerary we share both well known Ireland destinations as well as lesser-known treasures uncovered while exploring this magical destination.

You will need to rent a car for this 14-day itinerary and we do not include Northern Ireland in this Irish travel plan. In deciding what to see in Ireland we came to realize that although we could tick off most of the popular Ireland destinations in 14 days, we would not have time to come to truly know Ireland and its people.

Map for our 14-day hidden gem Ireland itinerary

Table of Contents

Two Week Hidden Gem Ireland Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Dublin

Arrive in Dublin and pick up your rental car at the airport. Have a relaxing afternoon and evening recovering from jet lag after checking into your accommodation. We chose a quiet bed and breakfast that provided parking. You won’t want to drive in Dublin.  Lower your stress level by walking or using public transport, taxi or rideshare service.

Royal Canal Dublin

We stayed at Arranmore House which is a comfortable and welcoming bed and breakfast.

Check for prices of accommodations in Dublin

Day 2 – Dublin – Guinness Storehouse, Book of Kells, Temple Bar

There may be no better way to begin Ireland sightseeing then visiting the most popular of all Ireland tourist attractions, the   Guinness Storehouse. Arthur Guinness founded the brewery in 1759 and it has now grown to a seven-story historical beer showcase.

Arthur would likely need a pint of his beloved Guinness to settle his nerves should he see the thousands pouring into his brewery today.

Visit the Book of Kells at the library of Dublin’s Trinity College. Containing the four gospels of the New Testament, created by Columban monks in 800 AD, the Book of Kells is a must-see in Ireland for those intrigued by religious history.

Wander the Temple Bar area with its narrow lanes lined with boutiques, galleries and pubs. Have dinner in one of Dublin’s most popular areas for those seeking culture and nightlife. 

Day 3 – Dublin –  Secret Food Tour, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus 

One of the best things to do in Ireland is eating delicious comfort food. No need for breakfast this morning. Book with Secret Food Tour  and devour your way through quaint and historic Dublin. While learning the history of the city, expect a traditional Irish breakfast, Irish cheese tastings, lunch at an authentic pub, Irish ice cream and of course some fish and chips or oysters.

From there board a Hop-on Hop-off bus for a sightseeing tour of the city of Dublin. Stretch your legs at the stop for Phoenix Park. One of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any European city. If you are lucky you may spot some wild fallow deer.

Phoenix Park Dublin

For dinner enjoy authentic Irish food with the locals at Fagan’s Pub ,  146 Drumcondra Rd Lower, Drumcondra.

Day 4 – Dublin, Rock of Dunamase, Nenagh Castle, Newcastle West

Depart Dublin for Newcastle West which will be your home base for the next five nights. Watch the stone-bordered, green fields of County Limerick fly by like a vibrant Irish quilt.

The Rock of Dunamse – Movie location and hidden gem of Ireland

Stop at a lesser-known gem of Ireland the Rock of Dunamase, located some 85 kilometres (53 miles) southwest of  Dublin. It sits quietly in a rural setting without kiosks, restaurants, toilets or organized tours. Best of all it is free.

Passing hands through battles from the 9th to 17th century, its current claim to fame is that it was featured in the 2010 movie Leap Year.

Nenagh Castle Ireland – hidden gem

Stop for lunch in the town of Nenagh . On a sunny day grab a table outside Cafe Q on Pearse Street. Don’t leave without a scrumptious chocolate chip cookie.

Explore the hundred-foot high Nenagh Castle which is open April to October but closed on Sunday and Monday. Admission is free.

Pass through the popular tourist town of Adare known for its thatched roofs and being named one of Ireland’s prettiest towns by the Irish government.

Arrive to a little known secret escape in Ireland, the town of Newcastle West .   The ancient castle walls of Desmond Hall shimmer against the Arra river as the local ducks and heron bid their greeting.

Town of Newcastle West – A true hidden gem of Ireland

We stayed in a historic row house where local artisans are diligently restoring the back buildings of the property. Thought to have been constructed in the 1600s, the stone structures are transforming to   cozy rental apartments   under their skilled hands.

Day 5 – New Castle West – Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Dan Cronin’s

Should you search the internet for the best places to visit in Ireland the Cliffs of Moher will be high on the list. Ireland’s top natural attraction draws thousands of visitors gazing at the vistas of cliffs plummeting 700 feet to the wild Atlantic ocean below.

Cliffs of Moher Ireland

Leaving the Cliffs of Moher to settle in for lunch at Danny Mac’s on Main Street in the small town of Lahinch .  A favourite with locals and tourists everything is delicious including the fresh bread. Browse  Kenny Woolen Mills  on Main Street for authentic Irish crafts or walk along the scenic waterfront.

On the drive back to Newcastle West stop at Burren where extensive rock fields of karst dominate the Irish landscape.

Dinner tonight at  Dan Cronin’s Bar and Bistro , which we attest serves up the best Shepherd’s Pie on the planet. The multi-generation family-run mainstay in Newcastle West became one of our top Irish gems discovered.

Day 6 – Newcastle West – Marguerite’s Bakery, Foynes Aviation Museum, Barnagh Tunnel, Glenquin Castle, Cleary’s Pub

Marguerite’s Newcastle West – Ireland hidden gem

The tantalizing aroma of rich coffee and fresh baking will lure you to Marguerite’s Bakery.  With scrumptious cakes and pastries competing with warm scones and fresh jam, breakfast may be the biggest decision of the day.

Drive from Newcastle West to the village of Foynes. Lunch today is at the birthplace of Irish coffee at the Foynes Flying Boat Museum . We recommend the chowder and of course the Irish coffee.

Barnagh Tunnel Newcastle West – Hidden Gem

Return to Newcastle West to explore Barnagh Tunnel .  The relatively undisturbed former Limerick Tralee rail tunnel is now safe haven for an extraordinary array of flora and fauna.

Glenquin Castle Newcastle West Ireland – Hidden Gem

Minutes from Newcastle West stands Glenquin Castle , one of the finest 16th-century tower houses to survive in Ireland. The six-story tower comes complete with a steep, narrow spiral staircase leading to an eye-popping view. Open May to September a local number invites visitors to call for access.

Several doors down from our accommodation in Newcastle West the purple exterior of Cleary’s Bar the sound of live music beckons. You’ll soon feel like a long lost friend in this local Irish gem.

Music and Irish welcome at Cleary’s Bar Newcastle West – Hidden Gem Ireland

Day 7 – Newcastle West – Newcastle West Golf Club, the Great Southern Trail or Boutique Shopping

Time for a day of exploring close to your Irish home away from home. Our hidden gem Ireland itinerary provides three choices for the day.

Morning in Newcastle West

Option 1 – Voted friendliest in the province of Munster, Newcastle West Golf Club should be on any golfer’s list of places to visit in Ireland. An excellent course with good challenges at a reasonable rate, my brother-in-law reports, after completing a round partnered with a welcoming local.

Book dinner tonight at the club’s Stables Bar and Restaurant .

Newcastle West Golf Club – Hidden Gem

  Option 2 –  Formerly the route of the Tralee rail line dating back to 1867, the Great Southern Trail now serves as a hiking and cycling trail. The outdoor equipment store in Newcastle West rents bicycles with advance notice. 

Great Southern Trail – Ireland hidden gem

Option 3 – Shop the extensive boutique stores of Newcastle West.

Day 8 – Newcastle West – Blarney Castle, Cork, Titanic Exhibit Cobh

The Blarney Castle and its famous kissing stone  near Cork is one of the best known Ireland points of interest. With over sixty acres of gardens, streams and waterfalls the non-kissers can meander about the beautiful grounds.

The outdoor tables at the Stable Yard Cafe provide a stunning view of the castle and a good spot for a coffee break.

Blarney Castle – Things to do in Cork Ireland

Drive to  Cobh and have lunch at Leonardo Cafe Kimbo at 5 West Beach, Kilgarvan. All day breakfast and sandwiches at reasonable prices and this wee find also serves gluten free options.

On the waterfront take in the Titanic Experience . At this location, the final passengers boarded the Titanic before the fateful voyage began.

Cobh Ireland – Home to Titanic Exhibit

Dinner in Newcastle West at  The Silver Room in Market Yard. Likely the most upscale restaurant in town but not so much so that you can’t wear hiking clothes. We did.

Day 9 – Ring of Kerry, Portamagee, Stone Forts, Killarney

Farewell to Newcastle West. Today is a big driving day ending in Killarney.

The Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring comprise a circular route in southwestern part of the island with some of the most spectacular views in Ireland. Get an early start with a first stop at Kenmare at the artisan bakery Maison Gourmet located at the top of Henry Street for delicious pastries and coffee.

Ring of Kerry

Drive the route in a clockwise direction as the tour buses will be driving counter clockwise. This will decrease the likelihood of you dealing with busloads of fellow tourists on your Ireland sightseeing expedition.

There are endless viewpoints and some of the most beautiful places in Ireland on this route. Our favourites include O’Carroll’s Cove, St Finian’s Bay and the delicious Skelligs Chocolate Factory

Kerry Cliffs

The Kerry Cliffs provide jaw-dropping views rivalling those of the Cliffs of Moher with far smaller crowds. Watch for signs for the best view in Kerry County. The charge is four euros for parking.

Move on to a late lunch in Portamagee which is the landing point for Skellig Michael tours. Due to the increased popularity of the stunning islands as a backdrop to Star Wars films, these tours book up 3-6 months in advance so will require planning ahead.

We recommend eating at the Bridge Bar on Main street which serves excellent pub food.

Continue driving to explore the stone ring forts at Leacanabuaile and Cahergall . 

Cahergall Ring Fort

 Check-in for two nights in Killarney. We stayed at The Gleneagle River Apartments which were spacious, clean with a full kitchen. The location is quiet but does require a walk or taxi ride into town.

  Compare prices for accommodations in Killarney

We suggest dinner tonight on Main Street at The Laurels a traditional Irish pub run by the O’Leary family for almost a century.

Day 10 Killarney – Gap of Dunloe, The Coffee Pot, Celtic Steps

The Gap of Dunloe and a painted Irish sheep

One of the most spectacular places in all of Ireland is the Gap of Dunloe.   An 11 km (7 miles) narrow winding gorge meanders through an exquisite valley.

Drive from Killarney and park at The  Coffee Pot Cafe at the Gap , a warm and welcoming home-like restaurant open Monday to Sunday, March through April.

The Coffee Pot – Hidden Gem Ireland

In good weather try walking or cycling the path connecting five lakes via the River Loe. A horse-drawn cart can also be rented. Cars are discouraged strongly from using the road. Watch for the painted sheep meandering through the valley.

Returning to Killarney, take in a musical evening of Irish dance and music at Celtic Steps in Killarney. The show runs from April through October and pre-booking tickets is advised.

Day 11 – Dingle – Dolphin boat tour, Dingle Distillery

Depart Killarney and drive to Dingle in County Kerry. When one thinks Ireland can not possibly have any more beautiful places to visit the Dingle peninsula proves that to be untrue.

Dingle, Ireland

Charming, quaint and colourful the town of dingle is home to Fungie the dolphin who has called this bay home for decades. Take a boat tour with Dingle Dolphin Tours to watch for Fungie or to explore the astounding cliffs of the area.

We recommend the scrumptious fish and chips at the Boatyard Restaurant on the main street of Dingle. 

In the afternoon browse the quaint shops, pubs and restaurants with their vibrantly coloured walls beckoning visitors. For those looking to sample and learn more about Irish whiskey book, a tour at the Dingle Distillery launched in 2012.

Dingle Distillery

Housed in a converted sawmill, a tour of this artisan Irish whiskey distillery, is a lesser-known distillery and one where you can get up close and personal with the process of whiskey production.

Stay one night in Dingle.

Compare prices on accommodations in Dingle

Day 12 – Galway, Old Town, Galway City Museum, Monroe’s

From Dingle head to Galway ,  where history and entertainment weave an Irish tapestry. Spend the afternoon walking around Old Town exploring restaurants, shops and pubs. 

If golfing is your game, as it is for my brother-in-law, Galway has no shortage of options. He recommends Galway Golf Club for its convenient location, friendly staff and a course with a mix of coastline holes providing an enjoyable and challenging round.

Galway Golf Club

Galway City Museum is an excellent stop to take in the city’s history from 1800 to 1950. Have dinner tonight at Monroe’s at 14 Dominick Street Upper where you find friendly staff, live music and reasonable prices. If you have any energy left take an evening stroll along the sea wall.

Stay two nights in Galway.

Check here for best prices of accommodations in Galway

Day 13 – Galway – Aran Islands, Inishmore, DunAengus Fort, O’Reilly’s

View from Aran Islands

Today escape to the quiet of the Aran Islands . Inishmore is the largest of the islands and has a population of 1000 residents scattered through 14 villages. Take the ferry from Rossevael (23 miles west of Galway city centre). Once on Inishmore, options for sightseeing include bus tours, vans, minivans, bicycling or horse and buggy.

The main attraction is the Dun Aengus Fort located on the edge of a 100-foot cliff.  An important archaeological site, the fort also offers spectacular views.

Dun Aegnus Fort – Inishmore Island

Return to Galway for your final night in Ireland. We suggest a final Irish dining experience at O’Reilly’s Bar and Kitchen 232 Upper Salthill.

Day 14 – Galway to Dublin

Farewell to beautiful Ireland. With many hidden gems uncovered, there will be so many more places to see in Ireland on a return trip. Drive from Galway to Dublin approximately 2.5 hours on M6 and depart from the airport.

What would you like to see in Ireland?

Pin these for future Irish trip planning.

We were house guests of a friend in Newcastle West. All opinions are my own. If you would like to read more about the rental property click here .

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81 Comments

Thanks for this very informative piece. I’ve saved it for further reference, especially as my wife and I want to visit Ireland since she is half Irish in her ancestry. Well, actually I do have an Ireland trip mapped out. Mine is, btw. 4 weeks! We like to do our travelling slowly and stay in some spots for a while to be able to see as much as possible and not be rushed.

Pit I think 4 weeks is a wonderful idea. We too are coming to love staying in places for multiple nights. Out time in Newcastle West which was such an authentic experience was one of the high points to be sure. Where you come to feel like you are part of the community. I look forward to hearing about your future trip. Certainly we would love to return to Ireland . thanks kindly for saving the article. I hope it is helpful to you.

Sue, this is a great 2 weeks itinerary for Ireland. I have visited Dublin…long time ago, would certainly love to visit again since I was only there for a long weekend. Brian and I have often talk about doing a road trip in Ireland, your guide and hidden gem suggestions will be very useful. It is certainly a very beautiful country. Sounds like you had a great time there?

Gilda although it may sound corny we fell in love with Ireland. It has become possibly our number one travel recommedation. The friendly people were so welcomng we fetl as though we had come home. We went i nthe shoulder season so a bit cooler but not quite as crowded. I understand July and August can be very busy. If you ever have any questions about it feel free to message me.

I can’t wait to go back to Ireland. I fell in love with the few parts of it we saw on our cruise last summer. Even though it was pouring–and I mean pouring–the day we spent at the Blarney estate, I loved it. So pretty and green. Now when I go back, I’ll have your list of things to see to help guide my way through the rest of the country.

