3 Days in Ireland from Dublin (3 Different Itineraries)

Although my Irish Road Trip Library has 50+ itineraries for spending 3 days in Ireland (you can pick a start point, transport type, etc.) the 3 below are the most popular.

Each of these routes has been used by thousands of people and each follows a logical and hugely rewarding route.

Ideally, you’ll have 3 full days to explore, but if not, each day 3 includes a note on how to tweak the route and get back to Dublin that evening in good time.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Itinerary 1: Day 1 in Dublin, day 2 in Wicklow and day 3 in the Boyne Valley 
• Itinerary 2: Day 1 in Dublin, day 2 on the scenic route to Doolin and day 3 in Clare and Galway
• Itinerary 3: Day 1 in Dublin, day 2 on the scenic route to Killarney and day 3 on the Ring of Kerry

Spending 3 days in Ireland

Take 10 seconds to scan the points below, which explain the ins-and-outs of this 3 day Ireland itinerary.

1. Start point

This is a 3 day Ireland road trip from Dublin. If you’re starting your trip elsewhere, I have 3 day trips starting in Shannon, Belfast, Cork, Wexford, Mayo and Donegal!

2. How you’ll get around

You’ll need to either have your own car or be renting a car in Ireland for this itinerary. If you don’t have a car, DON’T WORRY – I have 3 day public transport road trips starting in Dublin, Shannon, Belfast, Cork, Wexford, Mayo and Donegal.

3. This is a ‘fast-trip’

This is what I call a ‘Fast-trip’. It packs as much into your 3 days in Ireland as is reasonably possible. If you want to explore at a SLOWER PACE over 3 days, I have ‘Slow-trips’ starting in Dublin, Shannon, Belfast, Cork, Wexford, Mayo and Donegal.

Itinerary 1: The logical route

I call this ‘the logical route’ as it really is the most sensible use of your 3 days in Ireland.

It uses Dublin as a base so you don’t waste time moving accommodation and it takes well-planned out day trips that are packed with scenery and historical sites.

3 days is a tiny amount of time to try and see Ireland – I’m strongly of the opinion that you’re better off picking a base and exploring nearby spots, as that’s the best way to make the most of your time.

An overview of the 3 days in Ireland

• Day 1: Arrive in Dublin and explore the city (stay in Dublin)
• Day 2: Day trip to Wicklow (stay in Dublin)
• Day 3: Day trip to the Boyne Valley (stay in Dublin)

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

How you spend day 1 will largely depend on when you arrive into Dublin. If you’re renting a car, I recommend picking it up at Dublin Airport through Discover Cars.

You won’t need it on day one, but having it sorted will save you the hassle of collecting it on the morning of day 2.

For the sake of this itinerary, I’m going to assume you land in the morning and are good to go by early afternoon.

Recommended accommodation in Dublin

• Budget: Abigail’s Hostel (Temple Bar), Jacobs Inn (central hostel) and Generator Hostel (short walk from the centre)
• Mid-range: Dublin Skylon Hotel (just outside the city), Wren Urban Nest (Temple Bar), and Harding Hotel (very central)
• Luxury: The Merrion (right by St. Stephen’s Green) and The Westin (just off Grafton Street)

Getting around Dublin + money savers

• Time savers: Want to avoid too much walking? A ticket for the Hop On Hop Off Bus in Dublin covers most major attractions and more.
• Money saver: Planning to visit the city’s top attractions? The Dublin Pass can save you a chunk of change (here’s how).
• The guided walking tour: The locally-run Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour packs 1,000 years of history into a brilliant 2-hour stroll.

Stop 1: Lunch

There are plenty of top-notch restaurants in Dublin for lunch, but if you’re after something casual in a cosy, historic setting, Neary’s (est. 1887) just off Grafton Street is always a winner.

They keep things simple—think hearty soups and classic sandwiches—and the prices are fair.

Prefer something lighter? Sprout and Co. on Dawson Street serves up filling salad bowls with plenty of veggie and vegan options.

Stop 2: Trinity College

After lunch, make your way to Trinity College to see the legendary Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s most treasured cultural artefacts.

Pre-booking this fast-track ticket is well worth it to skip the queues—it also includes access to Dublin Castle.

Spend about an hour exploring the Book of Kells exhibit and the Old Library, then give yourself 20 minutes to wander the university’s historic grounds.

Stop 3: The Ha’penny Bridge (via Temple Bar)

The Ha’penny Bridge—officially the Liffey Bridge—was built in 1816 and was the city’s first pedestrian crossing over the river. It’s a short stroll from Trinity through the busy lanes of Temple Bar.

Temple Bar is known for being touristy, but if you’re after a pint, here are some solid pub picks (The Palace is my go-to).

If coffee is more your thing, cross the bridge and check out Joe’s Coffee or Vice Coffee—both are a few minutes away.

Stop 4: Dublin Castle

Just 10 minutes from the Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin Castle is next.

Dating back to the 1200s, it’s seen everything from medieval fortresses to modern-day state ceremonies.

You can walk the grounds for free, but for a full experience, grab a ticket for either a self-guided or guided tour.

Guided visits include the State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, exhibitions and more.

Stop 5: Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is just a short walk away and a fascinating stop.

Originally built by Norse King Sigtrygg Silkbeard in the 11th century, it was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century by John Cumin.

Inside, highlights include the medieval crypt, Strongbow’s tomb, and the Treasures of Christ Church.

Book your ticket here to access an audio tour (available in multiple languages), which takes about an hour.

Stop 6: The Guinness Storehouse

Next, walk 20 minutes to the Guinness Storehouse at St. James’s Gate. This is one of Dublin’s most popular attractions for a reason.

The self-guided experience takes around 90 minutes and includes everything from the brewing process to a Gravity Bar pint with a view.

Stop 7: Dinner, drinks and live music

After a long day of sightseeing, it’s time to eat, drink and catch some tunes. Here are a few ideas to round out the first of your 3 days in Ireland:

Dinner recommendations

Dublin’s restaurant scene is thriving. These are two that I’ll never tire of:

• For steak: Hawksmoor – sleek setting, world-class steak, impeccable service
• For seafood: SOLE – always outstanding

Live music and trad bars

I’ve covered this in detail in my Dublin pubs guide, but for a quick shortlist: Bowes, Kehoes, and Neary’s are all solid. For live music pubs in Dublin, try the Celt, the Old Storehouse or Darkey Kelly’s.

For those that don’t fancy the pub

If bars aren’t your thing, The Irish House Party is a fantastic alternative—think live music, storytelling, and a great meal in a historic Dublin townhouse.

Another way that you could spend day 1

If you’ve already done the main sights or just want to dodge the city crowds, some of the best things to do near Dublin are only a short train ride away, like the cliff walk in Howth.

There’s a mapped-out route above, or you can dive into the full plan here.

Day 2: Wicklow’s Wonders

Day 2 of this 3 day Ireland road trip takes you out of the capital and into the wild beauty of Wicklow.

Often referred to as the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow is packed with scenic drives and walking trails.

There are a few hikes on the cards today, so pack comfy shoes, layers, snacks, water, and—this being Ireland—a raincoat.

Stop 1: Glendalough Visitor Centre and Monastic City

Your first stop is the Glendalough Visitor Centre. Give yourself 30–45 minutes here to explore the exhibitions and the famous Monastic City.

Founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, this early Christian site became one of Europe’s most significant religious settlements.

The main ruins—like the 33-metre-tall Round Tower, St. Kevin’s Church, and the old cathedral—are all within a short walk of the centre.

Stop 2: The Spinc Walk

Next up is the Spinc Walk—a looped 9.5 km hike that showcases Glendalough’s rugged scenery from above.

The trail starts with 600+ wooden steps and follows boardwalks and forest paths, with a few tricky descents near the end.

It’s rated moderate-to-hard with 380 metres of ascent, but most people in good shape manage it in just over 3.5 hours.

Stop 3: Late lunch at the Wicklow Heather

After the hike, head to The Wicklow Heather in Laragh—just a 6-minute drive away—for a well-earned lunch.

This charming restaurant has cosy interiors and a big outdoor terrace.

Expect traditional Irish fare like seafood chowder and cottage pie, plus veggie and vegan options.

Stop 4: The Sally Gap Drive (multiple stops)

Once fed, it’s time for the Sally Gap Drive—a winding mountain route packed with dramatic views.

Your first stop is Lough Tay, or Guinness Lake, one of the region’s most iconic sights.

From there, follow the road past the famous PS I Love You bridge and down to a car park overlooking Glenmacnass Waterfall.

If you’ve more fuel in the legs, you’ve got two more trails to consider: the Djouce Mountain Walk or the Ballinastoe Woods Walk—both 2 to 2.5 hours long.

Stop 5: Powerscourt Waterfall along with the house and gardens

Powerscourt Waterfall is around 15 minutes from the end of the Sally Gap route and it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Ireland.

At 121 metres, it’s Ireland’s highest waterfall and a peaceful place to stretch the legs. The short walk from the car park makes it an easy visit.

A few minutes up the road, Powerscourt House boasts 47 acres of landscaped gardens featuring fountains, statues, and forest paths.

There’s a café onsite—perfect for a quick coffee before heading back to Dublin.

Stop 6: Back to Dublin for the night

Wrap up day 2 of your 3 day Ireland road trip by making your way back to Dublin—it’s about an hour’s drive, depending on traffic.

If you haven’t locked in accommodation yet, here’s a handy guide on where to stay in Dublin.

Food recommendations

There are some excellent places to eat in Dublin. These are two that I find myself returning to over and over:

• For steak: Hawksmoor – sleek setting, world-class steak, impeccable service
• For seafood: SOLE – always outstanding

Live music and trad bars

I’ve covered this in detail in my Dublin pubs guide, but for a quick shortlist: Bowes, Kehoes, and Neary’s are all solid. For live music pubs in Dublin, try the Celt, the Old Storehouse or Darkey Kelly’s.

For those that don’t fancy the pub

If bars aren’t your thing, The Irish House Party is a fantastic alternative—think live music, storytelling, and a great meal in a historic Dublin townhouse.

Day 3: The historic Boyne Valley

On the final day of this 3 day Ireland itinerary, you’ll be heading out to the beautiful Boyne Valley, famous for its archaeological sites.

Today, I’d recommend getting a good breakfast in as there won’t be places to grab a bite near your first stop, so it’s best to eat before you leave Dublin.

Stop 1: Newgrange

Newgrange is one of the most significant prehistoric monuments in Europe and the centrepiece of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built around 3200 BC, this Neolithic tomb predates both the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Dublin, traffic depending, so it’s best to leave early.

Pre-booking is a must, and all tours begin at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre—there’s no direct access otherwise. You can grab your tickets here. It’s likely that this will be the highlight of your 3 days in Ireland!

Stop 2: St Peter’s Church, Drogheda

Next, drive 15 minutes to Drogheda to visit St. Peter’s Church, a stunning French Gothic structure built in 1884.

It’s best known as the resting place of St. Oliver Plunkett, a Catholic martyr executed in England in 1681.

Inside, you’ll find his preserved head, along with other relics and a striking shrine. As it’s an active place of worship, please maintain silence during your visit.

Stop 3: Monasterboice

A 12-minute spin from Drogheda brings you to Monasterboice, a monastic site founded in the 5th century by Saint Buithe.

It remained a key religious and scholarly hub until the establishment of Mellifont Abbey in 1142.

Here you’ll find the remains of churches, a tall round tower, and two impressive 10th-century high crosses, including the famed Muiredach’s Cross.

Stop 4: Hill of Slane

From Monasterboice, drive 15 minutes to the Hill of Slane, thought to be where St. Patrick defied the High King by lighting the Paschal fire.

The site includes the ruins of a 16th-century Franciscan monastery, built on top of a much older religious foundation.

Spend 30 to 60 minutes here, depending on how far you want to wander.

Stop 5: Lunch in Navan

Now it’s time for lunch. Drive 25 minutes to Navan and choose from a range of excellent local spots.

Try The Gate Restaurant for hearty Irish fare or Crystal Cafe for something lighter. Room8 serves up fresh salads and sandwiches, while Checkov’s Cafe is a relaxed choice for a casual bite.

Stop 6: Kells Round Tower and High Crosses

A 17-minute drive takes you to Kells, founded by St. Columba in 550 AD.

The round tower here is unusual—it features five windows at the top instead of the typical four.

Nearby are several ancient Celtic crosses, with the 9th-century South Cross standing out for its detailed carvings of biblical scenes.

Stop 7: Spire of Lloyd

Just 4 minutes away, the Spire of Lloyd is sometimes called Ireland’s only inland lighthouse.

The 30-metre tower, built in 1791, sits on an ancient ring fort and offers sweeping countryside views (though it’s usually closed to the public).

Originally used to watch races and hunts, it’s an odd but intriguing stop.

Stop 8: Trim Castle

Then it’s on to Trim Castle, a 30-minute drive from the Spire of Lloyd. This 12th-century fortress is the largest of its kind in Ireland and took over 30 years to complete.

Entry to the grounds is free, but the guided keep tour (which costs a few euros) is absolutely worth it—especially for fans of Braveheart, which was filmed here.

This castle tends to be a highlight for many that follow this 3 day Ireland itinerary.

Stop 9: Bective Abbey

A short 10-minute drive brings you to Bective Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery founded in 1147.

The atmospheric ruins are mostly 13th–15th century and include a chapter house, cloister, and church.

The abbey is free to visit and was featured in the 2020 film The Last Duel.

Stop 10: Hill of Tara

End the day at the legendary Hill of Tara, 12 minutes from Bective. Long associated with the High Kings of Ireland, it’s one of the island’s most important ancient ceremonial sites.

Visit the visitor centre for a free 25-minute AV show or join a free guided tour. The site itself is open year-round, all day.

Stop 11: Back to Dublin for the night

After a packed day, it’s time to head back to Dublin—it’s about a 50-minute drive.

Although you should be fairly familiar with the city after the last 2 nights, here’s how to round off this 3 day Ireland itinerary in style.

Dinner recommendations

Hungry after the drive? You’ve some excellent restaurants in Dublin to pick from.

• For steak: Hawksmoor – exceptional food and service
• For seafood: SOLE – refined, consistently top-tier

Live music and trad bars

From my Dublin pub guide, Bowes, Kehoe’s and Neary’s always deliver. For live traditional music, check out Darkey Kelly’s, the Old Storehouse, or The Celt.

For those that don’t fancy the pub

If you’d prefer a different vibe, book a night at The Irish House Party—a lively evening of music, dancing, and storytelling in a traditional Georgian townhouse.

Itinerary 2: The busy route

My 2nd 3 day Ireland itinerary covers a lot more ground than the first, as you’ll need to travel across to the Wild Atlantic Way.

Itinerary 2 is the ‘Busy Route’, though the name’s a bit misleading—it’s only properly busy on Day 3 and even then it’s very manageable. That day takes you from Doolin, up the coast and into Galway City.

An overview of the 3 days in Ireland

• Day 1: Arrive in Dublin and explore the city (stay in Dublin)
• Day 2: Dublin to Doolin via countless historical sites (stay in Doolin)
• Day 3: Doolin to Galway City (stay in Galway)

Day 1: The same as the previous itinerary

As mentioned earlier, every 3 day Ireland itinerary starts the same—you’ll be arriving into the capital, and the route takes in the best things to do in Dublin.

That said, if you fancy mixing it up, I’ve put together some alternative Dublin routes for you:

• 2 days in Dublin itinerary
• 1 day in Dublin itinerary

Day 2: The scenic route to Doolin

Day 2 of this 3 day Ireland road trip sees you travel to Doolin via a very rewarding route that takes in some of the best castles in Ireland.

