Best Ireland Itinerary (From 3 Days to 3 Weeks)

There isn’t one single best Ireland itinerary. The best route for you depends on how much time you have, how you like to travel and what you want to experience.

With that being said, there are several well-trodden routes that visitors to Ireland, and people like myself who live here and travel around regularly, have been enjoying for decades.

In this guide, I’ll show you my favourite Ireland trip itinerary (I cover trip lengths from 3 days to 3 weeks) and give you samples that you can follow on your own trip. Cheers!

Why trust this guide: I’ve lived in Ireland my entire life and have spent the last decade helping thousands of people planning trips to Ireland. I take pride in creating free, meticulously planned Ireland itineraries that follow rewarding routes that you’ll remember for years to come.

Key need-to-knows when planning your Ireland itinerary

I’ve created the map above to give you a sense of the lay-of-the-land. The first thing to take note of is where the international airports in Ireland are located.

The second thing to note is where the best places to visit in Ireland/counties are. And the third thing to focus on is the drive times between different areas – many people planning a trip to Ireland completely underestimate how long it takes to get around.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Ireland depends on what matters most to you. In my experience, May and September are the sweet spot. You’ll have mild weather, up to 16 hours of daylight, fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. June to August offer the warmest weather and the longest days (up to 17 hours of daylight), but it’s also when Ireland’s most popular destinations are at their busiest.

Where to fly into/out of

Where you fly into (and out of) can have a huge impact on your Ireland travel itinerary, especially if you’re only visiting for 5 to 7 days. Shannon is ideal if you’re focusing on the Wild Atlantic Way, Belfast makes the most sense for Northern Ireland, while Dublin is best for exploring Ireland’s Ancient East. If your route allows it, flying into one airport and home from another can save hours of driving.

The best way to see Ireland

Deciding how to get around Ireland should be one of the first things you think about when planning your trip. Renting a car in Ireland gives you the freedom to explore the country’s most scenic regions, while public transport works well for cities and larger towns but doesn’t reach many rural attractions. If you don’t want to drive, you can easily combine public transport with organised tours.

The weather

The weather in Ireland is famously unpredictable. It’s not unusual to experience sunshine, showers and strong winds in the same afternoon, so it’s always worth packing layers and having a flexible plan. Don’t let the forecast dictate your trip – expect variety and you’ll rarely be disappointed.

How many days you need in Ireland

The ideal trip length for a first time visit to Ireland is 7 days+. A 1 week Ireland itinerary gives you enough time to arrive, settle for a couple of days near your arrival point and then explore 2 other parts of Ireland (e.g. arrive into Dublin for 2 nights and then see Cork and Kerry).

The best Ireland itinerary: The 7 day road trip

Out of the 800+ itineraries in my Irish Road Trip library, this 7 day route is by far the most popular. It’s a road trip I’ve done several times since the early 2000s, and it’s one I keep coming back to. Does it cover every corner of Ireland?

No – that would be impossible in just 7 days. Instead, it focuses on many of Southern Ireland’s best-known attractions while keeping driving times realistic.

If you’ve already explored places like Cork and Kerry, you can easily adapt the route to include the Antrim Coast, Donegal, Sligo and Mayo instead.

Is this route too busy for you? I have much slower Ireland vacation ideas in my Road Trip Hub. For now, though, here’s an overview of the itinerary shown on the map above.

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin and see Ireland’s capital

In an ideal world, you’d have a ‘Day 0’ built into your Ireland itinerary (i.e. a day to arrive, shake off the jet lag, get a decent night’s sleep and start exploring properly tomorrow). Most people don’t have that luxury, though, so don’t worry if today is your arrival day.

If you’re renting a car in Dublin, I’d recommend collecting it from Dublin Airport before heading into the city.

You won’t need it today (Dublin is best explored on foot) but having it ready means you can leave straight after breakfast tomorrow rather than wasting an hour collecting it from a city centre rental location.

I’ve mapped out the 1 day Dublin itinerary on the map above for you and it takes in the main things to do in Dublin. It assumes that you have the full day, but you can chop and change if you need!

Morning

Start at Trinity College and, if possible, book the first Book of Kells tour of the day online in advance as you’ll skip the queue for the ticket desk. From Trinity, you’ll make your way through Temple Bar before crossing the famous Ha’penny Bridge, which was Dublin’s first toll bridge. Stay aware of your surroundings here.

I’ve seen pickpockets operating around the Ha’penny Bridge on several occasions over the years, particularly when it’s busy. Head out onto O’Connell St. and into the GPO, one of the most significant buildings in modern Irish history and pay in to see the Witness History exhibition.

Afternoon

By lunchtime you’ll have worked up an appetite. Take the short walk up to The Brazen Head for lunch with a difference! Dating back to 1198, the Brazen Head is Dublin’s oldest pub! The food is hearty, the building is full of character and it’s a nice change of pace after a busy morning exploring the city.

One small tip from experience: when walking from the GPO, I always avoid the boardwalk side of the River Liffey and stick to the opposite quay instead as you get dodgy characters on the boardwalk!

Evening

I eat out in Dublin every couple of weekends and the city never disappoints. If I was only in Dublin for the day, I’d go for SOLE (Seafood), Featherblade (steak) or Pickle (Indian).

Night time is when the capital really comes alive and there’s some great traditional pubs in Dublin to choose from. If you’re after live music, head to Darkey Kelly’s. If a great pint of Guinness is higher on your list, make your way to Bowes. Tomorrow is one of the longest driving days on this 7 day Ireland itinerary, so it’s worth getting an early night and setting off early for the journey south.

Day 2: Ancient castles and Kinsale

Today is when your Ireland road trip really gets going. You’ll leave Dublin behind and make your way into County Cork, stopping at two of Ireland’s best historic sites before spending the night in Kinsale, a harbour town that I’ve been visiting since I was a kid and one that I never get tired of returning to.

Morning

The first stop of the day is one of the best places to visit in Ireland – the Rock of Cashel, just under a two-hour drive from Dublin. Rising high above the surrounding countryside, this spectacular collection of medieval buildings was once the seat of the Kings of Munster before becoming one of Ireland’s most important ecclesiastical centres.

I’d set aside at least 90 minutes for your visit here. In the past, I’ve walked around the site in an hour when I was short on time, but if you enjoy history, it’s well worth slowing down. I’d also recommend joining one of the guided tours if there’s one starting when you arrive, as it adds plenty of context that you’d otherwise miss.

Afternoon

It’s around a 75-minute drive from Cashel to Blarney Castle. Most tourists visit to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, but don’t make the mistake of rushing straight to the top. The gardens and grounds are every bit as memorable as the castle itself, so leave plenty of time to explore them. Leave yourself at least 90 minutes to explore.

Wander through the gardens, seek out the Witch’s Kitchen and the Druid Circle and then decide if you fancy climbing to the top of the castle. If the queue for the Blarney Stone is lengthy, don’t feel like you’re missing out by giving it a miss – I’d happily trade the queue for more time exploring the grounds.

Late afternoon/evening

It’s then a straightforward 50-minute drive into Kinsale, one of the highlights in this Ireland tour itinerary. If you can, check into your accommodation and then head straight out to do the Scilly Walk while you still have plenty of daylight. It’s an easy walk with fantastic views over the harbour and it finishes at Charles Fort, one of the largest military forts in Ireland.

On your way back, treat yourself to a pint by the fire or outside, depending on the weather, the brilliant Bullman Bar (you can’t miss its bright orange exterior!). When it’s time for dinner, Fishy Fishy, Man Friday and The Black Pig are all hard to beat. Afterwards, call into The Grey Hound for a cosy pint in Kinsale’s oldest pub or The Tap Tavern, which pours one of the best pints in town.

Day 3: Wild West Cork

Day 3 is my favourite day on this Ireland travel itinerary. Rather than taking the quickest route to Killarney, you’ll dip into West Cork before crossing the Beara Peninsula. There’s a lot of driving today – around 6 hours in total, but it’ll be broken up with a lot of stops along the way. Hit the road for around 9.

Morning

Leave Kinsale behind and make your way west towards Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southwesterly point. You have two options for getting there:

• Option 1 (what I’d do): Take the more direct inland route. It takes around 2.5 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy Mizen Head, stop at beautiful Barleycove Beach and still tackle the spectacular Beara Peninsula later in the day
• Option 2: Follow the scenic coastal route through West Cork, stopping at places like Inchydoney Beach, Union Hall, Glandore and Skibbereen. It’s a much more leisurely drive that takes around 4 hours with stops, but you’ll need to skip the Beara Peninsula to reach Killarney before nightfall

Afternoon

From Mizen Head, continue east towards Glengarriff before joining one of Ireland’s most spectacular driving routes through the Beara Peninsula. The highlight is the Healy Pass, a winding mountain road that delivers unforgettable views across lakes, valleys and rolling hills.

Unlike the busier Ring of Kerry, this corner of Ireland often feels wonderfully peaceful. You’ll pass tiny villages, quiet coastal roads and some of the most overlooked scenery on the island before eventually making your way towards Killarney.

Evening

Arrive in Killarney, where you’ll spend the next two nights. That means you can unpack once and enjoy the town without worrying about another hotel tomorrow. There are plenty of excellent restaurants in Killarney.

My favourites are: The Mad Monk (seafood) and Kitty O’Se’s (superb seafood and grilled meats). You’ll find some mighty pubs in Killarney. JM Reidy’s, The Laurels, and O’Connors all serve up traditional vibes with plenty of charm and character along with regular live music.

Day 4: The Ring of Kerry drive

Today is the day on this Ireland vacation itinerary that most of you will be looking forward to. The Ring of Kerry is Ireland’s best-known drive, and while it has become hugely popular over the years, it more than lives up to the hype. It starts and ends in Killarney town and, while it’ll be a busy day, it’s well worth the effort. I’ve created a 1 day Ring of Kerry itinerary for you (see my graphic above).

Morning

Get away as early as you can today. The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most popular drives and, while you can tackle it at any time, setting off early means quieter roads, fewer crowds and a much more relaxed day.

I’ve mapped my full Ring of Kerry itinerary above, but the morning is all about Killarney National Park. You’ll visit Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall, Ladies View and Moll’s Gap before heading off towards Kenmare.

Afternoon

By the time you roll into Kenmare, you’ll probably be ready to stretch the legs and grab a coffee. I always stop at Bean & Batch. It’s right on the edge of town, the coffee is excellent and they do some great pastries if you fancy something sweet before getting back on the road. From Kenmare, you’ll join the N70 and this is where the Ring of Kerry really comes into its own. The scenery changes constantly, with mountain passes giving way to quiet beaches, ancient stone forts and dramatic viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic.

I’ve highlighted the main stops on the map above, but if I had to single out a few, I’d make time for Staigue Stone Fort and Derrynane Beach. By the time you reach Caherdaniel, you’ll have covered a good chunk of the route, making it the perfect place to stop for lunch. I always nip into The Blind Piper. It’s right on the route, there’s plenty of parking and it’s a handy place to recharge before tackling the second half of the drive.

Late afternoon/evening

Once you leave Caherdaniel, you’ll join one of my favourite stretches of road anywhere in Ireland – the Skellig Ring. It’s technically a detour from the Ring of Kerry, but I’d argue it’s an essential one. The road twists its way along the Atlantic coast, taking in spectacular viewpoints like Coomakista, the Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Island. If you only make one detour today, make it this one.

The drive up to Geokaun Mountain rewards you with one of the best views in Ireland, looking out across Valentia Island, the Atlantic and, on a clear day, the Skellig Islands. The final leg of the drive takes you through Portmagee, a colourful little fishing village that’s best known as the departure point for trips to the Skellig Islands. It’s also where I’d stop for dinner (try The Moorings!) before making the 1.5-hour drive back to Killarney.

Day 5: Explore the Dingle Peninsula

The best itineraries for Ireland tend to have one thing in common – Dingle, which is where you’re heading today! 

After a 45-minute drive from Killarney, you’ll reach the Dingle Peninsula, where you’ll spend the day following one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal routes.

Morning

Today’s route takes you onto one of my favourite peninsulas in Ireland. Leave Killarney after breakfast and make the 40-minute drive to Inch Beach. I always stop here, even if it’s just for 20 minutes. From Inch, continue towards Conor Pass.

At over 400 metres above sea level, it’s one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes and, if the weather plays ball, the views are spectacular. If you’re nervous about driving narrow roads, approach it from the Dingle Town side rather than trying to drive over from the opposite direction. There’s a small pull-in at the top where you can safely park and soak up the views before continuing down into Dingle.

Afternoon

Take some time to explore Dingle Town before setting off again. If you fancy a coffee and pastry, Bean in Dingle never disappoints. If it’s edging closer to lunchtime, head straight to The Fish Box – I was here first in 2021 and I’ve been back on every subsequent visit to the town! Once you’ve refuelled, it’s time for the Slea Head Drive. My map above shows the full route, but make sure you stop at Ventry Beach, Coumeenoole Beach, Dun Chaoin Pier, Ceann Sibéal and Clogher Strand.

Evening

Once you’ve completed the Slea Head Drive, leave Dingle behind and make the two-hour drive east to Adare, where you’ll spend the night. I always use Adare as the overnight stop here because it breaks the journey north perfectly and saves a lot of driving tomorrow.

For dinner, I’d book a table in 1826 Adare (seasonal Irish fine dining) or The Blue Door (excellent seafood and modern Irish dishes). Afterwards, round off the evening with a pint in Pat Collins Bar (traditional pub with live music and a great Guinness) or Aunty Lena’s (lively gastropub with traditional music) before calling it a night.

Day 6: Visit the Cliffs of Moher and continue to Galway

Today takes you from County Limerick into County Clare before finishing in Galway, where you’ll spend the final two nights of this Ireland vacation itinerary. It’s another busy day, but it packs in some of Ireland’s most famous attractions along with a few places that many visitors overlook.

Morning

Leave Adare after breakfast and make the 25-minute drive to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. If you’ve never visited before, I’d recommend allowing at least a couple of hours here. While the castle is impressive, it’s the Folk Park that makes this place special.

Wandering through the recreated streets, cottages and shops gives you a real sense of what life in Ireland was like during the 19th century. From Bunratty, it’s around an hour to the Cliffs of Moher. Yes, they’re one of Ireland’s busiest tourist attractions, but don’t let that put you off – they’re famous for a reason. I’d say I’ve been here 20+ times since I was a child but the view never gets old.

Afternoon

Once you’ve finished at the cliffs, make the short drive to Doolin for lunch. There are plenty of places to eat, but, personally, I always head to either Gus O’Connor’s or McDermott’s (usually the latter as there’s much more parking!). After lunch, head into the Burren, one of the most unusual landscapes in Ireland. Rather than rushing straight through it, make time for the Aillwee Cave.

The guided tour takes around 45 minutes and it’s a nice change of pace after spending the morning outdoors. After leaving Aillwee Cave, you’ll continue through the heart of the Burren before joining one of my favourite stretches of road in County Clare.

The drive hugs the edge of Galway Bay, with limestone hills on one side and coastal views on the other. Before crossing into Galway, make one final stop at Dunguaire Castle. Sitting right on the edge of the bay, it’s one of Ireland’s most photographed castles and it’s well worth spending 15 or 20 minutes stretching the legs and taking in the views before the final drive into Galway City.

Evening

You’ll reach Galway City in the early evening, where you’ll be spending the final two nights of this Ireland itinerary. I always recommend staying here for two nights, as it gives you a full day to explore Connemara tomorrow without having to pack up and move on first thing in the morning. After checking in, head into the city for dinner.

I’d book a table in Kai (creative seasonal cooking), Ard Bia (modern Irish grub) or Dela (one of my favourite all-round restaurants in Galway). Afterwards, it’s time to sample a few of the best pubs in Galway. Head to The Crane (my favourite for traditional music), Tig Chóilí (great sessions every night) or Garavan’s (excellent whiskey selection and a cosy snug) before calling it a night.

Day 7: Connemara or back to the airport

If you’re flying home today, you’ll need to spend most (or all) of the day travelling back to Dublin or Shannon Airport. However, if you’ve another day to spare, I’d spend every minute of it in Connemara. It’s one of my favourite parts of Ireland and, after more visits than I can count, it’s still somewhere I look forward to returning to. The route below combines some of Connemara’s biggest attractions with a couple of quieter roads that many visitors miss.

Morning

Leave Galway after breakfast and make your way towards Clifden through the heart of Connemara. The direct drive takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, but if you have the time, I’d recommend taking one of the scenic routes marked on my map above instead. When you arrive in Clifden, park up and grab a coffee from Upstairs Downstairs Café before taking a stroll around the town.

It’s small enough to explore in half an hour and it’s a handy place to break up the drive before tackling the Sky Road. The Sky Road is one of those places that truly lives up to its name. Before joining the loop, you’ll pass Clifden Castle and, if you’ve time, it’s worth making the short walk out to the ruins. When you reach the Sky Road itself, make sure you follow the Upper Road – the views are far better than those from the lower route.

Afternoon

Once you’ve finished the Sky Road, continue towards Letterfrack for lunch. If they have room, I tend to head for Veldons Seafarer Bar & Restaurant. It’s only 15 minutes from Clifden and it’s a good place to refuel before the afternoon. From there, it’s a five-minute drive to Kylemore Abbey. If you’ve seen photos of Connemara before, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen Kylemore without realising it. Leave yourself plenty of time here as the abbey, Victorian Walled Garden and woodland walks are all worth exploring.

After Kylemore, continue towards Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, before driving through Leenane. Rather than heading straight for Cong, take the quieter route via Loch Na Fooey. It adds very little driving time and it’s one of those roads that rarely appears on first-time visitor itineraries. Pull in at the Loch Na Fooey Lookout before continuing on to Cong.

Evening

When you land in Cong, take some time to wander around the village. It’s famous as the filming location for The Quiet Man, but even if you’ve never seen the film, it’s well worth exploring. Visit the abbey ruins, stroll through the woodland walks and see the Monk’s Fishing Hut.

It’s then around 50 minutes back to Galway for your final evening, where you’ll polish off what I believe is the best Ireland itinerary for first-time visitors.

How to plan a trip to Ireland for 3 days to 3 weeks

Now that I’ve shown you what I believe is the best Ireland itinerary, it’s time to look at what’s possible across other trip lengths.

If you’re on the lookout for Ireland vacation ideas, I have itineraries that cover trips from 3 days to 3 weeks and you can pick your mode of transport and more.     

3 to 4 day Ireland itinerary

 

Three or four days isn’t enough to see all of Ireland, and trying to do so will leave you spending more time driving than exploring.

Instead, I’d pick an airport, stay in one base and use it to explore the surrounding region with a mix of city sightseeing and day trips. You can comfortably experience one region of Ireland without feeling rushed. I’d avoid changing hotels unless you absolutely have to:

• If you start in Dublin: Spend 2 days in Dublin and then do a couple of day trips to Wicklow, Kilkenny or further afield 
• If you start in Belfast: Spend 2 days in Belfast and then take a day trip along the Causeway Coastal Route
• If you start in Shannon: Either head southwest to Kerry and do Killarney, the ROK and Dingle or west into Clare and see Doolin and the Aran Islands
• Sample itineraries: 3 day Ireland itinerary and 4 days in Ireland

5 to 6 day Ireland trip itinerary

Five or six days is where an Ireland road trip starts to make sense. You’ll have enough time to move beyond one region while still travelling at a comfortable pace.

I’d recommend using two bases rather than changing accommodation every night, as it’ll give you more time to explore and less time packing and unpacking. With 5 or 6 days, you can comfortably experience two regions of Ireland and tick off many of the country’s biggest attractions:

• If you start in Dublin: Spend 2 days exploring the capital before heading to Killarney for 3 nights. From there, you can drive the Ring of Kerry, explore the Dingle Peninsula and stop at the Rock of Cashel on the journey south
• If you start in Belfast: Spend 2 days in Belfast before heading west to Donegal or south to Galway. This gives you time to experience the Causeway Coast along with some of Ireland’s quieter, less-visited regions
• If you start in Shannon: Base yourself in Galway and Killarney. You’ll have time to visit the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Connemara and either the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula before heading home
• Sample itineraries: 5 days in Ireland and 6 day Ireland itinerary

7 to 8 day trip to Ireland itinerary

Seven or eight days is the sweet spot for an Ireland road trip. It’s enough time to experience many of the country’s biggest attractions without feeling like you’re constantly racing from one place to the next.

It’s also the point where Donegal becomes a more realistic option, giving you much more flexibility when planning your route. With a week in Ireland, you can comfortably experience several different regions while keeping driving times manageable:

• If you start in Dublin: Spend 2 days exploring the capital before making your way over to Galway for 2 days. Then travel up into Mayo and on to Sligo
• If you start in Belfast: Spend 2 days in Belfast before following the Causeway Coastal Route. You’ll then have enough time to explore Donegal before flying home
• If you start in Shannon: Base yourself in Galway and Killarney, using them to explore Connemara, Clare, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle
• Sample itineraries: 1 week in Ireland and 8 days in Ireland

9 to 10 day Ireland vacation ideas

Nine or ten days gives you the freedom to slow the pace of your trip. Rather than moving every day, you can spend two or three nights in several locations, take scenic detours and include places that many shorter itineraries simply don’t have time for.

With 9 or 10 days, you can comfortably explore much of Ireland without feeling like you’re constantly packing and unpacking:

• If you start in Dublin: Spend 2 days in the capital before exploring Galway, Connemara, Clare, Kerry and either West Cork at a leisurely pace
• If you start in Belfast: Spend 2 days exploring Belfast before following the Causeway Coastal Route into Donegal. From there, continue through Sligo and Mayo
• If you start in Shannon: Here’s where a Wild Atlantic Way road trip starts to make sense (see above)
• Sample itineraries: 9 day Ireland itinerary and 10 days in Ireland 

11 days to 2 weeks in Ireland

Eleven days to two weeks is the luxury trip length. At this point, your Ireland itinerary stops being about fitting everything in and starts becoming about experiencing Ireland at a much more relaxed pace.

You’ll have time to spend several nights in different regions, take day trips and explore places that shorter itineraries simply can’t accommodate. With up to two weeks in Ireland, you can comfortably explore almost the entire island without feeling rushed:

• 11 days in Ireland
• 12 days in Ireland
• 13 days in Ireland
• 2 week Ireland itinerary

15 days to 3 week Ireland itineraries

If two weeks is the luxury trip length, three weeks is complete freedom. Ireland really becomes your oyster. Instead of worrying about what you can squeeze into your itinerary, you can build your trip around what interests you most.

You’ll have the flexibility to linger in places you love, take spontaneous detours and change your plans if the weather has other ideas. With 15 days to 3 weeks in Ireland, you can comfortably explore the entire island while travelling at a relaxed pace:

• 15 days in Ireland
• 16 days in Ireland
• 17 days in Ireland
• 18 days in Ireland
• 19 days in Ireland
• 20 days in Ireland
• 21 days in Ireland

Browse my Ireland vacation ideas library

WAIT – please take 10 seconds to read the points below before you scroll. It’ll make finding your perfect Ireland trip itinerary easier:

1. You can pick your trip length and starting point

Two of the key elements in any Ireland itinerary are the length and the start point. Our road trip itineraries range from 3 days right the way up to 4 weeks. There are also multiple start points including the main ferry terminals and airports in Ireland.

2. You can pick a mode of transport

You can pick an Ireland trip itinerary based on how you plan on getting around Ireland. We have Ireland itineraries that only use public transport for those of you doing Ireland without a car. We also have itineraries for those of you that plan on renting a car in Ireland.

3. You can decide how fast you want to travel

Love to squeeze as much as possible into each day? Our ‘Fast Trips’ are just for you! Prefer to take it easy and avoid moving accommodation too often? You’ll love our ‘Slow Trips’.

4. You can choose a travel itinerary for Ireland to suit your fitness

Travelling with someone that has poor mobility? No problem – we have low fitness Ireland itineraries. Want to tackle some of the different hikes in Ireland? We’ve medium-high fitness itineraries just for you!

5. You’ll find our different itineraries starting from 3 days below

Now it’s time for you to find the best Ireland itinerary for you. Simply visit my Irish Road Trip library and pick your trip length!