ireland trip plan

The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary and Travel Guide

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

The Ring of Kerry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They are also supremely crowded with tourists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was one of the best decisions we made.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the main attractions along the way are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips For a Road Trip of Ireland

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

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

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

Here are some tips for renting a campervan in Ireland.

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

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

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

Getting Around Magnetic Island – ‘How to’ Transportation Guide

The Ultimate GUIDE to the Best MAGNETIC ISLAND BEACHES and Bays

14 Best Day Trips From Reykjavik, Iceland (2024 Guide)

Related Posts

Lijiang – china’s disneyland (without the rides), caves, zip lines and deep mud in phong nha, the 14 best things to do on bruny island, tasmania [2024], looking back on 2018 (and what’s to come in 2019), 30 thoughts on “the ultimate ireland road trip itinerary and travel guide”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much. 🙂

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

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

Thanks for the pics and tips.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It definitely is. It is a stunning country. 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Best Time to Visit Ireland

Weather & Climate

Airports in Ireland

Driving in Ireland

Best Castle Hotels

How to Spend Two Weeks in Ireland

Top Places to See

Things to Do in Ireland

Free Things to Do

National Museums of Ireland

Best Walks to Take

Castles to Visit

Cliffs of Moher

Blarney Stone

What to Do Along the Wild Atlantic Way

Places to Golf in Ireland

Foods to Try

Best Irish Drinks

Your Trip to Ireland: The Complete Guide

Known for its dramatic seaside scenery and idyllic country landscapes, Ireland can offer the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Stop for a live music session in a village pub or head for the big cities of Dublin and Belfast for cutting edge cuisine and cultural activities. While old traditions are alive and well on the Emerald Isle, Ireland has a non-stop social scene as well. Whether you want to hike the sea cliffs or soak up history, here is the ultimate guide to planning your trip to Ireland.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit :  Ireland’s reputation for rainy weather is well deserved and there is a good chance that you will encounter some wet days at any time of year. The weather tends to be mild but cool in April and May, and heading to the country in spring is a good way to beat the tourist crowds that arrive in June, July, and August. September is also a good time to visit Ireland before the winter weather arrives. Keep in mind that the weather tends to be rainy in the west of Ireland at any time of year.

Language:  The Republic of Ireland has two official languages: English and Irish  . It is rare to hear Irish spoken outside of areas known as Gaeltacht, which are found around the west coast of Ireland. However, you will see signs in both English and Irish as you travel. English is spoken in Northern Ireland, as well.

Currency:  The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro, while in Northern Ireland the currency is the Pound sterling  . Credit cards are widely accepted but some smaller businesses will still only accept cash so it is a good idea to carry some cash at all times.

Getting Around:  If you plan to stick to the capital cities of Dublin and Belfast, there is little need for a car. Both cities are compact enough to explore on foot and Dublin has a good public transportation system. Major towns are well connected by private coach bus, but it is a good idea to hire a car if you want to see rural Ireland or crave a bit of flexibility in your schedule. Keep in mind that Ireland drives on the left and automatic cars are fairly rare, so book your rental car ahead of time if you plan to road trip around the Emerald Isle.

Travel Tip:  While traveling in the offseason is a good way to beat the crowds, some accommodations close up for the winter season (between mid-October and April 1 st ). Hotels and B&Bs can be in huge demand in summer, and around holidays and festivals, so it is best to reserve these as far in advance as possible once your trip dates are finalized.

Things to Do

Ireland is the perfect vacation destination for music lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and slow travelers who like to experience local lifestyles by exploring small towns and villages.

• Take a walk: Ireland has six national parks   as well as incredible hills and landscapes. Walking is a popular pastime and does not require you to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the great outdoors.
• Go to the pub: No trip to Ireland is complete without a few nights in the pub. This is where you will find live traditional music, homestyle food, local beer and plenty of comradery.
• Plan a Road trip : To see as much as possible, plan to experience at least one of Ireland’s best drives. Perhaps you want to experience the Beara Peninsula or explore the Causeway coast – the small towns and unexpected scenery you will discover along the way is what makes Ireland a truly special place to visit.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the best things to do in Dublin , the 20 places to see in Ireland , and the ultimate guide to the Wild Atlantic Way.

What to Eat and Drink

The most traditional Irish food comes from the produce and livestock that have been a part of the rolling landscape for centuries. Many pubs and restaurants will serve a version of classic dishes such as beef and Guinness stew, roasted lamb, Irish steak, and of course, potatoes. Be sure to start the day with a fry – also known as a full Irish breakfast. The hearty morning meal comes with eggs, sausage, rashers (bacon), black pudding, beans, roasted tomato, and toast. Ireland is also famed for its dairy, so be sure to try real Irish butter on homemade brown bread.

To wash it all down you can order a Guinness, Ireland’s most famous stout which is still brewed to this day in Dublin. Other popular beers include Kilkenny and Harp, though imported beer, like Corona and Coors Light, is also becoming more common. Ireland is also famous for its whiskey, which you can find served with water at most bars. For something non-alcoholic, tea is particularly popular and the most common brands are Barry’s and Lyons. It can be found at all times of day, served with milk on the side.

Hungry? Read more in our article about  the best restaurants in Dublin,  the  best places to eat in Limerick , and the best pubs in Dublin .

Where to Stay

Most flights in and out of Ireland transit through Dublin and the Irish capital city is a wonderful place to spend a few days. Stay in the city center to take advantage of seeing most of the city on foot. After a couple of nights in the big city, you may be ready to experience the rest of Ireland. Many people choose to head south to Cork or Limerick and use these cities as a base to explore the small towns and villages. Belfast in Northern Ireland is also a lively city and the gateway to the stunning Antrim coast. Alternatively, head west out of Dublin for Galway and spend your days hopping between the towns along the Wild Atlantic Way.

For more information on where to stay, explore the   different Dublin neighborhoods to stay in, and our recommendations on the best hotels.

Getting There

The most common way to arrive in Ireland is by plane. However, there are also ferries that travel to the Emerald Isle. Once in Ireland, renting a car is the best way to explore most of the country. It’s not necessary (or recommended) to get a car if you plan to stay in Dublin, but having an independent set of wheels is almost necessary if you want to explore the rest of the country. Buses and trains are available, but the limited schedules will seriously constrain any travel plans.

The main airport in the Republic of Ireland is Dublin Airport . Other airports in Ireland and Northern Ireland include:

• Shannon Airport, a smaller international airport located in County Clare in the south of the Republic. This was once the busiest stop for transatlantic flights but now serves mainly UK destinations, with limited (i.e. once a week) flights to European cities.
• Belfast International Airport (BFS) is the larger airport near the Northern Ireland capital (it is located about 20 miles outside the city). Flights to Belfast can be more expensive than flights to Dublin, so many people choose to fly into the Republic and catch a convenient coach bus to the north.
• George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is quite small but very close to Belfast, located just over a mile from the city center. It serves mainly UK airports.

For a complete guide, read more about all of the airports in Ireland .

Culture and Customs 

The Irish love to banter and it can feel like teasing, but it is all meant in good fun. You are welcome and expected to join in trading a few verbal jabs and sharing jokes to keep the "craic" going. Irish wit and humor move at lightning speed.

Pubs are the most common place to socialize in Ireland. This is where friends meet up and strangers become friends.

Music is a huge part of Irish culture and traditional live music sessions are commonplace. Some are planned and others come together naturally when enough musicians gather at the same pub. If you hear the crowd singing along, join in.

Tipping is not expected and certainly not needed at a pub. Some restaurants add a service charge for groups of eight or more, but this should be clearly noted on the menu and indicated on the bill.

If someone offers to buy you a drink at a pub, it is fine to accept. Keep in mind that drinking in Ireland works in “rounds” so if someone offers to get the next round of drinks, it is implied that you will return the favor when the glasses get low again.

Money-Saving Tips

• If possible, avoid traveling to Ireland in July and August when the number of visitors rivals the number of residents. This is when accommodation prices are most inflated and will seriously cut into your budget.
• Rural Airbnbs are becoming more common in Ireland. Renting a little cottage can be both romantic and budget-friendly. If you prefer a more personal touch, regular B&Bs are also easy to come by and tend to have lower prices than traditional hotels.
• Beers are relatively cheap if you are planning a night out, but restaurant prices can be steep in comparison. Eat in or try some of the most beloved Irish fast food joints to save some cash.
• If you plan to spend a few days in Dublin, it is worth buying a Leap Card to save money on public transportation. You can also download the FreeNow taxi app, which sometimes offers discount codes and promotions on cab rides.

Learn more about the cheapest ways to have fun by exploring the best free things to do in Dublin . 

Tourism Ireland . "Languages of Ireland."

Tourism Ireland . "Money in Ireland."

National Parks & Wildlife Service . "National Parks in Ireland."

Dublin Guide: Planning Your Trip

Ireland's 20 Largest Towns and Cities

How to Spend 5 Days in Ireland

Belfast Guide: Planning Your Trip

20 Best Things to Do in Dublin

How to Visit Dublin on a Budget

The Top 22 Things to Do in Ireland

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

Driving in Ireland: What You Need to Know

How to Travel From Dublin to Galway by Train, Bus, and Car.

Touring Northern Ireland in a Week

A Guide to Airports in Ireland

Winter in Ireland: Weather and Event Guide

The Best Time to Visit Belfast

The Best Small Towns in Ireland

48 Hours in Belfast

• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• National Parks
• Affording Travel
• Photography
• Responsible Travel
• Worldschool
• Wanderlust Guides
• Travel Planning
• Work with Us

Europe , Ireland , Travel

The perfect ireland itinerary.

Heading to Ireland and not sure where to go? This is the perfect Ireland itinerary!

Happy St. Patricks Day! We were lucky enough to be in Ireland for St. Paddy’s last year and it’s a country we really fell in love with. To celebrate, I wanted to share my idea of the perfect Ireland itinerary.  If you’re planning a trip to Ireland , having this itinerary will make your life easier.

Planning a Trip to Ireland

In all my trips to Ireland, I’ve discovered some real gems on this beautiful emerald isle. It has so much natural beauty that it almost hurts your eyes to look at all that green! There are also so many cultural and historical sites that you must see in Ireland that it could potentially take you a lifetime!

For a more in-depth look at some amazing places in Ireland, check out this massive list of the  best places to visit in Ireland   before planning your Ireland itinerary.

When you’re planning a trip to Ireland, it’s important to know that you won’t be able to see it ALL, even though you’ll REALLY want to! I’ve tried to pick the best things to see in Ireland that will give you a really good feel for both countries! I hope this Ireland trip planner will be helpful as you choose where to go and what to do.

Don’t want to do all the planning?

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all your options in Ireland? I can’t blame you! There’s a lot to do and see and the Emerald Isle is a lot bigger than it seems. Luckily, you’ve got me do the planning for you. The best trips to Ireland are planned by someone who’s been and lived there. 

I’ve created this detailed Ireland Road Trip Itinerary that has everything you need in one convenient place. It really takes the guesswork out of deciding where to go, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat. I’ve spent years researching this itinerary and I truly believe this will give you the most amazing trip! 

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Ireland Itinerary complete with interactive maps and daily schedule? Click the yellow button below.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts here are our top picks for visiting ireland:, get an easy ireland itinerary.

Our favorite hotels in Ireland

• Castle Hotel: Ashford Castle
• Dublin Hotel: Moxie Dublin
• Killarney: Killarney Royal Hotel
• Northern Ireland: The Fitzwilliam

Our favorite tours in Ireland

• Cliffs of Moher
• Northern Ireland Tour
• History Tour of Dublin
• Dublin Food Tour
• Book a Photoshoot in Ireland

Renting a Car in Ireland?

If you want to see authentic Ireland, I recommend you drive yourself. If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use:  Rental Cars  and  Expedia Cars.  We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

Want to See More than Ireland?

If you’re interested in extending your trip to Ireland, it’s easy and super cheap to hop a flight over to  London ,    Scotland ,  or the rest of Europe. I love combining trips to Ireland with a trip to Scotland as well. You can find the   perfect itinerary for Scotland and Ireland here. 

Getting to Ireland

Ireland is a truly beautiful country and one of the cheapest places to fly to in Europe from the United States right now. I’m constantly finding good deals to Ireland.

In fact, we just purchased tickets to Shannon, Ireland from Boston for $500 TOTAL for our entire family of six through Norwegian Air’s killer sale a few weeks ago and I also helped my sister book from New York to Dublin for $450 round trip per person. If you want to know how we get crazy deals on flights read How to Fly for Cheap or Nearly Free.

Best Time to Travel to Ireland

Where to stay in ireland.

Just as Ireland can be one of the cheapest countries in Europe to fly into, it’s also quite affordable to stay in Ireland. While there is an abundance of beautiful luxury castles and hotels to stay in , there are also really affordable Airbnb houses all over the island. We stayed in a beautiful 4 bedroom house on the coast for two months and fell in love! You can find our Airbnb here. 

We stayed in a beautiful, huge farmhouse in Wexford for 2 months for only $2,000. For a party of 7, that’s a great deal! Be sure to grab this $55 coupon for Airbnb

I’ve created this Airbnb Wishlist for you that holds just a fraction of the affordable housing on the island! If you’ve never stayed in Airbnb before, please read my 16 Rules for Airbnb. 

Affordable Airbnbs in Ireland

Packing List for Ireland

It’s no secret that the weather in Ireland can be a little…insane…I’m not sure there’s a better word to describe it. You want to be sure you’re prepared for the elements, but also be sure you don’t overpack. Here’s what to pack for Ireland:

Click here for my full Ireland Packing list

I personally own these two raincoats and these two pairs of boots and I LOVE them!

The  pink raincoat   is not lined and is good for warm days or good if you want a waterproof raincoat to go over a regular jacket. The  yellow raincoat   is nice and lined for a good medium weight waterproof jacket. You’ll need a really good pair of rain boots that you can also be comfortable walking in.

These  Eddie Bauer boots   are quite possibly the best thing that have ever happened to me! Not only are they the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned (ask anyone I know…they’ve heard me rave about these boots), but they are waterproof, AND they come with a lifetime warranty. I bought a pair over 5 years ago and I wear through the soles about every year and a half because I wear them everywhere! When they wear out I just bring them to any Eddie Bauer store (even though I bought them on Amazon)  and they give me brand new ones! They’re the BEST investment I’ve ever made. You can buy them  here.

These  Hunter rain boots   are really high quality, last forever, are completely waterproof, and have a good grip on the bottom for walking. I really love my Hunters, but they’re definitely not as comfortable as the Eddie Bauers.

For more info on what to pack for Ireland, follow  my packing list for Ireland or Scotland   or   this detailed Ireland packing list .

Perfect Ireland Itinerary 10 days or more

While I am not an Ireland expert, we did live there for 2 months and were able to see most of both countries (yes Ireland and Northern Ireland are separate countries). And I’ve since been able to visit Ireland two more times, and we plan to go again this year. 

I think I’ve created the perfect Ireland itinerary for the first time visitor who wants to see as much of the island as possible. The good thing about this itinerary is that you can cut out whatever you want and move on to the next location if it’s too much for you.

I realize that I’m missing a lot of amazing things Ireland has to offer and I will probably receive some backlash for this, but these were some of OUR favorite finds in Ireland!

When you go to Ireland, I suggest that you rent a car. There is so much to see and driving will be the best way to see  Ireland and everything it has to offer. An Ireland road trip is my favorite way to see the island. 

