ireland travel itinerary 14 days

Ireland Road Trip Itinerary – A Full Lap in 2 Weeks

• April 1, 2024
• Europe , Ireland

Are you planning an Ireland road trip for 2 weeks? With limited time, you must be torn between which of Irelands’ must-see attractions you are going to visit. Don’t forget you still have the consider the hidden gems and the best hotels to rest your head.

Well, fear not! Let us guide you through Ireland’s’ top destinations, give you insider tips, and inform you about the best accommodation, so you will have a stress-free and unforgettable trip to Ireland.

If you are reading this Ireland travel article because you clicked the link on the shorter version, then scroll down to the 2-week Ireland Itinerary in detail .

We have taken all the cities and best attractions in Ireland that you must visit and packed it all in a 14-day Ireland road trip that brings you around the entire island of Ireland in chronological order. Not like some Ireland Itineraries that take you from Point A to Point D, and then back to Point B…….

Historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, Irish hospitality, and pretty much the best of Ireland await you as you embark on an unforgettable adventure discovering Ireland by car if you follow our Ireland itinerary.

And why should you listen to what we have to say? Because we are two Irish people who know Ireland’s best attractions and things to do, like the back of our hand! Not only that, but we have personally visited all of these fantastic places ourselves.

Who would you rather take advice from when visiting Australia, someone from Kenya or someone from Australia? Exactly!

Not up for reading? Then check out the shorter and summarized version of this article – 14 Day Ireland Road Trip – A Complete Circuit Of Ireland .

Table of Contents

A Perfect Ireland By Car Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

In this 14-day Ireland 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 Ireland by car holiday.

If you choose to fly into Dublin Airpor t or Cork Airport , you can simply pick up the 2 week Ireland itinerary from your arrival destination.

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!

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 must warn you that this 14-day 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 your Ireland road trip holiday.

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

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As this is a 2-week Ireland itinerary by car, you will need to have… A car!

Want to know the cost of renting a car for your Ireland by car holiday? Simply click the link below to get an estimate of the rental costs for your chosen vehicle, and start planning your self-driving tour with ease !

2-Week Ultimate Ireland By Car Road Trip

This 2-week Ireland road trip of the entire island of Ireland has it all, just wait until you see how much we have packed into this 14-day Ireland itinerary. We are very confident that you will get to tick off loads on your Ireland bucket list !

Let’s find out what a complete 14-day Ireland itinerary entails.

2-Weeks Ireland By Car Itinerary in Detail

Now that we have an outline of the Ireland by car 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, or in Irish, tá fáilte romhat!

Before starting your 14-day Ireland by car 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 and one of Irelands’ best attractions – The Cliffs of Moher .

The Majestic Cliffs of Moher

Located in County Clare, Ireland, The Cliffs of Moher are located in Kate’s home county of Clare and is a must-visit attraction in Ireland. This natural wonder rises dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, standing at heights of 120 to 214 meters above the waves, and stretches for an impressive 12 kilometers in length. That means there are lots of breathtaking views to take in.

The Cliffs of Moher got their name from the ancient fort of Mothar, which previously stood at the site where O’Brien’s Tower now stands, named after the powerfull O’Brien clan who controlled the area

Allow yourself one to two hours to walk around and take in the many different views the Cliffs of Moher have to offer. Beware that there can be strong winds and not everywhere has a guard rail.

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 and Aillwee Cave .

Accommodation

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

Travel summary for Day 1 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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

Day 2 of your Ireland road trip starts with a drive from Lahinch to Galway , This journey 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 by car 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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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

Next on the Ireland by car 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.

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 .

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

Continue your scenic Ireland 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 Mullaghmor.e

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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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 Irelandby-carr 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 by car 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 Ireland road trip 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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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

Day 5 will take us from Derry to Belfast via the world-renowned Causeway Coastal Route . Start your day bright and early for today’s activity on our Ireland road trip.

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

This scenic drive will span 210 kilometers (130 miles) and require approximately 4 hours of driving 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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

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

Day 6: Belfast

Day 6 of your Ireland itinerary by car starts with….. a taxi!

Take a guided black taxi mural tour in Belfast, exploring the Belfasts’ political tensions. These tours delve into the Troubles, a period of conflict marked by political and sectarian violence from the late 1960s to 1998.

You’ll visit Northern Ireland attractions such as the Belfast Peace Walls and murals depicting political themes, and areas all 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 Belfast attractions are St Georges Market , Belfast City Hall , and the Botanic Gardens .

Travel summary for Day 6 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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 by car 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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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 by car road trip starts with you waking up in the capital of Ireland – Dublin .

Due to our tight 14-day Ireland itinerary, we have limited time in Dublin, so we’ve selected the top two activities for you. However, if you do have extra time then find out How to spend two days in Dublin cheaply .

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 . Maybe get a taxi for this one!

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 by 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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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 by car 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, Fota Island Resort offers easy access to the planned activities in the surrounding area.

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

Wicklow Mountains

Departing from Dublin, we head straight up into the nearby Wicklow Mountains. Our first stop is Lough Tay Viewpoint , (via Sally Gap), a stunning spot overlooking the “Guinness Lake”.

Continue 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

Continue your Ireland road trip 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).

Visiting the Rock of Cashel is another tick on your Ireland bucket list. 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 over a distance of 100 kilometers (62 miles)

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

Travel summary for Day 9 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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 by car 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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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 of our 2 week Ireland itinerary will call for another early start on the road, as today is packed with a lot more must-see Ireland attractions to check off the Ireland Bucket list.

The first stop on our Ireland 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 option to include on your Ireland road trip 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 most delicious black pudding in the world, and some of the best pubs with traditional Irish music.

If time permits you can visit historical Ireland 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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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 this part of the Ireland by car itinerary 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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

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

Day 13: Killarney to Dingle

The last day of exploring Ireland by car 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 by car.

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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

• 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 by car 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 .

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.

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 of your Ireland by car holiday :

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

Enjoy Your Ireland Road Trip!

There you have it, a 2 week Ireland by car itinerary that takes you on a complete journey around the island of Ireland, visiting all the main attractions and cities along the way.

Some final tips for your Ireland Road Trip

• This is a 14-day Ireland Itinerary that requires your own car.
• In the summer, days will be longer, but also busier due to extended daylight hours.
• Your Ireland by car road trip will be busy, but with lots of great attractions to see.
• Start your day early to make the most of your Ireland road trip. Departing early will give you more time to cover long distances and enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
• Remember, you will be starting early every day, so take it easy in those delicious pints of Guinness!
• Verify opening hours to ensure the Ireland attraction is open.
• Enjoy your perfect Ireland road trip of the entire island!

We would love to answer any questions you have or tell us 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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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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Ireland Road Trip: 7, 10 and 14 day Itinerary

LAST UPDATED: 18th June 2024

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’.

Get 5% off your travel insurance with IATI . Discover a range of policies from basic to premium, and multi-country trips for up to 3 months. IATI will cover countries where the FCDO advises against all travel. All include 24/7 Emergency Travel, Crisis, and Medical Assistance services. 

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 sea-goers 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 are 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
• FREE walking tours in Ireland

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.

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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!

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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-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. The travel experts at Nordic Visitor have crafted an unforgettable 14-day tour of Ireland.

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 holidays
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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.

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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 with offices across Europe, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Ireland. We offer self-drive, private and small group tours that take you to must-see attractions, as well as lesser-known highlights handpicked by Edinburgh-based travel experts.

To ensure a seamless trip, we handle all the details for you – accommodation, activities and local transport such as car rental and ferry bookings.

It's easy to make changes to your tour online. Add extra nights, upgrades, and optional excursions to your liking as you go through the booking steps. If you'd like to personalise your itinerary further, just ask your dedicated travel consultant, they know Ireland inside-out and will design your dream tour.

Customer Experiences Of Ireland Tours

Don’t just imagine your visit to Ireland - read what our amazing guests have to say!

So happy I found Nordic Visitor!

I'm so happy I found Nordic Visitor! Our 10-day self-drive tour of Ireland made our trip feel like a carefree vacation. The accommodation were outstanding, and finding ourselves within walking distance of city centres was wonderful. Our hotels/inns offered lovely breakfasts and some had excellent evening dining on-site. The Nordic Visitor travel guide was a pleasure to follow, filled with many choices to plan our daily excursions. Nordic Visitor is highly professional and thorough, from website to bookings. We appreciate all the planning Chris put into creating a fantastic itinerary for us!

This was excellent. We truly enjoyed our experience. We accomplished about 90% of the suggested sites. They were all top notch. Hotels and accommodation were all great. I would recommend to anyone going to visit Ireland and I will use them again when we go to Scotland.

I would recommend Nordic Visitor

Easy-to-book tour, communications were thorough and detailed, tour guide books were very well-researched and even included a hand-annotated map. Would recommend Nordic Visitor to others wishing to make a short tour to Ireland.

Extremely helpful

Nordic Visitor offers a package for every type of traveller. Travel consultants are extremely helpful and steer travellers to the perfect package to meet their interests.

Truly enjoyed our trip

Truly enjoyed our trip to Scotland and Ireland and the ease in travel. The itinerary booklets and maps were essential and used daily during our trip. We loved our trip and have shared your website with several friends already. We have 2 sets of friends looking at doing the same trip next year and one considering your Iceland package. Look forward to booking with you again!

We will use Nordic Visitor again

This was our third Nordic Visitor trip. We truly like the format of being able to travel on our own but with hotels and our car pre-booked and suggested itineraries. We will use Nordic Visitor again.

The best trip I've ever been on

This was a great tour, well laid out and hitting the highlights. Touring with a small group is always much smoother and more amicable and our group became fast friends. I can't say enough about our tour guide Brian. He brought a wealth of knowledge, not only about our destinations, but also local history, geography, language, customs as well as funny anecdotes. My daughter-in-law said "This was the best trip I've ever been on".

So grateful we went with Nordic Visitor

We had such an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor who hosted the "Wonders of Ireland" 8-day tour. The group was small, 16 people, so we could use a large van rather than the huge buses that take forever for people to load/unload at each stop. The hotels were top notch, the sites we visited were diverse and enjoyable (distilleries, castles, gardens, waterfalls). Our tour guide Brian was truly incredible. He had a wealth of knowledge about the history, music and folklore of Ireland. He made the trip both informative and fun, and helped the group come together with his warm and engaging personality. Melissa our driver was also fantastic - kind, helpful and chatty. They both went above and beyond to ensure everyone was cared for and enjoyed the journey. I was torn about which company to use, and am so grateful we went with Nordic Visitor.

