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Road Trips in Northern Ireland

Jump in your car and discover hidden gems, geological wonders of the world, secluded bays and real-life fantasy locations, just a short drive from Belfast.

Northern Ireland is an epic destination for a road trip. It’s small, beautiful and packed with things to do. Here’s everything you need to know.

Belfast to giant's causeway coast.

This Belfast sightseeing itinerary takes in the best of Belfast City, the surrounding area, and the Causeway Coastal route, the perfect combination of city break and outdoor exploring.

Galgorm Resort

Northern Ireland's premier luxury hotel and spa, situated only 30 minutes from Belfast.

Giant's Causeway

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant's Causeway is a magnificent, mysterious geological formation on the North East coast of County Antrim.

Dunluce Castle

One of the most famous castles in Northern Ireland, and a regular feature on Game of Thrones.

Explore the Real Life Westeros

Game of Thrones is one of the most popular and successful fantasy TV series ever made. Our rugged coast lines, historic castles and breathtaking scenery are the perfect setting for this epic story.

Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Step inside the Seven Kingdoms and explore the world of Game of Thrones like never before at the only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

Game of Thrones Tours

Full day coach tours to Game of Thrones locations throughout Northern Ireland. Stark cloaks, Iron Island costumes and replica swords add to the adventure.

Game of Thrones Film Locations

Take in the beauty of our coastal roads, craggy castles and sprawling glens as a backdrop for the Seven Kingdoms in the hit TV show, Game of Thrones.

Bunk Campers

Experience Ireland with the freedom and independence of campervan hire with Bunk Campers!

Hillsborough and Lisburn

Explore the official Northern Ireland residence of HM The King, Hillsborough Castle, the historic city of Lisburn and a family owned brewery. Enjoy breathtaking gardens and discover Hillsborough Castle’s unique history.

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and discover Northern Ireland’s royal residence.

Hillsborough Forest

Hillsborough Forest is set in the picturesque Georgian village of Hillsborough and sits just a few minutes’ walk from Hillsborough Castle, adjacent to Hillsborough Fort.

High Rise Indoor Adventure Centre

Make sure High Rise is top of your list for a day out with family or friends – with Clip ‘n Climb, soft play and sensory rooms there’s something for all ages!

Hinch Distillery Tours

The Hinch Distillery sits in the heart of the County Down countryside. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about local distilling traditions on guided tours.

Belfast to Strangford Lough & Ards Peninsula

Strangford Lough is a large sea loch or inlet in County Down, in the east of Northern Ireland. It is the largest inlet in Ireland and the British Isles, covering 150 km².

Scrabo Tower and Country Park

Scrabo Tower is located to the west of Newtownards in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Mount Stewart

Discover a place of enchantment at Mount Stewart, the Irish family home of the Marquesses of Londonderry.

Exploris Aquarium

Located in Portaferry on the shores of Strangford Lough, you can enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world.

The Old Inn

Nestled in the charming village of Crawfordsburn, located just 15 minutes from Belfast and five minutes from the seaside town of Bangor, The Old Inn is the perfect escape for your next rural retreat.

Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion

Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion region in the south east of Northern Ireland is an open-air playground, providing coastal drives, rock climbing, nature rambles, photography, canoeing, fishing and world class golf.

The stunning Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion region of County Down is a veritable open-air playground.

The Royal County Down Golf Club

Royal County Down Golf Club is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve.

Killeavy Castle Estate

Killeavy Castle Estate is the perfect antidote to the modern fast paced world.

Explore County Tyrone

County Tyrone is Norther Ireland’s largest county. Explore the ancient Hill of The O’Neill at The Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre or the spectacular Harry Avery’s Castle.

This handsome Irish gentry house is surrounded by its 130-hectare (320-acre) wooded riverside estate.

Ulster American Folk Park

Journey back in time and discover the stories of Irish emigration to the New World in the 18th and 19th centuries

Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House

The Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point for an exploration of Dungannon and Tyrone.

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Visit Belfast has a team dedicated to assisting travel professionals planning individual or group travel programmes. If you have questions about the itinerary above, would like to be introduced to the trade contacts at any of the venues, or would like further ideas to customise your clients itinerary, then contact the travel trade team today for more information:

Email:  [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0) 28 9023 9026

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Plan the Ultimate Road Trip Through Northern Ireland

Bag a set of wheels – the coast of Northern Ireland is road-trip heaven. It’s reasonably sized, so your journeys are short, which means more time to stop and explore. Pack your swimmers and walking boots – there are beautiful beaches and nature reserves to explore – and don’t forget a smart outfit or two, the cities offer plenty of culture. To help you plan your next adventure, here is how to create the ultimate road trip in Northern Ireland.

Which route should i take.

Take the Causeway Coastal Route – the most exciting road trip in Northern Ireland – from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry. It hits many of the major coastal stop-offs, including National Trust sites and a handful of Game of Thrones filming locations. It’s also relatively short, meaning there’s flexibility should you wish to stay a day or two longer in a destination. The following five-day itinerary, though, will serve most road-trippers well.

Top tip: No matter when you plan to come – though you will aim for the summer months ideally – you’ll need to pack for a variety of weather conditions. Northern Ireland is famous for its unpredictable skies, so pack for light rain, afternoon heat, spring showers and wind.

Start your trip in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter and enjoy an Ulster fry-up in St George’s Market. Before you drive out of town, grab a picture of Samson and Goliath – two giant, yellow shipbuilding cranes that have become a quirky tourist attraction.

A 30-minute ride will take you to Carrickfergus, the first stop of the tour and a town home to one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. Having survived 800 years – plus numerous assaults by the Scots, Irish, English and French – it now houses an interesting collection of historical artefacts and cannons.

Then head 20 minutes north to The Gobbins, a 2mi (3km) walk along the cliffs of Islandmagee. It’s a rather spectacular route carved into the cliffside more than a century ago for Edwardian tourists.

See the route for Day 1 .

Day 2: Discover the Glens of Antrim

Day 2 starts at Glenarm Castle and Gardens , a horticulturist’s dream. You can explore the oldest walled gardens in Ireland and enjoy a 19th-century afternoon tea in the Mushroom House. Come in May to walk among thousands of tulips during the annual tulip festival.

Next, head to the Glens of Antrim. There are nine glens to explore; stop at Glenarm and tackle the walking trails of Glenarm Forest. If you stroll by the river, keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers and otters.

Then travel to Cushendun, a beautiful harbour town modelled on Cornish villages, to visit Glenmona House, a grand estate and home to the endangered red squirrel.

See the route for Day 2 , including several alternative routes through the Glens of Antrim.

Day 3: Head up North

Things are about to get windy as you head north up the coast. Your first stop of the day is at Torr Head, an enchanting cove only 13mi (18km) across the sea from Scotland. This was a lookout for Atlantic and transatlantic ships two centuries ago, and has fantastic views of Rathlin Island. Bring your binoculars to spot the puffin population on Rathlin and dolphins and porpoises in the water.

Your next destination, Ballintoy, the fictional capital of Pyke and (in real life) home to beautiful church buildings and a harbour, actually featured in a Game of Thrones episode. White Park Bay, a short walk from Ballintoy, has a sandy beach, rocky shores and views of the Causeway coast.

See the route for Day 3 .

Day 4: Explore myths and legends at the Giant’s Causeway

Day 4 will see the longest drive on the entire Causeway route, at just under four hours. However, you’ll also arrive at Unesco-listed heritage site the Giant’s Causeway, a phenomenal 40,000-basalt-rock formation. Legend says that it was created by Irish giant Finn MacCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill in Gaelic) to meet his Scottish enemy.

Top tip: park in the nearby town of Bushmills and take the shuttle bus – it will save time. Also remember, you don’t need to pay to visit the Giant’s Causeway. Enter via the alternative route by the Visitors Centre to avoid the fee.

When you have fully explored the site, drive to Dunluce Castle, another Game of Thrones location. Today it’s one of the most photographed ruins in Northern Ireland and a favourite for location scouts (it also hosted Jackie Chan’s 2003 film The Medallion ).

See the route for Day 4 .

Day 5: Finish the trip in Derry/Londonderry

First up today is Downhill Demesne, a National Trust site with the ruins of an 18th-century mansion, the cliffside Mussenden Temple (modelled on the Temple of Vesta in Rome) and a walled garden. From here, travel inland to Roe Valley Country Park, with more wildlife than you can count and more forest than you can hike. The park is on the outer region of Limavady, on the west coast.

The last stop is the border city of Derry/Londonderry. Explore the 400-year-old city walls and step across the S-shaped Peace Bridge (an acknowledgement that the road to peace is never a simple one).

See the route for Day 5 .

Where to stay on a road trip in Northern Ireland?

1. the fitzwilliam hotel, for a cosy start in belfast.

Upon entering the Fitzwilliam, you’ll be greeted by an open fire framed by tall bookshelves and beige sofas – it feels like a home from home. The location is perfect too; just a couple of steps from the grand Opera Hall and only five minutes to Donegall Place, the main shopping street in Belfast.

2. Slieve Donard Hotel and Spa, for countryside relaxation

The award-winning Slieve Donard Hotel and Spa, sat at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, is on 2.5ha (6 acres) of beautiful private gardens. If you can drag yourself from the hotel, you’ll find heaps of local attractions and nature spots showcasing the best of the Northern Irish countryside. After a day exploring, fuel up on grub from one of the many hotel restaurants.

Start planning your adventure in Ireland today.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Belfast and beyond: the ultimate road trip along Northern Ireland's rugged coast

By Alex Barlow and Anna Cafolla

It’s morning; early enough to feel dewy, with a salty seaweed tang in the air. On the horizon, a ferry crosses Belfast Bay, quietly on its way to wherever, indifferent to the slow truce of light that plays out overhead; to the pale 6am oranges giving way to the surly graphite greys of the day. It will not be bright, but then no one comes to Northern Ireland for the weather. In fact, I’m here to drive: specifically, in a new Ferrari Roma , a thing of intangible, A-List elan, which hits my eardrums before it hits my adrenal glands. As I drive west out of Belfast , then north towards the coast, I revel in its timeless sonic spectrum: from the baritone sotto voce of stillness to the hoarse, unwavering whoosh of acceleration and back again.

Passing the storybook landscapes after Limavady, where the Binevenagh mountain stares blankly into Lough Foyle, it dawns on me that Northern Ireland’s roads are glorious. Unlike other parts of rural Britain , there are no blind corners or single-lane, bumper-to-bumper face-offs. They’re wide and well-made, but with that remote, wild, away-from-it-all-ness that every good road trip demands. The arch, unalloyed joy of speed rouses back-of-the-bus giggles as I pass towns that sound only happy: Tullyhoe, Glebe, Aghanloo.

I stop, almost reluctantly, at Portstewart. Set among the dunes, Harry’s Shack may be unassuming, but against a curative soundtrack of roiling sea, it’s a paean to the best simply-prepared Northern Irish seafood: oysters from the Cooley Peninsula south of Belfast, mussels from Mulroy Bay to the west, and wonderful whole lobster from local creels. I press on, reaching the part where the Causeway Coastal Route, a 130-mile stretch from Londonderry to Belfast, seems to shift up a gear – high-definition greens to the right; fresh, Atlantic infinity to the left. Here, even at speed, the car sticks to the curly up-and-downs of the road like a tram.

I feel I have to stop at Giant’s Causeway. It’s the route’s basalt-rock banner attraction and, despite the coached-in crowds, there’s a skittish joy as Boy Scouts climb the stones among strangers. The harbour at Ballintoy is more serene. As I arrive, fishermen gut mackerel in the tiny port as clouds hang stubbornly over a small, bucket-and-spade beach . Shaun O’Boyle has been painting here for 12 years. “I speak to drivers all the time, from America, France, all over,” he says. “They say that 30-mile stretch from Portrush to Ballycastle, there’s nowhere like it in the world.”

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Sarah James

Alex Postman

Back in Belfast, I have a restful night at the Culloden Estate and Spa , the one-time bishop’s palace in the Holywood Hills to the east of the city, after pan-seared scallops at the Vespers restaurant and a reminder that whiskey (Bushmills single malt) always tastes better next to a log fire. The next morning, I drive through the Holywood suburb, where ingredient-centric restaurants such as Frae are dotted unobtrusively among chippies and charity shops.

Further into town, I meet barista Louis Price at Guilt Trip, a faintly punkish love letter to caffeine and doughnuts . He’s recently returned to Belfast from London, part of a wave of creatives that returned to the city over the pandemic. “There was a slowdown,” he says. “But Belfast is moving again, and fast.”

And so do I. From the city, I head south towards the Mourne Scenic Loop, which takes its name from the mountain range in County Louth. At Portaferry, I cross the glassy calm waters of Strangford Lough in a ferry, then head to Newcastle, the neat, orderly seaside town where all life is rendered in miniature by its mighty backdrop: Slieve Donard, a cloud-covered mountain so grumpy and aloof it could be in Scotland .

But this is unmistakably Northern Ireland. On the way back to Belfast, I stop at an empty, leaden High Street that, like many others, is festooned in red-and-blue flags with such fierce deliberateness there can be no mistaking its loyalties. To the left is a pub, long ago abandoned, that bears a muted menace. What secrets does it keep, I wonder, as the lights turn green. With an empty straight line up ahead, I can’t resist pressing hard on the pedal, and the oblivion of a roaring engine.

For more information on the Ferrari Roma, see ferrari.com

A very brief guide to Northern Ireland

Northern Irish writer Anna Cafolla on the key areas to hit

Belfast feels like a city on the up, with a youthful Copenhagen -ish cool to go with a gritty, soulful heritage. The food scene is buzzing, from the seasonal small plates of Ox in the centre to the likes of cool wine bar/bistro Frae, in up-and-coming Hollywood to the east. New ideas abound, like the old Ulster Sports Club’s reimagining as a cool music venue, from the team behind the Merchant Hotel – the one-time Ulster Bank, now the city’s smartest hotel.

Portstewart

With surf, sand dunes and cool cafes on the north coast, Portstewart is an update on the classic Victorian seaside resort: from a whippy cone at Morelli’s, open since 1911, to piccolos and cruffins at the airily cool Lost & Found, with views of the Mussenden Temple on the clifftop. Nearby Portrush has the best Irish seafood at Harry’s Shack, and more than 40 gins at the pretty Harbour Bar.

History is never far away in Derry, and the recently redeveloped Museum of Free Derry is a must for the story of Bloody Sunday and The Troubles. Life feels lighter now, though – in the queue for bao buns and fish tacos at the Notorious Street Food van, or at the lively, paraphernalia-packed Sandinos bar, close to a new sort of oversized mural: of the cast of Derry Girls .

A city and county southwest of Belfast, Armagh is about simple, family-friendly pleasures: tours of the Tayto crisp factory, say, or the McKeever family’s orchard tour (this is the county of apples), with its winning rhubarb and honey cider. This is also the heartland of Gaelic football, with the home team cheered on by the country’s largest GAA stadium.

The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary and Travel Guide

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

The ultimate guide to planning an epic Ireland road trip itinerary!

We’ve been lucky enough to explore countless countries, and it’s fair to say that it takes a lot to impress us.

But when we visited the Emerald Isle and explored the country on a two-week Ireland road trip, it honestly took our breath away.

Ireland boasts a rugged coastline, rolling pastures, picturesque lakes, quaint villages and some of the friendliest people we’ve ever met.

It also has more pubs per capita than any country we’ve ever travelled to, and we knew that was going to help cement Ireland in our list of favourite countries ever.

When we found out we were heading to Ireland in October to speak at the TBEX Europe conference we decided to rent a campervan and do an epic road trip around the country.

Ireland had been at the top of Alesha’s list of must-visit destinations since she was a kid, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally explore the European nation.

Having travelled in a campervan around Canada, Australia and Chile we knew that it was definitely the best way to see a country, and with the stories we had heard from travellers about the landscapes in Ireland we were sold on the van life.

After some research we found out the best campervan company in Ireland is Bunk Campers , and we decided to get something a bit more luxurious for our journey.

All the campervans we had owned or rented over the years were just basic vans, with a small bed and tiny kitchens.

This time we rented a fully kitted out campervan, and it was nice to have luxuries like running water, hot showers, a toilet (only number ones!!!) , a heater (so good on those cold mornings) and a dining table to sit at.

Once we picked up our campervan in Dublin we had two weeks for road tripping Ireland the best we could.

Of course two weeks is nowhere near enough time to see everything on a road trip in Ireland, but we were lucky that we had about eight days beforehand as well to see more of Kerry County, Dublin and Ireland’s Ancient East.

What we did see though made us fall in love with Ireland even more, and we’re already making plans on returning in the near future for a longer trip.

Here’s our guide, including tips, highlights and our full Ireland road trip itinerary.

Table of Contents

The Ring of Kerry

Ireland’s ancient east, donegal’s wild atlantic way, loop head peninsula, the giant’s causeway, achill island, the ring of beara, day 1 – dublin to wexford (150km), day 2 – wexford to cork (190km), day 3 – cork to kenmare via the ring of beara (200km), day 4 – kenmare to killarney via the ring of kerry (140km), day 5 – killarney, day 6 – killarney to tralee via dingle (160km), day 7 – tralee to lahinch via loop head (160km), day 8 – lahinch to galway via doolin (100km), day 9 – galway to achill island via kylemore abbey (200km), day 10 – achill island to donegal via ballina (220km), day 11 – donegal to londonderry via slieve league and malin head (250km), day 12 – londonderry to belfast via the giant’s causeway (190km), day 13 – belfast, day 14 – belfast to howth (or dublin) via newgrange (180km), want to save this for later pin it, 8 highlights of our ireland road trip.

Our Ireland road trip was an incredible experience, and we really fell in love with the country after our 2 weeks driving around.

We even took a quick trip into Northern Ireland (which is actually a part of the United Kingdom) , and we’re glad we did, as it added some other great stops into our itinerary.

From the famous Giant’s Causeway to the Kerry Cliffs, exploring the history of Ireland’s Ancient East to walking through the Dark Hedges, these are the highlights of our Ireland Road Trip.

Want to know where to go on a road trip in Ireland? Read on…

Arguably the best driving loop in the entire country, the Ring of Kerry starts off near Killarney in the southwest of the country and takes in the beautiful coastal scenery of the Iveragh Peninsula.

If you leave from Killarney the Ring of Kerry is about 214km long, not including all the detours, but every single kilometre of that is an absolute joy.

Check out these epic day tours and activities you can do in Killarney !

Head in a clockwise direction from Killarney, straight to Kenmare and then onwards to Sneem. This is to avoid the tour buses, which are forced to drive in an anti-clockwise direction.

Every time you see a photo opportunity make sure you grab it! The landscape is out of this world, and ranges from sprawling farmland to lush forest, with jagged mountain peaks and a dramatic coastline topping it off.

The highlight is the Kerry Cliffs near Portmagee, with towering rocks dropping spectacularly into the sea, and you can even see the famous Skellig Islands in the distance on a clear day.

If you have the time, and the weather is nice, make sure you take a trip to the Skelligs, home to puffins and landscapes that can be seen in the latest Star Wars movie.

The Ring of Kerry roads are extremely narrow, so make sure you drive with care.

While the rest of the country boasts a world class coastline and jaw-dropping landscapes, for those with a love of culture and history then Ireland’s Ancient East is a destination where one day can easily turn into seven.

You can begin your journey in this fascinating area with a night (or more) at Waterford, delving into the Viking history that has been around for over 1000 years. Don’t miss out on the King of the Vikings virtual reality exhibition!

Head to Wexford and take a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience. This authentic, interactive exhibition of what it was like to travel in an immigrant ship (complete with the actual Dunbrody ship!) back in the 1700s is absolutely remarkable, and while we are usually dubious of recreations, this was world class!

Enniscorthy is a gorgeous heritage village that was also home to centuries of sometimes tragic history.

The castle is well worth visiting, but don’t miss out on the views from Vinegar Hill, which was actually the location of a fierce battle between British and Irish soldiers in 1798.

Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, and if you’re looking for an iconic photo you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place than here.

By far the best attraction in Ireland’s Ancient East is the Irish National Heritage Park .

This sprawling venue has been built to showcase more than 9000 years of Irish history. Kids and adults alike will be completely entranced by walking around the traditional dwellings that have been recreated on the grounds.

Passionate actors share stories of what it was like to live in the times when humans first settled in the Emerald Isle, and the hardships endured over the years.

To complete the experience don’t miss out on a traditional Viking dinner in the restaurant. Expect ribs cooked underground on coals, hearty soups and fresh bread, all washed down with craft beer!

You’ll be required to dress up in old-fashion clothes as well, but don’t worry about the quality of food – it’s absolutely impeccable, and much healthier and tastier than would have been found back in the day.

The entire west coast of Ireland has become known as the Wild Atlantic Way , and the slick marketing campaign by the tourism board isn’t without just cause – It’s absolutely phenomenal, and should be the main objective of any Ireland road trip.

One of the more incredible, yet often skipped, areas of the country is Donegal County up in the far north of the Republic of Ireland.

The town of Donegal itself is enjoyable, with some great pubs, cafes and restaurants to keep you entertained, but it’s only when you hit the coast that you start to see the county’s true potential.

Slieve League is the main attraction, with its marvellous hiking trails that offer stellar views over the Atlantic Ocean and cliffs that almost rival the ones found in Kerry.

The drive out to Meencarrick is superb, and it is one of the nicest coastal routes in the country. Don’t miss driving out to the headland for some hiking next to the cliffs.

The entire length of ocean roads in Donegal is great, but make a special detour to Malin Head, the northernmost point in the Republic of Ireland (even further north than Northern Ireland).

It will be super windy, but the views are great and the bucolic roads to get there are alone worth the trip.

In the list of big attractions in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are right near the top. These soaring, vertical rock faces tumble into the sea, and stretch for kilometres like an impenetrable barrier against the Atlantic.

They are also supremely crowded with tourists.

Instead head a bit further south to the Loop Head Peninsula, where you can find similar landscapes and scenery with no entrance fee charged, and almost nobody else to get in the way.

You won’t find fences here either. If you want to walk right up to the edge of the cliffs, you can (just be careful).

If you have time, do both. But if you just want to choose one, skip the Cliffs of Moher and instead hit up Loop Head Peninsula.

Although the Giant’s Causeway is actually in Northern Ireland, it is still one of the best places on the Emerald Isle and should not be missed during your road trip itinerary.

Thousands of basalt, hexagonal columns rise out of the sea creating one of the most magnificent geological environments in the United Kingdom.

Legend has it that a giant built the Causeway as a path to connect Ireland with Scotland so he could take part in a fight, and if you use your imagination you can almost picture the columns forming a bridge between the two nations.

Walking around the Giant’s Causeway can easily take a few hours, with plenty of great photo opportunities and even some hiking trails around to occupy your time.

The audio tour that can be purchased from the wonderful visitors centre tells the legend, geology and history of the Giant’s Causeway, and is worth the price.

If you’re trying to keep your costs down though you can actually visit the Giant’s Causeway for free. Park in the closest town and hitch or take a bus to the site, then walk around the visitors centre.

When we were driving around Ireland we met one or two people that had mentioned a place called Achill Island, but it never came up as a ‘must do’ in our conversations.

Still, when we realised it would only be a short detour to check it out, we decided we had nothing to lose by making the visit.

It was one of the best decisions we made.

