Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Doolin, Westport & More - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

Welcome to Ireland! Arrive at Dublin Airport and make your way to your hotel. The ride takes approximately 50 minutes. After checking in, do some exploring. The city is steeped in history and features an abundance of museums, memorials, cathedrals, churches, restaurants, and cafés, each offering insight into what makes Dublin special.

Join a guided walking tour to get a real feel of the city through the eyes of a local. If you’re a beer aficionado, visit the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of legendary St. James’s Gate Brewery. Guinness is synonymous with Ireland, and no visit to Dublin is complete without a trip to this must-see attraction. 

Day 2: Explore Glendalough Trail

Today, pick up your rental car and drive to the village of Laragh. Then follow a trail through the forest to reach Glendalough. Here, you can enjoy time exploring the old monastic village that was a hub of activity more than 1,500 years ago. This tranquil setting offers a great opportunity to explore more of the surrounding landscape. 

There are several marked hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties to choose from within the valley. Enjoy a challenging hike to the viewpoint overlooking the beautiful lakes in the valley, or take a light stroll along the lakeshore.

Day 3: Travel to Cork via the Rock of Cashel

Today, travel south, toward Ireland's second city of Cork. Along the way, make a stop at the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone. It was once the home of the High Kings of Ireland. You'll arrive in Cork late in the afternoon, and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city.

Day 4: Travel to Killarney via Kinsale

Start the morning by heading to the port of Cobh, which was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Then, travel to the coastal town of Kinsale. Take a stroll around the town, and treat yourself to some fish and chips at Dinos restaurant. A 15-minute drive away is the Old Head of Kinsale, where you can hike the Old Head of Kinsale Loop, which is an easy, 1.5-hour walking route along a country road that features spectacular views at every turn.

After that, make your way over the mountainous terrain that separates the counties of Cork and Kerry, and arrive in the town of Killarney, home to Ireland's first national park; the region is celebrated for its beautiful lakes.

Day 5: Tour Killarney

Today, relax and explore the town of Killarney. Check out one of many attractions within the national park, such as Muckross Park, which is home to beautiful gardens and a 15th-century Franciscan Friary called Muckross Abbey, or visit Ross Castle, a structure on the edge of the lower lake within the national park: it has a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Alternatively, you can go kayaking, hike along one of the many trails, rent a bike, or take a lake cruise.

Day 6: Visit the Ring of Kerry

Today’s adventure takes you off the beaten track to unlock the real beauty of the world-famous Ring of Kerry. Considered one of the most beautiful destinations to explore in Ireland, this route will offer you views of the dramatic landscapes composed of wild, rugged coastline, golden beaches, pristine lakes, picturesque villages, and scenic mountain ranges.

A nice walk along the Ring of Kerry is the Derrynane Loop Walk, which is a moderate, 5.5-mile route around Derrynane National Park near Caherdaniel. This walking route follows some of the Mass Path pilgrimage route and passes through the hillside woodlands above the Derrynane Blue Flag Beach and Derrynane House.

Day 7: Explore Dingle Peninsula

Dingle is your destination today. Explore this dramatic and beautiful peninsula that's laced with archaeological and historical sites. Your first stop is Inch Beach. Take a short walk along the sand, then head west to the edge of Europe, also known as Slea Head. Take in views of the rugged coastline and stunning Blasket Island.

Day 8: Stroll the Cliffs of Moher

Next, travel along the edge of Europe to the colorful coastal town of Doolin. When visiting Doolin, one of the most popular activities is to visit the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. These impressive cliffs form a protective barrier from the Wild Atlantic Way to the rich and fertile land at the southern end of the Burren region. Towering above the ocean, their dominance is a spectacle that is best appreciated on foot. Walking from your accommodation in Doolin, go south to reach the foothills of the Cliff of Moher. Climbing gradually, spot the lower levels and layering of rock formations that continue to cling to their near-1,000-foot wall of beauty.

You can also take a boat to cruise close to the cliffs if you’d like.

Day 9: Travel to Galway

Depart from Doolin and travel north toward Galway, the bohemian capital of Ireland. Along the way, explore the remarkable moon-like terrain of the wild Burren and the Atlantic waves that roll into Galway Bay.

Later in the day, take the opportunity to enjoy Galway’s vibrant streets. Sample the wide variety of food offerings or embark on a tour of the city's historic highlights.

Day 10: Discover Inis Mor Island

Today, travel from the mainland of Ireland to one of its most renowned islands, Inis Mor, meaning “Big Island.” It is the largest of three islands that make up the Aran Islands. Once there, explore the island by foot or bicycle to experience the island’s beautiful landscape of rocky fields, wild ocean views, and monuments of Christian and Celtic mythological heritage.

Day 11: Hike Connemara National Park

Today, travel to Connemara National Park. Hike to the top of Diamond Hill before heading to Kylemore Abbey, where you'll get a bite to eat. Then, make your way to the colorful town of Westport, filled with many bars and restaurants where you can catch some traditional Irish music.

Day 12: Travel to Westport and Derry via Glenveagh National Park

Drive north today, exploring the rugged coastline of Mayo and the wilds of Donegal, with views of dramatic cliffs, which, although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher, can reach almost three times higher (1,972 feet) at Slieve League.

Continue the journey around the dramatic northern tip of Donegal, toward Glenveagh National Park and Castle. Set in 40,770 acres of County Donegal Mountains, discover picturesque lakes, wild glens and woods, herds of red deer, and the 19th-century Glenveagh Castle. Spend the night in the city of Derry.

Day 13: Drive the Antrim Coastline & Giants Causeway

Wake up and hit the road to travel along the stunning Antrim Coastline. On the drive, visit Dunluce Castle, Fair Head, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Portrush, Mussenden Temple, Portstewart Strand, and the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its setting is famous for its unique rock formation of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption nearly 60 million years ago. Tonight, enjoy the final evening of the trip at your leisure in Belfast.

Day 14: Departure from Dublin

After breakfast, make the short journey back to Dublin. Return your rental car and prepare for your flight home, as you bid the Emerald Isle farewell. Safe travels!