trip ke ireland

• All our destinations
• Italy: featured destination
• Ireland: featured destination
• USA: featured destination
• Packing Lists
• Buying Guides
• Booking resources
• Work with me
• Cookies and privacy policy, terms of use

Europe Travel Guides

Ireland itinerary ideas: 7, 10 days or 2 week ireland road trip ideas for first time visitors.

What is the best Ireland itinerary? Expert recommendations for the perfect Ireland itinerary and suggested stops to make the most of 7, 10 days or 2-week road trip in Ireland.

A road trip around Ireland is a beautiful travel experience. 

Scenic roads, plenty of accommodation options and welcoming towns make Ireland the perfect road trip destination no matter how long or how little time you have.

But how many days do you need to see Ireland? 

Is a week enough to see Ireland’s highlights and what are the best stops if you have 7, 10 or two weeks for visiting?

I can help answer this question! 

I have been living in Ireland for over 19 years.

I came here the first time on a self-guided road trip, then came back several times to see different parts of the country.

I eventually married an Irish man and set up a home in Dublin, from where we regularly take road trips with the kids to keep exploring this wonderful island. 

So, when I tell you I can help narrow down your Ireland trip itinerary, I mean it!

I am not just sharing my research: I am sharing my first-hand experience gained over more trips I can count! 

Based on out travels, I have put together these Ireland itineraries with my top things to see in the Emerald Isle on your first visit.

Since I remember well what I wanted to see on a first trip, I have included in them all Ireland must-sees and most famous attractions, so you feel like you can take advantage of all of the big landmarks. 

Since we travel as a family, this guide is geared towards people  visiting Ireland with kids  but the itineraries work for travelers. 

In this post, you will find:

• Practical tips about visiting Ireland: when to go, what to expect, what to pack
• 7 day Ireland itinerary: what to see with one week in Ireland
• 10 day Ireland itinerary
• 2 week Ireland itinerary

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, I might make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

As Amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases

Table of Contents

How to plan your Ireland itinerary

In this article, I share my best Ireland itineraries, which I believe will make you see the best of the country in the most sensible and efficient way.

However, since I know you may have specific wishes for your trip that I don’t cover, I also want to give some general suggestions on how to craft your own Ireland trip.

I believe the most important things to consider are:

Tiredness and jet lag

This applies to all your days on the road but to the first one in particular.

In these itineraries, I have kept the driving time on the first day as short as possible and on easy roads (mostly highway) as I know jet lag can be a huge safety issue on the road.

If going for longer distances, please be advised that outside the highways driving can be challenging (see below) and should be avoided when tired.

Driving times and extra stops

Always consider driving in Ireland is slow.

Use the table below as reference but consider that they only cover the time needed to go from one place to the other in average traffic and weather conditions and without intermediate stops.

Always add extra time to each of the distances shown.

Don’t underestimate weather and darkness

When planning your driving time, make sure to take into account darkness and bad weather.

In winter in particular, darkness falls very early in the afternoon and roads can be foggy and icy. Always be extra cautious before getting on the road and give yourself extra time, no matter how short you think a drive may be!

How many days in Ireland? How long do I need for an Ireland road trip?

I believe it is possible to get a first idea of the country with as little as a 7 day itinerary around Ireland but ideally, I would advise staying in Ireland a couple of weeks.

Neither of these lengths will be sufficient to see ‘everything’, but with one to two weeks you should be able to get a nice feel for the place and touch some of the most famous and beautiful attractions.

Below, you will find my suggestion for an Ireland itinerary for 7, 10 days and two weeks by car.

I am assuming you will start and finish your itinerary from Dublin, although international flights also leave and arrive in Cork and Shannon, both equally good options to cover most of the locations in this post.

Best 7 day Ireland itinerary – 1 week Ireland road trip

A 7-day itinerary through Ireland requires some compromising and some popular location will inevitably be left out.

However, if you don’t mind driving a good bit, even with only one week in Ireland it is possible to include some of the most spectacular parts of the country.

For this length of trip, I can think of two hypotheses, depending on how much terrain you want to cover and how long you are prepared to drive.

Please note: driving time is calculated going straight from one place to the next. Add extra time for stops on the way.

Ireland itinerary 7 day schedule at a glance

Day 1 – arrival in dublin and first night in kilkenny.

Depending on your flight’s arrival time and tiredness, you can spend your first day / night in the city or plan a first stop already in the country

Dublin has convenient airport hotels and a vast choice of accommodation you can reach by public transport/car/taxi.

You can find a list of my favorite hotels in Dublin here. 

If you feel rested enough to drive, I highly recommend heading straight from the airport to Kilkenny.

The drive Dublin to Kilkenny is easy as it is served by a well-kept motorway (highway): getting there takes less than 2 hours and it can be an easy way to ease yourself into driving in Ireland.

Kilkenny itself is lovely and a great place to relax and take it easy on your first day. A great hotel in the city is the Ormonde Hotel , right in the town center and close to the castle.

Day 2 –  Kilkenny to Kinsale

The South of Ireland is gorgeous and Kinsale is a great base to discover the area.

On the way there you have a great choice of locations to explore, including the famous Rock of Cashel and Cobh, an attractive village with a good heritage center with memories of the ill-fated Titanic and the Lusitania

Kinsale makes a lovely overnight stop.

Discover our favorite hotel in Kinsale, offering wonderful views over the waterfront here

Day 3 – Kinsale to Killarney

This day sees you driving in one of Ireland’s most scenic and beautiful parts.

National Road N71 is gorgeous and it is worth taking the time to drive it slowly so you can take in its wonderful viewpoints opening up around the roads bendy turn.

This is also the area of famous Blarney Castle which is easy to reach and pleasant to visit.

Make yourself at home in our favorite BnB in Killarney town

If you prefer to limit the driving and take it easy in Killarney, there is plenty to do here including Ross Castle and  Muckross house which is a lovely stop also with kids thanks to its beautiful gardens and traditional farms.

Check out the best things to see in Killarney to plan your day here at best

Day 4 – Co Clare and Galway: the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher

This stretch of Ireland is full of beautiful spots including Ennis, the Burren, the famous cliffs of Moher   and Galway.

This area is famous for its natural beauty and has many interesting attractions.

The Burren perfumery, Doolin, Ballyvaughan, Dromoland castle are all destinations I recommend you consider for this part of the journey.

Find here >> The Huntsmann Inn, A cute hotel in Galway to tap into Irish hospitality

Day 5 – Galway and Connemara

Galway is a lovely university town, with a friendly vibe, and a wonderful position at the entrance of Connemara and close to the Aran Islands.

I recommend you take your time to experience all the fin things to do in Galway , this is a wonderful area!

Most people coming to this area tend to go to Kylemore Abbey and Clifton, which are lovely and quintessentially Irish, however you can also just spend the day in Galway town, enjoy its historical center, seafront and shops.

Day 6 and 7: Dublin

The drive between Galway and Dublin is not long.

If you leave Galway early and use the motorway, you can get into Dublin in a little over 2 hours and spend the rest of the day in Dublin.

Dublin is a lovely city where to spend a couple of days, offering a mix of museums, shops, and pubs that is sure to keep you entertained.

I recommend you take time to visit the city center (Grafton Street / Wicklow street area is lovely), take walk in the grounds of Trinity college, see the Ha’penny Bridge and visit one of the big Dublin churches such as St Patrick’s or Christchurch.

You can find here >>> my recommended itinerary for 2 days in Dublin.

Ireland in 7 days itinerary without changing accommodation every night

Our 7 day Ireland itinerary above covers a lot of ground and requires a lot of driving.

If you prefer to drive e little less and not lug your luggage from one accommodation to the next, you can also set a base for some nights in Dublin and some in Galway and explore from there.

From Dublin, you have a good choice of day trips you can take driving or by bus: find our favorite ones here

From Galway, you can easily visit the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Connemara

Suggested Ireland itinerary 10 days

Ten days is a good length of time to visit Ireland and will allow you a more relaxed pace than the 7-day itinerary outlined above.

With ten days, I would recommend you include a visit to County Wicklow and the Ring of Kerry that I believe would be a stretch during a shorter trip.

Here is my favorite 10-day itinerary.

10 day Ireland itinerary schedule at a glance

Day 1 – arrival in dublin and drive to wicklow.

Gorgeous County Wicklow  lies just to the South of Dublin: driving there from the airport should take about 1 hour (motorway) and then you can relax in one of the many family-friendly hotels in the area.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Wicklow are Glendalough monastic site and the scenic road to it, passing the sally Gap.

Make sure you drive this stretch during daylight: depending on the time of your arrival and level of tiredness, you may prefer to plan the visit to this area early on your second day and spend the first night in Dublin.

Tinakilly House Hotel and Restaurant for old world elegance OR

Brooklodge at Macreddin Village TOP CHOICE! – a wonderful, romantic, intimate country hotel and resort surrounded by the beautiful countryside of County Wicklow, this hotel is a longer drive from Dublin but the perfect place for a first night in Ireland. Eat at one of the two excellent restaurants on-site and enjoy a drink in the hotel bar to toast to the start of your trip!

Day 2 – Glendalough to Kilkenny

  This day brings you to Kilkenny, a pleasant city with a beautiful castle and a lovely town center with an artsy vibe.

Spend your day exploring its castle and the city’s famous ‘medieval mile’, explore its craft shops and make sure you spend the evening in a local pub listening to Irish music for the perfect introduction to Ireland.

Stay at the Ormonde hotel for a relaxing night in the city

Day 3 – Kilkenny  to Kinsale

Places of interest are Cashel , which has an incredible medieval rock worth seeing, and Cobh, which is an interesting village with a good heritage center with memories of the ill-fated Titanic and the Lusitania.

In Kinsale, stay at the Trident hotel for views over the beautiful waterfront

Day 4 –  Kinsale to Killarney

This is one of the most beautiful drives you will have following this itinerary.

The road is slow and bendy but beautiful and scenic. Take your time and then set your base in lovely Killarney, famous for its cute houses and plenty of accommodation and dining options as well as a famous castle.

Day 5 – Ring of Kerry

One of the most famous areas of Ireland is the Ring of Kerry, a loop scenic road famous for incredibly beautiful landscapes.

One of the most famous areas of Ireland is the Ring of Kerry, a loop scenic road famous for incredibly beautiful landscapes. The Ring of Kerry takes about one day, so if you are interested in driving it, I suggest spending two nights in the area.

To avoid driving on the drop side of the road, make sure you drive the Ring of Kerry anticlockwise. This way, you may find yourself behind tour buses but you will not have to maneuver out of their way on a sheer drop, which you will be forced to do if going the opposite way!

Top tip – High season alternative : the ring of Kerry is so popular it can become frustrating, so I suggest an alternative: the Dingle Peninsula . Located to the north of Kerry, this is one of the many Irish peninsulas stretching into the Atlantic in the west of the country and it is spectacular and, in parts, remote.

Day 6 – Killarney to Co Clare: the Burren and the cliffs of Moher

This stretch of Ireland is full of beautiful spots including Ennis, the Burren and the famous Cliffs of Moher (click here for our full guide to the cliffs) .

What is truly special here is the scenery, so especially on a beautiful day, it is worth taking your time to explore the Burren and walk along the cliffs.

Find here >> The Huntsmann Inn, A cute hotel in Galway to tap into Irish hospitality

Day 7 – Aran islands

I love the Aran island and you have the time (and the good weather) to take the boat trip out from Doolin on the coast of Clare, this is likely to be one of the highlights of your Ireland trip.

Plenty of ferry rides are available in the good season to the island: this is a great way to see lovely Irish scenery and take a break from driving.

Day 8 – Galway and Connemara

Galway is a lovely university town, with a friendly vibe, but what makes is special is its position at the entrance of Connemara and close to the Aran Islands.

Connemara has wonderful, remote landscapes and it is home to famous locations such as Clifden and Kylemore Abbey that often feature as Ireland must-sees.

Spend a second night in Galway and decide on city exploring vs a day trip to Connemara on the spot for maximum flexibility.

Day 9 – Galway to Dublin

The drive between Galway and Dublin is not long, and depending on your interest you may either come directly to the city or stop en route to see the monastic site of Clonmacnoise .

Day 10 – Dublin

Unless your flight is early, you will have the end of day 9 and part of day 10 to visit Dublin. While this is not enough to see the city, you can still very much enjoy its vibe.

With only one day in the city, I would just take it easy and stick to taking a stroll in the city center streets.

Grafton street, Trinity College and Dublin Castle are all worth seeing and they are a short distance from each other and will anyway leave you with plenty of time to then head to the airport.

Find my favorite Dublin itinerary here .

2 weeks in Ireland: 2 week Ireland itinerary

With 2 full weeks in Ireland, you can see a lot of the Republic and will have the chance to visit Donegal, too remote to make it in my previous itinerary.

With two weeks, you can also stretch to Northern Ireland to Derry and the rightly famous Giant Causeway.

These two areas are not always included in Ireland itinerary for first time visitors but are, in my opinion, not to be missed.

Donegal is, I believe, the Ireland of dreams: large, sandy, tidal beaches swept by polar winds, crashing waves and screaming seagulls, and some of the highest cliffs in Europe.

Northers Ireland has wonderful coastal scenery and one of the best drives in the country: the coastal drive along the Antrim Coast, between Carrick-a-rede and the Giants’ Causeway.

Please note : Northern Ireland is part of the UK. While there is no hard border between the Republic and the North, check national regulations and entry requirements.

Ireland itinerary 14 days schedule at a glance

Please note: distances in the table below are from point A to B. Add extra time for local exploration and side stops.

I like to start this 2 week Ireland itinerary visiting County Wicklow.

Gorgeous county Wicklow lies just to the south of Dublin.

Driving there from the airport should take about 1 hour (motorway) and then you can relax in one of the many hotels in the area.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Wicklow are Glendalough monastic site and the scenic road to it, passing the Sally Gap.

This is a fantastic drive along a mountain road that opens up on beautiful scenery of windswept hills, lakes and coastal views.

Make sure you drive this stretch during daylight: depending on the time of your arrival and level of tiredness, you may prefer to plan the visit to this area early on your second day.

Recommended hotels in the area:

Tinakilly House Hotel and Restaurant – elegant hotel with Manor House feel and beautiful restaurant onsite

Day 2 –  visit Kilkenny and its stunning medieval center

This day brings you to Kilkenny, a pleasant city with a beautiful castle and a lovely town center with an artsy vibe.

The city has a wonderful castle, a stunning cathedral and dynamic city center: spend the day exploring, shopping and eating, then settle in the  Ormonde Hotel for a great night in town.

The hotel is right in the city center, it has a parking lot just in front, and it will allow you to visit the town on foot.

  Find our full guide to one day in Kilkenny here .

Day 3 – drive from Kilkenny  to Kinsale

The South of Ireland is gorgeous and the drive between Kilkenny and Kinsale offers some beautiful stops.

Places of interest between Kilkenny and Kinsale are Cashel, one of my favorite Irish castles , and Cobh, which is an interesting village with a good heritage center with memories of the ill-fated Titanic and the Lusitania.

I recommend you take your time to visit the Rock of Cashel in particular.

The Rock of Cashel is a scenic medieval rock where St Patrick is said to have converted the kings of Munster to Christianity and one of the country’s best preserved clusters of Medieval buildings.

A pretty tea house is at the bottom of the rock and it makes a pleasant lunch stop.

Kinsale is a delightful town on the sea, well known for its excellent seafood. Try to arrive here in the afternoon so you can settle, enjoy dinner and a walk in the pretty town center before the sun goes down.

Day 4 – enjoy the drive from Kinsale to Killarney

The road between Kinsale and Killarney is stunning so I recommend you take the day to drive it and take in all its natural beauty.

This area of Ireland is remote and will require longer hours in the car than other days in this itinerary: I recommend you take your time and stop in one of the many villages and pubs along the way to stretch your legs.

This is also a day when you can include a visit to famous Blarney castle.

Blarney is one of Ireland’s most famous and iconic castles and a beautiful place for a walk.

As well as the castle itself, which is a stunning ruin, worth seeing are the gardens: look for the ‘poison garden’ and take a stroll in the beautiful woods for a mystical and romantic day.

You can read all about visiting Blarney Castle here.

Top tip! Because of the long hours driving, I recommend you plan this day and following one together so you can be sure you don’t overdo it.

As you get to Killarney, I recommend you pick a hotel in town so you can leave the car and go out for dinner and a drink on foot.

A lovely place to stay is the Old Weir Lodge in Killarney town centre

Day 5 – explore the Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry takes about one day so if you are interested in driving it I would suggest spending two nights in the area and see both Killarney and Kenmare.

The Ring of Kerry takes about one day, so if you are interested in driving it, I suggest spending two nights in the area.

To avoid driving on the drop side of the road, make sure you drive the Ring of Kerry anticlockwise.

This way, you may find yourself behind tour buses but you will not have to maneuver out of their way on a sheer drop, which you will be forced to do if going the opposite way!

Top tip High season alternative: the ring of Kerry is so popular it can become frustrating, so I suggest an alternative: the Dingle peninsula. Located to the North of Kerry, this is one of the many Irish peninsulas stretching into the Atlantic in the West of the country and it is equally spectacular and, in stretches, remote.

