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Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle with 50 shades of green. It is gorgeous and the best way to experience all the country has to offer is on a self-guided road trip. Below is my epic 2-week Ireland road trip itinerary including scenic drives, National Parks, major cities, and castles. You will find rolling hills of sheep, stone fences, dramatic cliffs, medieval castles, GoT filming locations, the Titanic, traditional Irish dance shows, musician corners, pubs, Guinness, and Irish whiskey.
This ultimate travel guide to Ireland includes the best time to travel, must-see attractions, where to eat, where to stay, and the expected budget with a day-to-day self-drive schedule of stops in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Watch the Titanic and Belfast, read about the famine and the troubles, and download some Irish music in preparation for your trip.
Read: Complete Ireland Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Planner
Ireland is 36,000 sq miles divided into two parts. The majority of the land is covered by the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland) and the other sixth is Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. Driving non-stop from the country’s most northern point in Malin Head to its southern tip in Brow Head would take around 8.5 hours.
The Republic of Ireland is an independent nation. It includes Dublin, Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Cobh, Cork, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Kerry Cliffs, Wild Atlantic Way, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Aran Islands, and Kylemore Abbey. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. It includes Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Belfast, Derry, Donegal, and Malin Head.
When is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Early September is the best time to visit Ireland. Temperatures are mild, crowds have thinned and days remain long. Ireland has the best weather from April through September. Expect crowds and long wait times in July and August. Winter is cold and the days are short. Expect rain throughout the year and pack accordingly.
What is the Best Way to Travel Through Ireland?
Dublin International Airport is often the most cost-effective Ireland entrance and exit. Aer Lingus offers low nonstop fares from select cities. Be sure to utilize the preclearance available at Dublin airport and simply collect your bags when you land!
Public transportation in Ireland is expensive and time-consuming. It will not allow you to visit all the locations in the itinerary. It is possible to piece together a great Ireland itinerary using guided tours and excursions. However, a self-guided road trip is the best way to see Ireland. A rental car allows you to tailor the route and amount of time you spend at stops. Be sure to download Google Maps to use offline due to inconsistent internet access as you travel through the countryside and do not trust Google time stamps (allow extra time).
Rental of automatic transmissions will cost more than a manual transmission. It is tempting to rent a manual and save money. It might not be worth it if you do not drive a manual daily, you will be driving on the left along narrow curved roads. Pay attention to whether the car takes diesel or petrol and DO NOT goof that up, it will be a very expensive mistake. In fact, it’s not worth the chance, stick with petrol if at all possible. Also, bring euros for tolls and parking meters.
Note: If you plan to expand your trip to Scotland, you will not be allowed to take the rental car onto the ferry. At the time of this writing, Hertz is the only car rental company that will allow international car returns in Ireland. You will need to drop the car in Belfast and pay the international car return fee. It may be more cost-effective to return the car to Dublin and take a budget flight into Scotland.
How Long Do You Need to See Ireland?
This is a 16-day itinerary assuming you will depart on Saturday, use 2 full weeks of PTO, and return on a Sunday. If you only have 9 days in Ireland (weekends before and after 7 days of PTO), it is best to limit your time to the Republic of Ireland. Add Northern Ireland if you can spend a full 2-week vacation in Ireland. Have more time? Follow the 16-day itinerary and add a time in Scotland, England, or Wales.
How Expensive is Ireland?
Northern Ireland uses Pound Sterling (£) and Ireland uses the Euro (€). According to Budget My Trip, the average daily budget for an Ireland road trip is $165 per person. This includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry fees.
What do you pack for an Ireland Road Trip?
Because the cars in Ireland are small there is no room for 2 full-size suitcases. You will need to pack well and limit yourself to a carry-on bag and backpack.
The weather in Ireland is unpredictable. Dress in layers and expect rain and wind. Be sure to pack waterproof shoes, a jacket, a raincoat with a hood, an umbrella, a day bag, etc. Expect for the umbrella to be destroyed by gusts of wind and bring a few inexpensive ones with you. The Cliffs of Moher are windy and cold, you will need sturdy shoes with good soles and a jacket while visiting. Hand warmers are also a good idea if you happen to be at the Cliffs of Moher and a rainy day.