Carrie we were quite lucky with the rain but I agree even when it was raining Ireland is gorgeous. We too would like to go back and return to some of these gems and explore northern Ireland too. I’m delighted to hear the post will be helpful to you in the future.

Thank you for the fantastic tour you two! Such rich and deep history. 😎👍🏻💕

My pleasure John. Ireland is such a beautiful country both in its people and it’s scenery. You are so right about the rich history. One could spend a very long time exploring.

I remember you being very taken with Newcastle West, Sue. My chief regret is not getting up the coast as far as Galway and the Arrans. I’d love to go back and see more of the west coast. I only had 5 days. This sounds like a nice itinerary.

Jo I’m glad that you had that time in Newcastle West. I think I remember that from the other article we did in the fall. We too would love to return to ireland and experience more. It now feels as though we have old friends to visit and wow to that green and stunning coastlines.

You really made the most of your time in Ireland. I loved your posts about this trip! A great guide.

Thank you Darlene. Another time I would like ot take about a month and stay longer in locations. Thank you for reading the posts last fall and happy to get your feedback about this being a helpful guide. Much appreciated.

An absolutely delightful 14-day tour, Sue. Love the colorful sheet, the purple Draper’s Bar and all the hills and sturdy old buildings. I passed up a chance to go to Ireland. Silly, silly me. So much to see. Love this tour. Thank YOU! 😀 😀 😉

Tess I think you would love Ireland. Pack your raincoat but you will hardly notice the moisture for the warmth of the irish people. We have traveled to many locations but we have the strongest affection for the folks of Ireland who made us feel as though we were the best people on the planet. Such a gift when traveling to feel so at home.

Great tour, Sue. Thanks. I traveled through the south many years ago by myself and remember how beautiful the area was. I hope to revisit Ireland with Peggy. My ancestors landed in the north for a while before moving on to the colonies in 1750. I hope to take a look around where they came from. –Curt

That would be a fabulous trip Curt retracing your routes. We felt like family most everywhere we went. I can only imagine what it might be like to connect with blood relatives!

Now that’s what I call a fantastic itinerary, Sue. And, a jam-packed one. Beauty, food, architecture, castles, nature… What does one want more? Except time in this fascinating country. Did you find it easy enough to drive on the left side? Do you feel unfulfilled, craving to go back, or were you satisfied? As I read through your post and saw the photos, your previous stories came to mind, from the scrumptious secret food tour, to Dave’s kiss at Blarney Castle to the cell phone dropped in droppings. 🙂 Thanks for the useful trip overview and the smiles.

Liesbet you have a wonderful memory and thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a loyal reader. We would have loved to have had at least two more weeks. When we had the extended time in Newcastle West we got to know many of the townspeople and that became the best part of the trip. Hopefully we will go back one day and explore further.

We spent eight days in Ireland with our daughters when they were young, which wasn’t nearly enough. We visited many of the places you mention here and would definitely like to return and see more one day.

It must have been wonderful to have that time with your daughters in ireland. Like you we would love to return to send more time and explore more of this beautiful country.

A well-thought out itinerary, Sue. Looks like you packed as much in as possible in 14 days in Ireland and I remember reading some of these places in your previous posts 🙂 Ireland looks like such a charming place with those old pubs, sheep castles and rolling hills. From what you did, sounds like there was lots of distance and walking covered and you seemed to be so full of energy throughout it all. Would love to know how you stay so chipper on your travels 🙂

Mabel we did pack a lot into our time in Ireland and thank you for remembering some of the previous stories. You are such a loyal reader and we appreciate that very much. We traveled with Dave’s brother and his wife and they had four weeks in Ireland. The Galway section at the end is from their travels. Dave and I were at a blogging conference in Killarney for two days so they experienced Galway for on our behalf. I don’t always stay chipper and do need a good night’s sleep. I’ve also found that beinng able to stay in one place and exploring from there makes a huge difference. Not having to pack and unpack each night. I also think attitude plays a big role. I often tell myself that so many people in this world can only dream of this opportunity so that helps me stay positive and energized.

Sue, what a great idea to share your Irish Itenerary. You certainly had a great plan and why not see as much as possible when travelling? I remembered some of the places and experiences form your previous posts. I remember being especially intrigued by the secret ingredient on the food tour and the gobsmacking cliffs of Moher. The photos of the beautiful landscapes make me want to visit.

Shannyn many thanks for the kind feedback and your loyal reading. It makes me smile having you rememebr those articles from the fall. Although this style of post would not be my usual style it seemed like after having taken notes and at the recommendations of locals having so many good suggestions it would be fun to share it with others. We loved Ireland and highly recommend it. The people are so very friendly and the scenery breath taking.

I remember so many of these photos – or ones similar to them – when you were away. My question is that with all that eating, how do you manage to stay so tiny? 🙂

Joanne I will say it is one of the reasons we often choose a very active vacation. In Ireland we did a ton of walking. I’m a bit of a grazer when it comes to eating so for me its about portion size. Thanks for remembering some of these images from the fall and posts we did on the specific spots along the Irish way. We appreciate your loyal following and the defending of top commenter. 🙂

man, am I jonseing for a Guinness right now!!! Great itinerary. It’s odd, but I keep thinking back on my time in Ireland, more so than most places I visit. Maybe I need to return? do I need to fill out my name each time…or is this a new system you got going?

We too think often of Ireland and our want to return. Such gorgeous scenery but it is the friendly people that really truly have stolen our hearts.

As to signing in to comment I think once you have done it once that should be all. I see that you changed your Gravatar name so perhaps it’s picking you up as someone new? Let me know if you have problems.

A fabulous guide Sue! I went to Ireland awhile back when my uncle was teaching there doing a fellowship. I loved it! So beautiful. I’d love to go back. A wonderful itinerary!

Nicole thank you for your kind feedback and for sharing the article on Facebook. Wonderful that you have fond memories of Ireland as well. Like you we very much hope to return one day.

Wow, Sue, this Travel Guide Itinerary is a work of art. A plethora of fantastic spots and creative options, with numerous links and suggestions. Something like this takes months to plan, and here you have narrated and outlined it so thoroughly for us. I always appreciate helpful hints like taking a route in the opposite direction that the tourist buses go, and alternatives like the Kerry Cliffs where you get the same views and less crowds. The picturesque photos and spirited narrative add a lot, and make me want to book a trip now. Many thanks.

Jet sincere thanks for your feedback here. This type of article takes a big effort, perhaps more than I realized until we were well into it. Our time in Ireland is one of our top trips to date. The Irish folks we met shared so many gems along the way it seemed a shame not to share them with others. Your enthusiastic comment means a lot. Thank you.

Looks like a fantastic tour! And what a nice guide to use if I ever get there again for a few days. I like to explore cities on the hop-on-hop-off buses…so easy to see what is of interest. Loved the painted sheep 🙂

Helen I’m glad to hear the guide may be of help in a future trip. Aren’t those sheep a pure delight? I was head over heels for those sheep. I also dropped my phone in some of there ‘droppings’. That should teach me for wanting to get up close and personal. 🙂

Wow Sue, brilliant! I would stop by the Guinness Storehouse. Weird how I rarely drink but love a good, cold glass of the Big G. Not Google, either. But every step on this 14 day vacay sounds like so much fun, brimming with natural beauty. Thanks for sharing 🙂

The big G, that made me smile. I never liked Guinness in Canada but somehow in Ireland it was absolutely delicious. We loved Ireland and the friendly people. I always thought we Canadians were friendly but the Irish really are over the top in the welcoming department.

Very informative Sue….I will be forwarding a link to our youngest…her and her husband are going over to Ireland latter part of May…they are both uber planners and I think this would help them alot….again…great post!!

How exciting for your daughter and son in law to have a trip planned to Ireland! Many of these things we have added as gems were recommendations from locals. I hope they have a fabulous trip and find some other gems too along the way. Thanks for the kind feedback Kirt.

Thank You for this information. We never have been to Ireland and thus I will keep in mind this post, if we decide someday to go there. This year we again will make a road trip to Germany. There is much to see and experience. From Finland Germany is easy to reach by boat. It will be our fourth road trip there.

Have a good day!

Have a wonderful time in Germany! I recall some of your posts from other trips. I didn’t realize it is so easy to access by boat from Finland.

We only had a week in Ireland (as part of a longer 6-week European trip) so it was necessary to hit the highlights but we managed a number of the sights in your list. Unfortunately, there’s too much eating and drinking on this itinerary for my Other Half who tends to think money spent on such things is extravagant and hence our diets tend to be limited to breakfast in the B&B, anything we can scrounge from aforesaid breakfast for lunch (if anything) and then basics from the supermarket for dinner. One day, when I’m rich, I’m going to treat myself to a gastronomic tour. 🙂

Heather definitely the dining features are optional of course. We liked to give suggestions for those who want to go our to eat. We spent a fair amount of time researching and asking locals for suggestions. When we stayed in Newcastle West it was great to have a full kitchen so breakfast and lunch were often eaten there or packed for day trips.

Wonderful and my eyes are all on the Guinness 😉

That made me smile Joshi. The Guinness in Ireland is especially delicious.

I’ve always thought I’d like to visit Ireland, and now I have many more reasons to want to go. (But you had me at “Secret Food Tour”!) What beautiful country – all those lovely greens just make me go, “Ahhhh!” 🙂

When people spoke of the green of Ireland I always thought to myself ‘ How green can it really be?’ Well it turns out that I often looked at my camera after taking photos to see if I had the settings in some weird state because I couldn’t believe the green that was leaping form the images. I do think you would like to visit there Diane. The people are so down to earth and friendly. Not to mention the stunning scenery of course.

WOW. I truly had no idea that there is so much to see in Ireland. We have friends who are on an Ireland tour (on their own with two other couples and a van) for 21 days. I wondered why so many days – now I know! Your tour here is delightful. However, you don’t mention the weather you ‘ran into’ during your stay there. :–)

We had such good weather Pam. The day at the Gap of Dunloe it poured rain but other than that no rain jacket required. Now i can’t say it was bright blue skies but not a down pour. Three weeks sounds glorious. We didn’t even get to Northern Ireland so would love to return with a longer amount of time to explore.

What a great itinerary, Sue. Thanks so much!

Happy to share our gems of Ireland with you Indah. We so loved that trip.

This was so informative Sue. Thanks so much for writing this piece. After all the planning that went into our Patagonian trip, our Ireland trip planning will be a breeze! 😀

LuAnn I’ll be honest in that I hope you might do a similar post when you return from your South America adventure. Or perhaps pieces of it. I’ve never done one of these before but I do think they can be extraordinarily helpful. Should you head to Ireland I’d be happy to chat about specifics.

Fab post Sue! We’ve been to Ireland but only briefly, so this comprehensive list is very useful. Thanks!

Thanks Deb. We fell in love with Ireland and hope this itinerary will help others feel the same.

What a brilliant post, Sue. Love the details and the links. The hundred foot high Nenagh Castle is intriguing. Then, the Glenquin Castle Newcastle West, a six story tower! Thanks for sharing these gems.

A work of love this article I will admit. Many of these gems found through the advice of locals and ones not jumping out in guidebooks. Your generous feedback is much appreciated Mahesh.

What a wonderful guide! I still hope to some day make it to Ireland to follow up on some genealogy!

Oh that sounds like it would be a great trip with such a purpose. Ireland has become one of our most recommended destinations.

Thanks for writing this Sue. I’m not sure if we are going to be able to fit Ireland into our time living here in England, but I am going to try, so a post like this is really helpful! Cheers, Amy

I’ll be crossing my fingers you get a chance to explore at least a bit of Ireland Amy. We felt as though we needed another couple of weeks to do it justice. I’m glad the post may come in handy for you.

Great tour. We did something similar, but my sister-in-law persuaded us to hire a driver as well as a car. It was expensive but worth every penny as we were able to find a great guide who is now also a friend — and I didn’t have to navigate those narrow roads.

I can totally see the value in having a driver and guide. We traveled with Dave’s brother and our sister in law so they took turns driving. Often the roads were so narrow and close to the stone walls I couldn’t bear to sit in the front. Glad to hear you had such a wonderful experience in Ireland.

Sue, I thought we would never go to Ireland. Decades ago we did the UK to death covering every square inch of England, Scotland and Wales but managed to miss Ireland. We always said Ireland was too wet, too cold, too unpredictable weather-wise and besides we would have to go through Heathrow again which we both hate. BUT -now No.1 son has got a transfer to London for two years so Britain is back on the agenda. We can’t let him live on the other side of the world and not visit him at least ten times. You’ve met hubby so you will understand. Anyway this time we will make it to Ireland. Thanks for the itinerary, it is going straight on to my new Ireland Pinterest board. cheers Lyn

I can totally understand when your child moves to another side of the world the travel must happen! For Ireland you definitely will want to pack some very warm clothes and rain gear and shoes that can deal with mud. I’m not sure if you read my post on the Cliffs of Moher but I honestly thought we might blow off into the Atlantic. Having said that we only had one solid day of rain and that was at the Gap of Dunloe. Still the bright blue skies were not a daily event either.

Having said that the scenery is stunning and the people some of the friendliest we have ever met. Once you get planning feel free to drop me a message. I know your hubby likes higher end accommodations so our recommendations don’t fit that criteria. We went for middle of the road.

Thanks for the pin to Pinterest. I’ve never before written one of these complete guides but so many locals shared their gems with us it seemed a shame not to pass them on.

What a beautiful countryside of Ireland. I have visited there yet. 🙂

Amy I think you would love it. With your photography skills you would have no end of subject material.

Great tips! We are actually in Ireland right now and loving it. We took the ferry from Doolin to Inis Oirr and it was fantastic- we got to see the Cliffs of Moher from the sea as well, which was incredible.

Kate that does sound incredible to see the Cliffs from the water. Were the seas rough? Hoping you are having a fabulous time. We absolutely loved Ireland.

Sue – this tour sounds exactly like what I have been searching for. I was originally planning to travel with some friends, but unfortunately, they have all bailed on me. So, I am currently coming on my own. I wanted to get your opinion about a woman traveling by herself in Ireland. It seems like the people are very friendly, but I know some cultures frown on women traveling alone. Thoughts?

Kate I have to admit that I am no expert on solo travel and this trip was done in a group of four. To use this itinerary in its entirety as is would require renting a car. For us driving on the opposite side of the road was a challenge and we worked as a team with navigating our way around. Every where we went in Ireland people were extremely helpful and friendly. Of course I would suggest all the common sense safety precautions of travelling anywhere. We had spoken quite a bit with a solo male traveler prior to his going to Ireland and he had a travel agent help home with train and bus connections as the driving challenges were something he wanted to avoid. Ireland sees a great deal of tourists so I don’t think there is any issue of cultural sensitivity to solo female travel. I hope that helps a bit.

Hi Sue. We are planning 15 nights in Ireland and Northern Ireland in April 2019 and I’ve found your blog great to help me plan. We arrive by ferry with the car form Holyhead and will leave from Belfast to spend a week around the west coast of Scotland and travelling back to London. That means we will go south from Dublin and I was wondering what you think of us spending 2 or 3 nights in Cork instead of Newcastle West? Have heard Waterford is worth a visit. Then 3 nights in Killarney before Galway for 2. Then head up to the north. It’s hard to fit it all in I know. Grateful for your thoughts.

