10 Day Ireland Itinerary for the Ultimate Road Trip Experience
This is the travel plan I curated for my road trip in Ireland. It includes all the fantastic places I visited, from stunning beaches and national parks to idyllic lakes and breathtaking scenery, plus tips on driving in Ireland and recommendations for the accommodations I stayed in.
Keep reading if you want to embark on a fantastic road trip through Ireland's awe-inspiring south, from the pristine countryside and beaches in County Waterford and County Cork to the mighty wind-swept Dingle Peninsula and the natural beauty of the Wicklow Mountains. It's all just waiting to be explored by you with a little help from me!
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Ten Days Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly from Heathrow to Dublin, pick up a hire car and head to Powerscourt Gardens. Afterwards, drive to Dungarvan.
Days 2 to 5 in Dungarvan - Dungarvan Attractions, Waterford Greenway, Waterford City, Copper Coast, Mahon Waterfall, Blarney Castle and Cobh (with its strong links to the Titanic).
Day 6 in Gougane Barra - Gougane Barra Forest Park and St. Finbar's Oratory.
Days 7 and 8 in Killarney - Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula.
Day 9 Wicklow - Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough, Lough Tay.
Day 10 - Kildare Village, Howth. Return the hired car and take an evening flight home from Dublin to London.
If you want to explore diverse landscapes and historic sites, this itinerary will help you plan a magical ten-day road trip in Ireland!
Southern Ireland Road Trip Map
This map shows the locations mentioned in this blog post.
Where To Stay In Southern Ireland
I started my Southern Ireland road trip in the sleepy seaside town of Dungarvan, County Waterford, at the ultra-cool Macs Townhouse in Apt 5. This was an excellent base for the first four days of my trip.
I considered The Tannery Townhouse but decided I wanted a self-contained base to prepare my meals. Macs Townhouse was the winner for my requirements.
My next stop for one night was the Gougane Barra Hotel in County Cork. I highly recommend this hotel. It’s a friendly, family-run property serving incredible dishes in its restaurant. It's by a lake with an island that houses St Finbar's oratory. Mountains surround the area, and the magical Gougane Barra Forest Park is a walk/short drive from the hotel.
I stayed in Killarney, County Kerry, for two nights at The Europe, one of Ireland’s most prestigious resorts. I agree that it lives up to its accolades. After all, who doesn’t want to relax in an outdoor hydrotherapy pool while gazing out at Lough Léin and the foothills of Ireland’s highest mountain range?
My final stop was in the Wicklow Mountains at Tulfarris Spa Hotel and Golf Resort. Once again, my two-night accommodation was excellent, and the dishes served in the fine-dining restaurant and the brasserie were unparalleled. I even asked whether they had a celebrity chef in the kitchen, since the food was of such a high standard!
Driving in Ireland
As in the UK, Irish drivers drive on the left-hand side of the road. Roads away from the main cities are quiet, so driving is enjoyable. Southern Ireland has many winding roads, small villages, and sheep grazing by the roadside, so stick to the slower speed limits in these locations. You can pick up a rental car at Dublin Airport.
If you plan on driving your rental car from Southern Ireland into Northern Ireland, you may have to pay additional fees and possibly face restrictions, as you will be crossing the Irish/UK border. Make sure you fully understand these before booking your car.
If you want to bring your car to Ireland, several ferry routes are worth considering.
Fishguard to Rosslare (3 hours 30 mins), Holyhead to Dublin (3 hours 30 mins), and Liverpool to Belfast (8 hours). Ferry crossings can be booked in advance and are a popular way to cross between the countries.
Helpful Things To Know Before Your Ireland Road Trip
Currency: Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and uses GBP, but the Republic of Ireland is different. It is part of the EU and uses the Euro. It's worth applying for a WISE currency card. You can load the currency of your choice onto the card and sidestep high bank conversion charges. I use mine wherever I travel internationally and find it a godsend.
Mobile Phones: UK tariffs will work in Southern Ireland. International travellers should set up a global plan and buy an online SIM card. Holafly is one of the best eSIM providers on the market, and I can offer you a Holafly 5% discount with this link.