How about Skellig Michael?

With two weeks in Ireland, you may have the time to fit in a trip to Skellig Michael , Unesco World Heritage site and spectacular location of an ancient monastic setting.

The island is not suitable to visit with very young kids or people with mobility issues but it is special and one of those sites that leaves a strong impression on visitors because of its uniqueness and beauty.

Because of limited accessibility, if you plan to go to Skellig Michael it is better to keep a very loose schedule for all other stops as you may be delayed in your visit by unsuitable weather.

I would go as far as saying to plan your whole trip around this visit, should it be a must see for you.

Day 6 – Killarney to Galway: the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher

This stretch of Ireland is full of beautiful spots including Ennis, the Burren and the famous Cliffs of Moher .

The cliffs are one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland and very popular.

Unlike other areas in the country, you will find here tour buses and tons of tourists however, it is one of those places that are famous for a reason!

The cliffs are special and, on a sunny day, they are an unforgettable sight.

You can read my guide to visiting the Cliffs of Moher here.

The Burren’s scenery is awe-inspiring, unique and remote, immersing you into quintessential Irish landscape.

Try visit the delightful Burren perfumery and tea rooms for a relaxing local experience.

Spend the night is the lovely town of Ballyvaughan or  settle in a relaxing hotel in Galway such as this one. Stay two nights if you want to spend the day in The Aran Islands the day after.

Day 7 – Aran islands day trip

I love the Aran island and you have the time (and the good weather) to take the boat trip out, this is likely to be one of the highlights of your Ireland trip.

Ferries connect the Aran island to the mainland regularly during summer and they are an easy day trip.

The Aran Islands are a group of 3: Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr.

They are pretty and give a taste of old Ireland that is not always easy to find on the mainland.

Only go on a bright, sunny day.

Day 8 – Galway to Clifden: Connnemara

Just to the North of Galway lies wonderful Connemara, known for its remote, stunning landscape and Kylemore Abbey.

Take a day to explore beautiful Connemara National park and settle in lovely Clifden, a charming and convenient overnight stop.

Treat yourself to a night at the beautiful AbbeyGlen castle hotel  

Day 9 – Clifden to Donegal town

Donegal is one of the most remote parts of Ireland and has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole of the island.

The area is less developed than others in terms on number of tourist accommodation and restaurants but there is enough to cater to all your needs and the remoteness of the area adds to the charm.

In Donegal, you can expect some of the best beaches in Ireland (wrap up, it’s windy here!) and large, empty, windswept landscapes.

Good accommodation can be found in Donegal town, from where you can easily reach wonderful Slieve Leagues, stunning and easily accessible sea cliffs.

Stay in the Abbey hotel right in the center of Donegal town for a lovely atmosphere and handy on site restaurant.

Day 10 – Donegal to Derry

Derry / Londonderry is a unique and beautiful walled city with a significant and fascinating history.

It is worth spending a night here and take the time to take a stroll along its medieval walls and a walk to see the famous ‘Free Derry’ corner.

Day 12 – Derry to Giant’s Causeway: Northern Ireland

It takes well over one day to visit Northern Ireland but if you can, I would add the extra stretch to see this part of the coast and try to visit at least its most famous landmarks such as Derry and the Giant Causeway.

While often overlooked by visitors in favour of sites in the republic, the Giant’s causeway and the Antrim coast in general is among the most stunning parts of the island of Ireland, one of my very favourites!

Plan one night in the area to make the most of your time here and check out our Northern Ireland weekend itinerary for inspiration and photos!

Stay at the Hilton in Templepatrick for a relaxing night (you can read our review of the hotel here)

Day 13 -14 Dublin

Day 13 and 14 should be devoted to exploring Dublin. It takes about 3 hours to get to the city from the North and I suggest planning a stop at Dublin airport to return the car on the way.

Dublin is better explored on foot so if you rented a car, it is a good idea to return it before you settle into the city.

If budget allows, I would suggest you settle into the city center and spend a couple of days between Dublin beautiful shops, cafes and museums.

hotels you may enjoy are the elegant and historic Shelbourne , one of the best in the country, or the modern and well located Jury’s Inn at Christchurch

Some of the things you should visit in Dublin are:

• Trinity College Dublin and its historical library with the Book of Kells
• The area of Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green, with shops, restaurants and music in the streets
• St Patrick’s cathedral and/or nearby Christchurch
• Dublin Castle and the beautiful Chester Beatty Library, a beautiful museum of oriental art.

Find more ideas on the best things to see in Dublin here .

If you are traveling with kids, you can pick some of your favorite family activities in Dublin from this list.

I hope you enjoyed reading my suggestions for the perfect Ireland itinerary and it helped answering the question: what is the best itinerary for an Ireland road trip?

The best time for an Ireland road trip: Irish weather

Considering how far North it is, Ireland has a more moderate climate than many people expect.

The presence of the sea and of the gulf stream keeps the temperature from spiking to extremes.  In winter the temperature averages around 5 C / 41F (January being the coldest month) and in summer around 15 C/ 61F.

The best time for a road trip around Ireland is the summer: long daylight hours and low rainfall makes it the driest season and the safest in terms of driving conditions.

Spring is also a good time for road tripping in Ireland as well as early autumn.

Winter poses more hazardous conditions due to possible snow and short daylight hours.

How often does it rain in Ireland?

Irish people joke that in Ireland the different seasons are marked by cold rain (winter) and hot rain (summer). 

However, it doesn’t rain as much as you may think or as frequently.

Aside from some very wet days and frequent gray sky, you can expect showers more than solid rain for hours.

The driest months are usually August and September and these are a lovely time to visit the country also because of the long hours of daylight.

The wettest and darkest months are from November to February, when at 4.30pm darkness starts to set it.

If you travel by car in the winter, be aware that occasionally you do have snow especially in the mountains and some higher roads get closed. Always check road conditions and, if the season requires, do have snow chains on board.

More than the actual numbers and precipitation forecast however, what is really important to know when visiting Ireland is that the weather is very changeable and you can never really count on it.

Maybe it’s because of the wind, maybe it is for some other mysterious climate reason, but it is a very common occurrence for a sunny day to quickly turn into a very cold and wet one!

The best time of year to visit Ireland is the summer (May to September): these are the month with the longest hours of daylight and the driest climate.

What to pack for Ireland

When packing for Ireland, layers is the name of the game.

In winter, wear warm, comfortable, waterproof shoes , a proper winter coat  and a sweater.

In summer, you can usually spend the warmest hours of the day in a t-shirt but may need a light cardigan and possibly a light jacket early in the morning or at night, or if the weather turns.

Find our full packing list for Ireland here .

Driving in Ireland

In Ireland, you drive on the left side of the road.

Motorways are few but well kept and allow for fast movement between cities. Smaller roads (National and Regional) are slow and winding but often very scenic.

They are slow and narrow so you must allocate enough time and be prepared to slow down for oncoming traffic.

These are the roads that will give you that quintessential Irish country experience you are most likely looking for in your trip.

If you are planning a road trip to Ireland, Auto Europe offers a good selection of vehicles: check prices  here.  

For official information and updates on driving conditions in Ireland, please refer to the Irish Road Safety Authority and local rules of the road.

Find our practical tips for driving in Ireland here, based on our own experience

This guide was first published in 2016 and has now been fully updated based on our recent travels around Ireland.

Loved this post? Share it or pin it for later!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is the creator, writer and creative mind behind Learning Escapes. A travel loving mama of two from Italy, Marta currently lives in Ireland with her husband and two kids, they take frequent trips to European destination, the US and beyond. A professional travel blogger for over a decade, Marta is passionate about traveling with kids and helping others to travel more and better as a family.

28 thoughts on “ Ireland itinerary ideas: 7, 10 days or 2 week Ireland road trip ideas for first time visitors ”

Thank you for stopping by Alaina, so happy this was useful! If I can help at all with the planning, let me know: I hope you have a wonderful time here. xx

These are great tips. I agree, 7 days might work, but I think we would need to allocate at least 2-3 weeks.

The 10 day itinerary sounds perfect, as when we finally get there we’ll be spending a solid amount of time really exploring the countryside, monasteries and its castles and cliffs.

They are the best part, I think you’ll really love it here: between the scenery and historical sites, you won’t get bored, there is loads to see and do

How detailed!! super helpful because I am planning to spend a couple of weeks in Ireland next year when I go to TBEX in Kilkenny in Ireland. And, handily there is a 2 week itinerary including Kilkenny, almost like you read my mind.

Great you are coming, I have my ticket to TBEX Ireland already and it will be even more fun with friends 🙂

What an incredible post. You literally did all of the legwork. I almost feel it necessary to check flights now bc the trip is so well mapped out. Thank you for all these wonderful details.

I am so glad you found it helpful! Itineraries can be really hard to plan: if you don’t know a place, it is so hard to gauge distances and give priorities, especially with kids, not exactly known for being patient with long drives… I hope this can help families looking into an Ireland trip: it is such a nice country to visit!

When I visited Scotland a few years ago, the raining reputation was the same and I only had one rainy day in 2 weeks. Even if I prefer the sun, Scotland, Ireland and Iceland are 3 attractive destinations for me.

I’d love to go to both Scotland and Iceland but I hear you about the sun: here the winter is long so when the summer holidays arrive, the temptation to go south is very, very strong, no matter how appealing Northern landscapes are

I need a 2 day itinerary. LOL

A two day itinerary might be challenging to see the whole country: Ireland is compact, but not THAT compact 🙂 With two days in Dublin, I’d spend one in town (with kids, check out Dublinia, the Natural History museum and maybe the zoo?) and the second one either on the coast (Howth) or in Wicklow county – on the blog I have posts about both, search for Howth and Glendalough and let me know what you think 🙂

This is a really great itinerary! I took the Shamrocker Adventure Tour there last summer and loved it, but I need to go back and see all the places I missed. I’ll definitely be using your suggestions.

I’d love to go to Ireland one day. It has such an interesting history and distinct culture. Thanks for all the tips – pinning for later!

Great tips. We have wanted to visit Ireland for ages but there are too many places to go see!

I know the feeling! Picking where to go is not easy, I always want to see ‘everything’ -that’s why I love itineraries, they give some structure to my travel ideas 🙂

Glad to hear this was useful! Northern Ireland is worth it, I believe, and doable if you don’t have to go back to Dublin. Otherwise, especially if the weather is not great, an idea can be to skip the Aran island and use the time to go North instead – the scenery is very impressive there!

Very helpful information!! How long is the drive is from Kinsale to Killarney via N71? It sounds like a beautiful drive.

I find your tips pretty helpful, Marta! Definitely on my bucket list for 2017! The green scenery is outstanding.

I’m Irish, and live in Ireland, and you are definitely helping people with your great tips. There are also often lots of free activities for families in Dublin, for example the if in Dublin city centre The ark in temple bar do free workshops for kids (art, culture etc), they are popular so book out fast and National Gallery also worth a look (free). Btw worth mentioning the Natural History Museum (dead zoo as we Dubs call it!) is free but opens late on sun and closed Monday. Another idea is west cork which would be on the route from kinsale to Kerry. A stop off in Baltimore is worth doing and a trip out to Sherkin Island. When in Kerry don’t forget to do the Gap of Dunloe. Failte romhait!

Hi Mia, thank you so much for stopping by and all the good tips (and sorry for replying so late!). I don’t know Baltimore and Sherkin but we are hoping to go that way again in the spring and will remember them – last time in the area it was a windy and wet November and we couldn’t do half of what we had planned. Thank you!

HELP!!!! We are planning a trip to Ireland in June for my 50th Birthday. Unfortunately for us, we only have 10 days. All the kids are grown & this is a finally it’s us time trip. I want to see it ALL!! Every time I think I have narrowed it down, I can’t stand the thought of missing something. Photography is my hobby, and I am just amazed by the beauty of Ireland. I would love to do both Northern & Southern Ireland. I know that is a crazy thought for 10 days, but if we can fly in one place & out another to make it happen I would do that. Do you think it can be done? Without racing around like a nut? If so, what would be your suggestion? I appreciate any help or wisdom you could share.

Hi Susan, thanks for stopping by and what an amazing trip you have planned! I think with 10 days you can see a lot: my itinerary takes into account many stops for small kids but you can cover a lot of ground in Ireland without turning the trip into a crazy rush. With 10 days, I would give priority to the West and the North: Dublin and the midlands are pleasant but the beautiful cliffs and great scenery are in West (West Cork, Kerry, Galway, Connemara). I am not sure flying would save a lot of time and driving is your best bet to see the beautiful countryside – where will you be flying into?

Great itinerary layout system! My husband and I are planning a trip to Europe in May and we were planning on spending about a week and a half in Ireland.

Love your blog. My husband and I will be in Ireland for 7 days in May 2017 and we want to see the south and west of Ireland but also Northern Ireland. Is it doable in 7 days? Thanks and keep up the good work.

Thank You Marta for an excellent write up and detailed itinerary!! Will be perfect for our upcoming travel!!

I love your 10 day itinerary. Any suggestions on good overnight places to stay. We are a group of 6 adults. We will be in Ireland 11days. We want to cover a lot of ground but would like to Stay overnight in 4 to 5 places. We want to use that as a base to explore for a few days and then move to the next place.

I was in Galway and Connemara and loved every minute of it. Very good itinerary, so many great places to visit.

Comments are closed.

Privacy Overview

Ireland In 7 Days – An Epic Ireland 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: December 12, 2023

I’ve been to Ireland twice and had the opportunity to explore different parts of the country.

This Ireland 7-day itinerary combines my experiences from both trips, to give you the ultimate itinerary for an awesome Ireland road trip.

From the colourful and bustling cities of Galway and Dublin, to the natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney National Park, this Ireland itinerary has it all.

If you only have seven days to spend in Ireland and want to go on an awesome road trip in Ireland, this is the travel guide for you!

• 1 The ultimate Southern Ireland road trip 7-day itinerary
• 2.1 Visit Trinity College
• 2.2 Visit Dublin Castle
• 2.3 Explore the Dublin city centre
• 2.4 Visit the Guinness Storehouse
• 2.5 Go for a night out around Temple Bar
• 2.6 Where to stay in Dublin
• 3.1 Do a food tour
• 3.2 Explore the streets of Cork
• 3.3 Visit Blarney Castle & Blarney Stone
• 3.4 Where to stay in Cork 
• 4.1 Explore Killarney National Park
• 4.2 Visit Ross Castle
• 4.3 Visit Muckross House
• 4.4 Where to stay in Killarney
• 5 Ireland itinerary day 6: Cliffs of Moher
• 6.1 Galway Cathedral
• 6.2 Explore Galway town centre
• 6.3 Where to stay in Galway

One of the many colourful pubs in the Temple area of Dublin

The ultimate Southern Ireland road trip 7-day itinerary

I’ve been to Ireland twice and on separate occasions. Once for a weekend in Dublin in April with my best friends, and once for a travel blogging conference in Killarney.

After the conference I then spent a couple days road tripping around with my friend and fellow blogger Claire of Stoked to Travel , visiting Cork, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway.

This itinerary is based on my own experiences in Ireland, but for obvious reasons isn’t the exact itinerary I followed.

If I were to go back to Ireland with someone who had never been before, this is how I would spend 7 days in Ireland.

This Ireland 7-day itinerary showcases all the most beautiful and famous attractions in Ireland. Before we dive in, make sure to check this Ireland packing list ! 

Are you ready to dive in?

Sunset along the river in Dublin – Photo by Jemily Iniesta on Scopio

Ireland itinerary days 1 & 2: Dublin

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and a must-see on any Ireland itinerary. Even if you only have seven days in Ireland, you should still dedicate at least two days to the Irish capital.

Here are some of the best things to do in Dublin .

Visit Trinity College

Our first stop was Trinity College, the university famous for its picturesque campus and the  Book of Kells  Exhibition in its Old Library.

I personally didn’t visit the Old Library since the queue was huge and we preferred to walk around the city and get a feel for Dublin instead.

However if you have a more keen interest in history you should definitely visit the Old Library. Make sure to book your ticket online so you don’t have to waste as much time in the queue.

Even without visiting the Old Library Trinity College is a must-see. The university grounds are beautiful and the architecture is incredible.

Click here to book your Fast-Access Book of Kells & Dublin Castle tour!

Trinity College in Dublin

Visit Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is one of the main attractions in Dublin. Dublin Castle is a government complex, it previously served as the headquarters of the English and British administration in Ireland.

You can wander around the castle grounds for free, but if you want to access the buildings and museum you need to join a guided tour. Here you can learn about the history of Dublin and Ireland.

If you’re interested in Irelands history, another museum you can’t miss is the  EPIC Museum in Dublin , all about the Irish emigration.

The inside of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland – Photo by Antonio Vetere on Scopio

Explore the Dublin city centre

One of my favourite things to do in any city is to simply wander around the city centre and get lost amongst the main streets. I love wandering around, just soaking in the atmosphere and getting a feel for the city.

I really liked the centre of Dublin, with its cobbled streets, old architecture and lively atmosphere. Temple Bar is the prime evening area, but it’s beautiful also during the day.

We also spent a bit of time walking along the river. It’s a great activity for a sunny day. You can also grab some food at one of the many pubs or restaurants.

