With its wealth of natural beauty, vibrant cities, and quaint towns, Ireland is a dream destination for a road trip. This two week driving itinerary covers many of the country’s highlights while also taking you off the beaten path. Follow this guide to experience the very best of the Emerald Isle.
Day 1 – Dublin
Get your road trip started in Ireland’s atmospheric capital city. Spend your first day exploring Dublin’s top sights like Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, the lively Temple Bar neighborhood , and the historic Kilmainham Gaol . Grab a pint at one of Dublin’s renowned pubs like The Brazen Head , Ireland’s oldest pub.
Day 2 – Kilkenny & Rock of Cashel
Hit the road out of Dublin heading towards Kilkenny, home to a massive 12th century castle [https://www.kilkennycastle.ie] and medieval town center. Afterwards, make your way to the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel [https://www.cashel.ie], an ancient fortified hilltop with Celtic crosses and medieval ruins overlooking the countryside. Stay overnight in the small village of Cashel.
Day 3 – Cork & Blarney Castle
On your third day, head towards Cork, located along Ireland’s south coast. Stop en route at Blarney Castle [https://www.blarneycastle.ie] to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and gain the ‘gift of eloquence’. Spend your afternoon and evening exploring Cork, visiting the English Market [https://www.englishmarket.ie] for local artisan food and the lively pubs along MacCurtain Street [https://www.cometocork.com/whats-on/quarter-festivals/maccurtain-street].
Day 4 – Kinsale & Cork’s Coast
Spend day 4 exploring the pretty harbor town of Kinsale , considered one of Ireland’s culinary capitals. Wander its cobblestone streets, galleries, and colorful buildings. Continue along the coast to see clifftop Charles Fort and eat fresh seafood in the coastal villages of Timoleague and Clonakilty .
Day 5 – Ring of Kerry
Tackle one of Ireland’s most famous drives, the Ring of Kerry. This 110 mile route winds around the Iveragh Peninsula past offshore islands, pristine beaches, soaring sea cliffs and sweeping views of the mountains and Atlantic Ocean. Make stops at highlights like Staigue Fort and Ladies View lookout point.
Day 6 – Dingle Peninsula
Day 6 takes you to the less-visited but equally gorgeous Dingle Peninsula. Follow the winding Slea Head Drive with stops at ancient beehive huts, Dunquin Harbor, and views of the Blasket Islands. In Dingle town, visit the Oceanworld Aquarium and hear live music in funky pubs like Dick Mack’s
Day 7 – Cliffs of Moher & Galway
On your way to Galway, stop at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, towering 700 feet over the Atlantic. Once in Galway, immerse yourself in Ireland’s festival city with live music, a vibrant arts scene and friendly locals at authentic pubs like Tig Cóilí .
Day 8 – Connemara & Kylemore Abbey
Explore the wild, rugged beauty of Connemara with its misty mountains, pristine lakes and windswept coastline. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a castle-turned monastery with opulent Victorian gardens. In the evening, head to the lively pub and restaurant scene in Westport .
Day 9 – Sligo & Benbulben Mountain
Stop at Drumcliffe’s medieval round tower and the burial site of famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats. Continue on through County Sligo to gaze at captivating Benbulben Mountain before ending your day wandering the trails and beaches of unspoiled Mullaghmore Peninsula .
Day 10 – Donegal & Slieve League Cliffs
Discover the ruins of 15th century Donegal Castle followed by breathtaking views from Slieve League’s 1800 foot sea cliffs , Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Take the one hour loop hike along the cliff’s edge for phenomenal coastal scenery. End your day listening to live fiddle music in Donegal town’s pubs.
Day 11 – Northern Ireland
Drive across the border into Northern Ireland to see the famous Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 40,000 unique interlocking basalt rock columns. Nearby attractions include the atmospheric ruins of Dunluce Castle and the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, Bushmills.
Day 12 – Exploring Belfast
In Belfast, learn about Northern Ireland’s complex history and “The Troubles” at murals and sites like the Peace Wall . Take a Black Taxi mural tour for insights from a local guide. Wander the Titanic Quarter to see where the ill-fated ship was built and visit lively pubs like the Duke of York
Day 13 – Dublin via Newgrange
On your drive back to Dublin, stop at the UNESCO listed Neolithic site Newgrange , older than the Egyptian pyramids. Back in Dublin, enjoy your last night exploring more of the city’s best pubs, restaurants and music venues.
Day 14 – Head Home
Depart Dublin for home after two full weeks of adventures, scenery and cultural immersion in the Emerald Isle! Sláinte!
With ancient castles, dramatic coastlines, and lively cities, this Ireland road trip itinerary gives you the perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. You’ll return home with memories to last a lifetime!