Please, for the love of Ireland, do NOT spend your whole trip in Dublin! There is so much more that this beautiful island has to offer!

You can do this Ireland itinerary f orwards or backward, it doesn’t matter. I selfishly like this route (clockwise) because while driving along the coast, the passenger has a good view out the window and since that’s usually me, and I’m the one with the camera, that’s the way I’d go!

Remember you’ll be driving on the LEFT! Honestly, it’s easier than you think and your brain picks it up pretty well after a day or two. Just be alert!

How long will this Ireland road trip take?

Well, that’s really up to you! I’ve seen people do this Ireland road trip in only 10 days. That’s a little ambitious if you ask me. If you really want to hit all of these best places to visit in Ireland in one trip, then I would plan about 2 weeks for your whole journey. If you have less time in Ireland, simply cut out a few stops. It’s not the end of the world, and you’ll have an excuse to come back!

So without further ado, here is the perfect Ireland itinerary:

• Stop 1: Dublin
• Stop 2: Killkenney
• Stop 3: County Waterford & County Wexford
• Stop 4: Cork
• Stop 5: Killarney National Park
• Stop 6: Dingle Peninsula
• Stop 7: Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
• Stop 8: Galway
• Stop 9: Northern Ireland
• Stop 10: Belfast
• Stop 11 : Back to Dublin

10 Places You Must See in Ireland

These are my top ten picks for what to see in Ireland. You can pick and choose which cities look good to you and skip over the ones you aren’t interested in. Don’t feel like you need to do it all unless you’ve got the time. For me, this is the best of Ireland!

Arrive! If you’re flying into Dublin (be sure to check other airports in Ireland like Shannon and Cork for good deals ), spend a day and a half or so in this beautiful city. See the book of Kells, eat in a few pubs, take a tour. Here is a great list of things to do in Dublin.

Stay the night in Dublin and take a day to get over your jetleg before heading out on your Ireland road trip. There are some beautiful hotels and great Airbnbs in Dublin. Here is a list of affordable Airbnbs in the city. 

Here is a great guide for spending one day in Dublin.  And if you’re heading to Ireland with kids you can find great information here. 

2. Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a charming and historic town with lots to see and do. There is a great little farmers market outside the castle and street performers usually line the streets. It’s a great town to wander and enjoy the cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. 

This town has deep religious roots with well-preserved churches and abbeys that are amazing to see. Be sure to visit Black Abbey and St. Canice’s Cathedral.

You can tour the castle, the old abbey, pop into the shops and sup in a pub! Here are more cool things to do in Kilkenny .

You’ll want to stay at least one night in Killkenney to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere. Here are affordable Airbnbs in Killkenney.

3. County Waterford & County Wexford

South East Ireland or “Ireland’s Ancient East” is one of the most overlooked areas of Ireland in my opinion. Don’t skip this if you want the perfect Ireland itinerary! There are so many hidden gems that I’m going to bring to light!

You’ll want to stay in Wexford or Waterford. We stayed for two months, but two days will do if you must. We rented this gorgeous Airbnb near Tintern Abbey.

4. Cork & Blarney Castle

For most, Blarney Castle is a must see when visiting Ireland. You can kiss the Blarney stone and receive the gift of gab!

Cork is a beautiful city to wander. Visit the English Market, an indoor sort of farmers market with lots of interesting things to see and eat! Here are 33 things to do in Cork city.

If you’re interested in seeing more castles, Ireland will not disappoint! Read about the top 5 Castles to visit in Ireland.

5. Killarney

Killarney is home to the beautiful Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Traditional Farms, Ross Castle and more. It’s definitely worth a visit and could really be considered for an entire vacation. I recently spent a whole week in Killarney and fell in love. You can r ead more about what to do in Killarney here,   but here are the main stops you won’t want to miss:

• Muckross House
• Muckross Traditional Farms
• Muckross Abbey
• Ross Castle
• Innisfallen Island
• Murphy’s Ice Cream
• Quinlin’s Fish n Chips

I would recommend staying in Killarney for several days. There is so much to do and see in this beautiful National Park that you may not want to ever leave. There are some great hotels in Killarney as well as charming Airbnbs.

Affordable Airbnb Homes in Killarney

6. Dingle Peninsula

If you’re on a tight schedule, I recommend you skip the more popular and time-consuming Ring of Kerry and instead drive the Dingle Peninsula. It’s a beautiful stretch of land with some of the most stunning scenery in all of Ireland. Read about what you can see on the Dingle Peninsula here .

7. The Burren National Park &   Cliffs of Moher

The Burren: The word “Burren” comes from the Irish word “Boíreann” which means a rocky place. This is a pretty fitting name because it is covered in Limestone Pavement. It’s like visiting another planet. Read more about the Burren here .

The Cliffs of Moher are something that you just have to see for yourself! They are beyond breathtaking. Don’t skip this stop! Plan on several hours to see the Cliffs of Moher. There is a really neat visitor’s center where you can learn about the cliffs and also about the puffins who nest there. There’s also a great cafe with lots of options.   Here are some tips for taking kids to the cliffs .

Galway is a gorgeous Irish town and a must visit. Here is a guide to visiting Galway .

9. Northern Ireland

Named as one of Lonely Planet’s regions not to miss in 2018, Northern Ireland is truly a treasure! There is so much to see in Northern Ireland, but it is small enough that you can see most of it in 2 days if you’re quick. Be sure to see these top sites:

• Giant’s Causeway
• Carrick-a-Rede Bridge
• Dark Hedges

Remember that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and will use the pound sterling instead of the Euro. You will not need your passport to cross from Ireland to Northern Ireland. Here are some things you will not want to miss in Northern Ireland .

I would plan for 2 nights in Northern Ireland. It’s a beautiful place to slow down and take in the sites. We stayed in this lovely Airbnb next door to a field of sheep.

Affordable Airbnb Homes in Northern Ireland

10. Belfast

Drive to Belfast and spend a day seeing the city. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland (a separate country and part of the United Kingdom). There are so many awesome things to do in Belfast, even though it often gets overlooked as a destination in Ireland. Here is another guide to visiting Belfast .

11. Howth & Back to Dublin

Visit the Howth Cliffs and eat fish and chips in Howth. There are a million pubs and fish and chips shops. I’ve tried several and they’ve all been good. You can read more about walking the Howth Cliff path loop here. Also, read about taking kids to Howth here .

And now you’re back to Dublin! See as much as you can, eat in as many pubs as possible and don’t forget to catch your flight back home! This is the perfect Ireland itinerary for us and we hope it helps you out on your visit to Ireland!

Best Ireland Tours

While I love a good Ireland road trip and exploring on my own, it’s sometimes nice to have someone else do all the work. If you’re looking for a little more ease in your travel or don’t want to drive, check out these best Ireland tours from Get Your Guide.

Have you been to Ireland? What did we miss? Shoot us an email  or get in touch on Facebook or Instagram . We’d love to hear from you and we’d love if you pinned this for later…

Be sure to follow my Ireland Board on Pinterest for more great ideas for your trip!

If you would like to follow along with us day by day you can follow @wanderlust.crew on Instagram or on Facebook   or on Twitter or sign up for our newsletter! We would love to hear from you!

Practical Tips for Booking your Trip

Book Your Flight s and Car Find a budget airlines by using  Skyscanner . This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here. For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO . I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use  Booking , as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz . Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel? Check out my  resource page  for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

Wanderlust Crew

48 thoughts on “ the perfect ireland itinerary ”.

Wow I badly want to go! We are planning a 6-12 month Euro road trip in a few years so this is going on the planning board! How long did you spend in total and how long at each spot? I find the hardest thing to do is budget time.

I totally agree. It’s so hard to budget time, when you’ve never been somewhere. I think 2 weeks is a good amount of time to pack it all in. Of course longer is better! We stayed for 2 months and still missed so much of this beautiful place! How exciting about your Euro trip! We fell so in love with Europe last year that we are going back next year!

Great itinerary! My husband has always wanted to go to Ireland…we’ll have to check out those deals! I was wondering the same as Christine…how long do you think a family would need to really see everything on this itinerary to the fullest?

Oh I think 2 weeks would be ideal to do all of this and not be too rushed, but you could technically do it in a week. I hope you make it there. It’s such a special place!

Great itinerary! I’m a travel consultant and went to Ireland 2x in a year and just fell in love with it. I mention a lot of these points to my clients…also, note how amazing traveling by the Wild Atlantic Way is. Another place, the Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in the Connemara area is wonderful! Such beautiful grounds with a lot to do. Be sure to check out the pretty Connemara ponies ? [email protected]

Oh yes! I’ve had several people suggest those to me! I haven’t done any of those, but we are heading back in February so I will put those on my list for sure! Thanks!

The Connemara region IS lovely. We enjoyed our staff at the Ballynahinch Castle — Twp days of rest and relaxation in the middle of a three-week visit. Beautiful grounds.

Planning on visiting Ireland we can organise This perfect Itinerary for you.

I wish to express some appreciation to you just for bailing me out of such a issue. After searching through the online world and obtaining tips which were not helpful, I believed my life was done. Existing without the approaches to the problems you’ve sorted out by way of the review is a crucial case, as well as those that might have adversely affected my entire career if I had not discovered the website. Your main capability and kindness in taking care of everything was crucial. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had not come upon such a solution like this. I can at this moment look ahead to my future. Thanks for your time so much for this high quality and result oriented guide. I won’t hesitate to recommend your site to any individual who needs to have guidelines on this matter.

Appreciating the time and energy you invested in your website and comprehensive information you present. It is amazing to discover a blogging site now and then which is just not the similar expired rehashed information. Amazing read! We’ve bookmarked your site and I am including the RSS feeds to my garageband download windows page.

You’re totally correct, I would love to learn even more on that topic! I’m also interested by mobile apps because I believe it really is very cool nowadays. Keep this up!

Hi, you’re definitely correct. I frequently go through your content carefully. I’m also thinking about lucky patcher android, perhaps you might write about that occasionally. Bye bye!

I’d have to check with you here. That is not some thing I ordinarily do! I get pleasure from reading a post that may make folks think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!

lovely itinerary Vanessa, but one small detail – the Hook lighthouse is in Co. WEXFORD!!! Still a great place to visit. Makes me want to go to the West, love the Wild Atlantic Way. Happy travels x

Thanks for every other informative site. The place else may I am getting that type of information written in such an ideal means? I have a undertaking that I am just now working on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info.

Skype has opened its internet-dependent customer beta towards the entire world, following introducing it broadly inside the United states and U.K. earlier this calendar month. Skype for Web also now works with Linux and Chromebook for immediate text messaging connection (no voice and video but, individuals demand a plug-in installing).

The increase in the beta provides help for a longer list of different languages to help reinforce that worldwide usability

Its fantastic as your other blog posts : D, thankyou for posting.

Admiring the commitment you put into your blog and in depth information you provide. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

You are certainly right, I’d love to know even more on that topic! I am also interested by upvc windows cost as I believe it is quite cool presently. Keep this up!

I haven¦t checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

Hello, you used to write wonderful, but the last few posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!

Thanks for this howling post, I am glad I noticed this internet site on yahoo.

An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

Hello.This article was extremely remarkable, especially since I was investigating for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.

Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.

I am forever thought about this, thanks for posting.

Fantastic blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely confused .. Any recommendations? Appreciate it!

You have brought up a very great points, thankyou for the post.

I’m very happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.

Your style is so unique compared to many other people. Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity,Guess I will just make this bookmarked.2

Thank you, I have just been searching for information about this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?

Ii did this same trip about 5yrs ago I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am saving to go back a second time. The scenery is amazing and the people are so friendly

So excited for your trip back! It’s truly an amazing country!

What would be the best time of year to go?

Any time is a good time to go to Ireland, but I love it in the Spring if you don’t mind some rain!

I only have 3 days to go to Ireland to visit thank you for the recommendation in advance

Have so much fun!

Planning an Ireland trip next year 2020, for my 60th birthday. Want to travel at our leisure in a rental car but I would like to know what you suggest as far as reserving places to stay before going. I know we must pre-pay ABNB but what would availiblity look like if you just show up in many of the places you recommend seeing? Want to have flexibility but don’t really want to sleep in the car! Probably travelling April or May 2020. Thanks!

Hi Gayle, I totally understand wanting flexibility. With hotels I think that is fine, but many Airbnbs require at least 24 hour notice for booking. I’ve never done last minute accommodations, but I also have 4 children, so it’s harder to find. In general, I don’t recommend it. My advice is to really decide what you want to see and to be realistic about driving times. Map everything out before going. Best of luck, please let me know if you need any help planning. I’m excited for your trip!

Love this! My husband and I are planning to go end of August and are trying to decide if we need a travel agent. About how long does it take to get from place to place driving? Would you suggest staying in a new hotel each night? Our plan is 7 days right now.

Hi Taylor! How exciting. You’re going to LOVE Ireland! I would recommend staying in Dublin (1 night), Co. Waterford (1 or 2 nights), Cork (1 night), Killarney (at least 2 nights), near the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare (1-2 nights), Northern Ireland (at least 2 nights), then Back to Dublin. You might not have time to do this entire route. It’s quite a bit of driving. I’d pick maybe 4 things that you really want to see and stick to that for 7 days. Let me know if you need any help planning. Have so much fun! -Vanessa

Hi! I just completed my isle tour, and most of it was based off of your suggestions! I landed in Dublin, then traveled to Portstewart, then back down to Kilkenny (which turned out to be my absolute favorite!), then headed over to Cork, then Galway, then back to Dublin. I just have to say I had an amazing trip and I wanted to thank you for your article!! Giants Causeway was impressive, Blarney Castle and the property surrounding it was stunning, Cliffs of Moher was breathtaking, and I simply can’t wait to go back!

Hi Malli! Thank you SO much for letting me know how your trip was! It sounds like you had an amazing time. Ireland never disappoints! I hope you’re able to make it back sometime soon. I was randomly looking up houses for sale in Ireland today haha! Just love that island! Thanks again! It means the world! xo Vanessa

This May, I and my husband are travelling to the emerald country for the second time. Two years ago we decided to explore Dublin solely, but this time we’d love to stay longer and see more of local nature. Thank you for this elaborate itinerary. We’ll try to make most of it.

Hi Lynn! That is so exciting! You’re going to love it even more than Dublin, I promise! May is a wonderful time to go! The daffodils are just poking their heads up now and everything should be in glorious full bloom and nice and green for you by then. Have an amazing time. I’d love to know what you ended up doing when you return! Keep in touch. Thanks again! xo Vanessa

Your guide to Galaway with the link doesn’t work or doesn’t take it to a correct source. Thanks for this post though!

Thank you so much for letting me know! I’ve just updated the link. Have an amazing time in Ireland! xo

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

How to Plan the Perfect Ireland Itinerary (5 Days-4 Weeks)

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

Planning your Ireland itinerary can be a bit daunting when there are so many beautiful places to visit in Ireland but have no fear, dear reader, I’ve got you covered. I spent a month traveling around Ireland and I’m sharing all the need-to-know (and what to miss) details with you.

Ireland is a special place and many people end up returning to the Emerald Isle. I can’t blame them!

This Ireland itinerary covers both Ireland and Northern Ireland. It’s packed with Ireland travel tips and is designed to help you create the ideal itinerary for Ireland specifically for you .

It can be a self-drive Ireland itinerary or a plan to help you get around by train or bus. I’m your virtual Ireland trip planner!

While I dive straight into the itinerary, keep reading as I provide additional tips for exactly how to plan a trip to Ireland. From when to visit, what to see and do, budgeting, and detailed daily itineraries as suggestions to maximize your time.