If you’re looking for food suggestions in Dublin, check out this  vegan guide to Dublin .

Click here to book a walking tour of Dublin – including local hidden gems!

Exploring the beautiful architecture in Dublin – Photo by Christian Quintavalle on Scopio

Visit the Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular attractions in Dublin. It’s a must-see even if you don’t like Guinness (I don’t even drink beer and I still went)!

It’s interesting to see how Guinness is made, as well as the history of the company and some cool facts about Dublin. Plus it has epic views over the rooftops of Dublin!

They also teach you how to pour a pint of Guinness and you can pour your own to drink as you tour the Storehouse.

Even though Guinness originated in Dublin, it has become such a popular beer worldwide that you can visit Guinness breweries also in other countries, for example the Guinness Brewery Baltimore .

Click here to book your Skip-The-Line Guinness Storehouse tour + Irish pub experience!

My friend Laura drinking a pint of Guinness while enjoying the view over Dublin

Go for a night out around Temple Bar

After your pint at the Guinness Storehouse (it’s a fairly strong beer if you’re not used to it!) get ready for a night out around Temple!

Temple is the fun night out neighbourhood in Dublin, and it comes alive as soon as the sun goes down.

Everybody is friendly, with live musicians playing and people dancing in the streets. There is an actual Temple Bar too but it gets very busy, don’t worry if you can’t get a seat there.

The whole riverside neighbourhood is teeming with pubs, bars and diners with like music and DJ sets. The architecture and cobbled pedestrian lanes are also very beautiful, quirky and very distinctive Dublin in my mind.

For some more comprehensive information on what to do in Dublin, check out this  Dublin in one day guide .

Wandering around Temple Bar at sunset

Where to stay in Dublin

Budget: Abbey Court – This hostel has spacious and clean dorms, big communal areas and is in a prime location in the heart of Dublin. You can easily walk back after a night out at Temple Bar!

Click here to book your stay at Abbey Court!

Mid-range: Leeson Inn Downtown – This lovely property is located a little walk out of central Dublin, close to St Stephen’s Green. It’s the perfect place for those looking for somewhere nice without breaking the bank.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Leeson Inn Downtown!

Luxury: The Fleet – If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do so. This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Dublin and has beautifully decorated rooms.

Click here to book your stay at The Fleet! 

Wandering along River Liffey in Dublin at blue hour – Photo by Antonio Vetere on Scopio

Ireland itinerary day 3: Cork

After exploring Dublin, it’s time to hit the road and start your proper Ireland road trip! Irish country roads can be a bit winding, but they’re usually well paved and marked, which makes driving in Ireland fairly easy.

The drive from Dublin to Cork will take almost 3 hours so make sure to set off nice and early, so you can spend the majority of day 3 exploring Cork and surroundings.  

Do a food tour

As part of the TBEX conference we did a food tour in and around Cork.

I loved the opportunity as it’s not something I would normally do, but it was actually a great experience and fun chance to learn both about the cuisine and history of the area.

We went to a variety of markets, pubs and restaurants, sampling all sorts of food from scotch eggs to seaweed. We even went to a smokehouse to see how salmon is smoked and to try some samples.

If you arrive in Cork around lunch it’s a great way to kick off your time in Cork! In Cork there is also an awesome English food market, find out more about it  here .

Click here to book your food tour in Cork!

Fresh fish tasting at the Fields of Skibbereen supermarket

Explore the streets of Cork

I actually didn’t get to Cork till after it was dark and I left early on the following day which was a shame. We wandered around the centre of Cork and the streets are beautiful, which made me wish I had longer there.

You can walk along the central streets and along the river of Cork, admiring the architecture, colours and the recognisable silhouette of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral.

The colourful skyline of Cork, Ireland – Photo by Kyle Sheppard on Scopio

Visit Blarney Castle & Blarney Stone

Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold just outside Cork. It was built by the MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty and dates back to 1446. Blarney Castle is also home to the famous Blarney Stone.

The Blarney Stone is a block of carboniferous limestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle, and according to legend kissing the stone will give you the “gift of the gab” – meaning you will never be lost for words.

The castle itself is beautiful and stands out from the greenery that surrounds it. It’s an impressive place to see even if you don’t have a huge interest in history.

If you want to stay in Cork longer find out how to spend a weekend there  here .

Exploring Blarney Castle in Cork, Dublin – Photo by Christine Seibold on Scopio

Where to stay in Cork  

Budget: Sheilas Tourist Hostel – We were there on a Friday night which meant getting woken up at 3am by our loud and drunk neighbours down the hall but overall it’s not a bad hostel; it’s clean, has spacious lockers, is in a great location in the centre of Cork and good value for money.

Click here to see prices and availability at Sheilas Tourist Hostel! 

Mid-range: Ashley Hotel – This modest hotel is perfect for those looking for something more private than a hostel, but without breaking the bank. It’s cosy and in a very good location in Cork.

 Click here to book your stay at Ashley Hotel!

Luxury: Imperial Hotel Cork City – This beautiful hotel is the perfect place for those looking for a luxury stay. The rooms and common areas are elegantly decorated, as well as a prime central location so you can easily walk to all the main attractions in Cork.

 Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Imperial Hotel Cork City!

Exploring Cork in Ireland – Photo by Kyle Sheppard on Scopio

Ireland itinerary day 4 & 5: Killarney  

The drive from Cork to Killarney is only around 1.5 hours so you can take your time on day 4. Maybe spend a bit longer exploring the centre of Cork if you didn’t get a chance on the previous day.

I was in Killarney for TBEX, but was able to get out of the conference to explore a bit of the town and surroundings. Killarney National Park is beautiful and a must-see for outdoors fans.

After Dublin and Cork I figured you might want to spend a bit longer in Killarney to chill after the long drives but also enjoy the nature here.

Explore Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park  was the first national park of Ireland and is now a place of high ecological value, thanks to the quality and diversity of its habitats. 

With its 100 square kilometres it’s a pretty huge national park and understandably there are many points of interest in the park. My favourite was Torc Waterfall.

We walked from Killarney town centre to Torc Waterfall. Most of the walk was through the park and was beautiful and scenic.

We were unlucky as it was a grey day and the view from above the waterfall was quite cloudy, but it’s meant to be epic.

You can easily spend days just wandering around the park, soaking in the greenery and switching off from reality. I don’t want you to get lost but do give yourself some time to explore this beautiful place before hitting the road again.

Torc waterfall in the Killarney National Park

Visit Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a 15th Century tower house and keep in Killarney National Park. It’s located on the edge of Lough Leane, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

It’s open to the public during the summer months. Even if you don’t go inside it’s still an imposing castle and interesting to see even just from outside.

You can admire it from outside or go for an explore inside during your adventures around Killarney National Park.

Click here to book a Ross Castle tour + kayak adventure in Killarney National Park!

Visit Muckross House

Muckross House is a 19th Century mansion with a shop, mansion and working farms. It’s located amongst woodland, mountains and vast green fields and is a beautiful spot to visit.

You can visit the House, the Gardens, the Farms or all the above. It sits on the shores of Muckross Lake, and is a focal point of Killarney National Park.

If you’re looking for more information about Killarney, check out this guide to the  best things to do in Killarney .

Wandering around the cute town centre of Killarney

Where to stay in Killarney

Budget: The Black Sheep Hostel – This cosy hostel has excellent reviews and is in a great central location in Killarney.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at The Black Sheep Hostel!

Mid-range: The Fairview Boutique Hotel – This elegantly decorated boutique hotel is a bit outside the main hustle and bustle of Killarney, where you can enjoy a relaxing stay without spending too much.

Click here to book your stay at The Fairview Boutique Hotel! 

Luxury: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa – This beautiful property is a bit outside Killarney, but is the perfect place to stay if you want to soak in the nature of this part of Ireland.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa!

The cute streets of Killarney

Ireland itinerary day 6: Cliffs of Moher

The  Cliffs of Moher  are one of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions of Ireland. They also hold the title of Irelands “Most Visited Natural Tourist Attraction”.

You won’t need a full day to visit the Cliffs of Moher, but you can easily visit them on the drive from Killarney to Galway. The drive from Killarney to the Cliffs of Moher will take around 2.5 hours.

We were there on a really cloudy day and when we finally arrived at the cliffs of Moher we were greeted by a huge grey cloud. The clouds were so low you almost couldn’t even see the cliffs.

Fortunately there is a nice museum and café at the cliffs, where we spent a bit of time learning about the history of the cliffs while waiting for the mist to lift up. The cliffs are 8km long and at their highest point reach 214m.

The views over the sea are incredible and being so high up over it really has a way of making you feel the power of nature. We spent a bit of time exploring the cliffs and then hopped back in our car enroute to Galway.

Admiring the Cliffs of Moher

Standing on the edge of the Cliffs of Moher

Ireland itinerary day 6 & 7: Galway

It will take you about an hour and a half to get to Galway from the Cliffs of Moher, and the drive this time is very scenic, with some of the final roads having views over the sea.

Galway is the final stop in your Southern Ireland road trip. After Galway you could either go back to Dublin or head over to Northern Ireland for more Irish adventures!

Galway Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, also known as Galway Cathedral, is one of the largest and most famous buildings in Galway. It’s a Roman Catholic cathedral that you can visit.

It won’t take you long to visit it, but no trip to Galway would be complete without it.

Explore Galway town centre

You’ve probably realised it by now, but I simply love just walking around cities without a specific goal in mind. Galway was one of my favourite places to do that.

The town centre is really cute and quaint, and there was an incredible atmosphere.

There were street performers at every corner, competing for the attention of the casual passersby, which added to the liveliness of Galway. The main cobbles streets were simply adorable, lined with colourful pubs and shops.

Find a cosy pub for dinner, and get ready for a lively night in the pubs of Galway!

Wandering around the streets of Galway

Where to stay in Galway

Budget: Galway City Hostel – This hostel won the prize in 2020 for the best hostel in Ireland. Need I say anything else? It’s clean, spacious and offers plenty of social opportunities.

Check out the latest prices and availability at Galway City Hostel here!

Mid-range: Angela’s Bed & Breakfast – This cosy BnB is perfect for a homely stay. It has very good reviews and is located in a great location, close to all the main attractions in Galway.

Book your stay at Angela’s Bed & Breakfast here! 

Luxury: Harbour Hotel – Located along the harbour, this modern hotel has everything you need to relax at the end of a long days driving.

Click here to book your stay at Harbour Hotel!

The harbour in Galway

Final thoughts on our Ireland 7-day itinerary

Have you been to Ireland before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

While this isn’t the exact itinerary I followed it’s based on my own trips to Ireland, and is the one I would follow if I were to spend again 7 days in Ireland.

If you’re planning a road trip to Ireland these are the main tourist attractions, and are considered the best things to see in the country, so make sure you don’t miss them!

I hope you find this guide useful in planning your 7-day Ireland road trip itinerary!

If you’re planning to spend longer in Ireland check out this  2-week road trip Ireland itinerary  or this guide to spending a  long weekend in Northern Ireland !

Enjoyed reading about what to do in Ireland in 7 days? Pin it!

The Cliffs of Moher and O'Brien's Tower are a must visit Ireland destination!

Wednesday 24th of October 2018

[…] the world to experience the majestic views from the Cliffs.  Many visitors adapt their entire Ireland itinerary, to make a stop at the cliffs.  It is said that on a clear day the view from the tower stretches […]

Tales of the Irish - Like Riding a Bicycle...

Friday 20th of October 2017

[…] if you want an actual idea of what to do in Ireland, rather than my weird stories, check out this guide to Ireland. I’m unhelpful, I […]

How to Travel from London to Dublin: RailSail & Flight - Up&AtEm Travel

Thursday 19th of October 2017

[…] Road trippers will particularly enjoy the drive through Dublin and West Cork.  […]

Iceland's Best Kept Secret: A Road Trip In The Westfjords

Sunday 15th of October 2017

[…] Ireland […]

Your Ultimate 8 Day Ireland Itinerary & Road Trip Adventure

December 9, 2022

Get ready to enjoy your perfect 7 to 8 day Ireland itinerary with this inside guide. Whether you’re planning on going solo or hoping to join a tour, we have you covered.

Table of Contents

The Perfect 7 or 8 Day Ireland Itinerary

Ireland… To those who don’t know her, she’s the Emerald Isle, the country of leprechauns and shamrocks, the open air studio for Lord of the Rings and a perfect place for a pint of the black stuff

For those who have been, however, they know the truth. Beyond the stereotypes and the whimsy lives a country rich in character, long in history and full of fun.

Amid staggering cliff edges, fields of unbelievable green, and enough literature and UNESCO world heritage to keep you busy for years, you’ll find the real taste of Ireland

Just head to the waters of the Wild Atlantic Way, climb onto the land and keep on going. This 8-day Ireland itinerary will help you hit all the highlights whilst still having enough free time to get to know James Joyce’s Dubliners, visit the oldest bar in Ireland and, yes, alright. Have a pint of the black stuff.

Let’s get started.

How this 8 day Ireland itinerary works

As one of the many Brits with Irish ancestry, I’ve visited Ireland many times. Often with friends, sometimes solo, plenty of times with work and, of course, to stay with and visit family.

This 8 day Ireland itinerary is based on a recent trip in partnership with Globus[ad]. They run tours across the world and I like what they do because it takes the best of both worlds.

They take the hassle and headache of organising a trip away by booking accommodation, transport, providing a guide, tips and company. But in their new Choices Touring concept, you can pick and choose the experiences you get to try out along the way. And, there’s still plenty of time for, well, free time.

I’d recommend travelling with Globus on a group trip and you can read what I thought about my group trip with them to Jordan here. But you can also use this itinerary as a guide to how to spend 8 days in Ireland yourself, with no one but you joining up the dots in between. The choice is yours.

But for now, I like this 8 day Ireland itinerary because it’s unhurried, it hits the main sights and yet it also takes you off the beaten path to places that most tourists miss.

Now, let’s talk practicalities.

• Recommended reading: how to plan a road trip by yourself

How to get to Ireland

Most visitors these days arrive by air, into either Dublin or Shannon airports.

Dublin manages hundreds of flights every day from the UK and continental Europe, North America, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

Getting from the airport to the centre of Dublin takes only 30 minutes, and you have several transport options:

• Bus: the cheapest way to get to almost any point in Dublin and across Ireland is by bus. The airport is serviced by over 1,000 buses and coaches every day. Use the Transport for Ireland Journey Planner to find the best route.
• Car Rental: if you plan on driving across Ireland, you can use a car rental service. I recommend booking in advance to get the best offers. If the rental company is located near the airport (many of them are), you can just pick up your car and drive to your accommodation.
• Taxi: there are plenty of metered taxis outside the airport ready to take you to your destination.
• Airport Transfer: the most comfortable way to get to Dublin is to book an airport pickup and have a chauffeur wait for you at the terminal.

Another popular route, particular from Britain, is to take the ferry. It’s better for your carbon footprint and gives a sense of scale. Ferries leave from Liverpool in England, Holyhead in Wales, and Douglas on the Isle of Man to Ireland’s capital of Dublin.

How to Get Around in Ireland

Renting a car is a good idea, but it may not be for everyone. Consider that in the Republic of Ireland, people drive on the left side of the road, and the country lanes are narrow and winding. If you are OK with that, then freedom and flexibility will be yours. Make sure you check out our Road Trip Planner & Toolkit © to make the most of it.

If driving yourself is going to give you palpitations and a stomach ulcer, here are your other options.

Ireland’s buses cover both big cities and small towns and villages, but you will need to have patience on your side. Particularly in rural locations, you may find long waits between pickups and you’ll have to be ready to walk a fair way to reach each bus stop.

Rail services between the big cities, like Dublin to Belfast, are pretty good but trains won’t help you so much in the west when you’re trying to navigate along the Wild Atlantic Way or out to the Aran Islands.

While Ireland is a very safe country to visit and travel around, public transport can make it hard to see the best of the country. If you’re not too keen on driving yourself then joining a group tour can be the perfect solution. On my latest trip, I travelled with Globus and you can find out all the details about that their guided trip through Ireland here.

Day 1 – Arrive in Dublin

Use your first day in Ireland to get your bearings in Dublin. It’s a fun, fab city with an easily walkable centre and plenty of things to do.

Recover from jet lag if you need to. This 8 day Ireland itinerary brings you back to Dublin at the end, so don’t feel you’re missing out.

• See 9 unusual things to do in Dublin here.

Where to Stay in Dublin

If you’re booked onto a group tour, like this one from Globus, then they will book accommodation in one of their group hotels. Otherwise, here are some recommendations.

• Luxury: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
• Mid-Range: Number 31
• Budget: Jacobs Inn Hostel

Day 2 – Dublin – Kilbeggan – Athlone – Westport

The Ireland itinerary begins!

Head to Kilbeggan, where you will find the oldest distillery in the country. The week long Ireland itinerary continues with a stop in Athlone and ends in Westport with a hearty dinner and a good sleep. Ready for the next day’s venture along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Tour the Old Kilbeggan Distillery

1 hour and 10 minutes from Dublin by car

Right in the heart of Ireland, the small town of Kilbeggan attracts tourists every year with its century-old, still-functional whiskey distillery. Founded in 1757, according to many, it’s the oldest distillery in Ireland (Dear Readers, you’re going to hear a lot of claims to being old in Ireland. It’s not a youth kinda game.)