Well-organised tour

The tour was very well-organised and structured to maximise the time on the road and the sites worth seeing along the way. The self-driving allowed me to spend time as I saw fit. Ireland is truly a beautiful country with friendly people. 

I will use Nordic Visitor again!

We toured the highlights of Ireland via private vehicle and guide. All of our accommodation were very nice and what we requested. Our guide/driver was excellent! He went the extra mile for us in every way. The Nordic Visitor representative listened to what we wanted for our trip and delivered a great package. I was sent in depth details of the sites we could see at each stop and suggestions as to their top three choices. All the information provided was very helpful. I will use this company again!

Nordic Visitor's website and logistics were first-rate. Overall we had a wonderful time getting to see Scotland and Ireland, connecting with ancestry and generally enjoying all the arrangements made for us.

Great tour itinerary and accommodation. Nordic Visitor did all the hard work of booking places to stay and allowed us to just enjoy our trip. 

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. For instance, if you’d like to extend your stay in Ireland, we recommend adding a night or two in Dublin to your itinerary. And when it comes to optional extras, you’ll have a choice of handpicked activities to choose from. These include Guinness Storehouse visits, afternoon tea experiences and more.

• 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 self-drive 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.

The Ultimate Ireland 8 to 10 Days Itinerary

After spending a length of time in Ireland , I’m sharing with you the ultimate 8 to 10 days itinerary for exploring the country. Deciding where to go in Ireland can be tricky, and this Ireland itinerary will help you decide your travel plans.

When I embarked on this itinerary last month, I had no idea what to expect for my Ireland road trip. After doing lengthy research, deciding where to stay during our trip, and more, I felt we were well-prepped. I had only booked us in for an 8-night trip, and by the end, wished I had much longer.

Ireland, while not large, has so much to offer in experiences. Where you have large popular cities like Dublin and Galway, you also have these incredible small towns like Kilkenny and Kinsale . And between it all, stunning lush landscapes across the Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula . You’ll easily see why it’s called the “Emerald Isle” once you get out in the countryside.

One of my big takeaways from the trip was that some of the real gems are outside of Dublin. While Dublin is an exciting city, in my opinion, the countryside has much more to enjoy. So I’ve put together what I feel is the ultimate Ireland itinerary that can be tailored from 8-10 days (or even a week.). It has the big hits, it’s not a rushed itinerary, but rather a slower-paced one with a take-it-all-in feel to it.

Alright ready to plan your trip to Ireland? Read on to plan your itinerary for 8-10 days in Ireland.

Short on Time? Here is the Ultimate Ireland Itinerary for 8-10 Days:

Stop 1: kinsale — 2 nights.

Fly into Cork or Dublin Airport, then head to Kinsale .

• Actons Hotel Kinsale , for the best in-town stay
• The Old Bankhouse , for the best boutique hotel stay
• Trident Hotel , for the best upscale stay
• Perryville House , for the best luxury B&B stay

Stop 2: Killarney — 4 nights

Explore Killarney , Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive , Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, and Gap of Dunl oe .

• Great Southern Killarney , for the best overall hotel
• The Killarney Park , for the best luxury hotel
• The Europe Hotel & Resort , for the best luxury lakefront hotels
• Cahernane House Hotel , for the quintessential Ireland experience
• The Lake Hotel , for the best family-friendly lakefront hotel
• The Ross , for the best in-town boutique hotel

Stop 3: Dublin — 2 nights

Explore Dublin: Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse , St Patrick’s Cathedral , Trinity College Book of Kells , and walk the neighborhoods.

• The Shelbourne , for the best overall hotel
• The Fitzwilliam Hotel , for the best luxury boutique hotel
• Stauntons on the Green , for the best classic hotel

Stop 4: Add nights in Dublin, Galway, or Limerick — 2 nights

For more in-depth Ireland resources, don’t miss my in-depth guides to Kinsale , Killarney , Dingle Peninsula , and the Gap of Dunloe !

Travel Tip: The best way to explore Ireland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Ireland is quite easy, and while you drive on the opposite side, you’ll get used to it quickly (For more, read my guide to renting a car in Ireland ). Book your car with Discover Cars here .

Ireland Travel Tips  Before You Arrive

Do Book a Rental Car at the Airport

If I could make one single suggestion, it’s to rent a car when you land at the airport and take off from there. I rent all of our Europe rental cars on Discover Cars for the best rate, picking a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt, and taking an automatic car. Getting your rental car at the airport, whether you fly into Dublin Airport or Cork Airport, allows you to hit the road right away. I would keep Dublin for instance, for the end of your trip to reduce having to get a car later on in the trip. Book a rental car with Discover Cars here .

You Drive on the Left Side of the Road

As a former British Colony until 1922, Ireland drives on the left-hand road. It may seem scary at first, but I promise you’ll sort it out fast. It takes about an hour of driving until you feel comfortable, and as always just follow the traffic and slow down.

Have Mobile Cell Coverage

You will need to have some kind of cell coverage to navigate your trip in Ireland. Whether you get an e-sim or have international coverage with your carrier, be sure to plan. The roads are already tricky to navigate, so having cell access is very important.

Plan for Weather

The downside of a tight itinerary in Ireland is that the weather may not always be in your favor. I would have an extra half-day in each location if you can so that you can switch your itinerary around if need be. We lucked out in June with only a single morning of light rain, so we were not super impacted. But I know many people who get rained out or have tough weather.

Consider Flying into a Regional Airport

As you’ll see in this itinerary, you could fly into Cork or Dublin Airport. Cork Airport would cut down almost 2.5 hours of driving, so when you search for flights, consider your options. Flights from neighboring countries fly all over into Ireland, so you have options depending on how you plan your itinerary.

Currency, Language, & Outlets

In Ireland, you will use euros to pay for things. I found most places take credit cards, but it is advisable to always have some cash on you. The two official languages of Ireland are English and Irish (Gaeilge) which is why you’ll see signage in both. In Ireland, you will need an outlet adaptor for plug type G (same as UK) — I love this one with multiple USB options .

8 to 10 Day Ireland Itinerary

• Day 1: Fly into Cork or Dublin Airport, head to Kinsale
• Day 2: Kinsale
• Day 3: Killarney
• Day 4: Dingle Peninsula + Slea Head Drive

Day 5: Killarney National Park

Day 6: ring of kerry / gap of dunloe, day 7: drive to dublin, day 8: dublin departure.

• For 9-10 Days: Add a night in Dublin, Galway, or Limerick

Day 1: Arrive in Ireland and Drive to Kinsale

Arriving in Ireland

When you arrive in the airport, the first thing I would do is pick up your rental car there. It will be so much easier (and often cheaper) to get it on arrival. I always book my rental cars on Discover Cars and take the full coverage in addition to my credit card insurance. You’ll find driving in Ireland may take some time to get used to but don’t worry you’ll figure it out. I would plan to fly into either Dublin or Cork if you can before hitting the road to the small seaside town of Kinsale .

Where to Stay in Kinsale

Pre-book your accommodations well in advance in Kinsale — it sells out fast in the summer months. Private vacation rentals like The Marian Cottage or this Beautiful 2br House are great options. If you’re looking for a hotel stay, I would consider either Actons Hotel Kinsale , The Old Bankhouse , or the Perryville House .

Get settled in Kinsale. You’ll likely get there in the mid-afternoon, so make your way to town. I’d stroll the colorful streets, and pop into some shops like Kinsale Leather ,  Mamukko Shop , and  Ruxx . If you’re craving an ice cream, head straight to JESK . For dinner, I would do something on the more casual side like The Spaniard Inn or The Black Pig . And if you want to stretch your legs more, embark on the short but scenic Scilly Walk .

Read: A Slow Traveler’s Guide to Kinsale

Day 2: kinsale and beyond, a kinsale morning.

I would start your morning back in town with a hearty breakfast at Lemon Leaf . It’s a quintessential brunch spot in Kinsale, then afterward grab a coffee to go from The Collector . Stroll town early before the crowds tend to appear by mid-morning.

If the weather is right, drive out to  Old Head of Kinsale  for epic views, and on your way back, stop by Blacks Brewery and Distillery  to sample local spirits. If you want to explore more regional food, I’d book this foodie walking tour experience through Kinsale with this highly-rated tour .

Other must-see experiences include a visit to Charles Fort  and you could also consider hopping on a harbor cruise depending on the weather. For lunch, a favorite town was Fishy Fishy for all things seafood — don’t miss the oysters.

Afternoon Cork or Blarney Castle & Gardens

When looking beyond Kinsale, there are two distinct places to consider visiting within an hour’s drive. The town of Cork or Blarney Castle & Gardens . Both are unique experiences and worth a visit, though I lean towards Blarney Castle myself. Though, you may be content to just enjoy Kinsale and call it a day which is very much what we did on our trip.

Dinner in Kinsale

Booking in advance is a must, so let me say it now—book ahead for a dinner at Saint Francis Provisions. As one of the top culinary locations in Ireland, no one else does food like Saint Francis. It’s a fresh take on local provisions inspired by European flare and just a total gem box of a restaurant. This is where I’d book for your last night.

Day 3: Head to Killarney

Make the drive to killarney.

Make the journey in the morning out to Killarney . It’s a slow, scenic drive through pastoral lands that takes about 1.5 hours to get to. The beauty of it is you’ll be there in a short time so you have a proper day to stroll the town. Once there, settle in and go enjoy the town. It’s small but full of stores, art, and many restaurants. One sight to consider visiting is Killarney House and Gardens on this day.

Where to Stay in Killarney

For our trip, we had 4 nights at the Great Southern Killarney right in the heart of town. It felt like a second home, incredibly kid-friendly with everything we needed for our stay. The Killarney Park , The Ross , and The Lake Hotel were a few other options that also caught my eye.

A Night in Killarney

The town of Killarney comes alive at night. You’ll hear “trad” live music playing out of the local pubs, people spilling into the streets, and restaurants packed. It’s an energetic vibe. I highly recommend booking in at The Laurels Pub & Restaurant for one of the best traditional Irish meals in town. Consider the lamb roast, beef roast, and kids menu a total hit.

Read: The Ultimate Killarney Guide

Day 4: dingle peninsula, dingle peninsula morning.

Make an early start for the Dingle Peninsula this morning (1-hour drive), and try to arrive by 9 am to enjoy the town sans the crowds. Go to the Bean in Dingle for all of your caffeine needs, and enjoy a quiet stroll through the colorful coastal town. If you need to stretch your legs, continue to Ventry Bay Beach , one of the best beaches in Ireland. Many come to post up, surf, and enjoy other outdoor activities.

