Stunning landscapes, charming people and centuries of history all make Ireland a popular travel destination and there’s no better way to explore the Emerald Isle than a road trip. From Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher this 10 day Irish road trip itinerary includes some of the greatest sights across the country and is the perfect way to get to know the Land of Saints and Scholars.
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With 10 days to spend in Ireland you have plenty of time and won’t have to choose between places like Cork or Dublin . On this itinerary you’ll start in Dublin, then make your way down the coast to Cork, Ireland’s second city. Next, you’ll head west to one of the most beautiful areas in Ireland, the Dingle Peninsula. After Dingle, you’ll start to wind your way north, stopping at the Cliffs of Moher and Galway City. You’ll end your trip back in Dublin, where you can either rest or visit your favorite spots one last time.
Days 1-2: Dublin
Dublin is the capital of Ireland, known for its rich literary and cultural history. The city center is called Temple Bar, and here you’ll find street performers, restaurants, and plenty of pubs. If you’d like, you can even take a tour of Dublin’s literary pubs, complete with stories about some of Ireland’s most famous authors.
Spend your two days in Dublin exploring the National Gallery, wandering down Grafton Street, and people watching in St Stephen’s Green. The Jameson Distillery and Guinness Factory are great stops to learn about Irish whiskey and beer. Don’t skip Trinity College Dublin, where you can see the Book of Kells. Be sure to try a Belfast Coffee at Bar 1661. This drink is a play on the more traditional Irish Coffee, but it’s made with cold brew coffee and an Irish spirit, Poitín.
Day 3: County Wicklow
Just an hour south of Dublin is County Wicklow, also known as the Garden of Ireland. Known for its stunning mountains and beautiful green landscapes, Wicklow is the perfect spot to reconnect with nature and stretch your legs. There are hikes and walks throughout the Wicklow Mountains, but the most popular is Glendalough. Glendalough is a glacial lake, and nearby you’ll find a set of monastic ruins and a stone tower. You can hike around Glendalough in a few hours and enjoy the stunning views of the lake from above. After your hike, visit Victor’s Way, a new age granite sculpture garden nearby. You’ll find intriguing, unique sculptures that are intended to help you reflect on the meaning of life and culture.
You can also visit the impressive Powerscourt Estate. is a set of beautiful gardens that are themed after many of the nations of the world, including both Italian and Japanese gardens. Spend the night nearby in one of Wicklow’s cozy B&Bs.
Days 4-5: Cork
Cork is Ireland’s Rebel City, known for its great food and lively spirit. Spend a day wandering around the city center, strolling through Fitzgerald Park, and shopping in the English Market. Have a wonderful brunch at the Good Day Deli, or try some fabulous Palestinian food from Izz Cafe. Head to nearby Blarney Castle, one of the top day trips from Cork, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone. It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are blessed with the “gift of the gab.” In the evening, visit Sin é for traditional Irish music or the Shelbourne Bar for an Irish coffee.
Day 6: Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is the name for a 111-mile route that takes you around the Iveragh Peninsula. Be sure that you see Torc Waterfall and Ladies View in Killarney National Park, the Gap of Dunloe, and Moll’s Gap. Spend the night in the town of Killarney, an adorable little town with plenty of restaurants and pubs to choose from.
Note: the Ring of Kerry is a full day activity, so you’ll want to get an early start. Be sure to have a great driving playlist ready and plan a few coffee stops to keep your driver awake and alert.
Day 7: Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and it’s definitely worth a visit on your road trip. Spend some time exploring the area, making sure to hit Inch Beach, Coumeenoole Beach, and Dunquin Pier.
Consider taking a tour of the Great Blasket Islands, which are only accessible by boat. The tours will typically include plenty of wildlife sightings, including dolphins, basking sharks, gray seals, and several species of sea birds. Stay in Dingle Town, where you can enjoy a wonderful breakfast at My Boy Blue. For traditional fish and chips, you won’t do much better than Fish Box, also located in Dingle Town.
Day 8: Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular places to visit in Ireland, and for good reason. These dramatic sea cliffs overlook the Atlantic Ocean and were designated a UNESCO Geopark in 2011. You can drive to the Visitor’s Center and look out over a dramatic section of the cliffs, or you can hike on the path along the cliffs to the north or south. If you decide not to hike along the cliffs, you can instead check out the Burren. This area is covered in rocks reminiscent of the moon’s surface. You can drive through or get out and walk along the rocks as long as you please. The Burren Perfumery is a great stop for a unique gift; you can buy scents that capture the essence of spring or summer in the Burren. Stay nearby in Doolin, where you should be able to find a charming B&B.
Day 9: Galway
Spend a full day and evening exploring the Irish city of Galway, known for its fabulous live music and lively city center. The streets are lined with adorable shops, restaurants, and plenty of pubs, so you can easily spend a full day exploring and shopping. Expect to find live music everywhere you look in the Latin Quarter, both in the streets and in the pubs. Don’t miss the King’s Head Pub, which first opened its doors in 1649, or Taaffes, a spot known for live traditional music.
Day 10: Return to Dublin
Spend the last day of your road trip making your way from Galway to Dublin. If you have extra time, you can squeeze in a quick visit to Cong, the filming location for The Quiet Man, or Ashford Castle on your way to Dublin. To see Ashford Castle, it’s recommended that you book an afternoon tea, as the grounds are not generally open to the public.
If you like this article be sure to take a look at some of my other posts!
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Amber Haggarty
Author
Amber Haggerty runs Amber Everywhere, a site dedicated to encouraging others to travel. The mission of Amber Everywhere is to help people feel the sort of belonging, purpose, empathy, and expansiveness that travel can offer, especially if approached with the right mindset. Amber is originally from Colorado, but now she now lives in Europe and writes about her experiences traveling and living abroad. You can follow her on Instagram at @amber.everywhere.
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