Anyway, in Kilbeggan, you’ve got brick walls, a water wheel, and ghost stories to complete the somewhere between medieval and gothic atmosphere.

The distillery offers three tour options, depending on how much time you have on your hands:

• Distiller’s Tour (1.5 hours) – takes you to the old warehouse and allows you to meet the distillers behind Ireland’s most famous drink. The tour ends with a Masterclass in tasting four of the most iconic Irish whiskies. If you are driving, you will get a small sample you can enjoy safely when you reach your destination.
• Bottle Your Own Experience (30 minutes) – you’ve got the chance to bottle a special cask strength, single malt whiskey which is only possible to buy at the distillery. During this experience, you will use the valinch to extract the whisky from the cask and fill a 20cl or 70cl bottle. Apply the label yourself and take this wonderful souvenir home. The tour is not included in this package, so make sure to book it separately.
• Apprentice Tour (45 minutes) – held mostly outdoors, this guided tour takes you to see the waterwheel and steam engine, which are the heart of the distillery. You will learn how the whisky is produced and matured, and even get to sample it on a beautiful platform overlooking the River Brosna.

Stop for a Coffee and a Treat at Kilbeggan Handmade Chocolate

Just across from the distillery, you will find a small but distinct coffee shop. Worth a visit, if possible, for fresh coffee, sandwiches, cakes, and homemade chocolate. And in the Irish tradition, the owners may pull up a chair and start chatting with ya.

Discover Athlone: home of Ireland’s oldest bar

24 minutes from Kilbeggan by car

Right in the middle of Ireland, Athlone is a lively town where every building seems to have a story, – and many of them actually do.

From the 12th-century castle that dominates the view to the 19th-century workhouse from Ireland’s darkest hours in the famine, you’ll find more than 1000 years of history condensed into one small town on the Shannon River.

The highlight, though, is the oldest pub in Ireland. Notching up an impressive 1100 years of serving pints and calling time, Sean’s Bar is worth a visit, even if you don’t drink.

Athlone Castle Visitor Centre

Start your Athlone itinerary at the Athlone Castle Visitor Centre on the west bank of the River Shannon. Behind the fortified walls, you will find interactive spaces that take you back to the dark times of Athlone when the city was the scene for a series of bloody battles.

At Athlone Castle, you can experience:

• a walk across the centuries that tells the story of the castle and the town in chronological order, using games and dress-up activities;
• a re-enactment of the siege of Athlone in 1690 and 1691 through a breathtaking 360-degree audio-visual presentation;
• a tour of tenor John Count McCormack’s life through the artefact collection exposed inside the castle;
• good coffee and a place to rest your feet after strolling around the 8-century-old rooms;
• thematic festivals with live music and historic re-enactments if you are visiting in the summer.

Reserve 1 hour to 1.5 hours for this attraction.

Church of Saints Peter & Paul

Once you are out of the castle, head to the Church of Saints Peter & Paul, which is just a few steps away. This splendid 20th-century building bursts with statues and antiquities. Close to the altar, look for the stained-glass windows on both sides of the interior. Produced by Richard King in the Harry Clarke workshop, they are considered the stars of this place. Reserve at least 10 minutes for this experience.

Luan Gallery

With floor-to-ceiling windows that open toward the majestic Shannon River, the Luan Gallery is the perfect place for art lovers. It showcases the most in-vogue artists of the midlands, Ireland, and even from outside the country, with collections that change every two months. There is no entry fee, and you can also get a tour of the gallery, which is free as well. Take 30 minutes to discover the paintings and sculptures and even get acquainted with some of the artists.

Where to Eat in Athlone

Grogan’s of Glasson Pub & Restaurant – with a nice pub atmosphere, great food, and cold pints, this place is perfect for lunch. Try their delicious Sunday roast with traditional gravy, or on weekdays, tuck into one of their pies.

Where to Drink in Athlone

Sean’s Bar, dating back to 900 AD, is the oldest pub in Ireland. That’s according to representatives from the Guinness Book of Records and it may even be the oldest pub in the world – since nowhere older has been found yet.

As you enter the bar, with its open-turf fireplace and bands performing in the corner, you instantly know there’s something special about this place. Sawdust on the floor, US Fire Department badges in cases, low ceilings and an atmospheric kind of gloom, it even displays a portion of a wall that dates back to the 10th century.

Here’s the place to order a pint of Guinness or an Irish coffee (cream and whiskey) and sit back and enjoy the Irish music. And if you’re too early for performers, staff will chat away with you for hours.

Reaching Westport

2 hours from Athlone by car

You’ll arrive just around twilight, for the chance to stretch your legs in the atmospheric town centre before it’s time for dinner and dancing.

Where to sleep in Westport

• Mid-range: The Wyatt Hotel is right in the heart of Westport and has an old inn vibe with a cosy lounge and lovely restaurant.
• Mid-range: t he Mariner Westport is also very popular, with its contemporary décor and impeccable rooms.
• Luxury: Knockranny House Hotel & Spa with its restful restaurant offering a stunning view of the Nephin Mountains to the north and Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay’s islands to the west.

If you want to dine outside your hotel after strolling around central Westport, try Sage Restaurant for gourmet dishes or The Pantry & Corkscrew for a more traditional meal.

Day 3 – Westport & Around

Westport offers many possibilities, and you can choose to either explore the town or get a taste of the famous Wild Atlantic Way on the West Coast of Ireland.

Here are your options:

Explore Achill Island

Lace up your hiking boots, grab that waterproof and prepare to be impressed.

The scenery is, quite simply, staggering. And that’s in a country full of outstanding scenery. Even on blustery days, the blue waters of the ocean that rage and dance amid rugged cliffs makes even the jaded stop and stare.

Drive through Newport and Mallaranny on the Greenway that links them to Achill Sound, the crossing point to Achill Island.

Stop for lunch in Keel and make sure you walk on the charcoal dust striped sand at Keem.

E-bike Tour to Newport and Back

Alternatively, an e-bike trip can help you to get out and explore. You can hire a self-guided tour and get a map with the route to follow and the best places to visit. Expect countryside views and plenty of sheep.

Irish Soda Bread-Baking Experience

If that all sounds a bit too outdoors or active, then book a bread-and-scone-making experience with Mary and Carmel. You will be welcomed into their professional kitchen to make bread and scones from a centuries old recipe. The two hosts will guide you through the process while telling you stories about the beautiful island of Ireland.

The chat continues when your baked goods are ready. Enjoy them with a cup of tea and a plate of the scones you just made. Plus, butter and jam. So much warmth!

Day 4 – Westport – Kylemore – Galway

It’s straight on to Galway today, with one very important stop along the way.

Visit the Benedictine Abbey in Kylemore

1 hour from Westport by car

As you take the Wild Atlantic Way to Connemara, a slight detour will take you to Kylemore Abbey, where a grand, stately building rises out of the mist. Built during the late 19th century by a wealthy businessman out of love for his wife Margaret, this estate began as a private home before becoming a gothic nunnery and chocolate producer.

The Victorian gardens alone had 21 heated glass rooms and a team of 40 gardeners to match. Inside, life-size figures and voiceovers try to bring the tragic story of Kylemore to life.

Stop at the café for handmade chocolates before heading out to visit the small church and the gardens. This visit can last from one hour (if you are just breezing through) to an entire afternoon if take your time to explore the gardens and learn more about their restoration. It’s also a great place to shop for authentic Irish souvenirs, with high quality products from local artisans. Plus, some ubiquitous fun, green tat.

Take care with the chocolate cake, though. Slices come in sizes as big as your head!

Go on to Galway

1.5 hours from Kylemore by car

Galway is a fun little city with an outward outlook and a great place for a food tour as a result. With half a day here, you have two main options:

Book a Culinary Tour with a Local Expert

Local guides know how to find the best bites, so book a tour with the aptly named Galway Food Tours and taste your way through the city’s history. Learn the grisly history behind the Blood Red Ale at The King’s Head, taste the spirit of invention with turnip sushi and stock up on one of Ireland’s favourites: gin flavoured Murphy’s ice cream.

And finally, don’t forget the hookers. They’re special oyster gathering boats (of course) who give their name to many a food and sports team across the city.

This was a fantastic, fun tour and I found it through one of the Globus options.

Book a Walking Tour to See the Main Attractions

Stroll around the medieval city of Galway with a tour guide who can tell you the story of each place.

Discover Lynch’s Castle, hidden in plain sight right in the middle of the city and stop at the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas to see the signs of the iconoclasm of the soldiers of Oliver Cromwell.

Other noteworthy spots are the 19th-century old Courthouse and Town Hall, the magnificent Galway cathedral built on the site of an old prison, and the Galway Museum, housing over 1,000 artefacts related to local history.

Where to Stay in Galway

• Luxury: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate
• Mid-Range: Galway Bay Hotel
• Budget: The Nest Boutique Hostel

Where to Eat in Galway

If you took the food tour, you won’t need anything else to eat! But if you skipped it, John Keogh’s Gastropub comes recommended for its amazing 6-hour slow-roast shoulder of lamb.

Day 5 – Day Trip to the Aran Islands

New day, new energy, and new stunning landscapes to discover.

The fifth day of this 8 day Ireland itinerary begins with a ferry trip to Inis Mór (pronounced Inishmore,) the largest of the Aran Islands.

It is up to you whether you want to experience a scenic drive on your own or book a tour with a local driver-guide who knows exactly where to take you. With limited time, I’d suggest joining a tour to see the highlights and natural beauty of the island.

Visit the Historical Sites around Inis Mór

First up, whatever you do, do not miss this: the ancient hill fort that drops abruptly into the ocean.

This is Dún Aonghasa or Dun Aengus, with an honestly breathtaking view over the churning waters of the Atlantic, built over 3000 years ago. Seriously, breath is taken away once you realise just how close to the edge you are allowed to walk on slippery, well-worn stone. It’s stunning but you may not breathe normally until you’re away from the edge.

It’s a short hike to reach the top, so bring sturdy shoes and a bottle of water in the summer. Also, once again, there is no barrier by the edge so tread carefully as you are looking at an 87-meter drop into the abyss…

The Seven Churches

Continue your exploration to the Na Seacht dTeampaíll (The Seven Churches) to see… two churches built in the 8th and 15th centuries respectively. So why the name? No-one really knows but this legend sounds the most likely.

The landscape continues to be fantastic with a hint of gothic that will give you chills.

Buy a Traditional Sweater

The middle Aran Island is famous for its picturesque cottages and traditional woolly jumpers. Though sweet to look at, there’s a haunting story behind them. The distinctive patterns, individual to each household, made it easier for family members to identify relatives who drowned and whose bodies were found later. But you don’t need to focus on that when you appreciate the craftsmanship and ability to stay warm!

You can also visit the other, smaller, Aran Islands but it will take some time and coordination to make sense of the ferry services. Personally, for this 8 day Ireland itinerary, I’d recommend slowing down and just visiting Inis Mor instead.

Day 6 – Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Rathbaun Farm – Dublin

You are slowly getting close to the end of your itinerary, so in geographical terms, we’re now turning around and heading back to Dublin.

But first, there’s one of the most famous spots in Ireland to visit and a 200-year-old farm to explore. Get ready for day six with a pair of boots and a jacket…

Let Your Jaw Drop at the Sight of the Cliffs of Moher

Right in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare, one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural monuments braves the Atlantic Ocean. As you take the Doolin Cliff Walk on a well-worn trail to the Visitor Centre, you can already feel the fresh air filling your lungs and the landscape unfolding before you.

But you are still not there yet. Buy a ticket or show the one you’ve bought online, and step onto the 668-foot-high cliff to look down at the waves crashing into its limescale base. With the ocean beneath you and seabirds flying above, it’s a time slowing moment of reflection in nature – albeit one you share with 1.6 million or so visitors each year.

Enjoy a Warm Lunch at the Rathbaun Farm

First, a quick warning. This visit is something that you can only do as part of the tour with Globus. But I’m talking about it here because it offers a lovely glimpse into rural life in Ireland.

This 200 year old farm serves up food like my Irish grandmother used to make: sliced ham, boiled eggs, bread and a simple salad, with hot tea or coffee and a piece of homemade cake before you wander around the farm.

The Rathbaun Farm has been in operation here for over 200 years, making it something of a newcomer in Irish farming terms. But between the lambs and the sheepdogs, the vegetable patches and the views, it’s a welcome break from the more crowded tourist trail. All finished off with a cosy turf fire.

Day 7 – Dublin

The final stop on your 8 day Ireland itinerary is Dublin: a fascinating city rich in Nobel prize winners, UNESCO literary heritage, history and, yes, Guinness.

Bustling with historic pubs and monuments, busy markets, and amazing nightlife, the capital city is the perfect place to spend at least a full day. Let’s take a look at what you can do.

First, the traditional highlights…

O’Connell Street

Start the day with an Irish breakfast on Dublin’s most famous street, then stroll around to discover the monuments that tell the history of the city. The most imposing is The Spire, also called the Monument of Light, reaching 120 meters into the sky. Next up is the statue of Daniel O’Connell and the 1818 General Post Office building where the Proclamation of the Republic was read.

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Over 800-years old, this grandiose medieval cathedral was said to the be the place where St. Patrick baptised Christian converts 1500 years ago. It is also the burial place for one of Ireland’s most famous writers, Jonathan Swift, author of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ and ‘A Modest Proposal’. Why here? Well, Swift was once the Dean.

Trinity College

No trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the cobbled quad and columns of Trinity College. This elite seat of learning saw Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift, William Trevor, and many other important literary personalities spend their youth in pursuit of their studies. It’s also home to one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, whose centrepiece is the 9th century manuscript: the Book of Kells.

Kilmainham Gaol

It’s a little way from the city centre but it highlights the history of those who took part in the 1916 Easter Rising, widely seen as the trigger for the independence of Ireland from rule in Westminster.

As you step inside this former prison, you almost feel the rage of the rebels once held here.

Guinness Storehouse Factory

Yes, it’s iconic. And, yes, it’s worth a visit.

Book a tour of the Guinness Storehouse Factory and discover seven floors of Irish brewing history. Learn how the Guinness family brought this beer to fame, and don’t leave before enjoying a cold pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar at the top. It’s an intoxicating mix of food and advertising history, all intertwined with the story of Dublin itself.

Dublin Castle

End the day at Dublin Castle, a place which has served as the main residence for both the Irish and English administrations over the years. Time will be short at this point, so book a tour guide to help you focus on the state apartments and Chapel Royal.

For more detail, check out our two days in Dublin itinerary here.

Day 8 – Dublin

The departure day is always the saddest, but don’t let the nostalgia hit you until you board your plane. Enjoy a final Irish breakfast (sausages, eggs, hash browns and bacon) and consider taking in these more unusual things to do in Dublin.

If you have more time, add these to your Ireland itinerary

Ireland is a small country, but not small enough to see it all in one week. Here’s what you can do next!

• Connemara National Park – a day trip from Galway takes you to a huge park with spectacular walking trails and outdoor activities. Stop off in Ashford Castle nearby.
• The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry – once declared by National Geographic as ‘the most beautiful place on earth,’ the cast of Star Wars paid a visit here after hearing about its stunning landscapes.
• Killarney National Park in County Kerry – nature lovers, birdwatchers, hikers and kayakers will have a great time here.
• The Ring of Kerry – a 179-kilometre-long circuit that will take you to some of the most beautiful places in Count yKerry, like Muckross House and Ross Castle.
• Rock of Cashel – if you are heading to Cork, stop in County Tipperary to see this magical castle set amidst dramatic scenery.
• Blarney Castle – one of Ireland’s most imposing medieval castles, this place houses the Stone of Eloquence or the Blarney Stone. Kiss it and you will receive great power, apparently.
• Cork City in County Cork – the second largest city in Ireland, Cork is colourful, lively, and full of history.
• EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin – learn more about the history of the Irish diaspora and what these people brought with them when they returned.
• Wicklow Mountains National Park – for hikers and nature lovers who don’t want to drive too far from Dublin, this place has everything, from amazing scenery to birdwatching.
• Belfast – the capital of Northern Ireland has history, architecture, landscapes and more. Plus, the world class museum about The Titanic.

More Travel Articles about Ireland

• The best way to plan your itinerary through Ireland
• 25 best things to bring back from Ireland
• Quirky, fun and unusual things to do in Dublin
• Your perfect itinerary to see Dublin in two days

22 Travel Tips For Ireland For First-Time Visitors

Categories Travel Guides

Going to Ireland for the first time? This lush green country, aptly named ‘ Emerald Isle ’ sure packs a punch when it comes to attractions.

There are diverse landscapes, ancient archeological structures, old churches and lots of castles . It’s not the biggest country in the world but daunting nonetheless.

Ireland is an easy country to get around in, the Irish are warm and accommodating, and going there looks like a huge epic adventure. Make the most of your trip by taking into consideration these travel tips for Ireland.

Things you'll find in this article

Travel Tips Before Going to Ireland 

Travel tips for staying in ireland , travel tips in eating in ireland , travel tips getting around ireland, travel tips for enjoying ireland .