Ireland Road Trip Highlights
Dublin, Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Cobh, Cork, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Kerry Cliffs, Wild Atlantic Way, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Aran Islands, Kylemore Abbey, Derry, Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves, Gobbins Cliff Path, Belfast, Titanic Museum, Game of Thrones Filming locations
Day by Day Guide for an Ireland Road Trip
Day 1: Overnight flight to Dublin
At the time of this trip, it was most cost-efficient to fly in and out of Dublin airport. It also saved 200 euros renting and returning a car at Dublin airport (Belfast is located less than 2 hours from Dublin). When choosing a car, Diesel will save money. But, if you forget and use petrol you will have to pay and wait for the engine to be flushed.
I suggest renting a small car, the streets are narrow and curved. Most of the time it felt as though we were driving on a one-lane road. You can use your phone as a GPS but expect poor service and be sure to download Google Maps for offline use. There are many toll roads in Ireland, get a toll pass but also carry cash in small euros (1-2).
Hint: If you love historical sites, save money with the Irish Heritage Pass!
Day 2: Dublin Airport to Kilkenny (Approx. drive time 1.5 hours with no stops)
Arrive in Dublin in the early afternoon and get out of the airport as quickly as possible. Drive 50 minutes to Powerscourt House and waterfall. The last admission is 5 pm and it closes at 5:30. From there drive 25 minutes to visit the ruins of the Glendalough Monastery. Glendalough Monastery is free and always open.
Continue on for an overnight stay in Kilkenny, 1.5 hour drive. Have dinner at Kytelers Inn and enjoy traditional Irish music beginning at 8 pm.
I stayed at the Pembroke Hotel. The hotel offered onsite parking.
Day 3: Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, and Blarney Castle (Approx. drive time 2h 45m)
7 am Have breakfast and explore Kilkenny. Walk the Medieval Mile, visit Saint Mary’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey, or tour Kilkenny Castle
12 pm Drive to Rock of Cashel (heritage site) and Hore Abbey (free), 55 min drive
3:30 Continue on to Blarney Castle and Gardens (purchase an online ticket, last admission 5), 1 hr drive
5:30 pm Drive to Cork stopping at the top of Patrick’s Hill for the view of the Shandon Bells & Tower at St Anne’s Church, 30 min drive
6:30 Have dinner and walk the colorful streets of Cork: St Patrick’s Street, Cook Street, Princes Street, Oliver Plunket Street
Spend the night in Cork. I stayed at the Imperial Hotel and found offsite parking nearby for 10 euros per day.
Day 4: Cork, Cobh, and Kinsale (Approx. drive time 2.5 hours)
8 am Have breakfast before checking out the Elizabeth Fort Walls at 10 am
12 pm Drive to Cobh and enjoy lunch on Westbourne Pl near Casement Square. Photograph the Deck of Cards houses and check out the view from the lookout point at St Colman’s Cathedral before leaving the city, 30 min drive
4 pm Check out the colorful main street of Kinsale and shop for souvenirs, 50 min drive
6 pm Drive to Killarney and have dinner on High Street, 1.5 hr drive
Spend the night in Killarney. I stayed at the McSweeney Arms Hotel. The hotel has onsite self-parking for 3 euro per day.
Day 5: Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry (Approx. drive time 5.5 hours)
7 am Grab coffee and walk the colorful streets of Killarney before moving on to Killarney National Park
9 am Drive to Ross Castle (heritage site), 6 min drive
9:30 Visit Muckross Abbey and Muckross House, I skipped the farm, 20 min drive
11:30 Check out Torc Waterfall 20 min drive
12 pm Make quick photo stops at the Ladies Viewpoint and restaurant 25 min drive and Moll’s Gap Viewpoint, 8 min drive
Watch a sheepdog demonstration at Kissane Sheep Farm, €7.00, check for times, 6 min drive
12:30 Stop in Kenmare for lunch, wander the colorful streets, visit the Kenmare Stone Circle, and photograph Cromwell’s Bridge, 10 min drive
2 pm Photograph Dromore Castle on the hill, 11 min drive
3 pm Explore the Cliffs of Kerry 1 hr drive, Cahergall Stone Fort 25 min drive, and Ballycarberry Castle 3 min drive
5 pm Stop at the Rossbeigh Strand Viewpoint, 31 min drive
6 pm Continue on to Ballyseede Castle Hotel for dinner, 40 min drive
Spend the night at Ballyseede Castle Hotel. The hotel has free onsite parking.
Day 6: Limerick and Cliffs of Moher (Approx. drive time 3 hours)
7 am Have breakfast and say hello to the resident miniature horses before leaving Ballyseed Castle Hotel
8 am Stop to admire the pretty thatched cottages in Adare, 1 hr drive
9 am Visit Limerick and King John’s Castle 21 min drive Alternatively, visit Bunratty Castle
1 pm Explore the Quin Abbey ruins, 30 min drive
3 pm Walk the Cliffs of Moher, don’t miss the view from the top of O’Brien’s Tower, 1 hr drive
If time and daylight allow, drive through the Burren National Park or see the Poulnabrone Dolmen also surrounded by Burren land
Spend the night in Doolin. I stayed at Glasha Meadows B&B. The property provided free onsite parking and breakfast.
Day 7: Aran Islands and Dunguaire Castle (Approx. drive time 1 hour)
8:30 Enjoy B&B breakfast and check out of the hotel.
9:30 Leave the hotel for the Doolin Ferry. Take the 10 am ferry to Inis Oirr on the Aran Islands. 48 euro
10:30 Arrive on the island and rent a horse and buggy guided tour (cash only), climb the fort and enjoy the view, have lunch, and shop for a sweater.
1:45 Leave Aran Islands and take the return ferry ride under the cliffs (1 hr)
3 pm Stop at the Matchmaker Bar for a selfie or two, 8 min drive
3:30 Have coffee and a snack in the colorful town of Kinvarra, 40 min drive.
5 pm Leave Kinvarra to enjoy a 5:30 banquet dinner and entertainment at Dunguaire Castle
8 pm Continue on to Galway, 30 min drive
Spend the night in Galway. I stayed at the Harbor Hotel. The property had onsite self-parking for 10 euro per day.
Day 8: Galway (Approx. drive time 1.5 hour)
9 am Have breakfast and explore Galway. Stroll the Long Walk, see the Spanish Arch and Lynch Window, visit the Cathedral, and shop for souvenirs in the Latin Quarter
12:30 Take a 1.5-hour cruise on the River Corrib past the ruins of Menlo Castle
2 pm Stop by the Salthill Seaport Promenade and photograph the Blackrock Diving Board on the way out of town, 10 min drive
2:30 Leave Galway and drive through the Maam Cross countryside full of stone walls and sheep, 45 min drive
3:30 Stop at the Pines Island Viewpoint for a photo, 15 min drive
4 pm Have dinner, explore Clifden, and stop in a pub to listen to music, 15 min drive
Spend the night at the Ballynahinch Castle Hotel or in nearby Clifden.
Day 9: Kylemore Abbey (Approx. drive time 4.5 hour)
8:30 Have breakfast in colorful Clifden, 15 min drive
10:00 Visit the Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, leave by noon, 20 min drive
1 pm Grab a quick lunch and walk through the colorful village of Westport, 20 min drive
3:30 Visit the Sligo Abbey ruins, 2.5 hr drive
4 pm See the Glencar Waterfall, 25 min drive
5:30 Have dinner in Donegal, 1 hr drive
Spend the night at Lough Eske Castle or in Donegal
Day 10: Derry (Approx. 1.5 hour drive)
9 am Have breakfast before leaving Donegal. Drive to Derry stopping to take a photo of Hands Across the Divide Monument and Abercorn Steps on the way into town, 1 hr drive
10:30 Explore Derry. Check out the Free Derry Corner, Museum of Free Derry, and Peoples Gallery murals. Walk the city walls entering at Butcher Street and exiting at Shipquay Street. Visit the Craft Market and have dinner on Waterloo Street.
Spend the night in Derry. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and found offsite parking nearby for 12.00 GBP per night.
Day 11: The Causeway Coast (Approx. 4 hour drive)
7 am Leave Derry hotel
8 am See Downhill Demesne and the Mussenden Temple from a distance, 45 min drive
9 am Take a walk on White Rocks Beach, 25 min drive
10 am Visit Dunluce Castle (GoT), 5 min drive
11:30 Explore Giant’s Causeway rock formations, 10 min drive. Grab a quick sandwich for lunch. The blue route is the easiest and the red route has the best views. At the bottom, look for The Camel, The Giant’s Boot, and The Organ formations.
2 pm Walk through the Dark Hedges, 20 min drive
3:30 Check out the Cushendun Caves, 35 min drive
5:00 See Belfast Castle and take in the view, 1 hour drive
Spend the next 2 nights in Belfast. I stayed at the Belfast Hilton and found nearby covered parking for 15 GBP per night
Have more time? Add a day here and take a guided hike on The Gobbins Cliff Path (4 hours to complete)
GoT fans may want to check out the doors made from the wood of 2 Dark Hedges trees that fell during a storm in 2016. The doors have GoT scenes carved into them and are incredible. The Fullerton Arms, Gracehill House, Mary McBride’s Bar and Ballygally Castle are all in the area. There are 10 doors total.
Day 12: Belfast
9 am Book a Black Taxi Troubles Tour including Falls Road, Sandy Row, Shankill Road, and the Peace Wall. Arrange for hotel pick up and Crumlin Road Gaol drop off
10:30 am Visit the Crumlin Road Gaol
Noon Walk toward St Anne’s Cathedral and see Cathedral Quarter, a 15-minute walk from Gaol. Continue to Commercial Court (Pub Street) for lunch and stop in The Dark Horse or the Duke of York
Walk Past the Albert Memorial Clock and The Salmon of Knowledge before crossing the Lagan Weir to the Titanic Quarter. Check out the Glass of Thrones displays on the way to the Titanic Museum
2:30 pm Visit the Titanic Museum, book your ticket online
5 pm Return to the City Center and check out the view from the Dome in Victoria Square. Walk past Donegal Square, City Hall, and the Grand Opera House
6:30 pm Have dinner at Crown Liquor Saloon, a reservation is required for a booth
Day 13: Games of Thrones Studio and Sites (Approx. 4 hour drive)
9 am Leave Belfast
10:00 Game of Thrones Studio Tour 40 min drive + 15 min shuttle. Note: ticket must be purchased in advance
12:00 Drive to The Cuan for lunch and to view one of the GoT doors, 55 min drive
1:00 Visit Castle Ward (GoT Winterfell), 8 min drive
3:00 Visit Inch Abbey ruins (GoT), 15 min drive
4:00 Take a hike in Tollymore Forest (GoT), 30 min drive
7:00 Return car to Dublin Airport Dublin, 1.5 hour drive
The easiest way to get into town from the airport is the Express Aircoach #700. The bus runs every 15 minutes on the hour and can be found outside both Terminal 1 & Terminal 2. The ride to Temple Bar is about 25 minutes. The bus runs 24/7 and tickets can be bought on board from the bus driver. At the time of this writing, tickets are €7 single/ €12 return
Spend the night in Dublin. I stayed at the Point A Hotel on Parnell Street. It was about a 15-minute walk down O’Connell Street to the Temple Bar area.
Day 14 and 15 Dublin
Dublin is an incredible city with many, many great things to do! My first trip to Dublin was a quick 24-hour stop, here is how I spent my 24 hours in Dublin, I have also put together a bucket list of 100+ things to do in Dublin Ireland, please check it out and plug in what interests you into the time you will have in the city.
Day 16: Return Flight
Bookmark and Pin 2-Week Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
Booking Resources for Ireland
Ireland Travel Guide Books
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Book Your Accommodation in Ireland Now
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Ireland Attractions and Day Tours
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Have a great vacation!