Achill Island is an absolute delight, and boasts ridiculously beautiful beaches, wonderful headlands, quaint fishing villages and fun adventure activities to enjoy.

After crossing over on the bridge we drove to the end of the road, and couldn’t believe the kind of views that surrounded us.

Sheep wandered on the steep farmland with an impossible ocean vista rolling out in every direction. Hills climbed all around us, offering great hiking for those feeling active.

We ended up watching sunset from a water reservoir that looked out over the whole town of Keel, and finding a place to camp next to an inland lake close by.

With more time you could rent some surfboards or kites and hit the ocean, or head up into the mountains for some trekking.

When we return to Ireland we’ll definitely be giving Achill Island a bigger portion of our schedule.

The Ring of Kerry is the go-to for road trips in Ireland, but the nearby Ring of Beara is just as beautiful, without the people.

Just like its neighbour, the Ring of Beara is a coastal loop that takes in the absolute best vistas of the Beara Peninsula.

You’ll find sheep grazing on pastures that butt up against the ocean. The roads twist and wind like a snake weaving through a field, and requires a lot of concentration to navigate.

Unfortunately the weather was quite bad on the day we did the Ring of Beara, but even then whenever we did get a glimpse of the landscape we were absolutely blown away.

Stonehenge might be the most famous Neolithic site in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but it definitely isn’t the oldest.

Only a few hours north of Dublin is the spectacular Newgrange archaeological site; a huge, circular stone structure that was built over 5200 years ago as a passage tomb and temple.

Approaching Newgrange is not what you would expect. It is surrounded by farmland, and you can see cows and sheep walking around just on the other side of the fence. But the site itself is wonderful.

The main tomb takes up over an acre of land, and stands 15m tall with an 85m diameter. It’s part of a larger complex as well, surrounded by other tombs named Knowth and Dowth.

One of the most remarkable things about Newgrange is that the entrance passage is aligned to let in a beam of light during sunrise during the winter solstice.

Guides can show you this phenomenon at any time of year though using flashlights.

You must head to the Visitors Centre to purchase your tickets first, which is actually a bit far away from the Newgrange site.

They offer free bus transport with your ticket from the Visitors Centre to Newgrange, but we recommend taking your own car to the site.

We didn’t know you could do this and spent almost 2 hours total waiting – not because of crowds, but because that was just the way the bus schedule worked. Save yourself the headache and drive your own car to the site.

Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

We ended up renting our campervan to try and find the best Ireland road trips for two weeks and managed to see a lot of the country.

However it did end up being a bit rushed, and you could easily extend this to a month if you wanted to do all the amazing side trips and hiking excursions around.

This is the exact itinerary that we followed, although where possible we’ve given alternatives that might be worth spending the night in.

Our trip was plagued with storms and a hurricane (yes, a hurricane), so we had to skip a few things.

We don’t mention many places to stay, because most of the time we slept in our campervan, and you can find your own spots along the way, or stay in any one of the dozens of epic B&Bs in the country .

We’ll definitely be adding to our list once we do our next Ireland road trip.

Once you’ve picked up your campervan in Dublin (and of course visited the Guinness Storehouse, which is a must see) head out of the city aiming for the town of Wexford in Ireland’s Ancient East.

The drive itself won’t be overly beautiful, but chances are you’ve picked up the rental in the afternoon and the goal is to just get out of the city.

In Wexford and the surrounding area there are plenty of things to do that could take up a few days of your itinerary. Some of the best things to do around Wexford are:

• Visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience in Wexford.
• Do the King of the Vikings Experience in Waterford.
• Go to Hook Lighthouse.
• Spend a few hours at Dunmore Adventure Centre , which has a tonne of activities to enjoy, like kayaking, sailing, climbing, windsurfing, and our absolute favourite, the Wibit Waterpark. Ever seen the show Wipeout? Well Dunmore East has one of these giant inflatable parks set up out in the harbour! One of the funnest things we have ever done.
• Hang out at Ireland’s National Heritage Park.
• Go cycling along the Waterford Greenway.
• Hang out in Enniscorthy and climb Vinegar Hill.

You can take your time driving to Cork and visit some of the great attractions in the area, or just enjoy the beautiful country scenery.

Get out and enjoy the beautiful coastal walks around Ardmore, and have lunch at the phenomenal Cliff House Hotel.

The roads are quite good and Cork itself is a fun city. Plenty of great pubs and restaurants to enjoy, and some great attractions nearby:

• Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Also don’t forget to spend some time walking around the stunning grounds.
• Eat at Cliff House Hotel…Trust us on this one.
• See the colourful houses in Cobh.

Leave early on this day because the plan is to tackle the beautiful Ring of Beara driving loop on the way to Killarney.

From Cork take the backroads to Ballylickey, then head onto the Beara Peninsula. You’ll be thankful you left early because this loop will take you all day with all the photo stops.

Once you finish the loop spend the night in Kenmare, which is a beautiful little village.

Some of the main attractions along the way are:

• Drive the spectacular Ring of Beara.
• Walking around Kenmare.

After a delicious breakfast in Kenmare head west onto the Ring of Kerry, and make sure those camera batteries are charged!

This loop is the most famous, and arguably the most beautiful, drive in all of Ireland, and if you get a sunny day it might end up being one of the best road trips of your life!

If you’re into hiking, or want to do some of the day excursions around the Ring of Kerry you might need to break up your trip into two or three days.

• Visit the Skelligs – Two rocky islands off the coast of Ireland home to an old monastery, puffins, and was used as a film scene in the latest Star Wars movie.
• Hike around the Kerry Cliffs.
• Hang out at Derrynane Beach.

Be careful of the roads along the Ring of Kerry – they are twisting, narrow and often busy with tour buses!

After a few days of driving you deserve a well-earned rest. Except you’re now in Killarney, and there are so many things to do in Killarney that you could easily fill a week with activities!

We spent 4 days in Killarney before we started our road trip, and loved it so much we came back! You’ll be spoilt for choice here, whether you’re into history, gardens, adventure activities or simply drinking beer.

• Rent a bicycle and explore Killarney National Park.
• Go on a river cruise .
• Visit Ross Castle and the Abbey.
• Check out Muckross House and the gardens.
• Get into nature at Torc Waterfall.
• Head out to the Gap of Dunloe and admire the world-class scenery.
• Drink delicious beer at Killarney Brewing Company.
• Climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain.

If you want to splash out and enjoy a night outside of your campervan, then head to the best luxury hotel in Killarney, Muckross Park Hotel .

Once you’ve managed to pry yourself away from Killarney (it might take a while), you have another epic drive to check out on your Ireland road trip.

Drive out to Dingle, a wonderful town that would make a nice base for a day or two, and move out to the end of the Dingle Peninsula.

This captivating area is home to the Slea Head Drive, another magnificent loop that features rolling hills jutting up against steep ocean cliffs.

As you’re now on the Wild Atlantic Way you can expect to see more than your fair share of coastal scenes, but this one around Slea Head is pretty special.

It’s not just cool scenery – there’s also a bunch of history, with stone beehive huts peppered along the coast and the impeccable Gallarus Oratory adding to the awesomeness of Slea Head Loop.

Spend the night in Tralee after doing some of the best attractions around Dingle:

• Head out on the Slea Head Drive.
• Visit the Gallarus Oratory, and all the beehive huts along the way.
• Drink some Dingle Gin.
• Do a boat trip to see Fungie the Dolphin.

Today isn’t a long day driving, and you really have two options on how you want to head to Lahinch – you could take the ferry, creating an excellent short cut, or drive out to the city of Limerick.

We personally decided to skip Limerick, even though we had heard good things, as we much prefer to be in the countryside. Plus there’s a massive highlight to see along the way!

While it’s only a short drive today your timing will be dependent on the ferry schedule that gets you across the small harbour from Tarbert to Killimer. Make sure you get there early in case you have to wait.

Once you get on the other side drive out to Loop Head Peninsula, home to some of the most wonderful cliffs in the entire country, and they’re completely free!

If you have time, or really love cliffs, you could also do the Cliffs of Moher, although these are very touristy. Spend the night in Lahinch, a wonderful beach town with a colourful main street.

• Take the ferry from Tarbert to Killimer.
• Drive out to Loop Head Peninsula and see the cliffs.
• Visit the Cliffs of Moher.
• Rent a surfboard and hit the waves in Lahinch.

On this day we unfortunately had to wipe all the attractions from our schedule as a hurricane hit the country, and we ended up bunkering down in the small town of Ennis to wait out the storm.

However if we had our time again, we would drive from Lahinch to Doolin, which is meant to be an amazing little beach village that gets a lot of rave reviews from our friends.

Then keep following the coast, eventually finishing up in Galway.

This stretch also could be turned into a two-day journey, with all the things to do.

• Take a boat out to the Aran Islands, a World Heritage Site where the locals speak Irish as well as English and ancient, ruined churches are just waiting to be explored.
• Grab a pint in one of Doolin’s colourful pubs.
• Follow the sea and enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way views.
• Go out to Spanish Point.
• Party the night away in Galway.

If you’ve ended up partying a little too hard in Galway you might need to break this journey up into two days, as you’ll be leaving late. But if you’re feeling fresh get a move on early!

The first stop is going to be Kylemore Abbey, a sensational old castle with some of the most beautiful gardens in all of Ireland.

Keep following the road around and make a beeline for Achill Island, where if you’re not careful you may get stuck for a day or two.

• Wander around Kylemore Abbey and the gardens.
• Reach the end of the road on Achill Island and be blown away with the views.
• Take a swim at the beach in Keel.
• If you have more time enjoy all the hiking and surfing opportunities around Achill Island.

The beautiful drive takes in the countryside around Ballycroy, which is surprisingly delightful and has lots of great hiking opportunities.

The area around Ballina has some cool, old friaries, and once you get to Sligo you’ll find tonnes of outdoor adventures to enjoy.

If you have time before settling in Donegal do the drive out to Slieve League, otherwise you can do it in the morning.

Finishing up in Donegal hit up one of the excellent restaurants and down it all with a pint of Guinness.

• Go for a hike in the Ballycroy National Park.
• Visit the 600-year-old friaries near Ballina.
• Head up one of the mountains or lakes in Sligo.

It’s another long drive today, which could also be broken up if you had the time, because the Donegal area has a lot of epic scenery and activities to enjoy.

The first thing you should do is enjoy the coastal drive out towards Slieve League, taking the side roads that turn down into the tiny fishing villages along the way.

Slieve League is hugely impressive, and with more time you could do the hike to the cliffs, or if you’re trying to fit it all in a day you can simply drive to the top and check out the views.

Get back in the car and head straight up to Malin Head, the northernmost point in Ireland. Afterwards head back south towards Londonderry.

We personally headed to Quigley’s Point and stayed at the Foyleside Caravan Park as we needed power to charge our laptops, and we enjoyed the spot.

• Don’t miss out on Slieve League – epic cliffs and gorgeous ocean views.
• The road to Meencarrick has some beautiful, old village and surf beaches to check out.
• Fall in love with the scenery around Glenveagh National Park.
• Stand at the northernmost point of the Republic of Ireland in Malin Head.

You’ll be spending the next few days in Northern Ireland, which means you’ll get to visit one of the United Kingdom’s most popular tourist attractions, the Giant’s Causeway.

Stick as close to the coast as possible on the drive to the Giant’s Causeway, stopping along the way to take some pictures.

Spend a few hours wandering around the famous basalt hexagonal columns, then get back in the car and make the drive into the countryside.

Swing by The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney – an avenue of enormous, twisting beech trees that is one of the most photographed places in the whole country.

It was already a popular spot, but when the HBO series Game Of Thrones filmed a scene there it was propelled into another level of busyness. Still, it’s worth seeing, even if you don’t know anything about the series.

Afterwards head into Belfast for the night, or pick a caravan park outside of town.

• Enjoy the coastal road in Northern Ireland.
• Walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy.
• Walk (don’t drive) down the Dark Hedges.
• Check out the Giant’s Causeway. Remember you don’t have to pay to enter if you don’t want to visit the information centre or use the carpark.

The Northern Ireland capital is filled with intense history, fascinating murals, a world-class museum and more than its fair share of awesome pubs.

Belfast is a city that oozes with grungy atmosphere, and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that it has an overwhelming character that should be experienced.

We were really looking forward to visiting Belfast, and it did not disappoint. To really appreciate the city though you should be willing to embrace the tragedies of the last few decades, and admire how it has bounced back.

• Spend a few hours in the marvellous Titanic Belfast, known for being one of the world’s leading tourist attractions. Get your ticket here .
• Join a free walking tour of Belfast to learn about the city’s political history.
• Check out the Crumlin Road Gaol.

For the last full day jump on the highway and head south of Belfast. You can easily be in Dublin in 2 hours, but it’s worth stopping off at the Neolithic site of Newgrange.

As mentioned above, Newgrange is one of the real highlights of any Ireland road trip, and learning all about the massive passage tomb is splendid, especially when you consider it’s older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids!

If you need to be in Dublin tonight then you can be in the city quite easily, but personally we recommend heading to the fishing village of Howth , only 30 minutes from the city.

Howth is genuinely wonderful, and the perfect place to finish up your Irish road trip. You can park your van by the dock and head out to get fish and chips, or if you want a perfect place to stay head into the only hotel in town (yes, the only hotel in town), King Sitric .

• Visit the ancient Neolithic site of Newgrange.
• Go for a hike around Howth, or enjoy the best seafood in the country at King Sitric Restaurant.

Tips For a Road Trip of Ireland

Driving a campervan around Ireland is definitely the best way to see the country.

Having your own wheels is one thing, but having your own home is the icing on the cake!

Still there are some things you need to keep in mind before you start this fun adventure. For another good reference, check out this article on renting a motorhome in Europe.

Here are some tips for renting a campervan in Ireland.

• Bigger isn’t always better:  The roads in Ireland can be notoriously narrow, and having a giant RV isn’t ideal in the Republic of Ireland. We went with the Aero model from Bunk Campers and it was a good balance of size and comfort, without being too big for the roads.
• Try to free camp where possible:  This is the whole bonus of having a campervan – You get to save on accommodation! In the Republic of Ireland we never had a problem finding a carpark or patch of grass to pull up for the night. We stayed next to a lake in Achill Island, behind a bus station in Ennis, on top of Vinegar Hill and plenty of other spots. It’s not always glamorous, but at least it’s free!
• Sometimes you’ll have to stay in a caravan park: In Northern Ireland wild camping is illegal, so you have to stay in a caravan park. They’re not too expensive (sometimes 20 Euros or less), but they come with the added bonus of amenities like laundry, proper bathrooms, electricity hook ups and wifi.
• Buy a prepaid SIM card from 3: Having data on the road is important, and we picked up a prepaid SIM from the telephone company 3. For 20 Euro we got unlimited 4G data and unlimited texts and calls for a month. We could also hotspot our laptops off of our phone with it. Get one from any 3 store.
• Don’t underestimate driving distances: You might look at one leg and think, “Oh it’s only 150km, we’ll be there in 2 hours,” but that’s not always the case. Road conditions can slow you down, as will the hundreds of photo stops along the way. Don’t be too ambitious when planning your schedule.
• Head south and drive clockwise: The weather in Ireland moves from the Atlantic Ocean and moves across the country heading northeast. A tip we got from the manager at Bunk Campers is to head south to Kerry County and drive clockwise. That way if you get nice weather you can basically follow it north.

[box] Our Ireland road trip adventure was made possible thanks to our partnership with Bunk Campers and support from Failte Ireland . All thoughts, opinions and pints of Guinness drunk at Irish pubs are, as always, our own.[/box]

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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How would you cut this down to just 10 days, Dublin to Dublin? Which stops are musts and which ones could we skip?

Loved reading this post! Really appreciate how comprehensive this all is. helps a lot as we try to figure out a two week itinerary for us taking a car over from France on the ferry!

Best Itinerary and photos.. Thanks for sharing the content.

This itinerary sounds great. It would be helpful to have a map. We are hoping to book vrbo’s along the way. We will rent a car and drive the coastline. Would love any tips.

Hello, I know you shouldn’t drink and drive anywhere but I rather ask the question and be safe. It seems that it would be difficult not to have a beer or two at a pub while in Ireland, so… what is the law regarding alcohol level allowed while driving? also… is there any law against having a bottle of wine or any other spirit in the motorhome to enjoy while parked?

Hi Marcelo, you definitely should not drink drive anywhere as you are putting yourself and other people in danger. You could harm yourself or others. Or worst, you could even kill someone or yourself. Definitely no go in any country.

As for the alcohol limit and the alcohol in the motorhome, we are not too sure. Sorry

Kylemore Abbey is not actually a castle. It is a monastery built on the grounds of the Castle. There are nuns who live there now and it also has a beautiful walled garden.

I am Irish and while you did see a lot on your trip, there is a lot more for you to discover when you next arrive here.

I would love a map of your route! I would also love to know where you parked each night. Did you stay at campsites or just parked in random spots. Thanks

Hi did you have a map. so I can download..it looks amazing.. we are going in April for 2 weeks .just me the wife and ted the dog ..happy holidays steve

Hi Steve, we had downloaded maps.me and the areas we need offline. You can pick up a sim card with data for cheap and we used this. There is great apps to help you plan your trip in Ireland also.

Hi Ashley, we had downloaded maps.me and the areas we need offline. You can pick up a sim card with data for cheap and we used this. We used Safe Nights Ireland to find cheap camping spots and there are many websites on the internet recommending free spots. All the best. Happy planning

Wow, Amazing pictures and fantastic guidelines. Thanks for the share!

Thank you so much. 🙂

Just reading your blog on the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast with our camper van down below. So thanks for sharing your route with us. We are travelling around the world for a year and have 2 weeks in Ireland on our itinerary.

It would be great if you could also add a screen shot of a google map with your route. That would be helpful for readers to get a picture of your route.

Thanks for the pics and tips.

Hi Carolyn, what a trip. Sounds like you are going to have a great time. We followed the island anti – clockwise but you can definitely make up your route as everyone want to see something different. All the names above are in google and easy to find. There is also an app called Wild Atlantic Way. This is great to route out a road trip also. Have a great

Hola me gusto mucho la ruta en autocaravana por Irlanda, queremos ir en Agosto pero solo tenemos dos semanas incluyendo dia de llegada y salida desde Estados Unidos. Somos 6 y no quisieramos dormir todos los dias en el autocaravana. Cree usted que podamos ir rentando hoteles en el recorrido los dias que nesecitemos o seria complicado ya que es temporada alta?

” Hello, I really liked the motorhome route through Ireland, we want to go in August but we only have two weeks including day of arrival and departure from the United States. We are 6 and we would not like to sleep every day in the motorhome. Do you think we can rent hotels on the tour on the days we need or it would be complicated since it is high season?” comment above

Thank you for your message Yannet. I just translated it above as it may help others too. What a great trip you have planned. In the quieter towns you can easily book a hotel. But in the bigger cities such as Belfast, Killarney, Dublin, Dingle and other popular tourist places you may struggle. Definitely book ahead as your party is large and you know all 6 of you will have accommodation. There are great websites for freedom camping or low cost camping. Have a wonderful trip

Amazing trip – you’ve inspired us to do a week travelling in a campervan with our family in July, but yes only a week. We have family in Dingle to look up so will definitely be heading south and going clockwise. It looks cheaper to hire a campervan from London area (where we live) and ferry over instead of hiring in Ireland. Bit nervous to wild camp but hopefully it will workout! Would we need to pre book any campsites?

Hi Katherine, that is amazing. What a trip it is going to be. Dingle and the surrounding area is stunning. When you rent the camper from London make sure insurance covers you to go over to Ireland and Northern Ireland (if you are planning on going up there also). Personally with one week I would stick to the south and do a loop. There are some stunning drives down there. With wild camping in Ireland, it is illegal but tolerated. Just obey the leave no trace policy (even toilet paper). There is a a website called Safe Nights Ireland where you can park in peoples properties for a small fee if that feels better for you. If you are in a city and need to find a campground check out Camping Ireland website. Here is a great article below about camping in Ireland. If you do plan to stay in a campground definitely pre book as July may be busy. Have a great family trip and take lots of photos. 🙂

https://www.bunkcampers.com/en/holiday-advice/camping-guide/wild-camping/

Ireland road trip is very attractive to enjoy with awesome memories.

It definitely is. It is a stunning country. 🙂

We will be cruising with stops in Belfast, Dublin and Cork…Any suggestions of where to start a road trip as I don’t think we will need to go back to these places.

Hi Christine, Starting in Dublin and do a little loop of the south heading back past Dublin and then a loop in the north. When you do rent, make sure you can take the rental car/camper into Northern Ireland. Sometimes there are issues. Hope I answered your question. Let me know if I didn’t. Have a great trip.

Awesome recall of your trip! I am heading there next week and getting a campervan as well. Considering I have never traveled this way, reading stories like yours makes me even more excited!

So awesome. You will have a blast. We love Ireland. It was a lot of fun with the campervan. Have a great time and watch those tight Irish roads. It can get a little crazy sometimes.

This sounds amazing! I’m planning a trip (in July) to Ireland- but will only have 4 days 🙁 eek. Going to be a challenge to decide on which places to visit! (will most likely hire a car though to get around)

Hi Mel, so awesome you are heading to Ireland. Your trip is short but doesn’t mean you can’t see some awesome places. There is a lot to do and see. There are tour companies that will do trips up or down to place. Just be prepared for full on days with incredible views. If you don’t want it to be so hectic there is a lot to do around Dublin. Have an amazing trip and you can head back there in the future. 🙂

Your photos are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing! I love traveling by campervan, so it’s great to know that is an option in Ireland.

Thanks so much Veronica. Ireland is a perfect place to campervan.

Stunning photographs! I love this post and so much detail. I am from the UK and still haven’t made it over to Ireland! Hopefully in the near future though! Thanks for sharing and the huge inspiration!

Thank you so much Mike. Ireland is amazing. Such a beautiful country. You will be amazed. Hope you get there soon. Happy travels.

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• Post author: Ashley Hubbard
• Post published: October 30, 2017

Are you looking to go from Belfast to Giants Causeway? Make sure to use this road trip itinerary to see these six other amazing spots along the way!

When planning my Ireland and Northern Ireland road trip itinerary, one day kept pulling me in more and more. I was seriously pumped about one specific day in particular and it was this day. The day we drove from Belfast to Giants Causeway . We had probably one of the most intense itinerary-filled days and it was exhausting but it was one of the most gorgeous sites I’ve ever seen…over and over again.

Belfast to Giants Causeway Tour

Lonely Planet announced that the best region to see in 2018 is Belfast and the Causeway Coast. As soon as I heard, I thought “well, how amazing is that that I just got home from there.” My second thought was I’m not surprised at all. Everything about this route and region is amazing and a must-see.

Now, don’t just go straight from Belfast to Giants Causeway though. While I know you’re excited to see this magnificent UNESCO site (the only one in Northern Ireland ), just realize that sometimes, just sometimes, it really is about the journey and not the destination.  I’ve got six great stops you should make along the way and then one just past Giant’s Causeway for good measure.

How far is Belfast from Giants Causeway?

The distance between Belfast and Giant’s Causeway is 61 miles.

How to Get from Belfast to Giants Causeway?

It’s not necessary to take a Giants Causeway tour because it is very easy to visit independently no matter what your preferred method of transportation.