Plug Converters: Ireland uses 3-pronged plugs, so if you are from the UK, you won't need an adaptor. However, other foreign visitors may need to purchase one.
Shopping in Southern Ireland
If you buy tins or plastic bottles of food or drink, you may notice a small deposit of around 25c added to your bill. In stores, you will see a return bottle/tin machine where you can scan the barcode on your empty item and receive a refund. It seems a bit of a faff, but it helps control recycling, so it is a good initiative.
Reclaiming Tax on Shopping: If you are outside the EU (this includes UK residents), you can claim VAT back on purchases over 75 Euros. On my way back to the airport at the end of my trip, I visited Kildare Shopping Village and bought a Michael Kors bag.
When purchasing the bag, I asked the assistant for a VAT receipt. Then, I took it to the VAT reclaim desk in the airport departure lounge. I filled out my details on a form supplied at the desk and posted it in the VAT refund postbox. Three weeks later, I received my VAT refund.
Day One in Ireland - Dublin - Powerscourt Gardens - Dunvegan
Dublin to Powerscourt Gardens - Driving Time 60 minutes
We arrived at Dublin Airport after a short one-hour flight from London and picked up our hire car from SIXT. Then, it was on to our first stop in Ireland, the renowned Powerscourt Gardens in Enniskerry.
Powerscourt has been a privately owned estate for 400 years, belonging to two sets of families. It is now one of Ireland's premier tourist attractions, mainly for its stunning, manicured gardens. National Geographic voted it the third-best garden in the world, after Versailles (#1) and Kew Gardens (#2). This is quite an accolade, given how many beautiful gardens there are in the world.
Powerscourt Garden Walking Trail
Stroll through the gardens and pass Powerscourt's walled garden with its densely planted border, the longest in Ireland. Take a moment by Dolphin Pond and see the pet cemetery. It's the final resting place of the families' animals and one of Ireland's largest private pet cemeteries. If visiting in spring, continue through the Rhododendron walk to see the wealth of colour on display.
If visiting at other times of the year, skip that area and continue to Triton Lake. The fountain is based on the one in Piazza Barberini in Rome. The view back to Powerscourt House in one direction and Sugar Loaf Mountain in the other is truly breathtaking. Finish the walking route through the Japanese garden, taking in the fern grotto before heading uphill to Pepperpot Tower, modelled on the pepperpot from Lord Powerscourt's dining table. If you have a head for heights, you can climb to the turret.
You will soon arrive back at the start of the walk, where you can look out over the Italian garden and take in the stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Discover Powerscourt Estate
While the gardens are the main draw for visitors to the Powerscourt Estate, there are other attractions to see and do.
Before entering the garden, take a moment to watch the short film. It provides the history of the house, garden, and its inhabitants over the centuries.
Visit Powerscourt Distillery, located by the car park.
Shop at the artisan outlets within the garden buildings.
Stay a night at the luxurious Powerscourt Hotel and Spa.
You can see Ireland's tallest waterfall, a 9-minute drive from the gardens. I didn't bother with this because it would incur an additional fee, and I had already planned a visit to Mahon Falls during my stay in Dungarvan. That said, it is a must-see if you love chasing waterfalls!
My visit lasted around 2 hours. I only visited the gardens and watched the information film. If you add a spot of shopping, lunch in the Avoca Terrace Cafe, or a visit to the distillery and waterfall, you could easily double that time frame.
Back in the car, we headed to the sleepy harbour town of Dunvegan, in the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains. It would be our base in Waterford County for the next four nights.
| The drive from Powerscourt Gardens to Dungarvan takes 2 hours and 20 minutes. |
Day Two in Ireland - Exploring Dungarvan and Mahon Falls
Dungarvan is a small coastal town at the start of the famous Irish Greenway cycle and walking route.
It's a quiet place where the friendly locals smile and say good morning. Walking from Macs Townhouse, we passed the moored boats, crossed the old stone bridge, and mooched through the town. All was very quiet, despite it being the end of June, which I thought would be the summer season. I wasn't complaining, as it's rare to find popular destinations where you can immerse yourself without crowds of tourists.