1. Ireland is a great place to visit any time of the year because of its mild, temperate climate.

However, if you want to be sure that most attractions are accessible or open, the best time to visit is during the shoulder season.

These are months that are in between the peak and low seasons. There’s March to May and September to November . During these months, temperatures are still mild, tourist sites are less congested and you’d definitely enjoy the beauty of the Emerald Isle.

2. Ireland is beautiful at any time of the year but it also has pretty unpredictable weather. Expect rain, even during summer.

It’s best to be always prepared so pack an umbrella, slip-proof shoes, a cardigan, and a waterproof jacket to stay warm and dry. Check out this packing list for Ireland for all seasons . 

Dark Hedges, Image by Christine Rogador

3. Don’t forget to bring your adapter plug, especially if you travel with multiple electronic devices.

You would surely want to capture and document your trip so your cellphone and camera needs to be fully charged before you leave your hostel or hotel. Pack your adapter to help save time while in Ireland with a busy itinerary. 

4. An essential advice not just when traveling to Ireland but to any other country is to buy travel insurance.

Good travel insurance will protect you and take care of you when you get sick or injured while traveling, as well as during theft and cancellations.

It is pretty much your very own comprehensive protection if anything goes wrong while you’re on vacation. Never go on any trip without it. 

5. Make sure to check first if you need a visa to go to Ireland to avoid unnecessary inconveniences. For Philippine passport holders like me, you can check out this guide on how to apply for Ireland Tourist Visa for Filipinos. 

6. If you’re looking for an easy way to save some cash while in Ireland, it’s best to stay in a hostel. They’re cheap, give you access to the bare necessities and usually includes free breakfast. Check out this list of places to stay by cities . 

7. However, even if it’s slightly pricier, a bed and breakfast is a great option as well. You get to stay in a homey atmosphere, and has additional opportunities to interact with locals.

Bed and breakfasts and guesthouses also often serve Irish food instead of getting them in pricier restaurants outside. These accommodations are often in old or historic houses, some are even in castles. 

8. You can also combine your accommodation choices. For example, stay in a hostel when in big cities like Dublin or Belfast, then book a guesthouse then in smaller cities or towns. 

9. Take advantage of the free food, especially free breakfast in your accommodations. Be sure to eat right before going anywhere. 

10. Ireland has some cool low-cost local supermarkets. Take advantage of these by buying some basic pick-me-ups like canned or bottled juice, cereal bars, digestive biscuits, and crisps.

They come in handy when you get hungry in between exploring sights or during long-distance trips to the countryside. 

11. A great way to save some cash is to eat early, whether it’s lunch or dinner. Many restaurants in Ireland offer budget lunch nor dinner to the’early birds’ and they’re cheaper.

There isn’t a lot of options though as they’re usually set meals. It is another way to experience local cuisine, too! 

12. Try at least any of the food and drinks that Ireland is known for. Have the traditional Irish breakfast , some stew, bangers, and mash or even fish and chips.

Have a pint of Guinness, a glass of whiskey or Irish coffee. Trying these definitely adds to the experience. 

13. Ireland has excellent public transportation, so take advantage of it especially in the big cities. Most offer free wifi, have friendly drivers and are known to always arrive on time. 

14. If you want to save more, get a LEAP card . This is a card you can top up to use on Ireland’s public transportation. With the card, you get discounts on fares compared to cash tickets. It’s very useful in Dublin and Belfast as well as Cork , Galway , Limerick , and Waterford . 

You can also get a Dublin Pass that will give you access to over 30 attractions in Dublin for free and a hop-off and hop-on bus tour. You can get it Dublin Pass . 

15. If you’d like to explore Ireland past the big cities at your own pace, it is best to rent a car. It’s quite easy to rent a car in Ireland and in the long run, it will be your cheapest option. 

Renting (or hiring) a car is also a fantastic way to see most of the Emerald Isle as there’s a lot of scenic drives going from one city or town to another. If you’re unfamiliar with driving rules in Ireland, you can check out this guide for driving in Ireland . 

Where to Book: Rentalcars.

16. Try ridesharing, which is another lowcost means of transportation for visitors in Ireland.

Here, you only have to pass a small background check to get approved. The drivers who rideshare are also registered and vetted. Once approved, the driver will pick you up.

With this option, you only need to pitch in for gas. Two good ridesharing apps you can try are BlaBlaCar and CarpoolWorld

17. Be sure to get a Heritage card — it’s a card you can to up and gives you access to some of the best attractions across Ireland. Specifically, the Heritage card gives free admission to site managed by the Office of Public Works.

These include Dublin Castle , Ennis Friary, the Iveagh Gardens, Glenveagh National Park, Killarney National Park, Ross Castle , and more. This is valid for a year so you can explore as much as you want here.

18. When in cafes, restaurants or even spas, know that Ireland does not have a set culture on tipping.  However, a few euros will be very much appreciated easily especially for exceptional service. Check out this tipping tips for Ireland.  

19. Don’t drink too much when in a pub. If you’re trying to save but want to experience Ireland’s pub culture, go ahead and order a pint of Guinness. Pub drinks are a bit pricer, so stick to just one pint.

A fantastic way to do this is to find a pub with a great atmosphere and especially one with a band that features traditional Irish music. Then, you can order one drink and enjoy the rest of the evening

20. Talk to as many locals as possible — in your hotel or bed and breakfast, a pub or wherever you happen to be. The Irish are a friendly, accommodating lot and are happy to help out visitors to their country. 

21. You should absolutely visit Northern Ireland . It’s a long drive bit truly worth it. Visit Belfast, drive along the Causeway Coastal Route or see the gorgeous town of Portrush . 

22. Ireland is 32,595 square miles (84,421 square kilometers) and is packed full of sights. Pace yourself and don’t squeeze ten attractions in a single day or two.

When in Ireland, you may opt to visit just a few sights or try around two interesting activities in a day. Be sure to really enjoy and savor each place you visit. 

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

The Ultimate 10 Day Ireland Itinerary: Ireland Road Trip Extravaganza

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

10 Day Ireland Itinerary Map 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin.

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

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

Day 2: Explore Dublin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rock of Cashel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what to expect at either place.

Option 1: County Waterford + County Wexford

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

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

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

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

Where We Stayed in County Wexford

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

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

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

Check rates & book your stay at Inishross House!

Option 2: Cork, Cobh & Blarney Castle

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

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

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

Where We Stayed Near Cork

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

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

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

Check rates & book your stay at Find Us Farmhouse!

Day 5: Visit Killarney National Park.

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

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

Muckross House

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

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

Torc Waterfall

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

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

Ladies View

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

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

Muckross Abbey

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

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

Lakes of Killarney

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

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

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

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

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

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

Option 1: Slea Head Drive + Dingle Peninsula

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

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

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

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

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

Option 2: The Ring of Kerry

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

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

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

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

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

Option 3: The Ring of Beara

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Explore Doolin + the Cliffs of Moher.

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

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

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

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

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

Book your Cliffs of Moher cruise today!

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9: Drive the Causeway Coastal Route.

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

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

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

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

Book your Game of Thrones tour of Northern Ireland today!

Dunluce Castle

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

Giant’s Causeway

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

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

Grab your tickets to Giant’s Causeway today!

Mussenden Temple

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

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

Carrick-a-Rede

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

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

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

The Dark Hedges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rent the smallest car you possibly can.

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

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

Keep an eye out for bikers and pedestrians.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speed limits are only loosely correlated with safe driving speeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With One Week in Ireland

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

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

With 2 Weeks in Ireland

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

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

With 3 Weeks in Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[convertkit form=3386186]

About Kate Storm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Onni!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So glad it was helpful!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you have a wonderful time!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much, Rob!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Ultimate Ireland Itinerary: 12 Days on the Emerald Isle

Planning a trip to Ireland with my mom in 2018 was a blast. We had a lot of fun looking at potential places to go and creating our Ireland itinerary together, bonding over our mutual love of Irish pubs, music, and food. Our family is almost entirely Irish, and we were looking forward to visiting the country and discovering the place our ancestors came from. We were pretty nervous too, especially about driving on the left side of the road, but my mom did great! The trip was incredible, featuring some of Ireland’s most iconic places and rolling green hills. We also had some tough moments, like getting lost on the Wild Atlantic Way and contracting food poisoning. Regardless, our trip was one for the books, so I wanted to share our Ireland itinerary with all of you.

Table of Contents

Ireland Itinerary Map

This post contains affiliate links .

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

We arrived in Dublin in the early afternoon giving us about half a day to explore a little. While I fell in love with Dublin immediately, my mom was a bit disappointed. She hadn’t realized how large of a city Dublin is and wasn’t expecting the bustling metropolis we arrived in. I think it grew on her by the end.

Activities in Dublin

Our first stop was the Jameson Distillery . Neither my mom nor myself are big whiskey drinkers, but we had a blast here. When tasting whiskey from around the world, we realized very quickly that Jameson was our new favorite. Mixed with a little ginger ale, we had found one of our new favorite cocktails.

One of the things we were looking forward to most was the nightlife. We were desperate to find a cute pub with lively traditional Irish music. The Temple Bar area of Dublin did not disappoint.

Lodging in Dublin

We stayed at the perfect Airbnb in Dublin. It was an easy commute to the bus stop from the airport and right in the center of Temple Bar. We could easily walk everywhere in the city from this central location.

Day 2: Explore Dublin

More Activities in Dublin

We started our morning off at Trinity College . We wanted to see the famous Book of Kells and walk through the incredible library. I had seen photos of the beautiful college online and read about what to expect, but my mom was blissfully unaware. Honestly, I think she would have preferred to skip it when I said we were going to see a bunch of old books. Once we arrived, however, she was completely entranced. Neither of us could stop looking up and staring at the beautiful wooden ceiling and admiring the seemingly endless shelves of centuries-old books.

Next, we wanted to explore Irish culture (and our own heritage) with a trip to the Emigration Museum (EPIC) . This is without a doubt the coolest museum I have ever been to. The exhibits were interactive, providing endless amounts of fun. We wandered the halls and stamped our passports along the way to make sure we didn’t miss a single attraction. I learned so much about Ireland with one short visit.

Finally, after lunch at  Buskers , we walked over to St. James Gate and the Guinness Storehouse. We preferred our experience at the Jameson Distillery since it was a smaller establishment with a more personal tour. The highlight was the 360-degree panoramic view of Dublin from the bar on the top floor (and the free beer).

Finish the night off by pub-hopping in Temple Bar once again. Try Brazen Head for dinner and Porterhouse or Badbobs for music and brews. It’s your last night in Dublin, so you’ll want to make the most of it, but save your energy for a big day of travel ahead!

Day 3: Dublin to Cork

Renting a Car

Since we were so nervous about driving on the left, we wanted to avoid driving in the big city of Dublin. This also saved us two days of paying for a rental car. After waking up on our third day in Ireland, we headed back to the airport to pick up a rental car I had reserved. I was confident  I had reserved an automatic, but when we arrived they had a manual waiting for me. It’s a bit embarrassing, but as a true millennial American, I cannot drive a car with manual transmission. So, instead of forking over $1,000 more for an automatic, my mom agreed to drive the entire trip to save us the money. We were off to see the rest of the island.

Dublin —> Wicklow Mountains National Park —> Kilkenny —> Cork

After leaving Dublin and navigating our way through endless roundabouts, we stopped for a little snack at Armoury Cafe in Glencree, just outside  Wicklow Mountains National Park . Driving through the scenic park was our ultimate test for driving on the left. I could tell my mom was nervous and stressed as the roads seemed to get narrower and narrower. I had been looking forward to seeing some sights here, such as Glendalough , but when we arrived I was confused on where to go and what to see. It also cost extra, which I didn’t expect, so we opted to keep driving and enjoying the views.

We stopped in the absolutely adorable town of Kilkenny for lunch. Kilkenny is your typical Irish town with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored doors. It’s one I hope to return to someday and explore further. Here, we caught glimpses of both the Kilkenny Castle and the  Rock of Cashel . We wanted to make it to Cork before dark, so we didn’t have time to explore either one, but we did take photos of their gorgeous exteriors.

Lodging in Cork

Ireland’s second largest city is another with lots to explore. Being centrally located at this Airbnb is most helpful, but expect parking to be hard to find and you’ll have to walk up lots of narrow stairs. We wandered around town and tried to find pubs similar to those in Temple Bar, but were a bit disappointed. We did have dinner at a nice spot by the river where live music was playing. With more time in Cork , we would have visited the Jameson Distillery there as well.

Day 4: Cork to Glengarriff

Cork —> Kinsale —> Glengarriff

After wandering through Cork’s English Market for breakfast, we were on our way to the famous Blarney Castle . After climbing through its narrow winding stairways, we were treated to glorious views of the countryside on a rare sunny day in Ireland. We kissed the Blarney Stone for tradition’s sake and wandered the grounds, discovering a large mansion and beautiful trees and gardens.

Next, we stopped in a town I’d been looking forward to ever since I read about it while planning the trip: Kinsale . This adorable little village is said to be Ireland’s foodie capital, and we were not disappointed. It’s possibly my favorite place in Ireland with its perfect location right along the Atlantic Ocean and it’s brightly colored buildings. Plus, the food was indeed incredible.

This was where we picked up Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way , its scenic route along the beautiful coastline. It took us through some of the most beautiful coastal scenes I had ever witnessed and to the historic Drombeg Stone Circle . Stopping here , I couldn’t help but fantasize about  Outlander even though I wasn’t in Scotland anymore.

We continued on beautiful winding roads, some a bit scary for us since we were still new to driving on the left. Every time an oncoming car drove up, my mom cowered and pulled over a bit too far to the left for my comfort as the left-side passenger. We were also fooled a few times by the blue Wild Atlantic Way signs and ended up lost with little room to turn around and find our way. Eventually, we got back onto the main motorway in order to reach our destination of Glengarriff before dark.

Lodging in Glengarriff

I’ll be honest, Glengarriff wasn’t my favorite town and this Airbnb wasn’t my favorite place to stay. It was incredibly difficult to find since the photo isn’t very helpful. The town lacked options in terms of both lodging and restaurants, so we made do with what we had. On the bright side, the Wi-Fi was good enough for me to book a ticket back to Alaska upon my return to the States .

Day 5: Glengarriff to Killarney

Glengarriff —> Killarney

We left Glengarriff as quickly as we could and set our sights on one of Ireland’s more unique attractions: the Dursey Island Cable Car . The only cable car in the country connects the mainland to Dursey Island, home to only six permanent residents. We enjoyed the cable car ride, but it was rickety and we were a bit worried about returning.

Next, we fled for the beautiful but touristy town of Killarney and its famous Killarney National Park . We stopped at a sheep farm and watched the sheep run and play, then continued on for a short hike to a waterfall. The perfect way to end the day was a pint and a slice at Killarney Brewing Company, which served delicious beer and pizza.

Lodging in Killarney

Taking a break from our traditional Airbnb lodging, we opted to stay at Dan Linehan’s , a hotel above one of Killarney’s bars. We enjoyed our stay here in a quaint room in the center of town.

Day 6: Killarney to Tralee

Killarney —> Ring of Kerry—> Skellig Ring—> Tralee

Continuing with our great weather streak, we headed on to drive the famous Ring of Kerry and its neighboring Skellig Ring . The views did not disappoint and we immediately understood why the drives are so famous.

I had given up on the idea of visiting the Skellig Islands , famous for appearing in the most recent  Star Wars films, long before the trip began due to time constraints. However, when we arrived and the weather was outstanding, we went for it. We weren’t able to disembark, but we did ride a boat all around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig for fabulous views of the monk settlements and birds, including puffins.

We stopped for a quick bite to eat in Tralee and it was some of the best food we had on our trip. Then, we drove to our castle for the evening.

Lodging in Tralee

If there was one thing my mom and I agreed upon while setting our Ireland itinerary, it was that we wanted to stay in a castle. Ireland had a few castle-turned-hotel options, but they cost a pretty penny. We decided to splurge for just one night at Ballyseede , and we’re both extremely glad we did.

Day 7: Tralee to Cliffs of Moher

Tralee —> Dingle —> Cliffs of Moher

Day 7 will be filled with a lot of driving if you intend to follow our itinerary. It may help if you don’t lose your car keys when you stop to pet lambs in Dingle , but nonetheless, have some snacks in the car in case you, like us, find yourselves starving and skipping dinner in favor of a good night’s sleep.

We had been looking forward to the Dingle Peninsula for no other reason than its funny name. I had heard it was beautiful, perhaps even more so than the Ring of Kerry, but after driving that route and the Skellig Ring I found it hard to believe. I’d have to say they are tied in my book; it is impossible for me to choose a favorite. What I will say is that I loved the town of Dingle more than the town of Portrush on the Skellig Ring. Its distillery was great fun to tour (and we got a bit of a buzz), the restaurants were better, and the buildings more colorful like traditional Ireland.

Next, we began our long drive to the Cliffs of Moher. To save some time, we took the Shannon Ferry from Tarbert , which additionally added some fun. We didn’t reach our Airbnb until well past nightfall, and all of the restaurants in town were closed. Plan ahead if you’re driving such a long way.