Cathy you have it so right that it is hard to fit it all in. In choosing Cork vs Newcastle West it will be in what kind of experience you are looking for. Cork is a city of course where as Newcastle West more the authentic Irish town. I was not too interested in Waterford and the crystal but for others that may be something not to be missed. I think if you prefer a city setting then Cork is a reasonable choice. The day we were in Cork the traffic was crazy and parking was a challenge but we had a good time nonetheless. To be honest it will be hard to go wrong in Ireland. Well other than that we all want to stay a couple of months! I’d love to hear what you decide.

Hi again Sue. I’ve come up with an itinerary and I’d be grateful for your thoughts. I’ve been told on trip advisor it’s not practical at all. Leave Holyhead with our hire car and 3 nights Dublin, 2 in Cork, 3 in Killarney, 2 in Galway, 1 in Sligo and then 2 in Londonderry and maybe 3 in Belfast before getting ferry to Scotland. May stay in villages near major cities but easier to name cities than villages. I know everyone likes different things but thought this might give us plenty of scope. Value your opinion. Thanks

Cathy greetings from Mexico where we are currently traveling with Dave’s brother and his wife. They were with us in Ireland and also did Northern Ireland and then joined us in the south. Their comment was that they didn’t feel you needed three days in Belfast and perhaps another night in Londonderry might be better spent. As to Cork if you do the major Titanic exhibit in Belfast you likely won’t need/want to do the one in Cork. We don’t see any big problems with your itinerary but you will be busy and doing a lot of travelling in just over two weeks. If you have any flexibility and you want to do all of Ireland three weeks may allow for a more relaxing trip and time to settle in here and there. Whatever you decide I am certain you will love Ireland. Be prepared for wind, rain and the warmest people one can imagine. At least that certainly was our experience.

Thanks Sue for the prompt response. I’ll rethink Cork and Belfast. Really appreciate your help. Enjoy Mexico and watch that tequila! Everything in moderation! Except travel!

Our last day here in Mexico sadly. Home to snow we go. I love that line Everything in moderation except travel! It could be a t-shirt. 🙂

Sorry Sue. Promise I won’t annoy you again! Thinking I might skip Sligo and go to Donegal fro Galway and spend 2 nights before 2 in Derry and 2 in Belfast. Have fun in Mexico

Oh gosh I’m happy to chat anytime! Wonderful to know when our articles or advice are helpful. Since we haven’t been to north perhaps you can tell us what you think when you get back. I felt we just didn’t have enough time with two weeks to get up there but would have loved to have gone to the Giant’s Causeway. It was a highlight for Dave’s brother and his wife. Safe travels and feel free to be in touch any time.

My husband and I just returned from a three week trip of the Southern parts of Ireland. Our trip was magical and I can’t wait to return. I do want to give one word of advise and warning about those who choose to visit the Barnagh Tunnel, as we did this too. We parked in one of the many car parking lots assigned for walkers. While we were walking the trail, our rental car was broke into and my purse and travel bag were stolen out of the trunk. I then spent the last 3 days of our trip visiting the Embassy trying to get a new passport. So be warned about this area. It is a beautiful area to walk, but watch out for the bad eggs in the area.

Oh no Karen I am so very sorry to hear this! I appreciate you sharing your experience. Not the way one ever wants to spend time on a holiday.

Karen I wanted to follow up and let you know that I contacted one of the good folks we met in NewCastle West to tell him of your situation. He has in turn contacted someone very involved with the trail system. I know it won’t help you but hopefully others might benefit from the knowledge.

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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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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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14 Day Ireland Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip For 2024!

Do you want an Ireland itinerary for 14 days? Look no further and discover our itinerary to visit the must-see destinations of this beautiful country.

Between green forests, impressive cliffs, magical castles and cultural cities like Dublin and Belfast, you won’t miss a thing during this 2 week Ireland itinerary.

Ireland Itinerary for 14 Days: Our Advice 

Before starting your 2-week Ireland itinerary , we have prepared a list of things to keep in mind so that your trip goes as smoothly as possible:

• Throughout Ireland they drive on the left .
• Attention! In Southern Ireland, the currency used is the Euro while for Northern Ireland it is the Pound Sterling .
• As a reminder, everywhere in Ireland, you will most likely need an adapter to charge your electronic devices; type G sockets are used.
• A passport is required to visit Northern Ireland . 
• The speed limit on highways throughout the country is 120km/h.
• Pay attention to animals that may be present on or near the roads.

2 Week Ireland Itinerary: The Route

Days 1 and 2: Dublin

Dublin will be the starting point for your 14 day Ireland itinerary . The country’s capital is the perfect place to start your journey, since you can find direct flights from all over the world. Dublin has many things to discover which is why we suggest staying for 2 days to be sure nothing is missed. To start exploring the city, you should absolutely visit Dublin Castle. Built in the 12th century it has undergone several transformations from a fortress and a royal residence to a new government complex.

As you wander the city, you will find several unique monuments and museums. Among them, the Guinness museum which teaches visitors the process of making the symbolic beer of the country. Then, the visit will, of course, end with a tasting. However, if you’re looking for a place to relax, then St Stephen’s Green is the place for you. The walk inside the park will allow you to discover its pond and its various statues.

For more of the historical side of the city you can head to Kilmainham Gaol, which once served as a prison for the separatists of Ireland. Thanks to a guided tour, you will immerse yourself in the dreary atmosphere of this prison which has remained intact. 

Lastly, Dublin is known for its vibrant nightlife . The best way to experience the lively energy is to go to the “Temple bar” area where you will find many pubs and bars. Discover the festive atmosphere of Dublin while drinking a beer or a local whiskey .

Day 3: Rock of Cashel

For the next destination of your Ireland itinerary for 14 days, you will have to drive 1h50 to the Rock of Cashel; an essential stop during your trip.

This medieval complex is one of the most important sites in Ireland . Located at the top of a hill, the Rock of Cashel overlooks the entire valley from its height of 60 meters. Mixing several different monuments, it brings together in one place Celtic influences and European medieval architecture.

When visiting this castle, you can explore the ruins of the chapel of King Cormac , the round tower, the cathedral of Saint Patrick, the cemetery and, of course, the castle. In addition, this is the perfect place for panoramic views of the beautiful county of Tipperary . The Rock of Cashel is a symbolic place of Ireland with its magnificent appearance and complex history.

Day 4: The Cliffs of Moher

You will continue your 14 day Ireland itinerary with a stop at the iconic Cliffs of Moher. After 2h05 of driving, you will discover one of the country’s must-see destinations with breathtaking natural landscapes.

To enjoy the beauty of these steep cliffs , you will have two possibilities to choose from. Firstly, you can take a boat trip to admire the grandeur and wild landscapes of the cliffs from the sea. Side note: this is a great place for those who love surfing; with raging waves and unique surrounding landscapes.

The second option is for hiking enthusiasts and those who would rather stay on land. With several trails that run along the coast, you are sure to appreciate these incredible landscapes. If you take the trail that leads to the O’Brien tower, then you can observe a magnificent 360 view of the area. As you stroll along the edge of the cliffs, you may recognize the filming location which served as the setting for the sixth “Harry Potter” film.

If you want to learn more about these cliffs and the local plants , then located at the entrance to the site, you will find a small museum with all the information.

Day 5: Galway

The next exciting destination on your Ireland itinerary for 14 days is the vibrant city of Galway. After a 1h35 drive, you will arrive in a colorful city with 689 kilometers of coastline . 

Known as the festive capital of Ireland there is no shortage of events and festivals to experience. With a wide variety of pubs and music venues to choose from, you should try and catch a live performance during your visit to really experience the lively atmosphere of the city.

As you wander through the city, you can admire the medieval architecture that contrasts perfectly with all the brightly colored shops and cafes. Among the sites to see is Galway Cathedral which was one of the last stone cathedrals to be built in Europe. Housing various mosaics and statues it is a beautiful place to visit.

Before leaving the city, we recommend walking Salthill Promenade. This 2-kilometer-long walk offers incredible views of the bay, nearby counties and on a clear day you can see the peaks of Connemara . Lined with bars and cafes you can sit and enjoy the landscapes over a nice meal.

Days 6 and 7: Lough Key Forest and McDermott’s Castle

It is after 2 hours of driving that you will reach the next destination of your 14 day Ireland itinerary. Upon arriving in this park, a multitude of activities will be offered to you; hiking is an absolute must. With a guide or on your own, you can discover the forest and the local plant life of this majestic area. The “Drummans Island Trail” is one of the most beautiful in the park with its breathtaking views along the lake.

While in the park, you won’t want to miss a trip to McDermott’s Castle, located in the middle of Lough Key. Built in the 12th century, this magical monument is a mysterious place. To visit it, you will have to cross the lake by boat before you can explore the ruins of the McDermott and discover its history. A true haven of peace, this site mixes historical heritage and natural landscapes which is sure to make it an unforgettable destination. 

According to legend , this castle served as a “prison” for McDermott’s daughter; after she had fallen in love with a boy from a lower class which her father did not approve of. Unfortunately upon one of the boy’s attempts to swim to see her, he drowned; which left her with a broken heart. If you are interested in this romantic story, you can discover the tomb of the two lovers located next to the castle , under two intertwined trees. 

Day 8: Fermanagh Lakes

To reach the Fermanagh lakes, you will have a scenic 1h20 drive. This next destination on your 2 week Ireland itinerary is a very unique one. The county of Fermanagh is made up of many lakes, nearly 154 islands and vast green landscapes. To start your visit you can stop in one of the small villages which surround Lower Lough Erne, such as the charming town of Enniskillen.

For those looking for water activities then this is the place for you! Between boat trips, kayaking, canoeing, and also water skiing, you will have several ways to discover Fermanagh . We also suggest exploring a couple of the islands while here. On the White Island, you will discover the ruins of an old Romanesque church and its wall of statues. Or if you visit the Island of Boa, you can admire the statue of Janus, a Celtic sculpture .

As you explore the area, you will also notice various castles. One worth visiting is Enniskillen for its magical charm. This 15th century castle, built in an Anglo-Norman style, offers magnificent views of the village below. In addition, it now houses two museums that will allow you to discover the history of the city.

Day 9: Dunluce Castle

Your Ireland itinerary for 14 days will continue with a visit to Dunluce Castle . After 2h30 of driving, you will discover along the coast, on a hill, this magnificent monument. The ruins of this medieval castle still amaze its visitors today. While exploring you will be immersed in the historical setting and the breathtaking surrounding landscapes of the ocean and green valleys.

Today you can visit the fortress walls, towers and rooms that still remain. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the cave located in the hill which once used to hide ships; to do this you will have to swim in the sea. However beware as it is said that this area is haunted by a woman who would sing on the beach after dark.

This destination still remains a fascinating place to visit and has been a filming location for the Game of Thrones series . 

Day 10: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and The Dark Hedges

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is one of the must-see destinations on this 2 week Ireland itinerary and only a 20-minute drive from Dunluce Castle.

This destination combines an emerald ocean with a majestic island to create a fun place to explore. In order to discover the small island of Carrick , you will have to cross a rope bridge; not for the faint of heart. More than 250 years old, this bridge was originally intended for salmon fishermen, however, now the wild and incredible landscapes of the area have attracted tourists from all over the world.

The next destination for the day is The Dark Hedges . This path is lined with beech trees, which form a magnificent passage where the light finds its way between the branches. This road surrounded by winding trees was also made famous by the Game of Thrones series. For all fans of this series, you can put yourself in the shoes of your favorite character and discover this place that’s full of magic.

Day 11: The Giant’s Causeway

After a 20-minute drive, you will reach one of the most exceptional sites of this 14 day Ireland itinerary. Birthplace of an Irish legend, this unique destination comes from a volcanic formation through the movement of tectonic plates, more than 60 million years ago which created no less than 40,000 basalt columns .

These hexagonal shaped columns create a real natural staircase that sometimes are up to 12 meters high. This is a great destination for families because it has a unique story and is fun to explore.

According to legend, the creation of this causeway was originally done by a giant . Thousands of years ago a giant from Ireland started to build a path to face a rival giant in Scotland. However, after a fearsome meeting he ran home and ripped up the causeway on the way to ensure they would never meet again.

Days 12 and 13: Belfast

This Ireland itinerary for 14 days continues with a 1h20 drive to the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. As you wander through the streets of the city, you will see the many murals that decorate the city center. These impressive art works all have the common theme of the struggle between north and South Ireland, the Protestants against the Catholics.

Among the must-see places in Belfast is the Titanic Museum. With Belfast being a shipbuilding city, it is in its port that the most famous of all ocean liners was born: the Titanic. Through interactive exhibitions you will discover the maritime history of this capital city, as well as the history of the Titanic from its creation to its sinking.

If you want to experience the atmosphere of Belfast , we recommend that you visit St George’s Market . Here, you will find everything, from local food to small craftsmen selling antiques and clothes. If you visit in the morning then you can try a “Ulster fry”; a typical Northern Irish breakfast.

Lastly, like in Dublin, you will find a vibrant nightlife worth experiencing. The Cathedral Quarter is one of the best areas to go for this as you will have several pubs, bars and nightclubs to choose from. 

Day 14 : Tollymore Forest Park on the Return to Dublin

On your journey back to Dublin, you can stop and explore Tollymore Forest Park. This is the perfect destination on your 14 day Ireland itinerary if you love nature and hiking. As you discover the park you will pass by waterfalls, a lake, ruins of ancient monuments and unique bridges.

Among the trails to do to visit this Forest Park, those along the Shimna River are the most popular. You can enjoy the freshness of the river and the splendid landscapes that border it. Surrounded by majestic oaks, cedars and Douglas firs, this trail is a haven of greenery.

This magical forest also offers guided excursions through the park to explore the nature and all the must see sites of the park such as the Horn bridge and “the Hermitage”.

Again, for all fans of the Game of Thrones series, you can visit all the places in Tollymore that were used as filming locations. From the forest of Winterfell to that beyond the Wall, you will be immersed in the heart of season 1 of this series.

2 Week Ireland Itinerary: The Conclusion

There you have it! Our Ireland itinerary for 14 days ! Discovering the highlights of the country from the South to the North. From haunted castles and beautiful cities to incredible landscapes and historical monuments; Ireland has it all.

If you feel that this itinerary is too long, check out our 10 day Ireland itinerary or I can create a completely new itinerary that’s perfect for you! As a Travel Planner I will do all the research and organizing for you so you can just relax and enjoy your holiday!

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Ireland Road Trip: 7, 10 and 14 day Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Ireland Road Trip Planning Tips

How long to spend in ireland.

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

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

When is the Best Time To Visit Ireland?

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

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

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

How To Get To Ireland

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

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

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

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

Hiring A Car In Ireland

Don’t leave car hire as an afterthought.

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

Look Carefully At The Car Insurance

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

Age Requirements

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

Is Public Transport An Option?

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

Compare Prices And Choose A Reliable Company

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

Methods Of Payment

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

Travel Insurance For Ireland

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

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

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

Prefer A Group Tour Of Ireland?