We had booked our stay at Macs Townhouse in a self-contained 2-bedroom apartment. Since the rest of our road trip involved staying in hotels, we wanted to start at a place where we could cook our own food.
Macs Townhouse was a 5-minute walk to a local supermarket and the waterfront and a 15-minute walk to the town centre with restaurants, bars, shops, and Dungarvan Castle. It was also next door to a bike-rental shop, perfect when we booked two e-bikes and cycled the Greenway route from Dungarvan to Durrow!
We checked out the menus for The Tannery, The Moorings, The Old Bank, and Merry's Gastrobar, all places we had been recommended. They all sounded great, so if you want a change from self-catering, any of these restaurants will be a good bet.
Morning Itinerary - Historic Spots in Dungarvan
We stopped at Dungarvan Castle (King John's Norman Castle), a military 12th-century fort still intact. Entry was free and, although small, it offered insight into Irish defences. Next to the castle is a memorial to the Irish of Waterford who lost their lives in WW1.
Afterwards, we strolled along the near-deserted streets, grabbed a coffee at Cass and Co. and retraced our steps across the stone bridge to walk along the Abbeyside strand.
We wanted to see St. Augustine's church and the beautiful stretch of sandy beach beside it. The coastal scenery is stunning, and as we looked out to sea, we understood why they built this former monastery on this lovely spot.
Late Afternoon/ Early Evening Itinerary - Mahon Falls Walk
Having not seen the Powerscourt Waterfall, I was itching to see Mahon Falls. After a 25-minute drive from Dungarvan, we parked in the car park at the start of the Mahon Falls walking trail and headed along the man-made path to the foot of these delightful falls.
We could see the falls from the car park, so they were always in our line of sight. The 80m falls were magnificent, reminding me of waterfalls I had encountered in the Blue Mountains in Australia and Yosemite, California.
We had left our walk until early evening, hoping we would have the falls to ourselves, and we did, apart from some cute, woolly onlookers!
After clambering over a stream and some boulders, we were as close to the bottom falls as we could safely get. We quickly returned to the car as the weather front picked up, and the wind and drizzle turned our surroundings into fog.
Mahon Falls is a popular spot in this area, so consider visiting early in the morning or early evening to avoid the crowds. The in-and-out walk will take about an hour, including time to photograph and admire your surroundings.
Type 'Mahon Falls Car Park' into Google Maps. Two roads lead up to the car park. Be sure to drive both -one way in and one way out - as both offer superb landscape views.
Day Three in Ireland - Cycling the Waterford Greenway
Dungarvan, Clonea Beach, Durrow - 10 km - total return journey 4 hours (includes stops for refreshments and to take in the scenery)
The famous Waterford Greenway Cycling/Walking Route from Waterford City via Kilmacthomas to Dungarvan, or in my case, the reverse, was at the top of my Southern Ireland Road Trip itinerary.
Today, we cycled part of the route (10km) from Dungarvan to Durrow Viaduct.
So what is the Greenway?
It is a 46km off-road cycling route along a former railway track, perfect if you aren't confident on the road. Many bike hire companies in Waterford and Dungarvan offer bikes for all abilities.
We like a bit of help with uphill pedalling, so we rented two e-bikes from O'Mahony Cycles in Sexton Street (next door to where I was staying at Macs Townhouse).
The e-bikes cost €35 per day from pickup (you choose the time) until 6 p.m. and include helmets. While our e-bikes were a bit battered, they performed fine and had four settings, from Eco to Turbo. There are several other cycle-rental shops in Dungarvan, so explore them and see what suits you best.
The Waterford Greenway Cycle Route
From Dungarvan, we cycled to Durrow and were blown away by the landscape's beauty. It took us alongside lush green valleys, along the Copper Coast, through the 400m-long Ballyvoile tunnel, and across the Ballyvoile viaduct. This is a fantastic bike ride on mainly flat ground and one I would thoroughly recommend.
There are also a couple of places to stop along the route. Clonea Beach, a long expanse of golden sand; The Railway Cottage for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and The Coach House for light refreshments. Toilets are in both places.
I recently rode an e-bike through the vineyards from Colmar to Ribeauvillé in France, and as I whizzed along the Waterford Greenway, those lovely memories came flooding back. There's nothing like having the wind in your hair and feeling the freedom cycling brings.
Day Four in Ireland - Dungarvan - Ballydowane Bay - Waterford City - Tramore - Annestown - Dunabrattin Head - Tankerstown Copper Mine - Dungarvan
Today was to be one big day of sightseeing by car. This map plots my route for day four of my Southern Ireland road trip.
Ballydowane Bay
One thing I wasn't prepared for in Southern Ireland was its vast, golden, sandy beaches - it's just a shame the sea temperature is so cold!
Beaches in Ireland are called 'Strand,' and having encountered Abbeyside Strand in Dungarvan and Clonea Strand on my bike ride, we decided to nip off along a small lane on the way to Waterford to see Ballydowane Bay.
One of our favourite things to do on a road trip is to take a side-step off our course to discover hidden gems at the end of no-through roads. This usually results in epic coastal landscapes, hidden beaches, and idyllic lakes. Ballydowane didn't disappoint, and we managed to walk along the beach before the heavens opened and the rain came down!
Waterford City
Waterford surprised me. Even though I knew it was Ireland's oldest city, I hadn't expected such a strong Viking connection. A small area known as the Viking Triangle is packed with museums, eateries, and other sights that connect the city to the 10th-century Norwegian Viking invasion. If you like street art, you can see many murals in the Viking Triangle.
In addition, the Waterford Crystal Shop and Factory Tour is a major attraction. Visitors can tour Ireland's prestigious glass manufacturer factory, see the beautiful crystal in the showroom, and enjoy a light bite in the cafe.
We spent around three hours wandering the Viking Triangle, stopping for lunch and a Guinness at The Gingerman pub and visiting the Waterford Crystal showroom. We didn't opt for the tour as it had to be pre-booked. Without a doubt, if you are in Southern Ireland, a trip to Waterford should be high on your itinerary.
| You can read about Waterford in my post: 14 Best Things To Do in Waterford – Ireland’s Oldest City. |
Tramore
Driving from Waterford, we took the road to Tramore, where we stopped to walk along the beach and grab a coffee and cake at the Surf Hut. This coastline attracts surfers due to the breaks, and there are plenty of surf shops where you can book lessons or hire equipment.
There is also an estuary where birdwatchers can fulfil their passion. We parked along the road near the estuary and walked through its pathways, which led us to the beach and the cafe.
Annestown Beach
Annestown Beach is a 15-minute drive from Tramore. We stopped there for another short beach walk. It is a lovely, secluded place to spend some time in good weather.
Dunabrattin Head
The rugged coastal views from Dunbrattin are a short five-minute drive from Annestown Beach. They include the view down to Killmurrin Cove, which is well worth stopping for.
We arrived after a heavy downpour (even in June, rain is common in Ireland) but were rewarded with the most beautiful rainbow. However, we didn't spot any leprechauns looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - maybe they were hiding from us giants!
This is one of the best viewpoints of the Copper Coast, so be sure to stop here.
Tankerstown Copper Mine
Driving through Knockmahon on the Unesco-listed Copper Coast, I spied the ruins of a copper mine, and being inquisitive, I had to have a look. Information boards tell the story of the copper mine industry, once a hive of activity in the local area. It's only a small place, but it's good to visit if you are interested in Irish heritage. Like the rest of the Copper Coast, the views driving towards the ruins are pretty amazing.
Day Five in Ireland - Dungarvan - Cobh - Blarney Castle - Gougane Barra
Cobh
| Driving from Dungarvan to Cobh takes one hour. |
Today, we said goodbye to Dungarvan and headed to Cobh, one of the places in Ireland I was excited to visit for its rich seafaring history and multicoloured houses.
Cobh (pronounced COVE) is only a small town, but when a cruise ship is in dock, as it was when we arrived, it is chock-a-block with international travellers.