Table of Contents

Ireland Fast Facts

The first thing you need to know before visiting Ireland is that Ireland is two countries. What?  Yeah, I didn’t know this for the longest time! The island is in fact divided with the majority of the island being the Republic of Ireland which is an independent state while a small part of the island is Northern Ireland which is a part of the UK.

Currency:  Republic of Ireland uses euros, Northern Ireland uses pounds Languages:  English, Irish Population: Republic of Ireland is 4.7 million, Northern Ireland is 1.8 million Religion:  Christianity is the majority

Ireland Itinerary

How this itinerary works:  I recommend where to go in Ireland and the least amount of time to the max amount of time to spend in each destination.

I share which Ireland travel destinations to pair together to help you decide and the best places to travel in Ireland for your allotted time. You can then mix and match which days appeal most to you to create the best Ireland itinerary between 5 days and 4 weeks.

These trip ideas are designed for road trips and even as a backpacking Ireland itinerary.

Recommended Ireland Tours

Skip planning your trip yourself with these top-rated tours around the country.

• Best of Ireland in 10 days
• Wild South in 7 days  (small group)
• Great Atlantic Adventure in 7 days  (small group)

Ireland Itineraries by Length

Choose an itinerary and start booking! The full itinerary will take you clockwise around all of Ireland. These are rough suggestions for a first trip to Ireland itinerary.

Do the research and look into how long it takes to get to each new destination as you might not want to move as fast. If you’re renting a car then hitting all the destinations suggested will not be an issue.

5 Day Itinerary

• Day trip to Giant’s Causeway
• Day trip to Cliffs of Moher

7 Day Itinerary

• Day trip to Giant’s Causeway or Belfast from Dublin

10 Day Itinerary

2 Week Itinerary

3 week itinerary, 4 week itinerary.

• All destinations plus 2 extra days to spend where you please

Daily Breakdown of My Ireland Trip Itinerary

Dublin: 2-5 Days

Dublin is the largest city in Ireland, the capital and the cheapest place to fly into so your Ireland trip will most certainly have a stop in this famous city!

Dublin has a ton of history and many major attractions with most of them being drinking activities such as the Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson Distillery, the Whiskey Museum and of course pub culture (the oldest pub in Ireland is in Dublin!).

But if drinking isn’t your thing you can visit one of the many museums such as The Little Museum of Dublin and the Natural Museum of Ireland. 4 days in Dublin is a great amount of time if you want to explore the city at a leisurely pace.

DAY 1: The must-do activities in Dublin are a free walking tour to learn about the history of the city and see some of the top sites. Then a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Distillery (though I recommend the Whiskey Museum !).

DAY 2:  Make a stop at Trinity College where you can see the Book of Kells and the Long Hall which is a gorgeous library. If you didn’t on day one you have to walk through the Temple Bar area and grab a pint!

DAY 3:  Add in a trip to Kilmainham Gaol, an abandoned prison with lots of stories ( be sure to book in advance ), visit a museum to kill some time while it rains, spend some time walking through the city’s gardens like Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens, St. Stephen’s Green or check out the Dublin Zoo. Lastly, you’ll also have time for some churches.

DAY 4 & 5: Add in some time to relax, do a day tour or a tour around Dublin such as a food tour or even a beer tour!

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Dublin

Best Day Trips from Dublin

These day trips from Dublin are the most popular but not all are worth doing from Dublin if you’re visiting a city closer to the location of the tour! Plan accordingly.

Wicklow National Park Half-Day Tour Visit the Wicklow Mountains (where parts of P.S I Love You were filmed), Glendalough monastery, Guinness Lake and Sally Gap to understand why this part of the country is called the Garden of Ireland.

Blarney Castle Did you really visit Ireland if you didn’t kiss the Blarney Stone? This full-day trip will take you through County Cork, to Blarney Castle and the Rock of Cashel. This tour is recommended if you are not visiting Cork.

Giant’s Causeway Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway, walk across the small but famous Carrick-A-Rede Bridge, spend time in Belfast and drive past stunning coastal scenery. This is only recommended for those who are not including Belfast in their itinerary.

Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway If you’re short on time and opting to skip Galway you simply must include a day trip to the lovely city and the Cliffs of Moher as they are an iconic site in Ireland.

Where to Stay in Dublin

Budget: Jacobs Inn A modern and funky hostel with an excellent location in Dublin. Jacobs Inn offers private dorms, rooms and single beds in dorms, all with ensuite, private bathrooms.

Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre Stay in Dublin’s city-centre on one of the city’s most popular streets, O’Connell, and be within walking distance to many of Dublin’s top sights.

Luxury: The Fitzwilliam Hotel Modern, chic and trendy, this luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of Dublin has everything you need within the hotel for entertainment and relaxation plus the top things to see in Dublin practically on its doorstep.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Dublin & Best Castle Hotels in Ireland

Kilkenny: 1-2 Days

Kilkenny is a medieval town southeast from Dublin and is a great place to stop before getting to Cork. It can be a few hour stop to as much as 2 days if you’re more interested in medieval history.

DAY 1: The main things to do in Kilkenny are Kilkenny Castle (including the gardens and park), Saint Mary’s Cathedral which has breathtaking stained glass, St. Candice’s Cathedral and Round Tower for the best views of the city and the Black Abbey.

Spend some time strolling along Medieval Mile and you’ll find all of the main attractions, shopping and restaurants.

Be sure to check out Kyteler’s Inn to hear the history of the building which includes witches and poisoned husbands. The food served is classic pub fare inside a pretty cool building!

DAY 2: And if you stay for a full 2-days stop by the Smithwick’s Experience for a brewery tour , join a theatrical walking tour of the city or try your hand at hurling, a Gaelic sport that is also the fastest in the world!

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Kilkenny

Where to Stay in Kilkenny

Budget: Macgabhainns Backpackers Kilkenny A small hostel in the centre of Kilkenny that offers both private and dorm rooms.

Mid-Range: Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel One of the most highly-rated hotels in Kilkenny, this boutique hotel is just behind Kilkenny Castle with modern amenities.

Luxury: Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel A top-rated and award-winning hotel, the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel sits in the city-centre just outside of the city’s castle grounds.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Kilkenny

Cork: 1-3 Days

Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland and is a university town. The city is worth a day or two stop before moving on to more scenic areas of Ireland. It is also a good base to catch some of Ireland’s highlights from if you aren’t road tripping.

DAY 1: Check out the city! Walk down St. Patrick’s Street which is lined with shopping, stop by the English Market for some delicious food, marvel at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral and head over to the Cork City Gaol.

If you have more time other highlights worth seeing are the Shandon Bells at St. Anne’s Church which you get to ring yourself, Fitzgerald Park or Blackrock Castle Observatory. Walking tours are also available .

DAY 2: Is a trip to Ireland complete without kissing the famous Blarney Stone ? I don’t think so. Pop on over to Blarney Castle where you can kiss the stone and roam the grounds through pretty gardens. Add in any sites that you didn’t get to the first day for half of day two or join a Jamison whiskey tasting tour .

DAY 3: If you’re driving be sure to make a stop before getting to Cork at the Rock of Cashel. If you’re not driving then day tours are available which I highly recommend as the Rock of Cashel was personally one of my favourite things to see in Ireland.

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Cork

Where to Stay in Cork

Budget: Oscar’s Hostel A simple hostel 5-minutes walk from the bus station that offers small bunk rooms and private ensuite rooms.

Mid-Range: Jurys Inn Cork A modern and spacious Cork hotel that overlooks River Lee that is within 5-10 minutes walking distance from Cork’s top attractions.

Luxury: Imperial Hotel Cork City Luxury at it’s finest in the centre of Cork, this highly-rated hotel is home to a spa, on-site restaurant and finishes that will make you feel like royalty.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Cork

Killarney: 3-5 Days

Killarney is a gem in Ireland and has so much to do! It became a tourist town thanks to a visit from Queen Victoria in 1861 which really put Killarney on the map as a must-visit destination in Ireland. It really is one of the best places to see in Ireland.

It was also here that I fell in love with Ireland and where you can see much of the beauty from stunning landscapes. Killarney is also a great spot to set up base and explore some of the most popular attractions of the area in Ireland if you’re not driving and it gives you your first taste of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s jaw-dropping west coast.

DAY 1: Spend some time in town where you can roam through the cutest streets popping into little stores to find beautiful decorations, handmade things and more. If you fancy a classic Ireland souvenir stop by the Aran Sweater Market (there is also one in Dublin, on Inis Mor and in Galway) where you can get a sweater made out of Ireland’s famous wool.

Then you can make your way to Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. Be sure to stop by Muckross House and Torc Waterfall.  Note: This may be tight to do all in one day if without a car so get started early!

DAY 2: You’re in for a treat this day with a trip to the Gap of Dunloe . You can choose to drive, walk or take a jaunting car (a carriage pulled by a horse). I recommend walking so you can take in the full experience of this stunning area, a passage between two mountains carved from glacial ice. Don’t skip this!

DAY 3: This is a driving activity, which can also be done by tour where you’ll get some of the most beautiful scenic views in Ireland. The Ring of Kerry is extremely popular and with good reason.

However, if the weather isn’t cooperating then the views can be nonexistent. Be sure to make a stop where you can see how dogs are trained to herd sheep, it’s quite interesting!

DAY 4: The Dingle Peninsula is another breathtaking drive with rolling mountains, including the tallest mountain in Ireland (Mount Brandon) and seaside cliffs (don’t miss Slea Head!). On this drive or you can see Dingle town where you absolutely must try Murphy’s Ice Cream as Dingle is where it’s made (if you miss it there is also one in Killarney).

You can also stop at Dunmore Head, the most eastern point of continental Europe. The Dingle Distillery also has amazing whiskey, gin and vodka.

Another option for day 4 or 5 is to spend more time in Killarney, enjoying town and the national park, perhaps even hopping on a boat cruise .

DAY 5: Visit the Skellig Islands , which recently hit the spotlight as it is where one of the Star Wars movies was filmed (don’t ask me which one, I don’t follow Star Wars!). On a good day the islands can be seen from the Ring of Kerry. You need to take a boat to get to the island so tours are a must.

Once on the islands, you can see ancient history. The larger of the two islands is a UNESCO World Heritage site are where you’ll find the beehive huts made by Christian monks to live in over a millennium ago.

The smaller of the two islands is home to the world’s largest Northern Gannet colony as well as other seabirds (like puffins!) and it’s also popular for seal, dolphin and whale spotting.

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Killarney

Best Day Trips from Killarney

Ring of Kerry One of the most popular day trips in all of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is a must-see road trip even if you didn’t rent a car. Watch the scenic views of the Iveragh Peninsula through the window and stop in charming towns.

Gap of Dunloe Explore the Killarney Lake District by boat and the scenic Gap of Dunloe by pony and trap on one of Ireland’s oldest tours.

Skellig Islands If you have a car then this day trip is an option as it’s a 78km drive from Killarney but the sights of the Skellig Islands are other-worldly! Always check to see if the boat tours are running before driving over.

READ MORE: 10 Best Killarney Tours & Day Trips

Where to Stay in Killarney

Budget: Black Sheep Hostel Small and mid-sized dorm rooms, along with private rooms are available at Black Sheep Hostel. It is an adults-only property and as a bonus has coffee machines available is every room!

Mid-Range: Scott’s Hotel Just across the street from the Killarney train and bus stations, this Killarney hotel includes free parking, spacious rooms and 3 bars on-site.

Luxury: The Killarney Park Be treated like a celebrity at this family-owned hotel in the heart of Killarney. Rooms offer city or countryside views with an award-winning restaurant on-site, an indoor pool and spa.

READ MORE:   Best Places to Stay in Killarney

Dingle: 1-2 Days

While I didn’t include Dingle in any of the itineraries that doesn’t mean that you can’t add in a short stop in the extremely scenic part of Ireland! Dingle can be done as a day trip from Killarney, but if you’re doing an Ireland road trip then I highly recommend adding in a day to drive around the Dingle Peninsula and explore Dingle Town!

DAY 1: Opt to base yourself in Killarney or the town of Dingle itself. Driving the Dingle Peninsula will take a whole day itself. So one your first day exploring the peninsula be sure to stop at Inch Beach, drive the Conor Pass, stop in Dingle if you’re only doing one day for lunch and to try Murphy’s Ice Cream! Continue onto the Slea Head Drive loop (easily the best driving part of your day and part of the Wild Atlantic Way) and make stops to view the Blasket Islands and Dunmore Head. Finish your day in Killarney or Dingle.

DAY 2: If you opt to stay a night in Dingle then you have another day to wander aimlessly through this charming town. Do your best to spot Fungi, the Dingle Dolphin, check out the Dingle Distillery, go on a pub crawl and enjoy some live Irish music!

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Dingle &  Best Places to Stay in Dingle

Galway: 3-4 Days

Galway is Ireland’s fourth-largest city and is in my opinion Ireland’s best city for its charm, colourful streets and the things to do around the city. It is a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast and is packed with trendy cafes, traditional pubs and the streets are filled with talented musicians.

Galway too is a good spot to set up base for some day trips or a shorter stop if you are driving.

I don’t recommend anything less than 3 days here because of the trips you’ll want to take from here. If you love nightlife and just exploring the town then tack on an extra day for some more relaxation.

DAY 1: Make your way around the city. Free tours are available that teach you about the city’s history and take you to the main spots in town. Find your way through Eyre Square, past plenty of shopping and pubs to the Spanish Arc and the Galway Museum.

Other mentionable places to stop are Galway Cathedral and St. Nicholas’ Church. If the weather is nice then a walk along the Salthill Promenade makes for the perfect afternoon. The Salthill beaches are popular for swimming because of their pristine cleanliness.

If you want a Claddagh ring, this is the place to get one as they’re made in Galway! For the evening head to the Latin Quarter, the most popular area of the city for a night on the town.

DAY 2: We’ll start with a tour or drive from Galway to one of the most popular Ireland tourist attractions, the Cliffs of Moher . You’ve most certainly seen pictures of these cliffs and they drop straight into the Atlantic Ocean and reach a peak height of 214 metres (702 feet). Get ready for some Insta-worthy shots from here!

DAY 3: Another day tour from Galway is Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. It’s a day filled with beautiful scenery as you drive or tour through the countryside stopping for picturesque views and photo opportunities.

On a tour you’ll head out to Kylemore Abbey, dubbed the most romantic building in all of Ireland. You’ll also visit some noteworthy sites and ruins full of history and stories. You may even spot some Connemara ponies!

DAY 4: Take a day trip to the smallest Aran Island, Inisheer or you can opt to stay the night (see more info below). From Galway you can purchase a bus and ferry combo ticket to the largest island. Inis Mor. Once on the island you can then rent a bike or a horse and carriage for the day to see the island.

READ MORE: The Best Things to do in Galway

Best Day Trips from Galway

Cliffs of Moher & Burren An obvious must in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are truly a sight to see as the cliffs dive straight into the powerful water. This day trip is great for those without a car as it also explores the Burren where parts of Happy Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride were filmed.

Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Drive through and stop at picturesque sights that offer panoramic views of Ireland’s unspoiled natural beauty and roam through the gardens around Kylemore Abbey.

Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Crusie Get to see the Cliffs of Moher from land and the water on a cruise that will also take you to visit the smallest of the three Aran Islands, Inisheer.

Where to Stay in Galway

Budget: The Nest Boutique Hostel This stunning hostel that has amenities more like a hotel sits outside of Galway’s city centre but right by Salthill and the beach.

Mid-Range: Park House Hotel Eyre Square is just 200 metres away from this centrally located property. Find yourself in a warm and inviting room with wooden furnishings in this 4-star hotel.

Luxury: The Galmont Hotel & Spa This eco-friendly hotel in Galway offers spacious rooms, a stellar location, an indoor swimming pool for adults and one for kids, an award-winning restaurant, spa and a business centre. Need I go on?

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Galway

Aran Islands: 1-2 Days

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands off of Ireland’s west coast that are known for their ancient sites, prehistoric forts, medieval ruins and rugged landscape. The largest of the three islands is Inis Mor (Inishmore) which is inhabited and where locals still speak Irish. But don’t worry English is understood across the island.

If you have the time I highly recommend you spend a night on the island so you can spend more time exploring. There is one hostel on the island and a few hotels and B&B’s.

A ferry ticket from Galway also includes a bus transfer and can also includes a bike rental. Spend one day walking around seeing some of the medieval sites and forts and meeting the local animals (I met quite a few donkeys).

On your second day grab a bike and head out to the further sites such as the Worm Hole (pictured above) which is a naturally shaped rectangular pool and where one of the Red Bull challenges was held.

Just grab a map once on the island and you’ll be able to find everything!

Where to Stay in Inis Mor

Budget: Kiloran Hostel This hostel offers mixed dorm rooms and amenities that include a garden, lounge, shared kitchen and an on-site bar.

Mid-Range: Pier House Bed & Breakfast You can’t miss this cozy property as it’s visible from the ferry for easy access to and from Inis Mor.

Sligo: 1 Day

Sligo is a coastal town that attracts those who love to surf. There is not a whole to do in the town so I recommend a quick stop here and keep moving on the same day or stay the night if you plan on surfing. The beach here is gorgeous and there are plenty of surf lessons available. Cute cafes line the beach and many pubs make up the town itself.

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Sligo

Where to Stay in Sligo

Budget: Strandhill Lodge, Hostel & Surf A bright, light accommodation option just 100 metres from the beach. This accommodation option offers dorm-style rooms, private rooms, and camping.

Mid-Range: Riverside Hotel This lovely Sligo hotel sits alongside the river in the heart of the city. Many of Sligo’s top attractions are within 10-minutes walking distance.

Luxury: The Glasshouse Stylish and chic, The Glasshouse offers modern amenities and luxurious decor. Situated along the river, guests can enjoy stellar views from their rooms, the award-winning restaurant and bar.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Sligo

Londonderry (Derry): 1-2 Days

Derry is the first stop in Northern Ireland! I’ll let you figure out why this city has two names once you get there. Londonderry is known for having a bit of a rough past and for the 17th-century city walls that are still intact today. I won’t get into the details of the past as a local can do much better explaining the history of the events such as Bloody Sunday.

DAY 1: Take a tour of the city so you can see the best sites and learn the history, politics and more of the city. It’s important here to learn about it all so you can understand more about the city and Ireland as a whole.

For the afternoon make your way around town, walking along the city walls if you didn’t do it on the tour. Visit sites such as the Guildhall, the Siege Museum, St. Columbus’ Cathedral or the Museum of Free Derry.

DAY 2: If you’d like to know more about Bloody Sunday and the division of the city take the time to go on a walking tour of the Bogside with a local. I recommend Bogside History Tours as a local who has an intimate perspective leads the tour.

You’ll see the Derry murals and get a discount on the Museum of Free Derry. Take the afternoon for anything you didn’t get to the first day.

Pro tip:  If you’re a whiskey lover be sure to pay a visit to the Bushmill’s Distillery in Bushmills which is about halfway between Londonderry and Belfast. A trip to the distillery can be done as a tour from either city.

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Derry

Where to Stay in Londonderry

Budget: Holiday Inn Express A fun, 3-star hotel in the centre of Londonderry that has all of your basics covered for a good night’s sleep.

Mid-Range: Maldron Hotel Derry Located within the city walls, this Londonderry hotel offers 4-star, luxurious accommodation with some rooms offering views of the 400-year-old city walls. Restaurants, shopping and the top city sights are all within walking distance with parking available.

Luxury: Bishop’s Gate Hotel A stylish, 5-star hotel within the historic city walls, Bishop’s Gate Hotel will greet you with a grand entrance and amenities that include a champagne and cocktail bar, restaurant, fitness centre and valet parking.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Derry

Belfast: 2-4 Days

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and where the Titanic was built. This edgy city is absolutely incredible and like Londonderry has a troubled past.

It’s here that you should spend even more time learning about The Troubles but also enjoy the unique atmosphere that this city has to offer. It is one-of-a-kind and I personally think it is one of the best places to visit in Ireland!

DAY 1: Get acquainted with the city by doing a free or paid walking tour where you can take in the city’s sites, learn about The Troubles and understand some of the insane history behind the buildings (like the most bombed hotel in Europe, The Europa).

After the tour head over to the Titanic Museum . I won’t sugar coat it, it is an expensive museum to get into but it’s worth it if you’re a Titanic fan. If not then you should at least walk over to see the building as it’s quite interesting.

Be sure to check out St. George’s Market, an indoor market filled with food stalls, handmade goods and live music. Spend the rest of the day walking around the city where you can visit other sites such as St. Anne’s Cathedral. Be sure to stop by Kelly’s Cellars which isn’t far from the cathedral for a pint as it is a good mix of locals and visitors.

DAY 2: A trip to Northern Ireland isn’t complete without visiting the well-known Giant’s Causeway , a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of interlocking columns as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Take a day trip or a drive up the Antrim Coast where you’ll be awed by the views and get so close to Scotland that you can see it from Ireland.

Day tours often also include a stop at the Carrick-a-Rede bridge, a rope bridge suspended 30 metres above the water and rocks below and connects to the tiny island of Carrickarede. Some tours will also include a stop at the dark hedges where a scene from Game of Thrones was filmed.

DAY 3: Back in the city it’s time to explore more of Belfast’s past. One of the best things to do in Belfast is a black cab tour where a local will take you around town explaining the rough history, showing you both sides of the wall and some of the most famous murals in the city and why there were painted.

You can also do a 3-hour walking tour for a more in-depth look. Belfast is known for its murals and street art so this tour is a treat to see the beauty of the art and learn the passionate meanings behind the work. For the afternoon head over to city hall where you can take a free tour.

It sounds odd to do but the Belfast city hall is stunning! You’ll then have time to stop by the Ulster Museum, the Crumlin Road Gaol , roam around the city and shop some more or head to the pub.

DAY 4: If you’re a big Game of Thrones fan then this day should not be skipped. Get yourself on a tour so you can visit some of the best sites where the HBO show was filmed . There are multiple tours, some of which take you to completely different filming locations, some have you dress up in costume and some even include a stop at the Giant’s Causeway . It’s best to look around and then decide which tour is best for you.

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Belfast

Best Day Trips from Belfast

Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Easily the most popular day trip from Belfast, the Giants Causeway is a unique, natural attraction along the northern coast of Northern Ireland that will take you up the Antrim Coast (one of the best drives in the world) to the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Old Bushmills Distillery and to Dunluce Castle.

Game of Thrones Location & Giants Causeway See the Giant’s Causeway and the best filming spots for Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland including the Dark Hedges.

Game of Thrones Winterfell Tour Specifically for those who love Game of Thrones, this tour will take you to sites not typically visited on other GOT tours.

Where to Stay in Belfast

Budget: Vagabonds Friendly staff, a shared kitchen and common area plus dorm rooms and private rooms available.

Mid-Range: The Flint A modern and sleek Belfast hotel that is within walking distance of the Cathedral Quarter, St. George’s Market and other top Belfast attractions.

Luxury: The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast Chic, elegant and a place you’re not going to want to leave, The Fitzwilliam Hotel is located right next to the grand Opera House and provides guests with fine luxuries both in the rooms and around the property.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Belfast

Best Time to Visit Ireland

Picking the best time to travel to Ireland depends on the weather, what activities you want to do, festivals and more. Ireland has mild weather year-round though the best time for the warmest weather is the summer months of June through to August. Temperatures will range from 9°-19°C.

However, spring and fall are the best time of the year to visit Ireland as prices for airfare and accommodation are lower. Both seasons also have plenty of festivals across the country. The temperatures will still be cool so be prepared to bundle up in a few layers and bring a scarf.

Keep in mind that parts of Ireland will close down in the slower seasons so if there is somewhere you must-see then be sure to check that the area or attraction will be open and allow visitors.

Avoid winter, it is the coldest season and has the most rainfall but you could score a great deal on airfare.

Ireland Budget

Budgets are quoted in euros. Check up to date conversions here .

A rough idea of a low daily budget for Ireland is USD$50 (€40). This is if you are staying in hostels, not renting a car, cooking most of your meals, with some day tours and nights out. I spent a month in Ireland and it worked out to be about $66 (€54) a day and I never once cooked for myself!

If you plan on staying in hotels, eating out most or all meals and taking plenty of day trips plan budget €80+ per day minimum. Budget more if you are a solo traveller staying in hotels.

To get a better idea of what to budget for yourself, accommodation will cost €15-30 a night for hostels, the average hotel is €124 euros, fast food is as cheap as €4 but sit down meals cost typically €10-20.

Ireland bus tours range from €25-50, long-distance buses can cost €15-30, trains are around €20-50 (they’re cheapest when booked in advance) and most of the cities are very walkable so I recommend walking mostly!

How to Get to Ireland

It’s possible to get to Ireland by plane or ferry. Dublin is the cheapest city to fly into and there are often many flights deals to Dublin from Europe as well as North America.

I recommend to fly into Dublin and either start or finish your Ireland itinerary in Dublin.

You can catch a ferry to Ireland from a number of ports in England, Wales, Scotland, Isle of Man, France and the Netherlands. You can find ferry companies and more information on the official Ireland Tourism site .

Getting Around Ireland

Getting around Ireland is very easy and you always have choices. There are still parts of the country that are off the beaten track and can be more difficult to get to but all of the main sites and cities are easily accessible.

The best way to travel around Ireland is by car, without a doubt. You are free to do things at your own pace, avoid tours, see sites when there aren’t crowded and get everywhere in the country.

It’s important to note that many in the cars (including rentals) in Ireland are manual! Also keep in mind that the roads in Ireland are quite narrow, winding and you’ll need to drive on the left-hand side of the road!

Train travel in Ireland is beautiful, fast and mostly affordable. If you book in advance you can get a steal on the price but book last minute and you’ll notice a major price jump.

Trains are comfortable, clean and equipped with Wi-Fi. In the Republic of Ireland train travel is run by  Iarnród Éireann  (Irish Rail) and in Northern Ireland trains are operated by Translink .

The cheapest way to get around the country is by bus and they can easily be booked last minute for those of us who like to forget about planning.

The buses are clean and affordable but it is also the slowest form of transportation. Ireland is a small country though so it never takes more than a few hours to get anywhere. In the Republic of Ireland buses are operated by  Bus Éireann and Translink provides services in Northern Ireland.

Travel Insurance

Where to Go in Ireland

These are the best places to visit in Ireland for your upcoming trip! To help you decide where to go a description for each destination is provided below and sample itineraries based on how much time you have in Ireland.

How Long to Spend in Ireland?

To be honest, as long as possible! There truly is a ton to see in Ireland. I would recommend a one week in Ireland itinerary minimum but I know people often visit for as little as 5 days.

2 weeks in Ireland is better and 3 weeks will allow you to see most of the country if you’re moving at a decent pace (2-3 nights in each destination).

My Ireland vacation itinerary allowed me to spend a full month in Ireland and I was able to visit all of the places I’ve listed below when travelling at a relaxed pace.

Planning a trip to Ireland can be an overwhelming task with so many options and so many Ireland destinations that are worth seeing. But with this Ireland travel guide, you should now have a good idea of where to visit in Ireland and the best things to do in each stunning and exciting spot.

Enjoy your holidays in Ireland and I hope this Ireland guide helped!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which I earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure policy for details. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Disclaimer: Taylor’s Tracks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.Com and affiliated sites.

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!

ADVERTISEMENT

Travel Guide to Planning an Ireland Vacation | Table of Contents

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

Where to Stay in Ireland

Or save this article to read later by pinning it ⇟

See more photos on my Instagram account, @shershegoes

Where Should You Go in Ireland?

The island of Ireland is politically divided in two.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must See Cities and Destinations in Ireland

If you have:

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

3 Week Ireland Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

Update : I visited Northern Ireland!

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

The Best Ireland Itinerary

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

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

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

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

County Dublin

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

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

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

Best Things to Do in Dublin

• Visit the Guinness Factory!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Dublin

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

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

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

Overnight:   Generator Hostel Dublin

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

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

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

More Recommended Hotels in Dublin:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Browse Airbnb listings here .

2. Galway & Connemara

County Galway

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

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

Best Things to Do in County Galway

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

Where to Stay in Connemara

Overnight:   Rosleague Manor

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

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

Check rates:   Booking.com | Read reviews: TripAdvisor

3. Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

County Clare

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

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

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

You can read my hotel review here .

Fun Things to Do in County Clare

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

Where to Stay in County Clare

Overnight:   Gregans Castle

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

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

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

4. The Dingle Peninsula

County Kerry

Dingle is a charming seaside town perched on the Atlantic. 

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

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

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

Fun Things to Do in Dingle:

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

Overnight:   Dingle Skellig Hotel

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

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

5. Killarney and Kenmare

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

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

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

Best Things to Do in Killarney

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Killarney  

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

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

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

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

More Recommended Hotels in Killarney:

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

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

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

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

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

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

County Wexford

Wexford is a coastal haven in southeast Ireland.

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

Best Things to Do in Wexford

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

Where to Stay in Wexford

Overnight:   Brandon House Hotel

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

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

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

More Recommended Hotels in Wexford:

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

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

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

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

7. Waterford

County Waterford

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

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

Best Things to do in County Waterford

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

Where to Stay in Waterford

Overnight:   Dooley's Hotel

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

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

How to Plan a Trip to Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended Books, Shows & Films About Ireland:

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

Should You Plan a Self Drive Ireland Itinerary?

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

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

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

Driving in Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

Ireland in 1 Week

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

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

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

Public Transportation in Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Country Houses & Historic Hotels

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in County Galway: Rosleague Manor Hotel Review

Where to Stay in County Clare: Gregans Castle Hotel Review

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

Staying in an Irish Castle

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

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

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

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

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

Essential Tips for Visiting Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Ireland Vacation Planning Articles

Ireland Travel Tips : Know Before You Go

The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland

How to Plan the Perfect Ireland Itinerary

Where to Stay: 10 Enchanting Irish Castle Hotels  

Packing Checklist:  What to Wear in Ireland

For Foodies: All the Best Food We Ate in Ireland

Ireland Road Trips

The Best Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way (with map!)

7 Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Ireland

How to Master Driving in Ireland (as a tourist!)

Irish Sights, Activities & Tours We Especially Enjoyed:

Co Galway: Visiting Kylemore Abbey , Ireland's Most Beautiful Castle?

Co Kerry: Can't Miss Sights in  Killarney  & Dingle

Co Waterford: Waterford , Ireland's Oldest City, the  House of Waterford Crystal  &  Mount Congreve Gardens

Co Wexford: Don't Skip Wexford - Here's Why!

