Ireland, known as Éire in Gaelic, offers countless treats for visitors, from rolling green pastures and dramatic coastline, to grand castles and boutique hotels. The country’s biggest draw, however, is its people. Warm and welcoming, the Irish joie de vivre and hospitality ensure you will be utterly charmed.
Impossibly picturesque, you need a good 10 days to see most of the Emerald Isle. We recommend starting in Dublin, renting a car and then circling the country counter-clockwise for the ultimate Ireland road trip and returning back to fly home.
We’ve created a fantastic 10-day road trip itinerary that will show you the highlights of the country. You’ll be inspired by the friendly city life of Dublin and the quieter country life of places like Shannon and County Kerry.
Here are some of the best places to add to your Ireland road trip itinerary and some of the unmissable things to do along the route.
Dublin: Days 1 & 2
The ‘Celtic Tiger’s’ economy has been steadily growing for years while much of Europe has stagnated. This coupled with a strong Euro (or weak dollar, however you look at it) means expensive hotel, food and drink costs so don’t be surprised if you feel more like you’re in London circa early 2000’s. In true Irish spirit, you’ll still find the classic Georgian squares, cobblestone streets and atmospheric pubs, but now arm-in-arm with boutique hotels, sleek lounges and a palpable buzz.
Dublin is one of the most popular places to visit in Ireland, it is the city of literature and legend, Guinness and Gaelic. While much is new in town, there is enough history and culture to enthrall the most jaded visitor. Most of the attractions are in the city center south of the Liffey River, but some are out in the suburbs. Most of Dublin is walkable and a decent bus system traverses the city. Taxis are plentiful, but good luck getting one at the end of the evening as all the bars empty out.
What to Do
– Grafton Street – Amble this pedestrian area and side streets for shopping (the upscale Brown Thomas department store is here), restaurants, bars and people-watching.
– Trinity College – Founded in 1592 this esteemed college is the oldest in Ireland and the famous medieval manuscript, the Book of Kells, is on display in the library.
– Merrion & Fitzwilliam Squares – Wander the elegant streets around these plazas observing the 18th century Georgian architecture.
– Temple Bar – Touristy but quaint, cruise the cobbled streets and brownstone buildings of this ‘Cultural Quarter’, where outdoor performances and markets abound on the weekends. At night the area is quite raucous but amusing.
– Malahide Castle – This 12th century stone castle in a suburb is furnished with antiques from the 1800s on and features gorgeous gardens.
– Christchurch Cathedral – This gorgeous 11th century was restored in the 19th century and favors elements of both the Gothic and Romanesque eras but with an Irish flair.
– Guinness Storehouse – See where the characteristic dark stout is produced in this historic brewery founded in 1759. The converted Hopstore and informational gallery are of interest, but the highlight is the end when you partake of the foamy beverage in the rotunda with panoramic views. Don’t be surprised if most the tour group gets ‘pissed’ (and this doesn’t mean angry.)
– Jameson Distillery – Learn the chronicle of Irish whiskey then enjoy a tasting. Same note as above applies her.
Connemara, Galway County: Days 3 & 4
Connemara, one of the most scenic areas of Ireland, is a land of mountains and lakes and has the largest Irish-speaking population in the country. The rugged coastline is dotted with beaches, islands and harbors.
What to Do
– Connemara Loop – Drive this 45km loop along the far west coastline observing ancient bogs, sandy beaches, archaeological sites, Connemara National Park and the powerful Atlantic.
– Kylemore Abbey – Home of Benedictine nuns, this glorious 19th century castle set on a lake (pictured above) features a jewel-box Gothic cathedral and stunning walled garden.
– Galway City – This spirited town is choc-a-bloc with restaurants and pubs with (to quote my friend Stevie Fitz in Dublin) ‘good pints and more importantly, very tolerant staff’.
– St. Nicholas Church – The oldest in Galway (dating to 1320), it is rumored that Christopher Columbus prayed here during a 1477 visit.
– Spanish Arch – Built in 1584 and situated on the banks of the River Corrib, this double archway was originally an extension of the city walls designed to protect the quays. There is actually nothing supporting the ‘Spanish’ claim and today it houses a city museum.
– The Arts – Known as the unofficial arts and music capital of the country, Galway is home to an arts centre and a dynamic summer arts festival.
– Galway Races – Also held each summer these famous horse races are a great time.
– Galway Cathedral – Built in the 1960s, the neo-Romanesque church offers beautiful stained glass, mosaics and Connemara marble floors.
Cliffs of Moher, Limerick: Day 5 & 6
The Cliffs of Moher are a destination you just have to visit on any Ireland road trip itinerary. After visiting you can drive to Limerick, a popular stop off on any Ireland overland itinerary.
Kenmare, County Kerry: Day 7 & 8
Kenmare, nestled at the foot of the Cork and Kerry mountains in southwest Ireland, makes a good base for touring the sights in County Kerry. Depending on your mood, drive along the Ring of Kerry en route to your hotel in Kenmare or check in and start from there.
What to in do County Kerry
– Ring of Kerry – This fabulous drive will take an entire day and can be broken up with scenic hikes and interesting stops. We recommend going against the tour bus course and travel clockwise along this 170km (105mi) circular coastal route. Starting in Kenmare, drive down to the coast, around the Iveragh peninsula and inland to Killarney. Besides magnificent seascapes, there are picturesque villages, ancient forts, Celtic standing stones and grand manors. While it can get congested with tourists in the summer, it is still well worth the visit.
– Explore the city of Cork, a great city to visit or stay the night.
Some highlights:
– Staigue stone fort – Circular Iron Age fort outside Sneem.
– Derrynane House – Former summer home of statesman Daniel O’Connell near Caherdaniel. The austere stone edifice is now a museum and the ruins of St Finian’s Abbey and Caherdaniel Fort are also on the grounds.
– Hiking – Park and hike around Derrynane down into the fishing village of Portmagee.
– Muckross House, Garden & Farms – 19th century estate built for wealthy landowners located in Killarney National Park. Beautiful stone mansion, grounds and traditional farm.
– Ross Castle – 15th century castle also in the park, on the banks of Lough Leane (Lake of Learning).
– Ladies View – This dramatic panoramic viewpoint in the park was apparently given the name because Queen Victoria’s Ladies-in-Waiting were taken with the vista during an 1861 visit.
Blarney Castle & Kinsale (County Cord), Rock of Cashel (County Tipperary), Thomastown (County Kilkenny): Days 8 & 9
Drive east to County Cork (approx. 1 1/2 hours) for the obligatory kiss on the Blarney Stone. Along the way, pass through the mountains and beautiful scenery. This is one of the most scenic roads to drive in Europe.
Day 10: Drive back to Dublin
Drive approx 3 hours to Dublin depending on traffic. You could spend the night enjoying that final bit of Irish hospitality before flying out the next day, unless you have a late evening flight the same night.
Ireland really is one of the top 10 places to see in Europe, exploring the Emerald Isle can be an incredible experience. Our 10 day suggested road trip itinerary can be adapted for 7 days or even longer 12 days to 2 weeks, depending on what your interests are. Now go explore Ireland for yourself!