The Slea Head Drive Afternoon

The entire reason for heading to the Dingle Peninsula is to embark on the Slea Head Drive. It’s a short loop drive that combines stunning rolling pastures to sheer cliffs with turquoise ocean waters. Along the way, historic sites, scenic views, beaches, and idyllic spots to enjoy. I have you covered with a detailed Dingle Peninsula guide on how to enjoy this drive, where to stop and eat, and more exciting adventures like the Conor Pass .

Dingle Town Night

After finishing up your scenic drive to Conor Pass, I would come back into Dingle for dinner. There are several great restaurants, and The Fish Box was our pick for the night. The town does get quieter come 5 pm, but many shops also close around this time so keep this in mind.

Read: The Dingle Peninsula Guide + Slea Head Drive

A full day in killarney national park.

Take your time enjoying Killarney National Park as there are endless things to do. What I love about the national park is that nearly almost everything is within a 15-minute drive of each other. I think one of the best ways to visit the park is both on foot or by renting a bike from this company for the day (just know bikes are restricted in some places). We split our day doing two things — one part on foot and the other with a leisure bike ride.

Here is where not to miss:

• Muckross House & Gardens
• Muckross Abbey
• Ross Castle
• Lake Cruise
• Torc Waterfall
• Ladies View
• Dinis Cottage for coffee/tea/pastries (1 mile walk out)

Optional Morning: Ring of Kerry

While we had grand plans to embark on more of the Ring of Kerry, we opted for a slower morning in town. So I still want to share where you could consider going if you’re itching to see more of the Ring of Kerry beyond Killarney National Park. Some popular sights you could head to include places like Rossbeigh Beach , Ballycarbery Castle , Kerry Cliffs (Aillte Chiarraí) , Derrynane Beach , and the town of Kenmare.

Afternoon in the Gap of Dunloe

Our second favorite excursion we did was to the Gap of Dunloe . This insanely picturesque, narrow pass through the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain cannot be missed. There are a few ways to experience it — if you arrive late in the afternoon, I would just drive it. If you want to take it all in, then consider parking your car at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and walking the paved road stretch. And as always, I have a very detailed guide on the Gap of Dunloe for how to visit it. At the end of your time there, stop into Kate Kearney’s Cottage for a meal.

Read: The Gap of Dunloe Guide

A day in dublin.

It’s time to embark on your drive back to Dublin where you’ll likely be catching your departing flight. This is your opportunity to add in an extra night or two elsewhere (more on that below). But if not, make your way back to get the most of the city. As you arrive in Dublin, you’ll find a much different pace of life here.

Where to Stay in Dublin

I would recommend staying somewhere close to either Merrion Square or St Stephen’s Green. It will be the most peaceful option with still great proximity to everything. If I could pick, I’d stay at The Shelbourne , The Fitzwilliam Hotel , or Stauntons on the Green .

If you have about a half day, I would consider visiting the major hits. Save Temple Bar for the night when the energy goes up a notch. Stop into the Guinness Storehouse , visit St Patrick’s Cathedral , and walk the neighborhoods. Of course, Trinity College Book of Kells is always a must but be sure to book in advance ( this highly rated guided tour is a great way to experience the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle).

It’s time to depart, I would pre-book an Uber for your returns. And remember, if flying back to the US, in Dublin Airport you will do your customs there. This is great because you don’t have to do customs on arrival in the US (and there is Global Entry here!)

Extending to a 10-day Ireland Itinerary

So you want to stay longer (I wish I had), this is where I would go….

1. Galway and Cliffs of Moher

The one place I wish I had more time for was to head up to Galway while passing the Cliffs of Moher . This is the perfect place to add to the itinerary after Killarney as it makes sense directionally. I would make Galway my home base, and even do day trips from there. One spot I really would have loved to have visited was the Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens .

2. Limerick

Another charming, medieval-era city in western Ireland is Limerick. I have done some initial research for here and it looks very beautiful for its historic sites. It’s also halfway between Killarney and Dublin, so a good spot to add to the itinerary.

3. More Time in Dublin

Depending on how much you want to see in Dublin, you could easily add a day if you plan to tour around. The current itinerary only has a half-day of time in the city, so one extra day would give you more space to enjoy the sights.

More Helpful Ireland Posts

• The Best Things to Do in Killarney, Ireland: Travel Guide
• A Slow Traveler’s Guide to Kinsale, Ireland: Things to Do & More
• Your Guide to Visiting the Gap of Dunloe
• The Ultimate Guide to the Dingle Peninsula in a Day

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

I use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

I use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Rental Car

Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

4. Book Your Tours & Experiences

I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

I use Priority Pass to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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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.

Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission . As an Airbnb Associate, I earn a small commission if you book through one of my links. You can read my privacy policy here.

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.

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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2 Weeks in Ireland- My Road Trip Itinerary

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I’ve never met anyone who’s done a road trip in Ireland and not loved it. After spending 2 weeks in Ireland, I am now one of those people.

My 2 week road trip in Ireland had it all: postcard-worthy landscapes, fascinating ancient sites, evocative ruins, gratifying outdoor adventures, colourful small towns, delicious food, lively music, fun legends and welcoming, friendly locals.

There was only one thing missing- good weather.

No, you definitely don’t go to Ireland for the weather. In late September/early October I experienced a lot of rain, strong winds, even some hail.

But with all that rain came some of the prettiest rainbows, arching over a patchwork of green fields and rugged coastlines. I couldn’t help but smile because that is exactly what I was hoping Ireland would look like!

Two Weeks in Ireland- My Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

The itinerary I put together for my solo road trip around Ireland had a specific theme- beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities and archaeological sites.

I didn’t spend much time getting to know Ireland’s cities or towns. It was usually after 5:00 pm once I arrived at my final destination for the day and the only thing I cared about was finding a warm, hearty meal, then getting a full night’s sleep at my B&B. Most mornings I was on the road by 8:00 or 8:30 am.

If you’re interested in Ireland’s historic sites and diverse landscapes, then this itinerary should be a good source of inspiration. I hope it helps you plan your own 2 week road trip in Ireland!

Ireland Road Trip Map

Here’s a map of my 2 week road trip in Ireland. I travelled around the island clockwise, starting and ending in Dublin.

Day 1: Drive Dublin to Kilkenny via the Wicklow Mountains

Stop at glendalough.

My flight arrived in Dublin just after 6:00 am. After clearing customs, I picked up my rental car at the airport then immediately headed out on my 2 week road trip in Ireland. I began with a scenic drive through the Wicklow Mountains, making a stop at Glendalough monastic site. I arrived in Kilkenny with enough time to visit the castle before settling in for the night.

Approximate drive times : Dublin to Glendalough- 1 hr 42 mins, Glendalough to Kilkenny- 1 hr 25 mins

• Glendalough

Glendalough monastic site was a great introduction to the ancient history and natural beauty that make Ireland so intriguing.

I spent a lot of time admiring the stone buildings (a highlight of which is the very tall round tower) and wandering among the headstones and Celtic crosses in the cemetery. There also is a tree-shaded walking path that follows alongside the Lower Lake to the larger Upper Lake where you’ll find a few more sites of historic interest.

Read more: Glendalough Monastic Site- One of Ireland’s Premier Monastic Settlements

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle dates back to the 12 th century, but its appearance today is largely from the Victorian period.

I toured the inside and saw a few furnished rooms, none of which stood out as much as the Long Gallery. The timber roof and its colourful designs were a bright spot in an otherwise average interior.

Day 1 Hits & Misses

• Driving the narrow Military Road through a remote region of the Wicklow Mountains. The sense of isolation and peacefulness was a relaxing way to start my trip.
• The picturesque location of Glendalough. It was just like what I had imagined Ireland to be!
• Kilkenny Castle was mediocre and didn’t make a lasting impression. In hindsight, I would have rather spent more time exploring the Wicklow Mountains and nature trails at Glendalough.

Day 2: Drive Kilkenny to Kinsale

Stops at the rock of cashel and blarney castle.

Today was all about ancient sites and architecture. I first visited the Rock of Cashel and nearby ruins of Hore Abbey, then continued on to Blarney Castle, home of the famed Blarney Stone. Once in Kinsale, I went for a short walk (in the pouring rain) around the downtown and harbor area, stopping in at a pub for dinner.

Approximate drive times : Kilkenny to Cashel- 1 hr, Cashel to Blarney- 1 hr 20 mins, Blarney to Kinsale- 42 mins

• Rock of Cashel

When the Rock of Cashel first came into view it made me gasp.

Towering over the surrounding fields was this green hill, its exposed rock perfectly matching the ancient stone buildings that prominently, yet delicately, stood on top of it. A 13 th century Gothic cathedral, 12 th century Romanesque chapel, round tower, ancient cemetery- all were surrounded by ancient fortifications.

I fell so in love with this place that I ended up spending hours here. I took my time exploring the site, then went for a walk along the bottom of the hill to view it from different angles.

By the end of my 2 weeks in Ireland, the Rock of Cashel remained my favourite archaeological site.

Read more: The Rock of Cashel- One of Ireland’s Most Magnificent Ancient Sites

Standing alone in a farmer’s field are the incredible remains of the 13 th century Hore Abbey. I loved having the site all to myself and was impressed by how beautiful the architecture was, even in its ruined state.

As I walked around on this gloomy morning, I had a little bit of nervous energy sensing that perhaps this place was haunted. It felt even more chilling when a large flock of black birds suddenly flew overhead and landed in a tree in the cemetery. Creepy!

Hore Abbey is only a short walk from the Rock of Cashel, but feels miles away from the tour bus crowds that flock to its famous neighbour.

Read more: The Atmospheric Ruins of Hore Abbey

Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle is not much more than an empty stone tower, but it’s still fun to visit if you don’t mind a good cliché.

Kissing the Blarney Stone is one of those touristy things you feel like you have to do. It was the fear of missing out on a unique, albeit silly, Ireland travel experience that made me put my lips on this germ covered stone in hopes of getting the gift of gab.

The Blarney Stone may be the main attraction, but it was the gorgeous grounds that were the highlight of my visit. I was not expecting there to be such a large area of parkland to explore. While I missed out on much of it, I did take the time to visit the enchanted Rock Close.

Day 2 Hits & Misses

• The mysterious, moody (and slightly spooky) atmosphere of Hore Abbey, especially during an early morning rain.
• The imposingly beautiful architecture of the Rock of Cashel.
• The gardens at Blarney Castle, especially the folklore of the Rock Close.
• Underestimating how much time I would want at Blarney Castle.
• Too much rain to enjoy, or even take a picture of Kinsale. I got completely soaked, even being under an umbrella!

Day 3: Drive Kinsale to Killarney

Explore killarney national park and the gap of dunloe.

