Ireland - Ultimate Irish Road Trip
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7 Day Irish Road Trip :
Embark on the ultimate adventure through Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes - from rugged coastlines to charming villages and vibrant cities. This guide will take you off the beaten path, revealing the best routes, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that make the Irish road trip a journey of a lifetime.
Day 1 - Arrival in Dublin
- Fly into Dublin and pick up your car rental
- Check into accommodations near Dublin (we stayed at Dublin Travelodge North Swords, a nice, affordable option!)
- Rest after your flight or get ready to go exploring!
- Explore Dublin
- St. Stephen’s Green – Enjoy a relaxing walk through the park. This park is full of history, and a great place to walk around with a coffee, or even pick up food for a picnic lunch!
- Trinity College – Check out the Book of Kells and the Long Room library at this iconic Dublin landmark.
- Dublin Castle & St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Visit these iconic sites.If you’d like to see the inside of Dublin Castle, be sure to book tickets ahead of time!
- Dinner in Dublin – Enjoy a meal at The Woollen Mills or The Bull & Castle. Don’t forget to order a Guinness!
Day 2 - Explore Dublin
- Morning:
- Breakfast at a local café.
- Explore the River Liffey and the area around it.
- Dublin’s Museums: If you have time, visit the National Museum of Ireland.
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at Temple Bar or The Porterhouse Central.
- Drive to Killarney (approx. 4.5 hours) – Get on the road by 2 PM.
- Evening:
- Arrive in Killarney, check-in to Windway House.
- Relax, enjoy dinner in the town, and explore the local shops.
Day 3 - Ring of Kerry
- Morning:
- Early wake-up (by 7 AM ideally!) – Stock up on groceries and snacks for the day.
- Ring of Kerry drive – A scenic loop around the Iveragh Peninsula, with stops at:
- Cahersiveen – Traditional Irish village with charm and history. Make sure to check out the old Ring Forts and Ballycarbery Castle, they are amazing spots and one of our trip highlights–views of the idyllic countryside for miles!
- Waterville – Stop by this seaside village for lunch. Beautiful beaches, cliffs, rolling hills, and colorful homes.
- Afternoon:
- Check out the towns of Sneem and Kenmare.
- Molls Gap & Ladies View – Perfect spots for panoramic views. Part of the stunning Killarney National Park.
- Torc Waterfall – Short hike to a beautiful waterfall.
- Evening:
- Return to Killarney for the evening. Have a relaxing dinner in town and unwind after a full day. We recommend Hannigan’s Bar for a hearty Irish meal.
Day 4 - Dingle Peninsula
- Morning:
- 8 AM departure from Killarney to Dingle (1 hour drive).
- Explore Dingle Town – Breakfast at a local café, then walk around the harbor.
- Slea Head Drive – A loop around the peninsula with spectacular views. Stop at:
- Beehive Huts – Prehistoric stone homes from early Christian times. Stunning views from here!
- Dunquin Pier – A stunning coastal spot.
- Gallarus Oratory – An early Christian church with amazing history!
- Afternoon:
- Lunch in Dingle – Enjoy seafood or traditional Irish fare at a local spot (we recommend Courtney’s Bakery).
- Continue exploring Dingle, possibly take a boat trip to see Fungie the Dolphin.
- Evening:
- Check-in to An Bothar Pub.
- Relax and enjoy a hearty dinner at the pub and relax at the inn.
Day 5 - Cliffs of Moher & Galway
- Morning:
- 7 AM departure from Dingle. Drive to Cliffs of Moher (2.5 hrs): Booked entry required –make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time. This iconic Irish spot is truly breathtaking–definitely a highlight of our trip!
- Afternoon:
- After visiting the cliffs, drive to Galway (1.25 hours).
- Explore the Latin Quarter, Galway Cathedral, and stroll by the River Corrib out to the sea. Beautiful harbor in Galway.
- Evening:
- Check-in to your accommodations (we booked an Airbnb here) in Galway.
- Dinner in the Latin Quarter – Try Gemelle’s or The Quay Street Kitchen. We ordered steak on a stone at Gemelle’s, and it was absolutely delicious!
- Relax at Eyre Square or visit the Spanish Arch after dinner.
Day 6 - Explore Connemara
- Morning:
- 7 AM departure for a day trip to Connemara (about 1.5 hours).
- Visit Kylemore Abbey – A stunning Victorian castle with a beautiful setting on the edge of a lake.
- Afternoon:
- Explore the Wild Atlantic Way: Stop by the Twelve Bens Mountains and Killary Harbour (Ireland’s only fjord).
- Lunch in Clifden, then enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Renvyle Beach or Inagh Valley – For scenic views and a relaxing walk.
- Evening:
- Return to Galway. Enjoy a casual dinner in the city and unwind.
Day 7 - Return to Dublin
- Morning:
- 7 AM departure for Dublin (2.5 hours).
- Arrive in Dublin around 9:30 AM, explore more of the city or shop in Grafton Street.
- If you have time, visit Phoenix Park or the National Botanic Gardens.
- Evening:
- Check into a final hotel (maybe near the airport if flying out the next day) or use the rest of the day to shop for souvenirs, visit the Kilmainham Gaol, or relax at a local pub.