What draws cruise ships to Cobh is that it was the Titanic's last port of call before its fateful voyage to New York in 1912. It was also the embarkation point for over 2.5 million Irish emigrants fleeing famine and poverty between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries, who set out to start afresh in Britain, the United States, Australia, Canada, and South America.
Inside the disused Victorian railway station on the dockside is an exhibition called the Queenstown Story, which recounts this mass exodus. Inside the railway station, you will also find a restaurant and toilets.
Cobh was also the port of departure for the Sirius, the first steamship to sail across the Atlantic in 1838, and the site of the world's first yacht club, which was opened in 1720. For a small seaside town, Cobh packs a punch!
We spent around two hours wandering around Cobh, stopping for a pint of Guinness and visiting St Colman's Cathedral. The cathedral is high on a hill, so it's an uphill walk to reach it, but the views from the top are incredible.
Other things to do in Cobh include ordering a Guinness from one of the city's pubs, joining the Titanic Guided Walking Trail, and strolling the streets to see the colourful houses.
| You can read about Cobh in my post: Interesting Things to See in Cobh, Ireland: The Titanic Town |
Blarney Castle
Driving from Cobh to Blarney Castle takes 40 minutes. Blarney is on the outskirts of Cork City, so allow extra time if you are driving through at rush hour.
Have you heard of "Kissing the Blarney Stone"? Add Blarney Castle to your Ireland itinerary if you want to try it.
Even though it's one of Europe's most famous castles, I did not fancy dangling backwards over an open gap to kiss a piece of castle stone (kissed by thousands of others before me), hoping to get some good luck! Knowing my luck, I would have either banged my head or slipped through the hole, so it was better to look up at others doing the kissing rather than try it myself!
Regardless of the Blarney Stone, the castle and its grounds are worth visiting. There are 60 acres of botanic gardens, and we enjoyed wandering through them. The grounds include many statues, a grotto, and a small waterfall.
| Read more about: Kissing the Blarney Stone: Is it worth the hype? |
Gougane Barra
| Driving from Blarney Castle to Gougane Barra takes 70 minutes |
Gougane Barra Hotel was a good one-night stop between Dungarvan and Killarney National Park. It is located in an almost surreal setting facing St Finbarr's Oratory, a chapel on an island on a lake, and along the road from one of the most magical-looking forests I have ever seen. The family-run hotel offers delicious food, comfortable accommodations, and a warm Irish welcome.
We had already had a full day visiting Cobh and Blarney Castle. We arrived at Gougane Barra in the early evening, so we decided to check out the oratory and the forest the following day.
Day Six in Ireland - St. Finbarr's Oratory - Gougane Barra Forest Park - Killarney National Park - The Europe Resort
St. Finbarr's Oratory
The following morning, the ethereal image of low mist settling over the mountains, with St. Finbarr's Oratory standing silently on the lakeside bank, was mystical. The small chapel in this serene spot is one of Ireland's most beautiful places. The 19th-century oratory was rebuilt on the site of a hallowed 6th-century shrine where Finbarr supposedly communed with God. It is a place visited by pilgrims from all around the world.
I recommend you stay at the Gougane Barra Hotel and visit the chapel before any tourist coaches arrive. It's a pretty special place, and you can spend time in the forest park, a short drive (or a 30-minute walk) from the hotel.
Gougane Barra Forest Park
I'm a sucker for a walk in the woods or, better still, a forest, and this one in Gougane Barra was incredible. Several routes of varying difficulty lead through mountain pathways, past babbling brooks, along boardwalks and across wooden bridges.
On my visit, the forest was so vibrant it looked like something out of a Disney film, as if set designers had painted all the trees a luminous shade of green. It felt so alive, a glorious place to immerse myself in nature. If you love the great outdoors, this should be high on your list of places to visit in Ireland.
| You can read about Gougane Barra in my post: Gougane Barra: A Magical Visit to the Forest and Chapel |
Killarney National Park
| Gougane Barra to Killarney National Park driving time is 55 minutes |
The next stop on our itinerary was Killarney National Park, just a short drive from our next place to stay, the Europe Hotel and Resort. We ducked into it briefly to see what it was like, parked near a lake, and noticed that boat tours and pony and trap rides were available.