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

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

14 Day Ireland Road Trip

Day 1-3 | dublin.

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

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

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

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

Day 4-5 | Dublin Bay – Dalkey & Howth

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

Day Trip To Dalkey 

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

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

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

Day Trip To Howth 

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

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

Day 6 | Enniscorthy

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

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

Day 7 | Copper Coast + Mahon Falls

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

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

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

Day 8 | Waterford City

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

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

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

Day 9 | Drive To Killarney Via Blarney Castle

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

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

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

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

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

Day 10 | Ring Of Kerry Drive

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

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

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

Day 10 | Limerick

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

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

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

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

Day 12 | Cliffs Of Moher

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

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

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

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

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

Day 13 | Ferry To Inishmore From Galway

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

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

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

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

Day 14 | Drive To Dublin Via Kilkenny

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

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

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

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

More Ireland Road Trip Itineraries

Ireland road trip 10 days.

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

Ireland Road Trip 7 Days

Handy links for your ireland road trip.

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

Accommodation In Ireland

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

Tours In Ireland

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

Transport For Ireland

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

PIN FOR YOUR 2 WEEK IRELAND ROAD TRIP

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

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

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The Perfect Ireland Itinerary & Road Trip

Visiting Ireland

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

I’m SO glad I did!

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

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

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

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Travel Guide to Planning an Ireland Vacation | Table of Contents

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

Where to Stay in Ireland

Or save this article to read later by pinning it ⇟

See more photos on my Instagram account, @shershegoes

Where Should You Go in Ireland?

The island of Ireland is politically divided in two.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must See Cities and Destinations in Ireland

If you have:

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

3 Week Ireland Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

Update : I visited Northern Ireland!

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

The Best Ireland Itinerary

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

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

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

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

County Dublin

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

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

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

Best Things to Do in Dublin

• Visit the Guinness Factory!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Dublin

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

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

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

Overnight:   Generator Hostel Dublin

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

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

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

More Recommended Hotels in Dublin:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Browse Airbnb listings here .

2. Galway & Connemara

County Galway

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

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

Best Things to Do in County Galway

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

Where to Stay in Connemara

Overnight:   Rosleague Manor

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

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

Check rates:   Booking.com | Read reviews: TripAdvisor

3. Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

County Clare

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

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

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

You can read my hotel review here .

Fun Things to Do in County Clare

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

Where to Stay in County Clare

Overnight:   Gregans Castle

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

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

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

4. The Dingle Peninsula

County Kerry

Dingle is a charming seaside town perched on the Atlantic. 

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

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

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

Fun Things to Do in Dingle:

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

Overnight:   Dingle Skellig Hotel

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

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

5. Killarney and Kenmare

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

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

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

Best Things to Do in Killarney

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Killarney  

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

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

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

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

More Recommended Hotels in Killarney:

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

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

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

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

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

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

County Wexford

Wexford is a coastal haven in southeast Ireland.

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

Best Things to Do in Wexford

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

Where to Stay in Wexford

Overnight:   Brandon House Hotel

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

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

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

More Recommended Hotels in Wexford:

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

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

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

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

7. Waterford

County Waterford

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

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

Best Things to do in County Waterford

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

Where to Stay in Waterford

Overnight:   Dooley's Hotel

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

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

How to Plan a Trip to Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended Books, Shows & Films About Ireland:

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

Should You Plan a Self Drive Ireland Itinerary?

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

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

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

Driving in Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

Ireland in 1 Week

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

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

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

Public Transportation in Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Country Houses & Historic Hotels

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in County Galway: Rosleague Manor Hotel Review

Where to Stay in County Clare: Gregans Castle Hotel Review

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

Staying in an Irish Castle

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

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

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

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

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

Essential Tips for Visiting Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Ireland Vacation Planning Articles

Ireland Travel Tips : Know Before You Go

The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland

How to Plan the Perfect Ireland Itinerary

Where to Stay: 10 Enchanting Irish Castle Hotels  

Packing Checklist:  What to Wear in Ireland

For Foodies: All the Best Food We Ate in Ireland

Ireland Road Trips

The Best Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way (with map!)

7 Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Ireland

How to Master Driving in Ireland (as a tourist!)

Irish Sights, Activities & Tours We Especially Enjoyed:

Co Galway: Visiting Kylemore Abbey , Ireland's Most Beautiful Castle?

Co Kerry: Can't Miss Sights in  Killarney  & Dingle

Co Waterford: Waterford , Ireland's Oldest City, the  House of Waterford Crystal  &  Mount Congreve Gardens

Co Wexford: Don't Skip Wexford - Here's Why!

Co Kilkenny:  Exploring Kilkenny Castle, in photos

Restaurant & Hotels We Loved:

County Clare: Gregans Castle Hotel

County Galway: Rosleague Manor Hotel , Where to Stay in Galway

County Wexford: The Strand Inn

County Waterford: The Cliff House Hotel , The Reg Pub

Northern Ireland

Travel Guide: Belfast

Where to Stay in Belfast as a First Time Visitor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks in advance.

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

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

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

Hope that helps!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Help please. Hope for somewhat relaxing trip.

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

Haven’t been to Doolin!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is the best time to visit Ireland?

Excellent introduction to Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

Hi James – definitely recommend booking ahead for summer travel!

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14 DAYS IN IRELAND: the ultimate Ireland road trip itinerary

Ireland’s small size means it’s super easy to see lots of the highlights in a short space of time. So if you’ve got 14 days to spend in Ireland, here is our ultimate two weeks in Ireland road trip itinerary. At just 36,000 sq miles (84,421 sq km), the Emerald Isle is pretty small in … Read more

The post 14 DAYS IN IRELAND: the ultimate Ireland road trip itinerary appeared first on Ireland Before You Die .

​Bucket Lists, Do and See, Info, Inspiration, Itineraries, Road trips Ireland’s small size means it’s super easy to see lots of the highlights in a short space of time. So if you’ve got 14 days to spend in Ireland, here is our ultimate two weeks in Ireland road trip itinerary. At just 36,000 sq miles (84,421 sq km), the Emerald Isle is pretty small in … Read more The post 14 DAYS IN IRELAND: the ultimate Ireland road trip itinerary appeared first on Ireland Before You Die. 

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Jonathan Epstein's 14-day Ireland Itinerary

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Jonathan Epstein is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List , a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help plan your perfect getaway. Below is an example of the type of itineraries he creates. To work with Jonathan, you can contact him directly at [email protected] .

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

Today you will arrive into Dublin Airport on, where you will catch a taxi to The Westbury in Dublin. After dropping off your bags and freshening up, you can explore Dublin independently. We suggest a walk through the heart of Georgian Dublin and the 22-acre park of St. Stephen's Green. You will certainly enjoy Powerscourt Townhouse, which is located just beside The Westbury. In the evening, enjoy a meal in one of Dublin's authentic pubs or casual restaurants.

Stay : The Westbury

Day 2: Dublin

This morning, explore more of the city independently, visiting sites such as Sheridans Cheesemongers — to enjoy a taste of authentic Irish farmhouse cheeses — and the Chester Beatty Library, which is home to what many consider the finest private collection of manuscripts. This afternoon, you will be met by your expert walking guide for a half day overview tour of Dublin, taking in all the highlights along the historic "Golden Kilometre." In the evning, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, for their daily choral evensong. Dinner reservations at Wilde.

Day 3: Dublin

You will be met by your driver and separate guide to explore more of Dublin. Begin your day touring Kilmainham Jail to learn about its important role in the Irish Revolution and some of its famous past occupants. Then, visit the National Gallery of Ireland, followed by Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells and the Long Room. Enjoy dinner in one of Ireland's finest restaurants, Chapter One.

Day 4: Connemara

Youu will be met by your driver guide in the morning for a transfer to Ashford Castle, in the Connemara region. One of the world's finest hotels, we have worked closely with our friends at the castle on all elements of your stay. En route, you can visit Clonmacnoise, on the River Shannon, which is one of Ireland’s holiest sites with a history that spans centuries. This afternoon, relax at the hotel and enjoy a walk through the Walled Garden and their beautiful grounds.

Stay : Ashford Castle

Day 5: Connemara

Relax at the hotel and also enjoy some of the activities on the estate. We have worked with our friends on property to build a robust schedule, including a boat trip on Lough Corrib, horseback riding, and the property's famous "Hawk Walk." Dinner is booked at their sister hotel, The Lodge at Ashford.

Day 6: Connemara

Enjoy more activities at Ashford Castle: in the morning, we have booked a fishing experience with a wonderful ghillie, and in the afternoon, you will enjoy clay target shooting. You can also take a walk into the nearby village of Cong. Dinner is booked at George V, their fine dining restaurant.

Day 7: County Clare

In the morning, transfer with a private driver to Gregans Castle in County Clare. On the way, you can explore the boglands, lakes, and mountains that make up the Connemara National Park. Visit the market town of Clifden before stopping for lunch in the vibrant city of Galway, where you can walk around the many shops and restaurants of the Latin Quarter and explore Eyre Square. At Gregans Castle, we have booked a room with an incredible view over The Burren. Dinner tonight is booked in the local village of Ballyvaughan.

Stay : Gregans Castle

Day 8: County Clare and the Burren

Meet your driver in the morning for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, some of the world's highest sea cliffs with stunning views of the Atlantic Coast. Then, head to Burren National Park to meet up with your walking guide and enjoy a walk through the park's vast limestone plateaus and diverse botanical wildlife. If time permits, you can also visit the Burren Perfumery, famous for using local wildflowers and herbs in their soaps and other products.

Day 9: County Kerry

Meet your driver in the morning for your transfer to Killarney Park Hotel in County Kerry. En route, stop in the charming village of Adare, best known for its quaint thatched-roof cottages. Upon arrival in Killarney, you can visit some of the nearby sites along the Ring of Kerry — Ross Castle, Muckross House & Gardens, Torc Waterfall, and the panoramic viewpoint of Ladies View.

Stay : Killarney Park Hotel

Day 10: County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula

With your drive, explore the Dingle Peninsula, a narrow 40-mile stretch of land famed for its rugged and remote beauty. Here you can stop in some of the many shops of the local craftsmen, such as Louis Mulcahy’s pottery and Murphy’s Ice Cream; we have also booked a special experience with one of our friends, a local crystal maker. Later, drive along the beautiful Slea Head Drive, where you can see some of the many ancient Fahan "beehive" huts, inhabited until the 13th century.

Day 11: County Kerry

Spend the day independently, perhaps hiking in the National Park or exploring the shops and pubs of Killarney. In the evening, we have organized a comparative whiskey tasting of a number of Irish and Scottish Whiskeys.

Day 12: County Laois and Ballyfin

Meet your driver and travel to Ballyfin, visiting the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most important historical sites, along the way. This is where Saint Patrick reputedly converted the King of Munster. Upon arrival, you can relax at the hotel and explore the beautiful grounds, before joining their guided tour of Ballyfin and the property's kitchens. In the evening, enjoy pre-dinner drinks with Ballyfin's resident pianist and dinner at the Cellar Bar.

Stay : Ballyfin

Day 13: County Kilkenny

Take a full day private tour of the medieval city of Kilkenny, with highlights including Kilkenny Castle, home of the fabulous Butler Art Collection, and the Kilkenny Design Centre, where you will find locally made jewelry and pottery. Kilkenny also has a thriving arts and crafts scene and a couple of our favorite local artisans include Chesneau Leather and Jerpoint Glass, where you can enjoy a glassblowing demonstration.

Day 14: Depart from Dublin

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.

The ultimate Ireland road trip itinerary: 10-14 days

Heading to Ireland? You’re in for a wonderful time. Follow this 14 day Ireland road trip itinerary, which includes places to stay, things to see and an ideal route to take.

The Emerald Isle is an ideal country to visit in so many ways. And if you’re going, why not jump in a hire car and take an Ireland road trip?

It’s small, so you can see a lot in a short amount of time. There’s certainly a varied list of of things to do in Ireland. Delicious food, stunning nature and a most interesting history.

And if you’re planning a trip to Ireland, you’ll naturally have a lot of questions.

How long should you spend travelling around the country? Where should you stay? What’s worth seeing?

Will you ever get sick of the beautiful rolling green hills of the landscape around you?

I’ll address these queries over the course of this post, except for the last, which I can answer right now in one word – no.

This self driving Ireland road trip follows a route that I have done.

You’ll learn of some of the best cities to visit in Ireland, where to stay and what’s worth pulling off the road for.

↠ RELATED: 5 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DUBLIN

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Get Around Quickly

Your 14 day Ireland road trip itinerary

Need a set of wheels for your Ireland road trip?

How long does it take to drive around Ireland?

This itinerary is designed as a road trip . You can see the highlights of Ireland in around ten days , which includes Dublin, Northern Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle and Galway.

If you can stretch your trip to 14 days, you can enjoy these sites at a more relaxed pace.

I recommend spending at least a couple of nights in a town or city every few days.

Even though the distances between places of interest in Ireland are short, you’ll get tired from the driving (particularly when continually getting stuck behind tractors on one lane roads).

Plus, some places need at least a couple of night’s stay to do them justice.

• Dublin 2 nights
• Belfast 2 nights
• Derry 1 night
• Donegal 1 night
• Sligo 1 night
• Galway 2 nights
• Killarney 1 night
• Dingle 1 night
• Cork 2 nights
• Dublin 1 night

What is the best month to visit Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland is in spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to November). It’s not as crowded as it is in summer, or as cold as it gets in winter.

Ireland’s weather isn’t that extreme however, so you can visit all year round.

I visited for the first time for a 7 day road trip in the middle of winter and it cold and a bit damp, but fine.

Begin your Ireland road trip at Dublin Airport

The easiest place to start your trip is at Dublin Airport. It’s a major international airport, with flights to and from many cities in Europe and America.

Alternatively, you can fly into Belfast Airport and kick off this self driving Ireland road trip from there instead. It’s wholly up to you. Take whichever option and plan your Ireland road trip around that.

You can sort your transfer from the airport to Dublin city with the DoDublin Freedom Card, which gives you unlimited access to public transport for 72 hours (including transfer to and from the airport along the 24/7 Dublin Bus route 41).

Ireland road trip stop 1: Dublin

You can’t come to Ireland and not spend at least a couple of days exploring the Irish capital.

I personally think Dublin is one of the most dynamic cities in Europe – at the very least it’s certainly one of my favourites.

Things to do in Dublin

1. visit the guinness factory.

This particular tour is cited as a must-do when visiting Dublin for the first time.

During this self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse, you’ll learn all about world-famous drink. You’ll even get a complimentary pint at the end.

If you just can’t stomach Guinness (I’m with you on this), consider jumping on the Jameson Whisky Tour instead.

2. Have a tipple in Temple Bar

It’d would be a real shame to travel to Dublin and not have a night out in Temple Bar.

The Irish sure know how to drink and party – you’re pretty much guaranteed a fun night out.

Filled with cafes, restaurants and boutique shops, it’s almost as much fun to poke around Temple Bar during the day as it is at night.

3. Catch a flick at the Irish Film Institute

The IFI is an art-house cinema that makes a point of showcasing Irish films.

If you’re interested in the cultural side of Ireland or fancy yourself to be a bit of a film buff, be sure to check out their listings during your time in Dublin.

