Planning an 8-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 8-day itinerary:
- Starts and ends in Rosslare
- 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
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 Rosslare
- Using your car/a rental
- Looking to explore at a slow pace
- With a good level of fitness (i.e. it includes long walks and hikes)
- Remember, we have hundreds of different itineraries here if this one doesn’t suit you
An overview of this itinerary
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: New Ross
It’s day one and welcome to Ireland! Today, you’ve arrived into Rosslare via the ferry and will make your way to New Ross, a bustling town on the banks of the River Barrow. We’re going to assume you’ve arrived into the country just a little before lunch, so we’ve planned an afternoon’s worth of activities for you.
You’ll be spending two nights in New Ross – here are our suggestions in case you don’t know where to stay:
Recommended accommodation in New Ross
- Budget: Ferry House (great reviews and a 5-minute drive from the town) and Beaufort House (30-minute walk to town with exceptional reviews)
- Popular mid-range: Brandon House Hotel (great reviews and 5-minute drive from town) and Kennedy Boutique Hotel (right in the town centre)
Stop 1: New Ross
From Rosslare, it’s a 44-minute drive to New Ross. Once you arrive, check into your hotel if you can, or at the very least, leave the car as you’ll be spending the afternoon exploring the town on foot.
Stop 2: Lunch
After the long journey, you must be about ready for lunch. We always stop by The Cracked Teapot or Ann McDonald’s Cafe and Bistro whenever we’re in town.
The Cracked Teapot is a lovely little spot near the Quay, with quirky decor that reminds us of an old-fashioned tea room! Their menu features delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes such as frittatas and sandwiches, as well as a range of homemade cakes.
Ann McDonald’s Cafe and Bistro, on Mary Street, is a great choice for light bites and heartier dishes. While they do have some vegetarian options on the menu, they also have a wide choice of dishes for meat-eaters, such as chicken curry and their traditional toastie, which is made using Wexford ham and Wexford cheddar.
Stop 3: Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience
The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience is a short stroll away from the centre of town, located right on the water. It’s one the biggest attractions in the area, offering visitors a unique insight into what it would have been like onboard an 1840s famine ship bound for America.
The experience is immersive from the moment you step on board, ticket in hand, right until you arrive into the ‘New Word’ of Savannah, Georgia. You’ll be joined by fellow “passengers” in period costumes who will share stories of the hardship of the journey as well as what happened to the emigrants once they arrived.
The tour ends with the American Hall of Fame, an exhibition that pays tribute to famous Irish emigrants such as Henry Ford, the Kennedy family, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The guided tour is roughly one hour long.
Stop 4: Dinner, drinks, and live music
It’s time to draw the day to a close with dinner, drinks, and local music. If it’s a little too early for your liking, why not stroll around New Ross for a bit to work up an appetite?
You’ll be out the whole day tomorrow, so you might not get another opportunity!
Our New Ross food recommendations
For dinner, we recommend checking out Il Primo Italian Restaurant, The Holy Grail Restaurant, and (once again) Ann McDonald’s Cafe and Restaurant.
Il Primo is the best place in town for some authentic Italian food. In keeping with the international theme, The Holy Grail is a top choice if you’re looking for tasty Indian and Asian cuisine.
We recommend their signature “Holy Grail” Chicken Curry or the King Prawn Mango Curry. The Holy Grail is a cut above your typical Indian restaurant, with head chef and owner Shijo Bhaksaran beginning his career cooking in five-star hotels in India.
Our New Ross pub recommendations
Mannions, pictured above, is located on the edge of New Ross, but it’s worth getting a taxi out to.
If you’re in the mood for some post-dinner drinks (you are on holiday after all), then stop by Prendergast (a traditional Irish pub on The Quay) Corcoran’s Bar (a sixth-generation pub 20-minutes from the centre of town on foot. They have a scenic beer garden and are one of the oldest family-run pubs in continued proprietorship in the country!), or The Ross Inn (a beautifully decorated pub with a cosy vibe).
For music, Corcoran’s has live Irish music every Thursday and live music on Saturdays. Prendergast and The Green Door have live music every weekend.
Day 2: The Hook Peninsula
You’ve got an action-packed day today exploring the wonders of the Hook Peninsula! Since there are quite a lot of stops on the itinerary (and not a lot of places to grab lunch on the peninsula), we suggest heading into a shop in New Ross to grab yourself a sandwich or a packed lunch.
You will be visiting a few beaches today, so don’t forget to pack some swimming clothes if this is a summer trip and some extra layers if this is a winter trip!
Start the day with a delicious breakfast from your accommodation, or hit the town to find somewhere to eat. The Cracked Teapot (yesterday’s lunch suggestion) does a great breakfast, as does Sid’s Diner.
Stop 1: Dunbrody Abbey
Your first stop of today is a 17-minute drive away. Dunbrody Abbey is a stunning former Cistercian monastery that dates back to 1170, although the tower was added later in the 15th century. The abbey sits in a peaceful location next to a river, surrounded by lush farmland.
You can learn about the abbey’s history via guided tours, and there’s a tea room on-site in case you’re still feeling a little hungry after breakfast.
Stop 2: Ballyhack Castle
Ballyhack Castle is open seasonally during the summer months, you can double-check if it is open here. The five-story tower house was built in 1450 and is in great condition.
It was one of two military orders built at the time, with a strategic position overlooking the Wexford Estuary and protective features such as a murder hole – an opening where defenders could throw boiling water, hot oil, and rocks onto anyone attacking.
Inside, you’ll discover an assortment of items like replica Crusades and Norman armour. The castle is a seven-minute drive from Dunbrody Abbey.
Stop 3: Duncannon Fort
Next up on your whirlwind tour of the Hook Peninsula is Duncannon Fort, a nine-minute drive away. This is a really cool fort in an incredibly scenic location on the side of the Hook Peninsula, overlooking the Wexford Estuary.
The fort has an interesting 450-year history (including being besieged during the Siege of Duncannon in 1645) which you can learn all about during a one-hour guided tour (run seasonally, check here for up-to-date times and dates). The fort is one of three bastioned forts in the county and the only one open to the public!
Stop 4: Duncannon Beach
There’s no need to hop back in the car for this next stop as it’s right next to the fort! The sandy Duncannon Beach is 1.6km long, making it perfect for a quick beach stroll. From the shore, you can enjoy views of Hook Head and the Waterford coastline across the water.
Although you may want to jump into the water, last time we checked, there’s been a ‘No Swim Notice’ due to water contamination, so we recommend you check locally just in case you’re desperate for a dip, but don’t forget, you have more beaches coming up later.
Stop 5: Dollar Bay Beach
We told you there was another beach on the way, and it’s a rather fantastic one, only eight minutes away from Duncannon Beach!
Dollar Bay Beach is a gorgeous white sand beach surrounded by mystery – it supposedly gets its name after the myth that there’s pirate’s treasure hidden somewhere along its shores.
The beach is home to some high sandy cliffs, and rocky outcrops that give it shelter from the winds, plus the views across the Waterford estuary are wonderful. There’s no official information about swimming safety, so if you do decide to have a paddle, as always, take extra care.
Stop 6: Loftus Hall
Sadly, this next stop is now closed, but you’ll be driving right past it on the way to your next stop, so it’s definitely worth a look out of the window. It takes nine minutes to reach.
Loftus Hall is an impressive manor house that dates back to 1350 (although it underwent extensive renovation during the late 1800s). Built during the time of the Black Death, there are several strange stories surrounding the manor house, with residents and workers claiming to see the ghost of Lady Anne Tottenham (a former resident) wandering the halls at night.
During the time it was open to the public, many visitors claimed to have seen, heard, or felt unexplainable things, giving it the title of the most haunted building in Ireland!
Stop 7: Hook Lighthouse
Hook Lighthouse is 18 minutes from Dollar Bay Beach (or roughly 7 minutes from Loftus Hall). It’s one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the world, and there’s an interesting guided lighthouse tour you can join.
The 800-year-old lighthouse was built by Knight William Marshal to guide ships to his port in New Ross.
During the tour, you’ll learn all about life as a lightkeeper and climb the 115 steps to the balcony, where you can take in the 360-degree views of Wexford and Waterford.
Stop 8: Baginbun Beach
Baginbun Beach is an absolute stunner of a spot a short 14-minute drive from Hook Lighthouse.
Arguably one of the most visually impressive beaches in Wexford, the sand here is gorgeous and golden, and the water is crystal clear.
When you arrive, flick off your shoes and socks and head for a saunter along the sand.
Stop 9: Fethard Castle
Hop back in the car and drive the 5 minutes to Fethard Castle. As far as we know, there’s no current access to the inside of the castle ruins, but you can walk around the outside and admire its stone tower.
The castle dates back to the 14th century, although it was built in several stages during the 14th and 15th centuries. The oldest part of the castle is the gatehouse (which you’ll find on the eastern side).
It was most likely used as a summer house, however, it was temporarily used as a safe house for sheltering bishops during the Medieval period when native Irish people were being attacked in north Wexford.
Stop 10: Colclough Walled Garden
Once you’ve had enough of the sea air, get back in the car and drive the 14 minutes to Colclough Walled Garden.
This beautiful walled garden has apple trees, a small stream, and heaps of flowers. It’s a peaceful spot next to a little forest. Opening times differ depending on the time of year, you can double-check them here.
Stop 11: Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey is within walking distance of the walled garden.
The Cistercian monastery was founded by William Earl Marshall in the 1200s and is the ‘daughter’ of an abbey of the same name in Wales.
Like many monasteries in Ireland, it was suppressed by King Henry VIII in 1536, and thereafter, the abbey passed onto Sir Anthony Colclough, who turned it into a private residence.
Today, the tower, chapel, cloister, nave, and chancel still stand.
Stop 12: Back to New Ross for the evening
What a day it’s been, but it’s high time for dinner in New Ross. Jump back in the bar and drive the 10 minutes back.
Our New Ross food recommendations
For dinner, we recommend checking out Il Primo Italian Restaurant, The Holy Grail Restaurant, and (once again) Ann McDonald’s Cafe and Restaurant.
Il Primo is the best place in town for some authentic Italian food. In keeping with the international theme, The Holy Grail is a top choice if you’re looking for tasty Indian and Asian cuisine.
We recommend their signature “Holy Grail” Chicken Curry or the King Prawn Mango Curry. The Holy Grail is a cut above your typical Indian restaurant, with head chef and owner Shijo Bhaksaran beginning his career cooking in five-star hotels in India.
Our New Ross pub recommendations
Mannions, pictured above, is located on the edge of New Ross, but it’s worth getting a taxi out to.
If you’re in the mood for some post-dinner drinks (you are on holiday after all), then stop by Prendergast (a traditional Irish pub on The Quay) Corcoran’s Bar (a sixth-generation pub 20-minutes from the centre of town on foot. They have a scenic beer garden and are one of the oldest family-run pubs in continued proprietorship in the country!), or The Ross Inn (a beautifully decorated pub with a cosy vibe).
For music, Corcoran’s has live Irish music every Thursday and live music on Saturdays. Prendergast and The Green Door have live music every weekend.
Day 3: Cork
We hope you enjoyed your stay in New Ross, today you head off to Cork City where you will be staying for two nights.
Grab something to eat before you set off, either at your accommodation or nearby.
Recommended accommodation in Cork City
- Budget: Sheilas Tourist Hostel (no-fuss hostel near the train station) + Redclyffe Guesthouse (nice and central with great reviews)
- Mid-range: The Metropole (central with superb reviews) and Hotel Isaacs (in the Victorian Quarter – top-notch rooms and reviews)
- Luxury: Imperial Hotel (stunning and very central hotel) and Hayfield Manor (beautiful, boutique, city centre 5-star)
Stop 1: Youghal
On your way to Cork, you’re going to be stopping in Youghal, which is a one-hour and 10-minute drive. Once you arrive, make your way to Youghal Front Strand Beach, a lovely sandy beach with a nice walk called the Youghal Eco Boardwalk.
Put ‘Youghal Eco Boardwalk’ into Google Maps to find your way there. The wood-panelled walk is a 1.9km stroll from Claycastle Beach all the way to Redbarn Beach. Along the way, you’ll find public toilets and more often than not, some coffee vans (if you’re hankering for a mid-morning coffee).
Stop 2: Cork City
After your refreshing beach stroll, hop back in the car and drive the 46 minutes to Cork City. Drop your bags off at your accommodation and check in (if it’s possible), then leave the car, as the rest of today, you’ll be exploring marvellous Cork City on foot!
Stop 3: Lunch
Walk over to the Cornmarket for lunch. But be mindful that you’ll be heading to the English Market soon (another foodie destination), so don’t fill up too much! We recommend popping into Bodega for delicious pub grub or the Cornstore if you’re after something a little more upmarket.
Stop 4: Shandon Bell Tower
Shandon Bell Tower is an iconic landmark in Cork City and a must-visit attraction about 10 minutes from the city centre.
The tower is a part of the Church of St. Anne, which was built in 1722. The church was built to replace an old church on the same site that was destroyed during the Seige of Cork in 1690.
You’ll need to pay a small fee to get to the top of the tower, but from the top, you’ll have wonderful views of the city, and you’ll be able to ring the bells!
Stop 5: The English Market
The English Market is 11 minutes away from Shandon Bell Tower. It’s a beautiful covered market with impressive mid-19th-century architecture.
Its name, “English Market”, was to help distinguish it from the Cornmarket, formerly known as the “Irish Market”.
The market dates back to 1788, making it one of the oldest covered markets in Europe. Aside from its history and beautiful architecture, the English Market is known for its delicious food, and you can get everything from artisanal olives to homemade jams.
Stop 6: Elizabeth Fort
Once you’re finished perusing the market, walk the 10 minutes over to Elizabeth Fort.
The star-shaped fort dates back to the 17th century and currently sits off Barrack Street in Cork City. The fort was originally on high ground, but over the years, the city has built up around it, although it still has fantastic views over Cork.
General admission is free, but if you’d like to learn more about this historic fortification, guided tours are offered at 1pm every day (around €5), and audio guides are available in multiple languages (€3).
Stop 7: Dinner, drinks and live music
There are heaps of brilliant places to eat in Cork City. Below are some of our favourite bars and pubs in the city.
Our Cork food recommendations
There are heaps of brilliant restaurants in Cork City, but our personal favourites are Market Lane, Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega, and Cornstore.
Market Lane has a delicious-sounding menu featuring Irish favourites like pan-fried hake with braised leeks, smoked mussels, and baby potatoes.
Head to Old Town Whiskey Bar for burgers, salads, and traditional pub grub, and Cornstore for steaks and seafood.
Great Cork City pubs
There’s some glorious pubs in Cork, too. For drinks, check out Mutton Lane (a quirky traditional pub), The Oval (a historic pub named after its unique oval ceiling), and Castle Inn (a traditional family-run pub with a great atmosphere).
There are some great spots for hearing some trad music in Cork, our top choices are Sin E and The Corner House.
Day 4: Kinsale
Today we are exploring the coastal area just south of Cork City and the village of Kinsale. There’s a bit of walking today between attractions, so make sure to wear suitable footwear and bring plenty of water.
Grab some breakfast at your accommodation or nearby before heading out. We like Cafe Gusto, or you could head back to the English Market to grab something delicious to go!
Stop 1: Kinsale
Hop in the car and drive 30 minutes to Kinsale. You’ll find parking in the centre of the village here. You’ll be here until the late afternoon/early evening, so make sure to pay for enough parking before you head out to explore the area on foot.
Stop 2: St. Multose Church
Stroll five minutes up to St. Multose Church, thought to be one of the oldest churches belonging to the Church of Ireland! It’s a cruciform church with a crypt that dates back to 1190, although the entire church is built on a 6th-century ecclesiastical settlement.
In the 1750s, the church underwent major additions, however, the church’s large bell tower is a part of the original Norman structure. The church’s graveyard contains 16th-19th-century monuments and mausoleums, as well as the graves of unidentified victims of the RMS Lusitania sinking.
Stop 3: Cosy Cafe and the Scilly Walk
If you’re ready for a mid-morning coffee, head into the Cosy Cafe across the street from St. Multose Church.
Then, it’s time to walk the Scilly Walk. The walk officially starts at The Spaniard and from there it’s around 40 minutes to the Bullman, your lunch stop for the day. After lunch, it’s a little farther on the Scilly Walk to reach Charles Fort.
The route is well signposted, way-marked by greenish-brown signs with ‘Scilly Walking Tour’ on them. The walk has lovely harbour views, and if you’re lucky you might spot some seals, herons, or even dolphins.
Stop 4: Lunch at The Bulman
The Bullman is a wonderful restaurant right next to an idyllic little harbour.
They have a varied menu, with everything from Thai green chicken curry, to local BBQ pork ribs with wasabi slaw. Since it’s one of the last days of your trip, consider treating yourself to grilled lobster, a customer favourite!
The restaurant kitchen is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12:30pm. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Stop 5: Charles Fort
Walk five minutes past the Bullman to get to Charles Fort.
Charles Fort is the country’s largest military installation. The huge star-shaped building dates back to the late 17th century, and over the years, has seen some fearsome battles.
The fort survived a 13-day siege during the Williamite wars in 1690 and a battle during the Civil War in the 1920s. Make sure to head to the ramparts for the stunning view over Kinsale Harbour.
Stop 6: Back to Kinsale and on to Cork for the night
Make your way back to Kinsale along the Scilly Walk to reunite with the car. It takes around 45 minutes.
Cork City is full of heaps of great restaurants, but a couple that we recommend for tonight are the Glass Curtain and Quinlans Seafood Bar.
Our Cork food recommendations
There are heaps of brilliant restaurants in Cork City, but our personal favourites are Market Lane, Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega, and Cornstore.
Market Lane has a delicious-sounding menu featuring Irish favourites like pan-fried hake with braised leeks, smoked mussels, and baby potatoes.
Head to Old Town Whiskey Bar for burgers, salads, and traditional pub grub, and Cornstore for steaks and seafood.
Great Cork City pubs
There’s some glorious pubs in Cork, too. For drinks, check out Mutton Lane (a quirky traditional pub), The Oval (a historic pub named after its unique oval ceiling), and Castle Inn (a traditional family-run pub with a great atmosphere).
There are some great spots for hearing some trad music in Cork, our top choices are Sin E and The Corner House.
Day 5: The trip to Killarney
It’s day 5 of your 8 days in Ireland itinerary, and today, you’ll be hopping in the car and heading to Killarney. You’ll be spending two nights in this peaceful town which sits on the outskirts of a beautiful national park.
It’s a bit of a drive from Cork to Killarney, so grab a hearty breakfast before you get on the road, either at your accommodation before you check out or from somewhere nearby. Alchemy on Barracks Street is a great option if you wanna grab some coffees and pastries to go.
Recommended accommodation in Killarney
Here are a handful of places that we’d recommend staying in Killarney:
- Budget: New Street Lodge (basic accommodation a stone’s throw from the National Park) and Castle Lodge (cosy B&B a 5-minute walk from Killarney House)
- Mid-range: Killaran House (exceptional accommodation in a great location) and Killarney Avenue (right by the park with excellent rooms)
- Luxury: Muckross Park Hotel & Spa (an elegant hotel a 10-minute walk from Muckross Abbey) and The Killarney Park (old-worlde style 5-star near the train station)
Stop 1: Arrive in the town and try and check into your accommodation
Welcome to Killarney Town!
Killarney is a roughly one-hour and 20-minute drive from Cork City. If you can, try and check into your accommodation – this will likely depend on when you arrive, as some places won’t allow you to check in until the afternoon.
Once you arrive, if you feel like stretching your legs a bit, consider grabbing a coffee to go from Bean in Killarney and then going for a little wander.
When you’re ready, it’s time to explore the area and we’ve three different ways of exploring for you to choose from.
There’s endless things to do in Killarney but a combination of the options below will help you see a good chunk of the area.
Personally, I think option 1 combined with option 3 is the way to go!
Option 1: The self-guided cycle
Killarney National Park is big and, while it’s a joy to ramble around, it’s the perfect spot to explore by bike (we’re speaking base on personal experience here).
You can rent a bike online in advance and then pick it up from the collection point on the Muckross Road.
You then cross the road and head straight into the park. There’s very few inclines and it’s a wonderful way to get around to Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and the Lakes of Killarney.
Option 2: The jaunty
Another great, and very unique way to explore Killarney, is via one of the traditional jaunting cars (i.e. the horse and cart).
On this 1-hour guided jaunty tour you’ll:
- See Ireland’s highest Mountain Range – the MacGillycuddys
- Trot past the 15th-century Ross Castle
- See the impressive St Mary’s Cathedral
- Learn about Killarney from a traditional Jarvey guide
Option 3: The Lakes of Killarney boat Cruise
Arguably one of the most popular tours in Killarney is this 1-hour (and very reasonable) boat tour that takes you around Killarney’s lakes.
The tour takes place on a glass-covered boat with heating and it gives you a completely different perspective of the national park.
You’ll drift by the 6th-century Innisfallen Monastery, see the highest mountain in Ireland and, at times, see Red Deer and White Tailed Eagles.
Stop 2: Dinner, drinks and live music
Freshen up at your hotel then head out for a well-deserved dinner!
Killarney is a place that’s rarely too quiet, even during the off-season.
Our dinner recommendations
There are some exceptional restaurants in Killarney. Our favourites are the Mad Monk (they serve amazing seafood like sizzling crab claws and deep water prawn tagliatelle), Kitty O’Se (splash out on the Seafood Tower to share), and Murphy Browns (hearty Irish dishes like roasted duck and fish and chips).
Our 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 6: The Ring of Kerry Drive
It’s day 6 of your 8 days in Ireland, and today you’re heading off for an adventure on the stunning Ring of Kerry Drive!
Be prepared for breath-taking views, stunning landscapes and the type of scenery that imprints itself upon your mind forever.
We’d strongly recommend reading this Ring of Kerry guide (with a handy Google Map) before you set-off as it’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, or if you’d prefer to go out, we have a couple of suggestions!
Petit Delice is a family-run French patisserie with a stunning covered patio. It’s a great choice if you’re after a morning coffee and a freshly-baked pastry. Otherwise, Manna Cafe does a tasty full Irish as well as breakfast baps and pancakes.
Stop 1: Ross Castle
(If you already checked out Ross Castle yesterday, feel free to skip this stop and head straight to Torc Waterfall.)
From Killarney, it’s a 7-minute drive to Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. You can also take a horse and carriage to it, if you like!
Ross Castle was built by O’Donoghue Mór, an Irish Chieftain in the 15th century. The castle is in great condition and sits on the shores of Lough Lenane.
It’s steeped in mystery, and according to local legend, O’Donoghue still sleeps under the lake’s waters, rising every seven years on the first morning of May.
You can either visit the grounds and admire the castle from the outside, or buy a ticket and join a guided tour.
During the tour, you’ll be taken through the various rooms and given information about the castle’s past inhabitants. The tour lasts around 45 minutes.
Stop 2: Torc Waterfall
From Ross Castle, drive 15 minutes to the enchanting Torc Waterfall. According to local folklore, the waterfall was home to a man who was cursed by the devil to turn into a boar each night.
When his secret was revealed by a farmer, the man burst into flames and retreated to the Devil’s Punchbowl.
There are two car parks close by, but in our experience, the closest car park, Killarney Hiking Parking Lot (here) is often full. So, you may need to park in the Torc Waterfall Lower Parking on the N71 (here).
From the Torc Waterfall Lower Parking, it’s roughly 1km to the waterfall along a paved cycle path that passes by some gorgeous scenery.
From Killarney Hiking Parking Lot, there’s a small path that cuts through the forest and joins up with the cycle path roughly 250 metres from the waterfall.
Stop 3: Ladies View
From Torc Waterfall, it’s roughly a 15-minute drive to Ladies View. The viewpoint here is a popular stopping point on the Ring of Kerry road, with roadside parking directly facing the view (see parking here on Google Maps).
The viewpoint was named in honour of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who were in awe when they visited in 1861 during a royal visit. The view looks out over the Upper Lake with mountains rising up on either side.
Stop 4: Moll’s Gap
Drive for around 9 minutes along the N71 to another popular spot on the Ring of Kerry road, Moll’s Gap! There’s plenty of parking at Moll’s Gap (see parking here on Google Maps), but take care as the parking area is on a sharp bend.
Moll’s Gap is also known as Céim an Daimh in Irish or ‘Gap of the Ox’, but it gets its nickname after Moll Kissane, owner of a local shebeen (unlicensed pub).
The pub was established in the 1820s when the road was being built, and Moll’s homemade poitin (a strong liquor sometimes made from potatoes) was a favourite with the construction workers!
Stop 5: Kenmare
Continue on the N71 for 12 minutes to Kenmare, a lovely town at the head of Kenmare Bay. It was founded in 1670 and to this day it’s still full of charm, with colourful houses, traditional pubs, and quaint cafes.
Spend some time exploring the street on foot, popping into the local shops, or heading for a mid-morning coffee at Pucini’s Coffee and Books or Cafe Mocha.
Stop 6: Derrynane Beach
From Kenmare, it’s a one-hour drive to Derrynane Beach – one of the finest beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way.
This a lovely white-sand beach backed by soft sand dunes that’s perfect for sauntering along. There are dangerous currents, and a small section is known locally as “Danger Beach”.
Stop 7: Lunch in Waterville
It’s time for lunch, so drive 18 minutes to Waterville, Charlie Chaplin’s favourite village in Ireland!
We’ve got a few top picks for where to eat, these are: An Corcan (casual dining and homemade food), Dooleys Seafood and Steakhouse (opens from 1pm serving hearty Irish dishes), and The Lobster Bar and Restaurant (a family-run restaurant with traditional Irish favourites).
Stop 8: Coomanaspig Pass
The Coomanaspig Pass is one of the highest points in Ireland that can be accessed by car. From the top, the views are spectacular, and the drive up to the pass is equally as stunning.
Approach the pass via the R565 and the Skellig Ring. The drive takes just under 30 minutes, with plenty of places to pull over and take in the view.
Stop 9: Kerry Cliffs
Continue onto the Kerry Cliffs, less than 5 minutes down the road. The cliffs are absolutely magnificent, rising 300 metres above the Atlantic Ocean.
The views from the Kerry Cliffs are wonderful, and on clear days you can see The Skelligs to the west as well as Puffin Island!
Admission to the cliffs cost €4 and there are plenty of places to park. The cliffs are open daily from 9am to 7:30pm. If you’re feeling a little peckish, there’s a small cafe for drinks, cakes, and sandwiches.
Stop 10: Valentia by way of Portmagee
It’s time to head to Valentia Island, one of Ireland’s most westerly points. From the Kerry Cliffs, it’s a short drive onto the island via the bridge in Portmagee.
You’ll be using this route to get onto the island, but please note that to get off the island, you’ll be taking the ferry in Knight’s Town (more details below).
There’s lots to do in Valentia, but some of our favourite things are the Valentia Island Lighthouse, the Slate Quarry, and the stunning Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs.
The Slate Quarry is the most westerly quarry in Europe and the oldest quarry in production in Ireland. Slate from the quarry can be found in Westminster Abbey, the Paris Opera House, and the Houses of Parliament.
Geokaun Mountain is the highest point on the island standing 270 metres tall. The Fogher Cliffs are on the northern face of Geokaun, with incredible views of the Atlantic, distant mountains, and several islands.
There are three car parks/viewing points along the way. The last one here is the closest to the summit. The landowner charges a small entry fee.
Once you’re finished exploring Valentia, it’s time to take the ferry from Knight’s Town off the island. The ferry runs between 7:45am and 9:25pm Monday – Saturday and 9am to 9:25pm on Sunday. Check the latest timetable on their Facebook Page.
Stop 11: Cahersiveen
From the pier in Reenard Point, it’s a 7-minute drive to Cahersiveen. Some cool places to check out in the area are the Old Barracks, which has several exhibitions about the history of the local area including The Life and Times of Daniel O’Connell, and the Cahersiveen ring forts which are roughly 3km from town.
Park here to explore the Leacanabuaile Ring Fort and the Cahergall Stone Fort on foot.
Stop 12: Rossbeigh
From Cahersiveen, Rossbeigh Beach is a 30-minute drive. Rossbeigh Beach is a beautiful 6km long sandy beach with great views over Dingle Bay.
It’s a Blue Flag beach and one of the most popular in the area! We love it for a summer swim or a nice scenic walk in the winter.
Stop 13: Back to Killarney for the night
Make your way back to the town the same way you came and then head to your accommodation to freshen-up.
Our dinner recommendations
There are some exceptional restaurants in Killarney. Our favourites are the Mad Monk (they serve amazing seafood like sizzling crab claws and deep water prawn tagliatelle), Kitty O’Se (splash out on the Seafood Tower to share), and Murphy Browns (hearty Irish dishes like roasted duck and fish and chips).
Our 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 7: Limerick
Today, you’re saying goodbye to beautiful Killarney and driving over to Cashel, a lovely town in Tipperary where you’ll be spending one night. Along the way, you’re going to stop by Limerick and check out some of the city’s best attractions!
Grab something to eat before you check out, or if you didn’t manage to stop by yesterday (or if you just loved it and want to go back), The Shire Bar’s full Irish will keep you fueled up for the action-packed ahead!
Recommended accommodation in Cashel
- Budget: Rockville House (very central with top-notch reviews) and Kingstown House (short drive from town to excellent reviews)
- Mid-range: Baileys Hotel (right in the town with great reviews)
- Luxury: The Cashel Palace (brand-new 5-star)
Stop 1: Adare
Your next stop of the day is the gorgeous village of Adare, a 1.5-hour drive from Killarney.
Park up and head for a saunter around the town. As you ramble, you’ll stumble upon a handful of traditional thatch cottages, many of which are used as restaurants, cafes and shops.
Stop 2: Adare Castle
Your next stop is Adare Castle. There’s no parking at the actual castle, so head into the tourist office (otherwise known as the Heritage Centre), where you’ll be able to board a small bus and go to the castle as part of the castle tour.
We highly recommend the castle tour, it’s fully guided and you’ll get a whole load of interesting information about the castle.
Adare Castle, also known as Desmond Castle, is a great example of a Medieval fortified castle. The ruins lie on the bank of the River Maigue, a key strategic position back when it was founded during the early 13th century.
Stop 3: Limerick City
After the tour is over and you’re dropped back at the Heritage Centre, hop back in the car and drive over to Limerick City. The drive takes roughly 25 minutes.
Before lunch, it’s worth dropping by some of the city’s key attractions, like King John’s Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Hunt Museum and St John’s Cathedral.
Stop 4: Lunch
It’s probably around lunchtime right now, so find somewhere to eat in the city. We usually head to The Little Red Hen or The Buttery when we’re in the city. The Little Red Hen is a contemporary bar with some delicious pizzas and dirty fries on the menu. The Buttery is our go-to for a brunch-type meal.
Stop 5: The Rock of Cashel
From Limerick, it’s an hour drive to Cashel.
Now, it’s time for Cashel’s main attraction, the magnificent Rock of Cashel! Make your way up the rock and marvel at this historic site.
The site is perched dramatically on top of a limestone outcrop. It takes around 12 minutes to walk there from the centre of town (depending on your fitness level).
The site includes a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, an abbey, a Gothic cathedral, and several other buildings and monuments. The site was originally the seat of the kings of Munster, but in 1101, it was granted to the church. After this, the Rock of Cashel quickly became one of the most important ecclesiastical centres in Ireland.
The area is shrouded in legend, and it’s said that Saint Patrick himself visited to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. Another legend says that while St. Parick was in nearby Devil’s Bit, he banished Satan from a cave, and caused the rock to land at Cashel.
Stop 6: Cashel for the night
It’s time to head to Cashel to check into your hotel and then head out for a well-deserved dinner! From Clare Glens, it’s around a one-hour drive.
Our Cashel food recommendations
Tonight, we suggest stopping by Mickey Ryan’s Bar and Kitchen, O’Neil’s Bistro, or Chez Hans.
Mike Ryan’s Bar and Kitchen is an Irish gastropub serving dishes such as West Cork Scallops (with black pudding, salsa verde, and bacon), as well as Herb Crusted Lamb Rack (with baba ganoush, ratatouille, and courgette).
O’Neils Bistro is another spot for modern Irish cuisine, with a set two and three-course dinner menu. Expect delicious meals such as seafood arancini, roasted Atlantic cod, and wild Irish venison.
Chez Hans is our top choice if you like dining somewhere a little different – the restaurant is run out of an old church! The fine-dining restaurant has a range of dishes, from roast guinea fowl to herbed gnocchi.
Our Cashel pub recommendations
If you’re after somewhere to grab a drink once dinner is over, we suggest checking out TJ Ryan Traditional Irish Pub or Billy Foleys Bar. Both are traditional pubs that do a cracking pint of Guinness.
During the summer, the local Comhaltas branch hosts live Irish music sessions and performances at the Brian Boru Cultural Centre. They have a good reputation, so we’d definitely recommend checking them out if you’re in Ireland during the summer.
City Bar in Cashel also hosts live music sessions over the weekends, although they may not be trad sessions.
Day 8: The trip to Rosslare (your start point)
It’s your 8th and final day, and sadly, it’s time to head back to Rosslare to catch the ferry home.
Get some breakfast before you check out or we recommend stopping by The Bake House, where you can grab some pastries and cakes for the road, or enjoy them in-house (their sausage rolls are fantastic).
From Cashel, it’s roughly two hours to Rosslare. Make sure you leave plenty of time so you don’t miss your ferry!
And that’s a wrap on this road trip
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!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.