One of the park's big attractions is Muckross House, which requires an entry ticket. We decided not to spend too much time in the park, as the weather wasn't great (yes, it was raining again); however, Killarney National Park would be a beautiful place to visit on a bright, sunny day.
The Europe Hotel and Resort
We chose to stay at The Europe Resort and Spa for a couple of days because, to be honest, we fancied a bit of luxury. The five-star spa and golf resort is enormous, with decadent guest rooms, the ESPA spa, phenomenal leisure facilities, and a setting overlooking the lake and Ireland's highest mountain range. We had a wonderful stay there, and I'm glad it lived up to all its accolades.
For golfers, Killarney Golf Club is adjacent to the resort. Horse-riding is free on the hotel's grounds, and pony treks can be arranged in the nearby Killarney National Park. Boating and lake fishing from the resort's private pier are also available at an additional cost.
Day Seven in Ireland - Dunquin, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
| Driving from The Europe Resort to Dunquin takes 80 minutes |
If you enjoy coastal walks and incredible views, Dunquin will be a perfect addition to your 10-day Southern Ireland itinerary.
The drive to Dunquin along Slea Head will lead you to a wild, windswept, remote and slightly intimidating peninsula view. After all, this is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the longest coastal driving routes in the world. It is a destination where the ocean's power and the might of the mountains converge to create a phenomenal vista.
The ocean's roar crashes into the enormous black cliffs and Dunquin Pier, which leads down to the sea and, in summer, is the point to catch sightseeing boats, attracting travellers to the most westerly point of the Dingle Peninsula.
The Blasket Islands can be seen from Dunquin; see if you can make out the sleeping giant. Make sure to visit the Great Blasket Centre, which is fascinating and tells of the lives of the community that once lived a harsh existence on the islands.
An interesting fact is that from this point, there will be no more land until Canada!
Day Eight in Ireland - Day on the Road from The Europe Resort to Tulfarris Spa and Golf Resort
| Driving time from The Europe Resort to the Tulfarris Spa and Golf Resort is 3 hours and 25 minutes |
Tulfarris Spa and Golf Resort
The drive between County Kerry and County Wicklow was the longest we had taken during our ten days in Ireland; however, there were so many great places to stop and take in the scenery that we didn't want it to end.
One of the most breathtaking views was of Lough Tay, or The Guinness Lake, as it is lovingly known. If you are wondering why it's called this, it is because it is on a private estate owned by the Guinness family.
Once we arrived at Tulfarris Spa and Golf Resort, we settled in for our last two nights in Ireland. Tulfarris is a lovely hotel, but what stands out above everything else is the level of its food. So good that I asked if they had a Michelin chef hidden in the kitchen!
The hotel is a good base for exploring the Wicklow Mountains, pampering yourself at the spa, or playing a round of golf.
Day Nine in Ireland - Wicklow Mountains National Park
| Driving from Tulfarris Spa and Golf Resort to Wicklow Mountains National Park takes 25 minutes |
It was almost as if I had planned to leave the best until last, but I didn't; it just happened that the Wicklow Mountains National Park became my favourite place in Southern Ireland. With the whole of Ireland being one giant beauty spot, it's hard to narrow down somewhere that encompasses everything Ireland offers in one place, but I think I found it in the Wicklow Mountains. So what made it so special for me?
This is Ireland's largest national park, and the landscape is insanely beautiful. The mountains, lakes, waterfalls, walking trails, and even the ruins of St Kevin's monastery at Glendalough made me fall in love with the Wicklow Mountains National Park. I urge other travellers to add it to their Ireland itinerary, as it has everything you could want if the great outdoors calls to you.
Day Ten in Ireland - Kildare Shopping Village, Howth, Dublin Airport
Kildare Shopping Village
| Driving from Tulfarris Spa and Golf Resort to Kildare Shopping Village takes 35 minutes |
I don't usually shop when I travel because it's not something I enjoy. However, to kill some time before our evening flight back to London, we decided to wander around the Kildare Shopping Village.
