14 day trips to ireland

Ireland In 2 Weeks: 56 Different Itineraries To Choose From

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

Yes, we have  56  different 14-day Ireland itinerary guides for you to choose from…

Why 56 you ask?!

The reason for this is that we’ve covered  every  (we hope…) possible want or need you could have.

Each of our 14-day guides:

• Has been meticulously planned
• Follows logical routes we’re confident you’ll love
• Has a detailed hour-by-hour itinerary
• Makes planning a trip to Ireland easy

Table of Contents

In the guide below, you can pick a 2 week Ireland itinerary based on:

Please take 15 seconds to read the graphic above as it’ll help you pick the most suitable Ireland itinerary down below!

As you can see, we have 14-day Ireland itinerary guides that cover every angle we could think of.

All you need to do to find your perfect itinerary is read the section below  carefully .

How to browse our Ireland in 2 weeks itineraries

Photos via Shutterstock

The handiest way to browse our itineraries is to select, from the list below, where you’re starting your road trip from/near.

We’ve used the main entry points to Ireland for those of you flying in or arriving by ferry.

Simply click one of the start points below and you’ll be taken to 2 weeks in Ireland itineraries that start at that location:

14 days in Ireland from Dublin

This is a  sample  14-day itinerary

If you’re looking to explore Ireland in 2 weeks and you’re starting from County Dublin, this section is for you.

There are two sections below, split depending on how you plan on getting around Ireland .

As we explained in this graphic , ‘Fast Trips’ are for those of you looking to see/do as much as possible and who don’t  mind moving hotel regularly and ‘Slow Trips’ are ones where you’ll move accommodation as little as possible.

For those of you with a car

• A 14-day slow trip for those with good fitness
• A 14-day slow trip for those with low fitness
• A 14-day fast trip for those with good fitness
• A 14-day fast trip for those with low fitness

For those of you using public transport

An overview of the route from dublin.

Photos by Stephen Power via Ireland’s Content Pool

If you’re starting your 14-day Ireland itinerary in Dublin, the route above is hard to beat.

Although it varies slightly depending on how you’re getting around Ireland, both the car rental and the public transport itineraries take in many of Ireland’s top sights.

Over the course of your 2 weeks in Ireland you’ll:

• Explore the many things to do in Dublin
• Explore the Clare Coast, including Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher
• Take a day trip to Wicklow, Meath and Louth
• See Galway City, Connemara and Cong
• Tackle the Ring of Kerry Drive , explore the Dingle Peninsula and see a chunk of West Cork

2 weeks in Ireland from Shannon

This is a sample 14-day itinerary.

If you’re looking for a 14-day Ireland itinerary that kicks off in Shannon, this section should tickle your fancy.

We’ve split up the different itineraries into ones for those of you using a car and ones for those of you that aren’t.

As we mentioned in this graphic , our fast 2 weeks in Ireland itineraries are for those of you looking to explore as much as possible and who don’t  mind moving about a lot.

Our slow itineraries are ones where you’ll move accommodation as little as is physically possible.

An overview of the route from Shannon

A lot of people start their 14-day Ireland itinerary from Shannon due to the convenience of flying into Shannon Airport.

One of the benefits of starting from here is that you’re kicking off your 14 days in Ireland a stone’s throw from some of the country’s most popular attractions

If you follow our route from Shannon, you’ll:

• Explore Connemara National Park
• See the mighty Inis Mor Island
• Visit Bunratty Castle before heading into the ancient Limerick City
• See Killarney National Park and its many attractions
• Visit Blarney Castle and tackle the many things to do in Cobh

Ireland itinerary 14 days from Belfast

This is one of our sample 14-day trips from Belfast

Another great way to tackle Ireland in 2 weeks is to fly/get the ferry into Belfast and take it from there.

Belfast is a great starting point for a road trip as you can explore the Antrim Coast before continuing on to Derry and Donegal.

Like we explain in this graphic , we split up our itineraries below into two sections – 1 section is for those using a car and the other is for those that aren’t.

An overview of the route from Belfast

This 14-day Ireland itinerary is one of my favourites in this guide as it takes in some of the most scenic parts of the country.

You’ll kick things off by spinning along the Antrim Coast, with a whole host of stops to choose from along the way.

If you follow our route from Belfast, you’ll:

• Explore the Causeway Coastal Route
• Tackle some of the best things to do in Belfast
• See the best of the Boyne Valley
• Spin around a good chunk of the Wild Atlantic Way

2 weeks in Ireland from Rosslare

This is one of our sample 14-day trips from Wexford

If you’re spending 2 weeks in Ireland and you’re arriving at the ferry terminal at Rosslare, we’ve plenty of itineraries ready for you.

Now, as was the case with the ones above, we’ve split them into 2; 1 section is for those of you with a car and another for those of you using public transport.

If you’re wondering what ‘Fast Trips’ and ‘Slow Trips’ are, refer to this graphic at the top of the guide.

An overview of the route from Wexford

Now, this 14-day Ireland itinerary varies a lot  depending on whether or not you’re getting around in a car.

The public transport around some of the more remote parts of Wexford, in particular, are what causes there to be such a contrast in the different itineraries.

If you follow our route from Wexford, you’ll:

• See the glorious Hook Peninsula
• Ramble around the town of Kinsale
• Tackle some of the best things to do in Killarney
• Explore the mighty Dingle Peninsula

14 days in Ireland from Cork

This is one of our sample 14-day trips from Cork

Our 14-day Ireland itinerary guides that kick off in Cork take in some of the best that Ireland has to offer.

You can choose (or opt out of) some magnificent walking trails, soak up spectacular scenery and step back in time at heritage sites.

These are some of our more popular 2 weeks in Ireland itineraries. As usual, we’ve split them up for those of you with a car and for those of you without one.

An overview of the route from Cork

Cork is a great starting point for a road trip. At the start of the trip, you can spend a bit of time in the city before moving into the wilds of West Cork.

Our itineraries from Cork then take you around the coast, into Kerry and up towards Limerick before heading to Dublin and back to Cork.

If you follow our route from Cork, you’ll see:

• The beautiful Beara Peninsula
• Wild West Cork
• The Ring of Kerry
• A chunk of Limerick, Tipperary and Clare

Ireland in 2 weeks from Knock

This is one of our sample 14-day trips from Mayo.

Although there likely won’t be a huge number of people looking for a 14-day Ireland itinerary that starts in Knock, we felt it important to include it as a start-point.

I can safely say that the public transport road trips from Knock were  very  tricky to research and map out. However, it was worth it.

Below, you can pick a 2 weeks in Ireland itinerary kicking off in Mayo based on trip speed, your fitness and how you’ll get around (we explain how to browse the itineraries in this graphic ).

An overview of the route from Knock

If your 2 week Ireland itinerary kicks off in Knock, you’re in luck – Mayo is home to an endless number of adventure opportunities.

Now, the public transport itineraries vs the car itineraries vary a fair bit due to the lack of buses and trains in places, but both versions pack a punch.

If you follow our route from Knock, you’ll:

• Explore Achill Island
• Tackle some of the best things to do in Galway
• See some of the finest beaches in Ireland
• Spend time in Sligo and plenty more

2 weeks in Ireland from Donegal

This is one of our sample 14-day trips from Donegal

The last of our 2 week Ireland itinerary guides kicks off in Donegal.

This was by far the hardest one to map out for public transport, and as a result, the itineraries vary a lot.

As always, we’ve split the different itineraries up into sections for those of you with a car and for those without.

An overview of the route from Donegal

The route from Donegal for those of you driving is a peach. You’ll see parts of the county that rarely make it into tourist guidebooks and you’ll see many of Donegal’s historic sites.

You’ll then move into Sligo before heading to Mayo, Galway and beyond. For those of you using public transport, the route is  very  different due to Donegal’s poor public transport.

If you follow our route from Donegal, you’ll:

• Explore some of the best things to do in Donegal
• Soak up some of Sligo’s finest views
• See the Connemara coast

FAQs about exploring Ireland in 2 weeks

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is 2 weeks in Ireland enough?’ to ‘What route should I follow?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is 2 weeks in Ireland too long?

No. If anything, it’s no where near enough. Although Ireland is small in comparison to the likes of the US, there’s endless things to see and do scattered right the way across the island. 2 weeks will only scratch the surface.

What to do in Ireland for two weeks?

This will depend on whether you want a a busy or an easy 14 day Ireland itinerary. You could see a lot of Ireland in 2 weeks, but you’d be driving constantly. You’re best off following one of our itineraries in this guide.

Where to spend 2 weeks in Ireland?

Again, this depends on you and what you want to see and do. If you follow our route from Dublin, Belfast or Shannon in this guide, you won’t go wrong.

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.

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Rod Chapman

Sunday 7th of May 2023

Hi, I love your website but it looks like the 14 day "good fitness with a car" trips from Dublin are the same for the fast trip and the slow trip. It looks like the correct itinerary for the fast trip is missing and the slow trip has been duplicated.

Keith O'Hara

Tuesday 9th of May 2023

Hi Rod - cheers for the kind words and I hope all is well! I've just checked this and compared the table of contents for both itineraries and I can see they're both different (e.g. 8 stops on the first day in the fast itinerary vs 6 for the slow one). Shout if I can help with anything. Cheers - Keith

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The Perfect 14-Day Ireland Travel Itinerary

LAST UPDATED – 2/10/24 – 14-Day Ireland Travel Itinerary

For many avid travelers, Ireland is an absolute dream destination.  Between its historic castles, lush green fields, stunning cliff shorelines, and culturally rich cities, Ireland really does have it all.  Whether you are planning a trip to take part in the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities, learn about the storied history of the area, soak up views of the stunning Irish countryside, or try your hand at some of the country’s historic links golf courses, Ireland has a bit of something for everyone.

Several months back I put together a two-week Ireland travel itinerary for Conquest Maps , which is one of my favorite travel brands, and I thought it would be valuable to do a similar itinerary here for all of my readers as well.  Ireland was one of the most amazing countries I have visited in my travels, and I got quite a few questions about what I would recommend seeing and doing while in the country.  Wonder no more, because I have laid it all out for you in this perfect two-week Ireland travel itinerary.

In this Ireland travel itinerary, I am going to lay out a 14-day trip to Ireland that has something for travelers of all interests to enjoy.  Feel free to modify this itinerary as you see fit or to follow it exactly, whichever option works best for you.  This itinerary will take you to some of the most amazing cities in Ireland and Northern Ireland, to some of the most iconic castles in the area, through some of the most amazing landscapes in Ireland, and to one of the most famous links golf courses in Europe.

Itinerary Overview

In addition to providing you with this dream Ireland travel itinerary, I am going to provide you will all of the logistical information that you will need to make your trip a success.  I will let you know when the best times are to visit, what the VISA and passport requirements are, give you some recommendations on what to do while on your trip, as well as provide you with detailed guides for each of the areas you will visit.  With this information in hand, you will be prepared to get the most out of your trip to this wonderful and beautiful part of Europe!

Ireland Travel Itinerary Navigation Menu

Best times to visit ireland.

There is never a bad time to visit a country as beautiful as Ireland, but like most destinations, there are times of the year that are better than others to plan your trip.  Factors such as the weather and tourism crowds certainly make some parts of the year more appealing than others to visit. 

To give you all of the information that you will need to pick the time of year that is best for you to visit, I have included information on the average temperature, the average amount of precipitation, and tourism levels in Ireland throughout the year for you to review in this Ireland travel itinerary guide before making your travel plans.

Average Temperature (°F)

Arguably the most important factor in determining the best time to visit any location is the average temperature throughout the year, and it is no different for Ireland.  While the temperature in Ireland doesn’t typically get too hot or too cold throughout the year, there are fluctuations in the temperature throughout the year that you should be aware of. 

For example, if you would like to avoid dealing with colder evenings that require a jacket, I would steer clear of the winter months of December through February.  To give you a better idea of what type of temperatures you might expect to see in Ireland throughout the year, I have included a chart of the average temperatures by month in this Ireland travel itinerary guide below for you to review.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

Another important factor that you need to consider before deciding when to visit Ireland is the amount of precipitation that you can expect to see when you get there.  While Ireland has relatively moderate temperatures throughout the year, it does get a fair amount of rain. 

As indicated in the chart on the average precipitation levels in Dublin, Ireland throughout the year, the amount of rain is fairly consistent from month to month.  However, in the early autumn and winter months, Ireland gets a bit less rain than it does during the rest of the year.  If you are planning on spending a good amount of time outdoors on your trip, these periods might be the best times to plan your trip.

Average Number of Tourist Visitors (in 1,000’s)

The last factor that I would suggest that you consider when determining the best time for you to visit Ireland is the number of other tourists that you might expect to be visiting throughout the year.  To assist you in determining the most and least busy times of year to visit Ireland, I have included a graph of the average tourism numbers for Ireland throughout the year for you to review below.

As the chart below shows, the number of visitors from the UK and elsewhere in Europe is fairly steady throughout the year.  However, the number of visitors from North America and elsewhere in the world steadily grows throughout the spring and peaks in the summer months before falling off in the autumn months and hitting their lowest numbers in the winter.  Therefore, if you would like to avoid larger crowds when visiting Ireland, I would recommend that you steer clear of the summer months and aim for the shoulder months in the spring and autumn instead.

How to Get to Ireland

One of the most important components to planning your trip to Ireland will be deciding on how you plan to get there.  For most people traveling to Ireland or Northern Ireland from outside of the island, the most logical way to get there is by airplane.  However, numerous ferry boats will get you from the United Kingdom to Ireland if you would prefer to travel by boat. 

These ferry rides can take anywhere from 1.5 hours (for the Holyhead to Dublin route) to 3 hours (for the Pembroke to Rosslare route).  To assist you in determining which method of getting to Ireland is best for you, I have included a map that outlines your options in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

View Larger Map

Keep in mind, that the itinerary that I outline in this article makes a big loop around the island of Ireland\Northern Ireland.  Where you start and finish that loop is entirely up to you.  My example itinerary both stops and starts in the city of Dublin, but you can easily modify this Ireland travel itinerary to start and stop in Belfast or Rosslare as well.  It all depends on how and where you plan on arriving in Ireland or Northern Ireland for your trip.

What to Know Before Visiting Ireland

In addition to coordinating your transportation to Ireland, you are also going to want to make sure you have all of the necessary passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland before you disembark on your trip. 

While both Ireland and Northern Ireland require a valid passport for the duration of your stay, the Republic of Ireland, which is part of the European Union (EU), also requires an ETIAS Authorization for most travelers from outside the EU as well.  Neither country has immunization requirements to enter the country. 

To assist you with your planning, I have included a table that outlines the requirements for you to review in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

What to Pack for Ireland

For as much thought and preparation goes into planning a trip, for some people, the process of deciding what to pack can be the most stressful part of travel planning.  Fear not, as I have included some advice below to help you out. 

In addition to supplying you with links to some of my most popular packing advice articles and checklists, I have also included some general packing guidelines for Ireland for you to review in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below as well.

General Packing Guidelines for Ireland

When packing for your trip to Ireland, I would strongly recommend that you focus on the following packing guidelines.  If you follow these guidelines, you should be prepared for all types of weather and situations you will face while traveling.

• Bring layers to wear as the weather can change quickly
• Bring rain gear as Ireland and Northern Ireland get quite a bit of rain
• Pack comfortable walking shoes as you will want to spend some time exploring
• Don’t forget to bring the proper power converter to use for your chargers

Packing Resources

Packing can be stressful, especially when you have so many other components of your trip to worry about planning.  To make things easier for you and ensure that you don’t forget anything, I have included links to some of my most popular packing resources for you to review in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

Finding Transportation in Ireland

When it comes to arranging your transportation for the trip, getting from Ireland is just half the battle.  Once you arrive in Ireland, you are going to need a way to get around.  There are several different methods of transportation you can choose from, depending on the amount of time you will be in-country and your comfort level with driving.

Renting a Car

If you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road, the quickest and most convenient method of travel is undoubtedly a car rental (or car hire as it is called in Europe).  If you are considering renting a car for your trip, I have included some important tips for you to consider in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

Ireland Car Rental Tips

• The main car rental companies in Europe are Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt.
• If you choose to pick up your car while at the airport, you will likely get charged an extra fee.  To save money, you can consider renting from a location outside the airport.   Whether the cost savings on the rental is worth it or not will depend on the cost of transportation to pick up the car and the amount of time it will require.
• Most car rental companies in Europe will charge you an extra fee to take your rental car outside the country, but this typically does not apply to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  However, I would strongly suggest you check with the car rental company to confirm before signing your rental agreement.
• As long as you have a valid US driver’s license, in English, you should not need an international driver’s license to drive in Ireland or Northern Ireland.
• In both Ireland and Northern Ireland motorists drive on the left side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the right side of the car.
• Both Ireland and Northern Ireland use the metric system, so milage is listed in kilometers instead of miles.
• In Ireland, the motorways have the letter “M” as a prefix (such as M30), while the national roads are prefixed with the letter “N” (such as N30).  Be cautious when on secondary roads as they could have two-way traffic.  In Northern Ireland, motorways are also prefixed with the letter “M” (such as M30), and primary and non-primary roads are prefixed with the letters “A” and “B”, respectively.

Using the Rail System

If you aren’t comfortable driving while in Ireland and Northern Ireland, another great option for getting around on your trip is to use the railway system.  While this does provide you with a convenient way to get around and affords you the luxury of not having to worry about renting a car and finding parking, the train system in Ireland and Northern Ireland may not reach every destination that you wish to see. 

If you want to get to certain locations, you may be forced to use a combination of buses and ridesharing or taxis along with the train system to get around.  For instance, if you would like to stay at the Dromoland Castle Hotel, you will need to take a train to Galway or Enis and then use another form of transportation to get to the hotel.

While Convenient, the Train System is Less Flexible

However, the biggest drawback to using the train system when in Ireland and Northern Ireland is the rigid nature of the train schedule.  While taking trains saves you the hassle of having to rent a car, it doesn’t leave you much flexibility in making your schedule.  Instead of being able to come and go whenever you like, you are forced to work around the train schedules. 

While some trains run fairly frequently and may not be an issue, other trains may not run as frequently and can pose scheduling problems.  There is nothing wrong with using the train system when in Ireland, but it does require a bit more forward-thinking on your part to make it work.  To give you a better understanding of where the train system in Ireland and Northern Ireland travels and how long the travel takes, I have included a helpful map for you to review in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

The Ireland Travel Itinerary

There is a seemingly endless number of amazing things to see and do in Northern Ireland and I think one could reasonably spend months exploring all of these amazing sites and activities.  However, for most of us, taking months off to travel isn’t really an option. 

With that said, if you follow my perfect 14-day Ireland Itinerary, you should knock off all of the must-see sights and activities and get a great taste of what Ireland and Northern Ireland have to offer.  To give you a better understanding of where my travel itinerary will take you and what you will see, I have included a map and an itinerary overview in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below for you to review.

Arriving in Dublin

The first stop you will make on your trip is to the beautiful capital city of Dublin, Ireland.  In my itinerary, I have you arriving and departing from Dublin, but you can modify the itinerary if you are going to be traveling into and out of a different city.  Not only is Dublin Ireland’s capital, but it also has a large number of ca n’t-miss attractions for you to see.  This includes the Temple Bar, the Guinness Storehouse, the Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Green the Jameson Distillery.  It’s a big city, so I have you spending the first three days in Dublin exploring (including the day you arrive).

If you are a big fan of beer and whiskey, I would definitely recommend checking out the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery.  Both of these iconic brands offer taste tests and tours for visitors.  If you are a history buff, then the Dublin Castle and the historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral are right up your alley. 

To finish off any long day of sightseeing, stop by one of the city’s wonderful pubs for a pint or two of beer.  I would recommend the Temple Bar area of town as it is world-renowned for its high concentration of pubs and lively nightlife.  If you would like more information on what to see and do, as well as where to stay and eat, in the city of Dublin, I have included a link to my visitor guide for you to review in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

On Day 4 of your trip, you will head north into Northern Ireland and to the capital city of Belfast.  Belfast is a gorgeous city that has had a steep and sometimes troubled history.  As the epicenter of “the troubles”, where there were conflicts between the Irish Republican Army and the British government in the 19th and 20th centuries, the city has been through its fair share of painful times.  In fact, if you visit Belfast today you will still see murals about the conflict lining some of the city streets.  Once peace was restored in the 1990s, Belfast quickly blossomed into one of Europe’s prettiest cities.

Arguably the most popular attraction in Belfast is the Titanic Quarter, which was built to celebrate the city’s pivotal role in the construction of the infamous passenger ship that famously sank back in 1912.  The ship was built in Belfast and the city is still proud of its great shipbuilding legacy to this day. 

Visitors to the Titanic Quarter can walk through an interactive museum that is dedicated to the building of the Titanic and the workers who built the gigantic vessel.  For more information on the Titanic Quarter and other fun things to see and do in Belfast, please refer to my Belfast Visitor Guide referenced in my Ireland travel itinerary guide below.

The Dark Hedges

After spending a full day in Belfast, you will continue heading north towards the northern coast of Northern Ireland.  The first stop you will make on your way to the coast is a place called the Dark Hedges.  If you are a fan of the HBO series “Game of Thrones”, then the Dark Hedges should look very familiar to you.  This is the infamous location used to film the road to King’s Landing in the series. 

Make sure you have your camera with you because you will want to take a look at pictures of this epic location.  For some tips on how to visit the Dark Hedges and how to get the best pictures while you are there, please consult my Dark Hedges Visitor Guide linked below.

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

When you make it to the north coast, the first of many stops that you will make is to the popular suspension bridge at Carrick-a-Rede.  If you are looking for some locations to get some epic Instagram shots, then the Carrick-a-Rede bridge is just what you are looking for.  This 65-foot-long and 100-foot-high suspension bridge connects the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede. 

It may not be the longest suspension bridge in the world, but it certainly is one of the prettiest.  The views of the rocky coastline are absolutely breathtaking and the experience of walking across the bouncy bridge to the other side will give you the shot of adventure you are looking for on your trip.  For more information on the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, please see my visitor guide linked below.

The Giant’s Causeway

Located just up the coast from the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Giant’s Causeway is another of the popular tourist destinations along the north coast of Northern Ireland.  This is one of my favorite spots in Northern Ireland and is an absolute must-see if you are in the area. 

The shore of the beach is covered with roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that were formed long ago in a volcanic eruption.  It looks like a giant jigsaw puzzle put together by Mother Nature for visitors to enjoy.  If you would like to learn more about this iconic landscape, please view my Giant’s Causeway Visitor Guide referenced below.

The Dunluce Castle

Your last stop on the northern coast of Northern Ireland will be a stop at one of the most breathtaking castle locations you will ever see.  The Dunluce Castle is only a short drive from the Giant’s Causeway and is a must-see because of its location.  The castle itself has seen better days, but if its location perched high above the ocean on top of steep shoreline cliffs isn’t breathtaking, I don’t know what is.  Make sure you check out my Dunluce Castle Visitor Guide linked below to learn all the best spots to photograph this amazing castle.

The Cliffs of Moher

Widely considered to be one of the most iconic landscapes in all of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are among the most beautiful landscapes in all of Europe.  Lucky for you, they are the first stop on your itinerary after heading back south into the Republic of Ireland when your tour of Northern Ireland is complete.  This will be the longest stretch of travel on your trip, so if you would like to plan a few small stops along the way, you can fit those into your schedule.

There are many different ways in which you can explore the Cliffs of Moher, and I recommend all of them.  There are some absolutely fantastic viewpoints from land that I recommend you stop at for sure, but you can also tour the cliffs from the water on a boat.  If you have the time, I recommend this as you get a completely different perspective of the cliffs from the water, and you have the potential of spotting one of the beautiful Puffin birds that live along the cliffs.  For more information on how best to see the cliffs, please see my Cliffs of Moher Visitor Guide linked below.

The Dromoland Castle Experience

After exploring the Cliffs of Moher, your next stop will be one of the most unique experiences you will have on your whole Ireland trip.  If you have ever dreamed of what it would be like to live in a castle, you will get a chance to find out at the Dromoland Castle Hotel.  The Dromoland Castle Hotel might be Ireland’s most magical address as it is a real castle that has been converted into a hotel for guests to stay in. 

You will get a chance to marvel at the decor, the gardens, and the exemplary service in what will be one of the most memorable hotel experiences of your life.  To learn more about the Dromoland Castle Hotel experience, check out my Dromoland Castle Hotel Guide linked below.

The Ring of Kerry

There are some truly epic road trips that you can take while traveling throughout this world and it just so happens that one of the best is located in Ireland.  The Ring of Kerry, as this road trip is called, is a loop route through the County Kerry in Southern Ireland that has become world renowned for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural attractions, and historical significance.  Some of the highlights that can be seen when driving the Ring of Kerry include the Muckross House, the beautiful Muckross Abbey, the Gap of Dunloe, and Killarney National Park.

If you decide to rent a car while in Ireland, you will be really glad that you did when you get to the section of the itinerary on touring the Ring of Kerry.  While there are guided tours that you can book that will take you around the Ring of Kerry by bus, I think it is a much better experience when you can go at your own pace.  You can learn more about available tours for the Ring of Kerry and the other amazing stops on this route in my Ring of Kerry Visitor Guide, which I linked below.

The City of Cork

When you have finished touring the Ring of Kerry, you will next head to the city of Cork, which you will use as your base of operations as you explore one of Ireland’s most famous castles and do a little golfing on one of Europe’s most beautiful links golf courses.  If you have some extra time, I would suggest spending a bit of time exploring the city of Cork as well.  It is a beautiful city with a rich history.

Golf at Old Head Golf Links

If you like to golf, I would definitely recommend that you play a round at the Old Head Golf Links while you are in the Cork area.  If you don’t like golfing, you can use the extra day to explore the beautiful city of Cork and its surroundings.  With a stunning ocean shoreline on almost every hole, Old Head Golf Links is an absolutely stunning golf course. 

The defining feature of the course is the beautiful lighthouse that backdrops its signature hole.  If you do decide to play, make sure you polish up your bump-and-run game because the course is as difficult as it is beautiful.  For more information about Old Head Golf Links, please refer to my Old Head Golf Links Course Guide linked below.

Blarney Castle

After hitting the links at Old Head Golf Links, I would recommend visiting one of the Cork area’s other big tourist draws, Blarney Castle.  Located a short 20-minute drive to the Northwest of Cork, Blarney Castle is one of the most famous castles in all of Europe.  One of the most popular activities for visitors to the castle is to take their turn to get down and kiss a stone in the castle’s battlements that has become known as the “Blarney Stone”. 

The tradition of “kissing the Blarney Stone”, as it has come to be known, is said to give the kisser the gift of gab.  Regardless of whether the myth is true, taking part in this fun tradition is a great way to build a connection with this area and with this beautiful castle.  If you would like to learn more about Blarney Castle, please refer to my Blarney Castle Visitor Guide linked below.

Cahir Castle

The last stop on your trip before returning to Dublin may be one of the most underrated touristy stops in all of Ireland.  Situated on the banks of the river Suir in the heart of the city of Tipperary is the Cahir Castle, which is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in all of Ireland. 

It may not get the notoriety that other castles in Ireland such as the Blarney Castle get, but it is remarkably well preserved and is open to the public to tour.  To learn more about this beautiful castle and how best to photograph it, please refer to my Cahir Castle Visitor Guide linked below.

Depart from Dublin

The last stop on your trip will be to head back to the city of Dublin to catch your flight home.  If you are flying into and out of a different city or arriving and departing from Ireland using a different mode of transportation, you will need to adjust the itinerary accordingly.  If you have time before you leave Ireland, I suggest taking one last opportunity to explore the city of Dublin before you depart.

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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4 comments ›.

This all sounds AMAZING! I want to visit Ireland so badly!

Thanks Laci!! You will love it!! 😀👍

I must say, Ireland is one of those places that has never been a big draw for me, but you sure do make it sound enticing. Great post. We have an Irish friend who lives in Dublin, so we may get there someday…

Thank you so much for the kind words! If you do go, don’t miss Northern Ireland 😃👍

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14-day Tours in Ireland

With 14 days in Ireland, you can take your time to discover the fascinating culture, landscapes and history of the Emerald Isle. Have the travel experts at Nordic Visitor craft you a bespoke 14-day tour of Ireland and prepare for an unforgettable, perfectly planned trip.

EXPLORE IRELAND WITH A 14-DAY ITINERARY

Like the idea of a 14-day trip to Ireland ? You’re in the right place!

Two weeks is a great amount of time to spend in Ireland. You’d get to really delve deep into Irish culture and experience the picturesque scenery to be found across the island and along the Atlantic coast.

The best way to see Ireland in 14 days is to take a self-drive tour giving you the freedom to explore the country your way. Expect medieval castles, rugged coastline and gorgeous green countryside on your Ireland road trip.

When you book a trip to Ireland with Nordic Visitor, you get handpicked accommodation, transportation reservations, access to our 24/7 helpline, and many other benefits as part of the package. You’ll also enjoy the personal service of your own dedicated travel consultant.

Get in touch via our toll-free numbers or live chat and we'll happily plan your Ireland adventure.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Specialists in Ireland self-drive holidays
• Flexible and customisable tour options
• Experienced travel agency that takes care of all the details for you
• Dedicated to providing personalised, quality service

14-DAY IRELAND VACATION PACKAGES

For an Ireland itinerary of 14 days, take your pick from these self-drive packages. They feature top recommended routes and include handpicked hotels, rental car, and more.

Complete Ireland

Classic scotland & ireland, wonders of scotland & ireland.

Complete Ireland - Private

Classic scotland & ireland - private, classic ireland at leisure, stay longer & visit scotland too.

Stay for longer to explore Ireland at a leisurely pace and tour Scotland on the same trip. Choose from these extended Ireland and Scotland itineraries to delve deeper into the Celtic countries.

Grand Tour of Ireland

Complete scotland & ireland – private, scottish highlands, isle of skye & wild atlantic way, complete scotland & ireland, grand tour of scotland & ireland, ultimate tour of scotland & ireland, scottish highlands, north coast 500 & wild atlantic way, ireland travel experts.

As a travel agency based in Northern Europe, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Ireland. We offer a variety of self-drive and guided tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Ireland travel experts. 

To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you – accommodations, activities, local transportation, ferries, and other services.

We can also customise your chosen tour to your needs and tastes. If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

Customer Experiences Of Ireland Tours

Don’t just imagine your visit to Ireland - read what our amazing guests have to say!

Linda, United States

Scenic ireland, september 2022, excellent tour.

Chris, our Nordic Visitor Travel Consultant, was very responsive to every email that I sent and answered any questions that I had. We had 4 in our group and it was simple to have 2 single rooms and 1 double and add days at the beginning and the end of our trip just from their website. A welcome package was waiting for us at our first hotel that included detailed information about our trip and a map with highlighted roads and points of interest along the way. Our accommodation ranged from small boutique hotels to resort hotels. Each was close to the city centre and excellent! Breakfast was included each morning which made it easy to get going. It was nice to have our accommodation and car secured for us so we only worried about where we were going to explore each day! We highly recommend Nordic Visitor and will definitely use them in the future!

Vivienne, Australia

Wild atlantic way at leisure, august 2022, very enjoyable itinerary.

We were very happy that a really good map of Ireland was provided, which had our hotels highlighted, with the dates annotated, and our route and recommended places of interest also highlighted. Most hotels were centrally located and we had some lovely accommodation. The "Wild Atlantic Way" itinerary was really enjoyable, we were directed to some marvellous places & have some great memories. Our bound copy of the guide, together with the Touring Map of Ireland, are great mementoes of a wonderful holiday.

Judy, United States

Classic scotland & ireland, august 2022, everything felt very personal.

Nordic Visitor was great. Having a personal tour organiser made everything feel very personal, like we had a close associate looking after us. Every T was crossed and every I was dotted with the organisation by Nordic Visitor. Every one of the places we stayed in was beyond expectations. The boutique hotel in Dublin was amazing. My favourite was the Inn in Inverness and the lovely innkeeper Gail. The breakfasts were delicious. Loved our little hybrid car in Scotland. Everyone was so friendly. I called the 24 hour number once and was promptly helped with my inquiry. Good job Nordic Visitor and Chris!

Debra, United States

Grand tour of scotland & ireland, september 2022, highly recommend.

This is the second time we have used Nordic Visitor and we were as pleased this time as we were on the trip we booked with them in Iceland. I would recommend them highly!

Martin, United States

Complete ireland, october 2022, flawless experience.

Our travel consultant Rebecca was fabulous. She accommodated us in modifying our schedule at no charge after my wife's mother's death. She cheerfully changed our Dublin hotel to a more central location and always responded quickly to any questions or concerns. We are planning a Scotland trip in 2023 again using Nordic Visitor and hope to have Rebecca again. In 2021 we used Nordic Visitor for a 2-week driving Iceland trip that was also flawless.

William, United States

Grand tour of scotland & ireland, august 2022, unforgettable experience.

Communication via email and telephone was very good. Everyone at Nordic Visitor was helpful. Tour package was clear with good suggestions for activities and restaurants. Accommodation was beautiful and comfortable. Driving through Scotland & Ireland was unforgettable.

Janis, United States

Grand tour of ireland, september 2022, excellent in giving us guidance through the planning stage.

We were independent travellers and used Nordic Visitor only for car rental and booking hotels in the areas we wanted to visit. Nordic Visitor was excellent in giving us guidance through the planning stage and we felt very comfortable knowing they had our back if we ran into trouble! The information packet was extremely helpful as it clearly gave us options to consider during the trip along with the Heritage Card pass. We personally booked a couple of tours just so we could stop driving and sit back and enjoy the scenery. Great job!

David, United States

Wonderful tour.

Our tour was the "Grand Tour of Ireland" which Nordic Visitor customised for us to include additional nights in places such as Achill Island (our favorite spot!). The highlighted map and other travel materials we received from Nordic Visitor were extremely helpful. Overall we had a wonderful tour!

Stephanie, United States

Ireland east to west, march 2023, a great experience.

Overall, we had a great experience. Anytime we had questions our advisor did a great job answering them in a timely manner. In country, we only had to call customer service one time, when the accommodation had misplaced our welcome packet. The agent on call worked with the hotel and they found it and she called back to confirm that we had everything we needed.

Laura, United States

Complete scotland & ireland, september 2022, overall we had a wonderful time.

We had a great experience, had to call a few times to clarify issues and we were always able to talk with a real person. We received our info about 3 weeks before leaving. I felt we needed more time to review all the info since it was a 17-day trip. Overall we had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this company.

Genevieve, Canada

Classic scotland & ireland, september 2022, everything was set up for us.

The tour was very pleasant since every aspect was already taken care of. Rental cars, accommodation, day tours, airport transfers - we appreciated having everything already set up for us, thank you.

Candice, United States

Classic scotland & ireland, october 2022, a trip of a lifetime.

Chris and the team were wonderful and beyond accommodating. My daughter and I contracted Covid the original day we were to leave the United States. Nordic Visitor was incredible! They cancelled everything and worked closely with us to reschedule. And the service didn't end there. Once on the trip, if I had any questions they were right there to help us. I highly recommend Nordic Visitor. The itinerary provided to us mapped out the highlights of the area we were in, but we were still able to make any detours if we saw something we might want to visit. This was a "trip of a lifetime" for me and Nordic Visitor certainly helped to make it possible. Chris listened to what I wanted and guided me in the right direction.

Terri, United Kingdom

Wonders of ireland, september 2022.

Absolutely excellent tour bus driver!

Kenneth, Canada

Ultimate tour of scotland & ireland, september 2022, extremely satisfied with all aspects of the tour.

Extremely satisfied with all aspects of the tour. Very professional and thorough. The maps and guide book were invaluable and made the tour very easy to navigate. Locations of accommodation were superb, all near restaurants, attractions and shopping.

Gabrielle, United States

Responsive and helpful staff.

Nordic Visitor staff was responsive and provided helpful, detailed information (even before we chose our tour). Their correspondence to our enquiries was one of the reasons why we decided to go with Nordic Visitor when we made our final decision. It was very helpful to have our accommodation, rental cars and airport transportation services pre-arranged.

Getting to Ireland

Ireland has 10 airports, with the three main international ports being: Dublin, Cork and Shannon. Unless customised to begin elsewhere, all Nordic Visitor tours in Ireland start and end in Dublin, the capital city.

Flight times to Ireland are, for example, 6 hours from New York City or Boston and 1.5 hours from London. Major international airlines with flights to Ireland include (but are not limited to) Aer Lingus, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Ryanair, and KLM.

The Republic of Ireland is on GMT time. If your journey involves one or more connecting flights, or if you're crossing several time zones to get here, your dedicated Nordic Visitor travel consultant can add extra nights in Dublin to your package so you can rest up after arrival.

Please note that your flights to Ireland are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, if you have booked a combination tour of Scotland and Ireland, we include flight costs between the two countries in the package price.

IRELAND PACKAGES BY LOCAL TRAVEL SPECIALISTS

What would you like to experience in Ireland? Our Ireland travel experts have created thrilling tour packages for your dream Irish road trip.

Castle Tours

Countryside & nature, culture & history, irish heritage, best sellers, scotland and ireland, what to see on a 14-day tour of ireland.

There is so much you can see and do on a 14-day self-drive Ireland adventure. Immerse yourself in the landscapes and historical landmarks of this Celtic country. Explore lively Irish cities and charming countryside as you take in the culture, history and beauty of the Emerald Isle.

With 14 days you have plenty of time to drive around Ireland in a full loop. Travel from Dublin into Northern Ireland to discover highlights such as Belfast, the Antrim Coast and the Giant’s Causeway. Drive down the Wild Atlantic Way route and visit charming Irish towns, countryside and coastal sights.

Of course, the journey is just as important as the destination when you’re on a road trip. In Ireland you can expect scenic drives and plenty of attractions to stop at along the way.

Imagine yourself wandering through ancient Celtic monuments, going for a walk on the green hills, and learning about Gaelic culture. You could sit in a typical pub tasting the local brew and listening to live Irish music.

Read our recommended itinerary below for more inspiration and great trip ideas.

• Browse our Ireland self-drive itineraries when you’re ready to plan your ideal tour to the Emerald Isle

Here’s our suggestion for a 14-day self-drive itinerary in Ireland:

Day 1 - Arrival in Ireland After touching down at Dublin Airport, a private driver will take you to your hotel in the capital, largest city and international hub of Ireland. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the city and its many attractions.

Dublin is a heady combination of heritage sites, fun museums, green parks, historic pubs and lively entertainment. To immerse yourself fully into this buzzing city, we recommend taking a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district or along the characterful O’Connell Street.

Fans of history, books and collegiate atmosphere will want to visit the historic Trinity College and see the ancient Book of Kells.

There are plenty of fun activities you could also add to your itinerary should you have the time. Enjoy an afternoon tea in a double decker vintage bus as you sightsee around the city. Or you could grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of their world-famous beer.

Spend the night in the Dublin area.

Day 2 - Historical sites en route to Northern Ireland This morning you start your road trip around Ireland. Drive north from Dublin and head to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.

Along the way you could make stops at some fascinating historical sites. Visit the 12th-century Malahide Castle, home to gorgeous gardens. Continue to the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s thought to be older than the Egyptian pyramids.

You’ll also have time to see the high crosses of Monasterboice before you cross the border into Northern Ireland.

Spend the night in the Belfast area.

Day 3 - At leisure in Belfast Take the full day to discover the capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast is an exciting city which you can easily explore on foot. We recommend you to pop into some cafés or restaurants to experience the up-and-coming food scene.

Visit the Titanic Belfast museum to learn all about the famous “unsinkable” ship, which was built here in 1909. Take a walk to see the murals splayed on the Peace Walls, which once divided the Protestant and Catholic communities during “The Troubles”.

You could also admire the impressive City Hall building in the heart of Belfast. Or travel just outside the city to visit the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

Day 4 - The Antrim Coast and Giant’s Causeway Leave the city behind and make for the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland. If you loved Game of Thrones, you’ll want to stop at the Dark Hedges. This striking avenue is lined with twisting beech trees and served as a backdrop in the hit TV series.

Take a stroll along the coast at Carrick-a-Rede and enjoy views of the craggy cliffs. Then continue to the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most unmissable attraction. Admire the basalt columns of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, lapped by the Atlantic Ocean’s waters.

Cross back into Ireland to reach County Donegal, stopping at the Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle on the way.

Spend the night in the Donegal area.

Day 5 - The Wild Atlantic Way Prepare to witness more breathtaking Irish scenery today as you begin the Wild Atlantic Way driving route.

Marvel at the mountains, lakes and forests of Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal. Drive over the Glengesh Pass and enjoy sweeping valley views. Make a stop at Glencolumbkille Folk Village, a living-history museum that shows you what life was like in rural Ireland over the centuries.

You can end the day looking out over Slieve League, huge cliffs that rise up to 600 metres (nearly 2,000 feet) from the Atlantic Ocean.

Spend another night in the Donegal area.

Day 6 - Highlights of the Sligo coast Continue your journey by heading south to County Sligo. You’ll see the unmistakable shape of the flat-topped Ben Bulben mountain ahead of you. Make a stop at Mullaghmore to explore the village and sandy beaches, with the table mountain in the background.

Next you could visit the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery to encounter 5,000 years of history. We also recommend a stop at Downpatrick Head for a stroll atop the sea cliffs, providing you with stunning views of the coast.

Spend the night in the Westport area.

Day 7 - Connemara National Park to Galway Make your way through the striking Connemara National Park. Here you’ll find a mixture of landscapes from mountains to white sand beaches, tranquil lakes and heathlands. You could spend some time exploring the fjord of Killary harbour before visiting Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden.

Then, arrive in Galway city and find out why it is famous for being a cultural hub in Europe. Taste delicious seafood from the Atlantic Ocean and perhaps check out the lively pub scene.

Spend the night in the Galway area.

• Not sure when to book your 14-day Ireland itinerary? Browse our guide to the best time to visit Ireland

Day 8 - The Cliffs of Moher Today you’ll see some of Ireland’s most famous landscapes. But first, start the day at Dunguaire Castle. It is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland  thanks to its location along the Galway Bay. You’ll then drive through the spectacular and lunar-like Burren.

In the afternoon, take in the majestic beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction. You can’t help but marvel at these dramatic coastal cliffs, towering 214 metres (702 feet) above the sea.

Spend the night in the Doolin area.

Day 9 - Into Killarney National Park Begin the day with a visit to Bunratty Castle, thought to have originated as a Viking trading post in 970 A.D. Then, if time allows, take a look around Bunratty Folk Park, adjacent to the castle. Here you can see what life was like in rural Ireland 100 years ago, with its reconstruction of a typical Irish village.

Afterwards, take in the highlights of Killarney National Park. This includes the picturesque Torc Waterfall and the lakeside Ross Castle and Muckross House. You could enjoy an optional boat tour on Lough Leane, or a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage in the national park.

Spend the night in the Killarney area.

Day 10 - Around the Ring of Kerry You have all day to explore the scenic Ring of Kerry, a magical drive through the Irish countryside and along the coast of the Iveragh peninsula. It is part of the larger Wild Atlantic Way and is a must-do for most visitors.

We recommend going counter-clockwise and stopping at the Kells Bay House and its gardens as your first visit of the day. You could then stop by the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue as well as stroll along Derrynane Bay.

Along the way you could also take an optional boat tour from the coast to see the Skellig Islands from up close. These otherworldly islands were recently featured in the Star Wars movies.

Spend another night in the Killarney area.

Day 11 - A taste of the south coast Drive south from Killarney, over the winding Caha Pass, to reach the charming little village of Glengarriff on the Beara Peninsula. Here you could spot a local seal colony on a boat trip to Garnish Island.

Continue directly to the city of Cork or stop at the most southerly point in Ireland, Mizen Head, on the way. You could make a quick detour to Kinsale, a small town on the south coast. With its pretty harbour, 18th-century houses and leafy hills, it’s certainly worth a visit.

Take the rest of the day to explore Cork, Ireland’s “second city”. Soak up the buzzing vibe in cafés and restaurants, explore the River Lee’s waterways, and wander through 17th-century alleys.

Spend the night in the Cork area.

Day 12 - Medieval castles Today you’ll head east to Kilkenny, but we suggest you break up the journey by stopping at some top Irish attractions.

One of them is the famous Blarney Castle. It is legendary in fact as the castle and its history is surrounded in myths and tales. Don’t miss out on kissing the Blarney Stone, which supposedly gives you the gift of eloquence.

Later, discover the spectacular Rock of Cashel, which is home to an important collection of medieval buildings that span over 1,000 years of history.

You’ll also have time to check out the castle and other landmarks in Kilkenny town.

Spend the night in the Kilkenny area.

Day 13 - Through the Wicklow Mountains Today you head back to Dublin. You could drive directly there, but to take advantage of your last full day in Ireland, we highly recommend passing through the Wicklow Mountains.

A natural haven awaits you here in this beautiful national park. You’ll see glacial valleys, glassy lakes and soaring mountains, with the chance to spot local wildlife too. Visit Glendalough – “the valley of the two lakes” – to discover a round tower, stone churches and ancient crosses that date back centuries.

Spend your last night in Dublin, where you can top up your Irish adventure with one last delicious dinner.

Day 14 - Departure Today you fly home from your Irish holiday. If you have time, visit some of Dublin’s museums. Or take a final stroll along the River Liffey or in one of the beautiful parks of the city. You could even extend your tour to spend more days in Dublin.

• Read on to learn about the best places to visit in Ireland
• Not sure if 14 days is right for you? You can also check out these 1-3 week-long  classic Irish holidays

Want to go on an Ireland road trip?

With 14 days driving around Ireland, you’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at any attractions or breathtaking views.

The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will plan your trip and sort all the details before you arrive.

We reserve your accommodation, rent a car for your trip, and can book activities led by tour guides to fill your days with more adventures. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline should you need to call us at any point.

Good to know: Our tours aren't set in stone. We can modify the itinerary! Would you prefer to spend more time in one city than another? Add another town to your trip? Or even stay in a special accommodation like a castle hotel? Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice.

• Learn more about driving and renting a car in Ireland on our travel guide

Want to stay longer?

If you want to see more attractions or take your time exploring Ireland, we recommend extending your trip to 17 days, 3 weeks , or more.

For example, you could stay in certain regions of Ireland for longer to really get under the skin of each destination. With more time on your hands, you could drive around the Dingle Peninsula or take a boat trip to the Aran Islands. Or use the extra days to discover Scotland too!

All of Nordic Visitor’s Ireland self-drive tour packages can be tailored by our regional experts. They can add extra nights at select locations or modify the driving routes if you have any particular attractions in mind. Just ask!

• For more self-drive inspiration, read our recommendation of the best Ireland road trips

When is the best time to visit Ireland?

Ireland is a beautiful country all year long. This means you can’t go wrong when you book your 14-day Irish getaway. That said, we recommend the summertime or its shoulder months for the best experience.

The summer, consisting of the months of June, July and August, is the high season. It is marked by long daylight hours and the best (and most stable) weather of the year. Attractions also operate under longer hours and more availability than in winter.

All of this means you can discover Ireland to your heart’s content.

However, you may find that top attractions are very popular at this time. Indeed, Ireland attracts visitors from around the world, especially in summer.

If you would rather have a quieter holiday, visit during the spring or autumn. These shoulder months include April, May, September and October. During this time, you’ll find the best of both worlds: quieter attractions but plenty of good weather and daylight to explore.

Are you interested in exploring Scotland too?

You could combine a tour of Ireland with a road trip around Scotland for an epic Celtic itinerary. With 14 days you could spend a week in each country, allowing you to dive into the Scottish and Irish cultures.

Spend the first week driving around the rugged Highlands and islands of Scotland. Then follow that up with another road trip around Ireland to take in all the jaw-dropping coastal landscapes and historic landmarks.

Scotland is a great destination to complement a tour to Ireland. Their cultures and history are so closely linked and you’ll be able to meet the locals and get immersed in both.

• Discover our combination tours of Scotland and Ireland

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

See more of northern europe.

• Explore Ireland’s Celtic neighbour, Scotland
• Experience stunning scenery and midnight sun in Iceland
• Combine culture with nature by discovering Scandinavia
• Head off the beaten track in wild Greenland or Svalbard

Ireland Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Irish adventure.

The starting point of most Irish adventures will be Dublin, the capital and largest city of the...

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is the crème de la crème of natural landscapes in Ireland, so make sure to...

Blarney Castle

Located on the outskirts of Cork, in the South of Ireland, lovers of historic fortresses will...

Driving in Ireland

Read the rules of the road before you start your a..

Money & Currency

Find out more about Ireland's currency & means of ..

What to Pack

Bring the right clothing and gear for all seasons ..

Weather & Climate

What kind of temperatures can you expect in Irelan..

Our Services

On your Ireland Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a  designated travel consultant  and  high-quality travel documents . What's more, all clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers, which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book with Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Ireland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to book your dream Ireland trip, want to add an extra night in Dublin, or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help. Get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

Our local phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Read About Ireland

10 reasons why you should visit ireland, best ireland road trips: a local expert’s view, best time to visit ireland: your complete guide, best places to visit in ireland: your guide.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

14-Day Ireland Adventure Route

Arrival in dublin.

Kickstart your Irish adventure with an airport transfer to Dublin, Ireland's vibrant capital.

Explore Dublin's cultural treasures, including Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the historic Dublin Castle.

Overnight stay in Dublin, immersing yourself in the city's lively atmosphere.

Dublin to Belfast

Pick up your rental car and head north to Belfast, a city steeped in history.

Explore the Titanic Quarter and the famous Belfast murals.

Overnight stay in Belfast, where you can enjoy the city's thriving arts and culinary scene

Game of Thrones & Bushmills Tour

Embark on a day tour exploring Game of Thrones filming locations and visit the iconic Bushmills Distillery.

Continue to Derry for an overnight stay, discovering the city's rich history and well-preserved walls.

Slieve League & Donegal

Experience the breathtaking cliffs of Slieve League, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Overnight stay in Donegal, a town surrounded by stunning landscapes and historic sites.

Wild Atlantic Way to Westport

Begin your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, unveiling coastal wonders.

Arrive in Westport, a town with a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Overnight stay in Westport, where you can explore the scenic Quay area and enjoy local hospitality.

Day Trip to Achill Island

Venture to Achill Island, known for its rugged beauty and outdoor activities.

Explore Keem Bay, Atlantic Drive, and the historic Deserted Village.

Return to Westport for another night of relaxation.

Wild Atlantic Way & Connemara to Galway

Continue along the Wild Atlantic Way, with a detour into the magical landscapes of Connemara.

Arrive in Galway, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene and lively streets.

Overnight stay in Galway, where you can experience traditional Irish music in the lively pubs.

Day Trip to Aran Islands

Embark on a day trip to the Aran Islands, steeped in Irish culture and stunning landscapes.

Overnight stay in Kilrush, a charming town on the Shannon Estuary.

Ring of Kerry

Experience the famous Ring of Kerry, a scenic route through Ireland's southwest.

Explore Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and the charming town of Killarney.

Overnight stay in Killarney, surrounded by natural beauty.

Day Trip to Dingle

Enjoy a day trip to Dingle, a picturesque town on the Dingle Peninsula.

Explore the colorful streets, visit Slea Head Drive, and perhaps spot Fungie, the local dolphin.

Return to Killarney for another night of Irish hospitality.

Tour West Cork to Kinsale

Journey through the scenic landscapes of West Cork, visiting charming towns and coastal viewpoints.

Arrive in Kinsale, a picturesque town known for its gourmet dining and maritime history.

Overnight stay in Kinsale.

Tour Cobh & East Cork to Waterford

Explore Cobh, a historic town with a rich maritime heritage.

Continue to East Cork, discovering the scenic beauty and cultural gems.

Overnight stay in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city.

Tour via New Ross & Thomastown to Kilkenny

Visit New Ross and the historic Dunbrody Famine Ship.

Explore Thomastown and its artistic community.

Overnight stay in Kilkenny, a medieval city with a vibrant atmosphere.

Tour via Rock of Cashel & Kildare (Return Rental Car) to Dublin

Explore the Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress with panoramic views.

Visit Kildare and its impressive National Stud and Japanese Gardens.

Return your rental car in Dublin and spend the final night in the capital.

Conclude your epic journey with an airport transfer, departing from Dublin with cherished memories of Ireland's diverse landscapes and rich culture.

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Ultimate Ireland itinerary 14 days: A 2 week road trip

This two week in Ireland road trip includes Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland where some of the sites that should be on your bucket list. This Ireland itinerary of 14 days can start from where ever you fly into. I’ve written it so that if you fly into Shannon you can start from there, Dublin and Belfast the same. Simply follow the 14 days in Ireland itinerary from the point where you land and you are on your way to experience magical Ireland .

Planning the perfect 14 day self drive itinerary Ireland does not have to be stressful or overwhelming. In fact the more you relax on your Irish road trip the better it will be. My 14 day Ireland travel guide will help you make some decisions with regard to places you want to visit in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Hubs and I are originally from Ireland ( we got our Irish passports ) and left when we were kids. We came back to housesit around 5 years ago and decided to make our home in Ireland once more. We have been able to visit the corners of Ireland that tourists rarely get to see when we head out on our Irish road trips.

101 Things to see in Ireland – the best Irish landmarks to add to your bucket list

Getting from the Airport to Dublin

Taxi to dublin city centre, day 1.  spending time in dublin, day 2. newgrange and boyne valley, day 3. belfast, day 4. causeway coast , day 5. derry (londonderry) , back to the republic of ireland, glenveagh national park and castle, day 7. sligo – the most underrated county in ireland, day 8.  mayo – on the wild atlantic way, day 9. galway city – music town, connemara national park, day 10. cliffs of moher & bunratty county clare, day 11 – dingle peninsula drive, day 12 ring of kerry and skellig michael, day 13 blarney castle  , day 13 – 14  kilkenny – medieval mile .

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Want to travel to both Ireland and Scotland? This itinerary could be helpful

We have travelled the length of Ireland and stayed all over the country both North and in the Republic, we currently make our home in Donegal . This is an incredibly diverse country and taking a two-week road trip around Ireland no matter how long or how short we can guarantee you will want to return to the Emerald Isle.

This what to see in Ireland in 14 days Ireland itinerary is pretty comprehensive but trust me it will be exhausting as there is just so much to see and you will be pulling over your car endlessly just to capture those phenomenal Irish scenic moments .

I have to add here that many Canadians and Americans I know think flying to Ireland is expensive, trust us it isn’t really if you choose to come off-season as in Spring or Fall flights are much cheaper. They get even cheaper if you choose January (after New Year) and into April. Our son booked a flight through Skyscanner that cost less than $500 Canadian for mid-January.

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If you are flying in from North America you will probably take an overnight flight and end up at your destination airport very early in the morning. Don’t worry about your luggage as your hotel will allow you to store it before you can check in.

An Ireland road trip 14 days

For this Irish Road trip, you are going to need a car to be able to drive yourself. You can rent a car at the airport but it probably isn’t going to be needed in the City so I would suggest contacting My Irish Cousin who provides rentals and can bring the car to your hotel in the City or arrange a pick-up location that works for you. Touring Ireland by car is the best way to see not only the major sites but things off the beaten path. Don’t be afraid to drive in Ireland as it is the only way to explore Ireland and see all those of the beaten path hidden treasures.

Renting a car in Ireland is a pain in the ass because of the cost and the insurance rules. I strongly recommend that you take all the insurances that are offered simply for your peace of mind.

Uber is NOT available in Dublin but you can use the My Taxi app to get a taxi to where you have booked your accommodation. This will be somewhat expensive though at around €30. So if you don’t want to spend that kind of money and save it for your adventures in Dublin take the local bus.

I recommend picking up a  Leap Visitor Card  at the airport. The best way to get around on your first day in Dublin. Even if you are only spending a day or two in Dublin this will work out much cheaper for you.

The Leap Card will allow you to use the Dublin buses and the trams in Dublin. A Leap Card can be bought at the Airport or some selected DART lines throughout the City. You can also purchase top-ups for your Leap card through the Android or Apple apps on your phone. The cost for an adult Leap card is 24 hours €10.00 or a 3 day (72 hours) €19.50.

Express Public Buses Airlink

Get Tickets:  Airlink Express: Dublin Airport to Dublin’s City Center

The Airlink Express route 747 will get you to the centre of town and you have a few stops to choose from. So pick the one closest to your hotel and grab the Airlink. The cost of the Airlink is €6 one-way for adults. These buses run every 15 minutes or so and go to Dublin’s main bus station Busaras, then to O’Connell Street in the city centre and finally to Heuston, one of Dublin’s main train stations. See the official Airlink timetable.

You can catch the Airlink bus just outside Terminal 1 Arrivals level. Look for the big green buses which will be to the left of the Arrivals exit. You can use your Leap Card on the Airlink Express.

Getting in and out of Dublin airport

Express private coach (Aircoach)

Aircoach is a privately operated, 24-hour coach service that takes folks from the airport to the city centre. The Aircoach that goes to Dublin city centre is number 700. The Aircoach departs every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day. The Aircoach stops just outside Terminal 1 arrivals level and outside the main door of Terminal 2 departures level.  The adult fare from the airport to Dublin city centre (O’Connell Street) with the Aircoach is €7

Public bus (Dublin Bus)

The Dublin Buses are easy to recognise they are double-decker yellow with blue stripes. The main bus to Dublin is #41. This bus stops at Terminal 1, usually every 10 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes non-peak hours. with yellow with blue strips along on the bottom, although sometimes Dublin Buses are used to display advertising, usually on the rear.

O’Connell Street is the main stop from where you can find your hotel or accommodations. Make sure you get the 41 bus that is marked Lwr Abbey Street via Aerfort. Keep in mind you must pay cash on the buses the driver cannot give change so pick some up when you hit the ATM.

There is another Dublin Bus that comes to the airport and this is #16. This route stops in the city centre (O’Connell Street) then crosses the River Liffey and continues through the southside suburbs. If you get this bus make sure you ask the driver to let you off on O’Connell street. You can catch the Dublin bus just outside Terminal 1 Arrivals cost will be €3.30 and remember the exact coins will be needed.

Here are a few tips for your 14 day tour of Ireland:

Planning a dream trip to Ireland? Everything you need to know

f What is an Irish Heritage Card & should I buy one?

53 Ultimate Ireland travel tips

An Ireland road trip 14 days all the best things to do

This 14-day self-drive itinerary in Ireland begins in Dublin. You are probably more than aware that Dublin has a host of activities and sites you may want to see. Dublin is a very walkable city so I would suggest picking 4 or 5 “must-sees” and then figuring out your route. This 14-day self-drive itinerary in Ireland begins in Dublin. You are probably more than aware that Dublin has a host of activities and sites you may want to see. Dublin is a very walkable city so I would suggest picking 4 or 5 “must-sees” and then figuring out your route. You could also do a tour of Dublin on one of Dublin’s free walking tours .

There are many things to do in Dublin but it is an easy city to walk around. Since you will probably be somewhat jet-lagged if you flew overnight I’m going to keep this part of the itinerary a little simple.  Now you could get a Dublin Pass for your day in the City that would cost you around €62 for an adult pass. Now that will get you into over 30 Dublin attractions and includes the Hop on Hop off bus tour which is very handy to learn the layout of the city.

You may be suffering from jet lag and are starving after that crappy airline food so try out some of the best pubs in Dublin for a pint and some food, or check out one of Dublin’s great coffee shops .

If you do get the Ireland Heritage Pass here are the sites I recommend.

• Hop on Hop Off bus pass
• Jameson’s Distillery Tour or Guinness Storehouse
• Glasnevin Cemetery and the Gravediggers pub
• Epic Museum
• GPO Witness History

The pass also includes entry to other great Dublin attractions such as the James Joyce Centre, The Little Museum of Dublin, Christchurch Cathedral and Dublin Zoo for example. You can sort of pick and choose the sites that are on your must-see list.

BOOK HERE FOR A JAMESON DISTILLERY TOUR

BOOK HERE FOR AN EPIC GUINNESS STOREHOUSE TOUR SKIP THE LINE AND GET A FREE PINT

BOOK HERE FOR A CRAZY DUBLIN PUB CRAWL

If you don’t want to see all the usual suspects then perhaps the off the beaten path sites are for you. I would recommend booking an evening’s meal and entertainment at the Brazen Head. Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub and one of the best known for great food, cracking music and storytelling. The Brazen Head is a short walk from Christchurch Cathedral, The Guinness Storehouse The Jameson Distillery and most hotels and hostels in Dublin.

TO BOOK YOUR CASTLE STAY IN DUBLIN CHOOSE CLONTARF CASTLE

At this point, it’s probably time to head to bed and get rid of that jet lag. The next morning your hotel will probably provide a full Irish breakfast and you can have My Irish Cousin deliver your car and head out on your two weeks in Ireland journey.

BOOK A STAY AT DUBLIN’S BEST HOSTEL – THEY HAVE PRIVATE ROOMS

BEST DUBLIN BUDGET HOTEL – THE BOUTIQUE DEAN 

Newgrange is about a 45-minute drive from Dublin, depending on traffic. Newgrange is a deeply historic site in County Meath where countless ancient artefacts and tombs are located. I would expect to spend around 2 hours touring the site.

At Newgrange, you park your vehicle and then walk to the Visitor’s Centre which has a cafe and a small museum. At the Centre, you will board a shuttle bus to the site itself. At the site, you will be given a brilliant tour by a knowledgeable guide who will demonstrate how the great tomb appears during the solstice.

From Newgrange, you can take a short drive to the Battle of the Boyne which commemorates the biggest battle in the history of Ireland that took place in 1690.

If you have time take a small detour to the Hill of Tara once the ancient seat of power in Ireland.

Northern Ireland Itinerary

So now we head up to N. Ireland, there is no border to cross and no paperwork required just remember to tell your car rental company that you are driving into and through N. Ireland.

To get to N. Ireland google directions through Carlingford which is one of the prettiest villages in Ireland and there is a ferry across the water to N. Ireland where you will land after a 10-minute boat ride in Kilkeel. The boat ride will cost around €12 for all passengers and the vehicle.

Before you board the ferry makes a stop in Carlingford where you will find some great restaurants including Michelin-starred ones serving some phenomenal seafood chowders with fish caught fresh that day.

Now that you are in N. Ireland you can head towards Tollymore Forest . This is a beautiful national park area that was featured in Game of Thrones .

You will pass through the Mourne Mountains which offer some incredible scenic vistas across County Down. So take a moment to stop on your way to Belfast for some brilliant photos to take home with you.

The Capital city of Northern Ireland Belfast is easy to get around so don’t be panicked about driving into Belfast it’s a pretty small city no different than in any other small town in N. America. Do make sure your hotel or accommodation has parking though or make sure you can find the parking which is often not necessarily near the actual building.

Belfast is a small city again like Dublin very walkable and easy to get around. I recommend the following places to see when in Belfast.

1  St. George’s Market is one of my favourite places in Belfast to just hang out, grab some groceries or simply head there for breakfast. You will find something for everyone here. They are only open Friday through to Sunday with a different group of vendors each day.

2  The Titanic Exhibition is almost across the river from St. George’s Market. If you are really into boats and exhibits you will love this place. I have to be honest here I found it very pricy given that there is virtually nothing of the Titanic still around so the exhibits are mainly maps, charts, architectural-type drawings and interactive displays. But having said that practically every tourist I know who goes on the tour loved it. 

BOOK HERE FOR YOUR TITANIC EXPERIENCE WITH SS. NOMADIC VISIT 

The Titanic Experience is a self-guided experience through 9 interactive galleries that explore the full Titanic story (approx. 1hr 45 mins), and admission to SS Nomadic (approx. 30-40mins). Book your tickets in advance to avoid queues! The online cost is £19.00 for adults and for children is £8.50.

3  The Europa and the Crown Pub are across the road from each other in central Belfast. The Europa has an interesting history of being the most bombed hotel in Europe during the Troubles. It’s been rebuilt and renovated many times but it’s a good central place to stay in Belfast.

4  The Crown Liquor Saloon was once regarded as one of the mightiest Victorian gin palaces in the British Isles. The Crown hasn’t changed since it was built. There are ten snugs that were built during the Victorian era to provide privacy for some of the pub’s customers. Within each sung is the original metal plates for striking matches and the antique bell system for summoning staff.

The Crown is decorated with intricate tiling, beautifully carved woodwork and spectacular stained glass.

5  A Black Taxi Tou r is an absolute must in Belfast. The drivers are witty and skilled in Irish banter and slang and unbiased in their commentary. The tour will take in all areas that were targets and centres for The Trouble which hit Belfast particularly hard.

BOOK HERE FOR YOUR FABULOUS BLACK TAXI TOUR

Belfast will keep you busy for the day and I would say in the evening treat yourself to a fabulous meal in the Cathedral Quarter at the Merchant Hotel.

BOOK A LUXURY STAY AT THE MERCHANT HOTEL

BOOK A BUDGET STAY IN A GREAT HOSTEL 10 MINUTES FROM CENTRAL BELFAST

BOOK A BEAUTIFUL BUDGET HOTEL IN THE QUEENS QUARTER 

Next morning bright and early you should start on your way to the Causeway Coast part of your trip. Your breakfast will be served up at your BnB or hotel so you are well prepared for today’s journey.

Heading out of Belfast you can choose a couple of different directions. If you plan on doing the entire Causeway Coast you may want to start at Carrickfergus where you can tour the Carrickfergus Castle .

If not follow the signs or your Google maps to head towards Cushendall. Gleneamon sweeps down to the picturesque village of Cushendall which is the heart of the Glen. This area is known for its spectacular waterfalls and stunning walks. The 9 Glens of Antrim are worth a stop as they are one of the most stunningly beautiful areas in N. Ireland.

You’ve probably seen those tunnels carved into the solid rock faces on the Causeway Coast. Cushendall is also, where the coast road was widened years ago and you will see the Red Arch that sits below Red Bay Castle.

From Cushendall you will head to Cushendun which is famous for being the place where the Game of Thrones filmed Melisandre’s shadow baby scenes.

Continuing down the Coast Road follow the signs to Ballycastle this drive will take at least an hour from Belfast but count on about 2 hours because guaranteed you will need to stop and take advantage of the many beautiful photo opps.

If you have some extra time and are looking to find some puffins why not take the ferry to Rathlin Island when you are in Ballycastle. The cost of the ferry is around £12.00 return and remember to book the fast ferry. When you get to Rathlin you can take the Puffin bus for £5.00 return. Count on spending at least 3 hours here.

Carrick-a-Rede that infamous swaying rope bridge is only about 10 minutes from Ballycastle. This is a must-do on many folks’ bucket lists when they come to Ireland.

Keep in mind that the walk to the bridge itself is around 2 km and it’s pretty rough and uneven terrain so it can be very hard going depending on the weather. The cost of the walk across is £13.00 per person. You can see the bridge from the sea if you take one of the fabulous boat trips around the Causeway Coast .

There is a good-sized parking lot for the bridge and there is a nice little gift shop and cafe in the area to keep warm in if someone in your party insists on walking the bridge. You will probably be at Carrick-a-rede for around 2-3 hours if you walk the bridge.

At this point, you are probably famished with all that exercise so head out to the Giant’s Causeway , which is only 15 minutes away and is one of the world’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The sea-washed basalt cliffs define N. Ireland’s Causeway Coast as nothing else does. Sitting at the edge of the Antrim plateau in Northern Ireland the Giant’s Causeway is made up of 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The dramatic sight has inspired legends of giants striding over the sea to Scotland.

TIP: Park behind the little pub and enjoy a lovely warming bowl of chowder or a pint before heading to the Giant’s Causeway. If you park here you won’t be subjected to the National Trust’s exorbitant £11.00 per person entry to the parking lot fee.

The Giant’s Causeway is FREE but the National Trust doesn’t like to tell you that and there has been a rather nasty controversy at the GC about this for years. The Visitor ticket cost gets you into the visitor’s centre that is all. If you wish to take the shuttle bus for £1 down to the viewing areas it is a separate fee and the shuttle runs every hour. You can catch the shuttle behind the Visitors Centre. If you park at the pub you will see the tunnel behind the visitor’s centre and as you pass through the tunnel you will see the shuttle bus stop.

Ten minutes away from the Causeway sits Dunluce Castle the atmospheric ruin perched high on the cliffs on the Causeway Coast. Access is limited for those with wheelchairs and the ruin itself is tricky but manageable if you have some mobility issues. There is a gift shop and a small visitors’ centre museum and the parking is free. Adults tickets are £6.00, Child/Seniors: £4.00.

On the way to the Dark Hedges, which will take you around 25 minutes driving you will pass through Bushmills where it is worthwhile to do a tour of this world-renowned distillery. Tickets for the tour cost around £9.00 and include a tasting, the tour itself takes about 40 minutes.

The Dark Hedges are another site that is on everyone’s bucket list thanks to the Game of Thrones and their use of the area for the King’s Road. Sadly the trees are nearing the end of their lives as they only live to be around 100 years and that has been reached. The hedges used to intertwine so dramatically years ago that you felt you were driving through a green tunnel it was magical.

The Dark Hedges are still magical but you can no longer drive down the road and must park in the hotel across the road from them.

In the summer months, the days are very long in this part of the world so it will still be light well into the evening as the sun sets around 10 pm. So you can still visit Mussenden Temple even when it is getting late. The drive from the Dark Hedges will take around 40 minutes or so.

101 Landmarks in Northern Ireland to add to your bucket list

The site has some outstanding views of the coastline and is free to visit. There is a fabulous little coffee shack called Wee Al’s, and yes he is Scottish, that serves some of the best coffee in Ireland.

From Mussenden head down to Derry or Londonderry as you prefer this will take you about an hour. I recommend staying overnight in Derry so you can appreciate the city the next day.

BOOK THE BEST BUDGET HOTEL IN DERRY – RIGHT NEAR THE PEACE BRIDGE

BOOK THE BEST ULTRA-LUXURIOUS HOTEL IN DERRY

BOOK THE BEST HOSTEL IN DERRY

I highly recommend a taxi tour around Derry , we took one with Adrian and it was the best tour I have ever been on. The tour takes you around Bogside where the infamous Bloody Sunday event t ook place. Our driver was born and raised in Bogside and showed us sights we never expected to see. His commentary was unbiased and provided us with deep insights into both the Troubles and Irish culture.

I would recommend spending the day in Derry as you are probably pretty tired from your Causeway Coast Tour and the next day you can head out to Donegal.

Day 6. Donegal – It’s different up here

From Northern Ireland we head to the west coast of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way. This trip through Ireland will treat you to stunning views and landscapes that go on for miles.

Donegal is a huge County and there is just no way to see all of it in a day. So I recommend heading from Derry to Glenveagh Castle and National Park where you can spend a couple of hours touring the magnificent castle and gardens. This drive will take around an hour from Derry. From here you will see Mount Errigal and some stunning views of the interior of Donegal. There is a small cafe and gift shop if you need to stop for some sustenance.

From Glenveagh your next stop will be the Cliffs of Slieve League . This drive takes an hour from Glenveagh along the Wild Atlantic Way where the scenery will be breathtaking. I highly recommend a drive through Glencolmcille and if you get a chance a visit to the Folk Village. Glencolmcille is an area of outstanding beauty, the raw waves of the Atlantic crash on some magnificent beaches and the hills around the area are often bathed in a golden glow even when raining.

From Glencolmcille head towards the Cliffs of Slieve League, that’s about a 20 drive. When you reach the Slieve League, depending on the time of year you will find the visitors centre and a shuttle bus to take you up to the Cliffs. If you feel like a good 2km plus hike park in the lot below the sheep gate and hike to your heart’s content.

If you can’t do that hike then grab a shuttle bus and head up to the viewing platforms at the top. If the area isn’t busy with no shuttle, simply head up through the sheep gate (don’t forget to close it behind you) and you can drive up to the small parking lot at the viewpoint.

The views from Slieve League will leave you breathless and there is a truly scary hike up the pathway if you dare. If you have more time you need to head up to the Inishowen Peninsula . Inishowen Ireland is a hidden gem, and offers a captivating blend of untamed beauty and cultural treasures, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Irish experience. From the majestic cliffs of Malin Head to the ancient fortresses and picturesque beaches, Inishowen has something for everyone.  

From here I recommend heading to Donegal Town and the best place to stay while you are in Donegal. On the way, you will pass by some lovely traditional Irish villages and if you are getting pretty hungry I suggest a stop in Killybegs where you can grab some great food at the Ahoy Cafe right across from the harbour or the Seafood Shack where you can get some of Killybeg’s finest fish and chips.

From here head-on into Donegal Town and the place where you booked your hotel or BnB stay. Donegal town has loads to explore but since you will probably be getting in a bit late in the day you may want to take a rest before you head out for a musical pub night.

BOOK YOUR LUXURY STAY AT A CASTLE

BOOK YOUR BUDGET STAY AT A GREAT BnB

BOOK YOUR HOSTEL STAY IN DONEGAL TOWN

Pubs I recommend very highly in Donegal Town are McCafferty’s which is often packed to the gills and has brilliant musicians playing every night it is right beside the Diamond the town’s central point. There is also the Scotsman and the Reel Inn both of which have great live music and are closer to the River. For the oldest pub in Donegal Town check out The Forge behind the church on the river.

Some great places to eat in Donegal Town include the Blueberry Cafe for breakfast and lunch and The House which has been voted Ireland’s Best Gastro Pub. If you fancy some of Ireland’s best Indian Food check out Chandpur which is just off the Diamond behind Toni’s Bistro.

I recommend spending at least half the day exploring Donegal Town. It’s very easy to walk and you can see Donegal Castle and the Abbey Ruins and take a Donegal Bay boat tour all before you head out to Sligo.

We will make this a quick tour of Sligo , although I have to say if you get a chance to come back to Sligo, do it. Sligo is the most underrated County in Ireland which means its lack of tourists makes it an easy place to fall in love with.

Head out from Donegal Town towards Sligo, you will find it a quick drive and soon you will be seeing Benbulben in the distance. As you head down the motorway look for the signs for the Gleniff Drive and take an hour or so to travel around this jaw-droppingly beautiful drive. As you exit Gleniff Drive look for the signs for Drumcliff which is where W.B. Yeats is buried.

From Sligo, we will head into Mayo where you can head towards Beleek Castle for your overnight stay. Belleek is located near Ballina Mayo and is a stunningly beautiful castle hotel where rooms start at around €150 including breakfast.

BOOK YOUR LUXURY STAY AT BELLEEK CASTLE

From Belleek Castle head towards Downpatrick Head in Mayo which is about a 45-minute drive. Once you reach Downpatrick head you can park in the free parking lot and hike towards the sea views where you can see the Dun Briste sea stacks which have graced Irish calendars for decades.

This sea-stack is called Dún Briste (broken fort). Local legend says that when a pagan chieftain refused to convert to Christianity, St Patrick struck the ground with his crozier, splitting a chunk of the headland off into the ocean, with the chieftain on top! The walk from the parking lot is around 1.5 km and covers quite rocky and uneven ground so take care.

From Downpatrick Head, we are going to head to Galway. Sadly you will miss the Ceide Fields on this trip but next time you must come back and explore further. It’s around a 3-hour drive to Galway City where you can spend the night.

On your drive to Galway if the day is still long enough – take a brief stop in Cong where the Quiet Man was filmed you won’t regret it.

If you need to stay a night in a luxury castle you could always book into Ashford which has every conceivable luxury within it. From hawking on the grounds to fishing in the lake – Ashford had delighted royalty to world leaders.

I wouldn’t stay in Galway City as it is very expensive and runs around 200 per night and truth be told the City Centre is full of activity and that means loads of drunks in the streets. However, I would spend the day exploring the City. Take a look at BnB’s in Salthill which is just on the edge of the city or another option would be to find a hotel or BnB in Athenry which is around 30 minutes from Galway City.

BOOK YOUR 5 STAR LUXURY HOTEL IN CENTRAL GALWAY

BOOK A GALWAY BAY HOTEL WITH SUPERB VIEWS IN SALTHILL

Galway is a small town but it is lively, to say the least. Loaded with fabulous pubs, the best Irish musicians and of course home to the Claddagh Ring Galway is a must-visit.

Things to do in Galway

• Visit the Galway Museum, 3 floors of Galway and Irish history from the prehistoric era to medieval times and more and it’s free. It’s located near the Spanish Arches.
• The Front Wall of the Spanish Arches used to protect the quays of Galway and there are only two arches left. They are nearly 500 years old and nearby you will find Nimmos the best place to eat in Galway.
• Nimmo’s isn’t a cheap cafe but the food is glorious and well worth the price. Lots to choose from for vegetarians and vegans as well .
• Shop street the perfect name for the perfect shopping area. Beautifully coloured buildings, pubs and restaurants are all down shop street. If you love your Instagram this is the place for the perfect insta photos, although a tad crowded with tourists at the best of times.
• All down Shop Street throughout the day you will spot every kind of busker there is. From dancers to full bands or singular musicians. Stop and have a coffee at any of the sidewalk cafes and enjoy the music and dance.
• The Claddagh Museum at Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold is located in Quay Street, just off Shop Street they have a little museum detailing the history of the Claddagh.
• A booklover’s dream come true Charlie Byrne’s , filled with anything bookish over 100,000 new, used and bargain books.
• Strolling down the Salthill Prom with the Galway Girl song in your head. Just outside the City is Salthill which is not only a great place to stay in Galway but it has a beautiful path along the waterfront and you can even swim there if you can take the cold.

If you find the time take a trip to the Connemar National Park it’s only 53km from Galway City if you have a car. You can visit Kylemore Abbey , see the only Fjord in Ireland at Killary , you can visit beautiful beaches, drive the sky road and so much more.

Since Day 10 is going to be spent exploring the Cliffs of Moher I’m going to recommend that from Galway you head to Doolin which is a quintessential Irish village that is just picture-perfect. Book your BnB or hotel here for the night so you can set out early to explore the Cliffs of Moher which are only 10 minutes from Doolin.

BOOK YOUR BOUTIQUE HOTEL EXPERIENCE IN DOOLIN

Doolin is a fantastic jumping-off point for exploring the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and the Aran Islands.  Adventure beyond the usual by taking a horseback ride through the Burren , or head to one of the two pubs in town: McGann’s and Fitzpatrick’s and enjoy some great Irish craic.

The Cliffs of Moher, quite likely the most visited Irish location ever. You can walk from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher.

If you fancy a good hike you can leave the car in Doolin and follow the marked trails to the Cliffs. If you can find Nag’s Head which is the most southerly point of the Cliffs there is a little car park there where you can drop €2 into the honesty box, and it’s just a 15-20 minute walk to the Cliffs.

Guerin’s Path , which is about 1km away from the visitor centre at the Cliffs of Moher costs €5 per person. This is a family-owned farm and business and will give you a spectacular walk along the Cliffs.

The Wild Atlantic Way route itself is free with many sites along the way that also have no entry cost, but there are places where to get the best views, such as the Cliffs of Moher you will pay a parking and entry fee. The cost to see the Cliffs of Moher is €8.00.  If you want to climb O’Brien’s Tower at the Cliffs there is an extra charge of €4.00. There is a large car park at the Cliffs and all-day parking here is included in the price of a visitor centre ticket.

From the Cliffs of Moher, we head South to Bunratty Castle which is just beyond the Shannon Airport. Since you have probably spent the morning exploring the Cliffs of Moher the afternoon will be spent exploring Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Moher to Bunratty.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Bunratty Castle is a large 15th-century tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It is believed that it was originally a Norse settlement that was destroyed by Brian Bor u in the 900’s.

The Castle and Village cost is €15.25 per adult and €10.50 per child and that covers the full experience of the castle and village but not the medieval banquet.

Bunratty Castle showcases one of the finest collections of medieval furniture in Ireland. You can trek up to the roof where you will see spectacular views of the area. The rooms are filled with a collection of artefacts from the late medieval to the renaissance period and include rugs, tapestries, clothing, furniture, tools, art and weaponry.

From Bunratty, you now head down to Adare which is one of my favourite villages in Ireland. In Adare, you can book either a luxury castle stay at Adare Manor which is next to the ruins of a 15th century Franciscan Abbey.

On the main street are some truly lovely boutiques and fabulous places to eat and have a coffee. I particularly recommend the Village Bistro.  Where we had the best breakfast ever of brioche French toast with caramelized bananas and bacon – oh my god heaven on a plate.

BOOK YOUR ULTIMATE LUXURY CASTLE HOTEL AT ADARE MANOR

There are so many reasons to visit the Dingle Peninsula not the least of which is the jaw-dropping scenery. From Adare, the drive to the Dingle Peninsula is about an hour and a half. To drive the Dingle peninsula will take 4 – 6 hours, it is a 50km route, depending on how many times you stop for photos and believe me you will stop a lot. In truth, I would spend 2 days in the Dingle area as there is so much to see.

Because of the narrow roads and lots of tourists and buses and the roads are very narrow you do have to be very wary of the large tour buses. The narrow road winds through an unforgettable landscape, ancient ruins, small villages, beautiful beaches and the rugged and raw Atlantic frame the views.

As you travel to the Peninsula you will drive through the lovely village of Dingle which is a seaside paradise. Colourful shops line the street and you can grab some fabulous icecream or fish and chips if you fancy lunch.

The scenic Slea Head Drive is one of the most spectacular in Ireland . Winding around the edges of the peninsula you will be treated to some incredible photo opportunities.

After finishing the Dingle Peninsula Drive head to Killarney for your overnight stay and Day 12’s Ring of Kerry Drive or a trip to the Skelligs.

BOOK YOUR FABULOUS KILLARNEY B&B

The  Ring of Kerry  is around 179km (111 miles) long and takes around 3.5 hours to drive around without stopping. Trust me though you are going to want to stop – a lot. You could take a famous Jaunting Car around the ring if you want it is an experience everyone should have.

Killarney National Park is one of the most impressive on the Ring of Kerry and has everything from Manor Houses to stunning waterfalls. 

If you want to add a trip to the famous Star War Islands the Skelligs you should plan to add another Day to your visit to Kerry.

Boat rides to the Skellig’s cost around €80 to €100 for landing trips. However, you should know that the boats are often cancelled due to the weather.  There are also no facilities on the boats or on the Island which mean no washrooms or cafes. You will need to be very fit to climb the steps but that cluster of beehive huts overlooking the wild Atlantic is jaw-dropping.

By this time I’m pretty sure you are exhausted so we are going to head towards Cork and a rest. This drive will take around an hour or so depending on traffic.

BOOK A FABULOUS HOTEL A WALK FROM BLARNEY CASTLE

So Day 13 and we are at Blarney Castle , a tour of the Castle and the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone will cost you around. Probably one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks the legend of the Blarney Stone is one that many tourists pilgrimage to. Not my idea of fun as you have to hike up many narrow and worn stairs and then take care that someone has a good grip on you as you bend over backwards to kiss the stone. But it does seem to be high on many a bucket list. Adult tickets are €16.00 online  (normally €18.00) .

So from Blarney Castle head up to Cork and if you have some extra time explore the City which has a young interesting vibe to it. Don’t forget to explore the Cork English Market when in town.

Once you have done your flying visit to Cork it’s off to Kilkenny and its famous Medieval Mile. This drive will take around 2 hours but it puts you in a good position to head to Dublin on the 14th day when your flight probably leaves.

Rock of Cashel

On your way to Kilkenny try and take time to stop off at the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel rises out of the landscape as you approach it placed high on top of limestone outcrops where it oversees the fertile landscape of Tipperary.  Resolute stonewalls circle a round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and an exceptional 12th-century Romanesque chapel containing some of Ireland’s oldest frescoes. One of Ireland’s stunning archaeological sites, The Hill of the Rock is located on is banded with limestone outcrops rising up to the green mound that the Rock sits on.

Kilkenny is known for its Medieval Mile and also as the Marble City because of its distinctive black marble. When walking the Mile you will see medieval slipways or alleys, a Tudor Inn, a Dominican Abbey and a fine example of a 17th-century merchant’s house and the only example of its kind in Ireland.

Kilkenny also has a fascinating history of witches in Irelan d so be sure to look out for Kytelers Inn to learn the story of the Irish witch burning.

There’s a little train in Kilkenny at €8 for adults, this is a great way to get around Kilkenny if you are mobility challenged. This small road train does tours all around the city starting at Kilkenny Castle and does a 30-minute tour of Medieval Kilkenny. Don’t forget to visit Kilkenny Castle one of the finest castles in Ireland.

You can either stay in Kilkenny for the night or head up to your hotel near Dublin Airport to catch your flight home.

Alternatively, you could take a drive through the Wicklow Mountains to take in the beautiful views and the filming locations of the Vikings TV show. In the area you could visit Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement, and the Powerscourt Estate , featuring the restored mansion Powerscourt House. On the estate, you will find Ireland’s highest waterfall as well as magnificent gardens.

I hope this 14 day Ireland itinerary has been useful for you. Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have and if you want to download a printable PDF just click here .I know this Ireland 14 day itinerary can feel a little hectic so don’t forget to slow down take it easy and you can always come back again.

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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The ultimate Ireland road trip itinerary: 10-14 days

Heading to Ireland? You’re in for a wonderful time. Follow this 14 day Ireland road trip itinerary, which includes places to stay, things to see and an ideal route to take.

The Emerald Isle is an ideal country to visit in so many ways. And if you’re going, why not jump in a hire car and take an Ireland road trip?

It’s small, so you can see a lot in a short amount of time. There’s certainly a varied list of of things to do in Ireland. Delicious food, stunning nature and a most interesting history.

And if you’re planning a trip to Ireland, you’ll naturally have a lot of questions.

How long should you spend travelling around the country? Where should you stay? What’s worth seeing?

Will you ever get sick of the beautiful rolling green hills of the landscape around you?

I’ll address these queries over the course of this post, except for the last, which I can answer right now in one word – no.

This self driving Ireland road trip follows a route that I have done.

You’ll learn of some of the best cities to visit in Ireland, where to stay and what’s worth pulling off the road for.

↠ RELATED: 5 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DUBLIN

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Get Around Quickly

Your 14 day Ireland road trip itinerary

Need a set of wheels for your Ireland road trip?

How long does it take to drive around Ireland?

This itinerary is designed as a road trip . You can see the highlights of Ireland in around ten days , which includes Dublin, Northern Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle and Galway.

If you can stretch your trip to 14 days, you can enjoy these sites at a more relaxed pace.

I recommend spending at least a couple of nights in a town or city every few days.

Even though the distances between places of interest in Ireland are short, you’ll get tired from the driving (particularly when continually getting stuck behind tractors on one lane roads).

Plus, some places need at least a couple of night’s stay to do them justice.

• Dublin 2 nights
• Belfast 2 nights
• Derry 1 night
• Donegal 1 night
• Sligo 1 night
• Galway 2 nights
• Killarney 1 night
• Dingle 1 night
• Cork 2 nights
• Dublin 1 night

What is the best month to visit Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland is in spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to November). It’s not as crowded as it is in summer, or as cold as it gets in winter.

Ireland’s weather isn’t that extreme however, so you can visit all year round.

I visited for the first time for a 7 day road trip in the middle of winter and it cold and a bit damp, but fine.

Begin your Ireland road trip at Dublin Airport

The easiest place to start your trip is at Dublin Airport. It’s a major international airport, with flights to and from many cities in Europe and America.

Alternatively, you can fly into Belfast Airport and kick off this self driving Ireland road trip from there instead. It’s wholly up to you. Take whichever option and plan your Ireland road trip around that.

You can sort your transfer from the airport to Dublin city with the DoDublin Freedom Card, which gives you unlimited access to public transport for 72 hours (including transfer to and from the airport along the 24/7 Dublin Bus route 41).

Ireland road trip stop 1: Dublin

You can’t come to Ireland and not spend at least a couple of days exploring the Irish capital.

I personally think Dublin is one of the most dynamic cities in Europe – at the very least it’s certainly one of my favourites.

Things to do in Dublin

1. visit the guinness factory.

This particular tour is cited as a must-do when visiting Dublin for the first time.

During this self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse, you’ll learn all about world-famous drink. You’ll even get a complimentary pint at the end.

If you just can’t stomach Guinness (I’m with you on this), consider jumping on the Jameson Whisky Tour instead.

2. Have a tipple in Temple Bar

It’d would be a real shame to travel to Dublin and not have a night out in Temple Bar.

The Irish sure know how to drink and party – you’re pretty much guaranteed a fun night out.

Filled with cafes, restaurants and boutique shops, it’s almost as much fun to poke around Temple Bar during the day as it is at night.

3. Catch a flick at the Irish Film Institute

The IFI is an art-house cinema that makes a point of showcasing Irish films.

If you’re interested in the cultural side of Ireland or fancy yourself to be a bit of a film buff, be sure to check out their listings during your time in Dublin.

↠ RELATED: HOW MUCH DOES A TRIP TO DUBLIN COST?

4. Visit the Irish Emigration Museum

You can find Irish descendants just about anywhere in the world (I happen to be one, myself!).

As a country, Ireland certainly has an interesting history of voluntary and forced migration.

A visit to EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum will help you learn more about this part of Irish history.

5. Drink a hot chocolate at Butlers

Butlers is a chain that has one of the best hot chocolates in town – I’m partial to the praline milk choc, myself.

(Don’t forget to bring your own reusable cup , if you want to cut down on your plastic usage).

Cruise along the River Liffey

I’ve always thought the best way to see a city is from the water and Dublin is no exception.

You can cruise down the city’s beautiful river and learn quite a lot about its varied and interesting history.

6. Visit the Dublin Writer’s Museum

Many of the world’s most beloved literary figures hail from the Emerald Isle.

This museum features personal effects and portraits of the likes of Beckett, Yeats, Wilde and Joyce.

There are also public readings, exhibitions and the odd theatre show.

7. Check out Dublin Castle

You won’t be wanting of any sort of castle time after you trip through Ireland (you can even stay in some castles, as you’ll see throughout this post!).

Dublin Castle is a major government building and you can do guided or self-guided tours throughout the grounds (be sure to book at least a month in advance to avoid missing out).

Here’s a list of some of the best castles in Ireland – make sure you visit at least one on your road trip!

8. Have breakfast at Bewleys

Bewleys is my own personal Dublin tradition – I head to the café on Grafton St every time I’m in town to grab a full Irish breakfast. The food is good and the waiters are cute.

What can I say, I’m a red-blooded woman. We all have our weaknesses and mine happens to be Irish accents.

9. Explore Rathmines

Rathmines is a suburb of Dublin that I found to be one of the more gentrified areas. I’d head there for a tipple in a pub, or a bite to eat if I fancied being around more young things.

TIP: Consider grabbing a Dublin pass , which will give you free entry to more than 30 attractions. Depending on what activities you plan on doing, this could save you a heck-tonne of cash.

Where to stay in Dublin on your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 2: Belfast

The next major stop on your Ireland road trip is the capital of Northern Ireland – Belfast.

This city has a fascinating and unsettling history.

It’s also an excellent landing platform for the many areas of natural beauty that can be found in this country.

TIP: Crossing the border between Northern and the Republic of Ireland can get a little confusing, even if there is no official border control. Discover what you need to know before crossing the Irish border .

Things to do in Belfast

1. explore newgrange.

Newgrange can be visited on the way to Belfast from Dublin on your Ireland road trip. Be sure to keep an eye out for it and not drive straight past, as it’s very easy to do.

A World Heritage Site, it’s a Megalithic Passage Tomb, built around 3200 BC.

In a marvellous feat of ancient engineering, the passage and chamber of Newgrange are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise.

A lottery for places within Newgrange on this date is draw every year, with sixty lucky people (out of about 30,000 entrants) and one guest being able to be present on the Solstice.

Try your luck and enter via email .

2. Marvel at Giant’s Causeway

This is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland, a true marvel of nature.

The Causeway is one of the sights among many others in Ireland to appear on the TV show Game of Thrones .

3. Black Taxi Cab Tour

Like much of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a city of divides.

I found the local Black Cub Tours provide a good overall introduction to the story behind the region’s troubles, exploring the history behind the art and murals that pepper the Nth. Irish capital.

If you want to know more about the ‘The Troubles’ from a traveller’s perspective, Everywhereist wrote a wonderful and information-rich overview that’s worth checking out.

4. Visit the Peace Walls

The Peace Walls or Lines are barriers which separate the predominantly Republican and Nationalist Catholic neighbourhoods from the Loyalist and Unionist Protestant neighbourhoods in Belfast.

Although what they stand for is indeed troublesome, they’ve become public works of political art.

Many are starting to be torn down around the city, once an agreement has been reached on each side to do.

Considering that the Troubles are such a recent part of Irish history, this is a monumental movement indeed.

It’s worth going on some kind of tour to see the Peace Walls. If you don’t want to take a Black Cab Tour, consider booking a place onto a walking tour instead.

5. Check out the Titanic Belfast Museum

On another note, Belfast is of course the site from which the Titanic began its doomed journey.

Tributes to the ocean liner can be found throughout the city in the form of public art and there is a museum dedicated to the Titanic within the city itself.

6. Stroll down Stricklands Glen

The republic of and Northern Ireland are fantastic destinations for keen walkers.

Strickland Glen will take you through a wooded glen past ponds and waterfalls and onto the the North Down Coastal Path.

Where to stay in Belfast on your Ireland road trip

Ireland Road Trip Stop 3: Derry/Londonderry

Derry (or Londonderry, depending on which side of the political fence you sit on) is eerie and beautiful, with a sad, sad history.

It’s best known for being the site of Bloody Sunday or the Bogside Massacre in 1972, where British soldiers shot 28 unarmed civilians during a peaceful protest march by Northern Catholics, against internment.

If you’re particularly interested in Ireland’s modern history and want to explore it further on your Ireland road trip, then Derry is the place to do it. (I also recommend reading Patrick Radden Keefe’s excellent book Say Nothing before visiting Ireland).

It’s definitely worth spending sometime in Derry to learn about its place in the Irish troubles. Then, move on to the natural wanders that are in abundance throughout this region of Northern Ireland.

Also, for the purpose of this post I’m going to refer to the town as Derry – not because I’m taking sides – rather that this is a massive article and it’s simply shorter to type out.

Things to do in Derry

Visit the museum of free derry.

This museum will give you the most solid overview of Bloody Sunday and tell the tales of those who lost their lives that day. I think it’s a must-do for anyone visiting Derry and as it’s only a small space, it won’t eat up much of your time. Admission is £8.00 for adults.

Check out the Free Derry Corner

After paying a visit to the museum, you will need to see Free Derry Corner for yourself. It marks the scene of the Battle of Bogside and acts as both a memorial and a declaration for current political issues.

You can either do a self-guided tour, or opt to jump on an organised walking tour. I took the second option and found it to be best, but it’s up to you.

Check out Derry Girls TV show filming locations

Love the popular tv show Derry Girls? Me too. It is class.

Jump on a tour with an expert guide, to be led around the filming locations of the show.

Gaze Upon Mussenden Temple

This very photographic building is perched high above the Atlantic Ocean. As the cliffs surrounding it crumble, it is moving closer and closer to the edge.

The National Trust keep an eye on it and maintain cliff restorations in order to preserve the building.

Walk The Gobbins Cliff path

Ideal for adventurers, these cliff paths are touted as being one of the most dramatic cliff walks in Europe. Tours are available over the summer months.

Ogle at the Marble Arch Caves

These caves are located in a Geopark in Northern Ireland. Tours are available, as well as other nature-based activities such as walks, cycling, fishing and canoeing.

↠ RELATED: QUIRKY DATE IDEAS IN LONDON

Where to Stay in Derry on your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 4: Donegal

The next stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary will take you back into the Republic of Ireland, to a county that is special for many reasons.

Unlike other parts of the country, it feels largely untouched – it’s Ireland at its wildest and most rugged.

Its history dates back thousands of years, as a landing spot for Vikings and housing communities of Irish monks.

It features beautiful natural wonders, megalithic sites and communities where Gaeltacht (the Irish language) is the tongue of choice.

It’s also the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way, a route that travels down the west coast of Ireland.

There’s so much to see and do along this track and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape will have your jaw constantly dropping open.

↠ RELATED: CLIMBING THE SLIEVE LEAGUE CLIFFS IN IRELAND

Things to do in Donegal

Experience glenveagh national park and castle.

This National Park is a conservation area, ideal for walkers and birdwatchers. There’s also a castle you can tour through, as well as the surrounding grounds.

Check out Grianan of Aileach

This is an old stone fort , with a fantastic view.

Visit Donegal Town Castle

Another day, another castle . This 15th century building is worth checking out because unlike many other castles in the country, it’s completely intact.

Inside, you’ll find some detailed history of the town of Donegal and the surrounding region. Admission is €5.00.

Climb the Sliabh Liag Cliffs (Slieve League Cliffs)

These are some of the highest coastal sea cliffs in Ireland and you can trek a path to the top, to gaze out over the ocean.

See Malin Head, the most northernly point on Ireland

Journey out to Malin Head for bragging rights. This was a popular landing point for Vikings, too.

See Donegal Craft Village

A must for art lovers, the craft village features everything from paintings, to felt works and jewellery.

Where to stay in Donegal on your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 5: Sligo

Sligo is a region of rugged countryside and literary heritage, being the birthplace of the poet W.B. Yeats, who was so inspired by this place that made him.

If you’re a fan of Irish literature, then consider it a must-do on your Ireland road trip.

Explore the town centre, marvel at thousand year old relics, or go surfing on the wild, Atlantic waves, to the backdrop of Benbulbin, a large rock formation which shadows the area.

Things to do in Sligo

Visit the yeats society (memorial building).

Drop into the Yeats Society (Memorial Building) to learn more about this important literary figure’s life. Entry is €5.00 .

You can grab some morning tea at the adjoining Penny Cafe.

Check out Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

These structures are older than Stonehenge, give or take a couple of thousand years.

There were originally 80 monuments on this site and I am so amused by the fact that cows were freely moving among them when we visited.

Entry is €5.00 .

Birdwatch at Lough Gill

This is a beautiful freshwater lake, certainly worth checking out on your trip through Sligo.

Immerse yourself in history at Sligo Abbey

This ruined abbey dates back to 1253.

€5.00 will get you in to explore the ruins.

Go surfing!

As it turns out, Sligo is a surfer’s paradise!

There are a bunch of surf schools in the area that will happily get you started in this most noble and gnarly sport.

Where to stay in Sligo during your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 6: Galway

Galway is the fifth biggest city in Ireland and having visited twice, I can tell you it’s great for a bit of craic.

It should definitely feature in your Ireland road trip itinerary.

Eat, drink, be merry and explore the beautiful surrounding regions during your Ireland road trip.

Things to do in Galway

Visit connemara national park.

This National Park is rife in mountainous glory, featuring four ranges for your climbing pleasure. Go on nature walks, ogle the ponies, or have a picnic!

Paint the town red

Galway is a university town and is therefore also a party destination.

A great night out can be had here and it’s popular for respective hens and bucks nights as well.

Tour the town by bike

Get your bearings on Galway, along with some exercise after all that time spent in the car!

Check out The Spanish Arch

This arch was added to the town walls in the 16th century, for extra protection from looting.

These days, it’s part of the Galway City Museum , where you can learn more about the town’s history.

Take a ferry out to the Aran Islands

You should definitely take a trip out to the Aran Islands .

Check out the fort of Dun Aonghasa, squeal over the Inis Mor Seal Colony and explore Kilronan village, amongst plenty of other things to do.

Heck, you can even glamp on the islands. Where do I sign up?

Climb the Cliffs of Moher

These are technically in Co. Clare, but they’re not too far away from Galway City.

They also happen to the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland, so expect them to be teeming with people. Adult entry is €6.00.

Pay a visit to the Claddagh Ring Museum

These iconic Irish rings have an epic story behind them, which you can learn all about during a visit to the museum commemorating them in Galway.

As an aside, I bought a gold Claddagh ring on my first trip to Ireland in 2010 (in Dingle, my second favourite town in the country) and it remains my most loved souvenir of anywhere, ever. I’ve worn it almost every day since and you can see it in the photo above, from a return trip in 2014.

I was motivated to buy this partly due to my Irish heritage but also because Angel presented one to Buffy on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I was am just a little bit obsessed with that show.

Where to stay in Galway during your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 7: Killarney

Killarney’s a stop on a drive known as the ‘Ring of Kerry’, which is definitely worth doing on your Ireland road trip.

The town itself feels like it’s surrounded by nature and is full of beautiful, historic houses and castles.

Things to do in Killarney

Drive the ring of kerry.

The Ring of Kerry is a major drawcard of Co. Kerry and is best kicked off in Killarney.

On the drive you’ll head past some glorious mountains, beautiful beaches and Irish countryside at its most ruggedness.

Explore Killarney via horse and carriage!

Certain an old school method of touring a town! Take a one-hour journey around Killarney in an Irish jaunting car (horse and carriage).

I did this on an Ireland road trip years ago – it’s really great fun.

Visit Muckross House

Muckross House and Gardens is located in Ireland’s oldest National Park (see below).

This Victorian mansion is one of the many sites worth visiting on the grounds.

Tour Gap of Dunloe by boat

See some scenic sights along a boat trip of Gap of Dunloe.

You’ll visit Lord Brandon’s Cottage and Ross Castle. There’s even an optional cart and pony ride.

Ross Castle is a 15th-century tower house located in Killarney National Park, sitting on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake.

It’s open to the public in the summer months .

Explore Killarney National Park

Take a jaunting car (horse and carriage) through the park, or just explore the area on foot at your own pace.

Here’s some more information on things to see in Killarney National Park .

Eyeball Derrynane Beach

This beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland.

After you’ve walked up and down its length, be sure to check out nearby Derrynane Abbey & Burial Ground.

Check out the Skellig Ring

The lesser known Skellig Ring offers gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside, without nearly as many tourists as the Ring of Kerry.

You can head out to the The Skellig Islands and sight some puffins, if it’s the right time of year for it.

Pub crawl through Killarney Town

Or, just enjoy the revelry which is Killarney town!

Everyone loves a party, right?

Where to stay in Killarney during your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 8: Dingle

Dingle is hands down one of my favourite spots on the Emerald Isle.

It should definitely make your Ireland road trip itinerary.

A quiet, sleepy fishing town, with plenty of pastel coloured houses, it’s a hotspot for good food and good views, with a relaxed, seaside vibe.

Things to do in Dingle

Try to spot fungie the dolphin.

Dingle’s most famous resident is Fungie the dolphin, who tends to hang around the harbour.

I’ve never seen him (her?), but you might be able to – try your luck on a tour .

Grab an ice cream at Murphys

Murphys is an artisan ice cream shop, found all over the country but originating in Dingle.

Do yourself a favour and grab a cone, no matter what time of the year it is.

Get into some seafood chowder

Similarly, Dingle’s seafood scene is off the hook.

Order fresh fish from one of the many restaurants and cafes that dot the main street and definitely get some creamy seafood chowder whilst you’re at it.

Walk the Dingle Way

Ireland has a tonne of walking trails and this particular one is 179 kilometres long .

It takes around 8-9 days to traverse.

Drive the scenic routes around the Dingle Peninsula

This is a day trip in itself. There are two scenic drives on offer – Slea Head Loop and Conor Pass.

Take your time and enjoy the coastal landscape.

Where to stay in Dingle during your Ireland road trip

Ireland road trip stop 9: Cork

Cork is the second biggest city in Ireland and its harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world.

It’s home to what is probably Ireland’s most famous castle – Blarney Castle. It should definitely be on your Ireland road trip itinerary.

It contains a very well known stone by the same name and if you kiss it, it’s said to give you the ‘Gift of the Gab’.

Things to do in Cork

Visit blarney castle and kiss the stone.

It’s rare that a single stone is more famous than an entire castle , but then again Ireland can be a weird place at times (good weird, I assure you).

Climb to the top of the castle, to be lowered down and kiss this particular stone.

Legend has it that those whose lips make contact with its cold, hard surface with be granted the gift of eloquence.

Entry price is €18.00

You can jump on a combined tour that’ll take you to Blarney and Cobh, where colourful houses and a stunning cathedral await you.

This town was also the last departure point for the Titanic!

Visit Fitzgerald Park

This is a place to visit if you’re after a bit of peace and quiet from Ireland’s second biggest city.

There’s museums, ponds, a cafe and a skate park.

Check out Cork City Gaol

I personally find old gaols truly fascinating and Cork’s would be no exception.

Find out more about visiting the goal .

Take a whisky tour of the city

Did you know Jameson whiskey is produced in Cork?

Head to the micro-distillery to see the largest pot still in the world and experience the live maturation warehouse.

The Irish love their whiskey, so when in Rome Ireland and all that…

Take a walking tour of Cork

Let an expert guide you around Cork and admire the maritime architecture.

Do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk

This cliff walk takes you from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen beach.

It’s about a five mile trek.

Abandon Cork and visit Kinsale…

If you’ve had enough of the bigger Irish cities and want to ogle some more villages, head to the seaside town of Kinsale, to shop, eat and enjoy water-based activities.

…And Cape Clear Island

Cruise out to Cape Clear Island, where you can experience the Gaeltacht culture.

You’ll also get to see the very cool Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. Who doesn’t love lighthouses?!

Where to stay in Cork during your Ireland road trip

How safe is driving in ireland.

Driving in Ireland is very safe and not difficult. Granted, I come from a country that also drives on the left.

If you’re used to driving on the right and renting a car, I recommend getting an automatic. It’s much easier for your brain to acclimatise to this, than a manual.

The only thing to note is that some rural roads in Ireland are tiny . If you get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle, caravan or at worst, a tractor, you may be waiting some time until you can overtake.

Apart from that, Ireland is safe and lovely to drive around in. Be prepared for some scenic views!

Tips For Your Ireland Road Trip

• Take turns driving – the roads in Ireland are small, narrow and often twisty – you’ll require full concentration when driving along them. And as with the UK, the Irish drive on the left side of the road.
• Be wary of the changing systems of measurement on the roads – particular as you dip in and out of Northern Ireland. They’ll go from metric to miles and it can be a bit baffling at times.
• Beware of Northern Irish pounds – I made this mistake once, pulling out 100 quid’s worth of Irish pounds from an ATM. They’re fine to spend in Nth. Ireland, but people in the rest of the UK will look at you as though you’re trying to pay with Monopoly money and even refuse to take them.

Concluding your two week Ireland road trip itinerary

Believe it or not, this 5000-odd word guide barely scratches the surface of what the Emerald Isle has to offer visitors and locals alike.

I for one, can’t think of any other place in the world that has had an impact as far reaching as Ireland.

People across the planet can trace their heritage back to this small, but marvellous little island. I feel honoured to be included among them.

I hope during the course of your Ireland road trip, you end up feeling the same way that I do – that hook or by crook, you will continue to explore this land of merriment and outstanding beauty, until your end of days.

Other posts about Europe

Travelling around Europe? These posts may help with your planning:

• How to spend two days in Amsterdam
• Is Athens worth visiting? Yes – here’s why
• Four days in London for first-timers
• Four day Berlin itinerary: exploring Germany’s quirky capital
• How to avoid looking like a tourist in Europe

Planning a road trip around Ireland? What are you most excited about seeing?

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11 Comments

This is such an awesome itinerary for Ireland!! Very thorough, detailed and covers most of the main things to see and do in this underrated country (I’ve had some of the best nights of my life in Ireland!) Love all the different options for where to stay as well. Two thumbs up 😀

Thanks lovely lady! It was really fun to research and write. Problem is… now I can’t stop thinking about the place, haha.

Aw I love Ireland. This is a huge amount to squeeze in, but it all sounds fantastic!

It’s just a shame that you couldn’t head out to Connemara from Galway…but I guess that would take up the rest of your trip as it’s so pretty you might not want to go to the next place!!

It is, it’s more a range of activities to pick from, but did manage to hit every place on a trip around one time there. Haha have had that feeling in Dingle and Donegal… and Dublin, tbh! It’s such a great place to visit.

I have an Irish colleague who had shown me some amazing shots of Ireland. Your post is awesome and I’m soon planning a trip there Your post will post in handy

It’s a phenomenally beautiful country, I can’t imagine you wouldn’t enjoy it! So glad to hear that it’s been helpful.

Wow, this is a great post, I’m keeping this in my favorites. I’ve always wanted to go on a roadtrip through Ireland and Scotland, this is of great help. Thank you 🙂

This itinerary is epic. Ireland looks amazing!! I don’t drive but cycling around looks doable too. What do you think?

I think it would be fun but very cold and wet!

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Ireland Road Trip: 7, 10 and 14 day Itinerary

The Republic of Ireland is a beautiful country with a fascinating history, super-friendly people, and SO much to see and do. I had 2 weeks in Ireland to explore by car and was determined to make the most of the time.

If you’re planning your own Ireland road trip, hopefully, the highlights of my epic journey will inspire you. From bumpy boat trips to islands inhabited only by seals, birds and the brutal Irish weather to the exploration of UNESCO Geoparks and dramatic coast paths high above the Atlantic Ocean, there’s something to delight everyone.

I travelled by car, boat, bicycle, and my own two feet. I ate homemade cake in museum tea shops, supped Guinness on seaside piers, and sampled traditional stew in pubs filled with the sounds of Irish music.

This ultimate Ireland road trip planner for 7, 10 and 14 day itineraries will help you create the best route in southern Ireland. 

Ireland Road Trip Planning Tips

How long to spend in ireland.

Honestly? As long as possible! Ireland is a beautiful country with a fascinating history, super-friendly people, and SO much to see and do. I spent a glorious 14 days in Ireland, and it felt like the perfect time to see everything without rushing.

Touring Ireland by car is ideal if you don’t like sticking to a rigid plan dictated by train and bus times. If somewhere captures your imagination, and you want to explore more, travelling under your own steam allows you to change your itinerary.

When is the Best Time To Visit Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland depends on the individual. For some, spending St Patrick’s Day in a chaotic and vibrant Dublin would be an amazing experience; for others, it would be a total nightmare! Various regional festivals celebrate Irish culture , The Gathering in Kilkenny, County Kerry is one of the best and would be worth timing your visit to attend. 

Irish weather is unpredictable throughout the year, and sunshine is never guaranteed, even during the height of summer. My tip? Be prepared for anything, take waterproofs and warm layers as well as sunglasses and you’ll have fun, even in the rain. 

For the ultimate Ireland road trip, travel in late April and May for long days of light and mild weather or early autumn when the crowds have left and the winter chill hasn’t yet arrived. During these off-peak times, you will also get better deals on ferry prices, flights, and hotels. 

How To Get To Ireland

I travelled from the UK to Ireland on Irish Ferries, a company that has won the ‘Best Ferry Company’ award more times than any other in Ireland. It was a simple and quick booking process, and the journey was seamless.

Cars are allowed on the boat, and there is no limit on your luggage meaning you can pack all the  road trip essentials . So, for an enjoyable crossing that sets you up for a relaxing and fun holiday of touring Ireland by car, I heartily recommend Irish Ferries; read about  my experience on the Ulysses .

Irish Ferries offer fast and cruise travel options from Holyhead to Dublin and between Pembroke in South Wales and Rosslare. Prices start from £119, and you can book either single or return tickets at   IrishFerries.com

If you’re not arriving from the UK or travelling by ferry isn’t for you, Dublin has an international airport served by 44 airlines, and upon arrival in Dublin, the public transport links for onward travel are excellent, or you may want to hire a car. 

Hiring A Car In Ireland

Don’t leave car hire as an afterthought.

If you do, you’re likely to book in a panic without thinking about what you need and what represents a good deal.

Look Carefully At The Car Insurance

Car rental insurance feels deliberately confusing, so it is worth thinking carefully about what you do and don’t need and what might already be covered by your credit card.

Age Requirements

You need to be at least 25 to hire a car in Ireland and will need a valid driving licence and ID.

Is Public Transport An Option?

Renting a car can be expensive and Ireland has good transport links and plenty of fantastic tours that will take you off the beaten path.

Compare Prices And Choose A Reliable Company

Discover Cars   is an award-winning car rental company with great Trustpilot reviews. I have used them on some previous trips and would happily recommend them.

Methods Of Payment

Some car rental companies will only accept payment via credit card or allow you to u

Travel Insurance For Ireland

Even though you have taken out car insurance, you still need travel insurance to cover other eventualities. Here are some tried-and-tested travel insurance options to check out;

Get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo . Benefit from 24-hour medical assistance, 365 days a year with single, multi-trip, and long-stay insurance, cover for Covid-19 and non-refundable expenses. The handy app makes this a simple process! They give a little back too by contributing to ‘Doctors Without Borders’.

SafetyWing for Digital Nomads . Benefit from 24/7 assistance, comprehensive and medical cover including Covid-19. Buy insurance whilst you are travelling, with the option of global health insurance.

Prefer A Group Tour Of Ireland?

If a self-drive tour of Ireland is not your preferred way, there are plenty of incredible multi-day group tours with knowledgeable guides. So if you decide you’d like to skip the hassle of driving, check out these options;

• 4 Day Southern + Western Ireland Tour
• 6 Day Southern Ireland Tour from Dublin
• 9 Day National Geographic Iconic Ireland Tour 

14 Day Ireland Road Trip

Day 1-3 | dublin.

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and it’s a city where you will find delicious food, interesting museums, and the legendary Irish craic. Visit around St Patrick’s Day, and experience parades, street theatre, and a fabulous festival atmosphere. 

The best way to discover the rich history of Dublin is on a free walking tour with a knowledgeable and hilarious guide. The National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland are both feasts for the eyes, and a trip to Trinity College to see the Book of Kels is a must. 

After a few hours of learning about Ireland’s history, you’ll be hungry, so head to The Oval Bar and enjoy a bowl of their famous Irish stew. After lunch, take a walk along the river Liffey to see the iconic bridges of Dublin, the Famine Memorial, and the Custom House. 

Read my  Dublin itinerary  – a great way to start my Ireland road trip 

Day 4-5 | Dublin Bay – Dalkey & Howth

These beautiful towns are the two highlights of Dublin Bay and they are both within easy reach of Dublin City by car, train, or bus. You’ll need at least a day to appreciate the delights each. 

Day Trip To Dalkey 

The interactive tours of Dalkey Castle are fun and informative thanks to the guides who dress in full costume and become historical characters such as a cook and archer. Brilliant! 

A hike along the coast to see the stunning views is an excellent way to blow away the cobwebs before a well-earned lunch of Dublin Bay prawns at The Queen’s Bar. 

Taking the kayaks around the rugged coastline of Dalkey Island, learning the ancient history, and watching seals was a special moment.  My Dalkey experience  was a wonderful day trip from Dublin. 

Day Trip To Howth 

Howth is a lovely village where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The way-marked clifftop walks provide breathtaking views of  Ireland’s Eye , an island that is home to grey seals, rare birds, and ancient relics. It can be reached by boat from Howth harbour.

After locally caught fish and chips and ice cream on Howth Pier, head to the beautifully decorated local church and then go for a windswept stroll at Bailey’s Lighthouse.  Visiting Howth  is the perfect escape from Dublin’s busy streets. 

Day 6 | Enniscorthy

On a 14-day self-drive tour of Ireland, it’s essential to make a plan so you see all the amazing sights the country has to offer. So, on my way to Tramor, I stopped at Enniscorthy in County Wexford. 

Enniscorthy is a picturesque and friendly town with lots of history. It is the home of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, the Battle of Vinegar Hill, and a well-preserved 13th-century castle, and some beautiful beaches. 

Day 7 | Copper Coast + Mahon Falls

The Copper Coast route is named after the massive mines of the 19th century. The area is now a  UNESCO Geopark , a name given to places with international geological significance, and has some of the most spectacular scenery in Waterford County. 

This awesome route can be driven or cycled. It is 25 km long and runs between Tramore, with its fine beach, and the quaint waterfront town of Dungarvan. On your way back to Tramore, stop at the magnificent Mahon Falls. 

Highlights of the Copper Coast  include Newton Cove, where you can wild swim from the stony shore, and the Metalman statue of a sailor who warns seagoers of tricky waters. Kilfarrasay Strand is a lovely stretch of sand on which to stretch your legs before heading to the mining heritage site at Tankardstown. 

Day 8 | Waterford City

Waterford City is the home of the Waterford Viking Triangle, a hub of three museums that tell the story of the Vikings in Ireland and more recent history in compelling ways. New additions to this fascinating learning centre include the Museum of Time and the Museum of Silver. There’s a free walking tour taking them all in. 

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant murals added to the town walls during the annual Street Art Festival. If you have time, the Waterford Crystal Factory is a beautiful and interesting place to visit. The exquisite crystal art it produces will make great souvenirs for your two-week Ireland tour. 

Rain or shine, there is plenty of things to do for a fun-filled day  exploring Waterford City .

Day 9 | Drive To Killarney Via Blarney Castle

Before you leave Tramore, start the day with a little zen at the  Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens  which commemorates the Greek-Irish literary figure, Patrick Lafcadio Hearn. The garden displays represent his biographical journey through the different stages of his life from his Victorian childhood to living in the US, travelling extensively, and finally settling in Japan and marrying into a Samurai family. This is just one of the many  beautiful gardens of Ireland .

Blarney Castle  is a two-hour drive away from Tramore and a 90-minute drive from Killarney, my next overnight stop. The castle was built six hundred years ago by an Irish chieftain, Cormac MacCarthy, a charismatic man who managed to stop Queen Elizabeth I from taking his castle with his gift of the gab. The frustrated Queen called his stalling ‘blarney.’

The Blarney Stone, or The Stone of Eloquence, is the source of myth and legend. Was it a stone soaked in the blood of the ill-fated lover of the Queen of the Faeries? Or was it a thank-you gift from Robert Bruce for helping him defeat Edward II and is part of the legendary Stone of Scone on which the Scottish Kings were crowned?

Of course, I couldn’t come all this way without kissing the Blarney Stone. It’s not as easy as you may think as it is built into the castle wall. I had to need to lie down, hold onto metal bars, and tilt my head backward.

Did you know the Blarney Stone is 85 feet off the ground? Just one of the many  interesting facts about the Blarney Stone  you should know before you visit.

Day 10 | Ring Of Kerry Drive

The Ring of Kerry is a magical drive of 179 km. It’s a jaw-dropping route around the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula that reveals panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, pretty villages where you can have tea and cake, dramatic mountain scenes, and swooping seabirds. I drove round clockwise, the opposite way to tour groups, so I had some of these gorgeous places to myself. 

I loved the lake and rolling green hill vista at Ladies Views, the colourful houses at Port Magee, and eating a delicious lunch at the seafront village of Waterville and beautiful St Finian’s Bay. The Stague Stone Fort, an atmospheric 2,500-year-old ruin and the 19th-century Derryanne House that sits proudly in the heart of the National Park are both well worth a visit. 

Journeying through this incredible landscape was the first time I felt rushed on this trip as there was so much to see! If I’d had an extra day in my itinerary, I would have included the Dingle Peninsula too.

Day 10 | Limerick

Limerick, a Viking town founded in 922AD, is a 1-hour 40-minute drive from Killarney. This pretty place has been at the centre of bloody battles and political intrigue from its inception, and there are many historic places to visit on a day trip here. King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral are two highlights.

Limerick is on the River Shannon, and that waterside location has made it an important place for trade and commerce in Ireland for generations. It is famous for exquisite handmade lace. The story of Limerick’s more recent history is told in the People’s Museum. Art galleries, the Hunt Museum, and the Limerick Gallery are fantastic too. 

The town was named the Irish City of Culture in 2014 and received lots of investment; new shops, bars, and restaurants appeared, and it is now a great night out. 

Enjoy a friendly welcome from the locals as you discover the charms and  attractions of Limerick .

Day 12 | Cliffs Of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are awe-inspiring vertical edifices that tower over the swirling Atlantic Ocean below. They formed 320 million years ago and run eight miles along the coast of County Clare. The panoramic views from the cliffs toward the Isles of Arran will stay in your memory forever and it is especially beautiful at sunset. 

The paths around the cliffs are well-maintained and perfect for a walk, just stay away from the edge! You can wander south towards Hag’s Head, about 5.6km away. The path north to Doolin is currently closed. 

There’s a visitor’s centre with craft shops, an excellent café and lots of information about the seabirds who call the cliffs home. O’Brien’s Tower is a folly built by a local landlord and MP in 1835 to impress the women he was stepping out with. Climb it in good weather to see extended views of Connemara across Galway Bay. 

The Cliffs of Moher are part of a unique landscape called the Burren and both have UNESCO Geopark status. The archaeological, geological, and botanical significance of this karst limestone-rich area and the seven dedicated geo sites make it an enthralling and eerily beautiful place to visit.

The Burren scenic drive is 41 miles long and starts at Kilfenora, a historic cathedral town. Before you set off, take the time to visit the Burren Visitor Centre to understand the weird terrain you’re about to drive through.

Day 13 | Ferry To Inishmore From Galway

Inishmore is the largest of the Isles of Aran, and you can reach it by ferry from Galway Bay or Doolin. On the island, you’ll find Ireland at its most authentic. It is the home of traditional music and one of the few places left where Irish is the dominant language. 

I left the car in Galway Bay as only local cars are permitted on Inishmore. Hiring a bike was the best option for me as I wanted the freedom to explore at my leisure. The seal colony was disappointing as I didn’t see any. The huge views were worth the stop, however. 

The Worm Hole cave was a natural marvel, and I loved Dun Aengus Fort, an imposing ancient stone fort with massive walls and a defensive pattern of spikes. My favourite part of my visit to Inishmore was cycling gleefully along the quiet lanes of the old cottage road with the wind in my hair. It felt remote, rugged, and like I was seeing the real Ireland. 

The Aran Islands are a treasure worth experiencing, any traveller will be transfixed with the bucolic  magic of Inishmore .

Day 14 | Drive To Dublin Via Kilkenny

I didn’t want to waste the last day of my Ireland road trip. So, instead of driving straight back to Dublin for the late-night ferry to Holyhead, I stopped in Kilkenny. The main attraction is  Kilkenny Castle  and Parkland, a Victorian remodelling of a 13th-century castle. It has an absorbing history, informative tour guides, and outstanding homemade cakes in the café. 

Kilkenny  is a medieval town, and it was a joy to wander down the cobbled streets and feel the history underneath my feet. The ancient architecture is remarkably well-preserved, and the Medieval Mile Trail brings old stories to life. 

The Smithwick’s Experience is one of Kilkenny’s newest tourist attractions and is the story of the town’s love affair with their 300-year-old beer. The tour is very hands-on, you’ll be milling the malt and stirring the mash, so it’s good fun.

Dublin is 90 minutes away from Kilkenny, so before I left, I had a bite at Kyteler’s Inn, a pub built in 1324. The food was tasty, and the old building had lots of gorgeous little nooks and crannies to explore. The stained-glass windows are works of art in themselves. 

More Ireland Road Trip Itineraries

Ireland road trip 10 days.

• Howth + Ireland’s Eye
• Copper Coast
• Blarney Castle + Killarney
• Ring of Kerry
• Cliffs of Moher

Ireland Road Trip 7 Days

Handy links for your ireland road trip.

Here are some useful links for your Ireland road trip, find tours, and where to stay. These are companies I have used and can recommend with confidence.

Accommodation In Ireland

• Best accommodation deals with  Booking.com
• Top hostel deals with  Hostelworld
• Experience Irish hospitality, stay with locals via  Homestay

Tours In Ireland

• Multi-day tours in Ireland with  G Adventures
• Book attractions and multi-day tours with  Viator
• Discover tours and things to do in Ireland on  Tripadvisor

Transport For Ireland

• Hire your  own wheels with Discover Cars
• Check train times with  Irish Rail
• Travel from the UK to Dublin or Rosslare with  Irish Ferries .

PIN FOR YOUR 2 WEEK IRELAND ROAD TRIP

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I'm a content creator for She Wanders Miles ♡ Digital marketer, photographer, hiker, and nature lover ♡ Passion for slow, sustainable and responsible travel ♡ Join me in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.

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Where the Love for Ireland Begins

Self drive 14 day ireland’s full loop, day 1: dublin, highlights:.

Trinity College Dublin The Book of Kells Temple Bar Guinness Storehouse Old Jameson Distillery National Museum Christchurch Cathedral Kilmainham Jail

Dublin, City, Ireland

You will travel through Dublin city to see historic buildings such as Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed; rows of Georgian houses and the new buildings around the Financial Centre beside the River Liffey. Hit the Guinness Storehouse for a pint of the black stuff and pull your own pint! Why not take a tour of Dublin Castle, which was the seat of power and government for many centuries and today plays a leading role in European Union activities.

Day 2: Cork

Blarney Woolen Mills Cobh Heritage Centre Cork City Kinsale fishing town Old Midleton Whiskey Distillery

Cork City, Ireland

Depart Dublin and travel through the midlands of Ireland, which has some of the best farmland in Ireland. You will be itching to stop for photos at the majestic ruins on the Rock of Cashel, rising high above the surrounding countryside where you will fall in love. You will continue your drive south and, just a few miles outside Cork city, you will want to visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” We recommend you stop at the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find quality Irish made goods of all types to take back home with you.

Day 3 & 4: Kerry

The Ring of Kerry Staigue Fort Killarney National Park Muckross House & Gardens Killarney’s Traditional Music Pubs Dingle Tom Crean’s Pub

The Ring of Kerry, Kerry, Ireland

Today you will experience one of Ireland’s most stunning scenic drives  –  the 100 miles long Ring of Kerry. You will inhale the breathtaking sights of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks as well as coastal views of beaches and cliffs. Learn about the off-shore islands where early Christian monks lived in austere conditions and how they were used as one of the locations for “Star Wars VII” movie. Stop for a stroll around Sneem, with its brightly-painted houses and again at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views of Ireland’s highest mountains and deepest valleys. You will stop and get a flavour of farm life with a sheepdog demonstration of herding flocks, a shearing demonstration and see different breeds of Irish sheep with the Irish farmers at their farm house.

Day 5: Clare

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Cliffs of Moher The Poulnabrone Dolmen The Burren Doolin Village The Burren Smokehouse

Cliffs of Moher, Clare, Ireland

You will continue your journey to Clare, and drive north to Tarbert for a 20-minute ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary, the longest river in Ireland or the UK. You will want to continue along the Clare coast to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone that reaches to almost 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Head onto the marketing town of Ennis and then hit Bunratty, visit the Bunratty castle and folk park and maybe stop at Durty Nelly’s to grab some great traditional Irish food.

Day 6: Galway

Galway City Galway Crystal Kylemore Abbey Athenry Castle

Galway City Port, Ireland

Travel northwards to Galway City for a real treat and take in the unforgettable views. Take some time to look around the city before travelling out along the famous Galway Bay to Spiddal where the locals still speak the Irish language. You will head across the rugged boglands of Connemara to Moycullen to visit the Connemara Marble Factory. You will see how locally-quarried marble is made into attractive products and enjoy the good auld tea and scones.

Day 7 & 8: Donegal

Slieve League Belleek Pottery Factory Glenveagh National park Killybegs fishing port Mount Errigal Donegal Castle Fanad Lighthouse Leo’s Tavern (Home of Clannad and Enya) Daniel O’Donnell visitor centre Glengesh pass

Donegal Castle, Ireland

County Donegal is a largely Irish-speaking region bordering the Atlantic Ocean in northwestern Ireland. Donegal is known for its castles, rugged coastline and mountains such as the iconic, quartzite Mount Errigal. Glenveagh National Park encompasses forests, lakes and bogland in the central Derryveagh Mountains. Its 1870s manor house, the Scottish Baronial-style Glenveagh Castle, is renowned for its Victorian-era gardens, Donegal is one of Ireland’s untouched and unspoilt, romantic and authentic counties and one you will remember forever with the friendly, warm locals.

Day 9: Derry

Ulster Folk Museum Derry City Walls Inishowen Grianan of Aileach – 6th Century Ringfort St.Columba’s Church

Derry’s Walls, Ireland

Derry is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry comes from the Irish name Daire or Doire meaning “oak forest”. The old walled city lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, which runs through the city to the sea. The city extends along both banks of the river and also extends to rural areas to the southeast. Derry is an historic city and there’s plenty to see and do. Derry’s 17th Century City Walls and the Guildhall are a must see. The historical murals of the Bogside depict the history of ‘The Troubles’ and are another great attraction. The late great poet Seamus Heaney was a native of Derry. Derry City will be a memorable visit and it is great to get some last minute gifts (remember you will need sterling for Derry and Northern Ireland).

Day 10 & 11: Belfast

Giant’s Causeway Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge North Antrim Coast Titanic Experience Bushmills Distillery

Giant’s Causeway, Ireland

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and is the second largest city on the island of Ireland. Belfast is famous for many reasons and is probably best known as the birthplace of the Titanic. The Titanic Quarter is a must see and is situated in the recently renovated dockyards. This fantastic area includes the Titanic Belfast museum, built in the shape of the hull of a ship; shipbuilder Harland and Wolff’s drawing offices and the Titanic slipways. The history of the recent period known as ‘The Troubles’ is depicted on the many famous wall murals throughout the city and are a great photo opportunity. Belfast is nowadays seen as a lively and hip city with a great nightlife. The nearby Giant’s Causeway is one of Ireland’s top attractions and when you visit it you will see why. The story goes that it was built by a local giant who wanted to build a path to Scotland to track down his nemesis. You can make up your own mind!

Day 12: Meath

Newgrange Boyne Valley Hill of Tara Trim Castle

Trim Castle, Co. Meath, Ireland

Travel to the mysterious County of Meath known as the Royal County which derives its name from the Second Century AD as a territory for the High Kings of Ireland. The abundance of historic monuments within this area testifies to the ancient importance of this region and some of the most important historic sites and monuments in Ireland dot the landscape here, for example the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Brú na Bóinne. (Newgrange) The famous River Boyne flows gently through County Meath and along Co. Louth before flowing into the Irish Sea at Drogheda. You will be able to get picture perfect images of the Boyne in Navan. The Valleys of Meath’s fertile soil has ensured that it has been inhabited continuously from the end of the Ice Age.

Day 13: Dublin

Trinity College Dublin, The Book of Kells

You will travel back to Dublin city to enjoy your final night.Enjoy the attractions you didn’t get to fit into your first day. Maybe take a trip to the Irish house party to end your trip to Ireland on a high with some great Irish traditional music and dance with some lovely Irish food to compliment the night.

Day 14: Tour Ends

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14 Day – Ireland’s Full loop Tour map

Contact Info

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• Unit 8 Scurlockstown Business Park Trim Co Meath
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• edel@loveirishtours.com
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The Best 2-Week (14-Day) Tours in Ireland

Are you craving an unforgettable 2-week trip to Ireland that strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure? Look no further than our carefully curated selection of 14-day guided tours that are perfect for a two week getaway. We've analyzed these tours based on key criteria such as price, comfort, service, guest ratings, and activities in order to find the top 14-day tours in Ireland for your next trip. Whether you're yearning for thrilling excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, or simply a chance to unwind, these tours offer the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself into the local culture and activites. Great for museums & attractions, family-friendly activities, and budget-friendly accommodations, it's easy to see why Ireland is such a fun destination. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey that will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

• Jewels of Ireland - 14 Days/13 Nights 14 Days, $4645.00
• Scottish & Irish Dream - 13 Days/12 Nights 13 Days, $4195.00
• From the Shannon to the Thames 13 Days, $4099.00

Which 14-day tour options are available in Ireland?

Here are the important factors:

• 12 trip options analyzed
• $316 average price per day (USD)
• 13 to 14 days in length
• 4.64 of 5 average rating
• 30 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of tours lasting 2 weeks? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.64 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 30 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 13 days, while the longest is 14 days. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 12 tours lasting 2 weeks, you can rest assured that Ireland has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland

Jewels of ireland - 14 days/13 nights.

• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours lasting 2 weeks.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Check out this incredible voyage that has received a 4.7 out of 5 rating from previous guests, visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. With a duration of 14 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 26 people, and is good for travelers aged 9 or older. This itinerary covers 17 captivating destinations, with stops in Kinsale, Blarney, Killarney, and Dingle, among others. Dublin will be the beginning and end of your trip. This fantastic option, organized by CIE Tours , presents an unbeatable value at just $296 per day.

• Coach / Bus
• In-depth Cultural

Scottish & Irish Dream - 13 Days/12 Nights

Spanning over 13 days, this voyage, visiting Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland, has a maximum size of 26 individuals. Welcoming travelers aged 9 or older, it is organized by CIE Tours , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 15 destinations, featuring Loch Ness, Culloden, Pitlochry, and St Andrews. Beginning in beautiful Glasgow, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Limerick. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture and family-friendly activities. Available at an unbeatable price of only $292 per day, this option also has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

From the Shannon to the Thames

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey, visiting Ireland, Scotland, and England, that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 13 days, this jouney will have 30 participants, and it warmly welcomes travelers aged 5 to 80 years old. This terrific trip also highights local culture and family-friendly activities. Expertly organized by Globus , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $296 per day.

Irish Classic - 13 Days/12 Nights

This memorable trip, visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland, is offered by CIE Tours which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $273 per day. Traverse through 13 enchanting destinations, with Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, Killarney, and Blarney among the must-see stops along the route. Dublin kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities. The maximum group size is 44 people, welcoming travelers aged 8 or older.

Jewels of Ireland - 13 Days/12 Nights

Set off on an extraordinary journey, visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland, that has been awarded a 4.7 out of 5 stars by previous guests. With a duration of 13 days, this journey offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 44 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to travelers aged 8 or older. This trip visits 18 destinations, including Dingle, Slea Head, Dunquin, and Cliffs of Moher along the way. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Dublin. Brought to you by CIE Tours , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $300 per day.

Wild Grande - Multi Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

With this option you can experience an unparalleled trip for 13 unforgettable days, visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland. It ensures an intimate group setting with 16 participants at most. Experience a trip that takes you to 21 remarkable destinations, including Skibbereen, Kenmare, Killarney, and Ring of Kerry. Dublin will be both the start and end of your journey. Wild N' Happy , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests travelers aged 5 or older. With an emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $298 per day.

Amazing Ireland (14 Days)

• On Sale: 10% Off See Prices

This fantastic trip has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland. Explore 17 incredible locations on this trip, including Galway, Connemara National Park, Cliffs of Moher, and Killarney. Your adventure starts and ends in Dublin. And since the priority is on local culture and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. Lasting 14 days, the maximum group size is 45 people, and it's good for travelers aged 5 or older. Organized by Trafalgar , this is a great deal because it's only $286 per day. Hurry and secure your spot while this incredible sale lasts!

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days)

With a stellar 4.7 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary voyage, visiting Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, is the perfect choice. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Discover a journey that spans 24 destinations, with notable stops in Kildare, Waterford, Cork, and Blarney. Beginning in beautiful Dublin, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Edinburgh. Spanning across 14 days, the voyage accommodates 40 individuals, and is suitable for travelers aged 5 or older. Offered by Insight Vacations , this remarkable voyage is priced at just $370 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Small Groups, 14 Days)

• On Sale: 20% Off See Prices

This exceptional trip offering by Insight Vacations has received a 4.7 out of 5 rating. On this 14-day voyage, visiting Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, you can unwind while also making new memories. This trip takes you on an adventure to 17 destinations, including Londonderry, Giants Causeway, Ardgowan, and Glencoe. Dublin will mark the start of your journey, while Edinburgh will serve as its final destination. With a group size of 24 people, it's suitable for travelers aged 5 or older. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture and family-friendly activities. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $447 per day. It's currently on a special discounted offer.

Scenic Ireland

Check out this voyage that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland. With 20 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Londonderry, Giants Causeway, Belfast, and Carlingford, and more. Shannon marks the starting point, while Limerick stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. This terrific trip also highights local culture and family-friendly activities. Spanning across 13 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 46 participants, and it's great for travelers aged 5 to 80 years old. Brought to you by the renowned Globus , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $241 per day - an unbeatable value.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland , The Best Historical Tours in Ireland , The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland , The Best 3-Day Tours in Ireland , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Ireland , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Ireland , The Best Adventure Tours to Ireland , The Best Eco Tours in Ireland , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Ireland , The Best Cultural Tours in Ireland , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Ireland , The Best Self Drive Tours in Ireland , The Best Walking Tours in Ireland , The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland , The Best Budget Tours to Ireland , or The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dublin , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Killarney , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Galway , The Best 10-Day Tours from Dublin , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin for more package tour options.

How much do 14-day tours to Ireland cost?

Visitors will find a large range of terrific options for tours lasting 2 weeks when planning a visit to Ireland. The price of these specific trips can vary according to length, destinations, and travel style. The average price of tours lasting 2 weeks in Ireland based on data from 12 options is an affordable $316 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Ireland .

And for more information on Ireland, see Ireland Travel Costs and Ireland Hotel Costs .

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• Ireland and Scotland – 14 Days

Introduction

This tour begins in Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, known for its bustling streets, welcoming atmosphere and rich history.

Visit Ireland’s world famous Irish National Stud Farm in County Kildare, breeding thoroughbred horses for well over 100 years.

Discover the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary once the seat of the ancient Kings of Munster.

Ramble through the historic town of Kinsale with its narrow winding streets and beautiful setting overlooking Kinsale harbour.

Venture along Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way to Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southerly point.

Tour the magical Dingle Peninsula once cited as ‘the most beautiful place on earth’ by the National Geographic.

Visit the world renowned Cliffs of Moher rising to a height of 702 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and stretching along 8 kilometres of coastline.

Experience island life on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands.

Travel through the wild and rugged landscape of Connemara.

Continue north to Donegal Ireland’s most north westerly county.

Visit the historic city of Derry.

Experience the stunning views of the Antrim coast and visit the amazing Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tour Belfast City and visit Titanic Belfast the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience.

Take the ferry to Scotland, tour Glasgow City, often described as Britain’s finest Victorian City.

Venture north through the historic and picturesque Glen Coe to Fort William and enjoy a wee dram at the Ben Nevis distillery.

Take a ferry to the Isle of Skye and continue into the Scottish Highlands to Inverness.

Stop in historic St. Andrews, famed as the home of golf.

Visit the bustling city of Edinburgh, steeped in history, with a rich cultural heritage and elegant Georgian streets set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and the medieval turrets and spires of the Old Town.

This itinerary can be customized and tailored to your group’s requirements. 

Day 1. Arrive Dublin – City Tour

No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Brewery founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness. Here we will enjoy a tour which concludes with a mouth watering pint of Guinness in the 360 degree roof top bar while enjoying some spectacular views of Dublin City.

Overnight: Dublin.

Day 2. National Stud Farm – Rock of Cashel – Kinsale

Since it bred its first winner MINORU in 1909, the stud farm at Tully has continued to produce many famous race horses.

Also on the grounds of the Stud Farm are The Japanese Gardens renowned for their symbolism of “The Life of Man” and St. Fiacre commemorative garden.

From here we continue to Cashel where we will take a guided tour of the amazing Rock of Cashel. This was the seat of the Kings of Munster from 370 – 1101 and has early associations with St. Patrick. The group of medieval buildings includes a 12th century Round Tower, a 13th century Gothic Cathedral, a 15th century High Cross and Romanesque Chapel.

From here we travel to Kinsale, a historic fishing town on the southern coastline of County Cork with old cobble stone streets and many interesting shops and pubs. It is also renowned for its restaurants and is known as the gourmet capital of Ireland.

Day 3. West Cork – Mizen Head – Kenmare – Killarney

We continue to Ballydehob and from here to Mizen Head, the most southerly point of Ireland, where we will visit the award winning Maritime Museum and Heritage Attraction. We can take a short walk to the 99 steps that lead to the Arched Bridge crossing the crashing waves to the Mizen Head Lighthouse for a wonderful view of the swirling Atlantic Ocean.

Following this adventure, we travel up the coast through some picturesque lazy towns & villages to Kenmare, an example of one of Ireland’s few planned towns. Kenmare derived from its Gaelic name Neidín meaning ‘little nest,’ aptly named because of its fine setting nestling as it does among the mountains of Cork and Kerry.

We continue our journey to Killarney taking in a 20 mile stretch of the famous Ring of Kerry.

Overnight: Killarney.

Day 4. The Dingle Peninsula

We will visit Brian de Staic studio in Dingle which specializes in Celtic jewelry. This unique jewelry is handcrafted and engraved with ancient Celtic symbols and the letters of the ogham alphabet, an ancient Irish form of writing.

As we continue around Slea Head, we will have some breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline and see some beehive huts (early monastic settlements) dating back over a thousand years. Our tour will take us to the most westerly point of Ireland where we can view the Blasket Islands.

We will also see some of the locations for such films as Ryan’s Daughter, Far and Away starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman and the more recently filmed Star Wars The Last Jedi.

After some free time in Dingle for lunch, we return to Killarney.

Day 5. Tralee – Shannon Ferry – Cliffs of Moher – Galway

We continue to Tarbert where we board the Shannon Ferry which crosses the Shannon Estuary to Killimer. From here we take the coast road to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, standing 214m (702 feet) at their highest point; they stretch for 8 kilometres (5 miles) along the Atlantic coastline. O’Brien’s Tower  stands near the highest point and has served as a viewing point for hundreds of years.

Following some free time to view the cliffs, our tour continues through the lunar type landscape of the Burren, from the Irish word ‘bhoireann’ meaning’ a stony place’ or ‘a rocky place’ which is a very accurate description for this 350 sq. kilometres limestone plateau.

Our tour continues along the shores of Galway Bay to Galway City.

Overnight: Galway City.

Day 6. Connemara.

Our tour will include a visit to Kylemore Abbey, built 1866 and from 1920 to 2008 was home to the Benedictine Nuns. We will visit the Abbey’s Victorian Walled Garden, which is completely enclosed by a brick and limestone wall and the beautiful Gothic Church built by Mitchell Henry in memory of his wife who died four years after the castle was constructed.

On returning to Galway, the remainder of the evening is free to wander through the charming old cobbled stone streets, experience the history and appreciate the blend of past and present with modern day shops housed in century old buildings.

Overnight: Galway.

Day 7. Galway – Sligo – Donegal

We continue northwards passing by the Knock Shrine, now an internationally recognized Marian Shrine with one and a half million pilgrims visiting annually.

We travel to Drumcliffe in County Sligo set against the striking backdrop of the Benbulben Mountain. It is best known as the final resting place of one of Ireland’s great poets W.B. Yeats.  Found in the churchyard, his grave is marked with a simple headstone with the inscription, “cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman, pass by.”

Afterwards, we continue to Belleek on the banks of the River Erne, made famous for its fine Parian china produced in Belleek Pottery, the oldest pottery in Ireland. The china is valued by collectors from all over the world. Following a guided tour, we continue to Donegal town for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Donegal.

Day 8. Derry – Giant’s Causeway – Belfast

We continue to Limavady where we begin our journey along the Antrim Coast Road Drive. Sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery of crashing waves, sandy beaches and busy seaside villages.

Of course, no visit to Northern Ireland would be complete without a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, a remarkable basaltic formation made of over 40,000 hexagonal shaped pillars and ranked as one of the natural wonders of the world. We continue the coast road to Belfast.

Overnight: Belfast.

Day 9. Belfast City – Scotland

We drive by many of Belfast’s colorful murals that depict the history and political views of the people.

We also visit Titanic Belfast, a new state of the art visitor center which tell the stories of the ill-fated RMS Titanic and her sister ships RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic.

This afternoon, we board the ferry to cross the North Atlantic to Cairnryan in Scotland. On arriving in Scotland, we travel to Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, one of Scotland’s greatest poets.

Overnight: Glasgow.

Day 10. Glasgow City – Ben Nevis Distillery – Fort William

On departing Glasgow, we travel north along the bank of Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most beautiful lakes, into the Scottish Highlands. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, our tour continues through the historic glen of Glen Coe to Fort William and to the Ben Nevis Distillery. Nestled at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain the distillery, established in 1825, is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. Following a guided tour, we will enjoy a wee dram before departing.

Overnight: Fort William.

Day 11. Isle of Skye – Inverness

We visit the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle. An award-winning Museum of the Isles. Here we discover the history of the Scottish Highlands and Islands through the story of Clan Donald, one of the most powerful Scottish clans. Enjoy some breathtaking scenery as our tour winds its way through the island before returning to the mainland via the Skye Bridge which opened in 1995.

Afterwards, we will see the Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic sights. We continue along the banks of Loch Ness, keeping our cameras ready for a view of the monster, to Inverness the capital of the highlands.

Overnight: Inverness.

Day 12. Culloden – St Andrews – Edinburgh

We continue south through the scenic Grampian Mountains passing by Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl and the only person in Britain allowed to keep a private army.

We travel to Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews. Not only is St. Andrews famed as the home of golf, it is also an ancient ecclesiastical capital and Scotland’s oldest university.

We continue south travelling over the Forth Road Bridge to the stunning city of Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh.

Day 13. Edinburgh City Tour

This evening we will enjoy a traditional Scottish evening of song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Scottish food.

Day 14. Depart Scotland

This morning sadly, we will travel to Edinburgh Airport for our flight home.

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• Ireland Explorer – 9 Days
• Best of the West – 6 Days
• Mystical Ireland – 12 Days
• Hub & Spoke – 8 Days
• Ireland by Coach and Rail – 9 Days
• Faith Based Ireland Tour – 10 Days

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14 Night Best of Ireland by Rail

If you are looking for an Ireland itinerary for 14 days, discover Cork, Kerry, Galway, Dublin and Belfast on this 14 night Irish Rail Tour. Get familiar with Cork City with its remarkably preserved Georgian Buildings, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula and Galway city before travelling by rail to Belfast city in Northern Ireland. Here in Belfast, experience the Titanic Belfast and take a wonderful day trip to the Giant’s Causeway and the famous Carrick-a-Rede footbridge.

The best of Ireland by Rail 14 night tour is best accessed by Dublin airport.  On arrival in Dublin Airport, travel into the city and take a train from Dublin to Cork City. Cork City’s narrowed tapered streets and Georgian architecture give the city a continental feel. The city has fantastic shopping, sightseeing and entertainment opportunities and on this tour we will use it as a base to discover the seaside town of Cobh, the last port of call for millions of Irish emigrants and Blarney where the world famous Blarney Castle is located. From Cork travel west to the Kingdom County of Kerry! Here discover the amazing Ring of Kerry as well as the unspoiled Dingle Peninsula. After Killarney travel Galway where you will have ample time to explore this festival capital and see the city’s sites. A day trip to Inis Mór in the Aran Islands has been included for you, and you will have plenty of time to explore the festival city of Galway.

After a one night stopover in Dublin, travel directly to Belfast by rail. In Belfast we recommend a visit to Titanic Belfast, the city’s newest and most popular museum and the Belfast murals which have become world recognised symbols of religious and political divisions. On your second day in Belfast take a tour of the Causeway Coast visiting the world famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge, Bushmills Distillery and the highlight of the tour, Giant’s Causeway. After your time in Belfast travel back to Dublin by rail, for a 2 night. Here with your city sightseeing ticket you can see such places as Trinity College and the Book of Kells, The Guinness Storehouse and Christchurch Cathedral but to name a few places. 

Included in this tour: 

• Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transfer to Heuston Railway Station 
• Train ticket from Dublin to Cork
• Train ticket from Cork to Killarney
• Train ticket from Killarney to Galway
• Train ticket from Galway to Dublin Heuston
• Train ticket from Dublin to Belfast and return
• 14 nights’ accommodation
• Guinness Storehouse Tickets
• Cork Cobh & Blarney Tour
• Dublin Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tour Tickets
• Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets
• Dingle Peninsula Coach Tour Tickets
• Return Shuttle bus from Galway to the port of Rossaveal for Aran Islands Ferry
• Return Ferry Ticket from Rossaveal to Inis Mór
• Belfast City Hop on Hop off Tour Tickets
• Causeway Coast Tour Tickets
• Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Tour Tickets 

Overnights for this tour

• Cork for 2 Nights
• Killarney for 3 Nights
• Galway for 3 Nights
• Dublin for 1 Night
• Belfast for 3 Nights
• Dublin for 2 Nights 

Day 1: Cork City

After arriving at Dublin Airport, travel by train to the City of Cork. Cork City’s narrow streets and Georgian architecture give the city a continental feel. The city has a great number of great places to visit including the well renowned Cork City Gaol, The Church of Saint Anne Shandon and St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. First stop on your list of places to visit may be the English Market, a covered fruit and vegetable market established in the 1600s and a famous Cork meeting point. From here you can easily explore the city centre on foot perhaps making your way to Paul Street noted for its ethnic restaurants, chic bars, trendy bookshops and boutiques.

Day 2: Cobh & Blarney Castle Day Tour

Travel to Blarney where you will have plenty of time to explore the Castle grounds at your leisure. A must see is the Rock Close area and Poison Garden where the world’s most poisonous  plants are kept behind large cage like structures. After, climb the ramparts of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone where legend says you will be awarded with the ‘gift of the gab’ which is the skill of great eloquence! After Blarney hop on the coach again and travel onward to Cobh. Cobh is famous for having been the last port of call for millions of Irish emigrants escaping their harsh lives here in Ireland and also for being the last port of call for the Titanic. Two excellent museums explore these events in greater detail; the Cobh Heritage Centre & the Titanic Experience. Saint Coleman’s Cathedral in the town is also well worth a visit. After free time in Cobh, your coach returns you back to Cork city where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 3: Cork to Killarney by Rail

Begin the next stage on your Irish rail tour with a scenic train journey from Cork to Killarney in county Kerry. For your first day in Kerry we recommend that you take in Killarney and the surrounding attractions. You may decide to visit Muckross House and Gardens on the outskirts of the town or take a tour around Killarney national park by horse and carriage. One of the main attractions in Killarney is the town itself with its colourful shops, cute cafes and ample fine restaurants. There is always plenty of traditional Irish music on offer in Killarney in its many old style pubs!

Day 4: The Ring of Kerry

Today we have pre-booked a Ring of Kerry bus tour for you. On your tour discover landscapes of magnificent beauty alongside the backdrop of the grand MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, rivers and rolling countryside. Along the way, you will encounter larger bustling towns to the more traditional quaint Irish villages. Visit such places as Glenbeigh which holds the famous Kerry Bog Village, a cluster of reconstructed cottages dating back to the 1800’s, Cahersiveen,  the principal town of the peninsula and Sneem with its brightly painted buildings and quaint village green. Return to Killarney via Ladies View, a famous stopping point to view the three Lakes of Killarney in all of their splendour.

Day 5: The Dingle Peninsula

This morning hop on the coach to do a comprehensive day tour of the Dingle Peninsula which offers some of Ireland’s best scenery and spectacular views. The Dingle Peninsula or the Corca Dhuibhne as it is named in our native tongue is believed to have more than 2000 ancient monuments, the locals here speak fluent Irish and the town is well known for its fantastic traditional music and dance culture. On your travels you will discover Dingle Town with its brightly coloured shops and Slea head which is known to be the most westerly point in Europe and has astonishingly beautiful view especially of the nearby Blasket Islands. Your tour also takes in the countryside where David Lean filmed ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ and the landscape backdrops for the Irish scenes of film ‘Far and Away’.

Day 6: Killarney to Galway by Rail

Set off early this morning and take a scenic train journey from Killarney to Galway. Galway is the principle city of the West of Ireland and a lively University City. In fact, Galway is often referred to as Ireland’s Festival capital due to the frequent festivals that the city holds. Due to its compact size, the city can be explored easily on foot and you will find many bars to quench your thirst as well as many great restaurants with an excellent food offering. We recommend that you take a stroll down Shop Street where on any given day you are sure to find a variety of buskers and other street performers. Shop Street contains Galway's best preserved ancient building, Lynch's Castle and numerous old brick buildings, bright storefronts and a great selection of excellent shops.

Day 7: Inis Mór, Aran Islands Day Tour

Depart early morning for your journey to Inis Mór, the largest of the three the Aran Islands. Protected from outside influence due to their remote location, the Aran Islands display the traditional Ireland that the rest of the country has largely left behind. Learn about the Aran Jumper and traditional crafts such Basket Weaving. On Inis Mór, you will still find the traditional horse and trap and hear the Gaelic language spoken as the first language.  There are more than 50 different monuments of pre-Christian importance on the islands, the most popular being the fort of Dun Aonghasa which stands dramatically against the cliff edge over the western part of the Island.  After a long day to explore the island at your leisure take the return ferry back to Rossaveal and the return shuttle back to Galway City.

Day 8: Cliffs of Moher & Burren Day Tour

It is few people that visit Ireland and not take in a trip to Ireland’s most famous attraction, the Cliffs of Moher! Travel by Galway Bay and stop first at the village of Kinvara, where Dunguaire Castle can be found. Dunguaire Castle was built in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan; its name derives from the Dun of King Guaire, the legendary king of Connacht. Continue through the Burren where you will witness a lunar landscape like you have never seen before, the Burren is home to numerous ancient monuments including the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen Tomb. Settle at the coastal village of Doolin in County Clare for a lunch stop before visiting the 200-metre high Cliffs of Moher. Revel in astonishing views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands and take some time to appreciate the natural beauty of the cliffs before returning to Galway.  

Day 9: Return to Dublin by Rail

This morning check out of your hotel and travel by rail back to Dublin City, arriving in time to take in some of its most famous visitor attractions. If the weather is nice you might decide to talk a walk in Dublin’s famous ‘Stephen’s Green’ or check out the shops and cafes on Grafton Street, stopping like many people do to take a picture with Molly Malone, one of Dublin’s most famous statues. You may feel like learning more about Ireland’s political history by taking a trip to Leinster House where the current parliament sits or Dublin Castle which was the seat of English rule from the 13 th Century. Dublin Castle also houses the Chester Beatty Library which displays manuscripts, prints, miniature paintings and early printed books from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. The Chapel Royal with its fine plaster decoration and carved oaks and galleries can also be visited at Dublin Castle. This evening, take another opportunity to check out Dublin’s traditional music and pub scene. The Cobblestone and the Auld Dubliner are famous venues and many of our past customers have enjoyed a drink or two in Kehoe’s Bar, one of last great heritage pubs of Dublin, this pub retains much of its Victorian trappings leaving the visitor feeling like they have stepped back in time!

Day 10 & 11: Travel to Belfast by Rail & Belfast Sightseeing

Travel from Dublin’s Connolly Station to Belfast by train & on arrival begin your Belfast City sightseeing. Today, the remnants of Belfast’s troubled past make it an interesting destination for tourists from all over the world. First stop on your tour of Belfast might be Titanic Belfast, built on the site where the Titanic was originally constructed; galleries reconstruct scenes from Belfast at the time of its construction, the launch, the maiden voyage, the sinking and the aftermath. The Belfast Murals are another must see in Belfast, these have become famous symbols of Northern Ireland, depicting the religious and political divisions. The Crumlin Road Gaol is also well worth a visit, this dates back to 1845 and closed in 1996. Tours of the prison tell the fascinating history of the site and the underground tunnel that connect the Gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse is an interesting feature. Tonight get out and about and discover Belfast’s stylish pub scene, of great interest to many is the Crown Liquor Saloon, one of the most famous Victorian gin palaces which once flourished in industrial cities,  the saloon dates back to 1826, and its furnishings and fittings are authentic and fascinating.

Day 12: Causeway Coast Guided Tour

Enjoy the first stop of the day at Carrickfergus Castle, before travelling onward to the world famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge where the brave members of the group make the journey across the 30m chasm! The not so brave can enjoy the stunning views or enjoy an exhilarating cliff walk. Travel onward to Bushmills distillery and enjoy a swift taste or two of their famous tipple before journeying to the highlight of the tour – The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site. Spend some time climbing over the ancient stones, taking photographs, and appreciating the folklore and legend that surrounds this famous attraction. Re-board the coach again and make the return journey to Belfast stopping at the ancient ruins of Dunluce Castle on the way.

Day 13& 14: Return to Dublin by Rail, Dublin City Sightseeing

After travelling by train from Belfast to Dublin, use your Dublin sightseeing tickets to bus your way around Dublin city. The Dublin sightseeing ticket lasts for two days and includes stops close to all of Dublin’s main attractions including The National Museums, Trinity College and The Book of Kells, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral to name just a few places. On one night of your time in Dublin, we would certainly recommend that you visit Dublin’s busy Temple Bar to check out its famous traditional Irish music and vibrant nightlife!

Day 15: End of Tour

This morning, check out of your hotel for the journey home. 

• Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
• Rail tickets included from Dublin Heuston to Cork, Cork to Killarney, Killarney to Galway, Galway to Dublin and Dublin to Belfast Return. 
• Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transfer to Heuston Railway Station  included
• Prices include Dublin Sightseeing Tour Tickets, Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets, Aran Islands Shuttle Bus and Ferry Tickets, Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Day Tour Tickets, Belfast City Sightseeing Tour Tickets, Causeway Coast Day Tour Tickets
• The Combination package includes 5 Nights in 3 Star Hotels, 4 nights in 4 Star Hotels, & 5 Nights in our hand-picked B&B's.
• Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) pay 40% of the Adult option.
• Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults.

Start planning your vacation... Enquire Now

"Just wanted to send you a big Thank You. We returned from our Ireland vacation yesterday afternoon and we had a wonderful time!"

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"Thank you so much for planning such a wonderful trip! We enjoyed every aspect of it."

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"I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for arranging such a wonderful trip. You are just the best. When I show my pictures "everyone" wants to visit Ireland."

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"Just wanted to let you know we had the best time on our vacation to Ireland. Everything went smoothly. Does you company handle other destinations besides Ireland by chance?"

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"Our trip that you arranged was fabulous! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay."

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"Rest assured, when I visit Ireland again (and I will) you will be the first people I call."

Mak from California

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• Tour for max. 8 guests
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Arrange a Tour:

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2024 Tour Packages:

• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4390 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Britain Tour 10 Days | From €2490 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2890 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1590 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 6 Days | From €990 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Historic Irish Castle Tour 7 Days | From €1790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
• Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €995 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.

2025 Tour Packages:

• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4590 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour 9 Days | €2490 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1690 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2890 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5690 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3290 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
• Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €1090 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Tour Guides / Drivers
• Reviews of our Tours

Further Information

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Travelguide

About tour packages

• Choosing a Tour
• The Tour Hotels
• The Tour Buses

About private tours

• Arranging a Tour
• Private Tour Accommodation
• Private Tour Vehicles

Ireland Tours 2024 & 2025

Looking to customize a bespoke vacation? Check out our Private Tours

We are still Ireland's best-reviewed tour operator, with 97.3% five-star reviews.

Our UK & Ireland Tour Packages

Scroll through our Britain and Ireland tour packages for 2024 & 2025. Alternatively, you can also see what's available on your preferred dates .

Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• 34 attractions
• Max. 26 ppl

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.

Iconic Britain Tour

• 14 attractions

Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 13 attractions

Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.

Deluxe Castle Tour

• 22 attractions

Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.

Historic Irish Castle Tour

• 15 attractions

A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 25 attractions

Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.

Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 17 attractions

Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

• 8 attractions

Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.

Ancient Ireland Tour

• 19 attractions

An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.

Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour

• 24 attractions

Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.

Hello from everyone here at My Ireland Tour

Welcome! We are thrilled that you are interested in visiting our country. We're proud to say that we're still an independent family-run business, based right here in Cork. We offer a range of Britain and Ireland vacation packages , as well as our bespoke private customised tours . We're looking forward to chatting with you and showing you what makes Ireland such a magical place.

Eric O'Gorman, Founder & Director

What are you looking for?

We offer various types of tour to suit all ages, interests and group sizes. What kind of vacation suits you best?

All our Ireland Tours

Ireland's best-loved destinations and its best-kept secrets, all on one magical tour.

Private Custom Tours

Custom private tours, crafted uniquely for you. All group sizes from two people to 100.

Castle Tours

Live like royalty, staying in real Irish castles steeped in history and tradition.

UK & Ireland

Tour Ireland and Britain at the same time with a tour that shows you the best of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Scotland & Ireland

Two great celtic nations, one unforgettable experience. Visit Scotland and Ireland in one trip.

Three unique tour collections

It's now even easier to find your perfect vacation. We have grouped most of our tour packages into three unique collections. Whatever your interests, whatever your budget, we have the perfect range of Irish tours for you and your group. We also offer our popular Discover Northern Ireland Tour (6 days). Alternatively, you can even customize your own bespoke private tour , just for you and your group.

Iconic Scenes Tours

Discover Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets. All with unbeatable value, while staying in some of Ireland's best four-star hotels.

• Compare all Iconic Scenes Tours
• 18-Day Tour (Ireland, England & Scotland)
• 14-Day Tour (Scotland & Ireland version)
• 14-Day Tour (Ireland-only version)
• 10-Day Tour (England & Scotland)
• 10-Day Tour
• 9-Day Tour (Scotland & Ireland version)

Ancient Luxury Tours

Get closer to the action on a tour which is limited to max. eight guests. On these luxury tours, you will be staying in four- and five-star hotels and castles.

• Compare our Ancient Luxury Tours
• 13-Day Tour (Ireland & Scotland)

Luxury Castle Tours

Live like royalty on a tour that is steeped in the rich history and traditions of the Emerald Isle. Stay in Ireland's best four- and five-star hotels and castles.

• Compare our Castles Tours
• 7-Day Historic Irish Castle Tour
• 10-Day Deluxe Irish Castles Tour

Made in Ireland, by us

We are not a reseller or an agent. We only sell our own tours, designed with care in our family office here in Cork, Ireland.

No Middleman

You will not find our tours on any other website. And with no middleman, we can provide unrivalled value with a much more personal experience.

We're here for you

On the phone, you can chat to Eric, Kristel, Shannon, Shauni, Keith or Catriona. We will be delighted to help with any questions you may have.

Britain & Ireland Tours

Why not add England and Scotland to your Irish tour experience? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compare and contrast these unique but interconnected cultures. Experience a rich and overlapping history, told from three singular perspectives. Three distinct outlooks, three separate national identities — one friendly welcome. Compare the royalty and pageantry of London with the very different majesty you will find in the rolling glens, lochs and highlands of Scotland. Of course, we think that Ireland holds the crown, with a landscape, a culture and a heritage that puts the Emerald Isle among the jewels of all European travel.

Customize your own tour

Looking for something truly unique? Why not arrange a bespoke private tour exclusively for you and your group? Our private tours can be customized to suit any group size, from two guests to a party of 100 or more. We will work with you to create the perfect tour itinerary for your group, taking away all the stress and leaving you with an unforgettable vacation experience that works for everyone. Certain destinations you want to visit? We can make it happen. Want to stay in a castle or on a working farm? Just say the word.

Stay in real castles

Experience the rich history of Ireland first-hand when you stay in some of the Emerald Isle's most enchanting castles and stately manors. That's right — with our Irish castle tours, you not only visit real Irish castles, you get to stay overnight in them, too. Choose from four castle tour vacation packages , crafted for you by our Irish-born team of tour experts. Whichever tour you choose, you can expect to live like nobility for the duration of your time with us here in Ireland.

Our small groups guarantee Never more than 26 guests per tour

We always keep our tour group sizes small. That's because we want every guest to get the comfort, space and service they deserve. Although many other companies squeeze in groups of up to 50, even the largest of our tour packages are strictly limited to just 26 guests. That leaves empty seats on the coaches. So why do we limit our tours to such small group sizes? Here are six reasons.

Superior Service

Guests consistently list our small group sizes as a top reason why they would book with us again. See our reviews...

More focus on you

With a smaller group, our tour guides have more time to get to know you and your interests.

We deliberately leave empty seats on our coaches, so you can relax and spread out.

Experience each attraction up-close and personal, with more time to ask questions and see what interests you.

Speedier Check-Ins

Compared with many of our rivals, our smaller group sizes make checking in and out of the hotels a breeze.

More Relaxed Pace

Experience Ireland at your own pace. No rushing to keep up and no waiting around for large groups to assemble.

You might also be interested in...

• Sample Itineraries
• Transport Options
• Genealogy Tours

2024 Tour Packages

• Iconic Britain and Ireland (18 Days)
• Iconic Britain Tour (10 Days)
• Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (14 Days)
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (10 Days)
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (8 Days)
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (6 Days)
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour (10 Days)
• Historic Irish Castle Tour (7 Days)
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour (13 Days)
• Ancient Ireland Tour (8 Days)
• Discover Northern Ireland (6 Days)

2025 Tour Packages

• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• Highlights of Ireland and Scotland Tour (9 Days)

Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

• Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

Culloden Battlefield

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Glenveagh Castle

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• Free time in London
• Shakespeare's Birthplace
• Manchester River Cruise
• Tour of York City
• York Minster
• Jedburgh Abbey
• Tour of Edinburgh City
• Holyrood Palace
• Tour of Glasgow City
• Tour of Belfast City
• Titanic Belfast
• Giant's Causeway
• Kylemore Abbey
• Cliffs of Moher
• Ring Of Kerry
• Blarney Castle
• Irish Emigration Museum
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Guinness Storehouse
• Departure flight home

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour

• Roman Baths
• Broadway to Cheltenham Railway
• Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel
• Chatsworth House
• Edinburgh Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Loch Lomond Cruise
• Glasgow City

14-Day Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

• Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
• St. Andrews Golf Club
• Kingsbarns Distillery Tour
• Loch Ness cruise
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Belleek Pottery
• Sheepdog Demo
• Blind Piper Pub
• Rock of Cashel

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Trim Castle
• Belfast City
• Belfast Murals
• Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
• Bushmills Distillery
• Derry City Walls
• Lough Erne Cruise
• Devenish Island
• Jameson Distillery Midleton

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Dublin Airport
• Clonmacnoise
• Free time in Galway City
• Killary Fjord
• Free time in Cork City
• Charles Fort
• Irish National Stud
• Traditional Farm Lunch

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Mikey Ryan's Bar
• Killarney National Park
• Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Galway City
• Free time in Dublin City
• St Patrick's Cathedral

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Glendalough Monastic Site
• Ring of Kerry

• Dublin Airport arrival
• Waterford Crystal
• Kilkenny Castle

• Arrival in Edinburgh Airport
• Edinburgh City tour
• Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye
• Glasgow City tour
• Belfast City tour
• Derry City tour
• Dublin City tour

• Lough Eske Castle
• Derry City Tour
• Free time in Derry City

• Pearse Lyons Distillery
• Traditional Music Night

• Derry City walking tour
• Ulster American Folk Park

9-Day Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

• Cruise Loch Lomond
• Clydeside Distillery Tour
• Glasgow City Tour
• Ferry to Belfast
• Belfast City Tour
• Glenshane Country Farm
• Giants Causeway
• Hillsborough Castle
• Carlingford Lough Ferry
• Farewell dinner and show

My Ireland Tour:

My Ireland Tour is a family business based right here in County Cork. Thanks for visiting our website: we're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the country we call home. As an independent Irish business, we're proud that we can give each guest the kind of service that has made us Ireland's top-rated tour operator. We hope to offer you a real Irish welcome soon. Our family business (My Ireland Tour Limited) is registered in Ireland, Company Number 547775.

Contact Us:

• 5 Church Hill  Carrigaline  Co. Cork  P43 X376  Ireland

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Jonathan Epstein's 14-day Ireland Itinerary

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Jonathan Epstein is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List , a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help plan your perfect getaway. Below is an example of the type of itineraries he creates. To work with Jonathan, you can contact him directly at [email protected] .

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

Today you will arrive into Dublin Airport on, where you will catch a taxi to The Westbury in Dublin. After dropping off your bags and freshening up, you can explore Dublin independently. We suggest a walk through the heart of Georgian Dublin and the 22-acre park of St. Stephen's Green. You will certainly enjoy Powerscourt Townhouse, which is located just beside The Westbury. In the evening, enjoy a meal in one of Dublin's authentic pubs or casual restaurants.

Stay : The Westbury

Day 2: Dublin

This morning, explore more of the city independently, visiting sites such as Sheridans Cheesemongers — to enjoy a taste of authentic Irish farmhouse cheeses — and the Chester Beatty Library, which is home to what many consider the finest private collection of manuscripts. This afternoon, you will be met by your expert walking guide for a half day overview tour of Dublin, taking in all the highlights along the historic "Golden Kilometre." In the evning, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, for their daily choral evensong. Dinner reservations at Wilde.

Day 3: Dublin

You will be met by your driver and separate guide to explore more of Dublin. Begin your day touring Kilmainham Jail to learn about its important role in the Irish Revolution and some of its famous past occupants. Then, visit the National Gallery of Ireland, followed by Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells and the Long Room. Enjoy dinner in one of Ireland's finest restaurants, Chapter One.

Day 4: Connemara

Youu will be met by your driver guide in the morning for a transfer to Ashford Castle, in the Connemara region. One of the world's finest hotels, we have worked closely with our friends at the castle on all elements of your stay. En route, you can visit Clonmacnoise, on the River Shannon, which is one of Ireland’s holiest sites with a history that spans centuries. This afternoon, relax at the hotel and enjoy a walk through the Walled Garden and their beautiful grounds.

Stay : Ashford Castle

Day 5: Connemara

Relax at the hotel and also enjoy some of the activities on the estate. We have worked with our friends on property to build a robust schedule, including a boat trip on Lough Corrib, horseback riding, and the property's famous "Hawk Walk." Dinner is booked at their sister hotel, The Lodge at Ashford.

Day 6: Connemara

Enjoy more activities at Ashford Castle: in the morning, we have booked a fishing experience with a wonderful ghillie, and in the afternoon, you will enjoy clay target shooting. You can also take a walk into the nearby village of Cong. Dinner is booked at George V, their fine dining restaurant.

Day 7: County Clare

In the morning, transfer with a private driver to Gregans Castle in County Clare. On the way, you can explore the boglands, lakes, and mountains that make up the Connemara National Park. Visit the market town of Clifden before stopping for lunch in the vibrant city of Galway, where you can walk around the many shops and restaurants of the Latin Quarter and explore Eyre Square. At Gregans Castle, we have booked a room with an incredible view over The Burren. Dinner tonight is booked in the local village of Ballyvaughan.

Stay : Gregans Castle

Day 8: County Clare and the Burren

Meet your driver in the morning for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, some of the world's highest sea cliffs with stunning views of the Atlantic Coast. Then, head to Burren National Park to meet up with your walking guide and enjoy a walk through the park's vast limestone plateaus and diverse botanical wildlife. If time permits, you can also visit the Burren Perfumery, famous for using local wildflowers and herbs in their soaps and other products.

Day 9: County Kerry

Meet your driver in the morning for your transfer to Killarney Park Hotel in County Kerry. En route, stop in the charming village of Adare, best known for its quaint thatched-roof cottages. Upon arrival in Killarney, you can visit some of the nearby sites along the Ring of Kerry — Ross Castle, Muckross House & Gardens, Torc Waterfall, and the panoramic viewpoint of Ladies View.

Stay : Killarney Park Hotel

Day 10: County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula

With your drive, explore the Dingle Peninsula, a narrow 40-mile stretch of land famed for its rugged and remote beauty. Here you can stop in some of the many shops of the local craftsmen, such as Louis Mulcahy’s pottery and Murphy’s Ice Cream; we have also booked a special experience with one of our friends, a local crystal maker. Later, drive along the beautiful Slea Head Drive, where you can see some of the many ancient Fahan "beehive" huts, inhabited until the 13th century.

Day 11: County Kerry

Spend the day independently, perhaps hiking in the National Park or exploring the shops and pubs of Killarney. In the evening, we have organized a comparative whiskey tasting of a number of Irish and Scottish Whiskeys.

Day 12: County Laois and Ballyfin

Meet your driver and travel to Ballyfin, visiting the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most important historical sites, along the way. This is where Saint Patrick reputedly converted the King of Munster. Upon arrival, you can relax at the hotel and explore the beautiful grounds, before joining their guided tour of Ballyfin and the property's kitchens. In the evening, enjoy pre-dinner drinks with Ballyfin's resident pianist and dinner at the Cellar Bar.

Stay : Ballyfin

Day 13: County Kilkenny

Take a full day private tour of the medieval city of Kilkenny, with highlights including Kilkenny Castle, home of the fabulous Butler Art Collection, and the Kilkenny Design Centre, where you will find locally made jewelry and pottery. Kilkenny also has a thriving arts and crafts scene and a couple of our favorite local artisans include Chesneau Leather and Jerpoint Glass, where you can enjoy a glassblowing demonstration.

Day 14: Depart from Dublin

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.

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2 Week Ireland and Scotland Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 2 week Ireland and Scotland tour with TourRadar. Choose from 12 trips with 1,026 customer reviews, that range from 11 up to 14 days.

12 Ireland And Scotland 14 Days tour packages with 1,026 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

England, Scotland and Ireland end Dublin

All in all the tour was enjoyable. All 3 countries were beautiful but not enough overnight time was spent in key cities. We arrived to our hotels too late to go out to eat dinner in some locations. Then we were up and off to the next city or town the next morning. My phone kept dying so a charger and wifi on the bus would have been a benefit. Met some nice people and enjoyed time together. Our bus had several tour guides and people changes. Our pod on the bus lost its bubble of safety from covid. Came home ill. Overall, saw many places in 12 days. Eduardo was our favorite guide. He always made sure we knew the history before our next destination. The trip was well worth it in part due to him.

Best of Ireland and Scotland 2025 (Small, 14 Days)

• Coach / Bus

Taste of Scotland & Ireland - 11 Days/10 Nights

Our driver was extremely knowledgeable. He shared so many stories. He was the best part of our tour.

Scottish & Irish Dream - 13 Days/12 Nights

Our Scotland tour was full of wonderful history and beautiful castles. Our guide provided stories that made the history alive. Our hotels were amazing with beautiful grounds and comfortable rooms. The food was delicious and I was glad we had choices to pick from. Even the weather cooperated with 13 days with no rain on us.

Scottish & Irish Dream - 14 Days/13 Nights

We covered an incredible amount of ground in two weeks. We were immersed in the history and culture of the two countries by the sights, tours, and information shared by the excellent guides. Days were packed - on occasion too packed- but we wouldn’t have skipped anything. Food was good to great and always ample. We would recommend tje tour.

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Small Groups, 14 Days)

The tour itinerary was full allowing a broad experience to be gleaned from both Ireland and Scotland respectively. The quality of the travel, hotels and experiences were a complete delight to share with the whole group. We gelled as a group and this made the excursion thoroughly enjoyable, despite the wet weather! Our driver was exemplary which made for safe and enjoyable travel on the coach throughout. Our tour guide was highly knowledgeable and experienced which added plentifully to the daily tours. A very enjoyable tour, highly recommended.

Celtic Highlights

The itinerary. I do not think we would have ever seen so much of these countries if we had tried to do this on our own. I did feel a little rushed sometimes and would have liked to stay another 30 minutes here and there. So I do think there could be some adjustments made for a few stops.

• Sightseeing

Highlights of Ireland and Scotland (11 Days)

This is the best way to see Irelamd and Scotland. Trafager handles everything and Travel Diector , Rose Brown is the best. She makes the tour special for each participant and handles the tour like she is doing it for the first time. I have a degree in Environmental Interpretation and 40 years of experience and I have never seen a person handle public education opportunity better than Rose. She is a treasure and Trafager is fortunate to have her on their staff.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

Tour director Fiona and the bus driver Jurgan were terrific. I realize our tour was called Highlights but I felt not enough time was spent at each stop.

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days)

This was an unforgetable experience. I have traveled extensively throughout Europe when I was younger. I never thought a tour could compare to those experiences. However this tour change my attitude on tours. It was well planed and executed. Our tour director (Greg) was beyond excellent. In fact I think he made the trip the success it was. I would recommend it to any one who likes to see alot, keep on the go, meet people and see sights.

Scots Irish Tour - 11 Days/10 Nights

Overall a great trip, seeing many highlights of Scotland and Ireland.Our tour guide, Joe, was fantastic. He really cared about making sure each and every passenger had the best possible experience. However, though the scenery was beautiful, there were 2 days where we spent way too much time riding on the bus. We would have preferred less riding and a few more destinations. The breakfast was the same each day and became monotonous. The dinners were mostly at the hotels. As tasty as they were, it would have been nice to go to local restaurants and taste the local specialties. The itinerary covered a variety of sights and experiences not to be soon forgotten.

The plan and execution went very smoothly. Our driver and guide were excellent.

International Versions

• Deutsch: Irland-Schottland Rundreisen 14 Tage
• Français: Circuits Irlande et Écosse de 2 Semaines
• Español: Circuitos por Irlanda y Escocia de 2 Semanas
• Nederlands: 2-Weekse rondreis Ierland en Schotland

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way's majestic coastline on its 10th anniversary

Take an irish adventure along the breathtaking wild atlantic way, the world's longest coastal route. irishcentral readers can also enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on car rental with europcar.

Picture yourself cruising along Ireland's stunning west coast, where every turn reveals breathtaking views and charming villages waiting to be explored.

The Wild Atlantic Way is the world's longest coastal touring route stretching 2,500 kilometers. The epic drive hugs the rugged Irish coastline and offers a front-row seat to some of Ireland's most breathtaking vistas. 

From the majestic cliffs of Malin Head to the picturesque beaches of County Cork, buckle up for an unforgettable adventure through Ireland's wild and wonderful landscapes, steeped in history and ready to welcome you with open arms.

As the Wild Atlantic Way celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024, there's never been a better time to plan your visit. Plus, take the stress out of your road trip with Europcar, Ireland’s leading car rental company . 

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Glen Head, Co Donegal

Find the hidden gems 

Take a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, chosen as National Geographic Traveller’s ‘Cool List 2024', and discover the hidden gems that served as the backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes in Irish cinematic history .  

Dursey Islands, Co Cork

Visit Dursey Island, a hidden gem off the southwest coast of Ireland. Accessible by Ireland's only cable car which crosses the open waters. A 10-minute ride across and you can see Europe's last sunset! 

Dursey Island, Co Cork

Aran Islands, Co Galway

The Aran Islands, go back in time and visit the largest island, Inishmore, to see a true marvel of ancient Ireland, the Dún Aonghasa perched atop a 100-meter cliff top. Dating back over 3,000 years, it’s one of the oldest Iron Age forts in Ireland. The Banshees of Inisherin movie was filmed on the island!

There are three Aran islands to visit from the mouth of Galway Bay, all accessible by passenger ferry. Visit to experience the Irish culture and hear the Irish language which is widely spoken around the islands.

Dún Aonghasa, Inishmore, Aran Islands

Connemara National Park, Co Galway

The Connemara National Park offers scenic mountains, little coves, fishing villages, and a picturesque circular driving route. For panoramic views of Clifden Bay and offshore islands, take the Upper Sky road; there is a parking lot at the highest point. While in Connemara, make sure to take the boat trip across Killary Fjord. Dolphins also frequent the waters, especially around the small island towards the mouth of the fjord.

Killary Fjord, Connemara, Co Galway

Sturrall, Co Donegal

The Sturrall hike is a spectacular coastal trail that winds its way along the rugged cliffs of County Donegal's Wild Atlantic Way. Starting from the village of Glencolmcille, this hike offers views of towering sea stacks, hidden sea caves, and the dramatic coastline below. 

Fanad Head, Co Donegal

Fanad Head in the north coast of Donegal offers splendid views over Ballymastocker Bay, miles of golden, sandy beach which was previously voted the 2nd most beautiful beach in the world. Take a guided tour of the Fanad Head Lighthouse and climb to the top for the views.

How long does it take to travel the Wild Atlantic Way?

Beara Peninsula, Co Cork

While you can do the 2,500km trip in a few days, we recommend you take your time and spend a week or two to enjoy the scenery and soak up the local culture. 

You’ll find plenty of places to stay along the way, where you’ll always be greeted with a warm Irish welcome. If you travel from south to north, you’ll sit alongside the Atlantic Ocean for much of the journey as Ireland drives on the left.

Whether you're looking for a quick road trip or a more immersive adventure, there's something for everyone along this spectacular coastal route.

Who is Europcar?

Plan your Irish adventure with Europcar, Ireland’s leading car rental company

Europcar has locations all over Ireland, with international airports such as Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, and Knock Airport serviced by staff dedicated to ensuring you start and finish your vacation the best way.

You can also find Europcar along the Wild Atlantic Way such as Cork, Kerry Airport, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, and Letterkenny ensuring you can access their vehicles wherever you need them when you need them. 

At each location throughout Ireland, Europcar offers a wide range of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs, electric vehicles, and luxury models. With comprehensive insurance coverage available and 24/7 roadside assistance, you can explore Ireland's breathtaking landscape with peace of mind.

Visit Europcar.ie to reserve your vehicle and start planning your Irish adventure today, with a 10% discount on your Europcar rental . You can also follow them on Facebook and X .

Related: Wild Atlantic Way , Aran Islands , Ring of Kerry , The Beara Peninsula

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The Perfect Ireland Itinerary

Heading to ireland and not sure where to go this is the perfect ireland itinerary.

Happy St. Patricks Day! We were lucky enough to be in Ireland for St. Paddy’s last year and it’s a country we really fell in love with. To celebrate, I wanted to share my idea of the perfect Ireland itinerary.  If you’re planning a trip to Ireland , having this itinerary will make your life easier.

Planning a Trip to Ireland

In all my trips to Ireland, I’ve discovered some real gems on this beautiful emerald isle. It has so much natural beauty that it almost hurts your eyes to look at all that green! There are also so many cultural and historical sites that you must see in Ireland that it could potentially take you a lifetime!

For a more in-depth look at some amazing places in Ireland, check out this massive list of the  best places to visit in Ireland   before planning your Ireland itinerary.

When you’re planning a trip to Ireland, it’s important to know that you won’t be able to see it ALL, even though you’ll REALLY want to! I’ve tried to pick the best things to see in Ireland that will give you a really good feel for both countries! I hope this Ireland trip planner will be helpful as you choose where to go and what to do.

Don’t want to do all the planning?

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all your options in Ireland? I can’t blame you! There’s a lot to do and see and the Emerald Isle is a lot bigger than it seems. Luckily, you’ve got me do the planning for you. The best trips to Ireland are planned by someone who’s been and lived there. 

I’ve created this detailed Ireland Road Trip Itinerary that has everything you need in one convenient place. It really takes the guesswork out of deciding where to go, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat. I’ve spent years researching this itinerary and I truly believe this will give you the most amazing trip! 

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Ireland Itinerary complete with interactive maps and daily schedule? Click the yellow button below.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts here are our top picks for visiting ireland:, get an easy ireland itinerary, our favorite hotels in ireland.

• Castle Hotel: Ashford Castle
• Dublin Hotel: Moxie Dublin
• Killarney: Killarney Royal Hotel
• Northern Ireland: The Fitzwilliam

Our favorite tours in Ireland

• Cliffs of Moher
• Northern Ireland Tour
• History Tour of Dublin
• Dublin Food Tour
• Book a Photoshoot in Ireland

Want to See More than Ireland?

If you’re interested in extending your trip to Ireland, it’s easy and super cheap to hop a flight over to  London ,    Scotland ,  or the rest of Europe. I love combining trips to Ireland with a trip to Scotland as well. You can find the   perfect itinerary for Scotland and Ireland here. 

Getting to Ireland

Ireland is a truly beautiful country and one of the cheapest places to fly to in Europe from the United States right now. I’m constantly finding good deals to Ireland.

In fact, we just purchased tickets to Shannon, Ireland from Boston for $500 TOTAL for our entire family of six through Norwegian Air’s killer sale a few weeks ago and I also helped my sister book from New York to Dublin for $450 round trip per person. If you want to know how we get crazy deals on flights read How to Fly for Cheap or Nearly Free.

Best Time to Travel to Ireland

The best time to travel to Ireland is when you can get the best flights in my opinion! I’ve been to Ireland in the summer, spring, winter, and fall, and guess what? The weather felt the same to me each time! Yes it was a little colder in the winter, but the rain vs. sunshine ratio was about the same.

So there is not really a best month to visit Ireland and I always say the best time to travel to Ireland is when you can get the best flights and when it’s convenient for you. Just be prepared for some wet weather, wind, and cold, with a mix of a little sunshine. There’s a reason it’s called the emerald isle…something’s got to keep it green! But the beauty is worth it!

Where to Stay in Ireland

Just as Ireland can be one of the cheapest countries in Europe to fly into, it’s also quite affordable to stay in Ireland. While there is an abundance of beautiful luxury castles and hotels to stay in , there are also really affordable Airbnb houses all over the island. We stayed in a beautiful 4 bedroom house on the coast for two months and fell in love! You can find our Airbnb here. 

We stayed in a beautiful, huge farmhouse in Wexford for 2 months for only $2,000. For a party of 7, that’s a great deal! Be sure to grab this $55 coupon for Airbnb

I’ve created this Airbnb Wishlist for you that holds just a fraction of the affordable housing on the island! If you’ve never stayed in Airbnb before, please read my 16 Rules for Airbnb. 

Affordable Airbnbs in Ireland

Packing List for Ireland

It’s no secret that the weather in Ireland can be a little…insane…I’m not sure there’s a better word to describe it. You want to be sure you’re prepared for the elements, but also be sure you don’t overpack. Here’s what to pack for Ireland:

Click here for my full Ireland Packing list

I personally own these two raincoats and these two pairs of boots and I LOVE them!

The  pink raincoat   is not lined and is good for warm days or good if you want a waterproof raincoat to go over a regular jacket. The  yellow raincoat   is nice and lined for a good medium weight waterproof jacket. You’ll need a really good pair of rain boots that you can also be comfortable walking in.

These  Eddie Bauer boots   are quite possibly the best thing that have ever happened to me! Not only are they the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned (ask anyone I know…they’ve heard me rave about these boots), but they are waterproof, AND they come with a lifetime warranty. I bought a pair over 5 years ago and I wear through the soles about every year and a half because I wear them everywhere! When they wear out I just bring them to any Eddie Bauer store (even though I bought them on Amazon)  and they give me brand new ones! They’re the BEST investment I’ve ever made. You can buy them  here.

These  Hunter rain boots   are really high quality, last forever, are completely waterproof, and have a good grip on the bottom for walking. I really love my Hunters, but they’re definitely not as comfortable as the Eddie Bauers.

For more info on what to pack for Ireland, follow  my packing list for Ireland or Scotland   or   this detailed Ireland packing list .

Perfect Ireland Itinerary 10 days or more

While I am not an Ireland expert, we did live there for 2 months and were able to see most of both countries (yes Ireland and Northern Ireland are separate countries). And I’ve since been able to visit Ireland two more times, and we plan to go again this year. 

I think I’ve created the perfect Ireland itinerary for the first time visitor who wants to see as much of the island as possible. The good thing about this itinerary is that you can cut out whatever you want and move on to the next location if it’s too much for you.

I realize that I’m missing a lot of amazing things Ireland has to offer and I will probably receive some backlash for this, but these were some of OUR favorite finds in Ireland!

When you go to Ireland, I suggest that you rent a car. There is so much to see and driving will be the best way to see  Ireland and everything it has to offer. An Ireland road trip is my favorite way to see the island. 

Please, for the love of Ireland, do NOT spend your whole trip in Dublin! There is so much more that this beautiful island has to offer!

You can do this Ireland itinerary f orwards or backward, it doesn’t matter. I selfishly like this route (clockwise) because while driving along the coast, the passenger has a good view out the window and since that’s usually me, and I’m the one with the camera, that’s the way I’d go!

Remember you’ll be driving on the LEFT! Honestly, it’s easier than you think and your brain picks it up pretty well after a day or two. Just be alert!

How long will this Ireland road trip take?

Well, that’s really up to you! I’ve seen people do this Ireland road trip in only 10 days. That’s a little ambitious if you ask me. If you really want to hit all of these best places to visit in Ireland in one trip, then I would plan about 2 weeks for your whole journey. If you have less time in Ireland, simply cut out a few stops. It’s not the end of the world, and you’ll have an excuse to come back!

So without further ado, here is the perfect Ireland itinerary:

• Stop 1: Dublin
• Stop 2: Killkenney
• Stop 3: County Waterford & County Wexford
• Stop 4: Cork
• Stop 5: Killarney National Park
• Stop 6: Dingle Peninsula
• Stop 7: Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
• Stop 8: Galway
• Stop 9: Northern Ireland
• Stop 10: Belfast
• Stop 11 : Back to Dublin

10 Places You Must See in Ireland

These are my top ten picks for what to see in Ireland. You can pick and choose which cities look good to you and skip over the ones you aren’t interested in. Don’t feel like you need to do it all unless you’ve got the time. For me, this is the best of Ireland!

Arrive! If you’re flying into Dublin (be sure to check other airports in Ireland like Shannon and Cork for good deals ), spend a day and a half or so in this beautiful city. See the book of Kells, eat in a few pubs, take a tour. Here is a great list of things to do in Dublin.

Stay the night in Dublin and take a day to get over your jetleg before heading out on your Ireland road trip. There are some beautiful hotels and great Airbnbs in Dublin. Here is a list of affordable Airbnbs in the city. 

Here is a great guide for spending one day in Dublin.  And if you’re heading to Ireland with kids you can find great information here. 

2. Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a charming and historic town with lots to see and do. There is a great little farmers market outside the castle and street performers usually line the streets. It’s a great town to wander and enjoy the cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. 

This town has deep religious roots with well-preserved churches and abbeys that are amazing to see. Be sure to visit Black Abbey and St. Canice’s Cathedral.

You can tour the castle, the old abbey, pop into the shops and sup in a pub! Here are more cool things to do in Kilkenny .

You’ll want to stay at least one night in Killkenney to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere. Here are affordable Airbnbs in Killkenney.

3. County Waterford & County Wexford

South East Ireland or “Ireland’s Ancient East” is one of the most overlooked areas of Ireland in my opinion. Don’t skip this if you want the perfect Ireland itinerary! There are so many hidden gems that I’m going to bring to light!

A short ferry ride away you will find the beautiful Hook Peninsula   where you can tour the oldest working lighthouse in the world , visit the most haunted house in Ireland , and wander a secret garden and ruins of an abbey .  It’s one of the least visited and most underappreciated areas in Ireland, but I don’t think you should miss it! We lived on the peninsula for two months and it was an incredible experience!

• Waterford:  In the city of Waterford, you can visit the Waterford Crystal Factory and take a factory tour, which is much more interesting than it sounds! Even the kids loved it! You can also visit the Medieval Museum , and wander old Waterford and the Viking triangle of the old walled city.  

Here you can find the ruins of the old abbey, an overgrown mill, and a beautiful walled garden.

You’ll want to stay in Wexford or Waterford. We stayed for two months, but two days will do if you must. We rented this gorgeous Airbnb near Tintern Abbey.

4. Cork & Blarney Castle

For most, Blarney Castle is a must see when visiting Ireland. You can kiss the Blarney stone and receive the gift of gab!

Cork is a beautiful city to wander. Visit the English Market, an indoor sort of farmers market with lots of interesting things to see and eat! Here are 33 things to do in Cork city.

If you’re interested in seeing more castles, Ireland will not disappoint! Read about the top 5 Castles to visit in Ireland.

5. Killarney

Killarney is home to the beautiful Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Traditional Farms, Ross Castle and more. It’s definitely worth a visit and could really be considered for an entire vacation. I recently spent a whole week in Killarney and fell in love. You can r ead more about what to do in Killarney here,   but here are the main stops you won’t want to miss:

• Muckross House
• Muckross Traditional Farms
• Muckross Abbey
• Ross Castle
• Innisfallen Island
• Murphy’s Ice Cream
• Quinlin’s Fish n Chips

I would recommend staying in Killarney for several days. There is so much to do and see in this beautiful National Park that you may not want to ever leave. There are some great hotels in Killarney as well as charming Airbnbs.

Affordable Airbnb Homes in Killarney

6. Dingle Peninsula

If you’re on a tight schedule, I recommend you skip the more popular and time-consuming Ring of Kerry and instead drive the Dingle Peninsula. It’s a beautiful stretch of land with some of the most stunning scenery in all of Ireland. Read about what you can see on the Dingle Peninsula here .

7. The Burren National Park &  Cliffs of Moher

The Burren: The word “Burren” comes from the Irish word “Boíreann” which means a rocky place. This is a pretty fitting name because it is covered in Limestone Pavement. It’s like visiting another planet. Read more about the Burren here .

The Cliffs of Moher are something that you just have to see for yourself! They are beyond breathtaking. Don’t skip this stop! Plan on several hours to see the Cliffs of Moher. There is a really neat visitor’s center where you can learn about the cliffs and also about the puffins who nest there. There’s also a great cafe with lots of options.   Here are some tips for taking kids to the cliffs .

Galway is a gorgeous Irish town and a must visit. Here is a guide to visiting Galway .

9. Northern Ireland

Named as one of Lonely Planet’s regions not to miss in 2018, Northern Ireland is truly a treasure! There is so much to see in Northern Ireland, but it is small enough that you can see most of it in 2 days if you’re quick. Be sure to see these top sites:

• Giant’s Causeway
• Carrick-a-Rede Bridge
• Dark Hedges

Remember that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and will use the pound sterling instead of the Euro. You will not need your passport to cross from Ireland to Northern Ireland. Here are some things you will not want to miss in Northern Ireland .

I would plan for 2 nights in Northern Ireland. It’s a beautiful place to slow down and take in the sites. We stayed in this lovely Airbnb next door to a field of sheep.

Affordable Airbnb Homes in Northern Ireland

10. Belfast

Drive to Belfast and spend a day seeing the city. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland (a separate country and part of the United Kingdom). There are so many awesome things to do in Belfast, even though it often gets overlooked as a destination in Ireland. Here is another guide to visiting Belfast .

11. Howth & Back to Dublin

Visit the Howth Cliffs and eat fish and chips in Howth. There are a million pubs and fish and chips shops. I’ve tried several and they’ve all been good. You can read more about walking the Howth Cliff path loop here. Also, read about taking kids to Howth here .

And now you’re back to Dublin! See as much as you can, eat in as many pubs as possible and don’t forget to catch your flight back home! This is the perfect Ireland itinerary for us and we hope it helps you out on your visit to Ireland!

Best Ireland Tours

While I love a good Ireland road trip and exploring on my own, it’s sometimes nice to have someone else do all the work. If you’re looking for a little more ease in your travel or don’t want to drive, check out these best Ireland tours from Get Your Guide.

Have you been to Ireland? What did we miss? Shoot us an email  or get in touch on Facebook or Instagram . We’d love to hear from you and we’d love if you pinned this for later…

Be sure to follow my Ireland Board on Pinterest for more great ideas for your trip!

If you would like to follow along with us day by day you can follow @wanderlust.crew on Instagram or on Facebook   or on Twitter or sign up for our newsletter! We would love to hear from you!

Practical Tips for Booking your Trip

Book Your Flight s and Car

Find a cheap flight by using  Skyscanner . This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here.

For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation

My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO . I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use  Booking , as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz . Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel?

Check out my  resource page  for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

The post The Perfect Ireland Itinerary appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

The best places to visit around Ireland on a daytrip

If you’re planning to go daytripping, where should you venture fionn davenport offers some suggestions.

Glendalough is one of the country’s most significant and beautifully located monastic sites. Photograph: Chris Hill

Whatever you think of the name, the concept of “daycations” is pretty straightforward: take a day to explore the region around where you live and then return to sleep in your own bed at night. It’s the chance to break up a regular routine, plus it’s a great way of engaging in a little tourism without spending a fortune on accommodation, usually the heftiest expense of any holiday.

And in Ireland, where tourist accommodation is squeezed by seasonality and availability – in the last couple of years, up to a third of all hotel beds have been tied up in public contracts – that can mean significant savings.

The idea is simple: be a tourist in your own area. Take a visit to a nearby attraction, or maybe explore some ruins. Go for a hike in the mountains, or kayak on a nearby lake. Everyone’s version of the ideal day out is different and can change depending on the season and the weather.

Here are some ideas on where to explore from the base of a number of Ireland’s largest populated areas – Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.

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Have you ever visited Marsh’s Library in Dublin?

Of course, you could devote plenty of days to exploring without leaving the city centre: when was the last time you went to the Natural History Museum, for example? Have you ever visited Marsh’s Library or the Casino at Marino? And while we all know it’s there, have you ever actually been to the Guinness Storehouse? But there’s a lot to explore within a couple of hours’ drive of O’Connell Street – including some genuine surprises.

Brú na Bóinne, just west of Drogheda, is one of the most known neolithic sites in the world, a Unesco world Heritage attraction that draws hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors. If you have never been, you should go.

But if you like your neolithic sites without the crowds, there’s the cairns at Loughcrew , 50km to the west, near Oldcastle along the R154. Of the 32 tombs here, Cairn T is the most accessible, a 15-minute walk up the hill from the car park. Although it mightn’t seem as impressive as Newgrange, the passageway is illuminated during the spring and autumn equinoxes, and the passageway is visible when Heritage Ireland guides are present; otherwise, the key to the gate is available from the cafe at Loughcrew Gardens.

If you like your neolithic sites without the crowds, there’s the cairns at Loughcrew

Glendalough is one of the country’s most significant and beautifully located monastic sites, but it does get busy. A far less visited alternative is the Fore Valley in Co Westmeath, about 5km east of Castlepollard near the shores of Lough Lene. There’s nary a visitor here, but the setting for the ruins of St Féchín’s 7th century monastic village is stunning: a cluster of ruins huddled at the base of a beautiful valley, that is looped by a 3km walking trail. If you do visit, be sure to pick up a guide map at the Fore Abbey Coffee Shop, which will also explain the “seven wonders” of the valley – the monastery in the bog, the water that flows uphill, the tree that won’t burn, the water that won’t boil, the anchorite in a stone, the mill without a race, and the lintel raised by the prayers of St Fechin. And even if you don’t believe, it’s a beautiful place to linger.

The particularly arresting artwork in Spike Island by inmates is on display upstairs in the punishment block

Corkonians are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do beyond the city limits. The train ride to Fota Island, for instance, is one of the most scenic in the country, as you chug past marshy Harper’s Island and over the bridges on Lough Mahon and the Slatty Water.

Fota has plenty to keep you entertained for the day with the wildlife park and, just by the tiger enclosure, Fota House , which can be visited by guided tour. Even if you don’t step inside, take time to walk around the gorgeous arboretum.

While it may lack the high-tech razzmatazz of its sister museum in Belfast, the visit to the old White Star Line building is a stirring one

Although most Corkonians are well familiar with Cobh, how many have set foot inside the excellent Titanic Experience ? While it may lack the high-tech razzmatazz of its sister museum in Belfast, the visit to the old White Star Line building (the last port of call before setting out into the North Atlantic) is a stirring one: when you enter you’re given a ticket with a real passenger’s name on it; you then go through the exhibits and find out at the end if they survived or not. Further along the seafront is the dock for Spike Island , whose 1300-year history is told in compelling detail; particularly arresting is the artwork by inmates upstairs in the punishment block.

Cork has no shortage of terrific hikes, including the wonderful cliff walk that starts at Knockadoon Pier, 45km east of the city on a headland looking out over Capel Island. The 7km-long looped cliff walk is stunning, taking you along the coastline past the old signal tower (which dates from 1803) and back to the pier, which is a popular spot for a swim. About 500 metres offshore, Capel Island is an uninhabited bird sanctuary; you’d need permission from Birdwatch Ireland to visit.

King John’s Castle has stood on the banks of the Shannon for 800 years, but when was the last time you went inside? Photograph: Eye Ubiquitous/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

There’s a lot to see in Limerick these days, from the relatively new to the very old. The wonderful International Rugby Experience opened in 2023 and tells the story of the sport as well as providing a chance to test your kicking skills. King John’s Castle has stood on the banks of the Shannon for 800 years, but when was the last time you went inside? If it’s been a while, you might enjoy the primer on Irish history (there’s a lot of gore) and the chance to try some medieval games in the courtyard, like a proper game of hopscotch.

What about experiencing Limerick from the water? Nev Sail has kayaking tours that start just behind the Hunt Museum and take you up and down the river, under the bridges and up close to the sturdy walls of the castle.

If you’re looking for more watery adventures outside the city, head north to Killaloe, where Aoife O’Mara’s My Next Adventure has a range of kayaking tours: the Brian Ború Experience is a two-hour trip through 1000 years of history (and 13 of Killaloe’s stone bridges) as far up as Lough Derg. The Full Moon Kayaking takes you right out into the middle of Lough Derg at sunset before returning to Killaloe.

For an even more active day out, the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails are, at 98km, the largest of its kind in Ireland, weaving in and out of thick forest and gorgeous mountain views – and they’re only a 45km drive south of the city, just beyond Kilmallock. There are five loops of varying length and difficulty, from gentle, family-friendly slopes to rugged speed tracks designed to challenge the most intrepid riders (you might even catch world champion rider and local lad Oisin O’Callaghan going for a spin). If you don’t have a bike, you can rent everything – including helmets and protective pads – from the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Centre at the base of the mountain. If you prefer to do your wandering on two feet, the waymarked Ballyhoura Way wends its way through 90km of forest trail, field paths, moorland and tarmac road.

Outside of Galway city, a journey around Lough Corrib is a fantastic day trip option

With Connemara, the Aran Islands and the Burren on its doorstep, Galwegians have no shortage of day trip options from the City of the Tribes. But even within the city there are some interesting ways to discover, not least with a tour that takes full advantage of Galway’s reputation as a capital of fine food.

Galway Food Tours is a local outfit that operates a range of food tours where you get to sample lots of different local produce, from sushi to chocolate. Day tours start outside McCambridge’s on Shop Street include six food and drink stops and you finish in the Soul Garden at the back of Massimo’s in the West End (where you bid farewell with a goody bag). They also offer whiskey and craft beer tours as well as a food and cycling tour that uses e-bikes.

Outside of the city, a journey around Lough Corrib is a fantastic day trip option. Just before you get to Oughterard, Aughnanure Castle was once home to the “fighting O’Flaherty’s”; these days the six-storey tower house on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake is open to visitors. If you fancy getting out on to the lake, Corrib Cruises has twice-weekly summer sailings from Oughterard that take you out to explore the monastic ruins of Inchagoill, the largest island on the lake.

The bridge at Maam, Connemara, Co Galway, used in the 1952 film The Quiet Man. Photograph: iStock

Just beyond Oughterard is the Quiet Man bridge, the idea of which has raised collective eyebrows since the 1950s film starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara became part of the Irish-American cultural lexicon, but there’s no denying that it’s an absolutely gorgeous spot. In Cong, there’s the Quiet Man Museum (strictly for the hard-core fans) but far more interesting is the 3km forest loop walk that brings you to Leonard’s Tower, aka the Guinness Tower, on the grounds of Ashford Castle. Climb the 85 steps to the top for views and a decent leg workout. One final stop, on the eastern side of the lake, are at the ruins of Ross Errilly Friary, just beyond Glencorrib, the most complete Franciscan monastic ruins in the country. From here, it’s 27km back to Galway City along the N84.

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We enjoy road trips and beautiful scenery, while avoiding tourist traps and strenuous hikes. Yes, we understand there is tension in these wants and want-nots!

We arrive in Dublin on Friday morning 6/12 and depart Sunday 6/23. We'd like to avoid too much of a rush upon arrival (jetlag from Western US) or departure (return to Dublin Saturday evening to catch Sunday 12:15 PM flight ).

Here is our draft itinerary.

Day 1 (Fri 6/14): Arrival in Dublin

Arrive in Dublin, pick up rental car , and check into your hotel in Dublin City Center ( The Mont ).

Explore Trinity College and see the Book of Kells

Stroll through St. Stephen's Green.

Enjoy dinner and a drink at the Brazen Head Pub.

Day 2 (Sat 6/15): Dublin to Killarney (3.5-hour drive)

Drive to Killarney, enjoying the scenic countryside.

Relax and enjoy the town. Allocate more time to explore Killarney National Park , known for its stunning scenery, lakes, and mountains.

Stay in Killarney.

Day 3 (Sun 6/16): Ring of Kerry

Dedicate the day to exploring the Ring of Kerry.

Visit Valentia Island and enjoy the scenic views.

Stop at Dunquin Pier and other points of interest like Staigue Stone Fort or Derrynane House.

Enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery and charming villages along the route.

Stay in Killarney

Day 4 (Mon 6/17): Killarney to Dingle (1.5-hour drive)

Drive to Dingle, enjoying the scenic coastal route.

Explore Dingle town, known for its colorful houses, pubs, and traditional music.

Stay in Dingle

Day 5 (Tue 6/18): Dingle Peninsula

Dedicate the day to exploring the Dingle Peninsula.

Drive the Slea Head Drive, a scenic loop with breathtaking coastal views.

Visit Dunmore Head, the westernmost point of mainland Ireland.

Explore charming villages like Dunquin and Ballyferriter.

Consider a boat tour to see Fungie the dolphin or the Blasket Islands.

Day 6 (Wed 6/19): Dingle to Doolin & Cliffs of Moher (2.5-hour drive)

Drive to Doolin, taking the scenic coastal route via the Cliffs of Moher.

Enjoy the views and explore the Cliffs of Moher in the afternoon.

Stay in Doolin.

Day 7 (Thu 6/20): Aran Islands - Inishmore

Take a morning ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands.

Explore the island's historical sites such as Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort, and the Seven Churches.

Enjoy the rugged landscape, dramatic cliffs, and traditional Irish culture.

Consider renting a bike or taking a pony and trap tour to experience the island fully.

Return to Doolin in the evening.

Day 8 (Fri 6/21): Doolin to Galway & Ashford Castle (2.5-hour drive)

Explore the Burren.

Drive to Galway via the coastal R477, enjoying the scenic views.

Drive to Cong and check into your accommodation near Ashford Castle.

Experience the falconry activity (must-do for wife!) at Ashford Castle in the afternoon (or next morning).

Day 9 (Sat 6/22): Ashford Castle & Return to Dublin (3-hour drive)

Explore Cong village and enjoy the scenic surroundings of Ashford Castle in the morning.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch and begin your drive back to Dublin in the early afternoon.

Return your rental car and check into your hotel in Dublin.

Enjoy a farewell dinner in Dublin.

Day 10 (Sun 6/23): Depart

Depart from Dublin.

Does this look good to you? Anything you'd change?

11 replies to this topic

There is a severe shortage of accommodations throughout Ireland , you need to get cracking and sort out where you can find where to stay and book it asap.

When I fly into Dublin, I get a bit spoiled and stay at the Grand Hotel in Malahide , there are specials on their website, I also stay here before departure, I return my vehicle and get taxi to Malahide, about 15 € On my arrival I book a taxi for drop at Dublin Airport, again about €15

https://www.thegrand.ie/

Easy peasy to take the Dart Into Dublin City, to explore the fantastic museums, many are free.

https://whichmuseum.com/place/dublin-2511/free

Who wrote this trip for you? it reads like a cut and paste of the most visited places in ireland. ,

Some of the driving times are well off the mark.

And picking up car and driving into Dublin is madness verging on suicidal! Just don't do it.

PS don't like to break it to you, but Fungie died in 2020.

“ Does this look good to you? Anything you'd change?“

I’d start by re-writing, so that it does not sound like a scripted itinerary; make it your own. It reads like a packaged tour, though you have added a few personal notes. I hear the falconry experience is terrific.

Ireland is spectacular, filling the senses with beauty, smells of turf and sea, and she is best enjoyed at a slow pace; it is frequently said here, that in Ireland, less is more. Do revise your notes a bit, and come back with further questions and the good people here will be glad to assist you.

Pirate 🏴‍☠️

If this trip is in June of 2024 you will need to make reservations for the Ashford Falconry experience soon if you haven't done so already. Our two grandchildren did the experience in 2022 and we tagged along. It was well worth it.

I agree with some of the driving times being off. Do a check on Google maps so you can see the actual driving times between the places that you have listed. Keep in mind there might be scenic views or places you want to pull off to check out or snap some pictures so that will add more time.

Have a great trip!

There is also a world of difference between driving away from Dublin Airport on three-lane motorways with large clear signage and steady speeds having had a chance to rest and recover from a long flight , and driving through Dublin city centre at rush hour straight off a long overnight flight , trying to navigate congested narrow streets (many laid out in a medieval street pattern with few straight lines), one way systems, bus lanes, trams, cyclists and the probably the world's most determined jaywalkers plus small bilingual street signs half-way up buildings designed for pedestrians and practically invisible to motorists. We're Dublin locals and we don't drive into the city centre unless we have to.

@hitsman - as others have advised, on arrival let a local taxi or coach driver take the strain and head to The Mont to rest up and enjoy Dublin on foot, then return to Dublin Airport to pick up your car for a much easier (and safer) getaway to Co. Kerry .

I wouldn't drive in Dublin, not even in my own car , used to driving on the left and not jet lagged. Last time we did this it took an hour to find our way from the port to the motorway.

The drive from Dublin to Killarney will take between 5 and 7 hours — not 3 1/2. Much will depend on the weather, the route and traffic on the day.

We were quite exhausted by the end of the day, but we do try hard to stay awake and be outside on arrival day as I think it helps us to get over jet lag sooner overall.

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UK weather: Hottest day of the year expected - and warning of 70mph winds as Storm Kathleen moves in

A mixed picture is forecast for Saturday as parts of East Anglia and southeast England could top Portugal and bask in temperatures in the low 20s.

Saturday 6 April 2024 04:31, UK

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The UK is expected to see the hottest day of the year so far today - with towns and cities set to bask in balmy temperatures while others are battered by 70mph winds.

The Met Office said temperatures are likely to reach up to 22C (72F) on Saturday as unseasonably warm air from the continent brings sunny spells to parts of the country.

Ellie Glaisyer, a meteorologist for the forecaster, said that Storm Kathleen "is the reason we are seeing the warmer temperatures, because the location of the storm - situated out towards the west of the UK - is bringing a southerly wind across the UK".

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon added that "it's not unusual for these storm systems to bring warmer air with them".

The highest temperature of the year so far was 19.9C (68F), recorded at the end of January at Achfary in northwest Scotland.

Meanwhile a mixed picture is set for today - with the forecaster earlier updating its warnings to say stronger gusts are more likely over the weekend as Kathleen batters the western parts of Britain.

Gusts of 50mph are widely expected and exposed places could see 60mph to 70mph.

Yellow weather warnings have been issued for wind in areas - covering Cornwall, much of Wales, parts of Lancashire and Cumbria, and up into central Scotland and Northern Ireland from 8am to 10pm.

Ms Glaisyer also said that the storm is likely to bring heavy rain overnight, "which will spread its way northwards across the country". By the morning, most places should see "a relatively dry start to Saturday".

Temperatures in the low twenties are also expected in southeast England, but the forecaster added that "the further west you are, where those strongest winds are in that yellow warning area, despite the temperatures being above average it will feel a little colder".

The Met Office's update on yellow wind warnings said: "Stronger gusts are now expected across some parts of the warning area, with likelihood also increased."

It said there was a risk of "injuries and danger to life" from large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

It added road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.

There could also be power cuts and mobile phone coverage may also be affected.

Get your local forecast from Sky News

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Mr Dixon added: "The outlook for Sunday for much of the UK is for showery conditions to continue particularly in northern and western areas again.

"It will generally feel a touch drier the further south-east you go through the day on Sunday as Kathleen gradually moves away northwards."

He added that the start of next week would see unsettled weather conditions with "rain continuing for many".

#StormKathleen has been named by @MetEireann and is forecast to bring strong winds to Ireland and much of the UK on Saturday Stay #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/dcDmifdqjL — Met Office (@metoffice) April 4, 2024

Storm Kathleen has been named by Ireland's national forecaster Met Eireann, which has issued its own warnings covering the whole country and urged the public to be "vigilant".

Cork, Kerry, Galway and Mayo are set to be the worst affected.

They are under an amber alert, meaning "very difficult travel conditions" and potential fallen trees, power outages and coastal flooding.

Read more from Sky News: Teenager stabbed to death in afternoon attack Consultants accept pay offer to end dispute

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Storm Kathleen is the 11th named storm in eight months, and this only the second time in a UK storm season that the letter K has been reached in the alphabet.

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Help! Air Canada Ruined Our Trip to Ireland but Won’t Take the Blame.

A Minnesota couple’s vacation fell apart after a jet bridge accident and a code-share snafu led to two nights of failed connections.

By Seth Kugel

Dear Tripped Up,

Last September, my husband and I left our kids with their grandparents and set off to Ireland. Our $2,132 itinerary took us from Minneapolis to Toronto to Dublin on tickets booked on United Airlines through Expedia but ultimately operated by Air Canada, a United partner. We had boarded our connecting flight in Toronto (and I was already dozing in my seat) when the captain announced an operator had crashed the jet bridge into the starboard engine. We were given hotel vouchers and told we would be rebooked for the next day. Checkout time came and went without a word, so we went to the airport and were told to call Air Canada customer service. An agent booked us a flight for that evening, and we printed out boarding passes at an airport kiosk. But when we tried to board, we were told the boarding passes were invalid. Eventually, we were offered two options for the next day: Fly to Dublin via Newark, or return to Minneapolis. We cut our losses and went home after staying the night in Toronto at a hotel. But United refunded us only $1,087, barely half of what we paid. Air Canada did reimburse us for the second hotel and other expenses, but we believe the airlines owe us not only a full refund, but also 400 Canadian each ($295 apiece) under Canadian law for denied boarding. Both refused. Can you help? Michelle, Edina, Minn.

Dear Michelle,

I found the 58-page dossier you sent along with your story to be quite convincing. (It also convinced me that either you or your husband is a lawyer, which turns out to be true.)

I skipped over Expedia, since your trip had already started, and reached out to United and Air Canada — as you flew on an airline’s partner, it’s a code share arrangement. A spokeswoman for United, Erin Jankowski, quickly sent me a statement noting that the refund you received from United was as per Air Canada’s instructions and referred all other questions to it.

Air Canada, on the other hand, took almost two weeks to get back to me, and its response was underwhelming.

“Our records indicate these customers were not denied boarding in Toronto,” wrote Peter Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for the airline. “Instead, it appears that following the cancellation of their original flight to Ireland they opted to return to Minneapolis from Toronto rather than go to Dublin following the delay. Once that was identified, we did rebook the customers on a flight back to Minneapolis.”

No compensation, no word on the $1,045 still missing from your refund and no explanation as to how you were turned away at the gate for your second flight and yet “not denied boarding.”

Air Canada did offer you and your husband a credit worth 1,200 Canadian dollars toward a future flight, Mr. Fitzpatrick wrote to me, “to account for the impact on their travel plans and experience.”

There was no response to my direct question asking why your boarding passes did not work the second night. In fact, it isn’t even clear from Mr. Fitzpatrick’s initial statement that Air Canada believed you even tried to board, despite the boarding passes you included in the dossier sent to me and the two airlines.

I wrote back with more pointed questions, thanks to what I learned after reading up on the Canadian Transportation Agency’s air passenger protection regulations and speaking with Tom Oommen, the director general of the C.T.A.’s Analysis and Outreach Branch.

“We have what I would call a very complete holistic system of consumer protection for airlines,” he said. For example, when flight disruptions occur for reasons within an airline’s control and the airline cannot get passengers onto another of its own flights within nine hours, it must book the passenger on any airline, including competitors it does not have agreements with, a requirement that the United States does not impose.

Mr. Oommen also noted that if a passenger is stuck midway through a trip and is not happy with the options to continue on, the airline must offer to rebook that passenger “on a flight back to their point of origin free of charge and refund their entire ticket.”

He wouldn’t specifically comment on your case, but that is exactly what happened to you. (The only exception to these rules is when the disruption is not within the airline’s control, Mr. Oommen said, but when a mechanical problem is caused by an airline employee or contractor, “it’s hard to make that argument.”)

There are also many circumstances in which Canada requires airlines to compensate passengers — between 400 and 2,400 dollars — for flight delays, cancellations and denied boarding within the airline’s control. There is an exception for when such issues have safety implications, which could apply to the first night’s engine damage, but not, it seems to me, for the second night’s nonfunctioning boarding passes. That sounds a lot like denied boarding.

This time, you heard back before I did, and forwarded me several emails from Air Canada, including one that said the carrier had approved a cash payment of 400 dollars per traveler. Then Mr. Fitzpatrick emailed me to say you would receive a full refund.

So you got what you asked for, but of course you would rather have gone to Ireland. And what happened, exactly, when Air Canada refused to board you in Toronto? Mr. Fitzpatrick told me United had canceled your ticket before you even got to the gate.

I found that confusing — the boarding pass bears an Air Canada ticket number, and you had not even spoken to United that day. So I got back in touch with United’s Ms. Jankowski, who looked into the situation further and found that “United canceled the tickets after sending messages to the operating carrier, Air Canada, informing them that the tickets had not been properly reissued to the rescheduled flight.”

Apparently, somewhere in the interfacing bowels of the two carriers’ systems, your Air Canada boarding pass was invalidated by United, and neither airline contacted you. And that’s too bad, because Mr. Fitzpatrick later confirmed that second flight left with empty seats.

When you decided to just go home, the Air Canada representative at the airport said you had to call United. The process to untangle the mess and get you booked on a flight back to Minneapolis required hours and six different United customer service representatives and supervisors.

Your experience is a good reason for all of us to avoid code shares unless they are necessary — such as when an itinerary includes flights operated by different airlines.

All this because you originally booked Air Canada flights as United code shares — a choice you found on Expedia. When I recently ran a Minneapolis-to-Dublin search on Expedia for a week in April, the first two choices that appeared were the same route via Toronto with no price difference, one booked directly on Air Canada and the other as a code share on United. Assuming you saw the same thing last year, I bet that if you had booked the Air Canada choice, you would have made it to Ireland, albeit a day late. All the more reason to book directly, with one airline.

There is one final mystery: Why wouldn’t Air Canada admit this was a case of denied boarding, and follow the required C.T.A. regulations? Yes, your case doesn’t precisely fit the agency’s official definition , which is written to describe overbooking or changes in aircraft, but if an airline erroneously cancels a passenger’s ticket after it has already printed a boarding pass, and you are stopped at the gate, what is that?

I presented this as a theoretical situation to the Mr. Oommen of the C.T.A.

“Classic denied boarding is what you’re describing,” he said.

That means you could file for an additional 400 dollars each for this second incident, and put that toward a new flight to Ireland — say, on Aer Lingus, direct or through Chicago.

If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Seth Kugel is the columnist for “ Tripped Up ,” an advice column that helps readers navigate the often confusing world of travel. More about Seth Kugel

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