After two days of visiting ancient sites, I was eager to enjoy some outdoor activities. The majority of my day was spent exploring Killarney National Park and the adjacent Gap of Dunloe.

Approximate drive time: Kinsale to Killarney- 1 hr 33 min

Killarney National Park

Killarney was a favourite stop on my 2 week Ireland road trip, thanks to its lovely national park. It had everything I love- big trees, calm lakes, wildlife, mountains, waterfalls, pretty stone bridges, a castle, even ruins. To me, it was perfection.

My day started with a boat trip on the lakes followed by a scenic cycle through the Gap of Dunloe. The views were fantastic and best of all the sun was shining!

I spent the rest of my time in Killarney further exploring the national park by foot, making sure to see Ross Castle illuminated at night. So pretty!

Read more: The Gap of Dunloe- Boat and Bike Trip from Killarney , Killarney National Park Photo Series

Day 3 Hits & Misses

• The boat tour through the lake. My guide was excellent and had such passion for the National Park.
• Biking through the Gap of Dunloe (the downhill portion).
• Biking uphill to the Gap of Dunloe. It was so hard, especially with my terrible cardio endurance and the lousy bike I rented. Next time I’m going electric!

Day 4: Drive the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring to Valentia Island

Stops at ladies view, moll’s gap, and the kerry cliffs.

This was a driving day, but with plenty of stops for photo opportunities and short walks. Starting in Killarney, I drove clockwise on the Ring of Kerry about halfway before turning off onto the less frequented Skellig Ring. I stayed overnight in Knightstown, on Valentia Island, which was close to the departure point in Portmagee for the Skellig Michael tours.

Approximate drive time: Killarney to Knightstown- 2.5 hrs (without stops)

Ring Of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most well known scenic drives, and for good reason.

Starting in Killarney, this circuit of the Iveragh peninsula narrowly winds through the mountains, travelling alongside the lakes before arriving at Ladies View and Moll’s Gap at the summit.

From there the road travels down towards Kenmare Bay, following the rocky coastline past small towns, beaches and islands towards Waterville.

I didn’t stop at any of the towns along the Ring of Kerry because they were quite busy with the tour bus crowd, but I did appreciate the lovely coastline scenery.

Read more: Driving the Ring of Kerry- Points of Interest and Scenic Detours

Skellig Ring

A short ways past Waterville, I turned off the Ring of Kerry onto the lesser-travelled Skellig Ring. The scenery continued to be fantastic (maybe even more so) and the lack of big tour buses made it more pleasurable to drive.

The highlight of the Skellig Ring was definitely the Kerry Cliffs, near Portmagee. They were not mentioned in my guidebook so it was an exciting surprise to come across them. They were so rugged, and in my opinion, more interesting to look at than the famous Cliffs of Moher.

Day 4 Hits & Misses

• The dramatic appearance of the Kerry Cliffs.
• The scenery around Moll’s Gap, Ladies View and throughout Killarney National Park.
• Feeling like I was following the tourist trail.

Day 5: Finish Driving the Skellig Ring and Ring of Kerry to Dingle

Stops at ballycarbery castle, ring forts, and inch beach.

I had tickets to go on a landing tour of Skellig Michael for my birthday, but unfortunately the wind and rain made for unsafe sea conditions and the tour was cancelled (which frequently happens). So instead, I took my time completing the Skellig Ring and Ring of Kerry, arriving in Dingle late afternoon.

Approximate drive time: Knightstown to Dingle- 1 hr 55 min (without stops)

Ballycarbery Castle

Back on the Ring of Kerry, I made another short detour at Cahersiveen to go to Ballycarbery Castle.

It’s a small, picturesque ruin with vines growing up its crumbling stone walls. The castle is fenced off so you can’t get up-close, but I liked that because then I could easily get pictures without people in them.

Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Ring Forts

If you only see one ring fort in Ireland, then it has to be Cahergall. I had no idea what to expect and was blown away by the sheer size of it. I didn’t even bother stopping at other ring forts I passed because I could tell they didn’t compare to Cahergall.

A short walk away is the smaller Leacanabuaile fort. It doesn’t have as much wow factor, but was interesting to see the remains of four houses on the interior.

Read more: Visiting Cahergall and Leacanabuaile- Irish Stone Ringforts

My first stop on the Dingle Peninsula was Inch Beach. It’s popular with surfers and has a wide sandy shore stretching for 5 kms. I didn’t do much here except walk down to the water’s edge and then leave.

Dingle Town

Dingle is a charming little seaside town and I’m glad I arrived early enough to enjoy it before it got dark.

I mostly hung out on the colourful main street across from the harbor. I treated myself to a birthday sundae at Murphy’s (their famous ice cream is handmade right in Dingle), enjoyed a fantastic roast turkey and ham dinner at a pub, then took in some acoustic Irish folk music at a small music shop.

Day 5 Hits & Misses

• Lingering at the ring forts and reflecting on how incredible Ireland had been so far.
• My Skellig Michael landing tour getting cancelled. It was the place I most looking forward to visiting during my two weeks in Ireland.
• The Skellig Experience centre (on Valentia Island, directly across from Portmagee). There’s a lot you can learn about Skellig Michael, but the displays aren’t very inviting and need to be modernized. The short movie is okay. The majority of the centre is dedicated to a café and gift shop and overall does not live up to the hype.

Day 6: Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula, Drive to Tralee via Connor Pass

Stops at dunbeg fort, beehive hut, reask monastic site, gallarus oratory, and connor pass.

The Dingle Peninsula’s Slea Head is another one of Ireland’s famous drives. I didn’t get anywhere very fast, pulling over every few minutes to admire the beautiful landscape and historic sites. I originally planned to cycle the Slea Head, but some miserable weather in the morning changed my mind.

Approximate drive times : Slea Head Drive beginning and ending in Dingle town- 1 hr 20 mins (without stops), Dingle town to Tralee- 54 mins

Slea Head Drive

The Slea Head was a pleasure to explore, even though fog was impeding some of the views. There is a large concentration of ancient Irish sites including beehive huts, a promontory fort, monastic settlement and well preserved oratory.

Besides historic sites, there are also some fine beaches and viewpoints. Coumeenoole Beach at Dunmore Head was a great (and popular) place to stop for a break and short walk.

Connor Pass

It’s not the fastest route to Tralee, but travelling through Connor Pass is definitely the most scenic.

At 456 metres, Connor Pass is Ireland’s highest mountain pass road. At the top there is a parking area where you can pull over to take in sweeping views of the Dingle Peninsula.

Read more: Driving the Dingle Peninsula- Points of Interest

Day 6 Hits & Misses

• Having so many choices of archaeological sites to visit along the Slea Head Drive. The beehive huts and monastic settlement were my favourites.
• Dunbeg Fort wasn’t nearly as impressive as my guidebook made it sound. However, the 10-minute video in the visitor centre was interesting enough to make up for my disappointment.

Day 7: Drive Tralee to Doolin

Stops at burren national park, poulnabrone dolmen.

The Burren was the most unique and surprising landscape I saw in Ireland, so I’m glad I dedicated an entire day to exploring it. I did a fantastic hike in the National Park and then stopped at Poulnabrone Dolmen, a Neolithic/Bronze Age tomb, before driving to Doolin for the night.

Approximate drive times: Tralee to Burren National Park- 2 hrs 8 mins, Burren National Park to Poulnabrone Dolmen- 20 mins, Poulnabrone Dolmen to Doolin- 37 mins

Burren National Park

There are so many great walks you can do in the Burren, but I chose to go for a hike in the National Park. I did a 3-hour loop across the remote limestone landscape, traversing many slippery rocks on my way to the summit of Mullaghmore Mountain.

I was very much captivated by the harsh, rocky landscape- it’s definitely not the green fields of Ireland you see in postcards! The surprising views and challenging trail made Burren National Park another top stop on my 2 week Ireland road trip.

Read more: Hiking in Burren National Park

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Poulnabrone dolmen (the Portal Tomb) was built over 5000 years ago and is believed to be the burial place of at least 33 people.

The dolmen, made up of a large slab (capstone) perched across upright portal stones, is really eye-catching, especially when surrounded by the Burren’s flat, cracked rocky land. A definite must-see when in the Burren!

Day 7 Hits & Misses

• The unconventional beauty and remoteness of the Burren.
• Busloads of people arriving at the dolmen took away from its special atmosphere.

Day 8: Drive Doolin to Galway

Stops at cliffs of moher, corcomroe abbey.

I dedicated this day to doing the 13 km Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, from Hags Head to Doolin, but because of unrelenting and extreme winds, was only able to complete the southern portion. Having some extra time on my hands, I stopped at the ruins of Corcomroe Abbey in the northern Burren, en route to Galway. In Galway I briefly walked around the City Centre before settling in for some live music at one of the pubs.

Approximate drive times: Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre to Corcomroe Abbey- 46 mins, Corcomroe Abbey to Galway- 48 mins

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher quite literally almost knocked me off my feet. It was insanely windy, but that that didn’t stop me from appreciating one of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes.

The Cliffs of Moher are so tall, rising up to 214 metres in places then making a near vertical drop into the ocean. Even on a misty morning, the views were impressive.

The best part of my visit to the Cliffs of Moher was walking the coastal trail, even though I didn’t get to complete the entire route as planned. Once you get closer to the visitor centre the crowds can be overwhelming, so it was nice to feel like I had stumbled upon a cool place that no one else knew about.

Read more: Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk

Corcomroe Abbey

The ruins of Corcomroe Abbey are very pretty, well worth a stop on the way to Galway.

This Cisterian abbey dates back to 1194, when it was founded by Donal Mor O’Brien, King of Thomond. The small courtyard is crowded with graves, both from long ago and more modern times.

Day 8 Hits & Misses

• Having the Cliffs of Moher coastal trail all to myself.
• Listening to some great live music in a Galway pub.
• The crowded visitor centre at the Cliffs of Moher.
• Not connecting with Galway, a city most people rave about.

Day 9: Ferry to Inishmore (Aran Islands), Drive to Connemara Region

After catching a ferry from Rossaveal to Inishmore (Inis Mor), I rented a bike and spent the rest of the day exploring the largest of the Aran Islands. The return ferry left at 5:00 pm, then I drove towards Connemara stopping at Maam Cross for dinner and overnighting in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town of Recess.

Approximate drive times: Galway to Rossaveal- 45 mins, Rossaveal to Recess- 36 mins.

It’s no surprise that I fell in love with Inishmore because it offered that far-away-from-everything feeling I’m so fond of. Biking amongst the stone walls and fields of Inishmore, I discovered prehistoric forts, ruined stone churches, striking cliffs, and a unique natural wonder known as the Worm Hole.