Traveling by rental car in Ireland and Northern Ireland is my favorite way to experience it. It allows for flexibility and the capability to change your schedule and see everything and anything you want.

By train and bus

Taking the train and bus from Belfast to Giants Causeway is a great option!

• Take the train from Belfast’s Victoria Street to Coleraine which runs every hour Monday-Saturdays and less on Sundays.
• Upon arrival in Coleraine, turn left into the bus center.
• Take bus 170 or 402 which run regularly from Coleraine to the Giants Causeway

Belfast to Giants Causeway Tour Map

Belfast to Giants Causeway Stop #1 – Dark Hedges, Ballymoney

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure .

Every Game of Thrones fan will immediately recognize this location. However, even if you’re not a fan of Game of Thrones, don’t miss this spot. The Dark Hedges is comprised of a long avenue of beech trees that were planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century.

They are one of the most photographed spots in Northern Ireland and can you blame the people?!

Sustainability Note:   Due to the ever-increasing interest in the Dark Hedges, more and more people are visiting every day. In order to protect these trees and their roots, please park in the designated pull off (right before you get to the lane).

ESSENTIAL INFO Address // Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney Distance from Belfast // 1 hour Tips // Arrive at sunrise for best photo lighting + avoid tour buses Other // no set hours or entrance fee

Belfast to Giants Causeway Stop # 2 – Ballycastle, Northern Ireland

Not going to lie – this was a food stop. I found Ursa Minor when searching for vegan options in Northern Ireland. Since we didn’t have many options along the Causeway Coast, we decided to make an extra stop here and I’m so glad we did. Not only is the food exceptional and the cafe super atmospheric, but the little town of Ballycastle is really adorable.

At Ursa Minor, I got the sourdough toast which comes with locally made jam and some kind of soup that was just the perfect amount of spicy. Ursa Minor is known for their sourdough bread which is what they started doing in the beginning – just make loaves of sourdough bread – so now everything comes with bread. And, I love bread.

The atmosphere of this place quickly landed it as one of my favorite coffee shops/cafes in Ireland.

ESSENTIAL INFO Hours // 10am-4pm; Tuesday-Saturday Address // 45 Ann Street, Ballycastle

Belfast to Giants Causeway Stop #3 – Kinbane Castle

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  

I think this was my favorite spot in all of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Sure, there were other places that were just as beautiful but something about this place really resonated with me. Maybe it was because it was not planned. We were literally driving along towards the next stop when we saw a sign that said Kinbane Head and it led down a very small “two-lane” road. So, we turned around and decided to check it out. Maybe it was because it was the first day that I felt something deep inside that said: “Oh, you are definitely in Ireland.” Maybe it’s because I had never heard of it before, there were no other people, no entrance fees – so it felt like mine.

Regardless of the reason, this place is magical and I’m going to write a whole post about it. I decided that just now.

ESSENTIAL INFO Address //Ballycastle BT54 6LP, UK Tips // lots of steps and slippery; wear good trekking boots or shoes Other // no set hours or entrance fee; restrooms on-site

Belfast to Giants Causeway Stop # 4 – Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge History

Definitely one of the most well known Northern Ireland locations, Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge is definitely worth a visit. The rope bridge connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. The rope bridge has plenty of history and wasn’t always just a tourist attraction but now it’s one of the best pedestrian suspension bridges in the world . Salmon fishermen have been building bridges to the island for almost 400 years and over the years, the bridge has evolved. If you think crossing it now is daunting, imagine crossing it when there was only one handrail and large gaps in the steps.

On a good day, you can actually see Scotland from the island as well as three large caves below. For fun, you can purchase a certificate after you complete for £1!

ESSENTIAL INFO Hours // 09:30-6:00 Cost // £7 ($9.24) + £1 ($1.32) for completion certificate Address // 119A Whitepark Rd, Ballycastle Other // parking free

Belfast to Giants Causeway Stop #5 – Ballintoy Harbour

Located down a very steep and narrow road on the Causeway Coast, sits Ballintoy Harbour . This was another unexpected place I fell quickly in love with. I only knew that it was the Game of Thrones filming location for Pyke and the Iron Islands and that alone left me wanting to visit. However, the landscape left me stunned. You can immediately smell the ocean the moment you open the car door and have a view of lush sand, shells, seaweed and varying rock formations jutting out of the beach and harbour.

I’ve never seen a more unique beach or harbour in my life. If I lived here, I could definitely see myself coming here often to read, write or just stare off into the ocean.

ESSENTIAL INFO Address // Harbour Rd, Ballintoy, Ballycastle BT54 6NA, UK Other // no set hours or entrance fee

Belfast to Giants Causeway Stop #6 – Giants Causeway

Probably the most anticipated stop on the Causeway Coast is the Giant’s Causeway. I typically am not drawn to touristy attractions or overcrowded areas which is why Kinbane Castle and Ballintoy Harbour really connected with me. However, I completely get the draw and appeal of Giant’s Causeway. It truly is a magical place and entirely unique.

Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only one in Northern Ireland. The interlocked basalt columns are a result of an ancient volcanic eruption. There is, however, a more fun explanation and it goes a little something like this…

The columns are what is remaining of a causeway built by Finn MacCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill) – an Irish giant from Gaelic mythology. Finn was challenged to fight a Scottish giant (as giants do) and Finn built the causeway so the two giants could meet. There are a few versions of how the story ends one being that Finn hides from the Scottish giant once he saw his size so Finn and his wife disuised him as a baby. When the Scottish giant saw the baby and figured that his father must be extremely giant considering the size of the baby, he fled back to Scotland. Along the way, he destroyed the causeway behind him.

Across the sea, you can find identical basalt columns at Fingal’s Cave on the Scottish isle of Staffa which could be a part of the reason behind the legend. So, volcanic eruption from millions and millions years ago or giants fighting – you be the judge!

ESSENTIAL INFO Hours // Dawn to Dusk Cost // £15 ($19.80); free if you park offsite Address // 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills

Belfast to Giants Causeway Bonus Stop – Dunluce Castle

Now, technically this was supposed to be an itinerary from Belfast to Giant’s Causeway but there are two more spots that, in my opinion, are definitely worth it. Dunluce Castle is only 9 minutes down the road and shouldn’t be missed. Trust me, you can burn out on castles in Ireland but I truly enjoyed this one.

Dunluce Castle has a history all the way back to the 13th century. The castle itself is accessible via a bridge from the mainland and the castle is surrounded by extremely steep drops all the way around. The views from the castle were amazing and I could just imagine myself living here hundreds of years ago. I was seriously born in the wrong era.

Dunluce Castle is another GOT filming location .

ESSENTIAL INFO Hours // Dawn to Dusk Cost // £5 ($6.60) Address // 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills Other // free parking

Belfast to Giants Causeway Bonus Stop #2 – Downhill Demesne + Mussenden Temple

The other stop is about 45 minutes from Giant’s Causeway and about 35 minutes from Dunluce Castle but I definitely recommend it as well! Downhill House is a mansion that was built in the 18th century but was mostly destroyed in 1851 due to a fire. The mansion was built for Frederick the 4th Early of Bristol and Lord Bishop of Derry (or more popularly known as ‘the Earl Bishop’).

The temple was not really a temple at all and was constructed as a library modeling the Temple of Vesta in Rome. It sits on the cliff’s edge overlooking Demesne Beach.

Oh, and it’s another Game of Thrones filming location .

ESSENTIAL INFO Address // 107 Sea Rd, Castlerock Other // no set hours or entrance fee

Giants Causeway Accommodation

Looking for places to stay in the area? Check out these reviews before booking.

• Budget // Premier Inn Coleraine Hotel
• Mid-Range // The Fullerton Arms
• Couchsurfing (I couch-surfed for the first time in Toronto and loved it!)
• Airbnb  (use my link to get $40 off your 1st booking)

What to Pack for a Giants Causeway Tour

Raincoat (yep, it’s not just something people say – it can rain at any moment!) Travel Umbrella  (while I didn’t bring an umbrella and was too stubborn to buy one, I’d recommend it) Pacsafe Cross Body Purse (I love my Pacsafe products and would highly recommend using them when traveling) Waterproof, Vegan Hiking Boots

These beautiful journey sceneries are wonderful moments in our life. Customizing special sights and natural beauties you encounter on your travels into unique badges is the perfect way to share your favorite pastimes. Custom badges are perfect for adorning a jacket or hat, and keeping track of all the places you’ve been to or your dream destinations.

Have you ever been to Northern Ireland or the Causeway Coast? What was your favorite spot? Tell me in the comments below ↓↓↓

Planning a trip.

Find accommodation , read accommodation reviews , and check flight prices. Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. Research using these guides or read my other Northern Ireland posts. See my packing list .

↓↓↓ PIN FOR LATER ↓↓↓

Some of the above activities were provided at a sponsored or discounted rate. As always, all opinions are my own and I will never promote something I don’t personally use and believe in, regardless of who foots the bill.

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This post has 9 comments.

I have been a long time geology nerd so Giant’s Causeway has been on my radar for some time now. I really liked how you made it a road trip. I guess I have been looking at too many social media posts because I never imagined tour buses showing up. I think the beauty of the country would be best enjoyed in solitude, so avoiding buses would be key to our enjoyment.

Look at these Game of Thrones scenes Ashley. Love it. The dark hedges are forboding; make for TV and movies. I like seeing that with all the increased traffic in the area after its GOT game that folks are focusing on keeping things sustainable. Gotta take care of the real stars of the show; that stunning natural scenery. Thanks for sharing.

I agree with you – I like to visit the big tourist attractions because they are popular for a reason, but I often really connect with the lesser known spots. These spots all look interesting but Kinbane castle and the rope bridge look especially awesome!

The scenery is absolutely fantastic! I think Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries and that was before I saw your pictures. I’d love to take this trek and can’t think of a more quaint place to stop for coffee and a bite to eat than Ursa Minor.

OMG YES I recognize some of these! I wanna travel to Ireland just to check more Game of Thrones film locations off my list.

You saw all that in one day?! Wow! All these sites are too beautiful that they look unreal, especially the Dark Hedge and Giant’s Causeway. I will probably stop there for an hour just to take photos 😛

I’d love to see the Giants Causeway myself one day soon. Road trips in Ireland and Northern Ireland look so fun and so many beautiful sights to see.

What a great drive, but I don’t think I would want to do it in one day! I’d like to hang out at Ursa Minor for a few hours at least! And those trees, wow! My hubby would definitely want to do a sunrise or sunset shoot there!

Ireland looks like a dream, and you lucked out with great weather! Had no idea about the Lonely Planet designation, way to be ahead of the curve!

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10 Days In Ireland: 56 Different Itineraries To Choose From

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

Yes, we have  56  different 10-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 10-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 10-day 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 10-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 10 days itineraries

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 10 days in Ireland itineraries that start at that location:

10 days in Ireland from Dublin

Click here to see a high-resolution map

If you’re looking to explore Ireland in 10 days 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 10-day slow trip for those with good fitness
• A 10-day slow trip for those with low fitness
• A 10-day fast trip for those with good fitness
• A 10-day fast trip for those with low fitness

For those of you using public transport

An overview of the route from dublin.

Photos via Shutterstock

If you’re starting your 10-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 10 days 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 and explore the Dingle Peninsula

10 days in Ireland from Shannon

If you’re looking for a 10-day Ireland itinerary that kicks off in Shannon, this section should tickle your fancy.

We’ve split up the different itineraries to 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 10 days 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 10 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 10 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 it’s many attractions
• Visit Blarney Castle and tackle the many things to do in Cobh

Ireland itinerary 10 days from Belfast

Another great way to tackle Ireland in 10 days 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 10-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

10 days in Ireland from Rosslare

If you’re spending 10 days in Ireland and you’re arriving into 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 10-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

10 days in Ireland from Cork

Our 10-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 10 days 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

Photo left: The Irish Road Trip. Others: Shutterstock

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 10 days from Knock

Although there likely won’t be a huge number of people looking for a 10-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 10 days 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 10-day 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

10 days in Ireland from Donegal

The last of our 10-day 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 10 days

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is 10 days 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 10 days 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. 10 days will only scratch the surface.

What to do in Ireland for 10 days?

This will depend on whether you want a a busy or an easy 10 day Ireland itinerary. You could see a lot of Ireland in 10 days, but you’d be driving constantly. You’re best off following one of our itineraries in this guide.

Where to spend 10 days 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.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Beth O'Hara

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

From one O'Hara to another, just saying a quick thanks for the helpful site and information for Ireland! We are planning our (belated) honeymoon (thanks COVID)!

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The Perfect Ireland Road Trip Itinerary You Should Steal

January 16, 2020 //  by  Follow Me Away //   98 Comments

Planning the perfect Ireland road trip itinerary does not have to be stressful or overwhelming.

No matter where you choose to visit in Ireland, whether it is the whole Emerald Isle or only a piece of it such as Northern Ireland , you are in for a real treat.

Planning your trip to Ireland last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Ireland in advance to ensure availability! Here are our top picks for your trip!

Top experiences and tours in Ireland:

• Cliffs Of Moher + Galway From Dublin (Top pick!)
• Guinness Storehouse Ticket (Often sells out)
• Northern Ireland tour from Dublin (Highly recommend NI!)
• Wicklow Mountains tour from Dublin (Multiple stops!)

Top Hotels In Ireland:

• The Dean Cork (Modern with indoor pool)
• Jurys Inn Dublin Parnell Street (Over 11,000 reviews + epic location)
• The Lodge At Ashford Castle (Pretty and historical)
• Slieve Donard (Luxury castle hotel in Northern Ireland!)

We have explored Ireland from top to bottom and have yet to be disappointed by a single place!

Ireland is a diverse country that offers something for everyone and this ultimate Ireland itinerary hits it all.

Our Ireland road trip itinerary is written in a clockwise manner around the island, but feel free to modify in any way or go completely against the grain and go counter-clockwise if you are a true rebel!

For this Ireland road trip itinerary, we are not specifying an amount of time so that you can make the drive as time allows for your schedule.

If you are planning a trip to Ireland and only have 5 days for your itinerary, then modify this Ireland road trip route to fit that length of time.

If you have two weeks, consider spending a few days in each location to really take in what Ireland has to offer such as gorgeous beaches and beautiful waterfalls! No matter what amount of time you choose to explore the country, your Ireland road trip will not disappoint.

Read more: What To Pack For Ireland

Begin Your Ireland Road Trip By Flying Into Dublin Airport

You will begin almost any trip to Ireland by flying into Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport is a major international airport and flights into Ireland are often relatively affordable. In fact, the reason we went to Ireland on our very first trip was that it was so cheap to fly into! We had no clue how amazing the country really was and are very glad we went on a whim!

Since you will be renting a car in Ireland as this is indeed a road trip, picking up your rental from the Dublin airport is a really great and affordable way to go about securing your vehicle.

Alternatively, you could fly into Belfast Airport in Northern Ireland and being this Ireland itinerary from there. Otherwise, flying into Dublin airport is the perfect place to begin your Ireland road trip as it is affordable and there are tons of car rental options on airport property so you can easily pick up your rental and get going. This is one of the BEST ROAD TRIPS IN EUROPE so you are in for a real treat and a memorable experience!

We recommend checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable flights into Ireland. We use this tool to discover the best flights for our trip because you can easily compare rates.

We also suggest booking your Ireland road trip on a travel credit card so you can earn points towards future travel! These are the travel credit cards we personally use! 

Search Flights To Ireland

Stop 1: Spend Time Exploring Dublin To Begin Your Ireland Road Trip

Dublin is the largest city in the Republic Of Ireland and has a lot to offer. We will be honest, we recommend a quick stop in Dublin and then getting out to visit the rest of what Ireland has to offer. No Ireland itinerary would be complete without a stop in Dublin, but the rest of Ireland is much less expensive and way cooler as you will see! Spend as long or as little as you like in Dublin but we recommend 1-2 nights.

Don’t forget to check out our Detailed Road Trip Packing List so you don’t forget any essentials for your trip!

Noteworthy Things To Do In Dublin:

Have a Guinness in the Temple Bar area.  Temple Bar is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Dublin. It is bustling and lively and the perfect place to experience your first Irish pub! Temple Bar is a great place for dinner and a pint and even though it is “touristy” it is still a cool thing to visit in Dublin.

Book Here: Pub Crawl of Dublin 

Walkthrough St. Stephens Green. We love nature and St. Stephen’s Green is sort of like the Central Park for Dublin! It is so relaxing and pretty with lots of nature and flowers and walking paths.

Visit Dublin Castle. Dublin Castle is a real castle located in the heart of Dublin and the perfect introduction to castles in Ireland!

Visit Trinity College and the Book Of Kells. You  must pay Trinity College and the famous library a visit when you are in Dublin! It is stunning and unlike anywhere else in the world!

Get Fast Access To Dublin Castle

Experience The Guinness Storehouse. If you love beer, then visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin will be the best possible way to start off your Ireland itinerary. You get beer included and will learn about the history!

Skip The Line With This Guinness Storehouse Ticket 

Where To Stay In Dublin On Your Ireland Road Trip

Dublin is experiencing a shortage of hotel rooms and as a result, prices are sky-high! As a result, we recommend spending a shorter amount of time in Dublin to leave time for the rest of your Ireland road trip itinerary. We have an entire post about Where To Stay In Dublin if you are looking for more information. This post breaks down our favorite areas in Dublin and helps you plan and choose which area is best for you!

Best VRBO’s in Dublin: 

• Budget: In The Heart of Dublin. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Dublin Apartment Check Availability on VRBO.com

Best Hotels in Dublin: 

• Luxury hotel option: Clontarf Castle Hotel.  Stay in a real castle hotel in the heart of Dublin! Check prices here!
• Budget hotel option : The Charles Stewart Guesthouse . Affordable option in the heart of the city. Check prices here!
• Dublin Airbnb option: Private double bedroom city center. If you are new to Airbnb, use our code to get $40 off your first trip. Download free coupon here!

Stop 2: Enjoy Rock Of Cashel And Hore Abbey

We did Rock Of Cashel as a day stop on our way from Dublin to Cork, but you can totally spend the night in the area if you want even more time to explore during your Ireland road trip. Rock Of Cashel is hugely touristy, but for a good reason! It is an epic ruin set on the top of a hill surrounded by sheep, does it even any more Irish than that?

There is an entrance fee to visit Rock Of Cashel and in all honesty, the inside wasn’t all that! The outside is the best part and a dream for photographers. If you are looking to get off the beaten path, visit the nearby Hore Abbey instead.

You can see Hore Abbey from Rock Of Cashel and while Rock Of Cashel has tour buses and hundreds of people visiting at the same time, Hore Abbey had maybe 4 people there at the same time when we were visiting during our Ireland road trip.

Explore Rock of Cashel on this Castle Tour

Hore is Gaelic for grey, which is the color the nuns wore back in the day. The abbey ruins are magnificent and you will have the whole place to yourself! The view of Rock Of Cashel from Hore Abbey and the field beside it is totally worth making this a stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary.

Best VRBO’s Near Rock of Cashel: 

• Budget: Luxurious Country Farmhouse Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: The Farmhouse. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Best Hotels Near Rock of Cashe l:

• Local and Affordable: Cashel Town BnB | Check Prices On Booking.com
• Central In Town: Baileys Hotel Cashel | Check Prices On Booking.com

Stop 3: Visit Cork, Cobh, And Blarney Estate In Irelands Ancient East

Cork is located just a few hours away from Dublin and is totally worth a stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary. It is centrally located to a lot of stops in Ireland’s Ancient East and you will not be disappointed.

Seeing Cobh During Your Ireland Road Trip

When visiting Cork, you must mak30-minute drive to visit the colorful nearby town of Cobh! Cobh is home to a Titanic Museum experience and is actually the last stop the Titanic made before crossing the Atlantic. Cobh is also the top of our prettiest towns in Ireland and it a must-see during your trip!

While in Cobh, you will want to visit the church which is high on the hill and may want to explore the colorful local neighborhoods that are perched on a steep hill. The town is the perfect way to spend your morning and grab an ice cream if you want! While the town is small, there are actually quite a lot of things to do which makes for a fun stop or day trip on your itinerary! Check out some Fun Things To Do In Cobh! 

If you want to stop in Cobh, stay at the Commodore Hotel . It is centrally located and offers a wonderful location for exploring Cobh and the surrounding areas. We wish we could have spent longer in Cobh because it is so beautiful!

Check Rates On Booking.com

Kissing The Blarney Stone Is A Must On Your Ireland Itinerary

When we made the decision to visit Blarney Estate and kiss the famous Blarney Stone during our Ireland road trip, we thought you basically walked up to the castle, kissed the stone, and left.

This could not be further from the truth! Blarney Castle is located on Blarney Estate which is a huge property right outside of Cork!

The Estate is massive and you could spend an entire day there. We recommend budgeting at least 3 hours to kiss the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle, to explore the Blarney Manor where the family lived, and the explore the fabulously landscaped grounds.

You could spend three days there but you have to keep your Ireland road trip itinerary moving along so stick to a few hours!

Kiss The Blarney Stone on This Castle Tour

If you don’t want to drive and want to stay right in the thick of things, we recommend staying at Blarney Castle Hotel if you want to explore Blarney Castle before all of the crowds! It is mid-range and centrally located so you can easily walk around the town and even to Blarney Castle grounds should you desire!

Best VRBO’s near Blarney Castle: 

• Budget: Country Retreat . Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Victorian Townhouse. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Best Hotels near Blarney Castle: 

Blarney Castle Hotel: Check Rates On Booking.com

If you are looking for a more local and affordable experience, the Maranatha Country House is just the place to stay for you. It is a little outside of Blarney but it isn’t that far at all! It is cute and affordable and traditionally Irish.

Maranatha Country House: Check Rates On Booking.com

Where To Stay In Cork: Hayfield Manor

If you are looking to treat yourself during your Ireland road trip, Cork is the perfect place to do it! Hayfield Manor, an Ireland’s Blue Book property, is an old manor house converted into a hotel in the heart of Cork. The hotel is centrally located and it is easy to jump on the highway to visit Blarney and Cobh if they are a part of your Ireland itinerary.

We loved the fact that Hayfield Manor transports you to a bygone era with its luxurious accommodations and perfect service. We stayed in a suite it was perfect for a romantic getaway. We were greeted with truffles and drinks upon our arrival and enjoyed a turndown service at night. It is the perfect place to stay if you are celebrating your honeymoon in Ireland too!

Hayfield Manor has multiple on-site restaurants and we ate in the bistro which was located in a stunning all-glass room. The food was delicious and there were different pricing options. If you wanted to get all fancy, you could choose to eat at Hayfield Manor’s fine dining restaurant as well.

Hayfield Manor boasts a lovely garden area and outdoor hot tub as well as a luxurious spa and warm indoor pool. Of course, we had to check out the pool and spa and enjoyed that Hayfield Manor had classical music playing in the pool and spa area which added to the experience.

Finally, the rooms at Hayfield Manor were decorated in such a romantic and classical way that we actually did a full-blown photo shoot of the property.

You really get a feeling of how the family who once owned Hayfield Manor used to live and we think that a night or two at Hayfield Manor is the perfect luxury getaway experience for your Ireland road trip. We especially recommend it for couples on their honeymoon or anniversary trip to Ireland too!

