9 Days In Ireland From Dublin (‘Fast-Trip’ For Those With A Car + Low Fitness)

Planning a 9-day Ireland itinerary can be a pain in the backside… So, I’ve done all of the hard work for you!

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

In a nutshell, this 9-day itinerary:

• 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 my road trip itineraries have been tailored to specific needs.

This road trip is specifically for those of you:

• Start point: In/near Dublin
• Mode of transport: You’ll need a car (if you’re renting a car, read this Irish car rental guide – it’ll save you time and hassle)
• Travel speed: This is a relaxed-paced itinerary
• This will suit those with low fitness: It avoids strenuous activity
• Need a different itinerary? I have many variations of this trip length here

Why trust this guide

I have spent the last 25+ years travelling around Ireland and have dedicated the last 10 to writing what is now The Irish Road Trip Guide.

While the image above will give you a sense of some of the feedback that I receive, this is a tiny drop in the ocean – these hand-crafted itineraries are used by tens of thousands of people every year with nothing but A+ feedback. Cheers!

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

Day 1 is going to be very dependent on the time that you arrive into Dublin. If you need to rent a car, I’d recommend collecting one at Dublin Airport via Discover Cars.

If you need to rent a car, I’d recommend collecting one at Dublin Airport. While you won’t need it for the first day in the city, it’ll save you from having to go and collect one at a later time.

For this itinerary, I’m going to make an assumption that you’ve landed in the morning and are ready to explore from mid-afternoon.

Where to stay in Dublin

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

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)
• The guided walking tour: The local-led Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour immerses you in 1,000 years of history over 2 hours

Stop 1: Lunch

There are plenty of great restaurants in Dublin that serve up a delicious lunch, but if you fancy a tasty bite in a lovely old-world-style pub, Neary’s (EST. 1887) just off of Grafton Street is hard to bate!

They serve simple dishes (like soups and sandwiches) that are packed with flavour and great value for money. Alternatively, Sprout and Co. on Dawson St. is also a great choice.

They have a range of hearty salad bowls, with good options for vegetarians and vegans.

Stop 2: Trinity College

Now you’re all fuelled up, it’s time to head to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, arguably the most famous cultural attraction in Dublin.

If you can, I’d 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: The Ha’penny Bridge (via Temple Bar)

The Ha’penny Bridge (officially named the Liffey Bridge) dates back to 1816 and was the first pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey!

It’s a seven-minute walk from the Trinity Gates, but feel free to take your time as you make your way through the lively streets of Temple Bar. 

Now, Temple Bar can be a bit of a tourist trap. If you fancy a pint, here are several pubs in Temple Bar worth trying (the Palace is my go-to).

If you feel like an afternoon coffee, there are some great cafes in the Temple Bar area or on the other side of the river. Joe’s Coffee and Vice Coffee are two of my favourites across the water.

They’re both just a short stroll from the north side of the Ha’penny Bridge.

Stop 4: Dublin Castle

Next on the itinerary is Dublin Castle. Nestled in the city centre, the castle dates back to the 13th century and was the seat of the English for over 700 years.

Today, it’s an important government complex and the site of Presidential Inaugurations and key State events. The castle is around 10 minutes from the Ha’penny Bridge on foot.

There’s no admission fee to explore the grounds, but if you want to have a look inside you’ll need to purchase tickets for either a self-guided tour or a guided tour.

Guided tours include access to the State Apartments, Exhibitions, Chapel Royal, and the Mediaeval Undercroft. Self-guided tours include access to the State Apartments and Exhibitions only. 

Tickets for guided tours can be purchased on the day of your visit at the ticket booth.

Stop 5: Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral dates back to the early 11th century when it was founded under Sigtrygg Silkbeard, a Norse King of Dublin. It was rebuilt later in stone, largely thanks to the first Anglo-Norman archbishop, John Cumin, in the late 12th century. 

The cathedral is only a 4-minute walk from Dublin Castle and a really interesting place to visit. Some highlights are the restored crypt houses, Strongbow’s tomb, and the Treasures of Christ Church exhibition. 

You can grab a ticket online here –  these include an audio guide that comes in several languages, with three themes to choose from – ‘Power and Politics’, ‘Music and Spirituality’, and ‘Christ Church and the City’.

Self-guided tours with an audio guide usually last around one hour.

Stop 6: St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is just a short 7-minute walk from Christ Church Cathedral. The magnificent cathedral is one of the city’s top attractions as well as one of the few remnants of Medieval Dublin!

It dates back to the 12th century and is Ireland’s largest cathedral. As you may expect, St. Patrick’s Cathedral has a long and rich history. The cathedral has fallen into disrepair and has been damaged several times, most notably in the early 19th century.

During this period, it was restored by none other than Benjamin Lee Guinness (the first Lord Mayor of Dublin and owner of Guinness). 

Stop 7: The Guinness Storehouse or one of many distilleries

Once you’ve had your fill of St. Patrick’s, it’s time to make a choice:

• Whiskey distilleries: Teeling Distillery (10-minute walk), Pearse Lyons and Jameson (20-minute walk)
• Guinness Storehouse: 20-minute walk

Stop 8: An evening in Dublin

An evening in Dublin City awaits! There’s endless options for food, music and pubs, but here are my go-tos:

Dinner recommendations

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

• My go-to for steak: Hawksmoor (incredible interior, exceptional steak and sublime service)
• My go-to for seafood: SOLE (simply spectacular)

Live music and trad bars

Although I’ve a detailed Dublin pubs guide, my go-tos are Bowes, Kehoes and Neary’s.

There are plenty of live music pubs in Dublin, too, like the Celt, the Old Storehouse and Darkey Kelly’s!

For those that don’t fancy the pub

Skip the pub crawl and enjoy a lively night of traditional music and dance in an intimate 18th-century Dublin townhouse.

The Irish House Party offers dinner, craic, and world-class performers.

Day 2: County Wicklow

On day 2, it’s time to put that rental car to use and head out of Dublin. Today, you’ll be exploring Wicklow, also known as the Garden of Ireland. 

There are a few short walks on the agenda today, so make sure to bring appropriate clothing and footwear, and a raincoat (just in case!).

Alternative option for day 2: This guided day tour from Dublin takes in Kilkenny City, Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains

Stop 1: Glendalough Monastic City and Upper Lake

The best way to see Glendalough is on one of the walks, but as this is an itinerary for those of you with low fitness, we need to think a bit creatively.

There are two parts of Glendalough that you can get to without much effort, but you’ll need to change car parks and pay for parking… twice.

I know that sounds a bit mad, but it’ll be the easiest way for you to see both areas without having to walk too far:

• Area 1: Park at the Lower Lake Car Park (€4) and take the short stroll to the Glendalough Monastic Site
• Area 2: Leave the Lower Car Park and drive to the Upper Lake Car Park (€4) and take the short ramble to the edge of the Upper Lake

Stop 2: Lunch at the Wicklow Heather

I love stopping by the Wicklow Heather for lunch whenever I’m in Glendalough. The restaurant is in the heart of idyllic Laragh, with a historical interior and some lovely outdoor seating areas.

It’s only a 6-minute drive from the Upper Lake Car Park.

The menu has traditional Irish dishes, like comforting seafood chowder or hearty cottage pies, with an option for vegetarians and vegans.

Stop 3: The Sally Gap Drive (multiple stops)

The glorious Sally Gap Drive is one of my favourite drives in the country. Aim for Lough Tay, first. Also known as Guinness Lake, Lough Tay is the jewel in Sally Gap’s crown!

From here, follow the winding road down, over the PS I Love You bridge and around until you reach a car park (on your right). 

From here, very carefully walk around and get an eyeful of Glenmacnass Waterfall before heading on to the next stop.

Stop 4: Powerscourt Waterfall along with the house and gardens

Powerscourt Waterfall is a 15-minute spin from where you’ll finish the Sally Gap Drive. This is Ireland’s tallest waterfall at 121m and it roars through ancient woodland alive with red squirrels and Sika deer.

It’s a gentle stroll from the car park out to where you can see the waterfall, so it should be very manageable for those with low fitness.

A short drive away, Powerscourt House overlooks 47 acres of formal gardens with statues, secret hollows, and sweeping terraces.

The grounds are extensive but you can easily have a coffee in the cafe and then wander at your leisure.

Stop 5: Back to Dublin for the night

After a long (and hopefully enjoyable!) day of exploring, it’s time to say goodbye to Wicklow and head back to Dublin (it’s a 40-minute drive but may take longer depending on traffic).

If you’re still struggling to pick a place/area to stay in the city, see my guide on where to stay in Dublin!

Here are some recommendations for the evening:

• Food: There are some excellent restaurants in Dublin. SOLE and Gallaghers Boxty House are 2 I recommend over and over
• Live music: There are plenty of live music pubs in Dublin. Darkey Kellys, the Old Storehouse and the Celt rarely disappoint
• Historic pubs: From my guide to the best bars in Dublin – Kehoe’s and Neary’s are firm favourites

Day 3: The historic Boyne Valley

On day 3, 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 a fascinating prehistoric monument and the main attraction in the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site. The neolithic passage tomb was built around 3200 BC, making it older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge!

From Dublin City Centre, it’s around a 45-minute drive (depending on traffic). I’d recommend setting out as early as possible to avoid traffic. 

You can book your Newgrange Tour + Exhibition tickets here, pre-booking is essential. Please note, that you cannot go to the monuments directly. You must start at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. The Newgrange Tour is roughly one hour long. 

Stop 2: St Peter’s Church, Drogheda

Your next stop is St. Peter’s Church, a 15-minute drive from Newgrange. It’s a stunning French Gothic-style church that dates back to 1884. 

It’s well known for being home to the national shrine to St. Oliver Plunkett, a Catholic archbishop who was executed in Tyburn, England for treason and “promoting the Roman Faith”.

The shrine is elaborate and detailed and contains the preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett! Other artefacts on show include his bones and the cell door of his Newgate prison. 

Please take care to observe complete silence in the church as it’s a sacred place. 

Stop 3: Monasterboice

Monasterboice is a 12-minute drive from the church. The ruins date back to the late 5th century and were founded by Saint Buithe.

The Christian settlement was an important centre of religion and learning in the area up until 1142 when the Mellifont Abbey was founded. 

Highlights of the settlement are the 28-metre round tower, two church ruins, and the magnificent 10th-century high crosses – the Muiredach’s Cross and the West Cross (the tallest in Ireland).

I’d recommend spending around 30 minutes here. 

Stop 4: Hill of Slane

The Hill of Slane is an incredibly important site, and a possible location for where St. Patrick lit the Paschal Candle, which represented Christianity coming to Ireland.

The site is home to 16th-century Franciscan Monastery ruins, built on top of an older monastery founded by St. Erc, one of St. Patrick’s followers. 

It’s a 15-minute drive from Monasterboice, and we’d recommend spending between 30 minutes to an hour here, depending on how much you want to explore. 

Stop 5: Lunch in Navan

Drive the 25 minutes to Navan to grab a bite of lunch. I’d recommend checking out The Gate Restaurant (a family-run restaurant serving Irish food) or the Crystal Cafe (a great spot for light bites like gourmet sandwiches and wraps).

Room8 (delicious salads and sandwiches – vegetarian and vegan friendly) and Checkov’s Cafe (a cosy spot for sandwiches and salads) are good options, too!

Stop 6: Kells Round Tower and High Crosses

Kells Round Tower and High Cross is a 17-minute drive from Navan. The tower and high cross are in the town of Kells, which was founded by Saint Columba in 550 AD.

The round tower is in good condition, but interestingly, unlike other round towers in the country, it has five upper windows instead of four. 

Once you’ve had a look at the round tower (it’s 26 metres tall, you can’t miss it!), head over to admire the five high crosses: the South Cross, the West Cross, the East Cross, the Market Cross, and the North Cross (only the base remains). 

The South Cross, also known as the Cross of St. Patrick and St. Columba, is the most impressive and in the best condition. It dates back to the 9th century, with intricate carvings of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel, amongst other things. 

Stop 7: Spire of Lloyd

The Spire of Lloyd is just a quick 4-minute drive away and an interesting building sometimes referred to as “Ireland’s only inland lighthouse”!

It’s a long column with a 360-degree glass viewing room that is accessed via 164 stairs but please note that it’s rarely open to the public. 

The 30-metre spire is said to have been used for watching horse races and hunting in the 19th century, although the racecourse in Kells was built after the tower. 

The tower was built in 1791, although it was built on an Iron Age ring fort, with evidence that the site was used as far back as the Bronze Age!

Stop 8: Trim Castle

Trim Castle is Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman fortification. It’s very impressive with an imposing presence. The Castle dates back to the 12th century and took Hugh de Lacy and his successors 30 years to complete. 

It’s free to visit the castle grounds, but a guided tour of the keep costs €5 (adult), €4 (senior), €3 (student/child), and €13 (family).

The tour is well worth it, especially for any Braveheart fans, as parts of the movie were filmed there!

The castle is open daily between 10am and 5pm. We’d recommend at least 30 minutes to one hour here. It’s a 30-minute drive from the Spire of Lloyd. 

Stop 9: Bective Abbey

The next stop is Bective Abbey, a 10-minute drive away. It was founded in 1147 for the Cistercian Order and became a significant monastic settlement.

The ruins you can see today mostly date back to the 13th and 15th centuries, with a chapter house, a church, and a cloister. 

The ruins have been used several times in Hollywood movies. Most recently, in The Last Duel, which came out in 2020.

The abbey is free to visit with a designated car park. Give yourself around 30 minutes here. 

Stop 10: Hill of Tara

The last stop of the day is the Hill of Tara. It’s a 12-minute drive from Bective Abbey and we’d say 30-45 minutes is a good amount of time to spend here. 

The Hill of Tara has been in use since the late Stone Age, but it’s known best as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, with all old Irish roads leading to the site!

The site is shrouded in myth, and the story of Conn of the Hundred Battles tells the tale of how the High Kings of Ireland came to be. 

It’s free to visit, with a free 25-minute Audio Visual Show at the visitor centre (in the church), and free guided tours scheduled every day. The centre is open between 10am and 5pm year-round, but the site is open 24/7. 

Stop 11: Back to Dublin for the night

From the Hill of Tara, it’s a 50-minute drive back to Dublin City Centre (depending on traffic). 

Dinner recommendations

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

• My go-to for steak: Hawksmoor (incredible interior, exceptional steak and sublime service)
• My go-to for seafood: SOLE (simply spectacular)

Live music and trad bars

Although I’ve a detailed Dublin pubs guide, my go-tos are Bowes, Kehoes and Neary’s.

There are plenty of live music pubs in Dublin, too, like the Celt, the Old Storehouse and Darkey Kelly’s!

For those that don’t fancy the pub

Skip the pub crawl and enjoy a lively night of traditional music and dance in an intimate 18th-century Dublin townhouse.

The Irish House Party offers dinner, craic, and world-class performers—no hangover required.

Day 4: The road to Galway

Today’s schedule gives you the freedom of choice – you can follow the route outlined on the map above or you can pick and choose stops along the way.

I’ll outline some of them below but feel free to chop and choose as you please.

Recommended accommodation in Galway

• Budget: Feeney’s Audubon Lodge (in Salthill outside of the city by the sea) and Corrib View Guesthouse (a 45-minute walk from Eyre Square)
• Mid-range: Balcony House B&B (10-minute walk from Eyre Square) and Ash Grove House (gorgeous guesthouse near Galway Cathedral) 
• Luxury: The G Hotel (luxury hotel in the city) and Glenlo Abbey (one of Ireland’s top hotels – 15-minute drive from the city)

Stop 1: Athlone Castle and Ireland’s oldest pub

Athlone is arguably the most popular of the many stops on the drive from Dublin to Galway, as it’s around the 1/2 way point.

The town is a 1.5-hour drive from Dublin Airport and a 40-minute drive from the Tullamore DEW Distillery.

There are two main attractions in the town:

• Athlone Castle: Dating to the 12th century, there’s an immersive visitor experience on offer
• Sean’s Bar: The oldest pub in Ireland daring to 900AD

Stop 2: Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise is arguably one of the most interesting places to visit in Ireland. This is the island’s most prominent early Christian site and it’s located along the Shannon River.

It’ll take you 30 minutes to reach here from Athlone. The site was founded in 554 AD by Saint Ciarán and the settlement played a significant role in Middle Ireland.

Clonmacnoise is located right where the Shannon meets the Slighe Mhor – one of the Five Great Roads in medieval Ireland. This location meant Clonmacnoise became a key centre for learning and trade.

Visitors today can explore the ruins, see the Celtic Crosses and admire the round towers. There’s also a visitor centre that tells the story of Clonmacnoise wonderfully.

If there’s only one stop you do on your Dublin to Galway road trip, make it this one.

Stop 3: Shannonbridge

You’ll come to the charming little town of Shannonbridge around 10 minutes after leaving Clonmacnoise.

While there are plenty of great small villages in Ireland that are popular amongst tourists, few stumble upon Shannonbridge.

The town takes its name from the bridge pictured above that connects the counties of Offaly and Roscommon.

If you fancy a feed, Luker’s Bar is a great pub that offers views out over the water.

Stop 4: Dunguaire Castle

The final stop on the drive from Dublin to Galway is Dunguaire Castle. This is a 55-minute drive from Shannonbridge.

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: Explore Galway City by foot or bus

From Athlone, Galway City is a one hour drive. The city can be very heavy traffic wise, so keep that in mind.

After checking into your accommodation, it’s time to decide how you’ll get around. You have three 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: Dinner, drinks and live music

You’ve had a busy aul day today, so it’s time to kick-back and chill with food and, if you fancy, a drink and some live music.

Galway is a lively city regardless of the time of year. Here’s some spots worth checking out:

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.

Day 5: Connemara and Cong

On day 6, you’ll be heading to one of Ireland’s most scenic regions – Connemara, as well as Cong in Mayo – a picturesque village with a star-studded past. 

There’s quite a bit to see and do today, so make sure to wake up with plenty of time so you can fit everything in! Bring a good pair of walking shoes and plenty of water as there’s also a challenging walk on the agenda. 

Grab breakfast at your accommodation, or alternatively, check out Jungle Cafe – a really unique spot and if you’re in Galway in the summer, sitting on the tropical patio is a must!

Stop 1: Scenic drive from Galway City to Clifden

It’s roughly 75 minutes from the city to Clifden along the N59. This scenic drive passes right through the Connemara region, with amazing views the entire journey. 

You’ll pass through the traditional village of Oughterard, then onwards to Maam Cross, passing by mountains, lakes, and moorland. 

Once you’ve arrived in Clifden, make a quick stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee before continuing onto the Sky Road. I’d recommend the Upstairs Downstairs Cafe or The Blooming Gorse. 

Stop 2: Sky Road

The Sky Road is a breathtaking 16km loop. It begins in Clifden, making its way around the Kingston peninsula along a coastal road with stunning views. Along the way, the loop passes by Clifden Castle, a ruined manor house overlooking the water. 

After the castle, the Sky Road deviates into two routes which join up again later, the lower road which has close-up views of the sea, and the upper road, which has views over the bay. 

Some scenic stops along the way are Clifden Castle, the viewing point on the upper road, and Eyrephort Beach. We’d say two hours is a good length to spend on the Sky Road including stops, but this depends on what time you arrive in Clifden. 

Stop 3: Lunch in Letterfrack

Once you get to the end of the Sky Road loop, instead of turning right onto the N59 back towards Clifden, turn left towards Letterfrack.

This takes around 13 minutes. In Letterfrack, I’d recommended Clover Fox, Veldons, or the Hungry Hiker. 

Stop 4: Kylemore Abbey

It’s a short 9-minute drive to Kylemore Abbey, arguably one of the most popular places to visit in Galway.

Kylemore Abbey is a stunning Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 1920s. It’s incredibly picturesque, sitting on the shores of Pollacapall Lough.

The lower floors of the abbey have been restored and are open to the public, as well as the beautiful Victorian Walled Garden. The estate includes a Neo-Gothic church and several woodland and lake-side walks. 

Stop 5: Killary Harbour and Leenane

Before you leave Kylemore Abbey, enter “Killary Harbour, Connemara Loop” into Google Maps to take you to the 6th stop. The viewpoint is a 14-minute drive from the abbey, with stunning views of Killary Harbour (Ireland’s only fjord).

If you look hard enough, you may be able to spot the potato mounds across the fjord, which date back to the famine. 

On your way to Cong, make a stop in Leenane to check out Gaynor’s Bar (The bar from the movie ‘The Field’), or the Sheep and Wool Centre to watch a demonstration.

You could also make a quick stopover at Aasleagh Falls, which is just outside of Leenane.  

Stop 6: Cong

It takes roughly 40 minutes to drive from Leenane to Cong. It’s one of Ireland’s more popular villages, thanks to its scenic streets and link to the 1952 award-winning movie – The Quiet Man. 

There’s lots to do in the village, from Quiet Man tours, grabbing a drink in Pat Cohan’s Gastro Pub (a must for Quiet Man fans), or checking out the 13th-century abbey ruins.

Stop 7: Galway for dinner, drinks and live music

It’s been a long fun-filled day, but it’s time to head back to Galway City, a roughly 50-minute drive. 

Here is a reminder of my earlier recommendations for places to eat, drink, and be merry in the city!

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.

Day 6: County Clare

You’re saying goodbye to Galway today and heading down to Doolin for two nights.

The total drive time is less than 2 hours, depending on whether you take the coast road. But I have lots of places for you to stop on the way! Doolin is a lovely village on Ireland’s west coast, known for its trad music. 

Doolin accommodation recommendations

• Popular and central stays: West Haven House (short stroll from McDermott’s Pub) and Cullinan’s Guesthouse (great reviews and right across from Fitzpatrick’s Bar)
• My favourites: Doolin Inn (a stone’s throw from Fisher Street), Fiddle + Bow Hotel (boutique and very central) and Hotel Doolin (good value and nice and central) 

Stop 1 – 3: The Burren Scenic Drive

You’re going to be doing the scenic half of the Burren Scenic Drive, pictured in the map above.

From Galway, aim for Black Head Lighthouse and then follow the coast towards Doolin.

I’ve a full itinerary here that you can follow.

Stop 4: Doolin for lunch and a wander

When you arrive in Doolin, check-in to your accommodation and then head for some lunch. Anthony’s at Doolin Inn and Russell’s Seafood Bar at Fiddle + Bow are two great options.

When you’re ready to rock, there are several things to do around the town:

• Doonagore Castle: Built in the 1500s, it overlooks Doolin and the Aran Islands
• Doolin Cave: Home to one of the world’s longest free-hanging stalactites

Stop 5: Cliffs of Moher

Your next stop, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher are one of the area’s, (if not Ireland’s) most popular attractions.

The cliffs are a 15-minute drive from Doolin, with breathtaking views of the wild Atlantic, Galway Bay, and the Aran Islands. 

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 6: Dinner, drinks and live music in Doolin

You’re going to round off the night in Doolin – a town well known for its cosy pubs and live music.

Here’s a few recommendations to keep you going:

Doolin food and pub recommendations

• Restaurants in Doolin: Anthony’s at Doolin Inn and Russell’s Seafood Bar at Fiddle + Bow
• Pubs in Doolin: McDermott’s (my go-to for the last few years) and Gus O’Connor’s on Fisher Street

Day 7: Killarney

It’s day 4 of your 9 days in Ireland itinerary, and it’s time to check out of your Doolin accommodation and head to Killarney in County Kerry!

Killarney is a lovely heritage town on the shores of Lough Leane. It’s a great base for exploring southwest Ireland and you’re going to be spending three nights here.

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)

Stop 1: Adare

Your first stop of the day is the gorgeous village of Adare, a 1-hour-and-10-minute drive from Doolin.

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.

If you fancy stepping back in time, drop into Adare Castle (you can take a shuttle from the town centre).

Stop 2: Arrive in Killarney and get checked in

It’s time to make your way to Killarney. It’s around a 1-hour-and-10-minute drive from Adare.

Check into your hotel and then decide how you’ll get around for the day.

There are three options:

Option 1: Take the car

Using the car is one of the handiest ways to get around Killarney, but do note that the traffic in the town during peak season (June – August) can be heavy.

The different attractions in Killarney National Park are quite spread out, so driving around will suit those of you that can’t/that don’t want to cycle/walk between them.

Here’s an overview of your itinerary:

• A: See St. Mary’s Cathedral, which was built between 1842 and 1855
• B: Park at the 500+ year old Ross Castle and ramble around its grounds
• C: The brilliant 1-hour Lakes of Killarney Cruise leaves from the castle pier
• D: Drive to Muckross Abbey and explore its ancient ruins
• E: Take the tour of Muckross House
• F: See Torc Waterfall (the most popular of the many things to do in Killarney)

Option 2: The hop-on/off bus

For those of you with limited mobility but who don’t fancy driving around Killarney, you can climb aboard the hop-on/hop-off bus.

It runs in a loop and starts from the town centre with stops at:

• Ross Castle (you can join the brilliant Lakes of Killarney cruise from here)
• Torc Waterfall
• Muckross House
• Muckross Abbey

Option 3: Explore by bike

Renting a bike on Muckross Road and cycling around Killarney National Park is one of the best things to do in Killarney, in my opinion.

The town has excellent cycle lanes and the park is well laid out for novice cyclists.

If you enter the park at Ross Castle, you can follow a trail along the lakes of Killarney and on towards Muckross House and Gardens.

From here, you can continue on to Torc Waterfall. All in all, a cycle around the park can take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on how long you spend at each attraction.

A night in Killarney

Here’s some food and pub recommendations:

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 8: 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.

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

Stop 1: Ladies View

The first stop in my Ring of Kerry guide takes us to the wonderful Ladies View. It got its name after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited in 1861.

It’s said that the Queen’s ‘ladies-in-waiting’ (i.e. personal assistants) were so taken by the view that it was named after them!

Park next to the viewing area, step out and soak up a view of the National Park and the Lakes of Killarney.

Stop 2: Moll’s Gap

The next stop on the Ring of Kerry drive is the mighty Moll’s Gap – a bendy pass that offers spectacular views of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks.

You can park right next to it in the Avoca car park. It got its name from Moll Kissane who ran a Sibin (unlicensed pub) during the construction of the Killarney to Kenmare road in the 1820s.

She was well-liked in the area. Possibly due to the fact that she sold homemade Poitin to the men working on the road.

Stop 3: Kenmare

Next up is Kenmare – a lovely little town that’s a lot quieter than Killarney (it’s also home to a handful of Ring of Kerry hotels!).

Although, there are plenty of things to do in Kenmare (like the stone circle), as this is a 1 day Ring of Kerry itinerary, I’m going to recommend you grab a coffee and head for a wander.

Aim for Henry Street (left in the photo above) to see the colourful shops and pubs that have graced many-a-postcard.

Stop 4: Staigue Stone Fort

Many driving the Ring of Kerry tend to miss Staigue Stone Fort but, as the reviews online will attest, it’s well worth a visit.

It’s thought that it was constructed during the late Iron Age (sometime between 300 and 400 AD) to act as a defensive structure, likely for a local king.

It was partly restored and you can walk inside it. There are some glorious views of the surrounding countryside from Staigue, too!

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

You’ll find Derrynane Beach, one of the best beaches in Kerry, a short spin from the lunch spot and the perfect place to walk off your lunch!

Derrynane is reasonably sheltered and boasts a natural harbour. Keep an eye out for the ruins of Derrynane Abbey (believed to date to the 6th century) as you saunter along the sand.

This is one of the most frequently missed Ring of Kerry stops, but it’s well worth the short detour.

Stop 7: Coomakista viewpoint

One of the best things about driving the Ring of Kerry is the endless Wild Atlantic Way discovery points that you stumble upon.

One of the most popular is the Coomakista viewpoint. There’s plenty of parking here and, on a clear day, you’ll have unbeatable views of Deenish and Scariff islands.

Stop 8: The Skellig Ring

If you look at my Ring of Kerry map with stops above you’ll see that we’re now entering the Skellig Ring.

There are a number of stops along this section of the route that you can either admire from afar or stop off at.

When you leave Coomakista, you’ll reach ‘Scenic Point’ (here on Maps), followed by Waterville (a favourite of Charlie Chaplin) and then Ballinskelligs (home to a beach and a castle)

From there, you have the Skelligs Telescope Viewpoint, St. Finian’s Bay and then, finally, the magnificent Coomanaspig viewpoint that leads to the next stop.

Stop 9: The Kerry Cliffs

Next up is another spot that’s missed by many driving the Ring of Kerry – the 1,000 ft high Kerry Cliffs.

The cliffs, which are believed to be over 400 million years old, are reached via private land (I think it was €5/6 when I was here last). It’s a steep 10-minute walk up to the view point but it’s well worth the effort.

Although Clare’s Cliffs of Moher and Donegal’s Slieve League get much of the attention from tourists, the Kerry Cliffs are strong contenders for Ireland’s most impressive cliffs.

Stop 10: Geokaun Mountain

The next stop on my Ring of Kerry road trip is Valentia Island (connected to Portmagee village by the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge).

When you arrive on the island, head up to the car park near Bray Head. You’ll get an eyeful of the Skellig Islands from here. When you’re done here, make your way up to the Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs.

There’s a €5/6 entry fee and then you take the very steep ‘road’ to the viewing area. It’s from here that you’ll get one of the finest views on the Ring of Kerry drive.

You’ll see everything from Knightstown below to the Dingle Peninsula off in the distance.

Stop 11: Dinner in Portmagee

Next is another of the optional Ring of Kerry stops, but it’ll likely be dinner time when you reach this point so head 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 (refer to my Ring of Kerry map for ideas on what to do).

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 this Ring of Kerry itinerary comes to an end.

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 9: The Dingle Peninsula or the scenic route to Dublin

What you do on day 9 will depend on:

1. Not ideal: Whether you need to head straight back to Dublin today
2. Very ideal: Whether you have the full day to work with

If you do have the full day to work with, you have a couple of options.

Option 1: The Dingle Peninsula Loop

The delectable Dingle Peninsula is a handy 30-minute spin from Killarney and it’s home to some of Kerry’s top attractions.

Now, if you don’t fancy driving it yourself, there’s this 6-hour tour that’ll allow you to sit back, and enjoy the spin.

If you do fancy driving it, you can follow the itinerary for the map above right here.

Option 2: The scenic route to Dublin

The second option is to head back to Dublin via a route that takes in some of the most impressive castles in Ireland.

You won’t need to make any major detours and you’ll visit:

• Mallow Castle: 13th-century ruins beside a 17th-century fortified house
• Cahir Castle: 13th-century fortress on an island in the River Suir
• Rock of Cashel: Hilltop site with 12th-century cathedral and round tower
• Rock of Dunamase: 9th-century castle ruins with glorious views
• Sallins for dinner: Canal-side town with cosy pubs and great places to eat

Our most useful guides for planning your Irish Road Trip

And that’s a wrap on this road trip. Remember, you’ll find every length and type of road trip imaginable in my 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