It has high-end brands and high-street names, so it suits all budgets. It's like Bicester Village in Oxford, but far less crowded. I enjoyed wandering around the shopping village as it wasn't busy when we visited. I ended up treating myself to a handbag, and the bonus was that I could claim the VAT back at the airport, as the UK is no longer part of the EU!
So if you want to grab a bargain at the end of your trip to Ireland, I recommend visiting Kildare Shopping Village.
Howth Village
| Driving from Kildare Shopping Village to Howth takes 70 minutes |
We still had a few hours before returning to Dublin Airport for our flight home to Gatwick, so we continued to Howth, a harbour town with a cliff walk that attracts travellers.
We didn't venture up to the cliffs but wandered around the harbour and stopped for a Guinness to finish our time off in Ireland. If you want to spend longer in Howth, here are some activities you can do.
| Recommended Howth Tours |
|---|
| Howth Coastal Hiking Tour. |
| From Dublin: Half-Day Guided Tour To Howth Village. |
| From Dublin: Howth Cliffs And Lighthouse Cruise. |
| Driving from Howth to Dublin Airport takes 30 minutes |
Final thoughts on my 10-day Road Trip in Ireland
So there you have it - the exact trip itinerary I put together for my 10 days in Ireland. I loved exploring Ireland by car as it allowed me the freedom to stop wherever and whenever I wanted (which I did a lot!).
So, if you think Dublin is Ireland's best tourist destination, think again. Leave the city behind and embark on a road trip to discover its green, fertile countryside, rugged coastline, and friendly locals. On this 10-day road trip through Ireland, I came to understand why the Emerald Isle is such a magnet for visitors. The views around every turn are breathtakingly beautiful, and it is a destination not to be missed. I enjoyed Southern Ireland so much that a Northern Ireland road trip is now firmly on my bucket list!
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
A road trip sounds like the perfect way to explore Ireland! So many historic sights to see.
What a great road trip! But next time you should definitely head down into the wilds of West Cork as well!
Hi Em, Yes I already have it in my sights for another time. There's always so much to see in Ireland.
I've never been, but after seeing this post, I'm itching to go! Hoping to make it there in the near future 🙂
Hi Kailey, I hope you get your wish as Ireland is so incredible.
I loved my road trip through Ireland. I saw many of the places along the Atlantic Ocean side so we visited different places. You have given me some ideas for when I return.
Hi Rhonda, It's certainly a country that has a wealth of great places to visit. I hope you get to return one day.
What a fun itinerary! Biking, hiking, gardens, castles - I would love to take this trip. Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Chelsea, The trip was so much fun because of all the different activities I did. Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Super helpful, detailed itinerary. You found some great off-the-beaten path spots! Saved this for a future hopeful trip 🙂
I hope you get to Ireland one day , it is a superb country to visit.
We've explored the Wild Atlantic Way, though by bike. I'd love to go back and explore the coast further.
Push bike or motor bike - it's a very long way but I want to do it next!
I visited Ireland for the first time a couple years ago and loved it - but now I need to go back and spend more time as it's such a beautiful country. Between some of the free attractions you mentioned and all the outdoor options, a road trip seems like a good way to keep a trip budget friendly
Hi Emma, Like you we want to return to do another Ireland road trip either including Northern Ireland or driving the Wild Atlantic Way. The country is so beautiful and a road trip is the perfect way to see it.
Would love to do a road trip around Ireland! Love this itinerary break down.
Hi Sierra, I am glad you found this itinerary useful. I planned my trip so I coud see the best bits of Southern Ireland in 2 weeks. There's lots more to still see so I will be going back.
Great post - I did a similar road trip to this during Covid when we couldn't leave the island - gorgeous scenery!
I can't wait to go back. I would love to explore the coastal raod of the Wild Atlantic Way this summer, also spend time in Northern Ireland seeing the landmarks there. It is a stunning country to visit.