While Inishmore made for a wonderful day trip, I could have easily spent another day here searching for hidden gems on this small, but fascinating island.

Read more: Day Trip to Inishmore

Day 9 Hits & Misses

• Dun Aengus fort and the spectacular views from its cliff top location.
• The freedom of exploring the island by bike.
• I wish the ferry left Rossaveal earlier than 10:30 am because I really could have used a few more hours on Inishmore.
• No restaurants in Recess. There’s one place at Maam Cross to eat (which is about 10 minutes away), otherwise you’ll have to drive to Clifden on the coast.

Day 10: Drive Recess to Derry (a.k.a. Londonderry)

Stops at connemara national park, kylemore abbey.

In the morning I drove through the Lough Inagh Valley, which would have offered great views of the Twelve Bens mountain range had it not been raining so much. I still did a hike in Connemara National Park, then stopped at Kylemore Abbey for a photo before beginning the long drive to Derry in Northern Ireland.

Approximate drive times: Recess to Connemara National Park- 29 mins, Connemara National Park to Derry- 4 hrs 8 mins

Connemara National Park

Wild and untamed, Connemara is a region of bogs, heath, mountains, valleys, and lakes. Even though much of the views were concealed by fog, I could still tell it was a breathtaking landscape.

I really enjoyed my hike on Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park, in spite of the sideways rain coming at me. There’s also a good visitor centre that provides information on the park’s geology, flora, and fauna.

Kylemore Abbey

This lakeside neo-gothic abbey looks somewhat out of place against Connemara’s untouched natural landscape, but is photogenic nonetheless (when not covered by scaffolding, that is).

I only stopped for a photo, opting not to pay the €13 to access the abbey and its garden. I knew that only a few rooms were open to the public, and why pay a big fee to walk around in the rain when I just did that for free at the National Park!

Day 10 Hits & Misses

• Hiking in Connemara National Park.
• The scenic drive through Connemara’s interior.
• Kylemore Abbey being partially covered by scaffolding and the high admission fee.
• Not scheduling enough time for Connemara in my itinerary. If I did another trip to Ireland, this would be the first region I’d return to.

Day 11: Drive Derry to Donore

Stops at giant’s causeway, dunluce castle, carrick-a-rede rope bridge, dark hedges.

This day was dedicated to visiting some of the main tourist attractions in Northern Ireland, primarily around the Causeway Coast. Late afternoon I drove back to the Republic of Ireland, spending the night in Donore near the Br ú na B óinne Visitor Centre.

Approximate drive times: Derry to Giant’s Causeway- 1 hr, Dark Hedges to Donore- 2 hrs 10 mins

Giant’s Causeway

Although I can’t gush about this place the way most people do, I will say that the Giant’s Causeway is an interesting geological feature. These hexagonal basalt columns are so different from anything else in Ireland it’s tempting to believe a mighty giant built the causeway, as local legend says.

However, I was put off by the excessive fee of £10.50 (over $17 CAD) to park and access the visitor centre, which isn’t much more than a gift shop, café, and washrooms. Add in some encounters with surly staff members and it didn’t make for a good first impression of Northern Ireland.

Dunluce Castle

After visiting the Giant’s Causeway, I backtracked a few kilometres to Dunluce Castle. Perched atop a rugged crag, this ruined castle looks as though it could fall into the ocean at any moment.

Dunluce Castle was worth seeing, but I felt satisfied viewing it from a distance and decided not to go inside.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

The name pretty much says it all- this is a rope bridge spanning the small gap between the mainland and Carrick-a-Rede Island.

I’m glad I heard others voicing aloud what I was thinking when I first saw it, “That’s it?”

At 20 metres long, the bridge is a lot smaller than I, and apparently others, were expecting to see. Sure, the location was admirable, but I’ve been on plenty of more impressive suspension bridges back home in Canada.

I’m actually glad the bridge was closed because of the wind, since it saved me from spending money on doing something just to say that I did it. I honestly was more disappointed that the path to the best photo spot was unnecessarily closed.

Dark Hedges

I’ve long admired photographs of the Dark Hedges, a mysterious looking avenue of crooked beech trees planted in the 18 th century.

They’ve become hugely popular since being used as a filming location in the HBO series Game of Thrones, which means that what you see in photos is not necessarily what you’ll experience in real life.

I spent a lot of time here trying to take a nice photograph but the endless parade of people and vehicles made it impossible to get a composition I was happy with. And of course, there’s always got to be that one guy who drives to the most scenic part of the road and parks there, not noticing (or caring) that everyone else rightly chose to park at the end and walk up the road.

And for goodness sake, please do not carve your initials into these beautiful old trees. The destruction I saw is maddening!

Day 11 Hits & Misses

• The unusual geology of the Giant’s Causeway.
• Feeling like most of what I saw was over-hyped and over commercialized. I’m probably in the minority here, but I didn’t enjoy Northern Ireland. I much preferred the sights and easy-going mood in the Republic of Ireland.
• My GPS taking me through Belfast during rush hour.

Day 12: Br ú na B óinne, Drive to Dublin

I arrived at Br ú na B óinne shortly before it opened and got on the morning tours of both Knowth and Newgrange tombs. It was between 1:00 and 1:30 pm when I left the Visitor Centre for Dublin. Once in Dublin, I returned my rental car at the airport and took the Airlink bus into the city.

Approximate drive times: Br ú na B óinne to Dublin airport- 31 mins

Br ú na B óinne

Brú na Bóinne is a Neolithic necropolis consisting of many different sites, but the main three are Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth.

The tombs are large grassy mounds with inner passageways and chambers. They date from around 3200 BC, making them older than the pyramids in Egypt.

Newgrange is the most popular tomb, known for its white quartzite retaining wall, but Knowth has a large collection of megalithic art and some smaller satellite tombs. Both passage graves are worth visiting, but my favourite was Knowth.

Read more: Visiting Brú na Bóinne- Newgrange and Knowth Passage Tombs

Day 12 Hits & Misses

• Seeing the inner chamber of Newgrange.
• The tour group for Newgrange was bigger than Knowth, so it was a little hard to hear the guide talk.

Day 13: Dublin

My last full day in Ireland was spent casually exploring Dublin. Even though I wasn’t really a fan, I found a few sites of interest and went on an enjoyable free walking tour.

Dublin doesn’t have that one iconic tourist site that draws people to the city- it’s more of a place to just wander and experience the atmosphere.

My morning started with a walk through St. Stephen’s Green and the campus of Trinity College where I visited the beautiful Long Room in the Old Library .

Afterwards I walked to Ha’Penny Bridge before strolling through the Temple Bar neighbourhood and joining a free 3-hour walking tour.

The highlight of my time in Dublin was visiting the National Archaeology Museum. There’s a huge selection of artifacts and important cultural treasures on display, but most memorable were the “bog bodies”, four eerily preserved bodies from the Iron Age that were found in the midland bogs.

Day 13 Hits & Misses

• Free admission to the archaeology museum.
• Informative free walking tour of the city.
• The Book of Kells at the Old Library not being on display the day of my visit. Can you believe the vault it’s kept in wouldn’t open?

Final Thoughts on my 2 Week Road Trip in Ireland

So there you have it- my detailed road trip itinerary for 2 weeks in Ireland, plus some of the hits and misses along the way!

I very much enjoyed the freedom of exploring Ireland by car. Although it involved a lot of driving some days, there were plenty of interesting stops along the way to break it up.

In addition to the fantastic sightseeing, Ireland was a great place for solo travel . I always felt safe and confident exploring on my own, which is especially important when you’re doing a road trip.

Sure, not everything went as planned and the weather was definitely not perfect, but those things were out of my control. The fact that I, a person who does not like wind or rain, was able to enthusiastically explore the country no matter the elements, speaks to how special a place Ireland is.

Would I Change Anything About my Ireland Road Trip Itinerary?

Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the itinerary I put together for my first trip to Ireland . Even with only 2 weeks in Ireland, I was able to see a large portion of the country, experiencing a variety of natural landscapes and range of historic sites.

There’s not much I would change about my Ireland road trip, other than to skip Northern Ireland in favour of another day in Connemara.

Apart from that, next time I would build in some “buffer days” for the locations I wanted to do hikes and bike rides. That way if the weather ruined my plans, I would at least have another day to (hopefully) make up for it.

Must See Places on an Ireland Road Trip- My Top Experiences

I had to make some tough decisions when planning my Ireland road trip because there are so many incredible places to see. In hopes of helping you plan your own 2 week trip to Ireland, I’ve narrowed it down to my favourite places and activities.

Top Outdoor Experiences in Ireland

• Boat and bike trip in Killarney National Park
• Hiking in the Burren
• Cycling around Inishmore

Top Historic/Archaeological Sites in Ireland

• Cahergall Ring Fort (County Kerry)

Video: 2 Weeks in Ireland

Here is a short video of highlights from my 2 weeks in Ireland.

Tips for Planning a Road Trip in Ireland

• Drive times can take longer than expected due to narrow roads and getting stuck behind tractors, other slow-moving vehicles, and even sheep.
• The posted speed limits are often much faster than is comfortable to drive (especially on secondary roads).
• Allow yourself enough time to fully explore the sites, go for walks etc. I was surprised by how much time I wanted to linger at many places I visited.
• Plan for frequent stops. Ireland is very photogenic and you may stumble across some interesting things that aren’t on your itinerary. Leave room for flexibility.
• I used Google Maps on my phone for navigation and it worked well. No need to add a GPS to the car rental. Get a regional eSIM for Europe through Airalo so that you have data in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (the U.K.).
• The most efficient route is not necessarily the best. Getting off the main roads onto secondary and tertiary routes can take you through some wonderful countryside.
• If there’s a place you really want to do some outdoor activities, schedule a few days in the region so that poor weather is less likely to ruin your plans.

Accommodations in Ireland

For your convenience, here is a list of hotels and B&Bs in Ireland . Please consider booking your Ireland accommodations through the included link. It costs nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

Tours in Ireland

Here is a trusted site that has a large selection of tours and tickets for activities in Ireland . You can book everything from day trips out of Dublin, full-day regional tours, walking tours, airport transfers, pub crawls, food tours, and multi-day tours. Here are a few highly rated tours related to what I’ve mentioned in this post.

