2 Week Road Trip Itinerary // Ireland
Whether you’re drawn to its ancient castles, dramatic coastlines, lively music scene, or warm and welcoming people, Ireland promises a journey filled with unforgettable memories. It’s easily one of the most underrated countries I’ve ever been to. Its natural beauty is just absolutely breathtaking.
I spent weeks researching the best Ireland road trip itinerary to take my parents on, spent 2 weeks in the country driving around the island, then spent another week refining what I had learned into this optimal Ireland road trip itinerary.
This comprehensive 14-day itinerary is not for the faint of heart, but will cover the best of the best. A few things about this itinerary:
This itinerary is a road trip, so you will be staying in a different city almost every night. This is the best way to reduce the drive time throughout the trip and give you more time to explore the small towns along the coast that close early. If you’d prefer not to travel this way, I offer a modification at the end.
To see the best this country has to offer, I highly recommend you get a rental car or private driver and drive the island. The roads can be frighteningly narrow at times, but relying only on trains and busses would mean missing too much of the island’s best scenery. Having your own car will also help moving homes nightly easier.
Ireland is also part of the EU (they use Euros) and Northern Ireland, at the end of the itinerary, is part of the UK (they use pounds), so just know that you will be visiting 2 different countries in this itinerary.
14-Day Ireland Itinerary Overview
Days 1 - 2: Dublin
Day 3: Dublin to Waterford via Glendalough and Kilkenny
Day 4: Waterford to Cork via Rock of Cashel
Day 5: Cork: Blarney Castle, Cobh or Kinsale
Day 6: Cork to Kenmare via Killarney National Park
Day 7: Ring of Kerry to Portmagee
Day 8: Michael Skellig, Ring of Kerry to Dingle
Day 9: Dingle Peninsula, Limerick
Day 10: Cliffs of Moher, Galway or Ashford Castle
Day 11: Connemara National Park, Westport
Day 12: Westport to Derry
Day 13: Derry to Belfast via Giant’s Causeway
Day 14: Fly out of Belfast or head back to Dublin
Day 1: Dublin
Morning: Trinity College & Book of Kells
Depending on when you land in Dublin, begin your Dublin adventure at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, to see the Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated manuscript dating back to 800 AD. The tour of the Book of Kells will also take you through the Long Room in the Old Library, with its impressive collection of ancient books.
Unfortunately, most of the books in the Old Library have been removed for essential conservation and it seems that the building itself will go through renovation and reopen fully in 2029. A tour will give you a lot more context, and you can book one that includes the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle here.
Afternoon: Grafton Street
Take a stroll down Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping street, St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful public park just off Grafton Street, or the National Gallery of Ireland nearby offers a collection of European and Irish art, providing a cultural feast. If you love museums, this private tour is a 2-5 hour experience that will take you much deeper through the gallery’s exhibitions.
In the area, too, are Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, a beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse with boutique stores, antique shops, and chic cafes, and George’s Street Arcade, Dublin’s oldest city market, a covered market featuring an eclectic mix of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing and handmade jewelry to artisanal foods and quirky collectibles.
Alternatively, Ireland is known for its whiskey, and the Irish Whiskey Museum is across the street from Trinity College. They offer various guided tours that include tastings, as well as blending and Irish Coffee making classes, and it’s a great way to learn about Ireland’s hand in global whiskey production.
Evening: Temple Bar
Depending on the time of year you visit, take a walk along the water River Liffey before or after dinner (I’d recommend it at sunset). Then head to Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter, famous for its nightlife. Enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants, followed by live traditional Irish music in the pubs. If you want a traditional Irish pub that serves food in addition to beer, I’d recommend The Old Storehouse Bar & Restaurant which had fantastic live music that wasn’t overwhelmingly loud (at least on the second floor), and pretty good food.
Day 2: Dublin
Morning: Dublin Castle
Start your day with a visit to Dublin Castle, which has been at the heart of Irish history since its establishment in the early 13th century. There are 2 types of tickets: 1. Self-Guiding tickets that let you explore the State Apartments on your own, or 2. Guided Tour tickets that are timed, and take you through the State Apartments, The Viking Excavation, and The Chapel Royal. The latter has to be purchased day of and tours can sell out, so if you have a time you’d like to make, go early. Before you leave this area, check out the Dubh Linn Garden (behind the castle) and definitely stop into Chester Beatty a museum within the castle grounds, which houses a remarkable collection of manuscripts, books, and artworks from around the world. If you like books in particular, this is your museum.