Co Kilkenny:  Exploring Kilkenny Castle, in photos

Restaurant & Hotels We Loved:

County Clare: Gregans Castle Hotel

County Galway: Rosleague Manor Hotel , Where to Stay in Galway

County Wexford: The Strand Inn

County Waterford: The Cliff House Hotel , The Reg Pub

Northern Ireland

Travel Guide: Belfast

Where to Stay in Belfast as a First Time Visitor

Follow me @Sher She Goes on

Youtube | Tiktok | Instagram

You may also enjoy:

7 of the best small towns in new …, seafood by the sea, the best airplane pillows to never have …, 5 deeply romantic, beautiful hotels in lucerne, 55 comments.

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! : )

• Pingback: 7 Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Ireland: Prepare for the Road Ahead » Sher She Goes
• Pingback: How to Master Driving in Ireland (as a tourist!)
• Pingback: The Best Places to Stay in Killarney, Ireland - For Every Budget
• Pingback: Killarney National Park Tour - A Guide to the Best Attractions
• Pingback: 5 Reasons Why Connemara is the most interesting place in Ireland - Bobo and ChiChi
• Pingback: Ultimate Road Trip From Belfast to Derry, Northern Ireland - Live Dream Discover
• Pingback: Is Kilkenny Castle the Most Beautiful Castle in Ireland?
• Pingback: Outlands and Odysseys - Skellig Michael - Reflections Enroute
• Pingback: Review: Gregans Castle Hotel in the Barren Burren, Co Clare
• Pingback: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Kylemore Abbey
• Pingback: 7 Can't Miss Sights that Will Make You Fall in Love with Killarney
• Pingback: Seafood by the Sea: The Strand Inn in Dunmore East

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.

• Pingback: 10 Enchanting Castle Hotels in Ireland (You Won't Want to Leave!)

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 :)

• Pingback: The Travel Blogger's Guide to Ireland | The Travel Hack
• Pingback: The Travel Blogger's Guide to Ireland - What's news today?
• Pingback: Review: Rosleague Manor Hotel in Connemara, Ireland
• Pingback: What to Wear in Ireland: A Packing Checklist for the Emerald Isle!
• Pingback: A Michelin-Magnificent Lunch at the Cliff House Hotel, Ireland
• Pingback: Sláinte! Irish Lunch with a Side of History at the Reg Waterford
• Pingback: Visiting the House of Waterford Crystal Factory in Ireland
• Pingback: 8 Reasons You'll Love Waterford, Ireland's Oldest City!
• Pingback: Mingle in Dingle: The Best Things to Do in this Irish Fishing Village

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!

• Pingback: 15 incredible reasons to visit Dublin – travel drafts

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Ireland Trip Planner

Top destinations in ireland.

Top attractions in Ireland

Other notable attractions

Explore nearby places

• Rathfarnham
• Palmerstown
• Castleknock
• Blanchardstown
• Leopardstown
• Dun Laoghaire
• Carrickmines
• Portmarnock

All related maps of Ireland

• Map of Ireland
• Map of Dublin
• Map of Sandymount
• Map of Dundrum
• Map of Rathfarnham
• Map of Palmerstown
• Map of Stillorgan
• Map of Castleknock
• Map of Clondalkin
• Map of Tallaght
• Map of Sandyford
• Map of Blackrock
• Map of Santry
• Map of Blanchardstown
• Map of Leopardstown
• Map of Monkstown
• Map of Stepaside
• Map of Dun Laoghaire
• Map of Cabinteely
• Map of Lucan
• Map of Carrickmines
• Map of Saggart
• Map of Sandycove
• Map of Dalkey
• Map of Killiney
• Map of Sutton
• Map of Rathcoole
• Map of Leixlip
• Map of Portmarnock
• Map of Swords
• Map of Shankill

Ireland throughout the year

• Ireland in January
• Ireland in February
• Ireland in March
• Ireland in April
• Ireland in May
• Ireland in June
• Ireland in July
• Ireland in August
• Ireland in September
• Ireland in October
• Ireland in November
• Ireland in December

Q&A about Ireland

Add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Are you sure you want to sure you want to leave the feed?

Oops... something went wrong!

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

• #Landscapes
• #CultureandHeritage
• #OutdoorActivities

Oops, no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to ‘My Board’. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

See what Ireland has in store for you

Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

Looks like your board is empty

Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com, simply tap the icon to start adding items to your board!

Board settings

Collection cover image.

Visible to people you share your board with

Share Board

Share a link to your ‘My Ireland’ board and inspire friends, co-travellers and family. Only you can add or remove items from your board.

Forgot your password?

Create an account.

Access My Ireland across all of your devices by logging in.

Sign up Not got an account?

Terms of use | Privacy policy

Login Got an account?

Location access

• View offers and deals nearby you
• Get travel inspiration based on your location
• Local weather warnings and useful travel information

Enable location access

Location access on ios.

• 1 Open the website settings for this website in your browser
• 2 Select Location settings
• 3 Choose “Allow
• 1 Open the My Ireland website

• 2 Select the Icon below

• 3 Select “Website Settings

• 4 Change “Location” to “Allow”

Notifications

Travel times.

Tell us when you are going to be travelling Ireland, and we will show you tailored recommendations for the duration of your trip.

• Tips for events happening during your stay
• Helpful travel reminders and updates

You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving?

We take your privacy very serious and only ever process your data with your persmission. If possible this is handled anonymously and we will never store your data for longer than is required. For more information on how we handle your personal data please read our Privacy Policy.

Remove Data

To securely remove all data associated with your profile please contact our Data Protection Officer.

Reset your Board

This will remove all the items you have previously liked from your board. Please note, you can’t undo this action.

Are you sure you want to reset your board?

This will completely reset your board and all associated data permanently. This cannot be undone.

• Created date 19 July 2023

Delete account

Sorry you’re leaving. But you gotta do what you gotta do. Just a reminder, if you delete your account, you won’t be able to post in Community. And it’s permanent so you can’t “undo” it in the future.

All around Ireland

• #ArtsandCulture
• #FoodandDrink

Take to the roads less travelled, and the places well loved. Visit sky-high cliffs and relax in the warm welcomes you’ll receive in our buzzing towns and villages

Every day of this trip around the island of Ireland is packed with suggestions of what you can see and do in that area. Some days you may want to fit it all in, others you may just prefer to stick around the one place… the choice is yours. To help you decide, here's our pick of the highlights you can enjoy!

Take some time to explore Dublin city before heading southbound to Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, a perfect example of the majestic sights to be found in Ireland's Ancient East.

Dublin: surprising by nature

The Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin

Enjoy the architectural beauty of Trinity College Dublin and its Long Room Library – home to the illuminated gospel from the 9th century, the Book of Kells. Then head for the Viking fortress of Dublin Castle, and the treasure-trove of artefacts held in the Chester Beatty Library. If you have more time, explore Dublin's  significant history one step at a time with the Dublin Discovery Trails app – a series of walks celebrating the city’s incredible and storied past.

The Book of Kells Experience

Dublin Castle

Wicklow's magical garden.

Powerscourt Estate, County Wicklow

Set amongst 47 acres of stunning gardens and voted the third best in the world by National Geographic, the walled gardens and ornamental lakes of the historic 18th century Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow  exude serenity. Your reward for successfully negotiating the steps to the top of the Pepperpot Tower (modelled on a pot from Lord Powerscourt's dining table) is the incredible view. Eat up at the onsite Avoca Terrace Café, which overlooks the beautiful views of Ireland’s Ancient East.  If you have more time, visit nearby Glendalough, a haven of serenity and peace within the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Powerscourt Estate

Glendalough Visitor Centre

Walk the cobbled streets of Kilkenny and discover the intriguing Butler family legacy, a cathedral’s exquisite stained glass windows and a witch who got away.

Where modern and medieval meet

Kilkenny Castle, County Kilkenny

Surrounded by a network of maze-like alleyways and lanes, the architectural brilliance of Kilkenny Castle stands dramatically on the River Nore, dominating the city’s skyline. Take the short trip to St Canice's Cathedral, pick up a hurling stick and play like a local at the Ultimate Hurling Experience and have a taste of the oldest ale in the land at the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny! Maybe even time your trip right to join the Kilkenny Arts Festival every August! Take a trip to the Medieval Mile Museum one of Kilkenny’s newest visitor attractions located in the city, which tells the story of Kilkenny through fascinating monuments and artefacts. The city is also known for its buzzing music scene at places like Matt the Millers and Kyteler's Inn – the latter owned by Dame Alice Kyteler, the first person in Ireland to be accused of witchcraft. If you have more time, rest a while at Kilkenny's Mount Juliet Estate, named after a 16-year old bride back in the 1750s, it's also home to the Michelin Star Lady Helen Restaurant.

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny

Medieval Mile Museum

Discover the heritage of Ireland's oldest city, Waterford, and then follow the Copper Coast to the harbour town of Cobh.

Waterford, the original Viking City

Reginald's Tower, Waterford city

Although they have a reputation as pillagers, the Vikings were also builders. Waterford  is famously a Viking city, founded in 914. Take the Waterford Viking Triangle tour, visit the King of the Vikings virtual reality experience and see the 12th century Reginald’s Tower, where you'll find weapons from a Viking grave and the Waterford kite brooch. The Vikings knew what they were doing: their city grew to become a busy medieval port that traded across Europe. The city is also known for its crystal. Witness the master craftsmanship that has enchanted the world for centuries at the House of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre. If you have more time, don’t leave Waterford without tucking into the famous Waterford blaa. Introduced by the Huguenots in 1690, the blaa is a soft bread roll unique to Waterford city.

Waterford Medieval Museum

Delve into a bygone age.

Copper Coast, County Waterford

In 1840, the village of Bunmahon was at the heart of the copper-mining industry. The Copper Coast Geo Park Visitor Centre, County Waterford, housed in an old church near the beach, reveals the area’s intriguing legacy. You can also see the haunting remains of the industry at Tankardstown – by 1879, the miners had smelled gold in the US and the copper mines closed as locals left for foreign shores. If you have more time, beat the hunger pangs at Aherne's Seafood Restaurant in Youghal, one of Cork’s  most beautiful seaside towns and famous for being the filming location for John Huston’s Moby Dick back in 1954.

The Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark

A maritime legacy.

Cobh, County Cork

Cobh was the departure point for almost half of the six million emigrants who left Ireland for a new life. The most famous departure? Titanic, on her ill-fated maiden voyage. Trace the experiences of the hopeful passengers at Titanic Experience Cobh, starting in the original White Star ticket office – at the end, find out the fate of each one of the 123 passengers who boarded at this final stop. If you've got some free time, visit the location named as Europe’s leading tourist attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards. Dominated by the 200-year-old star-shaped fortress of Fort Mitchel, Spike Island has been through many incarnations over the course of its 1,300 years, including a monastery, a stronghold and a prison.

Cobh Museum

Make way for a city that locals call the best in the world! Pleasantly compact, Cork never piles on the stress while you're sightseeing.

A city for all seasons

Cork City Gaol, Cork city

Onwards to the lively city of Cork, and a vast array of delights await. Easily manageable by foot, for those with a penchant for all things arthouse, the Triskel Arts Centre tops the list. For a more unique experience, take in the eerie 19th century history and opulent Gothic and classical architecture of Cork City Gaol. Or sample some of the wares produced at the Franciscan Well Brewery, named after the site where a medieval Franciscan monastery once stood – complete with a healing well. If you have more time, join the Cork Tasting Trail where you'll explore the Victorian English Market, which has been satisfying its patrons' appetites since 1788.

Experience a kaleidoscope of maritime adventure as you continue your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way from Kinsale to the Ring of Kerry.

Tower above the crashing waves

Kinsale Harbour, County Cork

Set your compass to the Old Head of Kinsale, at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way.  With its sheer cliffs topped with that iconic striped lighthouse, the air here is a tonic. The wedge-shaped headland is part of a world-class links golf course, while sea conceals the wreckage of the tragic Lusitania, a British liner sunk by a German torpedo during World War I. Enjoy the gentle looped walk that takes you around the cliffs to a Celtic fort, built around 100BC. If you have more time, peer into the life of Clonakilty’s most famous son: aka "the Big Fella" at the Michael Collins Centre. And definitely sample some of the town’s most famous export: Clonakilty black pudding, delicious!

Kinsale Mead Co.

Michael Collins Centre

Kinsale Tours

Whale watching and star gazing.

Brow Head Peninsula, County Cork

When you visit the Mizen Head Visitor Centre, you’re connected to the mainland by an arched bridge stretching over the crashing waters, below. Do look down, though, you might spot some seals, dolphins and hump-back whales at play! It was on Brow Head, next to the Mizen Head Peninsula, that the cast and crew filmed some of the scenes from Star Wars: The Last Jedi. One look at the views when you arrive and you’ll know immediately why this area was chosen by location scouts. If you have more time, take a detour and enjoy the savage beauty of the Skelligs  – as featured in The Last Jedi. A trip to Skellig Michael may not always be possible, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area on the mainland.

Mizen Head Signal Station Visitor Centre

Skellig Michael Cruises

The gateway to the ring of kerry.

The Ring of Kerry, County Kerry

Searching for great festivals, culinary excellence and a vibrant traditional music scene? Killarney  packs it all in. At the foot of MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, the town is filled with energy, made all the better by the stunning County Kerry  landscapes surrounding it. Before leaving this charming town, check out Quinlan's Seafood Bar or take in a trad session at Murphy's Bar until the early hours. Home to mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls, the Killarney National Park is a world away from every day life. Travelling this direction in August? You're in for a treat as The Rose of Tralee Festival comes to town.

Killarney Lake Tours

Killarney Brewing Taproom

Prepare to be wowed by the panoramic views and dramatic walks of the Wild Atlantic Way as you travel through County Clare and on to Galway city.

Lighthouses and dolphins

Loop Head, County Clare

Follow the famous Loop Head Peninsula Drive, and you're at the place where the sheltered Shannon Estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean, and in sight of a lighthouse at the edge of the world. This is Loop Head,  where the views stretch out to the Blasket Islands in Kerry, and spotting dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds is commonplace. Take a boat trip with Dolphinwatch to see Europe's largest group of bottlenose dolphins in this EU Special Area of Conservation; or taste freshly smoked organic salmon and discover how salmon is smoked at the Burren Smokehouse. While in the Burren, make sure to learn about the vibrant life of Ireland’s most unique landscape at the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. If you have more time, Lahinch is a buzzing location filled with colourful characters and hip food joints. With the sound of the ocean in your ears, tackle the breathtaking and well-worn Doolin Cliff Walk, or visit the atmospheric Gus O'Connor's pub in Doolin to hear some of the best traditional musicians this cultural region has to offer.

The cliffs of more adventure

O'Brien's Tower, County Clare

The imposing Cliffs of Moher  wind in and out over a stretch of more than 8km along County Clare's  coastline. This unmissable attraction is also home to a plethora of birdlife: razorbills, kittiwakes and even the odd peregrine falcon. From May to July, thousands of brightly coloured puffins nest of the famous cliffs above the savage waves below, creating an incredible spectacle for visitors.

Cliffs of Moher – Irish Day Tours

The city of tribes.

Galway city, County Galway

At the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way lies the uber-cool bohemian melting pot of Galway city,  an oasis for artists and festival-goers. From music and horseracing to literature and top-notch seafood, the City of Tribes delivers in spades through a plenitude of buzzing bars, traditional pubs and chic restaurants. History buffs should visit the Galway City Museum or soak up the medieval atmosphere of the Spanish Arch. In July, you can join the fun at the Galway International Arts Festival,  one of Europe’s leading international creative events.

Galway City Tours - Walking Tours

With its sandy beaches, walking trails and rich heritage of Irish language and culture, this journey from Galway to Mayo is authentic Ireland at its finest.

A place to fall in love

Kylemore Abbey, County Galway

As you set off along the Wild Atlantic Way  to Connemara  in County Galway,  make sure you follow the signposts for Kylemore Abbey, home to the Benedictine nuns since 1920. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about the love story of the Abbey's original owners, which is rooted in this spot. Make sure to visit the Victorian Walled Garden. Shirley Lanigan, author of The 100 Best Gardens of Ireland, has mused: "Any garden that can hold its own against such a backdrop must be impressive." And the formal garden beds of Kylemore are no exception. If you have more time, take on a spiritual – and physical – pilgrimage by climbing the scree-covered slopes of Mayo’s   Croagh Patrick,  with its heart-stopping views over Clew Bay. Then head to Westport,  and Matt Molloy's pub, where a night of traditional music is almost guaranteed.

Kylemore Abbey & Neo-Gothic Church

A bridge to another world.

Keem Bay, County Mayo

Drive the narrow coast road to Keem Strand and gaze at the grand sea-cliffs and lush sandy beaches. On your way back, visit Lílí Bán’s seaside shack for a coffee by Keel Beach.

Achill Island Blueway, Achill Island

Croagh Patrick

The isolated landscape, country roads and wild coastline make Sligo and Donegal must-see locations for lovers of dramatic seascapes and local adventure.

Bundoran, County Donegal

But it’s not just world-class surfing here: drive the Gleniff Horse Shoe for incredible views of Ben Bulben mountain or visit Drumcliffe Church, the final resting place of County Sligo’s most famous wordsmiths, WB Yeats. Donegal recently topped National Geographic's Cool List. Visit Bundoran during June for the Sea Sessions Music Festival  and find out why.

Bundoran Surf Co.

Waterworld Bundoran

Visit the edge of the world.

Slieve League Cliffs, County Donegal

Among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League  will undoubtedly prove to be a highlight of your trip. They standing almost three times as high of their most famous County Clare sisters, the Cliffs of Moher. And only experienced hikers will brave the narrow and exposed ridge of One Man's Pass. However, you don’t need to be Edmund Hilary to enjoy the vistas on offer here. Pop into the Slieve League Cliffs Centre, a family-run halfway point packed full of history and culture, locally made knitwear and the odd traditional Irish music session. If you have more time, head over to the Inishowen Peninsula where if the conditions are just right, you may spot the Northern Lights dancing on the horizon.

Slieve League Donegal Walking Day Tour-Hidden Dublin Walks and Tours

Sliabh Liag Boat Tours

Absorb the iconic landscapes that surround the Causeway Coastal Route as it weaves between the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry and Belfast.

City of culture

The Walled City, Derry~Londonderrry

Connecting the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route  is the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry, built as a defence for early 17th century settlers. The best way to discover the only remaining fully walled city in Ireland is on foot. Even better, take a walking tour with some of the most charming tour guides you could ever hope to meet! Derry~Londonderry is a city with a fascinating and complicated history, so get an overview with a visit to the Museum of Free Derry for the background to the city’s civil rights movement. Then head to the Siege Museum to understand the city's past and the impact those impregnable walls have had on Ireland's history. If you have more time, visit the white sands of Portstewart's Blue Flag beach and make a date to dine at Harry’s Shack! Feeling active? Head to Portrush, and take some surfing lessons at the Alive Surf School! Or tee off on the championship course at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

Museum of Free Derry

Derry~Londonderry

Tower Museum

Royal Portrush Golf Club

A giant's tale.

Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, County Antrim

Continue along the Causeway Coastal Route, declared one of the best road trips in the world by CN Traveler, and you’ll pass plenty of jaw-dropping panoramas. However, there’s no doubting the major attraction is the mythic Giant’s Causeway.  Up to 40,0000 basalt columns tumble down into the sea due to volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Others call it the result of feuding giants – a tall tale that's far more fun to believe! If you have more time, book in to cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, a vertigo inducing feat that will literally take your breath away!

Giant's Causeway

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Experience island life.

Rathlin Island, County Antrim

With a population of fewer than 150 people, Rathlin Island  manages to maintain its sense of community while welcoming visitors with open arms. It's also home to an impressive selection of seabirds as well as many legendary tales, the most famous of which concerns the Scottish King Robert the Bruce and the lessons he learned from a relentless spider when took refuge here in 1306. Before you leave the island, don’t miss a tour of the Rathlin West Light, one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland. Follow the coast to the peninsula of Islandmagee. Here, you should prebook a visit to The Gobbins cliff path, which wraps around the cliffs and overlooks the crashing waves below; a stunning architectural feat, given its creators erected this over 100 years ago. After all that fresh sea air, head to Larne for a delicious meal at Billy Andy's historic bar.

Rathlin Island Boathouse Visitor's Centre

Rathlin Island

RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre

From the Victorian history of Belfast to the fantasy and intrigue of the Haunted Forest and County Down's Game of Thrones® locations, warm welcomes await.

The Titanic city

Titanic Belfast, Belfast city

With its iconic attractions and Victorian charm, Belfast  is a city that buzzes with energy. It's here that Titanic's soul, story and sorrow are etched not just on the city, but in the history books, too. Explore its legacy at Titanic Belfast,  an interactive museum dedicated the liner's story. When it comes to nightlife, Belfast does pubs incredibly well. Check out the Crown Liquor Saloon  for Victorian style, Kelly's Cellars, a stalwart since 1720, and Bittles Bar, an intriguing pub dedicated to Ireland's literary and sporting heroes. Head south from Belfast towards Strangford Lough.  On it’s eastern shore, the majestic 18th century gardens of Mount Stewart  have been hailed by garden designer Fionnula Fallon as an “extraordinary mixture of grandeur, whimsy and eccentricity”.

Titanic Belfast

Mount Stewart

Newtownards

A trip to the Haunted Forest

Tollymore Forest Park, County Down

An amble amongst the woods at Tollymore Forest Park will leave Game of Thrones® fans tingling with excitement. One of the key filming location for the HBO series, the 600-hectare expanse contains Gothic remnants of an 18th century estate – a perfect fit for the fantastic scenery required to bring Westeros to life. Die-hard Game of Thrones® fans should head to Castle Ward – aka home of the Stark family – and check out Winterfell Tours for banquets, archery lessons, movie location tours and glamping!

Castle Ward

Viking heritage, gilded shrines and an UNESCO World Heritage Site: a trip through the historic east from Carlingford to the megalithic wonderland of Brú na Bóinne has a little bit of everything!

Views aplenty around Carlingford

Carlingford, County Louth

Back in Ireland’s Ancient East,  the medieval village of Carlingford is framed by a twinkling stretch of water, said to have seen the footsteps of giants like Fionn MacCumhall. And the woods nearby are rumoured to be filled with leprechauns. Just ask local Leprechaun Whisperer Kevin Woods, if you don’t believe us! Go boating, take a walking tour with a local guide – all under the watchful gaze of the Slieve Foy Mountain – or follow the Carlingford Greenway. After all this thirsty work, drop into PJ O'Hare's pub, where you'll find one of Carlingford's liveliest bars, which includes an old untouched grocery store, a blazing open fire and the perfect atmosphere in which to wind down. For one last taste of Ireland's wilder side, make a beeline for the Cooley Peninsula, home to the Cooley Distillery.

Mourne, Cooley, Gullion Way

Shining a light at the boyne valley.

Newgrange, County Meath

In the tranquil setting of the Boyne Valley in County Meath lies one of the great treasures of the ancient world: a Neolithic passage tomb that dates back over 5,000 years – that’s older than the Pyramids of Giza. Accessible via the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange comes to life every year at the winter solstice, when sunlight passes through a small opening to illuminate the burial chamber within. If you have more time, explore the colourful tale of the Battle of the Boyne in Oldbridge, County Meath at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre.

Newgrange & Boyne Valley - Day Tours Unplugged

Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre

Tales of the unexpected.

Drogheda, County Louth

Be warned – there's a gruesome relic on show at St Peter's Church in Drogheda. The preserved head of St Oliver Plunkett, who was hung, drawn and quartered in 1681, resides inside a gilded shrine. Outside in the town of Drogheda, which was once one of the largest walled towns in medieval Ireland, your eye will be drawn to the handsome structure of St Lawrence's Gate; while Millmount Martello Tower is where the Normans established a fort in the 12th century.

As you come to the end of a magical adventure, Ireland's Ancient East throws up one last batch of fun and intrigue as you travel through horse country in County Kildare before heading back to Dublin city.

Horsing around

Irish National Stud, County Kildare

Find out why Ireland adores the sport of kings with a trip to the Irish National Stud, where the winners of five horseracing classics were bred. Visit during February to June for foaling season, and you may spot a future champion among the perky youngsters. Before wrapping up a memorable adventure and heading back to Dublin, pop into the ornate Japanese Gardens next door. If you have more time, take a detour to visit Ireland's first and largest Palladian manor. Only a 30-minute drive from Dublin, Castletown House features gorgeous river walks, lush parkland and opulent beauty. While the nearby Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge displays a host of artefacts from silver screen legends. Round off your adventure with a trip to Kildare Village discount designer outlet for some relaxing retail therapy.

The Irish National Stud & Gardens

Kildare Village Outlet Shopping

Ireland in your inbox

Sign up to receive free email newsletters from Tourism Ireland, including vacation ideas, insider tips, news, and events.

We will use your email address to send you personalised content straight to your inbox based on how you interact with this website and our advertisements on other websites.

Something went wrong...

Success! Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletter!

I understand that by signing up, I will receive personalised email content based on my use of Tourism Ireland’s website, emails and Tourism Ireland’s advertising on other websites, cookies and tracking pixels. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking 'unsubscribe' in our emails. Find out more information on "How we handle your personal data" in our privacy policy .

I would like to receive information and special offers by email from carefully selected travel partners. For more information please see our privacy policy .

Read our Blog!

Plan your route with the MyDiscoverIreland and explore the lesser-known hidden gems!

With normal route planners providing the most direct route, tourists have no idea of the attractions or hidden gems they may be driving by.

MyDiscoverIreland will give you the direct route AND show you what you can visit nearby. These tourist hotspots and lesser known destinations include cultural attractions, museums, outdoor activities, historic and scenic areas. Click on the icons to see if you want to visit and add it to route. MyDiscoverIreland will automatically generate new itinerary completed with directions, estimated fuel cost per trip, distances in KM/Miles and trip duration.

MyDiscoverIreland Guide My Discover Ireland website provides updated guide on visiting Ireland and travel tips on where to go! Visit website here

• Google Plus

Known as the Emerald Isle, explore Ireland’s rolling green hills, amazing historic sites, and lively pub culture.

Ireland, the Emerald Isle, conjures up a unique assortment of images – lush green landscapes, old town charm, traditional folk music, the shamrock – and, of course, ubiquitous cozy pubs. In fact, Ireland is this and much more – it is a beautiful country with stunning nature and vibrant, cosmopolitan cities, offering opportunities for both adventure and retreat.

Ireland's illustrious capital is known for its literary traditions, an upbeat pub scene, and a wealth of cultural and historic sites.

Trip Planner - Ireland

Create your perfect trip to dublin, ireland.

Easily plan your trip based on your preferences, budget, and style

Plan your trip with RoutePerfect’s AI and optimize it by using RoutePerfect’s crowdsourced database, based on proven and enjoyable, well-crafted itineraries of thousands of travelers.

The Irish people offer ready smiles and a warm welcome, and the country’s history and culture can be as intoxicating as the local whiskey. And the weather? The locals are known to expect 4 seasons in one day, hence their motto: There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!

Dublin , Ireland’s bustling capital, is often the starting point of an Irish vacation. A flat city, divided in two by the River Liffey, has several bridges uniting it, the most famous of which is the O’Connell Bridge, and it is easy to get around the city by foot. Dublin’s historic buildings include the 13th century Dublin Castle , the 12th century St. Patrick’s Cathedral , and the Parliament building. Temple Bar, a riverside area with cobblestoned pedestrian walkways, is one of Dublin’s most visited districts. It is home to the historic Trinity College , Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university, and the Meeting House Square with its delightful galleries, boutiques, pubs, and a weekly food market. Dublin’s picturesque parks, most notably St. Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park , are city highlights, and the National Museum of Ireland is a destination for archeology enthusiasts and those wishing to explore Irish heritage. End your day at one of the city’s many pubs, reveling in the live traditional Irish music among the native Dubliners.

Kilkenny , Ireland’s smallest city and best preserved medieval town, is a short drive from Dublin. Characterized by its grey limestone architecture, Kilkenny boasts the imposing 12th century Kilkenny Castle . Explore nearby Waterford , a famous Viking port city and Ireland’s oldest, famous for its architecture, culture, cuisine – and its crystal. Tour the renowned Waterford Crystal factory , one of the only that has preserved the craft almost unchanged over the centuries. On your way to a scenic drive on the Ring of Kerry , a 112-mile coastal route spanning breathtaking scenery and medieval ruins in Ireland’s rustic southwest, stop at Blarney , climbing to the top of the Blarney Castle to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone – but only if you’re seeking the gift of gab! The town of Cork , known as the culinary capital of Ireland, is nearby, boasting a trendy foodie scene and cultural revival.

The town of Killarney , famous for its beauty, history, and hospitality – as well as its world class restaurants, is a great base for exploring the nearby Killarney National Park with its pristine lakes and extraordinary mountain and ocean views, and Gap of Dunloe , a narrow mountain pass between two spectacular mountain ranges. A coastal walk along the majestic Cliffs of Moher is an unforgettably beautiful experience.

Galway , a coastal city in the west, is known as the festival capital of Ireland. Its hub is the 18th century Eyre Square, which offers a traditional and bohemian Irish experience – shops, pubs, boutiques, and galleries surrounded by medieval architecture. Don’t forget to taste the famous oysters, their local specialty!

In Northern Island, Giant’s Causeway is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Dubbed “the 8th Wonder of the World” by the Irish, the area’s 40,000 basalt columns - mainly hexagonal - which descend into the ocean are said to have resulted from an ancient volcanic eruption.

Belfast , the cultural heart of the north, has spectacular natural beauty and a rich history as well as outstanding museums, famed wall art, beautiful gardens, and lively markets. It is home to the Belfast Castle and the interactive Titanic Experience which is located on the slipways where the Titanic was built and launched over 100 years ago.

Need guidance? Leave the leprechaun legends aside, and start planning, organizing, and booking your customized dream trip to Ireland using RoutePerfect’s unique set of planning tools. Unlike any other company, Routeperfect offers its exclusive Popular Itineraries written by tourism professionals and experienced travelers to jumpstart your planning, helping you to personalize your travel and book your accommodations so that you can experience the country YOUR way.

Regions in Ireland

Attractions in ireland, suggested friends itineraries for ireland, suggested family itineraries for ireland, suggested romantic itineraries for ireland, suggested other itineraries for ireland.

RoutePerfect uses cookies to improve our content and provide you with a personalized experience. By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts. Learn more

How to Plan a Trip to Ireland

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, Ireland has been around for a long time.

But the question isn’t always: “How to plan a trip to Ireland?” Instead, it’s more like: “When can I go on a trip to Ireland?”

There’s never a wrong time to visit the Emerald Isle. Whether you’re after a summer trip or exploring the fall colors in Ireland, it’s all beautiful.

Keep reading to discover ways to plan your next trip to this fantastic island, whether you’re after facts, history, or inspiration.

Begin Tracking Flights in Advance

This will help you budget the trip and find the best deals possible. Start by researching the best airports to fly into and the most convenient dates for your trip. Set up price alerts for these flights and monitor them closely for any price drops.

It’s also a good idea to consider alternate routes or layovers to save money. By starting this process early and being vigilant in tracking flights, you can secure the most affordable options for your trip to Ireland.

Check Visa Requirements

As a non-resident, you may need a visa to enter the country, depending on your nationality. The first step is to check the official government website of Ireland for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements. You may also check with your home country’s Irish embassy or consulate for additional conditions or restrictions.

It is crucial to start this process early, as visa applications may take a few weeks to process. Gather all required documents and submit your application well in advance to avoid any delays or complications.

A well-planned trip includes thorough research and preparation. Ensuring you have the proper visa is an essential part of the process.

Outline Your Ireland Itinerary

To visit Ireland, start by deciding how long you will stay in Ireland and what cities or regions you want to visit. Next, research the top attractions and activities in each location and prioritize them based on your interests.

Book your flights and accommodations in advance to get the best deals. Consider renting a car to have the flexibility to explore the countryside. Don’t forget to try traditional Irish food and attend a live music session.

Lastly, be open to unexpected adventures and immerse yourself in Ireland’s rich culture and stunning landscape.

Finalize Your Budget

When you go to Ireland, identify the significant expenses, such as airfare, accommodations, transportation, and activities. Make sure to research and compare prices to get the best deals. Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or Airbnb rentals.

As for transportation, renting a car may be necessary to explore the country thoroughly, but public transportation is also a viable option. Next, add the cost of meals, entertainment, and any additional expenses. It’s essential to be flexible with your budget and allow for unexpected costs.

Once you have finalized your budget , you can move on to planning the fun and exciting parts of your trip to Ireland.

Plan Your Outfits

Start by researching the average weather for the year you will be visiting. Pack layers that can easily be added or removed, as well as a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes.

Ireland is known for its vibrant cities and stunning landscapes, so make sure to have dressy outfits for exploring the towns and casual, comfortable outfits for outdoor activities. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella, versatile scarf, and hats to stay dry and warm no matter the weather. If you are looking for hats that suit your dress, check out this Irish hat found here .

Book Your Accommodation

Start by setting a budget and deciding on your preferred accommodation: a cozy bed and breakfast or a luxurious hotel. Then, research the different regions of Ireland and their unique attractions. This is to determine where you would like to stay.

Consider the proximity to transportation and popular tourist destinations. Use online booking sites and read reviews to find the best deals and ensure quality accommodations. Book in advance, especially during peak travel season, to guarantee your desired stay.

Make a Packing List

Start by considering the climate and activities you will participate in during your trip. Ireland has a temperate climate, so pack layers and waterproof clothing. Also, consider the excursions you will take, such as hiking or visiting historic sites, and pack appropriate shoes and gear.

Don’t forget essentials like a valid passport and any necessary medications. Be sure to research the customs and culture of Ireland to ensure you are respectful and appropriately dressed.

Finally, leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs and leave behind any unnecessary items to keep your luggage manageable. With a well-thought-out packing list, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip to the Emerald Isle.

Purchase Travel Insurance

One crucial aspect that should not be overlooked is travel insurance purchasing. This provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen travel issues such as flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. Start by researching reputable insurance providers online and compare their coverage and rates.

It is essential to consider the type of activities and destinations planned for the trip to ensure proper coverage. Purchase insurance early in the planning process to take advantage of cancellation coverage. Be sure to thoroughly read the policy and ask any questions before purchasing.

Make Your Arrival Plan

Start by deciding on your mode of transportation, whether by air or sea. If flying, research and compare airline prices to find the best deal. Next, choose which airport to arrive at based on your desired itinerary.

It’s also important to consider the time of year and weather conditions. If arriving by sea, check the ferry schedules and book in advance. Once your arrival details are settled, inform your accommodations and arrange transportation. By taking care of these details beforehand, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your trip to Ireland.

Follow This Guide on How to Plan a Trip to Ireland

Following the steps outlined in this guide on how to plan a trip to Ireland, you can create a well-organized itinerary to maximize your time and budget. So why wait? Start planning your dream trip to Ireland today and explore this country’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. 

To learn more helpful tips, be sure to follow us!

This article is published by NYTech in collaboration with Syndication Cloud.

Taking the train in Ireland – what you need to know

Apr 19, 2024 • 11 min read

A train travels along the Rosslare, Wexford to Dublin line in Ireland © Irish Rail

Traveling by train is one of Ireland ’s great, if under-appreciated, pleasures.

It’s a small island and the rail network is limited, so no journey is especially long – but riding the rails across the country is one of the loveliest ways to enjoy the rolling countryside.

Compared to its European counterparts, Irish trains aren’t especially spectacular, but this is a country that doesn’t need high-speed or sleeper trains: you roll along at a maximum of 160km/h (99mph) and before you know it you’re on the other side of the island.

The particular nature of Irish demographics has shaped train travel in Ireland: with around a quarter of the population clustered in the greater Dublin region, it makes sense that most train journeys begin or end in the capital. In Northern Ireland the same is true of Belfast .

Irish trains might not be especially quick or super luxurious, but they’re an efficient and eco-friendly way of exploring the island – so long as your explorations are focused on the major cities and towns. Here is our essential guide to train travel in Ireland.

The lowdown on rail travel in Ireland

Irish trains are efficient, relatively frequent and usually on time.  Irish Rail/Iarnród Éireann operates the entire network of trains in the Republic, from intercity trains linking the major urban centers to the busy commuter network that services the greater Dublin region.

There are two main lines into the west and three into the south and southwest; spurs off the main lines connect to a host of smaller towns throughout the country. There’s also a line to Belfast, from where  Translink services connect the city with the Antrim Coast and Derry (Londonderry) .

Within the greater Dublin region, a network of commuter services connects the capital with a host of suburbs and dormitory towns in the surrounding counties. Dublin’s coastline between the northside suburbs of Howth and Malahide, and Greystones in County Wicklow is served by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) trains.

There are some notable gaps in the country’s rail network, with no services in counties Donegal , Monaghan and Cavan , and no trains into West Cork . Some towns – like Buttevant in Cork or Annacotty in Limerick – are on the rail line but they’re bypassed as they have no functioning station.

Ireland’s bigger train stations – including Cork , Limerick , Galway , Sligo, Belfast and the two in Dublin – are all pretty well stocked when it comes to picking up supplies and other assorted sundries for your journey. Most other stations will have a small shop.

Train tickets are relatively good value

The good news about traveling by train in Ireland is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to train travel in some places, such as the UK, for example. If you buy it online, a standard one-way fare between Dublin Heuston and Kent Station in Cork costs €30–35, and around €55 in first class.

Online is the best place to buy your tickets for train travel in the Irish Republic. Not only do you get the best fares (with savings of up to 50% compared to buying the ticket at the station), but you can purchase your ticket up to 90 days in advance and reserve a seat when you do.

You have the option of collecting your bought ticket from a machine at the station as you’re boarding, or downloading a QR code at the point of purchase. If you wait to buy your ticket at the station, you’ll pay significantly more and have to get there early to queue up at the ticket kiosk.

For travel in Northern Ireland, you’re better off buying the ticket at the station as only a limited number of tickets are available online. Show up a short time before your intended departure time and just buy your ticket there.

Only a handful of services offer first class, but upgrading is relatively inexpensive. On average, expect to pay around €20–25 more to sit in first. There are three kinds of first class service on Irish trains. CityGold is on direct Dublin to Cork services, and includes an onboard host and a complimentary newspaper on selected early morning services. The Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast offers the same, plus a fine breakfast. Premier Class is similar, but is only available on direct services between Dublin and Tralee and some Dublin to Cork trains.

Some discounts and offers apply

There are discounted fares for children and young adults aged between 19 and 25, as long as they have a valid discount card. Under fives and those aged 66 and over travel for free.

The commuter network in the Greater Dublin area has a fare cap of €6 for travel between the capital and a host of towns in the surrounding counties.

There are two rail passes aimed at visitors. The Trekker Four Day (€88) offers unlimited travel for adults on all Irish Rail services on four consecutive days from the date of issue. The Explorer (adult/child €128/64) provides five days of travel on all services in a 15-day window.

However, before investing in either, be sure that you plan on making the most out of it. The limited rail network means that connections are limited and traveling between some destinations involves backtracking: Cork and Waterford are both on the south coast, but to get from one to the other means travelling to Limerick, while Sligo and Westport are only 140km (87 miles) apart along the west coast, but to go between them by train you’ll have to travel through Dublin – which is on the other side of the country.

In Northern Ireland, the Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket gives passengers unlimited train travel on a Sunday for £9 (£4.50 for children). Tickets are available from all ticket offices, the mLink ticketing app and from the conductor on the train.

These are the busiest times to travel by train

Unsurprisingly, peak times for train travel coincide with busy rush hour periods. Early morning services to Dublin from cities including Cork, Galway and Limerick can be busy, especially if the train is due to arrive in Dublin around the start of the working day. Friday evening trains departing Dublin can also be quite busy. However, as online bookings also include the option of booking a seat, you’ll never have to stand.

The commuter network is busiest on weekdays from 7am to 9am and from 4:30pm to 6:30pm as thousands of people travel in and out of work. You can’t prebook seats on these services, so plenty of people do end up standing. Keep an eye out on changing schedules, especially for weekend and holiday travel, as frequencies diminish.

The train network is limited, but it has some benefits over road travel

There are no rail links to any Irish airport, which means you’re relying on taxis, private cars or buses once you arrive in the country. Irish ferry ports are better connected to rail lines, however, and you can catch trains in Rosslare, Dublin and Larne; there is no rail link to Belfast Port.

If you want to reach the more remote corners of the island, then the Irish rail network is quite limited, and a car will give you the flexibility you need. However, rental fees can be very expensive and fuel is another considerable cost, with the price of unleaded and diesel hovering between €1.75 and €2 a liter. Parking is also pricey in all urban centers, especially Dublin.

Traveling by bus is the cheapest way to get around, but it can be a slow business, as most make lots of stops along the way. There are some direct express services, but they are at the mercy of traffic, which can also add considerable time to a journey compared to traveling by train. Plus, buses don’t have bathrooms, with those traveling longer distances relying entirely on rest stops.

On board facilities vary depending on the type of train

There are two kinds of Irish trains: InterCity and commuter. InterCity trains are all the same – relatively modern with comfortable seats in standard class and fancier recliners in first – and they travel at speeds of up to 160km/h (99mph). There’s no journey in Ireland that is longer than 2½ to 3 hours. Commuter trains are slightly older, with less comfortable seats; older trains are used on some small-distance spur lines in rural areas and are very basic (facilities include seats and a toilet).

While Ireland’s flagship service is the one between Dublin and Cork, the fanciest train is the Enterprise service between Dublin Connolly and Belfast Lanyon Place, which is a joint venture between Irish Rail and Translink. This train is on a par with most services you’ll find in mainland Europe and first class is the most luxurious of any in the country.

All InterCity trains have three-pin sockets at every row where you can plug in a charger or a laptop. Most commuter trains in the greater Dublin area also have sockets. All trains have toilets and there is a cross-network wi-fi service operated by Irish Rail, but it is patchy and inconsistent. Translink has its own wi-fi network, which is accessible on all bus and rail services in the north, but, like in the Republic, you’re at the mercy of signal strength and contention levels.

Food options are pretty limited. There is a trolley service on the Dublin to Cork service, while the Enterprise between Dublin and Belfast operates a full service menu in a dedicated dining car; first class passengers also get a pretty good breakfast as part of their ticket.

Some trains on the Dublin to Cork route have a “quiet carriage” (usually Carriage G, marked in purple when booking) where the use of phones is prohibited and passengers are encouraged to keep noise levels down.

You can bring a bike on any Irish Rail train for free, although there are some restrictions during busy periods (such as sporting fixtures and concerts). The Dublin to Cork line is the only one to have a dedicated bike storage area; all other InterCity trains have (very) limited bicycle spaces within the passenger compartment – it’s not unusual for only two bikes to be allowed into the compartment, so be sure to book in advance. Bikes are not allowed on commuter and DART services during peak hours – before 10am and from 3:30pm to 7pm Monday to Friday.

There are many scenic train routes: here are the best

No matter where you are in Ireland you’re going to find a beautiful landscape or two, but some journeys are worth keeping your eyes wide open for.

Dublin to Sligo

Once you’ve gone past the huge suburban sprawl of the greater Dublin area, the landscapes get quite gentle; beyond Mullingar the train skirts alongside the edge of beautiful Lough Owel. For the best views, sit on the left-hand side of the train.

Dublin to Belfast

The Enterprise service is the best in the country, with the most comfortable seats and the best food options – especially in first class. The train skirts alongside the Irish Sea between Malahide and Balbriggan, so be sure to sit on that side as you travel (on the right-hand side if you’re traveling to Belfast).

Derry (Londonderry) to Coleraine

The Translink service between Northern Ireland’s second city and Coleraine is a stunner, a 40-minute journey along the Causeway Coast that comes with beautiful beaches, huge cliffs and unimpeded views out over the North Sea.

Downpatrick to Inch Abbey

It’s only a 10-minute journey, but the trip from Downpatrick in County Down to the monastic ruins of Inch Abbey takes place in a vintage steam train (or a 1960s diesel train) that chugs its way along the line, over the River Quoile and past the drumlin-specked landscape.

Cork to Cobh

One of Ireland’s most scenic trips is the 25-minute trip from Cork City to the seaside town of Cobh , which takes you along the river (sit on the right for the best views), past marshy Harper’s Island and over the bridges on Lough Mahon and the Slatty Water. You can always stop off at Fota and visit the  wildlife park  there.

Book in advance for wheelchair access to trains

All InterCity services are nominally accessible, but if you do need assistance you will need to book it in advance so that suitable arrangements can be made. This usually means that a conductor will have a ramp ready for wheelchair access, but we have also heard plenty of anecdotal evidence of staff simply lifting a wheelchair onto a train, which depending on the individual can either be a help or an annoying hindrance. Whatever you do, make sure to communicate your requirements before you travel as assistance is not guaranteed otherwise.

For passengers with learning difficulties or any issue where there may be a challenge with communication (such as autism) Irish Rail staff are trained to recognize visual cue cards such as the  JAM card , which inform the interlocutor of the holder’s condition. JAM cards are available online or at mainline train stations in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Sligo.

Explore related stories

Sustainable Travel

Apr 1, 2024 • 11 min read

With its small size, flat terrain and range of public transport options, getting around Dublin is easy. Here are the best ways to travel in Dublin city.

Mar 13, 2024 • 7 min read

May 27, 2023 • 10 min read

Dec 27, 2022 • 8 min read

Aug 3, 2022 • 7 min read

Jun 26, 2020 • 2 min read

Jan 22, 2020 • 11 min read

Apr 15, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Visa-free travel from South Africa may end under immigration plan

Move comes less than three years after requirement for visas for travel from south africa was abolished.

Taoiseach Simon Harris: The Government will 'do more' to reduce the number of applicants for international protection coming over the Border. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Ministers will discuss a possible move to end visa-free travel from South Africa , as the Government’s efforts to tighten immigration and asylum processes continue.

The expected move comes less than three years after the need for visas for travel from South Africa was abolished and results from officials’ warnings that people from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are travelling on South African passports.

Figures released by the Department of Justice show that the authorities are currently processing the applications of 198 people who arrived on South African passports this year – just over 3 per cent of the total.

It is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet committee on migration and integration next Thursday.

Government to bring forward emergency law to send asylum seekers back to UK

Aontú calls for ‘Irish Sea border in terms of people’ to ensure stricter immigration checks in Northern Ireland

Aontú may be ‘listening’ but party is squeezed on all sides

The Border ‘back door’: why are so many migrants crossing into the State from Northern Ireland?

On Wednesday, Taoiseach Simon Harris told a Dáil committee the Government would “do more” to reduce the number of applicants for international protection (IP) – or asylum – who were coming over the Border with Northern Ireland.

[  Migration system may be tightened over spike in international protection applicants  ]

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee told a Dáil committee on Tuesday that more than 80 per cent of IP applicants were arriving in the State via Northern Ireland.

Mr Harris told the Oireachtas Committee that oversees the Departments of the Taoiseach, Finance and Public Expenditure: “We have to do more in this space. This wasn’t always the way. And, in fact, this is a relatively recent phenomenon”.

Mr Harris said measures introduced at airports had reduced the number of asylum seekers arriving, but that greater co-operation was needed between Garda and the Police Service of Northern Ireland on the issue.

Earlier Ms McEntee told RTÉ that more than 5,000 people had applied for asylum in Ireland this year, and that half of that number were “secondary movements”, where people come from another “safe” country to claim asylum in Ireland.

Elsewhere, the Government has written to church dioceses asking them to make buildings or lands available to help accommodate asylum seekers as part of a renewed push to find beds.

In 2022, the Government sought church lands to accommodate those fleeing the war in Ukraine but has now asked dioceses for assistance in helping house asylum seekers. This comes amid ongoing pressure to house 1,600 unaccommodated single males.

[  ‘This is for our town’: Ballina locals protest against plans to house families seeking international protection  ]

Minister of State Joe O’Brien wrote to the dioceses in early March as well as seeking more local authority lands or buildings from the County and City Management Association (CCMA).

However, he was told that local authority’s ability to provide additional buildings was “severely limited”.

Mr O’Brien said: “Given the grave situation in terms of the number of people unaccommodated – many of whom are forced to sleep on the streets with all the obvious danger that entails – I feel it is incumbent on me to do everything within my power to try to assist the Trojan efforts of Minister O’Gorman and our officials within the Department of Integration.

[  Over 20,000 international protection applicants could apply for asylum in Ireland during 2024  ]

“On that basis I wrote to both the CCMA and each diocese, asking them to give serious consideration to their buildings and/or land portfolio with a view to trying to identify anything at all that might help alleviate the situation – even temporarily while we move towards the medium-term plan set out by Minister O’Gorman.”

• Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
• Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
• Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis

Pat Leahy is Political Editor of The Irish Times

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

IN THIS SECTION

Andrew muir: out and proud stormont minister in charge of northern ireland’s farming, family of minister for justice evacuated following hoax bomb threat, dream of a left-wing government slipping away and not just because of sinn féin slump, ‘i’m alone pretty much all the time. the older i become, the less hopeful i am this will change’, quiet quitting: you always had workers who did 9-5 but it’s a creeping malaise, employers say, an expert’s secret rules of drinking in an irish bar, david mcwilliams: a small town in co kerry and a formula for rejuvenating rural ireland, latest stories, is ‘wokeness’ really the new religion i find that hard to believe, connacht move into urc playoff spots with hard-fought dragons win, stunning gallagher goal gives chelsea 2-2 draw away to aston villa.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

6 Days In Ireland: 56 Different Itineraries To Choose From

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

Yes, we have  56  different 6-day Ireland itinerary guides for you to choose from…

Why 56 you ask?!

The reason for this is that we’ve covered  every  (we hope…) possible want or need you could have.

Each of our 6-day guides:

• Has been meticulously planned
• Follows logical routes we’re confident you’ll love
• Has a detailed hour-by-hour itinerary
• Makes planning a trip to Ireland easy

In the guide below, you can pick a 6-day Ireland itinerary based on:

Please take 15 seconds to read the graphic above as it’ll help you pick the most suitable Ireland itinerary down below!

As you can see, we have 6-day Ireland itinerary guides that cover every angle we could think of.

All you need to do to find your perfect itinerary is read the section below  carefully .

How to browse our Ireland in 6 days itineraries

The handiest way to browse our itineraries is to select, from the list below, where you’re starting your road trip from/near.

We’ve used the main entry points to Ireland for those of you flying in or arriving by ferry.

Simply click one of the start points below and you’ll be taken to 6 days in Ireland itineraries that start at that location:

6 days in Ireland from Dublin

If you’re looking to explore Ireland in 6 days and you’re starting from County Dublin, this section is for you.

There are two sections below, split depending on how you plan on getting around Ireland .

As we explained in this graphic , ‘Fast Trips’ are for those of you looking to see/do as much as possible and who don’t  mind moving hotel regularly and ‘Slow Trips’ are ones where you’ll move accommodation as little as possible.

For those of you with a car

• A 6-day slow trip for those with good fitness
• A 6-day slow trip for those with low fitness
• A 6-day fast trip for those with good fitness
• A 6-day fast trip for those with low fitness

For those of you using public transport

An overview of the route from dublin.

Photos via Shutterstock

If you’re starting your 6-day Ireland itinerary in Dublin, the route above is hard to beat.

Although it varies slightly depending on how you’re getting around Ireland, both the car rental and the public transport itineraries take in many of Ireland’s top sights.

Over the course of your 6 days in Ireland you’ll:

• Explore the many things to do in Dublin
• Explore the Clare Coast, including Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher
• Take a day trip to Wicklow, Meath and Louth
• See Galway City, Connemara and Cong
• Tackle the Ring of Kerry Drive , explore the Dingle Peninsula and see a chunk of West Cork

6 days in Ireland from Shannon

If you’re looking for a 6-day Ireland itinerary that kicks-off in Shannon, this section should tickle your fancy.

We’ve split up the different itineraries into ones for those of you using a car and ones for those of you that aren’t.

As we mentioned in this graphic , our fast 6 days in Ireland itineraries are for those of you looking to explore as much as possible and who don’t  mind moving about a lot.

Our slow itineraries are ones where you’ll move accommodation as little as is physically possible.

An overview of the route from Shannon

A lot of people start their 6-day Ireland itinerary from Shannon due to the convenience of flying into Shannon Airport.

One of the benefits of starting from here is that you’re kicking off your 6 days in Ireland a stone’s throw from some of the country’s most popular attractions

If you follow our route from Shannon, you’ll:

• Explore Connemara National Park
• See the mighty Inis Mor Island
• Visit Bunratty Castle before heading into the ancient Limerick City
• See Killarney National Park and it’s many attractions
• Visit Blarney Castle and tackle the many things to do in Cobh

Ireland itinerary 6 days from Belfast

Another great way to tackle Ireland in 6 days is to fly/get the ferry into Belfast and take it from there.

Belfast is a great starting point for a road trip as you can explore the Antrim Coast before continuing on to Derry and Donegal.

Like we explain in this graphic , we split up our itineraries below into two sections – 1 section is for those using a car and the other is for those that aren’t.

An overview of the route from Belfast

This 6-day Ireland itinerary is one of my favourites in this guide as it takes in some of the most scenic parts of the country.

You’ll kick things off by spinning along the Antrim Coast, with a whole host of stops to choose from along the way.

If you follow our route from Belfast, you’ll:

• Explore the Causeway Coastal Route
• Tackle some of the best things to do in Belfast
• See the best of the Boyne Valley
• Spin around a good chunk of the Wild Atlantic Way

6 days in Ireland from Rosslare

If you’re spending 6 days in Ireland and you’re arriving into the ferry terminal at Rosslare, we’ve plenty of itineraries ready for you.

Now, as was the case with the ones above, we’ve split them into 2; 1 section is for those of you with a car and another for those of you using public transport.

If you’re wondering what ‘Fast Trips’ and ‘Slow Trips’ are, refer to this graphic at the top of the guide.

An overview of the route from Wexford

Now, this 6-day Ireland itinerary varies a lot  depending on whether or not you’re getting around in a car.

The public transport around some of the more remote parts of Wexford, in particular, are what causes there to be such a contrast in the different itineraries.

If you follow our route from Wexford, you’ll:

• See the glorious Hook Peninsula
• Ramble around the town of Kinsale
• Tackle some of the best things to do in Killarney
• Explore the mighty Dingle Peninsula

6 days in Ireland from Cork

Our 6-day Ireland itinerary guides that kick off in Cork take in some of the best that Ireland has to offer.

You can choose (or opt out of) some magnificent walking trails, soak up spectacular scenery and step back in time at heritage sites.

These are some of our more popular 6 days in Ireland itineraries. As usual, we’ve split them up for those of you with a car and for those of you without one.

An overview of the route from Cork

Photo left: The Irish Road Trip. Others: Shutterstock

Cork is a great starting point for a road trip. At the start of the trip, you can spend a bit of time in the city before moving into the wilds of West Cork.

Our itineraries from Cork then take you around the coast, into Kerry and up towards Limerick before heading to Dublin and back to Cork.

If you follow our route from Cork, you’ll see:

• The beautiful Beara Peninsula
• Wild West Cork
• The Ring of Kerry
• A chunk of Limerick, Tipperary and Clare

Ireland in 6 days from Knock

Although there likely won’t be a huge number of people looking for a 6-day Ireland itinerary that starts in Knock, we felt it important to include it as a start-point.

I can safely say that the public transport road trips from Knock were  very  tricky to research and map out. However, it was worth it.

Below, you can pick a 6 days in Ireland itinerary kicking off in Mayo based on trip speed, your fitness and how you’ll get around (we explain how to browse the itineraries in this graphic ).

An overview of the route from Knock

If your 6-day Ireland itinerary kicks-off in Knock, you’re in luck – Mayo is home to an endless number of adventure opportunities.

Now, the public transport itineraries vs the car itineraries vary a fair bit due to the lack of buses and trains in places, but both versions pack a punch.

If you follow our route from Knock, you’ll:

• Explore Achill Island
• Tackle some of the best things to do in Galway
• See some of the finest beaches in Ireland
• Spend time in Sligo and plenty more

6 days in Ireland from Donegal

The last of our 6-day Ireland itinerary guides kicks off in Donegal.

This was by far the hardest one to map out for public transport, and as a result, the itineraries vary a lot.

As always, we’ve split the different itineraries up into sections for those of you with a car and for those without.

An overview of the route from Donegal

The route from Donegal for those of you driving is a peach. You’ll see parts of the county that rarely make it into tourist guidebooks and you’ll see many of Donegal’s historic sites.

You’ll then move into Sligo before heading to Mayo, Galway and beyond. For those of you using public transport, the route is  very  different due to Donegal’s poor public transport.

If you follow our route from Donegal, you’ll:

• Explore some of the best things to do in Donegal
• Soak up some of Sligo’s finest views
• See the Connemara coast

FAQs about exploring Ireland in 6 days

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is 6 days in Ireland enough?’ to ‘What route should I follow?’.

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

Is 6 days in Ireland too long?

What to do in ireland for 6 days, where to spend 6 days in ireland.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

An intro to mezcal, the centuries-old Mexican spirit that's having a moment

Tequila’s cousin has been made in Mexico for centuries — and, in its Oaxacan heartland, you can see it made the traditional way.

Agave, or maguey in the ancient Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, has been part of Mesoamerican culture for thousands of years. Throughout Mexican history, it’s been used as a source of food, clothing, medicine and, since the Spanish conquest in 1526, to make spirits such as tequila and mezcal.

The ancestor of tequila, mezcal — derived from the word mexicali , meaning ‘cooked agave’ in the ancient Nahuatl language — was born after the Spanish introduced distillation to Mexico. Today, most producers continue making mezcal using 16th-century methods: the heart of the plant is smoked underground for several days before being crushed by a millstone known as a tahona , usually drawn by a horse or ox. The pulp is then added to wooden vats for fermentation, followed by at least two distillations in copper or clay pots.

“The agave plant has been part of my family history since the 18th century, and my personal history since the moment I was born,” says Graciela Ángeles Carreño, a fourth-generation producer at artisanal mezcal brand Real Minero . “At Real Minero, we don’t just use agave varieties that grow on Oaxacan soil, we also use stills and clay pots that are made by hand, no more than an hour from here.”

These timeworn production methods combined with the Mexican terroir create a smooth, smoky and seriously punchy spirit, with 38% to 55% alcohol depending on the brand. “Good mezcal, like any good cheese or wine, should taste of where it comes from. It should also respect tradition,” says Graciela. “As for how to enjoy mezcal: always drink it neat, and in good company.” Traditionally, the spirit would be drunk from copitas (small cups) and often served with a slice of orange and sal de gusano , a mix of salt, chilli, and toasted and ground agave worms.

Unlike tequila, which can only be made from blue agave, mezcal can be made from any agave plant native to Mexico. Nine Mexican states can legally produce the spirit, but the largest producer in the country is Oaxaca. This southern Mexican state is home to hundreds of family-owned, artisanal distilleries and considered the heartland of mezcal. Here, mezcal-making traditions are deeply entwined with the lives of rural Oaxaqueños, and fiercely protected.

“We are constantly being told what mezcal should or could be by outsiders, but what people need to understand is that mezcal isn’t just a trend or something to be sold — it’s part of who we [Oaxacan mezcal producers] are,” says Graciela. “We make mezcal in clay pots and bury it underground not because it makes us more money (it doesn’t) or because it’s easy (it’s not), but because it’s how our fathers and grandfathers did it, and how we want our children to do it.”

You can try mezcal in almost every bar in Oaxaca City, the capital of Oaxaca state, but the best way to understand this storied tipple is to head out into the countryside to visit one of its palenques , like Real Minero, which offers guided palenque tours and mezcal tastings by reservation.

These rustic distilleries are nestled among fields of corn and neatly planted rows of agave, a rosette plant with spiny, blue-green leaves that can grow up to 2.5-metres high. In this part of rural Oaxaca, where smoke rises constantly from bubbling clay and copper pots, fourth and fifth-generation mezcaleros and mezcaleras still produce the spirit as their ancestors did 500 years ago.

Three Oaxaca mezcal distilleries to visit

1. Mezcal FaneKantsini

Part of a mezcal cooperative called Tres Colibri, FaneKantsini is headed by master mezcalera   Sosima Olivera Aguilar — part of a growing community of female producers fighting for gender equality in Oaxaca’s male-dominated mezcal industry.  

2. La Candelaria

Located in Santa Catarina Minas, La Candelaria is where Eduardo ‘Lalo’ Angeles produces his acclaimed Mezcal Lalocura, distilled exclusively in clay pots. Espadin, tepeztate and pechuga — the latter a type of mezcal that’s distilled with a raw chicken breast inside it — are usually available for tastings.

3. Gracias a Dios

Santiago Matatlán, dubbed the world capital of mezcal, is where you’ll find Gracias a Dios , a sustainability focused palenque that uses recycled bottles and corks, irrigates 60% of its fields using rainwater, and plants about 5,000 trees a year.

FREE BONUS ISSUE

Related topics.

• LIVING HISTORY
• CULTURAL TOURISM

You May Also Like

10 whimsical ways to experience Scotland

A guide to Munich, Germany's boisterous beer capital, beyond the bars

Why you should try Indian Ocean rum

Visiting Ireland? Here’s what the locals love

How to plan a weekend on Scotland's wild Isle of Arran

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved