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5 Days In Ireland From Belfast (‘Fast-Trip’ For Those Using A Car + Low Fitness)

5 Days In Ireland From Belfast (‘Fast-Trip’ For Those Using A Car + Low Fitness)

Planning a 5-day Ireland itinerary can be a pain in the backside… So, we’ve done all of the hard work for you!

We’ve spent 25+ years travelling around Ireland and the itinerary below leans on that experience and the many mistakes we made along the way!

In a nutshell, this 5-day itinerary:

  • Starts and ends in Belfast City
  • Has been meticulously planned
  • Has an hour-by-hour itinerary for each day to save you time/hassle
  • Follows logical routes that take you to hidden gems, tourist favourites and great pubs and restaurants

Who this itinerary will suit

Who this itinerary will suit

Now, before you scroll down, take 10 seconds to look at the graphic above – each of our road trip itineraries have been tailored to specific needs.

This road trip is specifically for those of you:

  • Starting in/near Belfast City
  • Using your car/a rental
  • Looking to explore at a fast pace
  • With a low level of fitness (i.e. it avoids long walks and hikes)
  • Remember, we have hundreds of different itineraries here if this one doesn’t suit you

An overview of this itinerary

map holder image

The map above gives you a very high-level overview of where this route will take you.

It uses several bases (e.g. Cork for 3 nights) and provides you with day-long road trips you can head off on, so you avoid having to change accommodation constantly.

Now, I’ll stop rambling on – here’s a day-by-day insight into each of the days below!

Day 1: Discovering Belfast City: Northern Ireland’s Capital

Belfast City

Photos via Shutterstock

It’s day one, so welcome to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and the start point of your epic 5-day tour of Ireland! For today, we’re going to assume that you’ve arrived in the city in the early afternoon, giving you ample time to grab lunch and take in a couple of attractions.

First of all, you’ll probably want to check into your accommodation. You’ll be spending two nights in Belfast, and there are plenty of great hotels and guest houses to choose from. Below, we’ve listed some of our top choices for every budget.

Our Belfast accommodation recommendations

Stop 1: Lunch

The Lamppost Cafe

Photos via The Lamppost Cafe on FB

You’ll probably have a mighty hunger after all that travelling. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of stunning places to eat out, especially in the city centre. So, first things first, head to the heart of town.

We’ll be staying in Belfast today, so you can leave your car at your accommodation if you prefer. There are some 15-minute or so walks between some of the attractions, so feel free to drive or use public transport instead. If you’re driving, Q-Park Victoria Square is a decent, centrally located car park.

Once you reach the town centre, you’ll find no end of cafes, restaurants, and pubs that are sure to satisfy your hunger. Almost any good pub will do traditional Irish fayre, so if you’re looking for gorgeous soda bread, seafood, stews, and much more, you’ll have plenty of choices.

Burger fans should definitely check out Bunsen on Hill Street. With a small, carefully curated menu, you can’t go wrong. Blu is another great choice, with a sleek and modern menu that caters to everyone, although for us, it’s hard to resist the steaks!

Stop 2: Crumlin Road Gaol

Crumlin Road Gaol

Photos via Shutterstock

After a good feed, it’s time to take in some local attractions. Crumlin Road Gaol is a leisurely 16-minute walk away from the city centre, so there’s no need to take the car if you don’t want to. If you do prefer to drive, it’ll take about 10 minutes or so and you can normally find street parking opposite or on a nearby side street.

The self-guided tour takes you on a 70-minute journey through the tunnels and corridors that make up the 150-year-old prison. Complete with information boards and videos, you’ll get to see various parts of the old gaol, including the holding cells, execution chamber, and the prison graveyard.

Stop 3: St Anne’s Cathedral

Anne’s Cathedral

Photos via Shutterstock

St Anne’s Cathedral is the focal point of the Cathedral Quarter and is unusual because it serves two separate dioceses (an ecclesiastical district under the jurisdiction of a bishop) and therefore has two bishop’s seats. Dating back to 1899, the cathedral is popular both as a place of worship and with tourists.

Built in the Romanesque style, it’s characterised by its semi-circular arches and attracts its fair share of visitors thanks to its wealth of interesting features, such as the Spire of Hope, the Titanic Pall and the Tomb of Lord Carson.

It’s a 14-minute walk from Crumlin Road or a 5-minute drive. There’s a fair bit of paid street parking in the area around the cathedral, so parking shouldn’t be too challenging.

Stop 4: Belfast Black Cab Tour

Belfast Black Cab

Photos via Shutterstock

The Belfast Black Cab tour offers an incredible experience that shouldn’t be missed. Each of the tour guides lived through the Troubles, lending real-life experience to the tours. You’ll pass through various parts of Belfast that you might not feel comfortable visiting by yourself. All the while, your guide will regale you with stories and first-hand accounts of the history behind each place.

You’ll also see a lot of fantastic murals and other sights, like the iconic Belfast Peace Wall. It’s a great way to learn more about Belfast’s long, rich, and sometimes sad history. Tours depart from Jurys Inn on Victoria Road, which is about a 12-minute walk from St Anne’s Cathedral through the Cathedral Quarter.

If you’re driving, it’ll take about 10 minutes to reach Weaver’s Cross Value Car Park on Grosvenor Road. This is just a 2-minute walk to the pickup point.

Stop 5: Dinner, drinks and live music

Bittles Bar

Photo left: Silvia Franceschetti (CC BY-SA 3.0). Others via Bittle’s Bar on FB

At the end of the Black Cab Tour, you’ll be dropped off back in the Cathedral Quarter, in the heart of the city.

You’ll find tons of options for food, drink, entertainment, and plenty of live music here, so whether you go back to your accommodation to freshen up first or head straight out is up to you.

Our Belfast food recommendations

There’s some outstanding restaurants in Belfast City. First up, Deanes is a Belfast institution and a must-visit while you’re in the city. There are three venues to choose from, each focusing on something different; Deanes Meat Locker, Deanes Love Fish, and Deanes at Queens.

Whichever you choose, you’re in for a fine feed. EDO is another favourite of ours, a stunning tapas and cocktail bar with incredible sharing platters.

Or, for a fancy first meal in Ireland, head to The Ginger Bistro, near the Belfast Opera House. Their menu is out of this world, though that’s no surprise when you consider it was voted the best restaurant in Northern Ireland.

Our Belfast pub recommendations

There are countless incredible pubs and bars in Belfast for a tasty after-dinner tipple. Check out traditional options like the unmistakable Bittles Bar, with its stunning range of local beer and Irish whisky.

The Duke of York is another old-school boozer, walls adorned with knick-knacks from yesteryear and serving up a fine pint of Guinness.

Finally, we couldn’t forget Madden’s Bar, a cosy, traditional pub complete with a roaring wood-burning stove and a friendly atmosphere. Somewhat overlooked, it’s a hidden gem, beloved by those in the know!

Traditional musicians from across Ireland come to play at Kelly’s Cellars every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Other fantastic options for music include Fibber Magees, another charmingly old-fashioned pub with a lively atmosphere, and the John Hewitt.

Day 2: The Causeway Coast

Giants Causeway

Photos via Shutterstock

After a fantastic first day enjoying the sights of the city, it’s time to hit the road and check out the incredible Causeway Coastal Route.

Of course, the highlight is the epic Giant’s Causeway, which you’ll get the chance to see up close and personal before heading back to Belfast for dinner and entertainment. But first…

You’ve got an action-packed day ahead of you, so it’s a good idea to get a hearty breakfast in you before you start! Grab a full Irish or buffet breakfast at your accommodation, or head into town to check out one of the many superb cafes.

We’d heartily recommend the Lamppost Cafe on Newtownards Road for a slap-up cooked Irish breakfast—they also have a cooked vegan breakfast. Alternatively, check out the Grapevine in the Cathedral Quarter for porridge, bagels, baps, and breakfast burritos.

Stop 1: Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus Castle

Photos via Shutterstock

Carrickfergus Castle is one of the most well-known and best-preserved castles in Ireland. It’s just a 23-minute drive from Belfast City Centre, making it an ideal first stop on your way to the Causeway Coast.

Dating back to the 12th Century, this epic fortress boasts huge walls that protect it from the sea, plus a number of mighty towers. It’s been the site of countless battles over the years, and it’s no surprise that it’s home to a ghost. The guided tour is well worth the ticket fee, although, with numerous information boards and displays, you can also enjoy a self-guided tour at your own pace.

There’s a large car park right next to the castle and the harbour. It’s free to use, has public toilets, and it’s just a short walk to the castle gates. If you fancy a little pick-me-up before you jump back in the car, NACS coffee shop is also nearby and they serve up a superb cup of coffee as well as cakes and snacks.

Stop 2: Chaine Memorial Tower

Chaine Tower

Photos via Shutterstock

Our next stop is the Chaine Memorial Tower, around 26 minutes away from Carrickfergus Castle. Known locally as “The Pencil”, it’s an impressive beacon tower made from Irish Granite. It stands 27 metres tall in memory of the late James Chaine of Ballycraigy and Cairncastle. James Chaine represented Ireland in the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain and Ireland from 1874 until 1885 and founded the sea route from Larne to mainland Scotland.

Well-loved by the community, the tower and the road up to it was erected in his honour. In the following years, it was converted into a lighthouse. There’s a nice, short, flat walk that’ll take you up to it, boasting breathtaking views out to sea.

Stop 3: The Black Arch

Black Arch

Photos via Shutterstock

The epic Black Arch isn’t really a stop in itself. It’s actually just a short tunnel that you’ll drive through as you cruise along the Antrim Coast Road. The road clings to the sea, with cliffs looming up on the other side.

As you approach Larne, about a 23-minute drive from Chaine Memorial Tower, the craggy cliffs cross over the road, which tunnels through. It’s only short, but it looks pretty cool and is a popular spot for photographers.

Stop 4: Cushendun Beach

Cushendun Beach

Photos via Shutterstock

The coast road is absolutely stunning between the Black Arch and your next stop, Cushendun Beach. This lovely sandy bay is a fantastic place to relax and gaze out across the sea.

On a clear day, you might even see the Scottish Coast. If you fancy stretching your legs, it’s worth walking to the nearby Cushendun Caves, which are famous for appearing in the Game of Thrones series. Alternatively, there’s a 2km looped walk around the beach and village.

It’ll take about 48 minutes to reach Cushendun Beach from the Black Arch, and there’s plenty of free parking to be found, as well as public toilets.

Stop 5: Lunch in Ballycastle

Central Bar

Photos via Central Bar Ballycastle on FB

After a short 22-minute drive from Cushendun Beach, you’ll arrive in the bustling seaside town of Ballycastle. The town boasts a gorgeous location, surrounded by sea, sand, mountains, and forests, and is ideally placed on the Antrim Coastal Route. The former Viking settlement is a top spot for a bit of lunch too.

Morton’s Fish and Chips is our favourite place for a bite to eat. It’s right on the harbour, with a small car park next to it. The food is great, and on a fine day, there are few things better than sitting on the harbour wall watching the boats go by with a nice hot bag of fish and chips. If you’re looking for something other than chipper food, check out the Central Bar. Their menu boasts a fine selection of fresh seafood, steaks, and much more.

After lunch, there’s plenty to see and do in Ballycastle, including various craft shops, the beach, or simply wandering about town. If you’re there on the last Tuesday in August, you can also check out the Old Lammas Fair.

Stop 6: Carrick-a-Rede

Carrick-a-Rede

Photos via Shutterstock

The next stop is just 11 minutes outside of Ballycastle. Carrick-a-Rede is a small island just off the Causeway Coast. It’s attached to the mainland by an old rope bridge and was once a top spot for salmon fishing. Nowadays, you can enjoy a short coastal walk that culminates in crossing the bridge.

Swinging 25 feet above the sea as it crashes against the rocks below, it’s not great for those with a fear of heights! The entire walk will typically take an hour or so in total and offers spectacular views and a thrilling experience. We recommend checking the bridge out in the off-season rather than the height of summer, as it does get busy.

Stop 7: Giants Causeway

Giants Causeway

Photos via Shutterstock

After the dizzying heights of Carrick-a-Rede, you’ll arrive at the epic Giant’s Causeway in about 18 minutes. This legendary landscape boasts more than 40,000 basalt pillars, jutting proudly out from the sea. In Irish folklore, the path was used by the hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill to get to Scotland, where he fought an enemy giant.

It was formed more than 60 million years ago and has been studied by geologists for more than 300 years, making it one of the most important and unique nature reserves on earth. Now, parking at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre is the most convenient but also extremely expensive. A more affordable alternative is to park at the nearby Causeway Coast Way Car Park and walk down.

You can easily spend a couple of hours at the Giant’s Causeway, especially if you do decide to check out the visitor centre. Just be advised it can be crazy busy on weekends and during the high season.

Stop 8: Bushmills

Bushmills Distillery

Photos courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

Once you’ve finished exploring the Giant’s Causeway, your next stop is just a quick 9-minute drive away. The small, riverside town of Bushmills is home to some great pubs and shops, and it’s a nice place to wander around.

However, the Bushmills Distillery is the highlight and well worth a visit. The oldest licensed distillery in the world, you don’t have to be a whiskey drinker to enjoy a tour of the facilities, though it doesn’t hurt if you do enjoy a wee dram every now and then!

Along the 40-minute tour, you’ll get a chance to see, smell, and hear how Irish whiskey is made, in the company of a knowledgeable tour guide. The tours are a good laugh, culminating in a fantastic tasting session. Having said that, it’s better to take some samples with you if you’re driving.

Stop 9: Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle

Photos via Shutterstock

Our final stop for the day before returning to Belfast is the legendary Dunluce Castle. It’s just a 7-minute drive from Bushmills and a wander around the castle ruins is well worth it. Dunluce Castle dates back to the 1500s and is rich in history.

Of course, there are several legends, most notably the Dunluce Banshee, whose wails and screams are said to haunt the Northeast Tower. It’s another top spot for Game of Thrones fans, too—the castle served as the Greyjoy fortress on the Iron Isles.

You can enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of the grounds, or if you prefer not to go in, you can enjoy viewing it from afar at a nearby viewpoint.

Stop 10: Back to Belfast for the night

Bittles Bar

Photo left: Silvia Franceschetti (CC BY-SA 3.0). Others via Bittle’s Bar on FB

Taking a more direct route back will have you in Belfast in about an hour and 15 minutes or so.

You’ll find tons of options for food, drink, entertainment, and plenty of live music here, so whether you go back to your accommodation to freshen up first or head straight out is up to you.

Our Belfast food recommendations

There’s some outstanding restaurants in Belfast City. First up, Deanes is a Belfast institution and a must-visit while you’re in the city. There are three venues to choose from, each focusing on something different; Deanes Meat Locker, Deanes Love Fish, and Deanes at Queens.

Whichever you choose, you’re in for a fine feed. EDO is another favourite of ours, a stunning tapas and cocktail bar with incredible sharing platters.

Or, for a fancy meal, head to The Ginger Bistro, near the Belfast Opera House. Their menu is out of this world, though that’s no surprise when you consider it was voted the best restaurant in Northern Ireland.

Our Belfast pub recommendations

There are countless incredible pubs and bars in Belfast for a tasty after-dinner tipple. Check out traditional options like the unmistakable Bittles Bar, with its stunning range of local beer and Irish whisky.

The Duke of York is another old-school boozer, walls adorned with knick-knacks from yesteryear and serving up a fine pint of Guinness.

Finally, we couldn’t forget Madden’s Bar, a cosy, traditional pub complete with a roaring wood-burning stove and a friendly atmosphere. Somewhat overlooked, it’s a hidden gem, beloved by those in the know!

Traditional musicians from across Ireland come to play at Kelly’s Cellars every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Other fantastic options for music include Fibber Magees, another charmingly old-fashioned pub with a lively atmosphere, and the John Hewitt.

Day 3: The Trip to Dublin

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Photos via Shutterstock

Next stop, Dublin City! We’ll be driving straight to the city from Belfast in order to spend the rest of the day exploring Ireland’s vibrant capital city on foot.

Grab breakfast at your accommodation or nearby for a special treat. When you’re ready, it’s time to hit the road!

You’ll be spending two nights in Dublin – make sure to book your accommodation in advance.

Recommended accommodation in Dublin

Getting around Dublin + money savers

  • Time savers: If you want to avoid walking where possible, it’s worth getting a ticket for the Hop On Hop Off Bus around Dublin. It goes to or near all of the main sites on this itinerary plus plenty more.
  • Money saver: If you’re visiting the ‘main’ Dublin attractions, the Dublin Pass can save you €€€ (here’s how)

Stop 1: Dublin City

Dublin City

Photos via Shutterstock

We’ll be starting the day with a fairly long, 2-hour drive straight from Belfast to Dublin.

Once you arrive in Dublin, head to your accommodation to check in and park up, as we’ll be on foot for the rest of the day.

Stop 2: Park up and then head to Trinity College

Trinity College

Photos via Shutterstock

Head straight to wherever you’re staying. Check in and leave the car behind you. The city is very walkable.

When you get to the city, head straight for Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, arguably the most famous cultural attraction in Dublin.

If you can, we highly recommend pre-booking your tickets online, as the queues can get really long (bordering on ridiculous!). This fast-track ticket allows you to dodge the queue and gets you into Dublin Castle, too! 

Spend around one hour seeing the Book of Kells, walking around the exhibit, and taking in the beauty of the Old Library. After that, give yourself another 20 minutes or so to walk around the university campus.

Stop 3: Lunch

Neary's Pub

Photos © Tourism Ireland

There’s plenty of great restaurants in Dublin, but for lunch we suggest you head to Neary’s. It’s just up the road from Trinity College, along the bustling Grafton Street.

This old-school pub is a classic and it serves up a range of simple lunch options, like sandwiches, soup, toasties, and Carlingford Oysters, all washed down with a tasty pint of Guinness.

Affordable and delicious, we can’t recommend it highly enough. Sprout and Co on Dawson Street is another good shout for a quick, light lunch that tastes great and is close to Trinity College.

Stop 4: The Ha’penny Bridge (via Temple Bar)

Ha’penny Bridge

Photos via Shutterstock

The Ha’penny Bridge is an iconic sight in Dublin and crossing it is a must. From Neary’s, it’s about a ten-minute walk that passes through the vibrant Temple Bar area.

As you pass through Temple Bar, you’ll see why this is the nightlife capital of Dublin, with endless pubs and clubs lining the streets.

The bridge itself is a quaint little footbridge over the River Liffey. In the old days, you’d have to pay a toll of half a penny to cross, hence the name.

If you fancy a coffee after your walk, head to Vice Coffee Inc, just over the bridge for a superb brew. You’ll also find tons of shops and pubs to enjoy on either side of the bridge.

Stop 5: Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle

Photos via Shutterstock

Dublin Castle is a 10-minute walk from the Ha’penny Bridge. Dating back to 1204, it was for many years the Seat of British Power in Ireland until it was ceremoniously handed over to Michael Collins and his Provisional Government. Nowadays, it remains an important government building that hosts the inauguration of each President of Ireland and also various State receptions.

It’s well worth a visit, if only to take in the iconic architecture. However, we’d firmly recommend the guided tour as well. On the tour, you’ll hear the experienced guides tell countless tales about everything from underground chambers to Mediaeval towers. You’ll also hear fascinating eyewitness accounts from the 1916 Easter Rising and see all the spots associated with it.

Be sure to check out the subterranean chamber, as well as the gardens during your visit, and don’t forget the impressive Medieval Tower.

Stop 6: Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral

Photos via Shutterstock

Christ Church Cathedral (a 6-minute stroll from the castle) is another of Dublin’s top attractions and dating back more than 1,000 years, it’s pretty much as old as the city itself!

Steeped in history, it was originally founded by Viking king Sitruic Silkenbeard, but it’s come a long way since those early days (you can grab a ticket online here).

After admiring the stunning architecture from the outside, you can take a self-guided audio tour inside the cathedral.

Along the way, you’ll discover Strongbow’s grave and explore the crypts, which are home to a wealth of artefacts and exhibits, with such treasures as the mummified cat chasing a mummified rat inside an organ pipe.

Listen out for the record-breaking bells of Christ Church, and if you’re really lucky, you might catch the choir in action.

Stop 7: Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse

Photos © Diageo via Ireland’s Content Pool

Next up is another iconic Dublin attraction, the Guinness Storehouse. It’s a bit of a walk from the cathedral, around 17 minutes or so. However, you can easily take the bus to cut out the bulk of the walk. Head round the corner to High Street Stop 1937 and jump on any bus that’ll drop you at Steevens Lane, just ask the driver, but the 13, 27, 77A, 123, G1, and G2 all head that way. From Steevens Lane, it’s just a 4-minute walk to the Guinness Storehouse.

Dublin is the home of Guinness, and this tour of the brewery is a must for anyone with a love for the black stuff. In fact, even if you’re not a fan of beer, this is a fantastic attraction to visit. Book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues. You can do a self-guided tour, but the guided-tour is, in our minds, the better option.

Your knowledgeable guide will tell the iconic story of how Guinness, from its cheeky origins to where it is now, as well as going over the brewing process. Along the way, you’ll hear a number of humorous tales, enjoy some of the brand’s most iconic adverts, and sample the brew at various stages of the process.

To finish, you’ll get a free pint in the fantastic Gravity Bar. Situated on the seventh floor, you’ll enjoy great views over the city as you sink a pint or two.

Stop 8: Dinner, drinks and live music

Pubs in Dublin

Different trad bars in Dublin. © Tourism Ireland

When you’ve finished at the Guinness Storehouse, you’ll probably be ready for dinner. For our first night in Dublin, we’ve got a few treats lined up.

Our Dublin food recommendations

There’s endless excellent restaurants in Dublin. However, if we had to pick one or two… 

The first would be The Bull and Castle – it’s always a good choice and it’s right across the street from the Christ Church Cathedral.

An FX Buckley steakhouse (a Dublin institution), they offer a great range of steaks cooked to perfection, paired with their incredible beef dripping chips.

The Vintage Kitchen is an alternative, but it’s best to book in advance as it’s incredibly popular. A BYOB (bring your own bottle) place, the food is phenomenal, with a small but diverse menu that features classic Irish dishes with a contemporary twist.

Our Dublin pub recommendations

There’s certainly no shortage of great pubs in Dublin. If you’re a fan of old-school pubs, follow our Dublin pub crawl guide – it contains a short route with some of the city’s finest trad bars.

McNeils on Capel Street is an authentic Dublin pub, complete with wood panelling, impromptu folk sessions, and plenty of beers on tap.

The Long Hall is another must-see. Part Victorian time capsule, part vibrant boozer, it enjoys a fantastic atmosphere and is one of the most visually stunning pubs in the city.

You’ll find trad sessions at Pipers Corner every night of the week. O’Donoghues Bar on Merrion Row is another must-visit, with vintage decor and frequent trad sessions. It’s best-known as the home of the Dubliners, who used to play here regularly.

The Celt on Talbot Street is another great choice for live music, and while it’s not always trad, the bands are normally really good.

Day 4: Wicklow’s Wonders

upper lake Glendalough

Photos via Shutterstock

Day 4 takes us into the stunning natural beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, just south of Dublin City. We’ll be heading to Glendalough National Park in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, where you can enjoy a gentle stroll amid some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, or head into town to get food at one of Dublin’s amazing cafes.

We love to go to Lemon Crepe and Coffee Co on Williams Street (it’s just around the corner from the Molly Malone Monument too).

The focus is on pancakes and you can enjoy a wealth of different sweet or savoury toppings. They also do omelettes and other egg dishes, toasts, melts, waffles, and much more. All washed down with a superb cup of coffee.

Stop 1: Lough Tay

Lough Tay

Photos via Shutterstock

We’ll be heading to Glendalough in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains via the glorious Sally Gap Drive, a route with lots to see along the way.

Lough Tay is more famously known as the Guinness Lake, due to the fact that it’s on the Guinness estate, but also because it looks almost like a pint of Guinness when viewed from above.

Keep an eye out for the car park (it’ll be on your right) and pull in. You can soak up some glorious views from just over the road (be very careful here as there are sheer drops).

Stop 2: Glenmacnass Waterfall

Glenmacnass Waterfall

Photos via Shutterstock

Follow the road from Lough Tay and you’ll be treated to glorious mountain scenery, wide open bogland and some road-side Christmas Trees, fully decorated throughout the year (yes, very random!).

Follow the road around to Glenmacnass Waterfall, a beautiful 80-metre cascade that tumbles down the mossy rocks into the river below.

It’s located on the road from Sally Gap to Glendalough and the village of Laragh. There’s a handy car park and from here you can take a short walk to the top of the falls to see them tumbling into the valley below.

Stop 3: Glendalough Visitors Centre and Monastic City

Glendalough Round Tower

Photos via Shutterstock

Once you arrive at Glendalough, park up at the visitor centre (lower) car park, and pop inside to discover a number of interesting exhibits and displays. These tell the history of the area, while giving a fascinating insight into the natural life that inhabits it too.

Entrance to the visitors centre costs €5 for adults, €3 for children/students and €13 for a family of four, and it’s open daily from 09:30 to 18:00 (peak season) or 17:00 (low season).

Once you’ve finished inside, take a walk outside and discover the fantastic Glendalough Monastic City. Founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century, it’s home to some ancient round towers, churches, and tombs, as well as an extensive graveyard. The ruins are amazingly well-preserved and sit amid some of the finest scenery in Ireland.

Stop 4: Glendalough Upper Lake

upper lake Glendalough

Photos via Shutterstock

From the Monastic City, you can enjoy an easy-going, all flat, 20 minute walk (follow signs for the Green Road Walk) along the shores of the lower lake, before arriving at the incredible Upper Lake. Here, the scenery opens up and is a whole new level of spectacular. It’s a superb place to relax by the shores, gazing over the water to sights like St. Kevin’s Cell.

There’s also a car park at the upper lake, and if you prefer to drive, it’s just 2 minutes away from the lower car park. Just be advised, this car park does fill up quickly in the high season and at weekends.

Stop 5: Lunch at the Wicklow Heather

Wicklow Heather

Photo left: The Irish Road Trip. Others: Via Wicklow Heather

Once you’ve finished exploring, you can drive up to the Wicklow Heather for lunch. It’ll take about 5 minutes to get there, and it has an extensive car park. We always recommend the Wicklow Heather, for its cosy atmosphere, quaint decor, and excellent menu. You can choose from a number of traditional Irish dishes, as well as sandwiches, seafood, and much more, including veggie and vegan options.

Stop 6: Wicklow Gaol

Wicklow Gaol

Photos by Brian Morrison via Ireland’s Content Pool

After a hearty lunch, hop back in the car and enjoy a half-hour drive to Wicklow Town. Once there, you’ll find a handy car park right next to Wicklow Gaol, and visitors can park for free.

Those that visit Wicklow Gaol will take a journey through the old, original prison building and hear the stories of the prisoners held under British rule on one of the fascinating interactive tours.

Admission prices for Wicklow Gaol depend largely on what kind of tour you opt to do (more info on the tour here).

Stop 7: Powerscourt House and Gardens

Powerscourt House

Photos by Chris Hill via Failte Ireland

Our next stop is a 35-minute drive away to the breathtaking Powerscourt House and Gardens. The Powerscourt Estate gardens are some of the most beautiful in Ireland and cover an incredible 47 acres of land. You can wander through the formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and secret hollows. The gardens were designed from 1731 onwards, with various sections worth exploring.

The grand house overlooks Sugarloaf Mountain and has been voted as one of the top houses and mansions worldwide by Lonely Planet. You can take a tour through the house and also enjoy some bespoke shopping with stores such as Design Loft, Global Village and Avoca Stores located inside.

Admission costs €11.50 for an adult, €9.00 for seniors, €8.50 for students, and €5.00 for children, or you can purchase a family ticket for €26.00. There’s a lot to take in here, so it’s worth allowing at least two hours for your visit.

Stop 8: Back to Dublin for the night

Pubs in Dublin

Different trad bars in Dublin. © Tourism Ireland

After enjoying a nice walk amid the stunning scenery of the Wicklow Mountains, it’s time to head back to Dublin for the night, for dinner, drinks, and maybe a little music.

Our Dublin food recommendations

There’s endless excellent restaurants in Dublin. However, if we had to pick one or two… 

The first would be The Bull and Castle – it’s always a good choice and it’s right across the street from the Christ Church Cathedral.

An FX Buckley steakhouse (a Dublin institution), they offer a great range of steaks cooked to perfection, paired with their incredible beef dripping chips.

The Vintage Kitchen is an alternative, but it’s best to book in advance as it’s incredibly popular. A BYOB (bring your own bottle) place, the food is phenomenal, with a small but diverse menu that features classic Irish dishes with a contemporary twist.

Our Dublin pub recommendations

There’s certainly no shortage of great pubs in Dublin. If you’re a fan of old-school pubs, follow our Dublin pub crawl guide – it contains a short route with some of the city’s finest trad bars.

McNeils on Capel Street is an authentic Dublin pub, complete with wood panelling, impromptu folk sessions, and plenty of beers on tap.

The Long Hall is another must-see. Part Victorian time capsule, part vibrant boozer, it enjoys a fantastic atmosphere and is one of the most visually stunning pubs in the city.

You’ll find trad sessions at Pipers Corner every night of the week. O’Donoghues Bar on Merrion Row is another must-visit, with vintage decor and frequent trad sessions. It’s best-known as the home of the Dubliners, who used to play here regularly.

The Celt on Talbot Street is another great choice for live music, and while it’s not always trad, the bands are normally really good.

Day 5: Belfast and rounding up your trip

Belfast City Hall

Photos via Shutterstock

Today’s the day you fly home and leave Ireland behind. The drive from Dublin to Belfast takes around 2 hours. Before you head to the airport, enjoy one last full Irish breakfast—you’ll not find white pudding anywhere else—and if time allows, check out some of the Belfast attractions that you didn’t get around to yet, like the iconic Titanic Belfast.

Cheers for joining us on this Irish Road Trip. We hope you had fun, made friends, and go home with fond memories of our humble island. May the road rise to meet you.

And that’s a wrap on this road trip

slea head loop

Photos via Shutterstock

We hope you found the above road trip guide useful. If you have any questions, ask in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help.

Or, if you’d like to browse our other Irish Road Trip itineraries, visit our Road Trip Hub – cheers!

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