• Full Day Cliffs of Moher and Burren Tour from Galway
• Blarney Castle & Cork: Full Day Tour from Dublin (includes Rock of Cashel)
• Giant’s Causeway and Belfast Day Tour from Dublin (includes Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Dunluce Castle)
• Newgrange, Monasterboice, and Hill of Tara (Full day from Dublin)
• Glendalough: Full-day Wicklow Mountains Hike and Drive (From Dublin)

Digital SIM Cards (eSIM)

Airalo is an eSIM store/app where you can buy an affordable digital SIM card for your mobile phone. An eSIM lets you access a local data plan for your destination, so you don’t incur expensive roaming fees or always have to look for free wifi. I like how I can choose an eSIM by country or region and have it installed before leaving home (when my flight lands all I have to do is turn on the local line).

Resources to Plan Your Trip to Ireland

Here are some resources to help you plan your Ireland road trip.

• Ireland guidebooks/travel guides
• Ireland road maps

More Europe Destinations and Travel Guides

• What to Expect on Your First Trip to Europe- A First Time Visitor’s Guide
• Best Cities to Visit in Europe- My 12 Favourite European Cities for Travellers
• Five Weeks in Europe- Our Itinerary’s Hits and Misses
• Two Weeks in Switzerland- My Itinerary for Active Travellers

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Solo Travel to Ireland: Everything You Need to Know to Plan the Perfect Trip

Curious about solo travel to Ireland? 

This guest post by Julie Millan, of Toronto to Anywhere, details helpful information you should know when planning solo travel to Ireland. Read on!

Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and Ireland is one of the best places for it. 

The country offers a perfect mix of safety, breathtaking landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture, making it a top choice for solo adventurers. Each time I’ve visited, I’ve found Ireland to be inviting and easy to explore on my own. 

During my most recent solo trip to Ireland, I first stayed in Dublin, where I enjoyed its lively atmosphere and toured the city over several days. I also visited the stunning Irish countryside on several day tours from Dublin before taking the train to Belfast for a day.

Planning a trip? Use  my favorite resources:

• Accommodations:  booking.com
• Travel Insurance:  SafetyWing
• Tours & Excursions:  Viator
• Flights:  Skyscanner
• City Pass:  Go City
• eSim:   Airalo

Safety First: Solo Travel to Ireland

With its low crime rates, friendly English-speaking locals, accessible transportation options, and overall safe environment, Ireland is an ideal destination for solo travelers. 

Is Ireland safe to travel alone? 

Yes! Ireland is a small country that is easy to navigate by bus, train, car, or with guided tours. 

The friendly locals, along with a strong sense of community, make it a welcoming place for all solo travelers

Is Ireland safe for solo female travelers? 

Yes! Solo female travelers in Ireland can feel safe and comfortable. While it’s important to follow general safety tips and practice common sense, Ireland is used to tourists and has a great infrastructure for visitors.  

The helpful and welcoming locals also provide an additional sense of security for women traveling solo in Ireland.

Why Take a Solo Trip to Ireland?

Based on my own experience, Ireland is an incredible destination for solo travelers. Ireland’s unique charm and endless choice of activities made my solo trip truly special. Here are a few reasons why Ireland is an ideal solo travel destination.

Lots of Activities

Ireland offers so much to see and do. Whether you want to visit ancient castles, hike along scenic trails, or enjoy traditional Irish music in a local pub, there’s always something exciting to experience. 

On my latest trip alone, I visited the impressive monastic site in Glendalough, hiked the stunning Howth Coastal Trail, took the train to Belfast, and wrapped up my days listening to live music in the Trinity Bar area of Dublin. 

Easy to Get Around

Getting around Ireland is fairly straightforward, making it especially appealing for solo travelers. There is a well-connected network of buses and trains that make it easy to travel between many different cities and towns. 

For those wanting to explore remote areas at their own pace, renting a car is another option. Remember, though, that you would be driving on the left side of the road.

Additionally, there are many guided tour options from major cities like Dublin, Belfast, and Galway that make it possible to see many of Ireland’s attractions on a single trip.

Rich History and Culture

Ireland’s history and culture are deeply rooted in its landmarks and traditions. Visiting historical sites like Dublin Castle or learning about the country’s political history provides a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s rich heritage.

Breathtaking Scenery

Ireland is a beautiful country, and Ireland’s landscapes will leave you in awe. 

Some of my favorites include The Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway. I also loved hiking along coastal trails, taking in the dramatic views. 

One of my favorite days was spent hopping on the DART (the local train) in Dublin and visiting the coastal towns of Sandycove, where the scenery was magical.

Friendly Locals

One of the highlights of traveling solo in Ireland is the friendliness of the locals. The Irish are a friendly bunch, making it easy to strike up conversations and feel at home, even when you’re on your own. 

Just go to almost any neighborhood pub, pull up a stool, and it won’t be long before a local starts talking and sharing stories with you! 

Traditional Irish Music

Ireland is also known for its traditional Irish music. You’ll find plenty of bars that play live music, with people singing along and enjoying themselves. As an added perk, it gives you something to focus on as a solo traveler. I never felt uncomfortable sitting at a bar alone when a band was playing.

In Ireland and in the UK as a whole, it’s actually not unusual for people to be in the pub on their own, so you won’t stand out as doing anything out of the ordinary. 

Great Travel Base

Another advantage of traveling to Ireland is how easy it is to extend your trip to other parts of the UK and Europe. From Dublin, I was able to take only a 45-minute flight to Liverpool, England. This made adding another destination to my travel itinerary a breeze. 

Incredible cities such as London and Edinburgh are also only over an hour’s flight away. Barcelona is only 2.5 hours away by plane, and Amsterdam is a mere 1.5 hours away. 

This sets Ireland up as a perfect gateway to additional European countries!

And how to leverage them!

A list of my favorite Facebook groups for fellow solo travelers, with tips on how to make the most of them.

Special offer!

Click here to download your free guide and unlock a limited time offer

How to Get Around Ireland as a Solo Traveler

Ireland is fairly compact, making it easy to get around. There are many accessible transportation options in Ireland, making it simple to explore the country on your own.

Traveling by Irish Rail is easy and fairly reliable. For the most economical fares, it’s best to book early. 

For example, I took the train from Dublin to Belfast for a day trip. The train stations are conveniently located in city centers, so it’s often only a short walk to start exploring. I felt very safe taking the train and enjoyed discovering many different locations this way.

If you want to explore Ireland on your own and reach more remote locations, renting a car is a good option. 

Main highways are pretty easy to navigate, but some routes, such as the Wild Atlantic Way, can be more challenging. If you’re comfortable driving in a different country, then a rental car gives you the freedom to explore hidden gems at your own pace.

Tour buses provide lots of day trip options from cities like Dublin, Belfast and Galway. These tours are ideal for solo travelers. Not only is joining one a great way to make new friends, it’s also perfect for seeing a variety of major attractions in a single day. 

Day tour options within Ireland include, to name a few: 

Cliffs of Moher

• Giant’s Causeway 
• Blarney Castle

Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Ireland

Ireland offers a variety of fantastic destinations for solo travelers, each with its own unique charm and attractions.

Start your solo travel adventure in Dublin , the capital city of Ireland. With an international airport, Dublin is easily accessible and a good place to get your bearings before heading to other destinations. 

The city is easily walkable, with plenty to add to your Dublin itinerary . Some highlights include the vibrant Temple Bar District, the historic Trinity College and Book of Kells, the popular Guinness Storehouse Experience , and the Kilmainham Gaol Museum. 

Additionally, you can take the local train to nearby coastal towns such as Howth, Sandycove, Dún Laoghaire and Dalkey – all within about 30 minutes. 

Dublin also serves as an ideal home base to the rest of Ireland, if you prefer to stay in one location. It’s easy to catch a day tour from Dublin to many other parts of the country. 

Though Belfast is part of Northern Ireland and not the Republic of Ireland, it’s truly a city worth visiting as part of your travel itinerary! 

It’s easy to spend one day in Belfast and see the main highlights, including its fascinating history at attractions like the Titanic Museum . 

Another must-do is the small-group Black Taxi Tour , which takes you through West Belfast to see the political murals and peace walls. 

You’ll learn all about The Troubles from locals who lived through those times. Belfast is accessible by train from Dublin if you want to go on your own, but day tours are also an option. 

Galway, the third-largest city in Ireland, is located on the west side of the country. Known for its great pub and traditional music scene, Galway has a vibrant, artistic atmosphere with live music everywhere you go.

Galway City is a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches, a vibrant city center and an active nightlife scene. The Salthill Promenade, a 2km-long path along Galway Bay, is lined with bars, cafes and seafood restaurants. 

Some must-see attractions in Galway include Lynch’s Castle, the Spanish Arch and Galway Cathedral. Just outside the city, you can visit the magnificent Dunguaire Castle, Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. 

Spending a couple of days here allows you to fully enjoy Galway and even take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher without feeling rushed.

County Cork is the largest county in Ireland, and Cork City is the second-largest city in the country. Cork is close to Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone, making it a popular destination for visitors. 

The English Market in Cork, open since the 1780s, is a fantastic spot for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. You can also take a tour inside the Cork City Gaol or climb to the top of the Shandon Bell Tower for a panoramic view of the city. 

Cork is easily accessible by Irish Rail, making it a convenient and rewarding destination for solo travelers.

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. This unique site has roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. 

As a solo traveler, I found the Giant’s Causeway to be one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The guided tour from Dublin was well worth it for the spectacular views and the chance to explore these ancient formations. 

The Cliffs of Moher are a highlight of any visit to Ireland, located on the western coast in County Clare. Towering at 214 meters at their highest point, these sheer rock faces stretch for about 14 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. 

The cliffs offer breathtaking views of the ocean and the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, making them a must-visit for anyone traveling to Ireland. You can even take a brief cruise to explore these epic landmarks from a more unique vantage point. 

As a solo traveler, visiting the Cliffs of Moher was truly spectacular. I do recommend arriving early in the day, as the Cliffs can get quite busy. When you arrive, I recommend heading straight to O’Brien’s Tower so you can see stunning panoramic views from above the cliffs.

How to Meet People During Solo Travel in Ireland

There are many easy ways to meet people in Ireland when traveling solo. Here are a few suggestions.

Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are perfect for meeting people, as you learn about the city while connecting with fellow travelers. 

Free walking tours are available in many of the major cities such as Dublin, Galway and Belfast. Although the tours themselves are free, please note that you should plan to leave your guide a tip!

Small Group Tours and Experiences

Small guided tours, like food tours or Literary Tours in Dublin, are perfect for making connections. Plus, they are super interesting and offer unique experiences that highlight local customs and history.

Bus tours are convenient ways to see popular places and meet new people. They are a great way to see several attractions over a large distance in a single day. Small group tours are especially good for forming connections.

Pubs with Traditional Irish Music

Irish pubs are ideal for finding local friends. The music keeps the atmosphere relaxed and entertaining. Pull up a seat at the bar, and it won’t be long before someone says hello. 

Packing Essentials for Solo Travel to Ireland

Here are some essentials to pack for your Ireland trip, regardless of when you visit: 

• Raincoat: A waterproof raincoat is a must in Ireland. It was definitely one of my best purchases ahead of my first visit, as it rains a lot here. Forget the umbrella, however, as it’s often too windy for one to be useful.
• Good Walking Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring cities and hiking trails. 
• Extra Battery: Ensure you have an extra camera battery or portable charger for your phone, to capture all the stunning scenery without interruptions.
• Plug Adapter: The plug type in Ireland is G, which has three rectangular pins. If you are traveling from Europe or North America, you will likely need a travel plug adapter to be able to use your electronics in Ireland.
• Travel Backpack: I love my small, lightweight travel backpack. My favorite is the Travelon Packable Backpack . It’s lightweight, has some padding on the shoulder straps, has 2 water bottle pockets, and can be folded up into the pocket for easy storage. 
• Phone Plan Having a phone plan is critical for solo travel. Whether with your cell phone provider or an eSim card , staying connected is vital. Access to taxi or ride-share apps, Google Maps, or transportation apps is essential for solo travelers.

Important Tips and Advice for Your Solo Trip to Ireland

In order to make the most of your solo trip to Ireland, here are a few important tips and advice I have learned from my time visiting the country:

Stay in the City Center

As a solo traveler, where you stay is crucial. When you’re planning your solo trip , Choose accommodations close to the city center or main attractions. Avoid traveling long distances back to your hotel alone.

This way, you won’t have far to walk or travel at the end of the day or in the evening, keeping you close to other people and livelier areas even after dark. 

Book Accommodations Early

Research and book your accommodations early to ensure you stay in a safe place near the main action. Some of the towns are quite small, and some places book up quickly, particularly during peak travel times.  Hosts are often very helpful and willing to go out of their way to help solo travelers experience the best of the area, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.

Prepare for the Weather

The weather in Ireland is predictably unpredictable. During my travels, I experienced a range of weather in a single day—rain, wind, and sun. A waterproof raincoat is a must, as is dressing in layers.  

Pack Lightly

Packing light is essential, especially if you plan to travel and stay in various locations across Ireland. This will help make it easier to get on and off trains and buses. You may need to walk certain distances to your accommodations, and there are often lots of stairs. Large suitcases can be cumbersome to lug around.

Final Thoughts: Solo Travel to Ireland

Solo travel to Ireland is an unforgettable experience. With its stunning beauty, rich history and friendly locals, this country is an ideal destination for those who choose to travel alone. 

Ireland is so easy to get around and there is such diversity of experiences to be had, that it’s well worth visiting.

Embrace the adventure, meet new people, and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer. Happy travels!

About the author:  Julie Millan is an experienced traveler and dedicated blogger based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With a deep love for her hometown, she shares valuable local travel tips and insights on her blog, Toronto to Anywhere. In addition to her local expertise, Julie frequently takes solo travel adventures and enjoys documenting her journeys to inspire and inform fellow travelers.

Nausheen is a solo female traveler who is passionate about travel as a way to increase self love and confidence. She focuses on slow travel and bouts of digital nomadism, and has experience living abroad across several continents. As a post-divorce, South Asian woman in her 30s Nausheen aims to empower fellow women of color in particular to live life on their own terms. She shares travel itineraries, tips and inspiration on her blog and social media channels.

Four of the best Ireland road trips

By Karen Stride

Prepare to lose yourself in the glorious greenery on an Ireland road trip – the distances are short, you’ll drive on the left, and the roads are refreshingly empty. The promise of legend, landscape and a warm Irish welcome will exceed all expectations.

Causeway Coastal Route

Best for… outdoorsy types, looking for scenic landscapes

The journey : approx. 130 miles

Belfast – Derry/Londonderry

Begin in Belfast. Hugging the Atlantic coast, the Causeway Coastal Route has earned its title as one of the world’s great road journeys – hire a car and watch the breathtaking scenery unfold. Only 20 miles out, the towering basalt Gobbins cliff path clings to the water’s edge and can be walked in good weather. Stop to journey across the striking tubular bridge on foot and navigate your way through walkways carved into the rocks. Follow the coast around to Cushendun Caves and stop at Glenarm for a cream tea or head inland to Glenariff Forest Park’s spectacular waterfalls.

Cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to Carrick-a-Rede Island. This 20-metre journey, suspended 30 metres above the ocean, exposes you to all the elements – but the stunning views of Rathlin Island and beyond make it all worthwhile. Catch your first glimpse of the truly spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site, Giant’s Causeway. The basalt columns (all 40,000 of them) tumble into the Atlantic Ocean, inspiring tales of giants. Lunch in the village of Bushmills, or stop at the Old Bushmills Distillery for a souvenir bottle of their distinctive single malt whiskey. Pause to take in the beauty of Dunluce Castle, as dramatic and distressed as its raw coastal backdrop.

Where to stay: The Grand Central Belfast for city centre opulence. Soak up touches of luxury with a stay here and be sure to try a tantalising cocktail at the Observatory sky bar, with its scenic cityscape views.

The Causeway

Take the scenic drive to Armoy, looping around Knocklayd mountain, past the dark hedges.

The scenic view

Take the Wicklow Way through some of the most unspoilt countryside in Wicklow, stretching over 80 miles from south Dublin to nearby Co. Carlow.

Sets the scene

The ancient Irish monastery on Skellig Michael created a cinematic backdrop for scenes in Star Wars: Episode VII.

Game of Thrones® filming locations

Best for… the sights of the Seven Kingdoms

The journey : approx. 220 miles

Co. Down and Belfast – Derry/Londonderry

If you’re a Game of Thrones® fan, the rolling hills and rugged coastline of Northern Ireland may look familiar, with an impressive 25 filming locations based in this spectacular setting. Head southwards towards County Down, to the Tollymore Forest Park – the haunted forest was home to the Wildlings and White Walkers in the series. Amongst its towering ancient redwoods, you’ll be transported back to the early episodes of the hit show – remember when the Starks found the direwolves? Choose one of the hiking trails and let your imagination run wild. Stop at Castle Ward and Audley’s Castle (or Winterfell) and bring the series to life with costumes and archery.

Leave Belfast behind you and head north towards the Antrim Coast. With its green patchwork landscape, the Glens of Antrim leads you to the famous Causeway Coastal Route and on to the quaint village of Cushendun. You’ll recognise the dramatic Cushendun Caves from the episode where Melisandre, the red priestess, gives birth to the shadow creature. The Dark Hedges, near Armoy, set the scene for Ayra’s escape from King’s Landing – this much-photographed avenue of beech trees line the path to Gracehill House.

To find the fictional coast of Dorne, where Jamie and Boran fight the Dornish soldiers, stroll along the sands of Portstewart Strand – one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches. Mussenden Temple unexpectedly perches on a 120-foot high cliff top above you. Believe it or not, it was built to be a summer library; Downhill Beach, where the characters Melisandre and Stannis Baratheon burned effigies as an offering to the Lord of Light, is also known for its surf, sand and scenic walks. On your way to Derry/Londonderry stop at Binevenagh – steep cliffs and plateau provide unforgettable views of the surrounding villages. You might recall this location from the season five finale, when Daenerys dramatically escapes on her dragon, only to later be captured by the Dothraki.

Where to stay: The Hampton by Hilton Belfast City Centre for a fabulous location on a road rip break. Relish an array of shops, restaurants and bars nearby – a stop at this hotel, makes for a great place to rest your head.

Wild Atlantic Way highlights

Best for… adventurers ready to tackle Ireland’s wild side

The journey : approx. 450 miles

Dublin – Cork – Shannon

Wild by name, wild by nature – this windswept road trip highlights Ireland’s natural beauty. Head out of Dublin and start your road trip on Cork’s scenic headland to soak up the views from the Head of Kinsale, a 17th century lighthouse that juts more than two miles into the ocean. Stop to sample the gourmet delights of colourful Kinsale, on the way down to Ireland’s most south westerly point, Mizen Head. Cross the impressive Mizen Head Bridge, which straddles a deep chasm full of crashing Atlantic waves. Catch a glimpse of the Fasnet Lighthouse and migrating whales if you’re lucky. Next stop is Dursey Island – accessible by Ireland’s only cable car. The crossing itself may get your pulse racing, but you’ll be sure to find serenity on the other side – amongst the sheep.

Catch a boat to UNESCO World Heritage site Skellig Michael, 7 miles southwest of Valentina Island. Climb 600 steps of a 1000-year-old stairway to see the remains of a well-preserved monastic site. This spectacular setting is now a haven for wildlife, and twitchers, so be sure to bring your binoculars. The nearby Blasket Islands, off the Dingle Peninsula, also provide an opportunity to get up close to nature.

Be captivated by the powerful swell of the Atlantic Ocean at the Loop Head Peninsula. Drive along to the western point to see the lighthouse, a lookout with unforgettable views. And head to the end of the peninsula to see the word ‘EIRE’ written in large white letters on the grass – a signal to old World War II pilots – and perhaps a bottlenose dolphin if you’re patient.

Extend your trip:  This epic coastal drive stretches an impressive 1550 miles, the length of Ireland’s Atlantic coastline – making it the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. Continue your journey right up to Malin Head in County Donegal, past Glencar Lake and across the mesmerising Yeats country in County Sligo.

Where to stay: The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork is a beautiful retreat and idyllic place to relax, before starting your journey across the Wild Atlantic Way. The Shelbourne Dublin , for timeless elegance that knows no bounds. Housed in a 200-year-old building, this luxury hotel won’t disappoint. Enjoy a scenic setting, with Kinsale town and the Old Head nearby.

Cafe culture

The well-run independent cafes in Kinsale pride themselves on their ever changing menus, inspired by fresh, local artisan products.

The Beara Peninsula

Skellig Michael became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.

The Loafing rock

Puffins can be spotted from April to mid August, mainly on the Skelligs.

The best of Ireland’s Ancient East

Best for… history lovers seeking something different

The journey : approx. 330 miles

Dublin – Co. Wiklow – Co. Kilkenny – Co. Tipperary – Dublin

Discover the unexpected whilst touring Ireland’s Ancient East, as 5,000 years of history emerges from the verdant landscape beyond Dublin. Watch as majestic stately homes rise from the rugged wilderness of the countryside, as the scenery morphs from mountain to glen – with the rolling waves of the Atlantic never far behind. Just a short drive from Dublin you’ll be greeted by the immaculate Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. Its manicured gardens provide a striking contrast against the rolling hills that surround it.

Tour the mountain pass of Sally Gap – a film favourite for its striking contrasts of wild beauty, familiar greenery and hues of purple heather and yellow gorse. Nestled in Glendalough Valley, Wicklow’s National Park houses the 6th century monastery, but you can get closer to nature by following one of the walking trails. In the heart of the Garden Vale sits one of Ireland’s most famous sites, the Rock of Cashel. Learn the gory tales that haunt the “rock”, a spectacular group of ancient fortifications with a timeless view. Pop into the heritage town of Cashel, in the heart of Tipperary, for more local history. Drive on to Emo Court, a neo-classical mansion with truly spectacular gardens. Or opt for the wilder setting of Slieve Bloom Mountains Nature Reserve – an area of conservation which is known for its mountain blanket bog and rarely spotted wildlife.

Pass the Tullamore D.E.W Distillery, famous for its triple-distilled, triple-blend and triple-matured whiskey, on to Castletown House, one of Ireland’s finest houses. The approaching tree-lined avenue perfectly frames this splendid property – if the walls could talk, they’d have a few tales to tell. Your historic tour concludes in Trim at Ireland’s oldest Norman castle. The site of many ancient conflicts, and the filming location of Braveheart, the beauty of this imposing fortress has stood the test of time.

Where to stay: The stylish Conrad Dublin , for luxury accommodation in the heart of Dublin – with the shops of Grafton Street on your doorstep.

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News Release

Seabourn unveils new expedition itineraries for 2026-2027, exploring the arctic, antarctica, kimberley, south pacific, and more.

With sights set on the world's most fascinating regions, the ultra-luxury line announces 2026 and 2027 itineraries on purpose-built expedition ships Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit

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SEATTLE , Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seabourn , the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, has unveiled its new 2026-2027 expedition itineraries, promising extraordinary exploration in the world's most remote and exotic destinations. Traversing the globe for natural and cultural wonders, the line's two new ultra-luxury expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit , are scheduled to visit up to 161 destinations in 31 countries on 24 unique sailings of 46 departures. These expedition voyages are now on sale, with dates and full itinerary details available at www.seabourn.com .

Natalya Leahy , president of Seabourn. "We have scouted the globe to bring our guests extraordinary experiences and create opportunities for 'Seabourn Moments' that only our ultra-luxury expedition voyages can offer."

Between March 2026 and March 2027 , Seabourn Venture will travel to 63 destinations across 12 countries, operating expedition experiences as well as traditional ocean voyages ranging from 10 to 25 days. Voyages include exploring Iceland , Greenland , Labrador , and the British Isles in the Northern Hemisphere and joining Seabourn Pursuit for another season in Antarctica , South Georgia , and the Falkland Islands . Between April and June 2026 , Seabourn Venture will offer non-expedition voyages sailing across the Atlantic Ocean , through the enchanting yacht harbors of the Mediterranean, and around the Iberian Peninsula . These unique sailings will call on 34 destinations across eight countries, with four distinct itineraries.

Between February 2026 and March 2027 , Seabourn Pursuit will operate expedition experiences ranging from 10 to 22 days, traveling to 71 destinations in over 13 countries. The ship's route will take it from the colorful islands of the South Pacific to the rugged splendor of the Kimberley, and then on to the remote, wildlife-filled wonders of Antarctica , South Georgia , and the Falkland Islands . Guests can also sail half-way across the world on a unique combination voyage, an 82-Day Across Three Continents: Oceania to   Antarctica sailing, departing September 2, 2026 , from Broome, Australia to Ushuaia, Argentina .

Antarctica , South Georgia and Falkland Islands

Between October 2026 and March 2027 , Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit will take guests on unforgettable journeys through some of the world's most remote and captivating destinations. The season will offer 19 departures roundtrip from Ushuaia to the Great White Continent, and includes sailings ranging from 10 to 12 days, as well as select 20-day departures featuring South Georgia and the Falkland Islands .

Drake Passage , allowing guests to witness seabirds such as albatrosses gliding through the skies. In the Falkland Islands , guests will marvel at the abundant wildlife, including black-browed albatross, penguins, and striated caracaras. On the unique, alpine-like environment of South Georgia , guests can witness a sanctuary for over 450,000 pairs of king penguins.

Itineraries for each ship will feature included expedition experiences led by a masterful 23-person Expedition Team comprised of academics, scientists, and naturalists. This elite team will lead scenic Zodiac cruises to admire mesmerizing blue icebergs and awe-inspiring glaciers and nature walks and hikes across seldom-seen landscapes to view glaciers and dynamic wildlife. Guests will receive a Complimentary PolarShield Parka by Helly Hansen.

Optional kayaking and submarine excursions will also be available on the Antarctica voyages. All Antarctica voyages include a pre-cruise charter hotel stay in Buenos Aires and roundtrip charter flights to Ushuaia, from where the ship will depart.

Arctic, Greenland , Iceland & British Isles

St. Kilda in Scotland , known as "the edge of the world," and the ancient ruins of Hvalsey Church in Greenland , marking the last written record of the Norse people in the region. Seabourn Venture will also explore the infinite facets of Scoresbysund, the largest fjord in the world, on its 10-Day Iceland & Scoresbysund itinerary sailing round-trip from Reykjavik, Iceland .

Scottish Isles of Noss or Eigg, celebrated for their fascinating history and abundant wildlife. Guests can also explore the Isle of Man via Zodiac to witness the vibrant bird colonies and the charming town of Douglas . Guided nature walks through iconic locations like Iceland's Snæfellsnes National Park and the colorful seaside town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull in Scotland further immerse guests in the rich landscapes and cultural heritage of these extraordinary regions.

Optional excursions at select destinations include kayaking through tranquil Arctic waters and submarine dives that reveal the hidden wonders beneath the sea.

Australia & the Kimberley Coast

Between May and September 2026 , Seabourn Pursuit will return to the Kimberley in Australia for its third season. Offering eight departures of the popular 10-Day Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls & Wanjinas itineraries, Seabourn's newest expedition ship will sail between Darwin, Northern Territory and Broome, Western Australia. 

Tucked along the northwestern corner of Australia, the Kimberley is one of the world's last wild frontiers, containing everything from rugged sandstone peaks and rushing waterfalls to sunken mangrove forests . Voyages to the region will offer an abundance experiences that will bring travelers out of their comfort zones and into the heart of this diverse locale, such as an exploration of King George Falls , the highest twin waterfalls in Australia ; Zodiac explorations of rivers and sandstone gorges that wind for miles, including to the Horizontal Waterfalls of Talbot Bay ; and snorkeling at Ashmore Reef.

Seabourn guests will be immersed in the rich cultures of the region. Each itinerary includes a cultural visit to Ngula Jar Island in Vansittart Bay , Western Australia , hosted by the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Landowners, who are also the godparents of Seabourn Pursuit. Here, they will discover intricate Bradshaw/Gwion art on this remote island. At Freshwater Cove, guests will view the aboriginal artwork of the Wanjina as honored guests of the Traditional Landowners. Additionally, a visit to Kuri Bay , home to Paspaley's only land-based pearl farm operation, offers rare insight into the fascinating world of South Sea pearling.

South Pacific

From April to May 2026 and September to October 2026 , Seabourn Pursuit will navigate the remote islands and atolls of the South Pacific on its way to and from the Kimberley region. The ship will embark on six itineraries ranging from 11 to 22 days, with departures from San Antonio ( Santiago ), Chile ; Darwin, Australia ; Lautoka, Fiji ; and Papeete, Tahiti. Each sailing is unique, guaranteeing that no two experiences are alike and allowing guests to uncover something new while exploring some of the world's most secluded destinations.

Rom Dance , complete with intricate masks and costumes created exclusively for this cultural celebration. Additionally, bird-watching enthusiasts can join the expedition team in Raja Ampat to search for the elusive Red Birds of Paradise, further enriching their adventure in this captivating region.

Juan Fernandez fur seal and pink-footed shearwaters. Guests can also enjoy snorkeling in remote and pristine reef systems, immersing themselves in the vibrant underwater world. Guided nature walks and hikes provide unique opportunities to connect with local cultures and landscapes, such as going ashore in Pentecost , Vanuatu , to witness the seasonal ritual of Land Diving, or exploring the city of Apia in Upolu, Samoa , where guests can tour the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and visit significant sites within this bustling city.

Mediterranean

Between April and June 2026 , Seabourn Venture will offer non-expedition voyages sailing across the Atlantic Ocean , through the enchanting yacht harbors of the Mediterranean, and around the Iberian peninsula. These unique sailings will call on 34 destinations across eight countries, with four distinct itineraries. Notably, Seabourn Venture will journey upriver to the historic city of Seville, Spain , and call at the picturesque ports of St. Malo and Dunkirk in France—destinations not featured on Seabourn's ocean ships this season. While these itineraries do not feature expedition programming, guests can immerse themselves in Seabourn's signature intimate, yacht-like atmosphere and traditional ocean cruise experience, enhanced by the exclusivity of a ship carrying only 264 guests.

Exploration, Adventure, and Luxurious Comfort

Both Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit offer the same luxurious small ship experience that travelers have come to expect from Seabourn, enhanced by world-class equipment that allows the line to offer its widest range of expedition activities led by an expert 23-person expedition team of scientists, scholars, naturalists, and more. Designed and built for remote, diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards, the ship includes a plethora of modern hardware and technology that extends the ship's global deployment and capabilities. There is close to 30,000 square feet of deck space and special touches at every turn, as well as indoor and outdoor guest areas with nearly 270-degree views. In addition, a 4K GSS Cineflex Camera is mounted on the mast of the Constellation Lounge and capable of broadcasting imagery from miles ahead on monitors located throughout the ship and in guest suites.

The ships are also equipped with enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity with SpaceX's Starlink, providing its expedition guests with faster service, greater connectivity and more reliable Wi-Fi wherever Starlink's services are available.

During select Seabourn expedition voyages, guest can also participate in the optional Image Masters program, a new hands-on program that will provide in-the-field instruction on photo composition, camera technique, editing, and retouching all led by an accomplished nature photographer. Participating guests will enjoy priority access to the onboard photographer, curated outings both onboard and ashore, and priority access to the Photo Studio , as well as educational programming designed to polish their photography skills. The program takes place over 4 days during the voyage and starts at $1,500 per participant.

For more details about Seabourn, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com  or contact a professional travel advisor.

About Seabourn: Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of six modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers. 

Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK). 

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For more Information: Irene Lui Sanders, [email protected] Or Elise Carlin, [email protected]

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