Here’s an overview of the route:

• Sallins for coffee (40-min drive): Canal-side town with cosy pubs and great places to eat (park along the canal here – there are cafes nearby)
• Rock of Dunamase (35-min drive): 9th-century castle ruins with glorious views across County Laois
• Rock of Cashel (55-min drive): Hilltop site with 12th-century cathedral and round tower; once the seat of the Kings of Munster
• Limerick (1-hour-and-10-min drive): Lunch and King John’s Castle – a massive riverside fortress with interactive exhibits tracing 800 years of history, from Viking raids to sieges
• Bunratty Castle (20-min drive): Explore this impressive 15th-century tower house and its folk park
• Ennis (25-min drive): Wander the narrow streets of this medieval town and visit the 13th-century Ennis Friary
• Doolin for the night (40-min drive): Check-in, head for food and round off day 2 of your 3 days in Ireland with live music in one of the pubs in Doolin

Day 3: The Clare coast and Galway City

The final leg of your 3 days in Ireland sees you explore the Clare coast before heading off into Galway City.

Day 3 is arguably the best day of the 3 and it takes you to Moher, first, before following part of the Burren drive.

This is a relatively easy-going day despite the fact that you cover quite a bit of ground.

Need to head back to Dublin today? No problem! Just skip Galway City!

Stop 1: The Cliffs of Moher

This first stop, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, are a 15-minute drive from Doolin. It’ll quickly become evident why these are one of the most popular things to do in Ireland!

There’s a visitor centre on-site, as well as 800 metres of paved walkways with viewing areas, and the historic O’Brien’s Tower.

In my opinion, the visitor centre isn’t really anything that special, but you’ll get access to all three with the Cliffs of Moher Experience. 

Stop 2: The Fanore Viewpoint

When you leave Doolin, you need to follow the R477 road that hugs the coast. You’ll travel along a finely maintained road with the Atlantic on one side and the famous Burren landscape on the other.

The next stop is this viewpoint. Now, as you can see in the photos above, this is accessed by a steep and narrow ‘country’ road.

However, when you reach the top you’ll be treated to glorious views of the Clare coast and beyond.

The fun really begins when you drive back down the way you came – it almost feels like you’re driving into the sea. This is also a great viewpoint – on clear days you’ll be able to see everywhere from the Aran Islands to the hills of Connemara.

Stop 3: Corcomroe Abbey

Nestled in the heart of the Burren, Corcomroe Abbey—once known as “St. Mary of the Fertile Rock”—dates back to the early 13th century.

Built using local limestone, this Gothic ruin features some of the finest stone carvings of any Irish Cistercian church.

Despite its peaceful setting today, Corcomroe witnessed historic battles, including the burial of King Conor O’Brien after his defeat in 1268. Now a National Monument, this abbey remains a must-see for history and architecture lovers!

Stop 4: Dunguaire Castle

The final stop before heading into Galway City is Dunguaire Castle. This 75-feet-tall tower house was built in the 16th-century on the shores of glorious Galway Bay, not far from the town of Kinvara.

It was built by the powerful Ó hEidhin clan and it was once owned by the King of Connacht. During the summer, the castle opens for tours.

If you visit during the off season, you can still park across the road and admire it from the outside. When you finish up, you’re a 40-minute drive to Galway City Centre.

Stop 5: Galway City

When you arrive into Galway City, check-in to your accommodation and then head out for lunch.

The best spot for a casual feed in the city, in my opinion, is Dela – regardless of whether it’s breakfast or lunch.

When you’re fuelled up, it’s time to explore. You have 3 options:

• Option 1: Follow my self guided Galway City walking tour (above)
• Option 2: Take the Galway hop-on/hop-off bus (handy if it’s raining/if you’re tired)
• Option 3: Take this guided walking tour or the excellent Dark History Walking tour

Stop 6: Galway for dinner, drinks and live music

You’ve a night in Galway to look forward to polish off the last day of this 3 day Ireland road trip!

Here are some recommendations for you:

Dinner recommendations

There are some outstanding restaurants in Galway, with something to tickle most tastebuds.

• My go-tos: Dela (outstanding Irish food) and Ard Bia at Nimmos (beautifully presented dishes that never fail to delight)
• Casual spots: The Dough Bros (Galway’s best pizza) and McDonagh’s (mighty fish and chips)

Live music and trad bars

You’ve some tough decisions to make when it comes to the Pubs in Galway as there’s some fine choice! In the map above, you’ll find my go-tos.

For those that don’t fancy the pub

Skip the pub crawl and enjoy a lively night at Ireland’s #1 music and dance show in nearby Salthill. It features performers from Riverdance and The Chieftains and it promises a great alternative to the pub.

Itinerary 3: The mad route

I call this ‘the Mad Route’ as you cover a lot of ground. However, it’s still very manageable if you’re happy to do a good bit of driving.

The first day is nice and handy. The second, when you travel to Killarney, is broken up with several stops, so you won’t be stuck in the car for too long. On the third, you’ll explore the Ring of Kerry.

An overview of the 3 days in Ireland

• Day 1: Arrive in Dublin and explore the city (stay in Dublin)
• Day 2: Killarney via several historical sites (stay in Killarney)
• Day 3: The Ring of Kerry (stay in Killarney)

Day 1: The same as the previous itinerary

As mentioned earlier, all of the Day 1s are the same—you’ll be arriving into the capital, and the route takes in the best things to do in Dublin.

That said, if you fancy mixing it up, I’ve put together some alternative Dublin routes for you:

• 2 days in Dublin itinerary
• 1 day in Dublin itinerary

Day 2: Killarney via a whole lot of history

Day 2 is a big one, so I’d recommend hitting the road early. This tends to be the stand-out day for many that follow this route.

You’ll be travelling to Killarney and stopping at some very ancient landmarks along the way.

Where to stay in Killarney

• Budget: Kingdom Lodge (adjacent to the National Park) and Castle Lodge (charming B&B just outside the center)
• Mid-range: Killaran House (outstanding location in the heart of town) and Killarney Avenue (beside the park)
• Luxury: Muckross Park (prestigious 5-star hotel just outside town) and The Killarney Park (vintage charm near the train station)

An overview of the route

Here’s an overview of the stops:

• Rock of Dunamase (1 hour from Dublin): 9th-century castle ruins with glorious views (spend 35 minutes here)
• Rock of Cashel (50 minutes from Dunamase): Hilltop site with 12th-century cathedral and round tower (spend 1 hour here – tour is 45 minutes long)
• Cahir Castle (20 minutes from Cashel): 13th-century fortress on an island in the River Suir (spend 1 hour here – tour lasts 40 minutes)
• Killarney (1 hour and 50 minutes from Cahir): Your base for the next few nights

Stop 1: The Rock of Dunamase

The Rock of Dunamase in County Laois is around a 1-hour drive from Dublin. You’ll see it from afar as it sits in an elevated position at 46 metres/151 feet.

There have been numerous fortifications on this site over the years, as was revealed by excavations that took place in the 1990s.

There was a hill fort during the 9th century and then, around 845, Dublin’s Vikings sieged the site.

The current castle, which was built during the 12 century, is now in ruin, but you can park here and then take a short but steepish walk up to it for a look around.

Stop 2: The Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel will be the highlight for many that follow this 3 days in Ireland itinerary.

It’s a 55-minute drive from Dunamase and, although it’ll break up your trip to Killarney, it’s a hugely rewarding stop.

The Rock of Cashel looms over the busy town of Cashel in Tipperary from its position on top of a limestone outcrop. It was originally the seat of the Kings of Munster, but in 1101, it was given to the church.

It quickly became one of Ireland’s most important ecclesiastical centres.

The Rock of Cashel tour: The 1-hour guided tour is extremely popular so make sure to book tickets in advance

Stop 3: Cahir Castle and lunch

The incredible 13th-15th century Cahir Castle, which was once the stronghold of the Butler family, is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved castles in Ireland.

It can be found on a rocky island on the River Suir in Tipperary a 20-minute drive from Cashel. The castle was skilfully designed to be a state-of-the-art defensive castle and, over the course of many years, it was rebuilt and extended.

It wasn’t until 1599 that the castle reached its current state. A visit to Cahir Castle will immerse you in the eventful history of the castle, from when it was built from 1142 by Conor O’Brien right the way up to when it was declared a national monument.

When you finish at the castle, head into Lava Rock for what’ll be a very memorable brunch.

Stop 4: Arrive in Killarney and get checked in

It’s time to make your way to Killarney, a 1-hour and 50-minute drive from Cahir.

Check into your accommodation and then head out to explore Killarney National Park.

A mini Killarney itinerary to follow

I’d normally recommend that you rent a bike and head for a cycle around the various attractions in Killarney, but you’ll be here late afternoon and you won’t have a huge amount of time to play with.

So, your best bet is to drive. Here are the three stops that are well worth doing:

• B: Park at the 500+ year old Ross Castle and ramble around its grounds
• C: Drive to Muckross Abbey and explore its ancient ruins
• D: See Torc Waterfall

Killarney for the evening

Here’s some food and pub recommendations to round off day 2 of your 3 days in Ireland.

Dinner recommendations

There are some exceptional restaurants in Killarney. My favourites are:

• The Mad Monk (top-notch seafood like sizzling crab claws and deep water prawn tagliatelle)
• Kitty O’Se (splash out on the Seafood Tower to share)
• Murphy Browns (hearty Irish dishes like roasted duck and fish and chips).

Pub recommendations

There’s some mighty old-school pubs in Killarney, too. For post-dinner drinks, head to JM Reidy’s, the Laurels Pub, or O’Connors.

They all have a traditional pub feel and are a great choice for a pint. JM Reidy’s has a lovely courtyard which is great in the summer, and O’Connors is perfect if you feel like cocktails.

If you want to hear some live music, JM Reidy’s and O’Connors often have live music sessions.

Day 3: The Ring of Kerry Drive

I have a tried-and-tested (I’ve done it many times) 1-day Ring of Kerry itinerary that you can follow on the final day of this 3 day Ireland itinerary.

It takes in the best of Killarney National Park, first, before moving out and along the N70 road.

The Ring of Kerry map above shows the entire route but, as you visited the stops around the town the previous afternoon, you can skip straight to Ladies View!

Need to head home today? Head to Ladies View, Moll’s Gap and Kenmare before heading back to Dublin!

Stop 1: Ladies View

First up is the brilliant Ladies View – named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting following her visit with Prince Albert in 1861.

The story goes that they were so taken by the scenery, the spot was named in their honour.

Pull in by the viewing area, hop out, and take in the mighty views over the National Park and the Lakes of Killarney.

Stop 2: Moll’s Gap

Next up is the mighty Moll’s Gap – a winding mountain pass with lovely views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

You can pull in at the Avoca car park right beside it. The name comes from Moll Kissane, who ran a sibín (an unlicensed pub) here during the building of the Killarney to Kenmare road back in the 1820s.

She was a local favourite – likely helped by the fact she was serving up homemade poitín to the lads working on the road.

Stop 3: Kenmare

Next up is Kenmare – a laid-back little town that’s much quieter than Killarney (you’ll also find a few Ring of Kerry hotels here).

Now, while there’s plenty of things to do in Kenmare (like the stone circle), since this is a packed itinerary, just grab a coffee and head off for a stroll.

Make your way to Henry Street (off to the left in the map above) to check out the colourful pubs and shops you’ve likely seen on postcards.

Stop 4: Staigue Stone Fort

Staigue Stone Fort is well worth a visit. It’s believed to have been built during the late Iron Age (around 300 to 400 AD) as a defensive structure, likely for a local king.

Partly restored, you can wander inside the fort and take in the glorious views of the surrounding countryside while you’re at it.

Stop 5: Lunch

This is one of the optional Ring of Kerry stops. You’ll likely need a feed at this point and, luckily enough, you’ll have to pass through Caherdaniel.

Head for the Blind Piper (a traditional pub), relax for a bit and fuel up with some hearty fare. There’s plenty more exploring to be done!

Stop 6: Derrynane Beach

Derrynane Beach is just a short spin from the lunch stop and it’s a grand spot to walk off the feed. It’s fairly sheltered, with a natural harbour and a stretch of sand that’s great for a ramble.

As you stroll, keep an eye out for the ruins of Derrynane Abbey, which is thought to date back to the 6th century. It’s a quick detour—and one that’s well worth it.

Stop 7: Coomakista viewpoint

Coomakista Viewpoint is one of the handiest stops on the Ring of Kerry, with a large parking area right off the road.

From here, you’ll get a sweeping view over the Atlantic, with Deenish and Scariff islands clearly visible on a fine day. It’s an easy pull-in with some of the best coastal scenery on the route.

Stop 8: The Skellig Ring

If you check the map above, you’ll see we’re now entering the Skellig Ring – one of my favourite sections of this 3 day Ireland road trip. This stretch is packed with scenic stops, some of which you can admire from the road, while others are worth pulling in for.

After Coomakista, you’ll hit ‘Scenic Point’ (marked here on Maps), then Waterville – once a favourite of Charlie Chaplin – followed by Ballinskelligs, home to a beach and a castle.

From there, it’s on to the Skelligs Telescope Viewpoint, St. Finian’s Bay, and finally the dramatic Coomanaspig viewpoint, which leads you to the next stop.

Stop 9: The Kerry Cliffs

Next up is the 1,000 ft high Kerry Cliffs – a spot that often gets overlooked. Thought to be over 400 million years old, they’re reached via a steep 10-minute walk through private land.

While the Cliffs of Moher and Slieve League tend to steal the spotlight, the Kerry Cliffs are serious contenders for the most impressive cliffs in Ireland.

Stop 10: Geokaun Mountain

The next stop is Valentia Island, linked to Portmagee by the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge. First, head for the car park near Bray Head for a clear view of the Skellig Islands.

After that, make your way up to Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs. There’s a steep road up to the viewing area, but the payoff is massive—views over Knightstown, the surrounding coastline, and all the way to the Dingle Peninsula.

I’d be hugely surprised if this view isn’t the highlight for many that follow this 3 day Ireland itinerary.

Stop 11: Dinner in Portmagee

It’ll likely be dinner time when you reach this point so head back over the bridge to Portmagee.

One of the best options food-wise in this little village is the Moorings. Head in and fuel up for the final section of the Ring of Kerry route.

Stop 12: Rossbeigh Beach

The last stop on my Ring of Kerry route is the beautiful Rossbeigh Beach. Now, if you want you can stop in Cahersiveen en route to Rossbeigh.

However, as it’s getting late in the day, we’re going to power on. Rossbeigh Strand is one of the more popular beaches near Killarney and there’s plenty of parking.

This is a lovely stretch of sand for a ramble, especially after the long drive from Portmagee.

Stop 13: Pints in Killarney

When you finish up at Rossbeigh, it’s time to head on to Killarney, and it’s here that your 3 days in Ireland comes to an end.

Here are some recommendations for places to eat and sip:

• Restaurants in Killarney: Cronins, Porterhouse and the Mad Monk never disappoint
• Pubs in Killarney: O’Connors and Jimmy Brien’s are two great spots for a pint
• Live music: Murphy’s Bar and J.M. Reidy’s and two good shouts for live tunes

Our most useful guides for planning your 3 day Ireland Road Trip

And that’s a wrap on this 3 day Ireland itinerary. As you can likely tell by know, seeing Ireland in 3 days requires some clear, thoughtful planning.

Remember, you’ll find every length and type of road trip imaginable in our Irish Road Trip Hub. If you’re in the middle of planning your visit, these guides should prove useful:

• Planning tips: 7 steps that make planning a trip to Ireland stress free
• When to visit: The pros and cons of every month in Ireland
• Weather: An overview of the weather in Ireland by month
• Airports: Where you can fly into
• Ireland Trip cost: What impacts the cost of a trip to Ireland
• Getting around: The pros and cons of seeing Ireland with a car vs by bus/train
• Car rental: A bs-free guide to renting a car in Ireland
• What not to do: 17 things to avoid doing in Ireland
• Tips: When and how much to tip in Ireland
• What to wear: A guide on what to pack for each month
• Budget travel: How to do Ireland on a budget