Lodging on the Cliffs of Moher

This Airbnb is located in one of the most beautiful plots of land I have ever seen. The hosts were also kind enough to offer us food since we arrived so late.

Day 8: Cliffs of Moher to Galway

Cliffs of Moher —> Galway

The Cliffs of Moher was certainly the highlight of our eighth day . We thought it was incredibly windy, but the employees assured us that we lucked out with such a calm day. I’d recommend arriving here as early as possible since it is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. We arrived before all of the tour buses from Galway and Dublin, giving us time to quietly explore and avoid the crowds. Bring as many layers as you can – the winds are no joke!

Lodging in Galway

Our Airbnb in Galway had the perfect location. Again, there were lots of stairs to climb, but we couldn’t ask for a more centrally located spot.

Day 9: Galway to Portrush

Galway —> Portrush

This is the longest drive you’ll have if you follow our Ireland itinerary.

This was the day my mom and I contracted food poisoning , so sadly I don’t have much advice on things to do. We spent most of our time in the car and then we didn’t leave our hotel. However, we did get out to hike to Devil’s Chimney , or we thought we did. We actually found ourselves at Glencar Waterfall , which was beautiful all the same.

While we didn’t eat, I’d recommend stopping for lunch in Donegal on your way to  Derry  (Londonderry) in Northern Ireland , famous for its city walls and peace bridge. We did a quick drive through so I could glimpse these sites but opted not to stop since I was ill and my mom was starting to feel sick as well.

Lodging in Portrush

The hotel in Portrush had everything we needed on our ninth night: a bathroom.

Day 10: Portrush to Belfast

Portrush —> Causeway Coast —> Belfast

Thankfully, my mom and I were feeling well enough to continue on our way along the Causeway Coast . Our desire to see these famous places was the entire reason we decided to add Northern Ireland to our Ireland itinerary. You won’t want to miss the  Dunluce Castle and Wishing Arch, Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dark Hedges, Glenariff Forest, and The Gobbins on your way to Belfast.

Lodging in Belfast

Our Airbnb in Belfast was tucked away and a bit far from some of the attractions we hoped to see. It was also the most difficult to find compared to everywhere else we stayed on our trip. Lastly, there were (of course) narrow stairways leading to our room.

Day 11: Belfast to Dublin

Belfast —> Dublin

Return your rental car to Dublin airport upon arrival before continuing on to your hotel in order to avoid driving in the island’s largest city and saving money on your last day.

Belfast is an odd place. We walked around quite a bit and didn’t fall in love, to say the least. We went on your typical Black Cab Tour to see the memorials after such harsh and devastating conflicts. As promised, this was led by someone who had grown up during The Troubles. He kindly dropped us off at the Titanic Museum after showing us around town so we could explore the place the ship was built before heading back to Dublin.

If you have time, consider walking around town to see some of Belfast’s statues, like the Big Fish and C.S. Lewis Square . Additionally, stop by Brú na Bóinne on your way to Dublin for a glimpse into arts, tombs, and graves.

Sad face, it’s your last night in Ireland. We stayed right across the street from a bus stop in order to make our trip to the airport as easy as possible.

Day 12: Depart Dublin

Pack your bags, it’s time to head home. Maybe you have time for one more Irish breakfast before your flight? Remember to give yourself plenty of time at the airport in case of long lines or other hold-ups. I hope you enjoyed our Ireland itinerary and that it helps you plan your perfect trip!

Pin Ireland Itinerary

Book Your Travel

Subscribe today to download my free national parks checklists!  

Plus, you'll receive access to my resource library with exclusive content and my latest posts right to your inbox.

Author: Riley

23 Comments

Just Breathless, I can tell you that every picture is beautiful and I definitely love your site. The Rock Island is my favorite…

I’ve still never been to Ireland! This looks like such a good itinerary, hits all the places I want to see. 🙂

I can’t believe you’ve never been – it’s so close to Scotland!

Right?! It’s terrible!! Definitely this year though. 😉

I loved reading this post- I’ve wanted to go to Ireland for so long. Your photos are so beautiful!

Thank you! I hope you have a chance to visit Ireland soon.

Your mum is a right bloody Champ for driving the entire trip! Just out of curiosity since I want to do this trip myself.. how much does it cost to rent a car for 12 days?

I don’t remember off the top of my head, but it was surprisingly inexpensive! The price goes up exponentially if you want an automatic though.

My son and I did a 10-day road trip in Ireland last year concentrating on the southern half before visiting my sisters in Dublin. Reading your post has made me want to plan another one!

There are so many amazing places to go, it’s hard to fit so much into such a short amount of time!

Amazing travel plan! Ireland has been on my bucket list forever and this post is getting me one step closer to take the plunge. Thanks for sharing all the details.

I hope you have the chance to go soon! Ireland is incredible.

Those rocks also remind me of Outlander, too, lol! Ireland is on my list and this is a great itinerary!

I hope you make it to Ireland soon!

Reading this I definitely need to get to Ireland one of these days

I can’t believe you haven’t been!

I know right! It’s so close and looks amazing; one of those places I’ve always been meaning to visit!

Maybe after Alaska? 😬

Pingback: From Dublin to Cork: Exploring the East Coast of Ireland - Riley's Roves

Pingback: Traveling the Causeway Coastal Route in One Day - Riley's Roves

Pingback: Things to Do in Belfast, Northern Ireland - Riley's Roves

Pingback: The Best 12-Day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary • Riley's Roves

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Save my name, email, and site URL in my browser for next time I post a comment.

 Subscribe to Riley's email list

Receive Exclusive Content

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:

Nike v2k sneaker review, how to add step count to your …, the ferry building marketplace, swimming with penguins or sharks, 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

Every Island You Need to Visit in Ireland

Known as the Emerald Isle itself, Ireland has no shortage of islands sitting just off the coast. While Irish islands lack palm trees and tropical temperatures, they do have a special kind of rugged beauty which makes for a unique day trip from the mainland. Here is how to explore some of the best islands in Ireland , no matter if you are searching for a tourist-free paradise for hiking and wildlife spotting, or you want to sit down for a few pints at a seaside pub. 

Aran Islands

 Michelle McMahon / Getty Images

This small archipelago of three rocky islands lies at the mouth of Galway Bay off the west coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands are best known for the prehistoric ruins found there, including the remains of ancient forts like Dún Chonchúir on Inishmaan (the largest island in the chain). The archaeological sites here are some of the oldest in Ireland, but there is also a 14th-century castle and great natural beauty as well. About 1,200 people live on the Aran Islands and the area is Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region . Want to visit? Ferries leave from Rossaveal, Doolin and Galway Harbor. 

The Skelligs

 cryber / Getty Images

The Skelligs are two uninhabited islands off the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest County Kerry . Found about eight miles out to sea, the isolated location has an incredibly well preserved, early Christian monastery which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins are located on Great Skellig, also known as Skellig Michael ( Sceilig Mhichíl  in Irish). The smaller island, Little Skellig, is closed to the public, but it is possible to visit the monastery on Great Skellig by booking a boat tour from Portmagee between May and October. The monastery was built in the 6 th century and eventually abandoned in the 12 th century, however it has achieved more recent fame in the modern Star Wars movies which filmed the Skellig ruins for The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi .

Blasket Islands

AIMSTOCK / Getty Images

Considered the westernmost point of Europe, the Blasket Islands lie off the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. The islands are uninhabited, but they were once home to an Irish-speaking population. The last 22 residents were evacuated off the island by the Irish government in 1953 due to the harsh living conditions. Although no one lives there now, it is still possible to visit Great Blasket, the largest of the six islands, which are all visible from the mainland. The wild island makes a great day trip for hikes and beach walks, as well as bird and whale watching. Ferries leave from Dingle town or Dunquin Harbor during spring, summer, and autumn.

Garnish Island (or Ilnacullin)

Luke Abrahams / Getty Images 

Located in Glengarriff Harbor in Bantry Bay in County Cork, Garnish is a small, sheltered island that was once privately owned. Sometimes known by the name Ilnacullin, Garnish Island is famous for its beautiful landscaped gardens. The island was once owned by John Annan Bryce, a member of Parliament from Belfast. After buying Garish in 1910, the British politician worked with garden designer Harold Peto to create manicured Edwardian gardens on the Irish island paradise. Bryce’s son donated the manicured island to the Irish people in 1953. You can explore the extensive gardens by catching the ferry that leaves for Garnish Island from ​Glengarriff from March to October.

Achill Island

Cezary Zarebski / Getty Images 

Achill is the largest island off the coast of Ireland and one of the easiest to visit because it is attached to the mainland by the Michael Davitt Bridge. The bridge connects the villages of Achill Sound and Polranny in County Mayo . Achill Island has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age (about 4,000 BC) and still has a population of around 2,700 people. One of the most popular attractions on the island is Carrickkildavnet Castle, a fortified tower house from the 15 th century that was once owned by the power O’Malley family. In addition to villages and ruins, the island is known for its rugged natural beauty and has five Blue Flag beaches. The cliffs of Croaghaun on the western side of the island are some of the highest in Europe, and Slievemore mountain offers sweeping views out to sea.

Rathlin Island

Javiair Photography / Getty Images 

Rathlin Island is the only inhabited island off of Northern Ireland and happens to be the island that lies the furthest north as well. The L-shaped isle is just six miles long and one mile wide, which is more than enough space for the 150 residents who call Rathlin home. A ferry leaves from Ballycastle in ​ County Antrim to take daytrippers six miles across the Straits of Moyle to explore the island. Rathlin is a popular spot for seabirds and one of the best places in Ireland to catch a glimpse of Puffin colonies between April and July.  

Isle of Innisfree

Design Pics / Getty Images 

Most of the best islands in Ireland are found in the sea, but the Isle of Innisfree is a small island on Lough Gill in County Sligo. The tiny island was immortalized by the writer WB Yeats, who waxed poetic about the isle in his poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree.” While it is not possible to actually walk along the uninhabited island, it is possible to take a boat tour of the waters and around the shores in order to imagine the solitary life that Yeats’ dreamed of when he wrote: “ I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,   And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;   Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee, And live alone in the bee-loud glade."  The tours leave from Parke's Castle.

Sherkin Island

Pete Atkinson / Getty Images 

Sherkin Island (also known by its Irish name Inis Arcain) can be found in Roaringwater Bay in County Cork. The southern island has become an artist colony of sorts and many of its residents create and sell everything from fine art to local handicrafts. The island is best seen on foot and one major destination is Franciscan Abbey near the pier which dates back to 1460. To explore the less populated areas, rent a bicycle during the summer months and set out for the Silver Strand beach. Sherkin Island can be reached in about 10 minutes via ferry from the fishing port of Baltimore in southwest Cork. 

Coney Island

Garyle Strange / Getty Images 

There are no carnival rides or hot dog stands on Ireland’s Coney Island in County Sligo, but arriving at the small offshore outpost is an adventure in itself. At low tide, the island is accessible by car or horseback when Cummeen Strand is exposed. However, when the tide is in you will have to pay for a water taxi from the pier at Rosses Point in order to make the crossing. Local legend says that a sea captain who used to sail between Sligo and America dubbed New York’s Coney Island after his hometown island because both were teeming with wild rabbits. There is still plenty of open space on Coney Island that is perfect for picnics, or you can stop for a pint at the island’s single pub before making your way back to Sligo ahead of the tide.

Arranmore Island

Adam Webster / Getty Images 

Sitting three miles off the coast of County Donegal, Arranmore is a popular sea destination in Ulster. The clear Atlantic waters around the island are ideal for fishing and diving, but Arranmore also has a lake for freshwater fishing as well. The island is located in a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area) and of the 511 people living on Arranmore in 2011, more than half were native Irish speakers. During the summer, students flock to the island for intensive Irish language courses. Arranmore is most popular from June to August, but the ferry from Burtonport runs year-round. The journey is short but scenic, passing several smaller but uninhabited Irish islands before arriving in Arranmore.

Clare Island

Helen Lawson / Getty Images 

Sitting off the shore of County Mayo in Clew Bay, Clare Island is the birthplace of Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s famous pirate queen. When not attacking ships at sea, Grace was home at Granuaile's Castle, a fortified tower house that can be visited today. The fearsome O’Malley clan ruled the area in Middle Ages and founded an Abbey on the island where their family tomb is also located. The other main sight on Clare island, which has a small full-time population, is the historic lighthouse that has been converted into a B&B. Ferries leave from Roonagh Pier near the town Louisburgh on Clew Bay.

Peter McCabe / Getty Images 

Southwest of Clare Island, Inishturk lies nine miles out to sea off the coast of County Mayo. The first settlers probably arrived on this Atlantic island in 4,000 BC and a number of Beehive hut sites dating back to 1500 BC have been discovered. The island boasts beautiful cliff walks and a single community center that doubles as a pub and a library. Inishturk is also believed to have the smallest elementary school in Ireland where just three students enrolled in 2016. A daily ferry leaves from Roonagh Pier, and it is possible to hire private boats for fishing expeditions if you hope to spend more time on the water. 

The Province of Connacht

The Top 22 Things to Do in Ireland

The Top 20 Places to See in Ireland

How to Spend 5 Days in Ireland

The Top Stops Along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Your Trip to Ireland: The Complete Guide

How to Visit Skellig Michael, the Irish Island of Star Wars Fame

Ireland's Province of Munster - an Introduction

The Best Beaches in Ireland

18 Most Beautiful Islands in the World

The 11 Best Castles to Visit in Ireland

What to See and Where to Go in County Kerry

The Best Small Towns in Ireland

The Best Beach in Every State

10 Best Things to Do on the Beara Peninsula

The 16 Most Beautiful Natural Features in the UK

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.

Your travel checklist

Planning on visiting the island of Ireland? Make sure you tick off our travel checklist.

From clothing to currency, here's everything you need in your suitcase for your Ireland trip

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 .

What type of clothing should I pack?

Ireland has a saying: There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. In other words, a little planning goes a long way. "Packing for Irish weather can be summed up in one word: layers", says Gerry Britt, veteran visitor to Ireland from Virginia, USA. "T-shirts, light sweaters, a good waterproof jacket and a waterproof hat."

But it's not ALL about layers: do pack swimwear for Ireland's magnificent beaches. "They'll be golden, glorious, usually deserted and begging for you to dive straight in," says Gerry, who also advises bringing sunglasses to protect your eyes from hail, rain and wind – and the sun, when it does shine.

"Last, but not least, walking is one of the pleasures of Ireland so bring a solid pair of walking boots or at least a comfortable pair of trainers."

Once the rain stops and the sun comes out, you’ll be in awe of the scenery before you can shake the drops off your jacket. Gerry Britt, Virginia, USA

Connemara National Park, County Galway

Hiking in Connemara

What currency is used in Ireland?

The currency used in the Republic of Ireland is the euro (€) while Northern Ireland's currency is the pound sterling (£). When crossing between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland you can exchange your money in shops, gas stations, bureaux de change and banks. You should also check the exchange rate when changing money.

ATMs are found all over the country and it's a convenient way of dealing with your money during your stay.

Credit cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely used, while American Express cards may not always be accepted. Credit cards can be used for purchases and also to access money from ATMs. Each ATM has a list of card symbols that can be used there (bank charges may apply).

Ireland has a "chip and pin" system for debit and credit card purchases, which means you key your pin into a pinpad. If your card doesn't have a chip, most retailers will still accept it and you can just sign for your purchases.

Traveller's checks are not widely used and most banks won't accept them, so bring cash or cards instead.

County Antrim

Capturing the County Antrim scenery

What electronics should I bring?

Smartphones, e-readers, tablets and laptops – where would we be without them? If you're planning to bring your favourite devices with you when you travel, here's what you need to know. Plugs in Ireland are three-pronged and the electricity supply is 230v/50hz. Bring an adapter so you can keep your devices charged up. And consider a portable power bank to avoid the dreaded dead battery.

Galway City, County Galway

Shopping in the city

Useful links

Citizens Information

Everything you need to know about travelling to Ireland, from customs and visas to bringing your pets.

If you're planning on visiting Northern Ireland, the NI government website has lots of tips and travel information.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Want to hit the road? Toll information, how to pay and more from the national body that manages the Republic and Ireland's road network.

• Search for:

No products in the cart.

Return to shop

• TRAVEL PLANNING SERVICES
• The Caribbean
• South Carolina
• Eastern Europe
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL
• PRIVACY POLICY

Solo Female Travel , Europe , Travel Destinations , Travel Tips

Solo travel to ireland: everything you need to know.

FMTC Affiliate Disclosure: Blond Wayfarer contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This disclosure pertains to all affiliate links.

Updated: 1 January 2023.

Ireland is one of the most popular travel destinations for Americans.  Several families are able to trace their genealogy to Ireland, and as a result, it is a rite of passage for a lot of people to book a flight to Dublin and beyond into the gorgeous lush and green Irish countryside.

But although Ireland is mostly associated with family trips, is it a good choice for solo travel?

I have good news for you. If you want to travel solo to Ireland, then you’re making a great decision.

For example, I think Dublin is one of the best places to travel alone in Europe , due to its many great museums, social and fun hostels, and venues for live Irish music.

Furthermore, Ireland is a very stress-free trip to anyone planning their first international solo journey. And, duh, Ireland’s totally beautiful.