Best Airbnb’s in Cork: 

• Budget:  Luxury Apartment. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Luxury Hideaway Cottage. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Stop 4: Drive The Ring Of Kerry

No Ireland road trip itinerary is complete without a drive on the famed Ring Of Kerry. Please note that the Ring Of Kerry is quite a harrowing drive as roads are extremely narrow and thin and there are large tour buses that go by quickly so you must be very careful.

If you see a car coming down the road, it is best to pull over if you are able and wait for them to pass you before proceeding. The narrow roads make this quite an interesting part of your Ireland road trip itinerary.

Visit Kerry Cliffs During Your Ireland Road Trip

Kerry Cliffs are basically a miniature version of the Cliffs Of Moher and they are located on the very middle of the Ring Of Kerry along the Skellig Ring.

The Skellig Ring is a short circle drive that is at the end of the Ring Of Kerry and easy to see as there are many signs. You can even see the Skellig Islands, where Star Wars was filmed, from the Kerry Cliffs!

It costs 2 euros per person to visit but it is a pretty cool stop to make during the Ring Of Kerry drive on your Ireland road trip. The Kerry Cliffs are home to many seabirds and make for a wonderful walk to explore the cliffs during your Ireland itinerary.

Take In All of The Amazing Sights Along The Ring of Kerry on This Scenic Tour

Ride The Car Ferry To Valentia Island

Valentia Island is an island on the Ring Of Kerry road trip located right near the Kerry Cliffs. If you drive the Skellig Ring during your Ireland road trip, then Valentia Island is literally less than 2km away!

The island is home to a stunning lighthouse that you can visit and explore as well as quaint seaside towns that are perfect to stop for ice cream. Valentia Island can be accessed near Kerry Cliffs by a bridge and by a ferry on the other end of the island.

We recommend getting onto the island by the bridge and exciting the island by the 8 euro car ferry. It is a fun and unique thing to do during your Ireland road trip!

Where To Stay On The Ring Of Kerry: Parknasilla Resort And Spa

We really can’t say enough about Parknasilla Resort and Spa located right on the Ring Of Kerry. We visited during high season during a holiday weekend and the resort was full of guests and we don’t blame them!

The property and hotel are stunning! Parknasilla Resort is located in the northeast corner of the Ring Of Kerry, right by the town of Sneem.

It is the perfect place to spend a night or two and right on the Ring Of Kerry so you can easily drive and explore the nearby beaches and cliffs and come home to a restful night sleep.

Parknasilla Resort’s best feature is its location and view, not to mention the fact that it looks like a literal castle! The view from Parknasilla Resort offers unobstructed vistas out over the Kerry mountains and the ocean.

There are on-site walking trails as well as a golf course and kayak tours. Parknasilla Resort boasts multiple restaurants and even an in-house coffee shop so you can get your java fix.

Our room was located on the top floor of the “castle” portion of the resort and had multiple windows overlooking two different views of the ocean and mountains. The room was decorated in a classical fashion with pastel-colored walls, carpet, and bedding.

The bathroom came complete with a rain shower and pedestal sinks. The atmosphere of the resort was relaxed luxury without feeling stuffy. The resort was very family friendly and couple friendly as well.

If you visit Parknasilla Resort, make sure to spend time in their pool and spa. The pool and spa both offer panorama views of the mountains and water outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows.

You can even use the thermal circuit for free in the spa area if you are a hotel guest and the pool is heated to a nice temperature. To top it all off, Parknasilla Resort also has an outdoor hot tub overlooking the stunning scenery nearby.

Check rates for Parknasilla Resort On Booking.com

Best VRBO’s on The Ring of Kerry: 

• Budget: Traditional Cottage. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Ocean View Cottage. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Stop 5: Explore Killarney For Some Of The Best Drives Of Your Ireland Road Trip

Killarney is one of our absolute favorite places to visit in Ireland! The city of Killarney is so vibrant and welcoming and the nearby scenery is just breathtaking. Killarney is a wonderful place to stop on your Ireland road trip because the area is so diverse and truly has so much to offer!

Noteworthy Things To Do In Killarney:

Visit Muckross House And Killarney House . Killarney House and Muckross House are located in the Killarney area and are both fascinating places to visit during your Ireland road trip. Muckross House is located a bit out of the city and can be quite busy.

The grounds are stunningly beautiful! Killarney House is located in the heart of Downtown Killarney and you are free to walk in and out of the grounds as you please!

Torc Waterfall. Torc Waterfall is a unique stop on your Ireland road trip because you would not really think about waterfalls being in Ireland!

The waterfall is located right off the main road and is just a quick and easy walk to visit. It is a must-see on your Ireland itinerary because of how unique it is! Torc Waterfall tops our list of the best easy hikes in Ireland and it is so unique and pretty to see!

Ross Castle. Ross Castle is the perfect stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary because it is beautiful and easy to get to. It is located in the heart of Killarney on a lake and it is completely free to visit the castle and view it from the outside. There is a fee if you want to go inside, but we think you get the best views from the outside near the lake!

Killarney National Park. The town of Killarney is located right on Killarney National Park and there is so much to see and do. We recommend driving through the Gap Of Dunloe and seeing Ladies View during your Ireland road trip stop in Killarney.

Book Here: Ross Castle & Killarney National Park Tour

Where To Stay In Killarney On Your Ireland Road Trip:

Killarney is one of those places with plenty of lodging options! It is quite a popular town and for a good reason! We love Killarney and here are some of our recommendations of where to stay in Killarney during your Ireland road trip itinerary!

Best VRBO’s in Killarney: 

• Budget: Country Cottage. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Spacious Holiday Home. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Best Hotels in Killarney: 

• The Brehon. The Brehon is a popular hotel located in the heart of Killarney right near Ross Castle. It is moderately priced and located perfectly for visiting Killarney National Park. We stayed in a lovely suite at the Brehon with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains! Check Prices: Hotels.com | Booking.com
• Aghadoe Heights. Aghadoe Heights is one of our favorite hotels in the entire world and we spent four days there when speaking at a conference in Killarney. The hotel offers stunning views of Killarney Lakes and the national park and offers a world-class spa. We highly recommend this for your luxury stay in Killarney! Check Prices: Hotels.com | Booking.com
• Airbnb In Downtown Killarney. This Airbnb location is perfect for exploring downtown Killarney and all the cute bars and ice cream shops! It is a private room and perfect for a couple or solo traveler. Check availability here!   Don’t forget that you can get $40 off here!

Stop 5: Visit The Breathtaking Dingle Peninsula, One Of The Best Ireland Road Trip Drives

As we said above, we have done multiple Ireland road trips around the entire country on multiple different trips and the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular places to visit. It will meet and beat all of your prior expectations and the views go for miles!

We only spent 24 hours on the Dingle Peninsula but plan to come back and spend at least 2 nights. This is one area that you will want time to enjoy everything so you should listen to us because we didn’t listen to those who told us to extend our Ireland road trip for longer in Dingle!

While you are on the Dingle Peninsula during your Ireland itinerary, there are so many things to see and do! Here are our recommendations!

Must-See Stops On The Dingle Peninsula:

Slea Head Drive . This is the most epic thing you will do during your Ireland road trip [okay, one of them!] Slea head drive is a loop that starts and ends in the town of Dingle. It offers stunning cliff views, Star Wars movie locations, mountains, quaint towns, and breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. Discover the 12 Best Stops On Slea Head Drive!

Dunquin Pier. Dunquin Pier is an iconic ‘postcard” destination on the Dingle Peninsula. It is located in the town of Dunquin on the Slea Head Drive loop and is actually a ferry pier. It is quite a good photo location for catching the sunset and you will have lots of fun walking down to the water.

Connor’s Pass . Connor’s Pass is the highest pass in Ireland and a wonderful addition to your Ireland itinerary. If you make this drive part of your Ireland road trip, be prepared for slow driving and very narrow roads. Conner’s Pass is beautiful but the roads are quite thin so be sure to pull over well in advance for any oncoming traffic.

Dingle Town. The town of Dingle is a must-see on your Ireland road trip because it is so cute and centrally located. It is right at the start and end of Slea Head drive and has so much to see and do! Make sure to walk around the shops and grab an ice cream while you enjoy the waterfront.

Explore The Scenic Views of The Dingle Penninsula on This Tour

Where To Stay In Dingle On Your Ireland Road Trip:

Luxury option: dingle benners hotel.

If you are planning a luxury Ireland itinerary, the Dingle Benners Hotel is the perfect place for you to stay on the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle Benners Hotel couples traditional Irish hospitality with modern-day amenities. The 52 rooms are luxurious and beautiful and the hotel is small enough so that you still get the boutique luxury experience.

Dingle Benners Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Dingle and is just steps away from all the shops and local attractions you will want to experience during your Ireland road trip.

The luxury hotel offers multiple dining options as well as a spa for when you want to wind down at the end of a busy day in Dingle! Make sure to check out their Afternoon Tea for a fun and totally Irish experience!

Check Prices: Booking.com |  Hotels.com  

  Moderate Option: Dingle Skellig Hotel

The Dingle Skellig Hotel is located right on the waterfront and within walking distance of Downtown Dingle. This option is more affordable than Dingle Benners Hotel but doesn’t sacrifice service, style, or location. In fact, it is one of the only waterfront properties in such close proximity to Dingle Town! You can walk to the heart of Dingle Town in less than 10 minutes.

Dingle Skellig Hotel offers a relaxing pool and spa as well as outdoor hot tubs overlooking the bay. There is a pub and two on-site restaurants.

When we arrived back later than we thought, the staff at Dingle Skellig Hotel graciously cooked us a delicious meal, even though the kitchen had just closed. The rooms at Dingle Skellig are relaxing and many have views of the bay or Downtown Dingle.

Check Prices: Booking.com | Hotels.com

Best VRBO’s Near Dingle: 

• Budget: Quiet Country Home. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Dingle Bay View. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Stop 6: Check The Cliffs Of Moher Off Your Ireland Itinerary Bucket List

Is there anything more iconically Irish than the Cliffs Of Moher? Even if you don’t generally like to do “the touristy” things, the Cliffs Of Moher are a must-see on your Ireland road trip itinerary.

We recommend budgeting at least 2 hours to see the Cliffs Of Moher, although we have spent even more there ourselves! Seeing the Cliffs Of Moher in person will blow your mind and exceed all of your expectations!

Book Your Cliffs of Moher Excursion Here

During your time at the Cliffs Of Moher, you can visit the Visitor Center for some education and also grab a bite to eat before heading out to the views! You can stay on the Cliffs Of Moher visitor center property, or you can go outside of the property and walk on top of the Cliffs themselves.

This is one of the more dangerous things you will do on your Ireland road trip, so make sure that you practice extreme caution!

There are a lot of fabulous Irish Castle Hotels near the Cliffs Of Moher so if you are looking to add one to your bucket list, this is a great place to do it!

Check Prices For Cliffs Of Moher Hotels: Booking.com | Hotels.com  

Stop 7: Drop By Doolin For Picture Perfect Irish Charm

Doolin is an adorable town located just 10 minutes north of the Cliffs Of Moher. If you are already visiting the Cliffs Of Moher on your Ireland road trip, we recommend a quick stop in Doolin too. Doolin is such a cute little town, with iconic pink houses, an adorable downtown, a castle turret, and a cute harbor.

While you are in Doolin, you can also take a day trip to the nearby Aran Islands. We have never done the Aran Islands before but they are high on your Ireland road trip bucket list for next time! You can catch an affordable ferry from Doolin and it is a short boat ride to the islands!

Check Rates For Doolin Lodge: Booking.com | Hotels.com

Best VRBO’s in Doolin: 

• Budget: Relaxing Doolin Private Home. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Atop The Cliffs of Moher.   Check Availability on VRBO.com

Stop 8: Experience Westport And Achill Island On Your Ireland Road Trip Itinerary 

We love getting off the beaten path and there is no better place to do that than Westport and the nearby Achill Island. Westport is an adorable town located in Co. Mayo has so much to offer.

You can choose to visit Westport House and see their falcon demonstration or take a bike ride on electric bikes through neighboring towns. Westport House is where famed pirate Grace O’Malley lived and you can even go into a real dungeon too!

Book Here: Westport House Tour

We highly recommend taking a day trip to the nearby Achill Island or even adding extra time to your Ireland road trip to stay on Achill Island. Achill Island is pristine Irish beauty at its best, with white sand beaches, mountain lakes, and cute towns.

You can even go surfing, paddle boarding, or snorkeling on Achill Island if you want a more adventurous Ireland itinerary!

Read more: The Ultimate Guide Of Things To Do In Co. Mayo

Best VRBO’s in Westport Ireland: 

• Budget: Town Centre Home. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Quiet Peaceful Home. Check Availability on VRBO.com

Best Accommodations And Hotels In Westport Ireland

• The Wyatt Hotel  (From $65 per night)
• Kockranny House Hotel  (From $120 per night)
• Clew Bay Hotel  (From $102 per night)
• Elephant Guest House  (From $84 per night)

Suggested Achill Island Hotels:

• Teach Cruachan Bed And Breakfast  (From $107 per night)
• West Coast House Bed And Breakfast  (From $76 per night)

Stop 9: Explore The Slieve League Cliffs And Bad Eddie’s Boat In Co. Donegal 

Co. Donegal, Ireland’s Northernmost county is known as it’s most “wild.” This isn’t a place most people visit on their Ireland road trip, but we have gone and we highly recommend it. This is “real” and unspoiled Ireland, far away from any tourists. This is where you will find sheep wandering in the road and no fences to keep the animals in.

Things To Do In Co. Donegal On Your Ireland Road Trip:

Slieve League Cliffs . You have to put the Slieve League Cliffs on your Ireland road trip itinerary because they are one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe [second only to the cliffs on Achill Island]. The cliffs are located in the southern end of Donegal and you can drive to them and walk the rest of the way.

The views are incredible and you will hardly see another tourist in sight. After the busy Cliffs Of Moher, this is a more relaxed portion of your Ireland itinerary to enjoy.  Check Rates Slieve League Bnb: Booking.com | Hotels.com

Bad Eddie’s Shipwreck. Once you leave Slieve League, make your way up to the town of Bunbeg, where you will find a shipwreck right on the beach. This isn’t any old boring shipwreck, this is an old wooden shipwreck located on a beach that you can drive on! This is such a cool part of your Ireland road trip itinerary because you can get up close and personal with an actual shipwreck on a beach!  Check Rates For Bunbeg Lodge: Booking.com | Hotels.com

Glenveagh National Park. Glenveagh National Park is the epitome of wild Irish landscapes and if you love mountains, this is the place for you! Make sure to leave time to either drive through the national park or take a walk up one of the mountains! This is another one of the lesser-known things to do on your Ireland itinerary that you will just love!

Malin Head. Malin Head is the northernmost point in all of Ireland. If offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and there are many sea cliffs and beaches to explore. Malin Head is also a Star Wars filming location so if you love the movies, this will be a must-see stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary and you won’t regret visiting! Check Rates For Malin Head View Bnb: Booking.com  

Best VRBO’s in Donegal: 

• Budget: Summerhill Cottage. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Lough Eske House.   Check Availability on VRBO.com

Stop 10: Finish Your Ireland Road Trip By Exploring Belfast And The Causeway Coast

Northern Ireland is much less visited than the Republic Of Ireland but the country is so beautiful you must make it a stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary. Belfast is located less than 2 hours away from Dublin, so if you are flying out of Dublin after your Ireland road trip, you can spend a night or two in Belfast or Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast.

Exploring The Causeway Coast On Your Ireland Road Trip

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast is a stunning coastal drive that offers everything from pristine white sand beaches to castles perched high on the edge of cliffs! The stops listed below are all very close to one another so all of these locations can easily be seen in one day. There is so much to see and do on the Causeway Coast, but here are a few things you must make sure to see during your Ireland road trip:

Dunluce Castle. Dunluce Castle is an age-old castle ruin perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Could it get any more stunning than that? The castle is steeped in history and bloodshed, and it makes for fantastic photos!

Giant’s Causeway. Giant’s Causeway is a spectacular ode to nature with basalt rocks pushing up from the ocean in the shape of hexagons. If you are making this part of your Ireland itinerary, make sure to go early in the morning so you beat the tour buses.

Dark Hedges. The Dark Hedges is simply a hedgerow leading up to an old manor house, but they became popular from being featured in Game Of Thrones. Like Giant’s Causeway, if you aim to stop here on your Ireland road trip, make sure to go early or late to beat the tourists.

Mussenden Temple. Mussenden Temple is a temple perched on a cliff in Northern Ireland overlooking a perfect stretch of white sand beach! It is a fantastic place to catch the sunset and a wonderful stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary.

Game Of Thrones Doors. If you are into Game Of Thrones, you are going to want to pop into a pub or local hotel and see some of the Game Of Thrones Doors! There are many located along the Causeway Coast. You can read more about the Game Of Thrones Doors here! 

Book Here From Belfast: The Causeway Coast Tour 

Book Here From Dublin: The Causeway Coast Tour

What To See And Do In Belfast To Conclude Your Ireland Road Trip

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and is located under 2 hours away from all the best nature that Northern Ireland has to offer. If you visit Belfast during your Ireland road trip itinerary, and we think you should make sure to check out the Titanic Museum Experience and walk around the Titanic Quarter.

Did you know that Belfast is actually where the Titanic was built and originally set sail from? Now you do!

Belfast is also home to the buzzing Cathedral Quarter, which is the perfect place for a bite to eat and a visit to one of the many pubs. If you have time, you can even take a pub tour or walking tour around Belfast.

Check Hotel Prices In Belfast: Booking.com | Hotels.com

Best VRBO’s in Belfast: 

• Budget: Belfast Victorian House. Check Availability on VRBO.com
• Mid-Range: Titanic Luxury Apartment. Check Availability on VRBO.com

End Your Ireland Road Trip By Flying Out Of Dublin Or Belfast

Sadly, at one point or another, your Ireland road trip must come to an end. You will either be flying back out of Dublin or Belfast. If you fly out of Dublin, we highly recommend staying outside of Dublin City and then driving in on the day your flight leaves. This will save you from having to go back to Dublin and will save you money on a hotel as well.

Packing Tips For Your Trip To Ireland:

Here are some of our favorite items that you should consider packing for your trip to Ireland! These are essential travel items that we use and love and you should make sure to consider for your travels.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring with you! This  unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can keep your most valuable documents safe and secure next to your body.

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one. If it does not come with the  RFID protection , these  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft. This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. These are the kind our family uses not only when traveling but at home as well.

If you have a camera on your packing list, you need to add additional  memory cards  on your list as well. Unless you are packing a computer for your trip, you will not be able to upload photos and clear your existing memory card. Purchasing additional memory cards   cost under $20  and take up no space in your luggage. Having a backup can have the potential to save you a lot of heartaches if something goes awry! There is nothing worse than coming across that perfect moment and then finding out you don’t have enough space to capture it on your camera!

Similarly, If you are planning to capture your trip on a smartphone, we beg you to bring some way to back up your memories. The best way to do this is with a  portable smartphone flash drive . A flash drive is a small storage device that you can connect up to your smartphone and then safely and easily download the photos onto this device.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is the exact one we carry with us on all of my trips . It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like we have. And wow is it fast! We like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so we do not have to worry about it while out and about. And if we forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My mom was never a fan of  packing cubes  until she tried them out! Now she is sold .  These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones she uses whenever she travels and she travels a lot. She cannot believe how much more organized she is now! And she will never leave without them anymore.

We never leave home on a trip without our  Bobble filtration bottle.  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse. Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the Bobble carbon  filter  ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space in your suitcase at all. And you will be receiving a set of two.

You will want to bring a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This   foldable water-resistant backpack  would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial  backpack  for your international travel. This  antitheft backpack   has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well.

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you. We like polarized sunglasses because they remove the glare off the water and help you to see things more clearly.

Don’t forget to bring along a  universal power adapter  if you are traveling abroad. This  worldwide   power plug  is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days. And this  world traveler adapter kit   can charge several devices at the same time. This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group, or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time.

Ireland Road Trip Map

In case you want to see what it all looks like on paper, here is your Ireland road trip map! Unfortunately, Google Maps only lets us put 10 destinations, so we weren’t able to capture all the small stops like Cobh or Slieve League Cliffs. This is the general idea of where our route will take you and the driving time for the total Ireland road trip. Feel free do an Ireland road trip in a circle from the bottom of Dublin and Cliffs Of Moher or from the top to modify and save time!

This Ireland road trip itinerary showcases the best of what Ireland has to offer, from the touristy things to the lesser-known things to do! There is something for everyone and we purposefully didn’t put times or days so that you don’t have to limit yourselves! If you have two weeks, then modify this Ireland itinerary to fit your schedule and if you only have a few days, pick which stops are most important to you and go from there! Either way, Ireland is waiting for you to come visit!

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Reader Interactions

June 14, 2018 at 7:11 pm

I’ve followed you away for several years now and I think this is the best one yet. Be safe while traveling.

June 18, 2018 at 3:06 pm

Thank you so much! This means so much to us!

February 15, 2019 at 5:41 pm

What timeframe was this completed in, My wife and I are coming to Ireland for 10 days.

February 15, 2019 at 8:12 pm

You can do it in 10 days if you spend one day in each. I would recommend skipping Ring Of Kerry and Donegal if you want this itinerary in a more relaxed time frame!

February 15, 2019 at 8:18 pm

We will be there for 10 days and will need to return to Dublin

Any specific landmark/ site that are a “must” is appreciated.

Also want to see a few of the Great Lighthouses

August 5, 2019 at 5:07 am

Please add Inishowen Peninsula (Malin Head) to your map then take the Greencastle ferry to the causeway coast. We are always forgotten by the tourist and is winning the loto but forgot to claim the prize.

April 14, 2019 at 7:04 am

Nice itinerary, and the watercolour is beautiful but there are so many inaccuracies and spelling errors

April 14, 2019 at 1:38 pm

Hello! What was inaccurate? We would love to correct it! Thanks!

June 3, 2019 at 10:02 pm

We have 6-7 days what do you recommend.

June 19, 2018 at 11:04 pm

Victoria, this is the most comprehensive list I’ve ever seen. Will refer to it if I ever have the opportunity to travel to Ireland. Thank you for this.

June 21, 2018 at 1:45 am

Great trip , but you should visit Bunratty Castle for a medieval banquet and folk park a great nights entertainment

June 21, 2018 at 5:07 am

Have always wanted to tour Ireland. Your list is great, I know it will come in handy once i get the chance to visit. Amazing photos too.

June 22, 2018 at 9:29 pm

Awesome! I wish I knew more about Ireland to know for sure where to go, but I thought this definitely helped for my future road trip! ?

May 15, 2019 at 11:34 pm

I am landing in Dublin on 26 Dec and leaving on 11jan. My gf wants to stay in a city until 1jan so I was wondering if the itinerary can be completed in 10 days? Especially with daylight hours being so short. And is it advisable to stay in Dublin for 5 days? Thank you!

June 23, 2018 at 2:45 am

Your photos are incredible! I’ve only been to Dublin but this has me itching to go back! Great post!

June 23, 2018 at 2:53 am

Great blog. We loved Kerry and Dingle although didn’t know about Cobh. A definite visit next time. Thanks for sharing your itinerary.

June 23, 2018 at 12:06 pm

I did an Ireland road trip in 2003 with my mom and have been wanting to return ever since! Dingle was my favorite!