↠ RELATED: HOW MUCH DOES A TRIP TO DUBLIN COST?

4. Visit the Irish Emigration Museum

You can find Irish descendants just about anywhere in the world (I happen to be one, myself!).

As a country, Ireland certainly has an interesting history of voluntary and forced migration.

A visit to EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum will help you learn more about this part of Irish history.

5. Drink a hot chocolate at Butlers

Butlers is a chain that has one of the best hot chocolates in town – I’m partial to the praline milk choc, myself.

(Don’t forget to bring your own reusable cup , if you want to cut down on your plastic usage).

Cruise along the River Liffey

I’ve always thought the best way to see a city is from the water and Dublin is no exception.

You can cruise down the city’s beautiful river and learn quite a lot about its varied and interesting history.

6. Visit the Dublin Writer’s Museum

Many of the world’s most beloved literary figures hail from the Emerald Isle.

This museum features personal effects and portraits of the likes of Beckett, Yeats, Wilde and Joyce.

There are also public readings, exhibitions and the odd theatre show.

7. Check out Dublin Castle

You won’t be wanting of any sort of castle time after you trip through Ireland (you can even stay in some castles, as you’ll see throughout this post!).

Dublin Castle is a major government building and you can do guided or self-guided tours throughout the grounds (be sure to book at least a month in advance to avoid missing out).

Here’s a list of some of the best castles in Ireland – make sure you visit at least one on your road trip!

8. Have breakfast at Bewleys

Bewleys is my own personal Dublin tradition – I head to the café on Grafton St every time I’m in town to grab a full Irish breakfast. The food is good and the waiters are cute.

What can I say, I’m a red-blooded woman. We all have our weaknesses and mine happens to be Irish accents.

9. Explore Rathmines

Rathmines is a suburb of Dublin that I found to be one of the more gentrified areas. I’d head there for a tipple in a pub, or a bite to eat if I fancied being around more young things.

TIP: Consider grabbing a Dublin pass , which will give you free entry to more than 30 attractions. Depending on what activities you plan on doing, this could save you a heck-tonne of cash.

Where to stay in Dublin on your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 2: Belfast

The next major stop on your Ireland road trip is the capital of Northern Ireland – Belfast.

This city has a fascinating and unsettling history.

It’s also an excellent landing platform for the many areas of natural beauty that can be found in this country.

TIP: Crossing the border between Northern and the Republic of Ireland can get a little confusing, even if there is no official border control. Discover what you need to know before crossing the Irish border .

Things to do in Belfast

1. explore newgrange.

Newgrange can be visited on the way to Belfast from Dublin on your Ireland road trip. Be sure to keep an eye out for it and not drive straight past, as it’s very easy to do.

A World Heritage Site, it’s a Megalithic Passage Tomb, built around 3200 BC.

In a marvellous feat of ancient engineering, the passage and chamber of Newgrange are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise.

A lottery for places within Newgrange on this date is draw every year, with sixty lucky people (out of about 30,000 entrants) and one guest being able to be present on the Solstice.

Try your luck and enter via email .

2. Marvel at Giant’s Causeway

This is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland, a true marvel of nature.

The Causeway is one of the sights among many others in Ireland to appear on the TV show Game of Thrones .

3. Black Taxi Cab Tour

Like much of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a city of divides.

I found the local Black Cub Tours provide a good overall introduction to the story behind the region’s troubles, exploring the history behind the art and murals that pepper the Nth. Irish capital.

If you want to know more about the ‘The Troubles’ from a traveller’s perspective, Everywhereist wrote a wonderful and information-rich overview that’s worth checking out.

4. Visit the Peace Walls

The Peace Walls or Lines are barriers which separate the predominantly Republican and Nationalist Catholic neighbourhoods from the Loyalist and Unionist Protestant neighbourhoods in Belfast.

Although what they stand for is indeed troublesome, they’ve become public works of political art.

Many are starting to be torn down around the city, once an agreement has been reached on each side to do.

Considering that the Troubles are such a recent part of Irish history, this is a monumental movement indeed.

It’s worth going on some kind of tour to see the Peace Walls. If you don’t want to take a Black Cab Tour, consider booking a place onto a walking tour instead.

5. Check out the Titanic Belfast Museum

On another note, Belfast is of course the site from which the Titanic began its doomed journey.

Tributes to the ocean liner can be found throughout the city in the form of public art and there is a museum dedicated to the Titanic within the city itself.

6. Stroll down Stricklands Glen

The republic of and Northern Ireland are fantastic destinations for keen walkers.

Strickland Glen will take you through a wooded glen past ponds and waterfalls and onto the the North Down Coastal Path.

Where to stay in Belfast on your Ireland road trip

Ireland Road Trip Stop 3: Derry/Londonderry

Derry (or Londonderry, depending on which side of the political fence you sit on) is eerie and beautiful, with a sad, sad history.

It’s best known for being the site of Bloody Sunday or the Bogside Massacre in 1972, where British soldiers shot 28 unarmed civilians during a peaceful protest march by Northern Catholics, against internment.

If you’re particularly interested in Ireland’s modern history and want to explore it further on your Ireland road trip, then Derry is the place to do it. (I also recommend reading Patrick Radden Keefe’s excellent book Say Nothing before visiting Ireland).

It’s definitely worth spending sometime in Derry to learn about its place in the Irish troubles. Then, move on to the natural wanders that are in abundance throughout this region of Northern Ireland.

Also, for the purpose of this post I’m going to refer to the town as Derry – not because I’m taking sides – rather that this is a massive article and it’s simply shorter to type out.

Things to do in Derry

Visit the museum of free derry.

This museum will give you the most solid overview of Bloody Sunday and tell the tales of those who lost their lives that day. I think it’s a must-do for anyone visiting Derry and as it’s only a small space, it won’t eat up much of your time. Admission is £8.00 for adults.

Check out the Free Derry Corner

After paying a visit to the museum, you will need to see Free Derry Corner for yourself. It marks the scene of the Battle of Bogside and acts as both a memorial and a declaration for current political issues.

You can either do a self-guided tour, or opt to jump on an organised walking tour. I took the second option and found it to be best, but it’s up to you.

Check out Derry Girls TV show filming locations

Love the popular tv show Derry Girls? Me too. It is class.

Jump on a tour with an expert guide, to be led around the filming locations of the show.

Gaze Upon Mussenden Temple

This very photographic building is perched high above the Atlantic Ocean. As the cliffs surrounding it crumble, it is moving closer and closer to the edge.

The National Trust keep an eye on it and maintain cliff restorations in order to preserve the building.

Walk The Gobbins Cliff path

Ideal for adventurers, these cliff paths are touted as being one of the most dramatic cliff walks in Europe. Tours are available over the summer months.

Ogle at the Marble Arch Caves

These caves are located in a Geopark in Northern Ireland. Tours are available, as well as other nature-based activities such as walks, cycling, fishing and canoeing.

↠ RELATED: QUIRKY DATE IDEAS IN LONDON

Where to Stay in Derry on your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 4: Donegal

The next stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary will take you back into the Republic of Ireland, to a county that is special for many reasons.

Unlike other parts of the country, it feels largely untouched – it’s Ireland at its wildest and most rugged.

Its history dates back thousands of years, as a landing spot for Vikings and housing communities of Irish monks.

It features beautiful natural wonders, megalithic sites and communities where Gaeltacht (the Irish language) is the tongue of choice.

It’s also the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way, a route that travels down the west coast of Ireland.

There’s so much to see and do along this track and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape will have your jaw constantly dropping open.

↠ RELATED: CLIMBING THE SLIEVE LEAGUE CLIFFS IN IRELAND

Things to do in Donegal

Experience glenveagh national park and castle.

This National Park is a conservation area, ideal for walkers and birdwatchers. There’s also a castle you can tour through, as well as the surrounding grounds.

Check out Grianan of Aileach

This is an old stone fort , with a fantastic view.

Visit Donegal Town Castle

Another day, another castle . This 15th century building is worth checking out because unlike many other castles in the country, it’s completely intact.

Inside, you’ll find some detailed history of the town of Donegal and the surrounding region. Admission is €5.00.

Climb the Sliabh Liag Cliffs (Slieve League Cliffs)

These are some of the highest coastal sea cliffs in Ireland and you can trek a path to the top, to gaze out over the ocean.

See Malin Head, the most northernly point on Ireland

Journey out to Malin Head for bragging rights. This was a popular landing point for Vikings, too.

See Donegal Craft Village

A must for art lovers, the craft village features everything from paintings, to felt works and jewellery.

Where to stay in Donegal on your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 5: Sligo

Sligo is a region of rugged countryside and literary heritage, being the birthplace of the poet W.B. Yeats, who was so inspired by this place that made him.

If you’re a fan of Irish literature, then consider it a must-do on your Ireland road trip.

Explore the town centre, marvel at thousand year old relics, or go surfing on the wild, Atlantic waves, to the backdrop of Benbulbin, a large rock formation which shadows the area.

Things to do in Sligo

Visit the yeats society (memorial building).

Drop into the Yeats Society (Memorial Building) to learn more about this important literary figure’s life. Entry is €5.00 .

You can grab some morning tea at the adjoining Penny Cafe.

Check out Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

These structures are older than Stonehenge, give or take a couple of thousand years.

There were originally 80 monuments on this site and I am so amused by the fact that cows were freely moving among them when we visited.

Entry is €5.00 .

Birdwatch at Lough Gill

This is a beautiful freshwater lake, certainly worth checking out on your trip through Sligo.

Immerse yourself in history at Sligo Abbey

This ruined abbey dates back to 1253.

€5.00 will get you in to explore the ruins.

Go surfing!

As it turns out, Sligo is a surfer’s paradise!

There are a bunch of surf schools in the area that will happily get you started in this most noble and gnarly sport.

Where to stay in Sligo during your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 6: Galway

Galway is the fifth biggest city in Ireland and having visited twice, I can tell you it’s great for a bit of craic.

It should definitely feature in your Ireland road trip itinerary.

Eat, drink, be merry and explore the beautiful surrounding regions during your Ireland road trip.

Things to do in Galway

Visit connemara national park.

This National Park is rife in mountainous glory, featuring four ranges for your climbing pleasure. Go on nature walks, ogle the ponies, or have a picnic!

Paint the town red

Galway is a university town and is therefore also a party destination.

A great night out can be had here and it’s popular for respective hens and bucks nights as well.

Tour the town by bike

Get your bearings on Galway, along with some exercise after all that time spent in the car!

Check out The Spanish Arch

This arch was added to the town walls in the 16th century, for extra protection from looting.

These days, it’s part of the Galway City Museum , where you can learn more about the town’s history.

Take a ferry out to the Aran Islands

You should definitely take a trip out to the Aran Islands .

Check out the fort of Dun Aonghasa, squeal over the Inis Mor Seal Colony and explore Kilronan village, amongst plenty of other things to do.

Heck, you can even glamp on the islands. Where do I sign up?

Climb the Cliffs of Moher

These are technically in Co. Clare, but they’re not too far away from Galway City.

They also happen to the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland, so expect them to be teeming with people. Adult entry is €6.00.

Pay a visit to the Claddagh Ring Museum

These iconic Irish rings have an epic story behind them, which you can learn all about during a visit to the museum commemorating them in Galway.

As an aside, I bought a gold Claddagh ring on my first trip to Ireland in 2010 (in Dingle, my second favourite town in the country) and it remains my most loved souvenir of anywhere, ever. I’ve worn it almost every day since and you can see it in the photo above, from a return trip in 2014.

I was motivated to buy this partly due to my Irish heritage but also because Angel presented one to Buffy on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I was am just a little bit obsessed with that show.

Where to stay in Galway during your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 7: Killarney

Killarney’s a stop on a drive known as the ‘Ring of Kerry’, which is definitely worth doing on your Ireland road trip.

The town itself feels like it’s surrounded by nature and is full of beautiful, historic houses and castles.

Things to do in Killarney

Drive the ring of kerry.

The Ring of Kerry is a major drawcard of Co. Kerry and is best kicked off in Killarney.

On the drive you’ll head past some glorious mountains, beautiful beaches and Irish countryside at its most ruggedness.

Explore Killarney via horse and carriage!

Certain an old school method of touring a town! Take a one-hour journey around Killarney in an Irish jaunting car (horse and carriage).

I did this on an Ireland road trip years ago – it’s really great fun.

Visit Muckross House

Muckross House and Gardens is located in Ireland’s oldest National Park (see below).

This Victorian mansion is one of the many sites worth visiting on the grounds.

Tour Gap of Dunloe by boat

See some scenic sights along a boat trip of Gap of Dunloe.

You’ll visit Lord Brandon’s Cottage and Ross Castle. There’s even an optional cart and pony ride.

Ross Castle is a 15th-century tower house located in Killarney National Park, sitting on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake.

It’s open to the public in the summer months .

Explore Killarney National Park

Take a jaunting car (horse and carriage) through the park, or just explore the area on foot at your own pace.

Here’s some more information on things to see in Killarney National Park .

Eyeball Derrynane Beach

This beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland.

After you’ve walked up and down its length, be sure to check out nearby Derrynane Abbey & Burial Ground.

Check out the Skellig Ring

The lesser known Skellig Ring offers gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside, without nearly as many tourists as the Ring of Kerry.

You can head out to the The Skellig Islands and sight some puffins, if it’s the right time of year for it.

Pub crawl through Killarney Town

Or, just enjoy the revelry which is Killarney town!

Everyone loves a party, right?

Where to stay in Killarney during your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 8: Dingle

Dingle is hands down one of my favourite spots on the Emerald Isle.

It should definitely make your Ireland road trip itinerary.

A quiet, sleepy fishing town, with plenty of pastel coloured houses, it’s a hotspot for good food and good views, with a relaxed, seaside vibe.

Things to do in Dingle

Try to spot fungie the dolphin.

Dingle’s most famous resident is Fungie the dolphin, who tends to hang around the harbour.

I’ve never seen him (her?), but you might be able to – try your luck on a tour .

Grab an ice cream at Murphys

Murphys is an artisan ice cream shop, found all over the country but originating in Dingle.

Do yourself a favour and grab a cone, no matter what time of the year it is.

Get into some seafood chowder

Similarly, Dingle’s seafood scene is off the hook.

Order fresh fish from one of the many restaurants and cafes that dot the main street and definitely get some creamy seafood chowder whilst you’re at it.

Walk the Dingle Way

Ireland has a tonne of walking trails and this particular one is 179 kilometres long .

It takes around 8-9 days to traverse.

Drive the scenic routes around the Dingle Peninsula

This is a day trip in itself. There are two scenic drives on offer – Slea Head Loop and Conor Pass.

Take your time and enjoy the coastal landscape.

Where to stay in Dingle during your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 9: Cork

Cork is the second biggest city in Ireland and its harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world.

It’s home to what is probably Ireland’s most famous castle – Blarney Castle. It should definitely be on your Ireland road trip itinerary.

It contains a very well known stone by the same name and if you kiss it, it’s said to give you the ‘Gift of the Gab’.

Things to do in Cork

Visit blarney castle and kiss the stone.

It’s rare that a single stone is more famous than an entire castle , but then again Ireland can be a weird place at times (good weird, I assure you).

Climb to the top of the castle, to be lowered down and kiss this particular stone.

Legend has it that those whose lips make contact with its cold, hard surface with be granted the gift of eloquence.

Entry price is €18.00

You can jump on a combined tour that’ll take you to Blarney and Cobh, where colourful houses and a stunning cathedral await you.

This town was also the last departure point for the Titanic!

Visit Fitzgerald Park

This is a place to visit if you’re after a bit of peace and quiet from Ireland’s second biggest city.

There’s museums, ponds, a cafe and a skate park.

Check out Cork City Gaol

I personally find old gaols truly fascinating and Cork’s would be no exception.

Find out more about visiting the goal .

Take a whisky tour of the city

Did you know Jameson whiskey is produced in Cork?

Head to the micro-distillery to see the largest pot still in the world and experience the live maturation warehouse.

The Irish love their whiskey, so when in Rome Ireland and all that…

Take a walking tour of Cork

Let an expert guide you around Cork and admire the maritime architecture.

Do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk

This cliff walk takes you from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen beach.

It’s about a five mile trek.

Abandon Cork and visit Kinsale…

If you’ve had enough of the bigger Irish cities and want to ogle some more villages, head to the seaside town of Kinsale, to shop, eat and enjoy water-based activities.

…And Cape Clear Island

Cruise out to Cape Clear Island, where you can experience the Gaeltacht culture.

You’ll also get to see the very cool Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. Who doesn’t love lighthouses?!

Where to stay in Cork during your Ireland road trip

How safe is driving in ireland.

Driving in Ireland is very safe and not difficult. Granted, I come from a country that also drives on the left.

If you’re used to driving on the right and renting a car, I recommend getting an automatic. It’s much easier for your brain to acclimatise to this, than a manual.

The only thing to note is that some rural roads in Ireland are tiny . If you get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle, caravan or at worst, a tractor, you may be waiting some time until you can overtake.

Apart from that, Ireland is safe and lovely to drive around in. Be prepared for some scenic views!

Tips For Your Ireland Road Trip

• Take turns driving – the roads in Ireland are small, narrow and often twisty – you’ll require full concentration when driving along them. And as with the UK, the Irish drive on the left side of the road.
• Be wary of the changing systems of measurement on the roads – particular as you dip in and out of Northern Ireland. They’ll go from metric to miles and it can be a bit baffling at times.
• Beware of Northern Irish pounds – I made this mistake once, pulling out 100 quid’s worth of Irish pounds from an ATM. They’re fine to spend in Nth. Ireland, but people in the rest of the UK will look at you as though you’re trying to pay with Monopoly money and even refuse to take them.

Concluding your two week Ireland road trip itinerary

Believe it or not, this 5000-odd word guide barely scratches the surface of what the Emerald Isle has to offer visitors and locals alike.

I for one, can’t think of any other place in the world that has had an impact as far reaching as Ireland.

People across the planet can trace their heritage back to this small, but marvellous little island. I feel honoured to be included among them.

I hope during the course of your Ireland road trip, you end up feeling the same way that I do – that hook or by crook, you will continue to explore this land of merriment and outstanding beauty, until your end of days.

Other posts about Europe

Travelling around Europe? These posts may help with your planning:

• How to spend two days in Amsterdam
• Is Athens worth visiting? Yes – here’s why
• Four days in London for first-timers
• Four day Berlin itinerary: exploring Germany’s quirky capital
• How to avoid looking like a tourist in Europe

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11 Comments

This is such an awesome itinerary for Ireland!! Very thorough, detailed and covers most of the main things to see and do in this underrated country (I’ve had some of the best nights of my life in Ireland!) Love all the different options for where to stay as well. Two thumbs up 😀

Thanks lovely lady! It was really fun to research and write. Problem is… now I can’t stop thinking about the place, haha.

Aw I love Ireland. This is a huge amount to squeeze in, but it all sounds fantastic!

It’s just a shame that you couldn’t head out to Connemara from Galway…but I guess that would take up the rest of your trip as it’s so pretty you might not want to go to the next place!!

It is, it’s more a range of activities to pick from, but did manage to hit every place on a trip around one time there. Haha have had that feeling in Dingle and Donegal… and Dublin, tbh! It’s such a great place to visit.

I have an Irish colleague who had shown me some amazing shots of Ireland. Your post is awesome and I’m soon planning a trip there Your post will post in handy

It’s a phenomenally beautiful country, I can’t imagine you wouldn’t enjoy it! So glad to hear that it’s been helpful.

Wow, this is a great post, I’m keeping this in my favorites. I’ve always wanted to go on a roadtrip through Ireland and Scotland, this is of great help. Thank you 🙂

This itinerary is epic. Ireland looks amazing!! I don’t drive but cycling around looks doable too. What do you think?

I think it would be fun but very cold and wet!

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14-day Tours in Ireland

With 14 days in Ireland, you can take your time to discover the fascinating culture, landscapes and history of the Emerald Isle. Have the travel experts at Nordic Visitor craft you a bespoke 14-day tour of Ireland and prepare for an unforgettable, perfectly planned trip.

EXPLORE IRELAND WITH A 14-DAY ITINERARY

Like the idea of a 14-day trip to Ireland ? You’re in the right place!

Two weeks is a great amount of time to spend in Ireland. You’d get to really delve deep into Irish culture and experience the picturesque scenery to be found across the island and along the Atlantic coast.

The best way to see Ireland in 14 days is to take a self-drive tour giving you the freedom to explore the country your way. Expect medieval castles, rugged coastline and gorgeous green countryside on your Ireland road trip.

When you book a trip to Ireland with Nordic Visitor, you get handpicked accommodation, transportation reservations, access to our 24/7 helpline, and many other benefits as part of the package. You’ll also enjoy the personal service of your own dedicated travel consultant.

Get in touch via our toll-free numbers or live chat and we'll happily plan your Ireland adventure.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Specialists in Ireland self-drive holidays
• Flexible and customisable tour options
• Experienced travel agency that takes care of all the details for you
• Dedicated to providing personalised, quality service

14-DAY IRELAND VACATION PACKAGES

For an Ireland itinerary of 14 days, take your pick from these self-drive packages. They feature top recommended routes and include handpicked hotels, rental car, and more.

Complete Ireland

Classic scotland & ireland, wonders of scotland & ireland.

Complete Ireland - Private

Classic scotland & ireland - private, classic ireland at leisure, stay longer & visit scotland too.

Stay for longer to explore Ireland at a leisurely pace and tour Scotland on the same trip. Choose from these extended Ireland and Scotland itineraries to delve deeper into the Celtic countries.

Grand Tour of Ireland

Complete scotland & ireland – private, scottish highlands, isle of skye & wild atlantic way, complete scotland & ireland, grand tour of scotland & ireland, ultimate tour of scotland & ireland, scottish highlands, north coast 500 & wild atlantic way, ireland travel experts.

As a travel agency based in Northern Europe, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Ireland. We offer a variety of self-drive and guided tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Ireland travel experts. 

To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you – accommodations, activities, local transportation, ferries, and other services.

We can also customise your chosen tour to your needs and tastes. If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

Customer Experiences Of Ireland Tours

Don’t just imagine your visit to Ireland - read what our amazing guests have to say!

Linda, United States

Scenic ireland, september 2022, excellent tour.

Chris, our Nordic Visitor Travel Consultant, was very responsive to every email that I sent and answered any questions that I had. We had 4 in our group and it was simple to have 2 single rooms and 1 double and add days at the beginning and the end of our trip just from their website. A welcome package was waiting for us at our first hotel that included detailed information about our trip and a map with highlighted roads and points of interest along the way. Our accommodation ranged from small boutique hotels to resort hotels. Each was close to the city centre and excellent! Breakfast was included each morning which made it easy to get going. It was nice to have our accommodation and car secured for us so we only worried about where we were going to explore each day! We highly recommend Nordic Visitor and will definitely use them in the future!

Vivienne, Australia

Wild atlantic way at leisure, august 2022, very enjoyable itinerary.

We were very happy that a really good map of Ireland was provided, which had our hotels highlighted, with the dates annotated, and our route and recommended places of interest also highlighted. Most hotels were centrally located and we had some lovely accommodation. The "Wild Atlantic Way" itinerary was really enjoyable, we were directed to some marvellous places & have some great memories. Our bound copy of the guide, together with the Touring Map of Ireland, are great mementoes of a wonderful holiday.

Judy, United States

Classic scotland & ireland, august 2022, everything felt very personal.

Nordic Visitor was great. Having a personal tour organiser made everything feel very personal, like we had a close associate looking after us. Every T was crossed and every I was dotted with the organisation by Nordic Visitor. Every one of the places we stayed in was beyond expectations. The boutique hotel in Dublin was amazing. My favourite was the Inn in Inverness and the lovely innkeeper Gail. The breakfasts were delicious. Loved our little hybrid car in Scotland. Everyone was so friendly. I called the 24 hour number once and was promptly helped with my inquiry. Good job Nordic Visitor and Chris!

Debra, United States

Grand tour of scotland & ireland, september 2022, highly recommend.

This is the second time we have used Nordic Visitor and we were as pleased this time as we were on the trip we booked with them in Iceland. I would recommend them highly!

Martin, United States

Complete ireland, october 2022, flawless experience.

Our travel consultant Rebecca was fabulous. She accommodated us in modifying our schedule at no charge after my wife's mother's death. She cheerfully changed our Dublin hotel to a more central location and always responded quickly to any questions or concerns. We are planning a Scotland trip in 2023 again using Nordic Visitor and hope to have Rebecca again. In 2021 we used Nordic Visitor for a 2-week driving Iceland trip that was also flawless.

William, United States

Grand tour of scotland & ireland, august 2022, unforgettable experience.

Communication via email and telephone was very good. Everyone at Nordic Visitor was helpful. Tour package was clear with good suggestions for activities and restaurants. Accommodation was beautiful and comfortable. Driving through Scotland & Ireland was unforgettable.

Janis, United States

Grand tour of ireland, september 2022, excellent in giving us guidance through the planning stage.

We were independent travellers and used Nordic Visitor only for car rental and booking hotels in the areas we wanted to visit. Nordic Visitor was excellent in giving us guidance through the planning stage and we felt very comfortable knowing they had our back if we ran into trouble! The information packet was extremely helpful as it clearly gave us options to consider during the trip along with the Heritage Card pass. We personally booked a couple of tours just so we could stop driving and sit back and enjoy the scenery. Great job!

David, United States

Wonderful tour.

Our tour was the "Grand Tour of Ireland" which Nordic Visitor customised for us to include additional nights in places such as Achill Island (our favorite spot!). The highlighted map and other travel materials we received from Nordic Visitor were extremely helpful. Overall we had a wonderful tour!

Stephanie, United States

Ireland east to west, march 2023, a great experience.

Overall, we had a great experience. Anytime we had questions our advisor did a great job answering them in a timely manner. In country, we only had to call customer service one time, when the accommodation had misplaced our welcome packet. The agent on call worked with the hotel and they found it and she called back to confirm that we had everything we needed.

Laura, United States

Complete scotland & ireland, september 2022, overall we had a wonderful time.

We had a great experience, had to call a few times to clarify issues and we were always able to talk with a real person. We received our info about 3 weeks before leaving. I felt we needed more time to review all the info since it was a 17-day trip. Overall we had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this company.

Genevieve, Canada

Classic scotland & ireland, september 2022, everything was set up for us.

The tour was very pleasant since every aspect was already taken care of. Rental cars, accommodation, day tours, airport transfers - we appreciated having everything already set up for us, thank you.

Candice, United States

Classic scotland & ireland, october 2022, a trip of a lifetime.

Chris and the team were wonderful and beyond accommodating. My daughter and I contracted Covid the original day we were to leave the United States. Nordic Visitor was incredible! They cancelled everything and worked closely with us to reschedule. And the service didn't end there. Once on the trip, if I had any questions they were right there to help us. I highly recommend Nordic Visitor. The itinerary provided to us mapped out the highlights of the area we were in, but we were still able to make any detours if we saw something we might want to visit. This was a "trip of a lifetime" for me and Nordic Visitor certainly helped to make it possible. Chris listened to what I wanted and guided me in the right direction.

Terri, United Kingdom

Wonders of ireland, september 2022.

Absolutely excellent tour bus driver!

Kenneth, Canada

Ultimate tour of scotland & ireland, september 2022, extremely satisfied with all aspects of the tour.

Extremely satisfied with all aspects of the tour. Very professional and thorough. The maps and guide book were invaluable and made the tour very easy to navigate. Locations of accommodation were superb, all near restaurants, attractions and shopping.

Gabrielle, United States

Responsive and helpful staff.

Nordic Visitor staff was responsive and provided helpful, detailed information (even before we chose our tour). Their correspondence to our enquiries was one of the reasons why we decided to go with Nordic Visitor when we made our final decision. It was very helpful to have our accommodation, rental cars and airport transportation services pre-arranged.

Getting to Ireland

Ireland has 10 airports, with the three main international ports being: Dublin, Cork and Shannon. Unless customised to begin elsewhere, all Nordic Visitor tours in Ireland start and end in Dublin, the capital city.

Flight times to Ireland are, for example, 6 hours from New York City or Boston and 1.5 hours from London. Major international airlines with flights to Ireland include (but are not limited to) Aer Lingus, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Ryanair, and KLM.

The Republic of Ireland is on GMT time. If your journey involves one or more connecting flights, or if you're crossing several time zones to get here, your dedicated Nordic Visitor travel consultant can add extra nights in Dublin to your package so you can rest up after arrival.

Please note that your flights to Ireland are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, if you have booked a combination tour of Scotland and Ireland, we include flight costs between the two countries in the package price.

IRELAND PACKAGES BY LOCAL TRAVEL SPECIALISTS

What would you like to experience in Ireland? Our Ireland travel experts have created thrilling tour packages for your dream Irish road trip.

Castle Tours

Countryside & nature, culture & history, irish heritage, best sellers, scotland and ireland, what to see on a 14-day tour of ireland.

There is so much you can see and do on a 14-day self-drive Ireland adventure. Immerse yourself in the landscapes and historical landmarks of this Celtic country. Explore lively Irish cities and charming countryside as you take in the culture, history and beauty of the Emerald Isle.

With 14 days you have plenty of time to drive around Ireland in a full loop. Travel from Dublin into Northern Ireland to discover highlights such as Belfast, the Antrim Coast and the Giant’s Causeway. Drive down the Wild Atlantic Way route and visit charming Irish towns, countryside and coastal sights.

Of course, the journey is just as important as the destination when you’re on a road trip. In Ireland you can expect scenic drives and plenty of attractions to stop at along the way.

Imagine yourself wandering through ancient Celtic monuments, going for a walk on the green hills, and learning about Gaelic culture. You could sit in a typical pub tasting the local brew and listening to live Irish music.

Read our recommended itinerary below for more inspiration and great trip ideas.

• Browse our Ireland self-drive itineraries when you’re ready to plan your ideal tour to the Emerald Isle

Here’s our suggestion for a 14-day self-drive itinerary in Ireland:

Day 1 - Arrival in Ireland After touching down at Dublin Airport, a private driver will take you to your hotel in the capital, largest city and international hub of Ireland. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the city and its many attractions.

Dublin is a heady combination of heritage sites, fun museums, green parks, historic pubs and lively entertainment. To immerse yourself fully into this buzzing city, we recommend taking a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district or along the characterful O’Connell Street.

Fans of history, books and collegiate atmosphere will want to visit the historic Trinity College and see the ancient Book of Kells.

There are plenty of fun activities you could also add to your itinerary should you have the time. Enjoy an afternoon tea in a double decker vintage bus as you sightsee around the city. Or you could grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of their world-famous beer.

Spend the night in the Dublin area.

Day 2 - Historical sites en route to Northern Ireland This morning you start your road trip around Ireland. Drive north from Dublin and head to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.

Along the way you could make stops at some fascinating historical sites. Visit the 12th-century Malahide Castle, home to gorgeous gardens. Continue to the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s thought to be older than the Egyptian pyramids.

You’ll also have time to see the high crosses of Monasterboice before you cross the border into Northern Ireland.

Spend the night in the Belfast area.

Day 3 - At leisure in Belfast Take the full day to discover the capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast is an exciting city which you can easily explore on foot. We recommend you to pop into some cafés or restaurants to experience the up-and-coming food scene.

Visit the Titanic Belfast museum to learn all about the famous “unsinkable” ship, which was built here in 1909. Take a walk to see the murals splayed on the Peace Walls, which once divided the Protestant and Catholic communities during “The Troubles”.

You could also admire the impressive City Hall building in the heart of Belfast. Or travel just outside the city to visit the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

Day 4 - The Antrim Coast and Giant’s Causeway Leave the city behind and make for the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland. If you loved Game of Thrones, you’ll want to stop at the Dark Hedges. This striking avenue is lined with twisting beech trees and served as a backdrop in the hit TV series.

Take a stroll along the coast at Carrick-a-Rede and enjoy views of the craggy cliffs. Then continue to the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most unmissable attraction. Admire the basalt columns of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, lapped by the Atlantic Ocean’s waters.

Cross back into Ireland to reach County Donegal, stopping at the Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle on the way.

Spend the night in the Donegal area.

Day 5 - The Wild Atlantic Way Prepare to witness more breathtaking Irish scenery today as you begin the Wild Atlantic Way driving route.

Marvel at the mountains, lakes and forests of Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal. Drive over the Glengesh Pass and enjoy sweeping valley views. Make a stop at Glencolumbkille Folk Village, a living-history museum that shows you what life was like in rural Ireland over the centuries.

You can end the day looking out over Slieve League, huge cliffs that rise up to 600 metres (nearly 2,000 feet) from the Atlantic Ocean.

Spend another night in the Donegal area.

Day 6 - Highlights of the Sligo coast Continue your journey by heading south to County Sligo. You’ll see the unmistakable shape of the flat-topped Ben Bulben mountain ahead of you. Make a stop at Mullaghmore to explore the village and sandy beaches, with the table mountain in the background.

Next you could visit the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery to encounter 5,000 years of history. We also recommend a stop at Downpatrick Head for a stroll atop the sea cliffs, providing you with stunning views of the coast.

Spend the night in the Westport area.

Day 7 - Connemara National Park to Galway Make your way through the striking Connemara National Park. Here you’ll find a mixture of landscapes from mountains to white sand beaches, tranquil lakes and heathlands. You could spend some time exploring the fjord of Killary harbour before visiting Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden.

Then, arrive in Galway city and find out why it is famous for being a cultural hub in Europe. Taste delicious seafood from the Atlantic Ocean and perhaps check out the lively pub scene.

Spend the night in the Galway area.

• Not sure when to book your 14-day Ireland itinerary? Browse our guide to the best time to visit Ireland

Day 8 - The Cliffs of Moher Today you’ll see some of Ireland’s most famous landscapes. But first, start the day at Dunguaire Castle. It is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland  thanks to its location along the Galway Bay. You’ll then drive through the spectacular and lunar-like Burren.

In the afternoon, take in the majestic beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction. You can’t help but marvel at these dramatic coastal cliffs, towering 214 metres (702 feet) above the sea.

Spend the night in the Doolin area.

Day 9 - Into Killarney National Park Begin the day with a visit to Bunratty Castle, thought to have originated as a Viking trading post in 970 A.D. Then, if time allows, take a look around Bunratty Folk Park, adjacent to the castle. Here you can see what life was like in rural Ireland 100 years ago, with its reconstruction of a typical Irish village.

Afterwards, take in the highlights of Killarney National Park. This includes the picturesque Torc Waterfall and the lakeside Ross Castle and Muckross House. You could enjoy an optional boat tour on Lough Leane, or a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage in the national park.

Spend the night in the Killarney area.

Day 10 - Around the Ring of Kerry You have all day to explore the scenic Ring of Kerry, a magical drive through the Irish countryside and along the coast of the Iveragh peninsula. It is part of the larger Wild Atlantic Way and is a must-do for most visitors.

We recommend going counter-clockwise and stopping at the Kells Bay House and its gardens as your first visit of the day. You could then stop by the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue as well as stroll along Derrynane Bay.

Along the way you could also take an optional boat tour from the coast to see the Skellig Islands from up close. These otherworldly islands were recently featured in the Star Wars movies.

Spend another night in the Killarney area.

Day 11 - A taste of the south coast Drive south from Killarney, over the winding Caha Pass, to reach the charming little village of Glengarriff on the Beara Peninsula. Here you could spot a local seal colony on a boat trip to Garnish Island.

Continue directly to the city of Cork or stop at the most southerly point in Ireland, Mizen Head, on the way. You could make a quick detour to Kinsale, a small town on the south coast. With its pretty harbour, 18th-century houses and leafy hills, it’s certainly worth a visit.

Take the rest of the day to explore Cork, Ireland’s “second city”. Soak up the buzzing vibe in cafés and restaurants, explore the River Lee’s waterways, and wander through 17th-century alleys.

Spend the night in the Cork area.

Day 12 - Medieval castles Today you’ll head east to Kilkenny, but we suggest you break up the journey by stopping at some top Irish attractions.

One of them is the famous Blarney Castle. It is legendary in fact as the castle and its history is surrounded in myths and tales. Don’t miss out on kissing the Blarney Stone, which supposedly gives you the gift of eloquence.

Later, discover the spectacular Rock of Cashel, which is home to an important collection of medieval buildings that span over 1,000 years of history.

You’ll also have time to check out the castle and other landmarks in Kilkenny town.

Spend the night in the Kilkenny area.

Day 13 - Through the Wicklow Mountains Today you head back to Dublin. You could drive directly there, but to take advantage of your last full day in Ireland, we highly recommend passing through the Wicklow Mountains.

A natural haven awaits you here in this beautiful national park. You’ll see glacial valleys, glassy lakes and soaring mountains, with the chance to spot local wildlife too. Visit Glendalough – “the valley of the two lakes” – to discover a round tower, stone churches and ancient crosses that date back centuries.

Spend your last night in Dublin, where you can top up your Irish adventure with one last delicious dinner.

Day 14 - Departure Today you fly home from your Irish holiday. If you have time, visit some of Dublin’s museums. Or take a final stroll along the River Liffey or in one of the beautiful parks of the city. You could even extend your tour to spend more days in Dublin.

• Read on to learn about the best places to visit in Ireland
• Not sure if 14 days is right for you? You can also check out these 1-3 week-long  classic Irish holidays

Want to go on an Ireland road trip?

With 14 days driving around Ireland, you’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at any attractions or breathtaking views.

The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will plan your trip and sort all the details before you arrive.

We reserve your accommodation, rent a car for your trip, and can book activities led by tour guides to fill your days with more adventures. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline should you need to call us at any point.

Good to know: Our tours aren't set in stone. We can modify the itinerary! Would you prefer to spend more time in one city than another? Add another town to your trip? Or even stay in a special accommodation like a castle hotel? Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice.

• Learn more about driving and renting a car in Ireland on our travel guide

Want to stay longer?

If you want to see more attractions or take your time exploring Ireland, we recommend extending your trip to 17 days, 3 weeks , or more.

For example, you could stay in certain regions of Ireland for longer to really get under the skin of each destination. With more time on your hands, you could drive around the Dingle Peninsula or take a boat trip to the Aran Islands. Or use the extra days to discover Scotland too!

All of Nordic Visitor’s Ireland self-drive tour packages can be tailored by our regional experts. They can add extra nights at select locations or modify the driving routes if you have any particular attractions in mind. Just ask!

• For more self-drive inspiration, read our recommendation of the best Ireland road trips

When is the best time to visit Ireland?

Ireland is a beautiful country all year long. This means you can’t go wrong when you book your 14-day Irish getaway. That said, we recommend the summertime or its shoulder months for the best experience.

The summer, consisting of the months of June, July and August, is the high season. It is marked by long daylight hours and the best (and most stable) weather of the year. Attractions also operate under longer hours and more availability than in winter.

All of this means you can discover Ireland to your heart’s content.

However, you may find that top attractions are very popular at this time. Indeed, Ireland attracts visitors from around the world, especially in summer.

If you would rather have a quieter holiday, visit during the spring or autumn. These shoulder months include April, May, September and October. During this time, you’ll find the best of both worlds: quieter attractions but plenty of good weather and daylight to explore.

Are you interested in exploring Scotland too?

You could combine a tour of Ireland with a road trip around Scotland for an epic Celtic itinerary. With 14 days you could spend a week in each country, allowing you to dive into the Scottish and Irish cultures.

Spend the first week driving around the rugged Highlands and islands of Scotland. Then follow that up with another road trip around Ireland to take in all the jaw-dropping coastal landscapes and historic landmarks.

Scotland is a great destination to complement a tour to Ireland. Their cultures and history are so closely linked and you’ll be able to meet the locals and get immersed in both.

• Discover our combination tours of Scotland and Ireland

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

See more of northern europe.

• Explore Ireland’s Celtic neighbour, Scotland
• Experience stunning scenery and midnight sun in Iceland
• Combine culture with nature by discovering Scandinavia
• Head off the beaten track in wild Greenland or Svalbard

Ireland Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Irish adventure.

The starting point of most Irish adventures will be Dublin, the capital and largest city of the...

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is the crème de la crème of natural landscapes in Ireland, so make sure to...

Blarney Castle

Located on the outskirts of Cork, in the South of Ireland, lovers of historic fortresses will...

Driving in Ireland

Read the rules of the road before you start your a..

Money & Currency

Find out more about Ireland's currency & means of ..

What to Pack

Bring the right clothing and gear for all seasons ..

Weather & Climate

What kind of temperatures can you expect in Irelan..

Our Services

On your Ireland Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a  designated travel consultant  and  high-quality travel documents . What's more, all clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers, which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book with Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Ireland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to book your dream Ireland trip, want to add an extra night in Dublin, or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help. Get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

Our local phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Read About Ireland

10 reasons why you should visit ireland, best ireland road trips: a local expert’s view, best time to visit ireland: your complete guide, best places to visit in ireland: your guide.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

• Ireland by Rail

14 Night Best of Ireland by Rail

If you are looking for an Ireland itinerary for 14 days, discover Cork, Kerry, Galway, Dublin and Belfast on this 14 night Irish Rail Tour. Get familiar with Cork City with its remarkably preserved Georgian Buildings, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula and Galway city before travelling by rail to Belfast city in Northern Ireland. Here in Belfast, experience the Titanic Belfast and take a wonderful day trip to the Giant’s Causeway and the famous Carrick-a-Rede footbridge.

The best of Ireland by Rail 14 night tour is best accessed by Dublin airport.  On arrival in Dublin Airport, travel into the city and take a train from Dublin to Cork City. Cork City’s narrowed tapered streets and Georgian architecture give the city a continental feel. The city has fantastic shopping, sightseeing and entertainment opportunities and on this tour we will use it as a base to discover the seaside town of Cobh, the last port of call for millions of Irish emigrants and Blarney where the world famous Blarney Castle is located. From Cork travel west to the Kingdom County of Kerry! Here discover the amazing Ring of Kerry as well as the unspoiled Dingle Peninsula. After Killarney travel Galway where you will have ample time to explore this festival capital and see the city’s sites. A day trip to Inis Mór in the Aran Islands has been included for you, and you will have plenty of time to explore the festival city of Galway.

After a one night stopover in Dublin, travel directly to Belfast by rail. In Belfast we recommend a visit to Titanic Belfast, the city’s newest and most popular museum and the Belfast murals which have become world recognised symbols of religious and political divisions. On your second day in Belfast take a tour of the Causeway Coast visiting the world famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge, Bushmills Distillery and the highlight of the tour, Giant’s Causeway. After your time in Belfast travel back to Dublin by rail, for a 2 night. Here with your city sightseeing ticket you can see such places as Trinity College and the Book of Kells, The Guinness Storehouse and Christchurch Cathedral but to name a few places. 

Included in this tour: 

• Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transfer to Heuston Railway Station 
• Train ticket from Dublin to Cork
• Train ticket from Cork to Killarney
• Train ticket from Killarney to Galway
• Train ticket from Galway to Dublin Heuston
• Train ticket from Dublin to Belfast and return
• 14 nights’ accommodation
• Guinness Storehouse Tickets
• Cork Cobh & Blarney Tour
• Dublin Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tour Tickets
• Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets
• Dingle Peninsula Coach Tour Tickets
• Return Shuttle bus from Galway to the port of Rossaveal for Aran Islands Ferry
• Return Ferry Ticket from Rossaveal to Inis Mór
• Belfast City Hop on Hop off Tour Tickets
• Causeway Coast Tour Tickets
• Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Tour Tickets 

Overnights for this tour

• Cork for 2 Nights
• Killarney for 3 Nights
• Galway for 3 Nights
• Dublin for 1 Night
• Belfast for 3 Nights
• Dublin for 2 Nights 

Day 1: Cork City

After arriving at Dublin Airport, travel by train to the City of Cork. Cork City’s narrow streets and Georgian architecture give the city a continental feel. The city has a great number of great places to visit including the well renowned Cork City Gaol, The Church of Saint Anne Shandon and St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. First stop on your list of places to visit may be the English Market, a covered fruit and vegetable market established in the 1600s and a famous Cork meeting point. From here you can easily explore the city centre on foot perhaps making your way to Paul Street noted for its ethnic restaurants, chic bars, trendy bookshops and boutiques.

Day 2: Cobh & Blarney Castle Day Tour

Travel to Blarney where you will have plenty of time to explore the Castle grounds at your leisure. A must see is the Rock Close area and Poison Garden where the world’s most poisonous  plants are kept behind large cage like structures. After, climb the ramparts of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone where legend says you will be awarded with the ‘gift of the gab’ which is the skill of great eloquence! After Blarney hop on the coach again and travel onward to Cobh. Cobh is famous for having been the last port of call for millions of Irish emigrants escaping their harsh lives here in Ireland and also for being the last port of call for the Titanic. Two excellent museums explore these events in greater detail; the Cobh Heritage Centre & the Titanic Experience. Saint Coleman’s Cathedral in the town is also well worth a visit. After free time in Cobh, your coach returns you back to Cork city where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 3: Cork to Killarney by Rail

Begin the next stage on your Irish rail tour with a scenic train journey from Cork to Killarney in county Kerry. For your first day in Kerry we recommend that you take in Killarney and the surrounding attractions. You may decide to visit Muckross House and Gardens on the outskirts of the town or take a tour around Killarney national park by horse and carriage. One of the main attractions in Killarney is the town itself with its colourful shops, cute cafes and ample fine restaurants. There is always plenty of traditional Irish music on offer in Killarney in its many old style pubs!