I’ve written about Ireland multiple times on this website, but I still wanted to dedicate an entire post to planning a solo trip to Ireland since I know the majority of my readers travel by themselves (like me!). I promise Ireland is a great choice for traveling alone.

Table of Contents

5 Reasons I (Highly) Recommend Solo Travel to Ireland.

Let’s break it down. Ireland makes a good first solo trip for quite a few reasons.

As I’ve said, Ireland is relatively stress-free for new and anxious travelers.

Need some examples? You don’t need to worry about getting travel vaccines, learning a new language if you’re a native English speaker, or avoiding tourist scams that happen in other European countries. The most dangerous thing is missing your connection at the Dublin airport, which is pretty busy; arrive super early so your travel plans aren’t disrupted.

But, anyway, what about travelers who’ve been around the world a couple times? Should they consider a solo trip to Ireland?

Absolutely! Ireland isn’t just an “easy” destination for new travelers who wanna get their feet wet.

I also highly recommend Ireland to experienced solo female travelers who already have a few countries under their belts. As someone who’s traveled extensively, you can utilize your confidence to “get off the tourist” path and see some truly spectacular scenery, such as rugged cliff sides and forgotten castles.

Now let’s get into specific reasons why solo travel to Ireland is a fantastic idea! Take notes.

Everyone Speaks English

I know, I know. But I felt like I had to include this point since the vast majority of my readers are native English speakers.

While it’s not too much to ask to learn a few phrases of Spanish or French, the fact that everyone speaks English makes going to Ireland alone much more simple, especially for new travelers who might feel shy about using an unfamiliar language.

Ireland is used to tourists and has a great infrastructure already in place. Signs are clearly labeled in English and Irish. Menus are straight-forward for English speakers. You don’t need to think too hard.

Furthermore, the Irish are known for being friendly to, well, everybody. Like I said, this is a country that is very used to welcoming newcomers. Sit down in a pub and grab a pint, and I highly doubt you’ll be alone for very long. Just use your manners, and you’ll be fine!

You’ll See Breathtaking Scenery

In Ireland, you’ll spend a lot of time exploring the countryside. Sure, Dublin’s great fun and Belfast’s history is fascinating, but you can’t visit Ireland and not soak up the spectacular nature. Ireland’s utterly gorgeous.

For example, the most famous natural wonders in Ireland are the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway, and no trip to Ireland is complete without seeing them. The Cliffs of Moher, in particular, took my breath away.

You’ll also feel a deep sense of peace in Ireland’s National Parks like Killarney and Connemara. And don’t forget about the rocky and other-worldly Burren National Park. I honestly felt like I was walking around on Mars.

In additional, you can find some of the best castles in Ireland. For example, Killarney and the Antrim Coast have stunning castles with breathtaking views.

Ireland is Easy to Get To

Honestly, if you’re coming from the east coasts of the United States and Canada, Ireland isn’t too far of a flight. Which is brilliant for a fearful flyer like me!

Plus the country is very well-connected. Dublin’s international airport has many direct routes to major cities. And like I said, the duration of the flight is nothing insane. For example, it only takes six hours (roughly) to go from Newark Liberty to Dublin. Flying to, say, San Francisco takes just as long.

Not to mention, are you money conscientious and don’t want to shell out over $1000 for your great European solo adventure?

Never fear! Ireland’s usually cheaper to fly than other European countries making it an attractive option to budget travelers who want to go to Europe. I’ve seen prices for as low as $300 to Ireland. You can’t beat a trans-Atlantic flight for that price. Flying to Florida over Christmas is more expensive than that (but that’s a whole other rant for a different day).

You Can Listen to Traditional Irish Music

You can’t talk about Ireland without referencing its musical tradition. Although Dublin has tons of events, you’ll find trad music in even the smallest towns in Ireland. Pull up a chair with the locals and listen to the musicians. Or stand up and dance if you’re feeling super confident.

I enjoyed Irish music every single night of my trip! You ought to do the same. Irish music breathes life into you.

See “Two Countries” for the Price of One.

Are you spending a week or more in Ireland? Then you don’t want to skip Northern Ireland on your adventure. It’s completely worth your time.

Truth be told, visiting Northern Ireland was a major highlight of my own solo trip. As a part of the UK, Northern Ireland has a completely different “feel” than the Republic of Ireland.

Make sure to bring pounds or a no foreign transaction fee credit card with you to Northern Ireland. Some establishments don’t accept Euros. You don’t want to be “caught” without money.

How to Plan a Solo Trip to Ireland

As I’ve said, Ireland’s a relaxing destination for you to visit. However, traveling solo to Ireland still requires plenty of research on your end. Don’t go in completely blind, or you’ll miss out. You have a complete of key decisions to make before your plane takes off the runway.

Read guidebooks and blogs. Check out where guided tours go. Watch travel videos focusing on Ireland. There’s so much to see and do that it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Independent Travel vs. A Guided Tour.

As a solo traveler, you have the option of traveling independently or taking a guided tour. Both forms of travel have their pros and cons.

If you choose to go completely alone, you have absolute and total control over your itinerary. You pick your overnight bases, as well as the length of time to spend in each location. Accommodation, attractions, activities, and food are all within your power.

However, Ireland isn’t like Germany or Italy where it’s easy to hop on a train and reach smaller cities and towns. While Ireland does have a train system, it is impossible to reach the more beautiful areas of the national parks without renting a car (more on that later). Transportation makes planning an entirely independent trip more complicated if you’re not a confident driver. Roads in Ireland a lot different than highways in the United States or Canada.

Going on a guided tour removes the hassle of having to rent a car or navigate the train and bus systems. Personally, I recommend Shamrocker Adventures. This budget-minded tour is geared toward fun-loving backpackers so you’ll make a lot of new friends and smashing memories on your trip.

Of course, there are some downsides on taking a guided tour. You’ll have to sacrifice some independence. Meaning if you really love a place, you can’t extend your stay unless you decide to leave the tour.

How to Get Around Ireland

As I’ve said, Ireland’s not as easy to get around on public transportation as other European countries. Sure, reaching the big cities is very doable without a car, but the natural wonders don’t have specific train stations. Even service to smaller towns is limited.

Book train tickets ahead of time for the best prices. My suggestion, if you’re going by train, is to base yourself in large cities and then take day trips to the harder to reach areas. You’ll make friends on your tours, too.

If you’re planning to rent a car, check out this comprehensive guide to driving around Ireland for all the information you need. Ireland’s road conditions are a lot different.

Packing Advice for Traveling Alone to Ireland

As a solo traveler, you’re responsible for your own packing. Forgetting items is a lot more of a pain in the neck when you’re alone than when you’re taking trips with friends and family. Don’t leave these essential things at home!

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Don’t wear flashy high heels around Ireland. Your feet will hate you forever. Instead opt for comfortable shoes that are also waterproof. For example, these trek sneakers by Clark’s would be a great option for your solo trip to Ireland. They come in a variety of colors. If you’re planning on more vigorous hikes, then invest in a quality pair of waterproof hiking boots for your adventure. You don’t want to accidentally twist your ankle.

Travel Insurance

Never go abroad without proper travel insurance . Your health insurance might not cover accidents overseas so it’s impeccable you do your research and protect yourself. For my trips, I use World Nomads. Their rates are reasonable, and I’ve never had an issue with them yet!

A Rain Jacket and Umbrella

It rains in Ireland. I know. Stating the obvious. Even if your weather app promises sun, still pack a rain jacket and umbrella, because Ireland’s weather is highly changeable. Get a travel umbrella that’s windproof so you’ll enjoy maximum protection without taking up a ton of space in your luggage.

 A Reliable Guidebook for Ireland

Ireland has a lot of hidden gems waiting for you to discover them. You might even find yourself inside a fairy circle of near a leprechaun’s well. Pack a solid guidebook for Ireland so you don’t miss something special. You’re responsible for all the planning, remember?

Moisture-Wicking Scarf

Ireland’s still pretty chilly into the summer months. Don’t only pack tank tops and shorts, or else you’ll be in for a bad time. These outdoor magic scarfs are great options for keeping warm, and they come in several colors.

Electric Adapter for Ireland

Ireland uses different adapters than the United States/Canada, as well as mainland Europe. So, even if you’re coming from nearby Spain or France, you still need to bring an appropriate adapter with you to Ireland. You want the adapter plug with the big three prongs as pictured here.

Is Solo Travel to Ireland Safe?

Yes, absolutely. I’m willing to say that Ireland’s even safer than your native country. As a solo woman, I had zero problems wandering around Ireland alone. The most trouble I had was a homeless man asking me for money – which is honestly nothing compared to other experiences I’ve had at home in New Jersey.

But safety shouldn’t give you an excuse act in a complacent manner. Indifference kills. Therefore, use normal precautions in larger cities, such as Dublin (and Belfast if you’re headed to Northern Ireland). If someone tries to take your wallet or phone, let them. Material possessions are not worth your life.

As a solo traveler, remember that drinking culture is rampant in Ireland. Don’t feel “pressured” to keep up with your new Irish friends. Two or three drinks is my recommended limit.

Another note. Although memories of The Troubles still linger, Northern Ireland is also very safe for solo travelers, especially in the beautiful greenery of the Antrim Coast. Be mindful when speaking about The Troubles, though. Some people might be willing to share their personal thoughts and experiences. However, others might react in a hostile way. To be safe, keep your Troubles-related questions to the guides on the Black Cab tours. They are paid to tell you about the political and social turmoil, and won’t take anything personally.

Traveling Alone in Ireland & Making Friends

Are you worried about being lonely when you’re traveling alone to Ireland? Don’t be. It’s very easy for you to make friends on the Emerald Isle, especially if you’re traveling alone to Dublin .

Ireland has a lot of great hostels. Communal accommodation makes it a zillion times easier to talk to other travelers.

Of course, you can also sign up for a fully guided tour of Ireland, creating an instant circle of friends. Granted, you can’t decide who you travel with and your personality might not mess with everyone else’s, but you’re bound to strike up conversations with at least one other solo traveler.

Do you plan on doing solo travel to Ireland in the near future? Have you ever been to Ireland? What are your recommendations? Share in the comments. 

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

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

Privacy Overview

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

• The ultimate Ireland travel planning guide

• Ireland Food and Drink
• Things to Do
• Destination Guides
• Itineraries
• Packing Lists
• Seasonal Guides
• Where to Stay

Ireland Packing List: 17 Essentials You Actually Need for 2024

Even if you have no Irish ancestry, Ireland is a destination that calls out to many people. Blessed with beautiful countryside, compelling history and folklore, and a good presence in pop culture, Ireland is probably among the most well-known countries for American travelers.

Having visited many times myself, I can unequivocally state that Ireland lives up to the hype. I’ll never forget the rolling green fields or the sheep wandering down narrow two-lane roads.

The fish and chips I had along the Wild Atlantic Way were so exquisitely good, they tasted like the first fish and chips I ever ate. Even a monsoon-like downpour that limited visibility and soaked me through couldn’t dampen my spirits about Ireland.

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, you might be curious about what to pack for Ireland. You may plan the most wonderful vacation, but it’s not going to be as enjoyable if you don’t have the right items. I’m here to help with your Ireland packing list, but first…

This post was first written in 2018 and last updated in January 2023.

Table of Contents

Tips for Packing for Ireland

What’s the weather like in ireland.

Ireland has four distinct seasons, which is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because you can pack exactly what you need given the season you’re visiting; it’s a curse because you have to try and figure out which season you’ll be in and risk bringing the wrong items if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the weather each season so you’ll know what to bring to Ireland:

• Spring in Ireland is from March through May. Average temperatures in this season range from lows around 39°F (4°C) in March to highs around 59°F (15°C) in May. This is a pretty big swing, so it’s best to assume that March weather is a bit more winter-like (thus you pack more winter items) and May is a bit more summer-like (thus pack summer items). Visiting Ireland in April ? Good luck!
• Summer in Ireland is from June to September . The weather is typically sunny, and average temperatures range from 63-69°F (17-19°C). By the end of September, temperatures are starting to drop, so don’t assume it will be as warm on September 30th as it was on September 1st.
• Autumn in Ireland is from late September to November. Temperatures start to drop, from the 60s°F (15°C) to the 40s°F (10°C). You can also expect the weather to turn a bit damper, though to be honest, Ireland gets rain year-round in certain parts of the country.
• Winter in Ireland is from December to February.  Get ready for temperatures in the 30s-40s°F (10°C and colder) on average, and some of the rainier months of the year. Some parts of the country will even see snow! ❄️ Pack layers to stay warm and rain gear to stay dry during these months!

With this in mind, let’s dive into the travel essentials for Ireland that you need.

What You Actually Need on Your Ireland Packing List

I’ll be honest: I pretty much pack 90% of the same things over and over… and I bet you do too.

Most packing lists are about 90% of those same things, right? So instead of giving you an Ireland packing list that’s 90% of what you already know or are already planning to pack ( yes, you do need one pair of underwear for each day… ) , here’s a packing list that’s 100% of things you need specifically for making a packing list for Ireland.

In addition to the list of things to bring to Ireland, you might add other things based on the activities you plan to enjoy. For example, if you’re doing a lot of hiking, you might want to swap out the waterproof hiking boots I recommend for a heartier pair you’ve already broken in. If you plan to take a tip in the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll need a swimsuit (and a brave soul!).

No matter what, though, these items won’t take up unnecessary space in your bag. Here are my specific recommendations on how to pack for Ireland.

1. The  Lonely Planet  Ireland Travel Guide

I love the feeling of a guidebook in my hands, ready to be opened for the first time to start helping me plan my trip.  Whether you need restaurant recommendations or pro tips on scenic viewpoints, the  Lonely Planet guide to Ireland is a worthwhile investment when wondering what to bring when traveling to Ireland. You can read it on the plane over too!

Other good options for helpful guidebooks include Fodor’s Essential Ireland as well as my favorite travel guide Rick Steves Ireland. You can put sticky notes on all the pages of interest as you read through it and go back to create your finalized itinerary later.

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

2. Wind-Proof Umbrella

Did you know that in some parts of Ireland, it rains up to 255 days per year?! It depends on the time of year you visit, but that means, on average, you can expect rain two days out of every three you’re in Ireland, especially when you visit Ireland in November and later into the winter season.

I don’t typically travel with an umbrella, but I was so glad to have one when I was in Dublin in the winter . It’s nice not to be dripping wet when stepping into a pub after an afternoon of exploring!

To combat this, invest in a good umbrella that can withstand the weather and won’t break the first second you step out to admire the view on the Wild Atlantic Way. They come in a variety of different colors if you want your umbrella to stand out from the others. It’s one of the must haves for Ireland travel so you don’t get soaked, especially if you’re visiting Ireland without a car .

3. Raincoat

Similarly, you’re more than likely going to need a solid raincoat while traveling in Ireland. A good rain shell keeps out rain, dries quickly, and packs up small… because we don’t check luggage around these parts! The key is to get one that’s waterproof so you don’t end up getting your clothes underneath soaked.

This one also comes in a delightful Irish green if you want to be totally on-brand with the Emerald Isle when considering what to take to Ireland.

4. Green Blanket Scarf

You already know I love scarves while traveling, and a scarf is essential for what to bring on a trip to Ireland. This Irish scarf is perfect for travel in Ireland for several reasons:

• It’s a blanket scarf you can wrap up to stay warm.
• It has green.
• It also has orange and white, giving it a distinctly Irish vibe.

With black as the base color, you can get away with wearing this every day of your trip, and it’ll look great. There are a variety of colors you can choose from if you want something a little different.

5. Waterproof Boots

I cannot rave enough about these boots from Teva . I bought a pair a few years back, and they have held up so well . They are water-resistant, have great traction, and are comfortable, making them perfect for any adventure. They also have stylish boots to wear out at night or tall boots to wear on colder days.

They can handle whatever you throw at them, from plodding through soggy clover fields to hiking along the Cliffs of Moher or on the Giant’s Causeway. (Note: Teva has redesigned these boots, so they may look different when you click through.) They’re essential for visiting Ireland for 7 days .

6. Moisture-Wicking Socks

Wet socks suck, and so do sweaty socks. I always bring multiple pairs of Merino wool socks everywhere I go so I have warm, dry feet, whether I’m hiking around Dublin or just exploring the city on a rainy day.

These moisture-wicking socks will help keep your feet warm even if you step in a deep puddle or get a bit of rainwater inside your boots. I also love recommending socks because they’re my #1 most forgotten-at-home item!

7. Sunglasses

I know it seems weird to recommend sunglasses right after all that rain gear, but you’ll thank me. When you get to the Atlantic coast, and the sun comes out for two minutes and blinds you with its glare, you’ll be glad you included this in your summer packing for Ireland. Sunglasses also take up zero room in your bag.

If you tend to lose sunglasses on trips, you can always stock up on a few cheaper pairs so you won’t be upset if you break them or forget them somewhere.

8. Universal Adapter

Unless you live in the U.K., you will need an adapter to plug in your electronics. You’ll especially want this if you have a big day of photographing landmarks in Ireland and will need a fully charged camera.