June 23, 2018 at 4:49 pm

This is a great itinerary! And very similar to the road trip I just did in Ireland last week with my mom and sister! Our favorites were the Rock of Cashel and Cobh, I think, along with having tea at Ashford Castle!

June 25, 2018 at 12:56 pm

We LOVED Cobh and Rock Of Cashel too! And Dingle! We really wanted to do Ashford Castle but didn’t get around to it!

June 23, 2018 at 10:55 pm

What a brilliant resource! I can’t believe I’ve still never been to Ireland, but I’d love to do a road trip like this!

Thank you so much! Ireland is an amazing place to road trip!

July 15, 2018 at 12:07 pm

I’ve always wanted to do a trip to Ireland. I will surely have this one on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing your itinerary! Definitely one to steal 🙂

July 16, 2018 at 1:23 pm

Thank you!! Have fun in Ireland when you go!

August 4, 2018 at 11:14 pm

Fabulous itinerary!!! This is pretty much what we will follow for our second trip to Ireland. Two things you could include that are not to be missed: Kylemore Abbey which is just stunning and staying at Ballynahinch Castle which was also incredible and surprisingly inexpensive. Thank you for all of the tips!

November 24, 2018 at 1:30 pm

Hi! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post about your trip. I will be traveling to Ireland this summer. I was wondering, is it necessary to rent a car to do a trip like this? I’ve heard mixed reviews about car rentals in Ireland and am unsure what to do! There will be 4 of us going. Any advice is appreciated 🙂

November 24, 2018 at 3:12 pm

Hello! Thank you! Sadly yes, to do this trip you must rent a car. That being said, there are some day tours from Dublin that go to many of the areas in this list except Donegal. They are pretty affordable and we recommend some here: https://www.followmeaway.com/day-tours-from-dublin/ Renting a car allows freedom BUT if you do we recommend taking pictures and a walk around video when you get the car so you aren’t taken advantage of by the rental companies. The driving on the “wrong” side of the road really isn’t that difficult and you will get the hang with slow and cautious driving!

January 1, 2019 at 6:12 pm

Hi! This trip looks amazing,do you have a link you re able to provide to the google maps screen shot you posted? My family and I are looking to do an 8 day road trip in August.

January 12, 2019 at 12:25 pm

My friends and I will be visiting Ireland in March and would like to do a road trip. Can you provide me with a link to the google maps screen shot you posted? If not, maybe a list of places you stopped?

January 12, 2019 at 10:24 pm

Hello! Yes I have to recreate a better one! Can you email me [email protected]

January 23, 2019 at 2:32 pm

I sent you my email, but have not received the link to the google maps screen shot you posted.

February 7, 2019 at 11:22 am

This was super interesting and informative- thank you! My partner and I are considering this trip in the Springtime, does anyone have insight as to what we can expect budget-wise?

March 8, 2019 at 3:41 pm

I’ve been trying to plan a trip of a lifetime my husband & I will be taking in October…right after he retires on the 1st. We have purchased our plane tickets & plan to stay for 3 weeks. How do we plan reservations for lodging, without staying at 21 places & keeping a strict schedule? Is there a way we can plan to do it in segments, staying in one place & making day trips for several days & then moving on to the next section of the trip? Is there someone you can recommend that could help us do This? I don’t want to blow this special trip because of poor planning…I want no regrets! Your blog is the most concise & so enjoyable-any help would be so appreciated!

July 17, 2019 at 4:39 pm

I can help you out.

I ran into your comment here and think your post is so nice and am really happy your going to spend some time in Ireland. Its really beautiful here. I am a Canadian living in Belfast currently and have been doing a lot of research on travel around Ireland and have covered most of the island already. I can make you an itinerary tailored to things you might like no problem let me know.

Maybe leave your email here that way i can get in touch with you if you would like the help.

Best, Hannah

October 27, 2019 at 9:33 pm

I could really use some help! Me, my 2 sons and one of their girlfriends will be visiting my daughter in Ireland in a couple weeks? I have never done this and am trying to read blogs like this and create an itinerary. If you have any advice on maps to download or rental car advice I would so appreciate it! I am confusing myself on how many nights to stay at one place!! We have 7nights. Flying in and out of Dublin. My daughter is studying abroad in Gallway. She plans to meet us in Dublin and we will road trip to Gallway for the week. I appreciate any help! Thank you! Maureen

October 27, 2019 at 11:04 pm

I would recommend Dublin, Galway, and one other place such as Dingle/Killarney!!! Car rental you can get something affordable just make sure to take photos of the car to ensure you aren’t being scammed!!

March 9, 2019 at 7:06 am

Hi, Super post. We are planning a trip this June and would highly appreciate the link to the Google maps itinerary. Many thanks.

March 17, 2019 at 12:06 am

We are planning to spend about 3 weeks (August 20-September 6) and this itinerary is incredibly helpful. Thanks so much! My husband’s great-great grandfather is from Newry, County Down in Northern Ireland, so we will add that to the trip, and maybe find more information…Americans hunting for their Irish roots.

March 18, 2019 at 2:55 pm

Have so much fun!!

April 7, 2019 at 1:22 am

thanks for the wonderful information and it will be most helpful in September when I travel with my Mom for a 2 week Ireand/Scotland trip. I am starting to get excited now. flights are booked and have booked a B & B for our first couple of nights in Dublin,

Your map and itinerary is so spot on and has helped immensely with my plans for Ireland. I will most definatley be visiting Norther Ireland after reading your information.

Do you have any suggetions for a similar trip to Scotland? 5-6 days?

April 8, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Lori… just saw your post… my husband and 2 adult daughters are looking to travel to Scotland/Ireland in September… are you traveling to Scotland first? I’m just in the beginning stages of planning our trip… wondered what you have found? Places to stay?

May 14, 2019 at 11:33 pm

Shelly. I am sorry it took so long to reply! We are traveling to Ireland first. Round trip to Dublin was cheaper from Canada. We will take a quick cheap flight to Edinburgh for the remainder of the trip.

I have been booking B&B through Booking.com and finding an average of $120 Canadian per stay. What have you planned so far for Scotland?

April 16, 2019 at 7:47 pm

Could you post a map or directions leaving Dublin working up to Derry and back down to Dublin? I have enjoyed your blog and will be reading for new helpful hints. Thanks for sharing.

April 18, 2019 at 4:41 pm

Hello Donna!

We have never been to Derry in Ireland just yet so we can’t share a post featuring that location. Hopefully we will visit soon!

April 21, 2019 at 10:32 am

Hi this itinerary is wonderful and very detailed. My husband and I are traveling to Dublin in late November for 7 days. I read that during winter a lot of attractions are closed. Any recommendations for us of places not to missed and how can we do a shorter itinerary since be have to flight back home from Dublin.

April 29, 2019 at 9:35 pm

Hello!! Sounds like an amazing trip! I would recommend doing a loop of the southern Irish coast and western. So essentially when you get to the “cliffs of moher’ section of this itinerary that is when you are done and you head back to Dublin. So for 7 days in winter we recommend to stop on this itinerary at Cliffs Of Moher. That should be plenty to see and do and still have things that are open!

April 30, 2019 at 8:09 am

What a great itinerary! Our family is having a debate about our December Christmas holiday and it’s between Ireland (my choice) and Estonia (my husband’s). Armed with this wonderful road trip, I have a much better idea of where to go, stay and what sights to see. I even have to prepare a PowerPoint presentation to win the debate, so this helps me soooo much! We have two teenage daughters so we will be looking for family type accommodation. Any recommendations on what type of vehicle to hire that will be suitable for 4 people, luggage and the roads in Ireland?

April 30, 2019 at 1:14 pm

We recommend renting a hybrid SUV. Just toggle that “on” when searching for a car. Tell your girls this is an EPIC place to visit, especially for teens! The sights are totally amazing and you guys should 100% go to Ireland! There is something for everyone

May 3, 2019 at 11:59 pm

Hey! I am hoping to visit Ireland next year. I will have graduated from college but will only be 18. I understand that I can’t rent a car until I’m older. Are there any bus lines I can take? Hoping to spend 2 weeks there.

May 4, 2019 at 12:37 pm

Sometimes you are able to rent a car under 25 and just pay a higher fee than anyone else. Have you checked into that option? There are a variety of tours and also trains that go around Ireland! So you do have options. It isn’t the most public transport friendly place in the world but there are options

May 8, 2019 at 1:13 pm

Hello there,

thoroughly enjoyed reading your itinerary. Can you please let us know which all cities/places you have opted to stay in the nights and what was the duration of each stays? if you can provide some tip on recommended hotels that would be great.

we are having a trip coming up in next 10 days, with two toddlers

your help is really appreciated.

May 13, 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hey ! enticing write up 🙂 I just booked a 5 day trip for July. Wonder if you could help with a crash course here to plan my route. We will self drive, and I have Belfast on my mind followed by the expansive ocean drives. So mostly chasing vistas and landscapes (don’t mind the occasional historic sites en route) Many thanks in advance.

May 14, 2019 at 10:18 pm

This looks amazing. Unfortunately, we arrive in Dublin on Monday and fly home via Dublin the following Tuesday early morning. Would you recommend an abbreviated itinerary? My husband was thinking we should spend Monday night and Tuesday night in Dublin, heading out for our drive early Wednesday morning, returning to Dublin on Monday night (late is ok).

May 14, 2019 at 11:04 pm

Hello!! YES! A good shorter itinerary is to simply cut off at the Cliffs Of Moher! so do the entire itinerary from the beginning and after COM you just return back to Dublin. So you leave Dublin, head down to Cork and Cobh, then over to Killarney, then Dingle, then Cliffs Of Moher. If you have to shorten this even more I recommend leaving off Killarney and heading straight to Dingle. It is TRUE Ireland and you will love it!

May 20, 2019 at 1:27 pm

Hello, thank you for this itinerary. I am thinking of a surprise trip for my husband to Ireland. Question – when is the best time to plan a road trip like this for weather and can this be done in two weeks and not feel too rushed . plan is for year 2020. Thank you again for posting this

May 20, 2019 at 2:50 pm

We personally LOVED fall in Ireland! September and October were wonderful. Spring is also a great time, Late March and April. We recommend avoiding the end of May and early June as there are multiple bank holidays in Ireland and the UK and it makes things crazy busy! Just look up the bank holiday schedule for 2020 and avoid that time. Ireland is amazing all year!

May 23, 2019 at 8:04 am

Hi. Your itinerary is a great help. We are traveling in July and are flying into Dublin and driving straight to Kilkenny..1 night, Blarney..1 night, Killarney..2 nights, Galway..3 nights and back to Dublin..3 nights. Are those good places to stay for the nights?

May 28, 2019 at 5:40 am

Ireland is on top of my bucket list. Even though I couldn’t make it yet, I’m pretty sure to visit it in the nearest future. Looks stunning in pictures, so I can only imagine how much more beautiful it is in reality. Thank you for sharing your amazing experience. I’ve just lived through your travels.

June 9, 2019 at 6:43 am

Thank you SO MUCH for this itinerary! My traveling partner and I were spending hours searching for things to see as we began mapping out a plan when I decided to Google “Ireland mapped trip”. What a find! By the way, do you know you have two Stop 5s?

June 9, 2019 at 2:48 pm

UGH!!! no i didn’t know that! I will go fix straight away! And this is amazing to hear I’m glad we can help! We totally LOVE Ireland so much!

June 9, 2019 at 10:38 pm

Was parking an issue anywhere or was it easy to find places to park?

June 9, 2019 at 11:19 pm

It was very easy to find pretty much everywhere! It is wonderful!

June 22, 2019 at 8:14 am

I’m an American driver. How difficult is it to acclimate to driving this suggested itinerary ?

June 22, 2019 at 12:36 pm

It isn’t too difficult at all! You begin on the interstate which is actually easier than on the 2 lane roads so you can get a gist of it. JUST GO SLOWWWWW. If you are traveling with someone else task them to remind you when it comes to turning and such. Otherwise just be careful and think. You just have to get back in the mindset of when you were learning to drive. You had to think about each step. That is how it is here for a day or two! But it is easy you got this!

June 27, 2019 at 10:53 am

Hi – This itinerary is really helpful, appreciate your efforts. I plan to visit Ireland this August. My cousin lives in Cork and we plan to stay there towards the end of our trip.Do you see any issues taking the reverse route…Dublin, Belfast, Cork back to Dublin. Please let me know. Thank you.

June 27, 2019 at 10:07 pm

Nope!! Belfast is real close to Dublin so its only around 1.5 hour drive!! Really nice!

July 3, 2019 at 2:00 pm

Thank you, One more query – if I have 3 nights to cover from Dublin to Dingle via Belfast/cliffs of Moher etc, which are the best places/towns to stay to be able to cover the best along this route ? Please suggest, thank you again.

July 3, 2019 at 5:15 pm

If you have three nights we recommend possibly skipping Belfast and going straight to Cliffs Of Moher and staying nearby Cliffs of Moher then possibly staying in Limerick which is a really cute area!!

July 2, 2019 at 7:09 am

This looks amazing we are crossing by ferry from Liverpool on 10th of July and returning 23rd July 2019. Looking forward to doing most of these places.

July 13, 2019 at 8:02 am

It will be our very first trip to Ireland. I checked out quite a few ideas for Ireland but yours was the best I have come across. But we have only 8 days from Dublin to Dublin. I am a bit confused as to what we should drop and what is a must do. I do want to visit Doolin, Dingle and even Westport but how do i plan it. Can you suggest some tweaks. I am really looking forward to a great time.

July 13, 2019 at 2:45 pm

That is a great itinerary! I would recommend going:

Dublin> Cork

Cork>Dingle

Dingle> cliffs of moher and doolin

Cliffs of Moher to Westport

Westport back to Dublin

That is how I would space it out and you will see A LOT! So on the way down SKIP ring of Kerry and Killarney!

July 17, 2019 at 10:43 pm

My husband and I will be going to Ireland in August and have given ourselves 3 weeks approximately. Staying in Meath for 4 days for a christening. Twhile there were going to visit Donegal area etc. we have booked Kilkenny for a couple of nights before heading off, where would you suggest next? We leave the 13th Aug so I need to book ASAP

July 20, 2019 at 2:45 pm

Very interesting subject and posts. I am going next week, for 4 days only, and it will only be the Republic of Ireland. Would you mind to to help me with a route for 4 days?

Much appreciated,

July 20, 2019 at 3:38 pm

Would highly recommend Dublin, Cork/Cobh, and Cliffs of Moher. It will be a lot of driving! Alternatively you can do Dublin with day trips to Howth and Bray and perhaps a tour to Cliffs Of Moher!

July 23, 2019 at 2:26 pm

Thank you for this itinerary. We’re traveling next year and I’m putting together a 14 day trip. I believe you have chosen well and I’m going to use this for a model. Love your beautiful photos too.

July 23, 2019 at 2:38 pm

Thank you so much!!! Have so much fun in Ireland!

April 9, 2022 at 11:52 am

just curious … how much you are estimating for the trip… money wise>>>>

August 10, 2019 at 8:44 pm

You forgot Dingle. Amazing people and awesome nightlife of traditional music. Go to Dick Mack’s, it’s across the street from the church.❤️

August 12, 2019 at 7:16 am

Dingle is totally included on this itinerary!!!! Thanks!

September 18, 2019 at 4:09 pm

Beautiful pictures. Thank you for a great plan! We have 9 days before a cruise so have to get to Southampton at the end of the road trip. Flying into London and can take a flight to Ireland. Where would you suggest starting? On our cruise we have one day in Dublin and one day in Belfast….surely not enough so want to see more of the country. Have you bookmarked for ideas!

September 19, 2019 at 11:48 am

Thank you!!! So you will be there for 9 days? You can easily do Killarney, Dingle and Cliffs Of Moher with TONS of time to spare!

September 24, 2019 at 2:24 pm

Great information! We are planning an Ireland trip in 2021 We are thinking of around 14 days Flying into and out of Dublin. Thinking about spending more time in each city but after Westport driving back to Dublin and skipping the northern part of your itinerary.Your thoughts? Also we plan on using your suggested hotels What time of year is best? Least rain Thank you

September 25, 2019 at 8:55 am

Yep!!!! 10000% think that is a GREAT itinerary and will give you great time to enjoy each area. Don’t miss Westport area as it is a lesser known part of the country so you will get the best of both worlds! We REALLY enjoyed being there in late april/early May as well as the fall in October/September. Avoid summer as all of the UK is on bank holiday and then Ireland has bank holiday and it is a crazy mess!!

September 25, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Hello. I just returned from Ireland yesterday after a 5-day trip. I used Victoria and Terrence’s post to plan my itinerary. This was an awesome road trip. We went to most places recommended by you + more! In our 5-day trip, we drove 1400 kilometers (870 miles!). It was great! Thank you for the post (and for recommending the ice cream).

September 29, 2019 at 1:26 pm

Thanks Rhonda! We are SO GLAD you had an amazing time! The ice cream in Ireland is just so good right?!

November 18, 2019 at 7:29 am

I was so inspired by your Blog, that I booked tickets for my husband and I to visit Ireland in the Spring. I wanted to ask if you could provide a link to the google maps screenshot? Also, I know you mentioned that you did not want to give specific days/times to spend for each stop and leave it to our discretion, but I would love to get your opinion on where we should stop and stay overnight versus where to just pit stop on the road trip. Any feedback would be appreciated, I’m currently in the process of looking up places to stay.

November 19, 2019 at 9:03 pm

Hey!!!! YES I can but I couldn’t put all the stops sadly so it would be better to do it yourself! As far as spending the night I recommend Dublin, Cork/Blarney/Cobh area [all within 30-ish min so anywhere there can be fine!] then you can do Dingle AND Killarney or just one. If you can just do one I recommend Dingle. Then stay near Cliffs Of Moher. Then stay near Westport or Achill Island. Then stay somewhere in Donegal. Then stay near the Antrim Coast or in Belfast for day trips! I hope this helps! This is if you want to do the FULL itinerary!

November 19, 2019 at 10:20 pm

I would loveee to do it all! Do you think it is doable in 7 days?

November 20, 2019 at 2:43 pm

I think it is doable but I don’t think you would enjoy yourself! I would choose either the top half of the bottom half. Meaning you either END with Cliffs of Moher [Dingle, Cobh, Cork etc] or your start where this itinerary starts with cliffs of moher and do Westpoert/Donegal/Northern Ireland. Just take half the itinerary for 7 days if you don’t want to rush about!

December 5, 2019 at 1:54 pm

Hi, many thanks for publishing your fabulous trip. Four of us are arriving in Belfast, staying 2 nights and then hiring a car to tour the west coast and over to Dublin. We will have 7 days before returning to Belfast for one night and then flying home. We will take in your recommendations for places of interest, the only thing I have not yet been able to establish is whether crossing the border is allowed by the car hire company, any ideas? Thanks

December 7, 2019 at 7:52 pm

Yep!!! It is usually always allowed with no issues!! If you are very worried, simply email or call to be sure for peace of mind! But never had any issues! Have fun!

January 5, 2020 at 11:38 pm

Omg this was so helpful! Now I’m thinking of changing the itinerary we had planned for 7 nights in June. We have hotels booked for : 1. Dublin 2. Cork 3. Killarney 4. Galway 5. Bunratty Castle for my 2 year olds birthday + an Irish night 6. Kilkea Castle for a wedding 7. Dublin Galway wasn’t even on your list! Maybe Dingle instead?? So hard to choose!

February 21, 2020 at 12:12 am

Hi… we will be in Ireland for 5 days in late Aug… we’re renting a car and starting in Dublin. I know we can’t do it all, but what route would you suggest? Thanks. David

December 9, 2020 at 1:05 pm

Amazing pics and list! Do you recommend booking all lodging beforehand or could we just do it as we travel around? Was just thinking that would give us freedom to stay where and when we wanted rather than sticking to a hard schedule.

December 9, 2020 at 2:04 pm

You can do it as you travel around and that is what we have done MANY times! Just book 2-3 days in advance you don’t have to do the whole thing! Enjoy!

October 18, 2021 at 8:49 pm

This post is AMAZING!!! We are planning a 7 day trip April 2023! Did you rent your vehicle directly from the rental car agency at Dublin airport?

October 18, 2021 at 11:32 pm

Yes we did! You have to take a shuttle to the rental car center but yes it is on the airport!! Super easy! Enjoy!

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9 Great Stops on the Dublin to Belfast Drive for the Best Road Trip

Embarking on a road trip is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and historical treasures of Ireland. With its lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, hidden beaches, heritage towns, and countless sites going back to 5,000 years ago, the Emerald Isle is an exciting destination to explore on your own as you take the wheel. While Dublin serves as a starting point for numerous road trips, notably around the scenic Co. Wicklow, one route lures visitors to the charms of the North: the Dublin to Belfast drive .

I have a particular fondness for historic Belfast and highly recommend a visit to this remarkable city, which I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many times. However, the journey from Dublin to Belfast is not just about the destination; it’s about the extraordinary places you can explore along the way. From popular coastal towns near Dublin to incredible manor houses sitting on the shore of Strangford Lough, the east coast of Ireland, though often less crowded than the west, is equally enticing.

So, fasten your seatbelt. Here, I’ll provide you with important tips to prepare for your road trip and share a curated selection of the best stops on the Dublin to Belfast drive . Get ready for an unforgettable drive up North, filled with incredible sights and fascinating history.

Disclaimer This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

Essential Tips for Planning Your Dublin to Belfast Road Trip

• Getting There | I always fly in and out of Dublin with Aer Lingus or Air France , my favourite airlines.
• Renting a Car | You can easily rent a car at Dublin airport. For the best deal, I use comparison site rentalcars.com .
• Bringing Your Own Car | You can bring your own car over on the ferry to Ireland. Check departures from France and the UK with Irish Ferries , Brittany Ferries and Stena Line .
• Where to Stay | Check booking.com for the best deals or read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor .
• Further Reading | Lonely Planet Ireland and The Rough Guide to Ireland are the two most comprehensive guides out there.
• Travel Insurance | Buy travel insurance with Heymondo ; its nifty app will help you get the assistance you need while on the go.

Don’t Forget to Bring Your Driving Licence & Documentation

Car rental & travel insurance, maps & navigation, how far is dublin to belfast, toll and service stations, no border check, howth, co. dublin, malahide, co. dublin, skerries, co. dublin, the boyne valley, carlingford, co louth, castle ward, strangford, co. down, mount stewart, co. down, where to stay in dublin, where to stay in the boyne valley, where to stay in carlingford, where to stay in strangford, where to stay in belfast, driving from dublin to belfast: planning your road trip.

Let’s begin with some recommendations to ensure your Dublin to Belfast road trip is a success.

First thing first. If you’re planning to explore Ireland by car, do not forget to pack your driving licence , and ensure it’s valid throughout your stay. The good news is that if you hold a driving licence issued by an EU/EEA member state, there’s no need to request an international driving permit before going on your Irish road trip. US travellers can also hit the Irish roads with their full US driving licence during their stay.

EU citizens have the convenience of travelling throughout Europe using their national identity cards, and this includes the Republic of Ireland. However, post-Brexit, things have changed when crossing into the UK. To enter the UK, including Northern Ireland, a passport is now required. It’s worth noting that when driving from Dublin to Belfast, there’s no physical border or passport check along the way. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to carry your passport as you are officially crossing into a different country, and identity checks could still occur. 

When it comes to renting a car for your Dublin to Belfast road trip, Dublin Airport is your go-to location. Major car rental brands have desks there, offering convenience and a wide range of vehicle options. However, it’s essential to plan ahead and book your rental in advance, as last-minute bookings can be costly. To secure the best deal, I highly recommend comparing prices on platforms like rentalcars.com , which lists all the main rental companies.

Keep an eye out for age restrictions, check the type of car insurance on offer, and confirm the accepted payment methods, as not all rental companies accept debit cards over credit cards. Additionally, for insurance purposes, it’s crucial to inform the rental company that you intend to travel to Northern Ireland , so you can hit the road worry-free and fully covered.

Finally, consider travel insurance when visiting Ireland. Heymondo provides customizable coverage and a handy assistance app for peace of mind during your journey.

Driving from Dublin to Belfast is relatively straightforward (as we’ll see below), but when venturing off the motorway to explore specific destinations, you may encounter small and (sometimes) confusing roads. The winding roads of the Boyne Valley, although wonderfully charming, can be rather stressful, I must confess!

To avoid getting lost, it’s advisable to have a GPS or a navigation app on your phone. If you ever need one, Google Maps is a dependable choice that I can recommend for its accuracy. 

Dublin to Belfast by Car: What to Expect?

What should you expect once you are on your way to Belfast? Let’s have a look!

Dublin is approximately 170 km (105 miles) from Belfast. The drive is quite straightforward, as you’ll follow the M1 motorway from Dublin, which becomes the A1 once you enter Northern Ireland, leading directly to Belfast. This well-maintained road ensures a smooth journey, and you can expect to reach your destination in roughly 2 hours , provided you don’t make any stops along the way.

The M1 motorway is a tolled road . However, the toll fee is very affordable, costing just a few euros, which is notably cheaper compared to tolls in many other European countries like France. Payment methods are convenient as well; you can either pay in cash if the toll booth is manned, or just tap your payment card! Easy!

Along the route, you’ll come across multiple service stations where you can refuel your car, grab a quick snack, or take a break. For electric car drivers, it’s worth noting that there are also charging stations available, like at the Castlebellingham service station, located just before Dundalk.

As previously mentioned, there’s no hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which means no passport checks are carried out when crossing. The only noticeable change is the signage, most notably the speed limit now being displayed in miles per hour as you enter Northern Ireland. I was rather relieved to see my GPS showing both miles and kilometres, as I’m not great with maths.

You might also be interested in: – Gardens to Visit in Wicklow | 5 Botanic Havens to Explore – Where to Stay in County Wicklow | The Most Charming Towns & Areas – A 3-Day Epic Wicklow Road Trip Itinerary

Where to Stop on the Dublin to Belfast Drive?

Dublin and Belfast stand as two historic cities that no visitor to the Emerald Isle should overlook. However, embarking on a road trip between these two capitals opens up opportunities to explore even more captivating destinations along the country’s underrated East coast.

As I have already told you in my previous posts about Dublin, the fishing village of Howth is undeniably one of the city’s most popular and worthwhile destinations. It would be a missed opportunity to depart from Dublin without experiencing its charm. Situated just north of the Irish capital, Howth can be your very first stop on the Dublin to Belfast drive.

With quality restaurants huddled around its picturesque harbour, Howth is the perfect location for a tasty lunch before hitting the road. Seafood enthusiasts, in particular, shouldn’t miss the chance to savour the fresh ocean delicacies Howth is famous for.

But most of all, take the time to pay a visit to one of Dublin’s most charming lighthouses . Positioned at the tip of a protective pier embracing the harbour, this 19th-century lighthouse features a distinctive red door and flowered window sills, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop for your photos. It also provides the best vantage point for admiring the panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the distant bird sanctuary known as Ireland’s Eye .

The historic coastal town of Malahide offers another excellent option for lunch before getting behind the wheel to Belfast. Its Main Street boasts numerous cafés, restaurants, and pubs with terraces spilling onto the sidewalks for al fresco dining during the summer.

However, Malahide is most renowned for its 800-year-old castle , a true architectural jewel on Ireland’s East Coast . Once the residence of the Talbot family, Malahide Castle stands as an extraordinary example of a castle inhabited by the same family for eight centuries, and closely intertwined with Ireland’s history. Taking a guided tour of this historic house is a must, especially if, like me, you share an enthusiasm for 18th-century rococo decor, grand halls adorned with family portraits, all under a towering wooden ceiling with exposed beams.

Be sure not to miss exploring the castle’s walled garden as well, a distinctive feature of former aristocratic houses, that often harbours exotic plants brought back from every corner of the world.

On a warm summer day (yes, those do occur in Ireland too), it can be quite tempting to make a short stopover in Skerries , one of Dublin’s best coastal towns , located just over 30 kilometres north of the city.

Skerries is a local favourite for its expansive sandy beach , complemented by picturesque windmills in the background, adding to its laid-back charm. If you’ve built up an appetite, no need to worry – a row of charming restaurants and ice cream parlours line the street running alongside Skerries’ quaint harbour to the north of the beach.

And if you find yourself wanting to stay a few more hours in the area, just beyond Skerries lies Ardgillan Castle , an 18th-century country-style mansion. Here, you can freely explore its magnificent gardens, seek out fairy doors hidden in the woods, or simply soak in the majestic views over the Irish Sea from the rear of the house.

The Boyne Valley is one of my all-time favourite regions to explore in Ireland. Numerous historical events happened in this area that boasts a wealth of heritage sites, making it a must-visit for anyone with a deep interest in Irish history and Celtic mythology. Even if you’re just passing through en route to Belfast, be sure to make time for at least one of these remarkable sites. 

Brú na Bóinne, Co. Meath

Located just a 10-minute drive from the motorway, the ‘Palace’ of the Boyne is easily accessible on your way to Belfast. However, it’s essential to book your visit in advance and allocate at least 2 hours for the tour, as only small groups are guided through this one-of-a-kind Neolithic site.

At Knowth , you’ll find spirals, diamonds, and wave-shaped symbols carved onto the flat surfaces of massive stones encircling the tomb. Their meaning still cloaked in mystery, the carvings are an intriguing introduction to a mysterious journey through the 5,000-year long history of Brú na Bóinne.

The guided tour culminates with a truly remarkable experience as you enter the famous Newgrange tomb through a narrow tunnel, leading to a cross-shaped chamber at its centre. Under a perfectly sealed corbelled roof that hasn’t seen a single rain drop for the past five millennia, a beam of light, mirroring the winter solstice, penetrates the chamber, briefly dispelling the surrounding darkness. This astonishing phenomenon is certainly one of the most mystical experiences you’ll get to live during your time in Ireland.

Drogheda, Co. Louth

While it’s just a short drive from the M1, Drogheda may not be on the radar of many tourists, yet this historic town situated along the banks of the River Boyne has a wealth of fascinating stories to share and is well worth a visit.

I must admit that not everyone will be enamoured with Drogheda’s somewhat rugged cityscape, which bears the marks of a long and captivating industrial history. Nevertheless, I found myself captivated by the old town’s atmosphere as I wandered its bustling streets, even on a somewhat gloomy summer day. As a fan of medieval architecture, I was particularly thrilled to stumble upon St. Laurence’s Gate , an exceptional 13th-century barbican that still stands today.

Drogheda’s main streets conceal more treasures, including the splendid 19th-century St. Peter’s Church , where you can find St. Oliver Plunkett’s shrine, and the Highlanes Gallery , an art gallery housed within a former 19th-century Franciscan church that offers free admission. Along West Street and Laurence Street, an array of cafés, restaurants and pubs awaits, providing ample options for refuelling before getting back on the road.

Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Co. Meath

Once again, the Boyne Valley offers a convenient stopover opportunity in the East of Ireland for those on a Dublin to Belfast road trip, just minutes from the motorway. For those familiar with the Battle of the Boyne , the largest battle ever fought on Irish soil, this place should be on their must-see list.

Oldbridge House , an exquisite example of an 18th-century Palladian-style mansion, stands today near the historic battlefield. The grand house hosts an engaging exhibition dedicated to this momentous event of 1690 that includes a short film re-enacting this key moment in Anglo-Irish history.

Oldbridge house is not all about the Battle of the Boyne though. Within its vast grounds lies a magnificent walled garden with meticulously manicured edges, colourful flower borders, a sprawling orchard, and a unique octagonal sunken garden featuring centuries-old yew trees. If you are looking for things to do in Ireland on a budget , know that you can access the estate for free (though there may be a fee for the exhibition). And those with a sweet tooth or in no rush to reach their final destination will be enticed by its café as its large bay windows allow full views over the walled garden.

My next stop on the Dublin to Belfast drive is one of my favourite heritage towns in Ireland – Carlingford . Located approximately 30 minutes from the M1, after passing Dundalk, this little town is a picturesque getaway on the shores of Carlingford Lough.  

While its name derives from Scandinavian, Carlingford was settled by Anglo-Norman invaders in the 12th century. This historic town boasts a rich architectural heritage, complete with a ruined fortress (access via guided tour) and abbey, fortified townhouses, gates and protective walls. Carlingford’s medieval remains can still be admired today as you stroll around its lively streets, flanked by colourful houses, restaurants, and pubs.

There are many things to do in Carlingford , but outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the town’s remarkable location. Nestled at the foot of Slieve Foye , Carlingford is a haven for hikers, offering numerous trails leading to the mountain’s summit. The most tenacious will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas over the blue waters of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains in the distance. So don’t forget to bring your hiking boots if you want to enjoy the view!!

An hour’s drive from the Dublin to Belfast motorway, this stop will take you on a somewhat lengthy detour to the eastern part of Northern Ireland. Nevertheless, it’s a worthwhile visit for fans of the Game of Thrones series and admirers of 18th-century grand country houses alike. Within the sprawling grounds of the Castle Ward estate, you’ll discover a splendid manor house surrounded by a landscaped sunken garden, and a farmyard presided over by a 16th-century tower house, which served as a filming location for Winterfell.

Built on the shores of Strangford Lough by Lord Bangor, Castle Ward boasts a distinctive dual architecture, reflecting the conflicting design preferences of the lord and his wife. The front of the house adhered to the classic Palladian style in vogue at the time and favoured by Monsieur, while the rear of the house was built in the Gothic style more pleasing to Madame. This architectural duality persists within the house itself as you wander between its front and back sections.

Within the vast Castle Ward estate, several walking trails criss-cross the grounds, offering hours of exploration. For those eager to discover Game of Thrones filming locations, be sure to make Old Castle Ward your first stop. Here, you’ll find a tower house (that you can climb) surrounded by farm buildings that served as the backdrop for several scenes in the series, including Bran’s fall and King Robert’s arrival at Winterfell.

Simply put, Mount Stewart blew me away. This splendid 19th-century manor house and its sumptuous gardens, situated just a half-hour drive east of Belfast, were a feast for the eyes. If your journey north hasn’t been too taxing, I strongly recommend taking a detour to Mount Stewart. It’s an opportunity to explore this marvellous estate from a bygone, aristocratic era.

The interior of the house owes much of its incredible decor to Edith, Lady Londonderry , who breathed new life into the residence when she arrived at Mount Stewart in 1921. In each luxuriously decorated room, knowledgeable National Trust volunteers are on hand to provide visitors with eventful and sometimes astonishing tales about the property and its former inhabitants.

Lady Edith also undertook to redesign the estate’s grounds, capitalizing on the mild climate to grow species from around the world in her whimsical garden . The Italian Garden is a breathtaking explosion of colours, while the meticulously groomed Sunken Garden is a true marvel. If you have a few hours to spend, trails guide visitors through the expansive grounds, where woodlands and even a lake can be found.

Where to Stay on the Dublin to Belfast Drive

If you intend to spend the night while driving from Dublin to Belfast, here are some suggestions of places to stay.

Nina’s Hotel St George is situated just around the corner from the historic O’Connell Street and a mere 15-minute walk from Temple Bar. This boutique hotel is full of character, as it was once a townhouse in a neighbourhood favoured by Dublin’s wealthy and aristocratic residents, and the little hotel has managed to retain some of this old-world charm. It’s worth noting that the hotel is located in a less desirable neighbourhood, which results in slightly lower rates compared to accommodations on the south side of the Liffey.

The Temple Bar Inn enjoys an ideal city centre location, with all major attractions just a short walk away, including Trinity College, Grafton Street and Christ Church Cathedral. As its name suggests, this modern 3-star hotel is situated right in the vibrant Temple Bar area and is well-suited for those in a festive mood. It’s also conveniently accessible from Dublin Airport via public transport, with a bus stop just a 3-minute walk away.

The Drury Court Hotel is a family-run 3-star hotel situated in an exceptionally desirable, safe, and central location in Dublin, known as the Creative Quarter. You’ll enjoy easy access to Dublin’s premier shopping district and major tourist attractions such as Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, and Temple Bar. Plus, there’s plenty of excellent restaurants and pubs to choose from, all right at your doorstep.

Not sure yet about where you want to stay in the city? Have a look at my guide on the best neighbourhoods to stay in Dublin for further insights, or check booking.com for more options.

The Scholars Townhouse Hotel , once a 19th-century monastery, has been delightfully transformed into a modern hotel while retaining some original features and its distinctive character. The hotel is situated right in Drogheda, so you will have no trouble finding dining options, thanks to the abundance of restaurants, cafés, and pubs in the old town centre.

The Boyne Valley Hotel is a 3-star establishment located within a converted 19th-century mansion, set amid a large and tranquil park. Situated on the outskirts of Drogheda, the hotel is a mere 10-minute drive from the motorway.

Featuring a colourful facade, Mc Kevitts Village Hotel is a charming 2-star hotel nestled in the heart of Carlingford, complete with its cosy restaurant. You will find plenty of shops, cafés, and pubs in the neighbourhood, while Carlingford Castle is just a stone’s throw away. 

Carlingford offers several B&B options, but I highly recommend choosing the Grove House B&B for your stay. Located just a 10-minute walk from the village centre, it’s nestled in a quiet neighbourhood, ensuring a peaceful sleep. The house is exquisite, and the rooms are very comfortable. The hostess provides exceptional care to her guests and serves a delightful Irish breakfast.

If you decide to visit Castle Ward, Strangford is the ideal location for an overnight stay. This cute little town on the shores of Strangford Lough has the most picturesque surroundings, stunning views over the water, and a selection of restaurants located around its main square.

During my visit, I chose to stay at the Castle Apartment , situated in the heart of town. It’s a beautifully cosy apartment on the ground floor of a period house, and it comes with a delightful courtyard for al fresco breakfasts. The owner has done a fantastic job in creating this comfortable accommodation, making it an excellent choice for a day (or more) in this scenic part of Northern Ireland.

If you want something central, the Malmaison Hotel is an excellent choice. This 4-star hotel is within walking distance of Victoria Square and the Titanic Museum. I stayed there for a couple of nights and I loved its boutique feel and intimate decor, creating the perfect ambiance for couples on a romantic getaway. The hotel is a beautiful listed building, a 19th-century warehouse with arched windows, and it has retained some of its original features, such as exposed beams that you can see in the bedrooms. Read my full review of the Malmaison Belfast .

The Malone is a charming boutique hotel located within walking distance of the Botanic Garden in my favourite neighbourhood in Belfast, the Queen’s Quarter. Housed in a beautifully renovated Victorian townhouse, the Malone exudes character. The Malone has its own on-site restaurant, which is very convenient after a long day on the road. Additionally, the hotel offers a complimentary car park.

The Titanic Hotel Belfast offers a unique and convenient experience as it’s located right beside the Titanic Museum, making it the perfect choice if you are eager to explore Belfast’ top attraction. This four-star hotel boasts a magnificent art deco interior and is set within a historic building, the former Harland & Wolff drawing offices, the company that built the Titanic.

Still unsure about your preferred location in the city? Check out my guide on the best areas to stay in Belfast for additional inspiration. Or check availability on booking.com .

I hope you’ll thoroughly enjoy your Dublin to Belfast drive and take the opportunity to explore enchanting corners of Ireland’s east coast. As you arrive in the capital of Northern Ireland, allow yourself enough time to discover this remarkable city. My suggestion is to stay for at least two days in Belfast . This city has some great attractions, but also an exciting food scene!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

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7 Best Stops on the Dublin to Belfast Drive

Last Updated on February 7, 2024

by Seán Whelan

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’ve been planning a road trip in Ireland , one of the routes you’re likely curious about is the Dublin to Belfast drive or vice versa. The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s capital respectively, both have enough sights and scenes to keep any visitor busy and are luckily only a two-hour drive from one another.

We’ve picked some of the most worthwhile stops between the two cities, and we’ll also be addressing some of the more general concerns about the trip that readers may have. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature-lover or a history buff, there’s something for everyone to be found in our suggestions below.

Table of Contents

Planning a Dublin to Belfast Road Trip

The drive from Dublin to Belfast – or from Belfast to Dublin – takes just over 2 hours when travelling via motorway, along the M1 on the Republic’s side and then along the A1 on the Northern Irish side.

If you’re hoping to get there in the quickest time possible, with minimal stops and no sightseeing, then this is the way to do it. While the roads in Ireland are generally of a high quality, the motorways are better maintained still and are quite straightforward to navigate.

Things can get a little bit trickier once you get off the beaten track, with some of the smaller country lanes being somewhat windy and prone to potholes, but certainly, nothing to be concerned about as long as a minor degree of caution is exercised.

For navigation, an app such as Google Maps or Waze will more than suffice for whichever route you end up taking. As is the case throughout all of Ireland and the UK, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is something that’s definitely important to be mindful of as a number of accidents occur each year when foreign drivers forget this.

Something that you may be concerned about is the border crossing between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland . Shortly after passing through Dundalk if approaching from Dublin, or after passing through Newry if you’re coming from Belfast , you’ll cross the border between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

At present, there is no physical border in place between the two countries and the first giveaway that you’ll have entered a different country is the speed limit signs swapping between miles per hour and kilometres per hour!

If you’re travelling in a rental car, however, you’ll need to inform the rental company that you will be crossing the border, so that they can extend your insurance to cover any accidents abroad.

It’s also worth paying close attention to your speed as your car’s speedometer may not correspond with the posted speed limit. You can browse car rental options here.

It can also be worth taking out an excess insurance policy with iCarHireInsurance to ensure that you don’t have to pay a deductible should any damage happen to your rental car.

How Far is Dublin to Belfast?

The most direct route from Dublin to Belfast is about 170 kilometres. However, most of the stops listed below will require getting off the motorway and exploring some of Ireland’s more rural scenic drives.

The motorway is the way to go if expediency is the aim of the game, but in doing so you’ll miss out on some of Ireland’s most historic and ruggedly beautiful sites such as Newgrange and the Mourne mountains.

If you do decide to take the quickest way there, you could always take the motorway for most of the journey and exit at your chosen stops along the way. Without stops, the drive will probably take you around two hours, traffic dependent!

The stops listed below are ordered sequentially so that each is a little further from Dublin. Including all of our sightseeing suggestions below is feasible, but would turn a two-hour drive into a multi-day road trip! So take a look, pick your favourites and craft your very own itinerary for your Belfast to Dublin road trip!

Best Dublin to Belfast Drive Stops

1. malahide, co. dublin.

Only a half hour’s drive from Dublin city centre, the picturesque coastal town of Malahide offers some of the best views of Dublin Bay and is a great spot to grab some food before hitting the road for Belfast and makes for an excellent first stop on a Dublin to Belfast drive.

If you decide to stop in Malahide, Malahide Castle and its grounds, gifted to the Talbot family by King Henry II in 1185 are well worth exploring. If history isn’t much your thing, nothing beats a walk along the promenade or through the town on a sunny day.

Much of Malahide’s architecture is Georgian in style and the traditional shopfronts and boutique stores make Malahide an ideal location for a serene escape from the liveliness of Dublin city.

For a drink in a traditional pub, you can’t do much better than Gibney’s on New Street, while Old Street Restaurant near the marina comes highly recommended, though do try to book in advance if you want to be sure to get a seat!

Don’t fret if Old Street Restaurant is booked out, there’s a host of other top-notch restaurants such as That’s Amore and The Greedy Goose located very close by.

2. Skerries, Co. Dublin

Haven’t quite had your fill of coastal Dublin towns? Skerries has got you covered. Slightly further from the city than Malahide, Skerries (from the Norse sker, and then rendered in Irish as na sceirí, meaning rocky islands) is about a 50-minute drive from Dublin city centre along the M1 towards Belfast, making it a perfect stop.

Over the years, Skerries has received many awards for its local scenery, culture, and community. Spend a little time there and you’ll quickly find out why: few experiences in Ireland will have you feeling as tranquil as watching the gentle bobbing of boats in the Skerries harbour (enjoying a Guinness or two beforehand in Joe May’s pub may aid in the attainment of said tranquillity!).

If you feel like taking in some greenery before continuing on the road to Belfast, a picnic on the grounds of Ardgillan Castle would work perfectly, and guided tours are available if you want to spend a while longer there.

There’s also a playground on site if you have some children that could do with a bit of tiring out before the rest of the drive!

3. The Boyne Valley, Co. Meath

Look all over the world and you’ll struggle to find an area so rich and laden with history as the Boyne Valley. This stop suggestion differs from the previous two in that the Boyne Valley isn’t a singular location, it describes a broad area of land at the core of Ireland’s Ancient East.

It is home to Neolithic settlement sites such as Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, sites of historic clashes such as the Battle of the Boyne between King James and King William, as well as a striking number of castles, churches and monasteries.

The Brú na Bóinne contains the three most well-known Neolithic burial sites: Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep in mind that access to these sites is only available through guided tours.

So if you plan on making this one of your stops, be prepared to allocate sufficient time to really enjoy it, and to account for tourist queues which can be quite long during the summer months.

The range of historical sites here, as well as the timeframe that they span really is remarkable, so if you do have a strong interest in Irish history it could be worthwhile to spend an entire day in the Boyne Valley and to spend the night in the nearby town of Drogheda where there’s an abundance of hotels, hostels and BnB’s to suit all budgets.

You could write an entire article on the sites of the Boyne Valley alone, so if you’re interested in what’s described above, I’d definitely encourage you to do some further research to make sure you’re not missing out.

Similarly, if there’s more than a couple of individual sites that would be of interest to you, you may benefit from some of the coach tours that operate within the Boyne Valley.

4. Cooley Peninsula, Co. Louth

This next suggestion is more of an alternative route for a Belfast to Dublin drive than a location, but there are certainly plenty of worthwhile stops along it!

Beginning about an hour north of Dublin in Dundalk, the coastal route to the town of Carlingford along the R173 has to be seen to be believed. In a hurry, it can be done in around half an hour, but the drive itself requires taking a diversion from the main road to Belfast anyway, so why rush?

If you feel like adding another layer of navigational complexity to the puzzle, you can detour further yet again and drive through Ravensdale Forest to the summit of the Black Mountain.

The scenery itself has an austere beauty to it, amongst the cold shimmering waters of the beaches and the hilly woodland, the title of the most impressive vista on this route belongs to the stunning glacial fjord of Carlingford Lough, which marks the dividing line between Northern Ireland and the Republic in this part of the country.

The peninsular drive comes to an end in the Medieval town of Carlingford, the halfway point between Dublin and Belfast. Carlingford has a lot of outdoorsy stuff going on, from mountain biking through the hilly terrain to kayaking in the aforementioned Carlingford Lough, if you’re feeling a strong pull to spend some time in nature then this is the place to do so!

But if the only strong urge you’re feeling is the desire to fill your stomach, then the Carlingford Arms does some great pub grub and won’t break the bank.

5. Castlewellan Castle & Forest Park, Co. Down

Castlewellan is our first suggested stop on the UK side of the border. If you’ve decided to take our earlier suggestion and have arrived in Carlingford, the easiest and most enjoyable way to continue the journey is to take the ferry across Carlingford Lough to Greencastle. It is €16 per vehicle (including all passengers) and will cut a decent chunk of driving time from your journey.

Keep in mind that the ferry only operates daily during the high season months and doesn’t sail at all in the winter. Check the schedules beforehand to avoid disappointment if the boat isn’t sailing on any particular day.

Once you’re in Greencastle, continue north and you’ll soon find yourself in Castlewellan. The main draw in Castlewellan is the forest park, which is the perfect spot to stretch and chill out for a while. Similar to Carlingford, there’s a big emphasis on the outdoors here and there’s a large range of activities on offer.

If you feel like keeping it simple, then there are plenty of walking trails both through the forest and along the lakeside. If you’ve really been taken in by all the wooded beauty, there’s a campsite with facilities where you can throw up a tent and just unplug for the night.

6. Slieve Donard, Newcastle, Co. Down

At 850m, Slieve Donard is the tallest point in Northern Ireland. The views of the Irish Sea from the summit have a surreal beauty to them but you’ll have to work to get there!

For anyone who hikes regularly, the climb will provide no problems but if you’re not in the best of shape, you may find it hard work. It does get quite steep in parts so it should be avoided during periods of inclement weather, but on a good day, one can see as far as the Isle of Man!

The time up and back is around 5 hours, sensible footwear and appropriate clothing are definitely advised and you’d be wise to bring an extra layer , even during the warmer seasons. Car parking is available in multiple locations at various starting points from the foot of the mountain.

Once you’re back down to sea level, the town of Newcastle has plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy a well-deserved meal. I’d recommended Villa Vinci for homely Mediterranean cuisine and Brunel’s Restaurant for a more formal, fine-dining experience.

7. Ards Peninsula, Co. Down

Once again, this suggestion is more of a route deviation on the typical driving route than a bonafide stopping point, but a drive along the Ards Peninsula on the eastern coast of Northern Ireland will take you through some unspoilt fishing villages and into the heart of the County Down countryside.

The peninsular drive begins in Newtownards and will take you northwards up along the bounds of the Strangford Lough.

The Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin is a small-batch spirits producer that’s part of the distilling renaissance taking place in Ireland at the moment and they produce exceptional whiskey, gin and poitín on-site.

Tastings are included in the price of the tour but can be redeemed against the price of a bottle to take home instead — this is a road trip after all!

Where to Stay on the Dublin to Belfast Drive

While you’re likely going to be on the look for places to stay in Dublin or Belfast, you also won’t be able to get the most out of all of these great stops if you don’t find a place to spend the night! We recommend resting your head in the Boyne Valley so you can adequately give yourself time to see and do all that that area has to offer.

Where to Stay in the Boyne Valley

The Yellow House B&B – This bed and breakfast located in the town of Nevan is a great base for exploring the Boyne Valley. They have a number of cosy and comfortable rooms available, ample free parking, and a fantastic breakfast each morning.

Boyne Valley Hotel & Country Club – Located just outside of Drogheda, this hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re after some luxury on your Irish road trip. There are countless stylish, spacious and comfortable rooms available, great amenities and a delicious breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Spoon and the Stars Hostel – Located in the town of Drogheda, this hostel is a great option for solo and budget travellers on the drive from Belfast to Dublin or vice versa. Well-located to explore the Boyne Valley, there are both dorm beds and private rooms available and a buffet breakfast.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in the Boyne Valley!

Where to Stay in Belfast

The Warren Belfast – A chic hotel located in a historic building, there are several double and triple rooms to choose from. It also has a great, central location for exploring the Northern Irish capital, breakfast available along with private parking.

Central Belfast Apart m ents: Citygate – With several different one- and two-bedroom apartments to choose from, these flats are fully furnished, centrally located for exploring the city and free parking is also available.

Vagabonds – A highly-rated hostel located next to Queen’s University in the centre of Belfast, there are lots of different rooms to choose from, a convivial vibe, great shared facilities and free breakfast each morning!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Belfast hotels!

Where to Stay in Dublin

Hotel 7 – An upmarket guesthouse on the centre of town, you can get a different perspective of the city while staying here while also being within walking distance of most main attractions. There are numerous rooms to choose from and an option to include breakfast each morning.

Kilronan House  – A classic bed and breakfast in central Dublin close to the Irish capital’s top attractions, this is a great option in the city. There are numerous cosy and comfortable rooms available and there is also a hearty breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Jacob’s Inn – A great option for budget backpackers and solo travellers, this hostel is also centrally located close to all of Dublin’s main attractions. They offer both dorm and private rooms and have clean facilities and good common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Dublin

By motorway, the drive from Dublin to Belfast will take you just over two hours, travelling on well-laid-out roads of good quality. You could very comfortably leave Dublin after breakfast and arrive in Belfast before you’ve even thought about lunch. 

But the real rugged beauty of Ireland and all its rich history won’t be found in a petrol station at the side of the M1; it’s busy impressing adventurers atop breath-taking mountain peaks, nestled in dense, hilly woodlands and along jagged peninsular scenic drives! 

This is a scenic drive where nature lovers, foodies and history-buffs will all find something to delight in. Whether you decide to take a chance on only one or all of the suggestions above, each is very worthwhile in its own right and will be certain to charm you.

Are you planning a road trip to Belfast? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Dublin or Belfast: Which Irish City to Visit?

14 Best Things To Do In Connemara, Ireland

10 Tips for Planning a Trip to Scotland and Ireland

About Seán Whelan

Seán is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Cork, Ireland, he loves travelling around his home country as much as he enjoys visiting Europe and further afield. When he’s not travelling, Seán can be found working as a bacterial scientist, designing websites and making music.

Are there any “not to miss” places? We are heading to Dublin in October and plan to drive around the coast from Dublin to Dublin. We are not making any hotel reservations and all our plans are open!!

Doing the drive today looking forward to these recommendations.

Going this December. Do you still recommend these scenic side trips going from Dublin to Belfast? Any other suggestions of places to go or things to do in December? We will be there for 10 days.

Looking forward to seeing all the beautiful scenery in Country Louth, Dublin, Wicklow and Mt Temple. County Westmeath. Thank you for the info. Slainte Mate.

Would love to be there right now!!! Hopefully my bucket wish list will come true sooner than later:) Really enjoyed you writing on these sights. Thank you and slainte!

This sounds absolutely awesome!! Hoping to do this when I visit Ireland in 2 years!! Thanks so much for writing these articles.

Thanks for your comment, Linda! I hope you’re to make these stops on your trip 🙂

Can’t wait for our visit end of April 2020. Thanks for the info.

Hope you have a great trip!

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My Ideal Ireland Itinerary 7 Days Road Trip (+ Map)

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: March 11, 2024

Are you itching to visit the Emerald Isle but only have a week to explore? It’s a relatively small country, so it’s doable. This Ireland itinerary for 7 days will show you how to enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside and lively Irish culture in a one-week Ireland road trip.

For most travelers, starting and ending your Irish road trip at Dublin Airport makes logical (and financial) sense. But for those who can start their trip in Dublin and end it at Shannon Airport, there are other destinations in this beautiful country you can squeeze into your 7-day Ireland itinerary.

My detailed guide below suggests two different routes for both options. Either way, you’ll have an epic and memorable time in Ireland! It’s one of my favorite countries! Keep in mind, this itinerary does not take into account travel time, most flights from the US will depart in the evening and arrive the next morning.

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Option 1 (Dublin to Dublin)

This 7-day Ireland itinerary is based on my actual road trip around Ireland and Northern Ireland with my teen daughter. We had a wonderful time, so I’m sharing many of our lessons and stops to help you make the most of your visit.

Day 1: Dublin to Belfast Day 2: Belfast to Derry Day 3: Derry to Westport (or Galway) Day 4: Westport to Galway Day 5: Galway to Dublin Day 6: Dublin Day 7: Leave Dublin

Alternative Route Thoughts:

If you’re willing to drive and tour at a faster pace, you could try to combine parts of the Northern Ireland itinerary in order to allow you to visit the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland if you’re set on flying in and out of Dublin.

The Dingle Peninsula Slea Head Drive is considered one of the highlights of the area and the star of the Wild Atlantic Way region. But it is on the opposite end of the island from Northern Ireland, so with only 7 days, adjustments are needed. My route includes some of the Wild Atlantic Way between Westport and Galway, and is more accessible. However, some feel strongly about visiting the Dingle Peninsula.

Look at my list of things to do and see and decide which are your priorities if the Dingle Peninsula (pretty drive that will take about 3 hours) is a priority, AND you have to fly in and out of Dublin. If you want to prioritize Northern Ireland and the southwest area of Republic of Ireland, you might look at a route like this: Dublin – Derry – Galway – Dingle/Killarney (2 nights) – Dublin (2 nights)

I wouldn’t choose this fast pace, but it is an option if you’re trying to make the most of a limited week. The better option in my opinion would be to try to add on a day or two. Ideally, you’d plan a 10 day Ireland itinerary if you want to see most of the highlights. Or just plan to come back again!

My recommendation if you only have 7 days and want to see most of the popular regions is to fly into Dublin and out of Shannon Airport, which I list that alternate itinerary farther down in my post.

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin Airport and Explore Belfast

Waste no time at Dublin Airport by renting a car and driving north to Northern Ireland. Many flights from North America are red eye so you can start your 7 day Ireland itinerary in the morning. Don’t worry, you’ll end your trip in Dublin.

Renting a Car in Ireland

Take note that, unless you specify, your rental car will have a manual transmission. Request an automatic if you don’t want to tackle switching gears and driving on the left side of the road! Trust me, this isn’t the time to learn to drive standard or to try and remember that time in your childhood when you borrowed your buddy’s stick shift car.

You will need to have full coverage auto insurance for accidents or damage. Many times I rely on my credit card for car rental insurance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve both have primary rental car coverage. But, confirm that Ireland and Northern Ireland aren’t excluded from your coverage.

Also, be prepared to show proof of the coverage at the rental counter. This can typically be printed from your benefits page but consider calling or chatting with customer care to ask for written proof of rental coverage. Otherwise, you’ll need to add collision coverage to your rental.

You can use Google Maps to navigate Ireland’s narrow roads, but it will often take you the fastest way which isn’t always the best way for tourists. We had a GPS device added to our rental and found it would sometimes route us differently than Google Maps.

Most of the time Google Maps was great but twice we should have listened to the GPS, one of which was driving back to Dublin from Cliffs of Moher when Google Maps took us back roads that were very tight and slow going and the GPS would have gotten us onto a highway much faster.

On your first day, head to Northern Ireland. The total drive time from Dublin to Belfast is just under two hours covering 162 km/100 miles, so you should have plenty of time to explore Killeavy before traveling to Belfast and staying there one night.

Note: The Republic of Ireland measures speed in kilometers/hr while Northern Ireland measures in miles/hr. Money is also different as Northern Ireland uses the British Pound Sterling (￡) and Ireland uses the Euro (€).

Malahide or Killeavy

You’ll hop in your car and start heading to Northern Ireland but I recommend at least one stop along the way to help get outdoors and help your body adjust to the time change. There are two stops I’d recommend as you make your way to Belfast, either Malahide or Killeavy. Both will help you get outdoors and have a castle.

Malahide is what I’d consider a Dublin suburb. It’s home to the popular Malahide Castle and Gardens, which is a more touristy operated castle with decor and extensive gardens. Malahide is also on the coast and there is a popular 4 km Malahide to Portmarnock Coastal Walk to get an outdoor fix on your first day. The town itself has a large number of cute restaurants and shops for a great afternoon break on your first day.

If you’re looking to get out of the city on your first day, plan for a stop in Killeavy instead. Located just over the Northern Irish border, Killeavy is a small town and a great place to stop for a break in an official area of natural beauty.

Check out Killeavy Castle Estate (there’s a hotel there now but you can still check out the castle grounds) or the Slieve Gullion Forest Park. This area of woodland has links to Celtic mythology! If you’re in Killeavy around lunchtime, stop at Johnny Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant for a bite to eat.

And if you’re not in a rush and have an extra night beyond this 7-day itinerary, consider booking a stay at the Killeavy Castle Estate. It’s absolutely beautiful and a great way to unwind after a busy travel day. We overnighted in Killeavy and even visited their spa to help us relax after traveling. The extra day helps you relax and start to acclimate to the time change.

If you’re not staying overnight in Killeavy and following my 7 day itinerary, hop back in your car and head to Belfast next.

Political Mural Black Cab Tour

When you arrive in Belfast, park your rental car and let a tour guide drive you around for a change! From the 1970s to the 1990s, Belfast was at the center of a pivotal moment in Irish history called ‘the Troubles’. 

A great way to learn more about it is to book a Black Cab Tour around all the neighborhoods and dozens of political murals that document the era. Driving is much faster than a walking tour which is ideal because there are lots of things to do in Belfast!

Shopping in Belfast

Need souvenirs or just have lots of room in your suitcase to fill? St. George’s Market is a 19th-century covered weekend market selling everything from street food to antiques. Born in Belfast is a great place to shop for local, artisanal gifts. Note that it’s only open on the weekend.

Note: Ireland’s currency is the Euro but Northern Ireland uses Great British Pounds. Bring a good travel credit card with no foreign exchange fees so you can pay in both currencies with no problems. We didn’t need cash at all during our trip as everywhere we visited accepted credit cards.

Ride Hydrobikes on the River Lagan

Dublin has the River Liffey, but Belfast has the River Lagan. Take a fun, self-guided tour down this river on hydro bikes and see landmarks like the Prince Albert Clock, the yellow Harland & Wolf cranes, and the Big Fish. Check out Lagan Adventures to learn more about booking this fun water activity!

This is a fun activity that is unique, but can be skipped if you’re running low on time or would rather have more time at the Titanic museum.

Titanic Belfast Experience

While riding the hydro bikes you’ll sail past the Titanic Quarter, home of Belfast’s docks and where the infamous ship was built in the early 1910s. Titanic Belfast is a state-of-the-art experience that opened in 2012, the 100th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Titanic on its first voyage.

You can learn more about the ship’s design, the people who built it, and everything else there is to know about the Titanic. You can even find violins and deckchairs found on the Titanic’s wreckage among the exhibits. It can be an emotional experience for some, but is a must-do for anyone who is fascinated by the Titanic story.

Evening in Belfast

Belfast has tons of fantastic restaurants in its Cathedral Quarter. Check out The Dirty Onion and Yardbird for a more relaxed meal or The Muddlers Club for fine dining. Don’t forget to check out the cool neon signs down Commercial Court which look best on a dark, rainy evening.

Overnight in Belfast

You’ll spend your first night in Belfast and I have two great hotel recommendations for you. Ten Square Hotel was where I stayed most recently and is in a central location with a view of the beautiful City Hall building.

And the Maldron Hotel Belfast City is also centrally located, upscale, and has amazing reviews. I also love that both these hotels have restaurants in case you’re too tired to go out after arriving and just want to grab dinner, or breakfast, at your hotel.

Day 2: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast

On the first full day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, you could drive straight to Derry from Belfast along the motorway (the name for highways in Ireland). But then you’d miss the scenic drive along the Causeway Coast. This drive was possibly our favorite part of the entire trip!

This coastline stretches across the top of Northern Ireland and features otherworldly landforms, medieval castles, rope bridges, and more. You can even see out to Scotland on this scenic route (on a clear day).

Driving from Belfast to Derry via the coast is approximately 114 miles in distance and will take three hours without stops. Set off early so you have as much time to make stops as possible, trust me, the views are amazing and you’ll want plenty of time to enjoy the trip.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

With a history dating back 250 years, fishermen used to cross this rope bridge (an older version of the one installed in 2008!) to catch salmon on a small island. Carrick-A-Rede is a 66 ft-long rope bridge suspended 100 ft above the Antrim coast and offers an exciting experience as well as incredible sea and coastal views. The water around the coast here is so blue, you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean.

The hike is about 1.8 miles and will take you about an hour to an hour and a half to explore. I would consider it a simple walk for people used to physical activity, but does require effort and stamina. I highly recommend pre-booking your visit as they do limit access and you don’t want to show up and have access sold out for that time frame.

If you’re craving a snack or drink, stop by Carrick-A-Rede Bar & Restaurant before or after your bridge walk. It’s located past the rope bridge if you’re driving from Belfast, so works well as a stop after your walk on your way to the next stop, Giant’s Causeway.

Giant’s Causeway

Your next stop is one of the best things to do on the entire island of Ireland, hands down. The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a four-mile-long stretch of coastline comprising thousands of basalt columns that interlock in an otherworldly form.

You can walk over these columns as much as you want for as long as you want, it’s completely free to visit! You just need to pay for the parking lot and visitor center.

I’ve walked town below on the rocks on a trip and most recently we did the cliff hike above the coastline and it offers a completely different view of the landscape. A great activity for active visitors, although there is a shuttle you can pay for to help drive you from the visitors center down to the main rock formations if you have mobility issues.

Afterwards, head into the nearby town of Bushmills for lunch where you can eat at Lorna’s Kitchen or Flash in the Pan fish and chip shop.

Dunluce Castle

Just a few minutes along the coast from the Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful ruined castle overlooking the coastline, Dunluce Castle. This 16th-century castle was once the main stronghold of Clan MacDonnell. Of all the castles to visit in Northern Ireland, this one is convenient and offers some amazing coastal lookout views!

Overnight in Derry

Derry (aka Londonderry) is Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, so you’ll have no trouble finding places to eat for dinner or things to do. If you arrive in Derry early, make sure you see the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle, Free Derry Corner, and The Derry Walls. These are 17th-century defensive walls that circle the city and offer the best views.

One of my daughter’s absolute favorite stops on our trip was our overnight in Derry. While many itineraries will have you skip this city so that you can immediately get to the west coast of Ireland, I’m chiming in to say it’s worth stopping here.

We arrived in Derry in the evening and walked the entire circle of the walls. The walls encircle the central part of the city and it’s about a mile walk. There are multiple access points on and off the walls, so it’s a convenient and fun way to get around the city.

For dinner, Castle Street Social is a cool, laidback bistro and The Bentley Bar is better for live Irish music and grills. We loved our upscale pub dinner at the Wig Champagne Bar in Bishops Gate Hotel . I’ve stayed at this hotel twice and have loved it every time. It is a luxury property, but the price is not as crazy as you might expect.

Day 3: Explore Derry and Drive to Westport (or Galway)

Derry is Northern Ireland’s second city, so spend enough time visiting the main sites. But don’t linger too long, because on the third day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, you’ll be driving back into the Republic of Ireland and along the west coast.

Driving from Derry to Westport in County Mayo will take approximately three hours to cover 149 miles/240 km. It will take a little longer to make a stop well worth visiting en route ! Spend one night in Westport or the surrounding area. If you don’t spend too long in Derry, you could overnight in Galway instead of Westport.

If you like visiting eclectic museums, you’ll spoiled for choice in Derry. Museum of Free Derry covers the region’s local civil rights history, The Siege Museum specifically covers a specific historical moment in 1689, and the Foyle Valley Railway Museum with lots of old-timey trains.

If you haven’t already, watch the hilarious Netflix sitcom Derry Girls which is set in this city. There’s a mural of the main characters on Orchard Street, as well as lots of other murals you’ll see as you walk around.

Make the first stop on this part of your road trip to the city of Sligo, a place known for its literary heritage (W.B. Yeats was born here). Make a stop for lunch at the traditional Walker 1781 pub which serves a mix of light, European fare.

Ashford Castle

Continue driving towards Westport but make a slight detour south to Ashford Castle. This 13th-century estate is now a hotel, but you’re free to wander its lavish interiors and well-manicured gardens.

If you have the bank balance, you could always stay overnight here instead of Westport. Keep in mind that this five-star hotel could set you back around $1,000 a night!

Overnight in Westport (or Galway)

Since Westport is a large town on Ireland’s west coast, you have plenty of dinner options. Cobbler’s Bar & Courtyard is a relaxed grill or check out Friends Bistro which is a good all-rounder for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For overnighting, consider staying at The Wyatt Hotel in the heart of town or the Westport Coast Hotel on the water.

If you have time, take a stroll along the Carrowbeg River. There are lots of cute medieval bridges like the Doris Brothers Bridge.

Alternative option: if you’re willing to leave Derry early and drive farther, you can try to combine parts of days 3 and 4 and overnight in Galway. This will allow you to use day 5 to drive the Dingle Peninsula and possibly see Cork on your way back to Dublin.

This will not be a relaxed road trip and will require early starts, but it will give you the chance to see one of the other most popular tourist regions of Ireland during your 7 days. If you choose to overnight in Galway, consider staying in the main central city area at the well-rated Park House Hotel or The Huntsman Inn .

We stayed at the g Hotel and Spa and found the location out of the way and not ideal for strolling the streets of Galway. But the property does have nice rooms and restaurants, plus a spa. It reminded me of a US casino hotel experience.

Day 4: Explore Connemara National Park and Galway

Ireland has six national parks, and you’ll be able to visit at least one by following this Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Visiting during the summer months is a great time to visit Ireland as you can take advantage of the long days and good weather (well, better weather) for outdoor activities.

Westport is only 78.5 km/49 miles north of Galway City (which will take just over one hour to drive without stopping) but there are some great things to do on your journey along the west coast.

Ireland’s entire stretch of coast along the Atlantic Ocean is called the Wild Atlantic Way. It stretches 2,600 km/1600 miles from Malin Head in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. You won’t have time to drive the entire scenic route during your week in Ireland, but you will see some of it on Days 4 and 5. Stay in overnight in Galway.

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens

While there are tons of beautiful stately homes across the country, none are as special as Kylemore Abbey. This 19th-century mansion has been occupied by Benedictine nuns since the 1920s and they’re still there today. You can tour the house and walk around the gardens as well as visit the nearby Kylemore Church.

One of the best things about this abbey is its stunning location. It’s surrounded by woodland and sits on the banks of the Pollacapall Lough on the edge of Connemara National Park.

Connemara National Park

Speaking of the national park, it’s also worth a stop on your drive. Poke your head into the Visitor Center and if you have the time, tackle the nearby Lower Diamond Hill Trail. It’s only a 1.8-mile loop walk and you can continue onto the Upper Diamond Hill Trail if that trail is too easy. 

Just a stone’s throw further than Connemara National Park is Clifden, a cute, small town on the coast. Off The Square Restaurant is the perfect stone-walled café to stop for lunch, and there are some interesting memorials dotted around the hills outside the town.

Walk along the coast to the John D’Arcy Monument, dedicated to the founder of Clifden, or drive to the Alcock and Brown Memorial. These British pilots completed the first nonstop transatlantic flight in 1919 which landed right outside of Clifden.

As the home of traditional Irish music and other Celtic legends, Galway is an essential stop on any Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Head to the colorful Latin Quarter where there are dozens of colorful pubs. Many licensed pubs allow accompanied children to enter until 9 pm, so check for notices around the door before entering.

Galway’s main street, Quay Street, stretches through the Latin Quarter and this is where you can find stores selling the famous Claddaugh jewelry. These Celtic pieces have a unique symbol with two hands to represent friendship, a heart to represent love and a crown for loyalty. They are the perfect souvenir!

Head under the Spanish Arch to the harbor and check out the Galway City Museum if you want to learn more about the city’s local and maritime history. Check out the Róisín Dubh for the best live music performances in the city. 

For dinner, The Dough Bros is budget and kid-friendly. Tigh Neachtain Pub & Restaurant has the best of both local Irish cuisine and traditional folk performances.

Day 5: Witness the Cliffs of Moher and Drive to Dublin

It’s time to get back to Dublin so you can explore Ireland’s capital city before hopping on your flight back home. Not before swinging by one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, of course.

Driving from Galway to Dublin via the famous Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and Limerick will take approximately five hours as you’ll need to cover 356 km/226 miles. Stay overnight in Dublin for the last two nights of your 7-day itinerary in Ireland.

Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk and Visitor Center

Drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center and learn more about the formation of these incredible sea cliffs. They climb 702 feet tall at their highest point and stretch 14km/nine miles along the coast.

Then, walk out to the coastal path and explore different vantage points. On a clear day, you should be able to see out to the Aran Islands. Many companies run day tours to the Aran Islands from Galway, but you might not have time on your 7-day Ireland itinerary.

Lunch in Limerick

Stop for lunch in Limerick, the fourth-largest city on the island. You have lots of options but Story Café is perfect if you want to eat something light while The Locke Bar Gastro Pub is perfect for a filling sit-down meal.

Hang around before continuing to Dublin as there are lots of things to do in Limerick. Visit the 19th-century Milk Market where you can pick up souvenirs or snacks for your ride. King John’s Castle is an imposing medieval fortress that sits right on the River Shannon that you can visit too. 

Evening in Dublin

Since you have a pretty long drive, you probably won’t reach Dublin until the evening. Walk to the historic Temple Bar neighborhood for dinner. It’s named after an actual 19th-century, bright red pub in the area that you can’t miss.

If you’re traveling with kids and you’ve struggled to find pubs that will admit those under 18 (the drinking age in Ireland) then head to Temple Bar before 9 pm to listen to music. If you’re not visiting with kids, walk a few minutes west along the River Liffey to Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub. 

Old Storehouse Bar or Cobblestone Pub are perfect places to enjoy dinner in Temple Bar. They both boast life music too.

Overnight in Dublin

You’ll have plenty of places to choose from if you want to stay in Dublin. My experiences have been with The Davenport and Trinity City Hotel , both are gorgeous upscale properties in convenient locations to walk to many of the popular sights. If you don’t want to deal with city driving and parking and can stay a bit outside of the city center; I’ve stayed at Clontarf Castle , which is a unique property and near a bus route with easy access into Dublin.

Day 6: Explore Dublin

Dublin is the perfect place to spend the last day of your trip. If it’s your first time in Ireland, you can’t miss it! But it’s a big city and there are many options for spending your final full day. Book two nights’ accommodation in the city.

One great option is to find a parking lot for your rental car and check out the top tourist attractions in Dublin’s city center. Or, if you’re not keen on visiting a city or checking out day tours, you can drive out to County Dublin’s picturesque coastal towns like Skerries, Malahide, and Howe. 

If you want to stay in the capital, this itinerary will show you the best way to enjoy the city. I have a two day Dublin itinerary that might be useful, but find some of the highlights below.

Trinity College Library & Book of Kells

Start in the southeast part of the city at Trinity College Dublin. This is the most prestigious university in Ireland, and where you’ll find Trinity College Library. It’s famous for its 16th-century Long Room which features two stories of stacked bookshelves (it looks like something out of Harry Potter !).

It’s also famous for the Book of Kells . This is one of the oldest books in the world which was handpainted in the 9th century. They just launched a brand new experience that has made seeing the book a little more exciting than the previous old plaque style exhibit.

Something important to note is that almost all of the books have been removed from the Long Room as part of a redevelopment project. However, the new tour experience uses projections to help you still appreciate the history of the space.

St. Stephen’s Green

Dublin has lots of adorable parks so you have to see at least one during your trip. Merrion Square is a great choice, but St. Stephen’s Green is more central. It’s small but has a small pond, statues dedicated to some of Ireland’s literary greats, and is surrounded by rows of Georgian townhouses with colored doors.

Grafton Street

Walk underneath the Fusiliers’ Arch in the northwest corner of St. Stephen’s Green and you’ll be standing at the top of Grafton Street. This is a pedestrianized shopping street that is always lined with musicians playing for money (aka buskers). If you’re not a fan of pubs then this is the best spot to listen to local music.

Grafton Street also has a number of great shops for souvenir shopping. A couple of my favorites are the Aran Sweater Market for authentic wool sweaters and clothing, Claddagh Jewellers for Irish jewelry, and Seasons of Ireland for cheesy tourist gifts.

Dublin Castle

Continue walking west to Dublin Castle. This is a well-preserved castle dating back to the 13th century with museums, libraries, and state apartments. There’s also a small garden that you can explore and an onsite café which is perfect for lunch. 

Christ Church Cathedral

Just across the road from Dublin Castle is Christ Church Cathedral. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (named after the country’s famous patron saint) is arguably a more important building as it’s Ireland’s national cathedral, but it’s a little further away.

Christ Church Cathedral started as a Viking church almost 1,000 years ago although the current building dates back to the 13th century. Inside, you’ll find a mummified rat and cat (they both got stuck in the organ) and a ‘homeless Jesus’ statue on the bench outside.

Guinness Storehouse

One of the most popular attractions in Ireland, you have to check out the Guinness Storehouse during your first visit. In 1749, Arthur Guinness signed a legendary 9,000-year lease on a disused brewery at St. James’s Gate. Today, the famous dark ale is brewed elsewhere but the original location is now a visitor center.

The Guinness Storehouse covers the brewing process, the history of the company, and fun advertising displays. It’s surprisingly family-friendly and everyone either gets a pint of Guinness or a soft drink in the Gravity Bar at the end of the tour. It offers 360-degree views across the whole city of Dublin!

You can make reservations for one of the restaurants at Guinness Storehouse, or head back towards your hotel and check out the Temple Bar area for food and drinks.

Temple Bar Neighborhood

Return to Temple Bar for your last night in Ireland. There are lots of restaurants serving a range of cuisines if you’ve had more than enough savory pies, potatoes, and root vegetables during your seven-day trip!

Day 7: Depart from Dublin Airport

It’s time to head back to Dublin Airport and finish up your seven days in Ireland. Depending on the time of your flight back, you may have a little time to see parts of Dublin you missed the day before.

Leave plenty of time to travel to Dublin Airport as you will have to return your rental car too.

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Option 2 (Dublin to Shannon)

Day 1: arrive in dublin and explore.

The first day of this alternative 7-day Ireland itinerary starts in Dublin. Instead of traveling to Northern Ireland immediately, explore Ireland’s capital city first. You’ll spend one night in Dublin. This part is almost identical to Day 6 of the first itinerary.

You can either travel into Dublin by bus or taxi and pick up a rental car in the city center the next day, or pick up a car at the airport and find a parking lot near your hotel. You won’t need a car to get around Dublin! It’s super walkable and traffic is a nightmare.

Note: It may be more expensive to pick up a rental car at Dublin Airport and drop it off at Shannon Airport. Since traveling around Ireland using public transport is difficult to impossible, factor this extra cost into your budget.

Day 2: Travel from Dublin to Belfast

The next stop on this alternative Ireland itinerary for 7 days is Belfast. It’s similar to day 1 of the first itinerary, except you might not have time to stop in Malahide or Killeavy. You may also have to visit a Dublin attraction or two in the morning before you set off, like Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral.

Spend a couple of hours in Dublin wrapping up the top attractions before driving north and exploring the Northern Irish capital. Driving this 105-mile/166 km journey will take around one hour and 45 minutes. Spend one night in Belfast.

Day 3: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast 

This day of this alternate itinerary is pretty much exactly the same as Day 2 on the first itinerary. Drive from Belfast to Derry via the coast which is approximately 114 miles in distance and will take three hours without stops. 

But you will absolutely want to stop as many times as possible on this stunning scenic drive! Check out all the best places to stop under Day 2 before staying overnight in Derry.

Day 4: Explore Derry and Drive to Galway

In this itinerary, you’re essentially combining Days 3 and 4 of the first itinerary and driving from Derry to Galway, returning to the Republic of Ireland. This will be your longest driving day at over three and a half hours, covering 172 miles/277 km. 

You will most likely have to compromise on road trip stops. This will probably include skipping Westport and Clifden. 

If you want to see Connemara National Park, you’ll have to head in a different direction to Ashford Castle. And if you want to see more of Galway, spend less time in Derry.

Day 5: View the Cliffs of Moher and Drive to Killarney

The biggest change from the first itinerary to this one is that you get to visit Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Many people who visit Ireland say that County Kerry is one of the best places in the country, so it’s well worth visiting!

Driving south from Galway to Killarney takes around two and a half hours, but you will want to extend that drive for another 90 minutes to make a special road trip stop. Follow the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway so you can check out the Cliffs of Moher. This will make your whole drive take around four hours, covering 263 km/163 miles.

If you have any time left at the end of the day, take that time to explore Killarney National Park. Spend the next two nights in Killarney, using it as your home base.

Killarney National Park

Although Connemara National Park is beautiful, everyone who visits Ireland gushes about Killarney. It boasts such natural diversity including huge lakes, rolling green hills, waterfalls, and historic sites.

If you have time, hire a kayak or canoe and sail on Lough Leane. You can visit the ruined structures of Ross Castle and Innisfallen Abbey.

Head to Muckross House, a 19th-century mansion in the park where Queen Victoria once stayed. Torc Waterfall is nearby which is an impressive site only a short walk into the woods from the parking lot.

Evening in Killarney

Killarney has lots of pub restaurants serving traditional Irish food and some even have live music playing every night. Murphys Bar & Restaurant and John M. Reidy are both great options.

Day 6: Drive the Scenic Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula

The Ring of Kerry is a 179 km/111-mile coastal loop drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. If you were to drive without stopping, it would take around three and a half hours. Along with the Dingle Peninsula drive, they are two of the most beautiful coastal drives in the country.

Unfortunately, you won’t have time to drive around both routes. But no matter which one you pick, you’re guaranteed to have the best time exploring the Kerry countryside and you can head back to Killarney for dinner.

Option 1: Ring of Kerry

Due to the narrow roads, drive in a counter-clockwise direction so you can lessen the chance of having to reverse for local traffic.

Some of the highlights of the Ring of Kerry drive are Rossbeigh Beach and Kells for views across the sea to the Dingle Peninsula. Cahergal Stone Fort in Cahersiveen dates back to the 7th century and there are lots of other cool ruined castles and forts in the area.

Stop in Portmagee for a fish and chips lunch from Fisherman’s Bar. It’s a cute little colorful port town with ferries to the Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Kerry coast.

Kenmare is another essential stop on the Ring of Kerry Route. You can check out Kenmare Stone Circle (over 4,000 years old!) and Ladies View at the end of Killarney National Park. It’s one of the best vantage points in the park.

Option 2: Dingle Peninsula

If you choose to drive around the Dingle Peninsula instead, drive clockwise to follow the most popular direction of traffic. Head first to Inch Beach, a 5 km-long sandy beach that juts out into the sea and is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Ireland.

Continue along the coast to Dingle Town, the start and finish of the 30-mile-long scenic Slea Head Drive around the tip of the peninsula. You can stop for lunch before or after completing this part of the drive where you can have your pick of fish and chip shops like The Fish Box. 

After Dingle, stop by the Beehive Huts which are the well-preserved former homes of early Christian monks. They’re over 1,400 years old! Stop at Dunmore Head for the best views of the Blasket Islands before continuing to the unique Dunquin Pier.

Back at Dingle, take the N86/N70 road back to Killarney which is much wider and more pleasant to drive on.

Day 7: Depart from Shannon Airport

On the last day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, drive back up north from Killarney to Shannon Airport. This will take just under two hours covering a distance of around 175 km/84 miles. 

If you have a late flight, you can check out parts of the Ring of Kerry or Killarney National Park that you might have missed over the previous two days. Leave in plenty of time in case you have any unforeseen delays! You’ll need to return your rental car as well as go through security. 

Use This Ireland Itinerary for 7 Days as Your Guide

No matter your flight plans, you can use one of my Ireland itinerary for 7 days to navigate your entire trip! Both include all the major cities like Dublin and Belfast and beautiful scenery like the Giant’s Causeway and Cliffs of Moher. You can’t go wrong!

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32 Best Stops Between Belfast and Dublin

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How long is the drive from Belfast to Dublin?

The direct drive from Belfast to Dublin is 105 mi (169 km) , and should have a drive time of 1 hr 46 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Belfast to Dublin, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Howth and Newcastle , as well as top places to visit like Antrim Castle Gardens and Antrim Lough Shore Park Car Park, or the ever-popular Slemish.

Top cities between Belfast and Dublin

Best stops along Belfast to Dublin drive

Antrim Castle Gardens

Antrim Lough Shore Park Car Park

World of owls, crumlin road gaol visitor attraction and conference centre.

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Peace Wall Belfast

Grand opera house, botanic gardens, ulster museum.

National Trust - Springhill

Shortcross gin & irish whiskey, rademon estate distillery, tannaghmore gardens & animal farm, the boulevard - banbridge, tayto group.

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Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

St patrick's roman catholic cathedral, armagh, carlingford marina, carlingford adventure centre, skerries mills, ardgillan castle and demesne, epic the irish emigration museum.

Trinity College Dublin

The book of kells experience, irish whiskey museum.

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Grafton Street

National museum of ireland - archaeology, the little museum of dublin, st stephen's green, powerscourt waterfall, top searches in dublin, other popular road trips from belfast, explore nearby places.

• Castleknock
• Rathfarnham
• Palmerstown
• Blanchardstown
• Leopardstown
• Dun Laoghaire
• Portmarnock
• Carrickmines
• Kilsallaghan

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• Map of Palmerstown
• Map of Blanchardstown
• Map of Leopardstown
• Map of Clondalkin
• Map of Dun Laoghaire
• Map of Tallaght
• Map of Stepaside
• Map of Sutton
• Map of Cabinteely
• Map of Sandycove
• Map of Portmarnock
• Map of Carrickmines
• Map of Dalkey
• Map of Swords
• Map of Killiney
• Map of Lucan
• Map of Malahide
• Map of Howth
• Map of Saggart
• Map of Kilsallaghan
• Map of Shankill

Dublin throughout the year

• Dublin in January
• Dublin in February
• Dublin in March
• Dublin in April
• Dublin in May
• Dublin in June
• Dublin in July
• Dublin in August
• Dublin in September
• Dublin in October
• Dublin in November
• Dublin in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Dublin?

Get inspired for your trip to Dublin with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Dublin Itinerary
• 2-Day Dublin Itinerary
• 3-Day Dublin Itinerary
• 4-Day Dublin Itinerary
• 5-Day Dublin Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from belfast to dublin.

Yes! You can drive from Belfast to Dublin.

How far is Dublin from Belfast by car?

The drive from Belfast to Dublin is 105 miles (169 km).

How long does it take to drive from Belfast to Dublin?

Driving from Belfast to Dublin should take you 1 hr 46 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Belfast to Dublin?

Gas from Belfast to Dublin would cost around $9 to $21 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Belfast to Dublin?

You could check out Antrim Castle Gardens and Antrim Lough Shore Park Car Park, or the always popular Slemish!

What are the best cities to visit between Belfast and Dublin?

People love visiting Howth and Newcastle, among others.

What's the weather like in Belfast?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Belfast in January
• Weather in Belfast in February
• Weather in Belfast in March
• Weather in Belfast in April
• Weather in Belfast in May
• Weather in Belfast in June
• Weather in Belfast in July
• Weather in Belfast in August
• Weather in Belfast in September
• Weather in Belfast in October
• Weather in Belfast in November
• Weather in Belfast in December

What are some other road trips from Belfast?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Belfast.

• Belfast to London drive
• Belfast to Dublin drive
• Belfast to Edinburgh drive
• Belfast to Paris drive
• Belfast to Amsterdam drive
• Belfast to Rome drive
• Belfast to Glasgow drive
• Belfast to Barcelona drive
• Belfast to York drive
• Belfast to Berlin drive
• Belfast to Liverpool drive
• Belfast to Blackpool drive
• Belfast to Prague drive
• Belfast to Madrid drive
• Belfast to Florence drive
• Belfast to Brussels drive
• Belfast to Milan drive
• Belfast to Vienna drive
• Belfast to Budapest drive
• Belfast to Lisbon drive
• Belfast to Manchester drive
• Belfast to Birmingham drive
• Belfast to Venice drive
• Belfast to Bath drive
• Belfast to Copenhagen drive
• Belfast to Llandudno drive
• Belfast to Munich drive
• Belfast to Bruges drive
• Belfast to Cardiff drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

• Where I’ve been
• Collaborations
• Privacy Policy
• Destinations
• Backpacking
• City breaks
• Hiking and Nature
• Off the beaten track
• Cologne & NRW

Belfast to Dublin: the perfect road trip

Belfast and Dublin are without a doubt the two most-visited cities in Ireland – so why not drive between the two and make a road trip out of it? Despite Dublin and Belfast being the two most-visited cities in Ireland, the region between the capitals rarely gets in on the tourist action. But while I was visiting family in Ardee , Co. Louth over Christmas, I had the chance to explore the area.

So here’s a guide the best attractions and places to visit between Belfast and Dublin.

The sights between Belfast and Dublin: why visit?

Driving from Belfast to Dublin. To view in Google Maps, click here .

While it can’t be said to have the dramatic beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland’s premier driving route), the region and its handful of hidden gems easily make up a decent road trip with some impressive stops.

Several of the area’s historic sights are also featured in Ireland’s Ancient East , the country’s latest tourism trail, designed to promote the island’s historic roots.

Belfast to Dublin roadtrip: Newry & Warrenpoint

Driving south from Belfast (and Lisburn), Newry is the first large town you’ll come across. Situated close to the ‘border’ with the Republic of Ireland, Newry is a bit of shopping mecca and used to be popular with those driving from Ireland to take advantage of cheaper prices in Sterling. (However, thanks to the low Euro and strong Pound, the opposite is now true.)

Read more: A tourists’ guide to West Belfast

View from Warrenpoint

Close to Newry, Warrenpoint is a small scenic town on the shore of the Carlingford Lough. Hemmed in by mountains, the town offers some beautiful views on a clear day. Both Newry and Warrenpoint make good bases for exploring the Mourne Mountains.

Driving over the ‘ border’ between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland : There’s no border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and very little indicator that you are passing between the two. In fact, the only way you can really tell the difference is the change in the road signage, which is probably more obvious to Brits and the Irish than it would be to foreigners.

Looking for a great driving itinerary for the West of Ireland? Click here .

Driving from Belfast to Dublin: The Cooley Mountains

Just south of Carlingford Lough, the Cooley Mountains cover a large area of the Cooley Peninsula. The peaks offer beautiful views of the surrounding area and the lough and are easily covered by car . A service road winds up to the top of the highest peak, which gives you an incredible (but windy) view.

The mountains are home to at least two oddities: the Long Woman’s Grave (the grave of a supposedly-eight-foot Spanish woman who moved to Ireland to marry and died of disappointment) and a spot road where if you turn your car engine off, you will continue to travel uphill. I visited the former and have been assured by many of the existence of the latter, but I’ve no idea where it is…

While the larger area of County Louth, County Meath and Newry has a reputation of being ‘Bandit Country’, this is particularly true of the Cooley Mountains, where IRA members used to hideout and train during the Troubles.

Belfast to Dublin by car: Slane

Despite having a population of less than 2,000, this historic village in County Meath is well worth a stop when driving between Belfast and Dublin, thanks to its various sights.

First up is the Hill of Slane, which towers over the village. The hill is significant in Irish folklore as it is here that St Patrick lit a fire at Easter to proclaim Christianity throughout Ireland in the 5 th century. The hill retained its religious importance throughout the century and was once home to both a monastery and a Franciscan Friary. The ruins of both can easily be explored today.

Fun fact: on a clear day you can apparently see seven counties of Ireland from the top of the Friary remains.

Close to the centre of the village, you can also find Slane Castle , home to the Conyngham family since the 18 th century. Today the castle and its grounds are most famous for hosting concerts attracting the likes of U2, Madonna, David Bowie and Oasis. Unfortunately the castle was closed on the day we passed through.

Another minor point on your roadtrip is the Slane Bridge, a narrow bridge crossing the River Boyne. The beautiful bridge dates from the 14 th century and is well worth getting out of your car to take a proper look at.

Fun fact: the crossroads in the centre of Slane have four identical houses on each corner. According to legend, the houses were built by a father for his four suspicious daughters who wanted to keep an eye on each at all times.

Sights between Belfast and Dublin: Newgrange & Brú na Bóinne

Probably the biggest drawcard along Ireland’s Ancient East, Brú na Bóinne (meaning Palace of the Boyne ) is a mundane-looking area on the banks of the river. What sets it apart, however, is the network of over forty different Neolithic burial chambers built here around 2,500 – 3,000 BC.

Newgrange is the largest of these burial chambers and has been extensively reconstructed over the past few decades, along with Knowth and Douth. The chambers pre-date both the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge, with Newgrange reportedly the oldest roofed structure still in existence in the world.

Very little is known about the culture that created the chambers but experts estimate that Newgrange would have taken up to 100 years to create. It is known that the civilisation had engineers as the roof system of Newgrange is entirely waterproof – no water has entered the chamber since its construction over 4,500 years ago.

The biggest quirk of Newgrange, however, is that the inner chamber is lit up by sunlight during the five days Winter Solstice. Just sixty visitors each year are picked via a lottery system to enter the chamber on these days – though sunlight is not guaranteed.

Tours run from the new visitor centre .

A slight diversion between Belfast and Dublin: Trim

Despite not strictly being on the main driving route between Belfast and Dublin, Trim is an easy diversion and well-worth seeing. Located in County Meath, Trim is best known for Trim Castle, one of the largest in Ireland.

Today, most of the castle walls are at least partially intact, giving a great impression of how large and imposing the original structure would have been. In the centre, the central keep is still standing.

Trim itself has a handful of pubs and restaurants and Instagram buffs will want to make a bee-line for a row of cute pastel-coloured cottages opposite the castle.

Essential information : The biggest towns between Dublin and Belfast are Drogheda , Dundalk and Newry , which all offer a handful of accommodation options. If you are looking for accommodation in wider County Meath or County Louth, you can search for both on  trivago . Road speeds in the Republic of Ireland show kilometres per hour, while those in Northern Ireland show miles per hour.

Any suggestions? Comment below!

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This looks fab – I’m hoping to get back to Ireland this year so will see if I can fit in a roadtrip!

That sounds like a great plan – hoping to get back there myself this summer after three trips in the dead of winter!

The place where you turn off the engine of your car and the car travels uphill is in Sligo near a village called grange looking up at benbulbin mountain

How long does this drive take?

I’m planning a boys only road trip and this is exactly what we had in mind.

Sounds like a great trip, Anthony! Carlingford has some great bars I think if you guzs get “thirsty” en-route 😉

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I’m John – part-time traveller, blogger, British expat and general mastermind behind JohntheGo, a blog celebrating city breaks, budget trips and part-time travel. More about me .

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