Day 4: The Ring of Kerry

Today we have pre-booked a Ring of Kerry bus tour for you. On your tour discover landscapes of magnificent beauty alongside the backdrop of the grand MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, rivers and rolling countryside. Along the way, you will encounter larger bustling towns to the more traditional quaint Irish villages. Visit such places as Glenbeigh which holds the famous Kerry Bog Village, a cluster of reconstructed cottages dating back to the 1800’s, Cahersiveen,  the principal town of the peninsula and Sneem with its brightly painted buildings and quaint village green. Return to Killarney via Ladies View, a famous stopping point to view the three Lakes of Killarney in all of their splendour.

Day 5: The Dingle Peninsula

This morning hop on the coach to do a comprehensive day tour of the Dingle Peninsula which offers some of Ireland’s best scenery and spectacular views. The Dingle Peninsula or the Corca Dhuibhne as it is named in our native tongue is believed to have more than 2000 ancient monuments, the locals here speak fluent Irish and the town is well known for its fantastic traditional music and dance culture. On your travels you will discover Dingle Town with its brightly coloured shops and Slea head which is known to be the most westerly point in Europe and has astonishingly beautiful view especially of the nearby Blasket Islands. Your tour also takes in the countryside where David Lean filmed ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ and the landscape backdrops for the Irish scenes of film ‘Far and Away’.

Day 6: Killarney to Galway by Rail

Set off early this morning and take a scenic train journey from Killarney to Galway. Galway is the principle city of the West of Ireland and a lively University City. In fact, Galway is often referred to as Ireland’s Festival capital due to the frequent festivals that the city holds. Due to its compact size, the city can be explored easily on foot and you will find many bars to quench your thirst as well as many great restaurants with an excellent food offering. We recommend that you take a stroll down Shop Street where on any given day you are sure to find a variety of buskers and other street performers. Shop Street contains Galway's best preserved ancient building, Lynch's Castle and numerous old brick buildings, bright storefronts and a great selection of excellent shops.

Day 7: Inis Mór, Aran Islands Day Tour

Depart early morning for your journey to Inis Mór, the largest of the three the Aran Islands. Protected from outside influence due to their remote location, the Aran Islands display the traditional Ireland that the rest of the country has largely left behind. Learn about the Aran Jumper and traditional crafts such Basket Weaving. On Inis Mór, you will still find the traditional horse and trap and hear the Gaelic language spoken as the first language.  There are more than 50 different monuments of pre-Christian importance on the islands, the most popular being the fort of Dun Aonghasa which stands dramatically against the cliff edge over the western part of the Island.  After a long day to explore the island at your leisure take the return ferry back to Rossaveal and the return shuttle back to Galway City.

Day 8: Cliffs of Moher & Burren Day Tour

It is few people that visit Ireland and not take in a trip to Ireland’s most famous attraction, the Cliffs of Moher! Travel by Galway Bay and stop first at the village of Kinvara, where Dunguaire Castle can be found. Dunguaire Castle was built in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan; its name derives from the Dun of King Guaire, the legendary king of Connacht. Continue through the Burren where you will witness a lunar landscape like you have never seen before, the Burren is home to numerous ancient monuments including the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen Tomb. Settle at the coastal village of Doolin in County Clare for a lunch stop before visiting the 200-metre high Cliffs of Moher. Revel in astonishing views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands and take some time to appreciate the natural beauty of the cliffs before returning to Galway.  

Day 9: Return to Dublin by Rail

This morning check out of your hotel and travel by rail back to Dublin City, arriving in time to take in some of its most famous visitor attractions. If the weather is nice you might decide to talk a walk in Dublin’s famous ‘Stephen’s Green’ or check out the shops and cafes on Grafton Street, stopping like many people do to take a picture with Molly Malone, one of Dublin’s most famous statues. You may feel like learning more about Ireland’s political history by taking a trip to Leinster House where the current parliament sits or Dublin Castle which was the seat of English rule from the 13 th Century. Dublin Castle also houses the Chester Beatty Library which displays manuscripts, prints, miniature paintings and early printed books from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. The Chapel Royal with its fine plaster decoration and carved oaks and galleries can also be visited at Dublin Castle. This evening, take another opportunity to check out Dublin’s traditional music and pub scene. The Cobblestone and the Auld Dubliner are famous venues and many of our past customers have enjoyed a drink or two in Kehoe’s Bar, one of last great heritage pubs of Dublin, this pub retains much of its Victorian trappings leaving the visitor feeling like they have stepped back in time!

Day 10 & 11: Travel to Belfast by Rail & Belfast Sightseeing

Travel from Dublin’s Connolly Station to Belfast by train & on arrival begin your Belfast City sightseeing. Today, the remnants of Belfast’s troubled past make it an interesting destination for tourists from all over the world. First stop on your tour of Belfast might be Titanic Belfast, built on the site where the Titanic was originally constructed; galleries reconstruct scenes from Belfast at the time of its construction, the launch, the maiden voyage, the sinking and the aftermath. The Belfast Murals are another must see in Belfast, these have become famous symbols of Northern Ireland, depicting the religious and political divisions. The Crumlin Road Gaol is also well worth a visit, this dates back to 1845 and closed in 1996. Tours of the prison tell the fascinating history of the site and the underground tunnel that connect the Gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse is an interesting feature. Tonight get out and about and discover Belfast’s stylish pub scene, of great interest to many is the Crown Liquor Saloon, one of the most famous Victorian gin palaces which once flourished in industrial cities,  the saloon dates back to 1826, and its furnishings and fittings are authentic and fascinating.

Day 12: Causeway Coast Guided Tour

Enjoy the first stop of the day at Carrickfergus Castle, before travelling onward to the world famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge where the brave members of the group make the journey across the 30m chasm! The not so brave can enjoy the stunning views or enjoy an exhilarating cliff walk. Travel onward to Bushmills distillery and enjoy a swift taste or two of their famous tipple before journeying to the highlight of the tour – The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site. Spend some time climbing over the ancient stones, taking photographs, and appreciating the folklore and legend that surrounds this famous attraction. Re-board the coach again and make the return journey to Belfast stopping at the ancient ruins of Dunluce Castle on the way.

Day 13& 14: Return to Dublin by Rail, Dublin City Sightseeing

After travelling by train from Belfast to Dublin, use your Dublin sightseeing tickets to bus your way around Dublin city. The Dublin sightseeing ticket lasts for two days and includes stops close to all of Dublin’s main attractions including The National Museums, Trinity College and The Book of Kells, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral to name just a few places. On one night of your time in Dublin, we would certainly recommend that you visit Dublin’s busy Temple Bar to check out its famous traditional Irish music and vibrant nightlife!

Day 15: End of Tour

This morning, check out of your hotel for the journey home. 

• Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
• Rail tickets included from Dublin Heuston to Cork, Cork to Killarney, Killarney to Galway, Galway to Dublin and Dublin to Belfast Return. 
• Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transfer to Heuston Railway Station  included
• Prices include Dublin Sightseeing Tour Tickets, Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets, Aran Islands Shuttle Bus and Ferry Tickets, Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Day Tour Tickets, Belfast City Sightseeing Tour Tickets, Causeway Coast Day Tour Tickets
• The Combination package includes 5 Nights in 3 Star Hotels, 4 nights in 4 Star Hotels, & 5 Nights in our hand-picked B&B's.
• Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) pay 40% of the Adult option.
• Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults.

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Complete 2 Days in Dublin Itinerary – 48 Hours in Dublin

D o you only have enough time to spend 2 days in Dublin? This itinerary will make sure you can discover the highlights of the most charming neighborhoods, picturesque streets and popular attractions.

As a first time visitor to Dublin, Ireland it can be overwhelming with all the things to do in only 48 hours. This itinerary will make it easy for you to get the most out of your visit to Ireland’s capital city.

Where should I stay in Dublin?

You will most likely be arriving to the Dublin Airport and you will want to book accomodations close to the city center. With only 2 days in Dublin you will have to make a trade off between hotel price and how much time you have to get between attractions.

We stayed both at the historic Harcourt Hotel , which is about 20 minutes walk south of most attractions and the Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre which is closer to more attractions on the northern side of the city center. For us the 20 minute walk from Harcourt Hotel was not a big deal, but if you want to go back to the hotel in the middle of the day to relax or change the distance can be time prohibitive.

Do I need to rent a car in Dublin?

Renting a car in Dublin generally is not needed, with most of the attractions within walking distance. Even if one attraction is a bit further away, using public transportation or an Uber will save you time and stress throughout your visit without having to find the limited parking within Dublin’s city center.

Is the Go City Dublin Pass worth it?

A great way to save time and money on a two day trip to Dublin is with the Go City Dublin All-Inclusive Pass , which costs €99 for a 2-day pass. This includes entrances to most of the paid attractions in this itinerary. During our visit we go €110.5 worth of value from the Go City pass and still had some additional places we wished we could visit.

To see if the Go City Dublin pass is worth it for you, check out the included attractions and add together the value of having to buy the tickets separately. If that value is the same or greater than the cost of the Dublin Pass, it is definitely worth purchasing.

One thing we found is that purchasing the pass in advance incentivised us to actually complete our full itinerary each day, which can be substantial with only 2 days to explore Dublin. It is a lot better to go to bed tired for two nights than miss the best things to do in Dublin.

Taking a look at this two day Dublin itinerary here are the savings the Go City Dublin pass provided.

Day one in Dublin: Streets of Dublin and Culture

For the first day in Dublin, the time is more focused on getting to know the feeling and atmosphere that Dublin is so well known. It is about exploring the historic streets of the city center with enough extra time throughout the day to wander into an interesting pub or shop that you pass along the way.

Iveagh Gardens & Saint Stephen’s green

Start the morning off with a stroll through Iveagh Gardens & Saint Stephen’s green park. We visited Dublin in November so were met with the peak orange and yellow autumn foliage. Within the Iveagh Gardens there is a memorial dedicated to the peaceful defenders of human rights around the world which we highly recommend for a quick read. At Saint Stephen’s green make sure to walk around the lake to see locals feeding the swans.

Merrion Square Park

We then made our way over to Merrion Square Park, zig zagging our way through as many beautiful and peaceful neighborhood streets as we can, where you can see fascinating brick facades with the contrast of bright painted doors.

The Umbrellas Dublin

Weaving our way through the historic streets of Dublin, we make a quick detour to The Umbrellas Dublin, which are colorful umbrellas hanging across the road, for a romantic photo opportunity. The only downside is that its located in an ally between a few bars and a casino. It is worth visiting for a few minutes, but don’t go too far out of the way to get there if you are not nearby.

Trinity College

Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592. The most popular thing to do is take a guided tour of the Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells. It is best to book a timed tour in advance as it can be several hours before the next available tour when booking on the spot. You can also just walk around the historic campus and enjoy the iconic buildings.

Temple Bar Pub

Walking through the iconic cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district, you want to be on the lookout for the world famous Temple Bar Pub. You have to step inside to experience the lively atmosphere, Irish music, and sip on possibly the most expensive pint of Guinness in Ireland.

Throughout this district there are endless pubs and bars to explore, making it a great place to come back in the evening for drinks after dinner.

Molly Malone statue

Then head over for a quick photo of the Molly Malone statue, in commemoration to the song “Cockles and Mussels” set in Dublin, which has become an unofficial anthem of the city. The statue represents a 17th century working class women overcoming all adversity.

Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Make your way to the other side of the river to the famous Jameson Distillery Bow St. for a guided tasting tour of Ireland’s most well known whiskey. The basic tour starts at €26 with more intensive tours up to a €140 paired tasting experience. Just have in mind the last tour starts at 5:30PM during the week and 6:45PM on the weekends.

Celtic Nights Dinner & Show

A great, but touristy way to have a crash course in traditional Irish food, Irish music, and Irish dance is at the Celtic Nights Dinner & Show . For €49 per adult it includes a three-course meal off a set menu, accompanied with live music and dancers throughout the evening. We felt like we could have a more authentic experience finding a show or music outside of a restaurant, but with only two days in Dublin, it is perfect to get a taste of all three.

Day two in Dublin: History, Whiskey, and Guinness

The second day of this itinerary is packed with much more of Dublin’s history with more tours and set attraction times. It is important to be mindful of the time today to make sure you can visit each attraction before it closes.

Dublin Castle

Start the day off at the Dublin Castle, which served as the seat of British rule in Ireland from 1204 until Ireland’s independence in 1922. It is still used to this day for some state ceremonies, with Ireland’s presidents being inaugurated in St Patrick’s Hall. Our favorite rooms in the castle are The throne room, The Battleaxe Staircase, the State Drawing Room, The Chapel Royal, and of course St. Patrick’s Hall. Self guided tickets are €8 per adult.

Christ Church Cathedral

Visit the oldest medieval cathedral in Dublin, the Christ Church Cathedral, dating back over 1,000 years. Make sure not to miss the renowned architecture and artfully designed floor tiles. Tickets are €11.50 per adult.

Dublinia is an interactive museum focused around the Viking and Medieval times in Dublin. Take a walk back in time to experience the rich history of the city and all of Ireland. Tickets are €15 per adult.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

No visit to Dublin is complete without stepping inside the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest Cathedral dating back over 800 years. It is a massive and ornate church that is not to be missed. The entrance fee is €10 per adult and if you are visiting on Sunday be aware of the reduced hours for mass in the middle of the day.

Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Dublin was once home to a major distilling district, called the Golden Triangle, which all but dried up in the early 20th century. It wasn’t until Teeling Whiskey Distillery opened their doors with the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years, with an old family distilling knowledge dating back to 1782.

Here you can take a guided tasting tour, learning the history, distilling process, and most importantly how to taste whiskey. Tickets start at €20 per person and you can upgrade your experience with additional small batch and single malt tastings at the end of the same tour.

Guinness Storehouse Experience

No two days in Dublin itinerary would be over until you visit the Guinness Storehouse Experience. Make your way the multi-story self guided tour to learn about the brewing process and history of Guinness, entry to Guinness Tasting Rooms, ending at the crowded Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin, with a pint of Guinness.

The self guided tour starts at €20 per adult and include a pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar. In all honesty the experience is not very informative on the beer making process or about Guinness for that matter. However it is something everyone should check off their Dublin bucket list.

Dinner and Pubs

After exploring Dublin for 2 days you probably saw a restaurant or pub that you wanted to check out and your last night in Ireland is the perfect time to do that. If you are looking for some inspiration you can wander through the Temple Bar neighborhood stopping along a few pubs throughout the evening.

With only 48 hours it is impossible to see all the best things to do in Dublin, but we hope this itinerary has let you get a peek into what Dublin and Ireland has to offer. If you are looking to spend more time in Ireland, we also have a complete one week road trip to Ireland .