I’m a huge sucker for multi-use anything, and this universal adapter is perfect. It has USB ports and receives any kind of plug – plus, it has the necessary “Type G” prongs for Ireland. You can also buy one with multiple ports so you can charge all your gadgets at the same time.

If you’re confused about voltage converters vs. travel adapters, read all about voltage in Ireland .

9. Phone Transmitter

If you’re a good reader taking all of my advice and planning to travel by taking a 10-day Ireland road trip , this will be your saving grace. This adapter plugs into the car, connects via Bluetooth and allows you to crank up your favorite Spotify playlist anywhere (may I suggest this Ireland Roadtrip playlist ?). It also has a USB charger!

10. Irish Wool Sweater

Okay, so this one isn’t one of the things to pack for Ireland that’s absolutely necessary, but I would recommend leaving space in your bag for it if you don’t bring a sweater.

Irish wool sweaters are known the world over for their warmth and comfort. You can buy one when out traveling, or check out The Irish Store for a bigger selection!

These sweaters are also perfect if you’re looking for Irish gift ideas to get others.

What to Pack for Ireland: On the Plane

Now that we’ve talked about what to pack for Ireland when you’re there, let’s talk about a few Ireland travel essentials for the plane ride.

11. Travel Backpack

I started traveling with a travel backpack years ago and haven’t looked back. If you’ve ever had a trip where you got to the plane with your backpack, only to have everything in a jumbled mess when you open it, you won’t have to worry about that with this pack.

There are numerous compartments to organize absolutely everything, from your laptop to books to snacks to travel documents. You’ll love putting this on your Ireland packing list so you’re ready to hit the road as soon as you land.

12. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Chances are you’ll have a long flight to get here, so you’ll want to ensure you’re comfortable.

I’ve used these noise-canceling headphones for years, whether I’m waiting in the airport or working at a coffee shop on my travels. They’re so comfortable, block out a good portion of noise, and fold up to save space.

13. Portable Phone Charger

You will be taking so many quick photos and videos with your phone, as well as using it for directions. That means it’ll die quickly, which is the worst when you’re traveling. You’ll want to make sure your phone is fully charged and ready to go as soon as you get off the plane.

I learned the hard way that not every airline has a charger in its seat, so be prepared with this portable phone charger . I’ve been using this one for years and love it. Just recharge it when you get to your hotel for the night so you’re ready for the next day.

14. Travel Wallet

This travel wallet is one of the top items my readers buy because it’s so cute plus handy. It comes in over 40 different colors (I have rose gold) and has organized slots for your ID, credit cards, and cash.

You can also put your passport and a pen in it for when you have to fill out forms at customs, so this is a must for your Ireland packing list to ensure you’re prepared as soon as you land. I’ve used this for years and never looked back.

Optional Items to Consider Packing for Ireland

I’ve put together a weekend packing list to help you see some of the basics I pack for every trip. However, here are a few suggestions for what to pack for a trip to Ireland.

I tend to wear my tennis shoes during the day to explore, but sometimes these get dirty or just don’t fit the fancier restaurant I want to go to later. My travel backpack is often with me during the day, so I love having a pair of flats in it that I can quickly throw on to dress up my outfit.

It’s also comfortable to let my feet relax after a day of adventures. I love Rothy’s for both travel and every day because they’re stylish, plus they’re machine washable.

16. Winter Coat

While I listed a raincoat as something to bring anytime you visit Ireland, a winter coat is a must when exploring Dublin during Christmastime or anytime during that general season. It can get really chilly during this time of year, particularly when you’re on the coast and the wind is biting.

If you think you’ll wear it often, I recommend investing in a brand like Columbia . I’ve had their jackets for years, whether I’m hiking or traveling, and they always keep me warm.

17. Packing Cubes

I used to think packing cubes were a waste of money, but I got them at my wedding as a gift and decided to use them for our European honeymoon (which ended in Ireland, in fact!). When you’re bringing a lot of clothes for a longer trip, these are crucial for helping you organize everything.

Sometimes I travel and only stay in one city for a night or two before moving on to the next, so these allow me to keep some items like socks and underwear in the smaller cubes without having them get lost in the sea of other clothes. I consider these essentials for traveling to Ireland if you like being organized like I do!

Additionally, here are a couple of tips to help you know what to pack for a trip to Ireland:

• What you pack for Ireland will vary a lot based on the season you visit. Ireland’s summer months are noticeably drier and warmer than the winter months. As such, you may find you don’t need to pack as many long trousers or waterproof items. Be sure to check the forecast before you start packing for Ireland – and throw in a rain shell anyway because it never hurts to have one!
• Don’t want to pack a guidebook? Snag a digital copy. Lonely Planet offers ebook versions of all their guidebooks, usually at the same price or cheaper. Here’s the link for the Ireland ebook .
• Adjust your Ireland packing list based on how long you’re traveling.  Whether you’re only spending one day in Dublin to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or making a Northern Ireland road trip to accomplish your Ireland bucket list , add one more top for every two days of travel, and one more pair of trousers for every 3 days. Don’t forget extra undergarments and socks!
• Pack for travel in Europe. Dublin and other Irish cities have a base level of fashion that’s slightly less casual than in the U.S. You can’t go wrong with black pieces and classic items from your wardrobe.
• Visiting Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day? I have a special packing list for St. Patrick’s Day !

Have any other questions about this Ireland packing list or what to pack for Ireland? Let me know in the comments!

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

8 thoughts on “ Ireland Packing List: 17 Essentials You Actually Need for 2024 ”

Thank you. I’ve seen a few items here I have not seen anywhere else. and they make sense.

I’m so glad to help! Thanks for reading, Kelly 🙂

We are just starting to plan a trip to Ireland in June, and I stumbled across your website. I am very impressed with it, and plan to use it as an important resource . Thank you for all the information! For the backpacks, would you recommend the larger or smaller on?

I like smaller ones for day bags personally.

Going in April (the “good luck” month)! Do you have any recommendations for a 9 hole golf course around Dublin?

Deer Park Golf Course is highly rated.

I love my TEVA sandals and wore them throughout Japan and Greece. When it rained, my feet just quickly air dried and no blistering. Would these also work in Ireland? I am trying to pack the minimum. Thanks for your advice!

It depends on the time of year that you’re coming – summer might be okay, but otherwise you might get a bit cold!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

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

20 Best Things to do in Killarney Ireland (2024 Edition)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 8, 2024

The best things to do in Killarney Town are arguably the National Park and Muckross Abbey, but there’s plenty of choice!

This picturesque town of Killarney is finely plonked on the shores of Lough Leane, one of the three Lakes of Killarney .

It’s arguably one of Ireland’s top tourist towns, mainly due to it being the traditional starting point for the Ring of Kerry .

If you’re wondering what to do in Killarney, you’ve your choice of walks, hikes Jaunty rides, waterfalls and plenty more, as you’ll discover below.

Table of Contents

The best things to do in Killarney

Click to enlarge map

The map above will give you an insight into the best things to do in Killarney Town, like St. Mary’s Cathedral, Muckross House and more.

It’ll also give you an eyeful of the various things to do near Killarney, from the Dingle Peninsula and Kenmare to beaches and more. Scroll to read all about ’em!

1. Rent a bike and cycle around Killarney National Park

Photos via Shutterstock

Renting a bike (there are plenty of rental shops in the town) and cycling around Killarney National Park is one of the best things to do in Killarney, in my opinion.

If you enter the park at Ross Castle, you can follow a trail along the lakes of Killarney and on towards Muckross House and Gardens.

From here, you can continue on to Torc Waterfall. All in all, a cycle around the park can take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on how long you spend at each attraction.

2. Take a traditional jaunting car

One of the more unique things to do in Killarney is to take a tour on one of the traditional jaunting cars .

You’ll see them as you walk around the town and you can book onto this 1-hour guided jaunty tour (affiliate link).

Over the course of the trip, you’ll see Ireland’s highest mountain range, Ross Castle and plenty more whole hearing stories about the area from the Jarvey guide.

If you’re wondering what to do in Killarney and you’re a fan of unique experiences, this is worth considering.

3. Take the Lakes of Killarney cruise

For a unique perspective on the town and its surrounds, take this this 1-hour (and very reasonable) boat tour that takes you around Killarney’s lakes.

The tour takes place on a glass-covered boat with heating and it gives you a completely different perspective of the national park and the many Killarney attractions.

You’ll drift by the 6th-century Innisfallen Monastery, see the highest mountain in Ireland and, at times, see Red Deer and White Tailed Eagles.

4. Embark on the Ring of Kerry

Arguably one of the top things to do in Killarney is to start the Ring of Kerry Drive from the town (Killarney is the official start point).

The ‘Ring’ follows the N71 and takes in many of the best places to visit in Kerry in one long swoop.

You’ll want to allow 7 – 10 hours at a minimum for the Ring and, if you have the time, I’d strongly recommend add in the Skellig Ring , as it’ll take you to the likes of the Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Island .

If you’re looking for things to do around Killarney, this is a great, structured way to see the best of the county.

5. See Torc Waterfall

One of the best things to do in Killarney, especially if you’re fond of the outdoors, is to visit Torc Waterfall . 

The best time to plan this short walk into your trip is just after heavy rainfall because the 70 foot waterfall will be more dramatic. 

Start at the Torc Waterfall Parking area and follow the short (3 minutes max) trail to the waterfall.

Breathe in the clean, fresh air and listen to the immense power of the water tumbling down.

6. Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral

If you’re wondering what to do in Killarney Town and you’re a fan of history, head straight for St. Mary’s Cathedral (you can’t miss it!).

Built in the 19th century, it was designed in a Gothic Revival style by Augustus Pugin, an English architect.

Construction kicked off in 1842 and finished in 1855. Interestingly enough, St. Mary’s is one of the tallest churches in Ireland, standing at an impressive 280 feet in height.

7. Step back in time at Ross Castle (Killarney Castle)

You’ll often hear people refer to Ross Castle as ‘Killarney Castle’. You’ll find this 15th-century structure perched on the edge of the lake, a short distance from Muckross Abbey.

Ross Castle was built by O’Donoghue Mór. According to legend, O’Donoghue’s spirit lies in a deep slumber beneath the waters of the nearby lake.

It’s said that on the first morning of May every 7 years, O’Donoghue arises on a white horse and circles the lake.

If you or one of your party has limited mobility and you’re looking for things to do in Killarney that won’t be overly strenuous, then pencil in a visit to Ross Castle.

There’s a car park a stone’s throw from the castle, so you won’t have far to walk. If you’re looking for the finest castles in Ireland , you’ll love exploring this place. 

8. Conquer the Torc Mountain walk

If you’re wondering what to do in Killarney that’ll 1, take you away from the crowds and 2, treat you to incredible views, add the Torc Mountain walk to your Kerry itinerary .

In this guide , you’ll find an overview of the walk – in a nutshell: the shorter walk takes around 3 hours and it packs a punch.

It’s reasonably doable for most fitness levels and the views throughout really are spectacular. The start point is also a handy spin away from the town.

9. Whittle away an evening in a traditional pub

Photos via The Laurels on FB

There are few ways to whittle away an evening that are as enjoyable (in my opinion!) as a few hours spent in an old Irish pub.

Thankfully, there are several old-school pubs in Killarney where you can toast a day spent exploring.

Personally, I love the Laurels and O’Connor’s, but there’s some other great spots worth nipping into, as you’ll discover here .

10. Try one of the Killarney National Park walks

Click to enlarge

There are several brilliant Killarney National Park walks , of varying lengths, that you can spend a morning or afternoon tackling. 

The park is home to 26,000 acres of Irish lush landscape and boasts a spectacular mountain range which sweeps down to reveal crystal clear lakes.

Woods and waterfalls speckle the landscape to create an oasis of scenic beauty waiting to be explored.

11. Explore Muckross House

The now-iconic Muckross House is arguably the centre-piece of Killarney National Park.

Dating back to the 19th century, this historic building was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, Mary Balfour Herbert, who was a watercolour artist.

There’s no mystery around where she nabbed her inspiration! The house, which is now a museum, can be accessed via a guided tour.

There are also several other attractions here, like the walled garden and the traditional farm. If you’re wondering what to do in Killarney when it’s raining, get yourself here.

12. Then visit Muckross Abbey

Another of the more unique things to do in Killarney is to take the spin to Muckross Abbey .

This section of the national park predates Muckross House, and historians have estimated that the first monastery was built as far back as the 6th century.

The Abbey ruins which still stand today date from the 15th century and have not been in use since the 1650s, when the monks were driven away during the Cromwellian war.

People that visit Muckross House often miss the Abbey, which is a shame! Make sure to pop into onto your Kerry road trip .

13. Try Falconry

I’ve never been overly keen on Falconry, but the Falconry in the National Park is said to be one of the best things to do in Killarney for families .

Imagine standing in the middle of the National Park with a hawk swooping down from a tree towards you.   

Personally, I’d sh*t bricks. It’s said that you need to stand your ground and provide a steady landing place for the bird. 

If you’re wondering what to do in Killarney with hard to amuse kids, this is a great option.

14. Walk or cycle the Gap of Dunloe

Next up is one of the more unique things to do in Killarney. There’s a boat tour (info here ) that leaves from Ross Castle and that takes you across the lake to Lord Brandon’s Cottage .

From here, you can take the 45-minute cycle down through the Gap of Dunloe . You can then park up at Kate Kearney’s and have a coffee.

The final leg of the cycle is the 40-minute or so spin back to Killarney Town. Make sure to book the tour in advance. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one in the town.

Looking for a place to stay?  See our guide on where to stay in Killarney (it has a handful of great, central hotels)

15. See ‘Ladies View’

Ladies View is one of the most popular places to visit in Killarney, and for good reason – the view here is mighty!

This is another magnificent stop-off point on the Ring Of Kerry drive . From the viewing point you’ll be treated to a view that will quite literally knock you sideways.

A couple of things to note if you visit Ladies View:

• The parking here can be nuts: there’s a tight area to pull in on the right of the road, if you drive from Killarney
• If you park here, BE CAREFUL reversing – visibility can be limited and there’s a bend in the road not far from the parking area
• There’s a cafe right next to Ladies View that has an elevated seating area that offers incredible views of the  surrounding countryside

16. Then stop off at Moll’s Gap

You’ll find Moll’s Gap a short drive from Ladies View, on the road between Killarney and Kenmare. 

Moll’s Gap is a mountain pass on the N71 road from Killarney to Kenmare that offers stunning views as far as the eye can see.

If you’re cycling the Ring of Kerry and looking for a stop-off point, there’s a cafe right next to Moll’s (Avoca) where you can grab some chill time.

17. Make your belly happy with some exceptional food

There’s an almost endless number of restaurants in Killarney . Some are good, some are great, while others… well… others aren’t the Mae West.

In this guide , you’ll find plenty of great places to eat in the town. Or, if you fancy an early feed, hop into our guide to the best places for breakfast in Killarney .

18. Take a kayak over to Innisfallen Island

If you’re in search of slightly off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Killarney, this next one should be right up your street.

For the more adventurous, a Kayak tour is well worth considering. This is a fantastic way to spend half a day outdoors experiencing the best that Killarney has to offer (scenery by the boatload!).

There are a couple of tour providers offering Kayaking tours in Killarney. The tours take Kayakers over to Innisfallen Island , where they’ll explore the Abbey and discover some folklore along with the secrets of the lakes.

19. Conquer Cardiac Hill

Photos left and top right: Sheila Berrios-Nazario. Bottom right: Britishfinance (Wiki Commons)

Cardiac Hill is one of the tougher walks in Killarney. Why? Well, you have to conquer hundreds of steps at the start.

However, once you’ve reached the top of the steps, you’ve some nice level ground to ramble along, with numerous viewpoints that’ll make the trek at the start well worth it.

The walk takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on pace, and you can find a full guide to it right here .

20. Visit one of the many things to do near Killarney

Once you’ve ticked off the various things to do in Killarney, you’re in luck – there’s endless things to do near Killarney.

If you want to tackle some scenic drives,  Ballaghbeama Gap , the Dingle Peninsula and the brilliant Slea Head Drive are all worth doing.

Or, you could head towards Kenmare Town and then tip onto the Beara Peninsula , which straddles both Cork and Kerry.

FAQs about Killarney

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from what to do in Killarney when it’s raining to where to take the kids

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

What are the best things to do in Killarney?

The Torc Mountain Walk, the Dunloe boat tour, Torc Waterfall and Muckross Abbey are some of our favourite activities in Killarney.

What are the most popular places to visit in Killarney?

Ladies View, The Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Moll’s Gap are all popular things to see in Killarney.

What are the most unique Killarney activities?

Some of the more unique things to do in Killarney are to take a kayak over to Innisfallen Island, visit the folks at Killarney Falconry or Conquer Cardiac Hill.

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 .

Aife Crean Scannell

Tuesday 7th of April 2020

You forgot Dinis loop. Dinis consists famously of the Meeting of the Waters Bridge, Old Weir Bridge and Dinis Cottage. And not to mention all the amazing and stunningly beautiful scenery on the way. There is also the Blue Pool walk. And Pike Woods walk. Also, my other favourites are Killegy Graveyard and Towerwood Waterfall.

Mary Ellen Freeman

Saturday 25th of January 2020

Loved reading your guide. We will be visiting Killarney in April.