Afternoon: Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery
A trip to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some sort of distillery, and if you didn’t visit the Irish Whiskey Museum yesterday, today’s your day. Head over to the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland’s most famous beer. The tour ends with a pint in the Gravity Bar, offering panoramic views of Dublin.
Alternatively, the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street provides an insightful tour into the history of Irish whiskey, complete with tastings. If you’re headed to Cork, though, Jameson also has a distillery in Midleton, 30 minutes from Cork’s city center that is where they actually distill their whiskey. I don’t know if the tours are better, but there are no live operations at the Distillery on Bow Street in Dublin.
If you don’t drink or prefer other cultural experiences, I’d recommend visiting the cathedrals not too far from Dublin Castle, namely St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, dating back to 1191, is the largest cathedral in Ireland and built in honor of the country’s patron saint. This Gothic masterpiece boasts beautiful stained glass windows, intricate stonework, and the tomb of Jonathan Swift, the famous author and former dean. The self-guided tour of this cathedral is well done and takes about 60 minutes.
Christ Church Cathedral, founded around 1030 by Viking King Sitric Silkenbeard, is one of Dublin’s oldest and most impressive landmarks. The cathedral’s choir is historically significant, having performed in the first rendition of Handel’s “Messiah” in 1742. This cathedral is much smaller, but also has an underground crypt to explore.
Evening: Nightlife
Explore Dublin’s vibrant nightlife, perhaps taking in a performance at the historic Abbey Theatre, the National Theatre of Ireland. For a more casual evening, visit some of the city’s famous pubs, like The Brazen Head, which claims to be Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198. The burger here was the best burger we’ve had in a long time.
Day 3: Dublin to Waterford via Glendalough and Kilkenny
Morning: Glendalough
After breakfast in Dublin, start your drive to Glendalough, a stunning glacial valley in County Wicklow, known for its early medieval monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Explore the ruins, including the famous round tower and serene lakes. The surrounding Wicklow Mountains National Park offers numerous trails for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty.
This is when you’ll begin to appreciate Ireland for what I think it’s truly best for — its natural beauty.
Afternoon: Kilkenny
Continue to Kilkenny, a city renowned for its medieval architecture and vibrant arts scene. Visit Kilkenny Castle, a majestic structure with beautiful gardens and a fascinating history dating back to the 12th century. Stroll along the Medieval Mile, which features historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and St. Canice’s Cathedral, where you can climb the round tower for panoramic views.
Evening: Waterford
Arrive in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, founded by the Vikings in 914 AD. Check into your accommodation and take a leisurely evening walk along the Quayside. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant, perhaps sampling fresh seafood from the nearby coast.
Alternatively, stay in Faithlegg Hotel, an elegant 18th-century mansion turned 4-star hotel. Set amidst lush gardens and an 18-hole golf course, Faithlegg provides a tranquil retreat with beautifully appointed rooms and top-notch amenities. I’d also recommend upgrading to a suite.
Day 4: Waterford to Cork via Rock of Cashel
Morning: Waterford Downtown
Explore Waterford’s Viking Triangle, visiting the Waterford Treasures museums, which include Reginald’s Tower, the Medieval Museum, and the Bishop’s Palace. Don’t miss the Viking longboat replica and the various Viking artifacts throughout the city.
The House of Waterford Crystal offers a fascinating factory tour, showcasing the city’s renowned crystal making. We really enjoyed the tour and learned a lot. There were no more timed tickets available when we were booking online, but we went up to the counter in person and had no problem getting tickets for a tour that started within 30 minutes.
Afternoon: Rock of Cashel
Drive to the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular archaeological sites. Known as St. Patrick’s Rock, it was once the seat of the kings of Munster before being handed over to the church. Explore the ancient cathedral, round tower, and Cormac’s Chapel, which are steeped in rich history and folklore.
Evening: Cork
If you arrive in Cork before the English Market closes, head there first to see the historic covered market offering local produce and artisanal goods. There is only grab and go food or a cafe that offers seating, so I’d recommend either enjoying dinner in town, or heading to Marina Market Cork, Cork’s largest indoor market with 35+ full time food vendors.
In general, I did not find food outside of Dublin to be outstanding, with the exception of a few dishes (we went as a family and shared all our plates), so don’t raise your expectations. If you’d prefer a more formal restaurant, we went to Market Lane, and the bacon collar was one of those exceptionally delicious plates.
For the night, stay at The Montenotte Hotel, with its stunning views of Cork and really special mountainside retreats.
Day 5: Blarney Castle, Kinsale
Morning: Blarney Castle
Visit Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold near Cork, famous for the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that kissing the stone bestows the gift of gab, or eloquence. The line up to the top of the castle to kiss the stone can be quite long, but there are plaques throughout explaining the castle that are quite interesting. This is also the bulk of time you’ll need at this site, although the castle’s gardens are equally impressive, and you could wander these for many hours.
If you’re not driving around the island, this day tour from Dublin will take you to Rock of Cashel, Cork, and Blarney Castle. Or if you’re in Cork already but don’t want to drive today, take this private tour to see Blarney Castle, Kinsale, and Cobh.
Afternoon: Cobh or Kinsale
Drive to Cobh, a picturesque port town steeped in rich maritime history and stunning coastal beauty. Known as the last port of call for the RMS Titanic in 1912, Cobh offers visitors a poignant Titanic Experience museum and a charming waterfront dotted with colorful houses. The town’s impressive St. Colman’s Cathedral, with its soaring spire and panoramic views of Cork Harbor, adds to Cobh’s allure.
Another really cute town in County Cork is Kinsale, a picturesque coastal town known for its colorful buildings and rich maritime history. Explore Charles Fort, a star-shaped fort overlooking the harbor, which played a significant role in Irish history. Wander through the town’s charming streets, filled with boutique shops and art galleries.
Shops and museums in these seaside towns tend close fairly early (5pm - 7pm in the summer), so try to get there before then if you want to enter anything other than restaurants or pubs.
Evening: Cork
Return to Cork and enjoy dinner at one of its acclaimed restaurants (there are several on the Michelin guide that look interesting). Or catch some live music in one of Cork’s lively pubs.
Day 6: Cork to Kenmare via Killarney National Park
Morning: Killarney
In the morning, drive ~1.5 hours to Killarney Town, a charming locale filled with quaint shops, lively pubs, and historic buildings, for brunch. After walking the town a bit, head into Killarney National Park.
Afternoon: Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park, covers over 102 square kilometers, and is absolutely stunning. There are a lot of things you can see/do here, but here are the highlights.
Ross Castle, a 15th-century fortress on the edge of Lough Leane, where you can take a scenic boat ride around the lake. The castle itself is very small, but the lake is beautiful. You can also book a horse ride from Killarney to Ross Castle and back ahead of time, here or here, to see it in style.
Muckross Abbey, a well-preserved 15th-century Franciscan friary with a hauntingly beautiful cloister and ancient yew tree. This was one of our favorite stops in Killarney.
If you’re interested in Victorian life, visit the nearby Muckross House and Gardens. This 19th-century Victorian mansion is set against the backdrop of the Lakes of Killarney. The nearby Muckross Traditional Farms also offer a glimpse into rural Irish life in the 1930s and 1940s.
Torc Waterfall, a stunning 20-meter high waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. From the parking lot, the “hike” (walk) to the waterfall is about 200m. If you want to go on a more extended hike, however, there are stairs from the base of the waterfall that lead to hiking trails.
The Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass offering spectacular views and many more opportunities for hiking. The roads are very narrow (much like most of these upcoming drives), but the views are worth it.
Evening: Ring of Kerry to Kenmare
From the Gap of Dunloe, start the iconic Ring of Kerry drive, a 179-kilometer circular route offering some of Ireland’s most stunning coastal scenery. Stop at Ladies View, a famous viewpoint named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, who visited in 1861. Continue to Moll’s Gap, known for its panoramic views and the Avoca Handweavers shop. This was one of our favorite shops in Ireland.
By the end of the day, make it to Kenmare, a charming town where the Ring of Kerry first hits the coast. The town is very cute and welcoming.
Day 7: Ring of Kerry to Portmagee
Morning: Ring of Kerry
Continue on the Ring of Kerry, where you can see ancient ring forts, standing stones, and other historical sites. We found the Staigue Stone Fort enormous and very cool, but you can also visit Cahergal Stone Fort later on the drive (after Portmagee).
From there, drive on to Sneem, then Caherdaniel, where you can stop for lunch or to stretch your legs. Then drive on to Derrynane Beach and Coomakista Viewpoint.
Afternoon: Skellig Ring
Soon after Waterville, at Kenneigh, branch left to head toward the Skellig Ring, an extension of the Ring of Kerry, offers some of Ireland's most breathtaking and less-traveled scenery. This ring is just as beautiful, if not even more so, than the Ring of Kerry, and very worth the detour. Stop in Ballinskelligs, and at the Cliff View at Coomanaspig. The view there is absolutely stunning.
Along this drive you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its early medieval monastic settlement and as a Star Wars filming location.
The Kerry Cliffs rival the Cliffs of Moher in drama and beauty, but note that they close! Surprisingly, the Kerry Cliffs are a family run tourist attraction (by the O’Donoghue’s), and whether they are open is weather-dependent. They also close at 7pm (last entry at 6:30pm), so beware before you visit.
If you have time before sunset, explore Valentia Island and the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre for more insights into the area’s rich history. It’s worth driving to that island just to see the peninsula from the other side. Knight’s Town is also very cute.
Evening: Portmagee
Arrive in Portmagee, a quaint fishing village and the gateway to Skellig Michael.
Day 8: Michael Skellig, Ring of Kerry to Dingle
Morning: Skellig Michael (weather permitting)
Weather and availability permitting, take a boat tour to Skellig Michael, an island with a 6th-century monastic settlement and stunning views. The island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its beehive huts, stone steps, recent feature in Star Wars, and, most importantly, puffins! There are limited tickets to actually get off a boat and land on the island, though, so be sure to book those ahead of time as they sell out. Here are two companies that offer landing tours: Skellig Islands and Skellig Michael Cruises. The first is cheaper but sells out more quickly. I’m not sure if you can also look for tickets in Portmagee when you arrive, as we did see some tour companies with advertisements in the area.
Afternoon: Ring of Kerry
Continue your drive on the Ring of Kerry, then head towards Dingle. If you didn’t visit Valentia Island the night before, this afternoon is a good time to drive that island. Otherwise, some stops of note include Cahersiveen and Rossbeigh Strand.
On the Dingle Peninsula, stop at Inch Beach, a long sandy beach perfect for a walk or a refreshing dip.
Evening: Dingle
Arrive in Dingle, a vibrant town known for its lively arts scene and traditional Irish music. For dinner, I highly recommend The Fish Box.
Day 9: Dingle Peninsula, Limerick
Morning: Dingle Peninsula
When people say to visit Dingle, they really mean the peninsula, not just the town. The Dingle Peninsula, known for its rugged beauty and ancient sites, is very different from the Ring of Kerry, but every bit as beautiful and worth driving. Visit Slea Head, the westernmost point of Europe, offering dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to stop by Coumeenoole Beach and Dunmore Head while you’re here.
If you have time, you can also go on this Dingle Dolphin Boat Tour!
Afternoon & Evening: Limerick
Head towards Limerick, a city with a rich medieval history. Visit King John’s Castle, a 13th-century fortress located on King’s Island in the River Shannon. The interactive exhibits provide insight into the castle’s history and medieval life in Limerick.
Day 10: Cliffs of Moher, Galway or Ashford Castle
Morning: Cliffs of Moher
Drive to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic natural attractions. The cliffs rise 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views and a chance to see diverse seabird colonies. If you park at the Visitor Center, they charge €12 per person in your vehicle (it’s cheaper, €7, if you book online ahead of time). The Visitor Center is fairly well done, though, so worth paying to support the conservation efforts in the area. If that’s not of interest to you, though, here are some alternatives:
You can pull up a little before the entrance and drop off the people in your car before you pull into the car park.
You can start at the northern end of the cliffs in Doolin and walk south to the Visitor Center, then take a bus or shuttle back up to Doolin.
You can start at the southern end of the cliffs and park at this Cliffs of Moher Liscannor Walk Parking for €5, then walk along the cliffs to the Visitor Center. One person in our party went back halfway, then drove the car to meet us at the Visitor Center. We would recommend this, as the southern end had some of the best views, is significantly less crowded, and you can get much closer to the cliffs.
You can do the Cliffs as part of a tour that includes tickets. This Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher cruise looks amazing, and this driving tour departs from Galway to make many stops that day.
Afternoon: Galway
Continue to Galway, a vibrant city known for its arts and culture. Explore the lively Latin Quarter, with its cobblestone streets, colorful shops, and numerous cafes and pubs.
Evening: Galway or Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle is one of the most iconic and beautiful properties in Ireland, so if it’s in your budget, I’d recommend a night here! This 800-year-old castle turned hotel has extensive grounds to explore and activities like falconry for you to enjoy. It’s also in the beautiful Connemara National Park, which is the next day’s destination, so you’ll get a bit of a head start.
Another way to see the property is to book an afternoon tea, or lunch/dinner here, or book The Lodge at Ashford Castle.
Day 11: Connemara National Park, Westport
Morning: Connemara National Park
Drive through Connemara National Park, known for its stunning landscapes of mountains, bogs, and lakes. Hike one of the park’s trails, such as the Diamond Hill Loop, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including Connemara ponies.
Afternoon: Kylemore Abbey or Letterfrack
Visit Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful 19th-century castle and Victorian walled garden. The abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, has a fascinating history and offers tranquil walks around its grounds. It’s not an extensive museum, though, so you could just drive by to see it, then head on to Letterfrack, to explore the beautiful nature in that area.
Evening: Westport
Arrive in Westport, a charming town known for its Georgian architecture and lively atmosphere.
Day 12: Westport to Derry
Morning & Afternoon: Drive to Northern Ireland
Depart Westport and drive towards Derry, passing through the scenic counties of Mayo and Sligo. The drive offers beautiful landscapes and opportunities to stop at sites such as:
Knock Shrine, a major Catholic pilgrimage site
Donegal Castle, a restored fortress originally built in the 15th century
Slieve League Cliffs, stunning cliffs three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher (website)
Maghera Beach, renowned for its pristine sands, clear waters, and sea caves
Gweedore, the largest Gaelic-speaking community in Ireland
Horn Head, quartzite cliffs on a very scenic drive
Malin Head, Ireland’s most northernmost point
From Westport to Londonderry, if you hit each of these stops, the drive is just over 8 hours (Google Maps). Cutting Malin head will save you 1.5 hours (making it ~6.5 hours of driving), and going straight from Westport to Londonderry without stopping is 3 hours. So pick what you have energy for.
Evening: Derry (Londonderry)
Arrive in Derry, a city with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Visit the Tower Museum and the Bogside area to learn about Derry’s complex history, including the events of Bloody Sunday. Take a leisurely evening walk across the Peace Bridge, a symbol of the city’s efforts towards reconciliation.
Day 13: Derry to Belfast via Giant’s Causeway
Morning: Derry and Giant’s Causeway
In the morning, explore the 17th-century city walls, which are among the best-preserved in Europe, and the only surviving city walls in Ireland.
Then drive to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. The site is steeped in mythology, with tales of the giant Finn McCool.
Afternoon & Evening: Belfast
Continue to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. On the way, explore the Ballintoy Harbour, which features in Game of Thrones: Iron Islands.
Once in Belfast, visit Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum located on the site where the RMS Titanic was built. The museum offers a comprehensive and moving account of the ship’s construction, voyage, and tragic sinking. We found this museum exceedingly well done. Alternatively, head to the Ulster Museum, which houses a rich collection of art, history, and natural sciences, or do a Black Taxi Tour to learn about Belfast’s political history and see its famous murals.
Day 14: Fly out of Belfast or head back to Dublin
Morning: Belfast
If you have time before leaving Ireland, I’d recommend stopping into St. George’s Market, one of Belfast’s oldest attractions, offers a bustling atmosphere with local food, crafts, and live music.
Afternoon: Belfast Airport
Make your way to the airport. If your flight is out of Dublin, it’s about 2 hours from Belfast. And if you’ve returned your car for some reason, there is a coach you can take from Belfast city center to Dublin airport directly.
Modifications
10-Day Ireland Itinerary Overview
If you only have 10 days, I would drive from Dublin to Cork (skipping Waterford, but stopping at the Rock of Cashel), then spend only one day in the Cork area before heading to Kenmare. I would keep all of the Ring of Kerry + Dingle Peninsula + Cliffs of Moher, and cut out Northern Ireland. So it would look like this:
Days 1 - 2: Dublin
Day 3: Dublin to Cork via Rock of Cashel
Day 4: Cork to Kenmare via Blarney Castle and Killarney National Park
Day 5: Ring of Kerry to Portmagee
Day 6: Michael Skellig (could also cut), Ring of Kerry to Dingle
Day 7: Dingle Peninsula, Limerick
Day 8: Cliffs of Moher, Galway or Ashford Castle
Day 9: Connemara National Park, Galway or Dublin
Day 10: Galway to Dublin or just Dublin
This is definitely a lot of driving, though, so if you find an area that you like a lot, you could stay there an extra night and cut another day in Dublin. It’s really not a particularly remarkable city.
Stay Longer in Each City
If you hate moving hotels every night and would rather have some bases to drive in and out of, I would recommend basing yourself in Cork, Killarney, and Galway. We did our trip this way and realized it was probably more exhausting to drive an extra 1-2 hours a day than it was to pack up after one night in a hotel, so I would only recommend this if you don’t mind driving more, or you do tours where other people drive.
Tour the more Rural Roads
The roads along the coast are definitely precarious. We saw a driver who had fallen off the side of the road and couldn’t get out — his car was at a 45° angle. So if you’re not comfortable driving these roads, you can do many of these highlights on a tour from a main town. Here are some recommendations:
