The Ultimate Irish Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this post about The Ultimate Irish Road Trip Itinerary.

When it comes to road trips, Southern Ireland is one of the most beautiful places to explore. From charming towns and stunning coastlines to rolling hills and lush green landscapes, there is something for everyone.

Here are my ten best stops on The Ultimate Irish Road Trip Itinerary.

The Ultimate Irish Road Trip Itinerary

1. Athenry

The charming town of Athenry, located in County Galway, has a rich history and picturesque landscapes. Here are some of the things that I recommend seeing and doing in Athenry.

• Visit Athenry Castle: This 13th-century castle, which offers a glimpse into the life of the Anglo-Norman nobility in the Middle Ages, is a must-visit attraction in the town. 

• Walk the Medieval Walls: The town’s medieval walls date back to the 13th century and are one of the best-preserved examples of medieval fortifications in Ireland. 

Other things to do in Athenry include exploring the 13th century Dominican Priory, which is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, visiting the Athenry Heritage Centre to learn about the town’s history and culture and taking a strol lin Athenry Park.

2. Galway

Galway is known as the cultural capital of Ireland, and it’s not hard to see why. This bohemian city is known for its traditional Irish music and lively nightlife, and the pedestrian-friendly High Street is a great place to shop and see some buskers performing. 

Here are a few of my recommendations for your stop-over in Galway:

• Visit Eyre Square: Eyre Square is the heart of Galway city and is a great place to relax and people-watch. The square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and pubs, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.

• Walk the Salthill Promenade: The Salthill Promenade offers stunning views of Galway Bay and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll. The promenade is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great place to stop for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

• Enjoy the Nightlife: Galway is known for its vibrant nightlife, and there are plenty of pubs, bars, and clubs to choose from. 

Other things you might want to do if time permits are a visit to the Galway City Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Galway, and a visit to the Claddagh, a historic fishing village located on the outskirts of Galway city. 

If you are there in July, then make sure to attend the Galway International Arts Festival, which features a range of performances, including theatre, dance, music, and visual art.

Two things we did not have time to do, but would definitely be worth adding to your itinerary are

• A Day Trip to the Aran Islands, which are located off the coast of Galway and are a great place to experience traditional Irish culture. (We did however manage to buy a couple of Aran sweaters, which are amazingly warm!) 

• A visit to the nearby Connemara National Park.

3. The Cliffs of Moher

These stunning cliffs are a must-see on any trip to Ireland. Located on the western coast of Ireland, the cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. 

I recommend booking your trip at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, which is located at the entrance to the cliffs and offers plenty of information about the history and geology of the area. There’s also a restaurant and gift shop, as well as a 3D virtual reality experience that allows you to explore the cliffs from a unique perspective. Although it is possible to walk along the cliffs without passing by the Visitor’s Centre, parts of the cliff are unstable and so I would recommend starting out on one of the walks from the Visitor’s Centre.

The cliffs stretch for 8 kilometers and offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. I recommend a hike up to O’Brien’s Tower, a historic tower located on the highest point of the cliffs. The tower was built in the 19th century as a viewing point for tourists, and today it offers panoramic views of the cliffs and the surrounding area. 

If you want to see the cliffs from a different angle, consider taking a boat tour. There are several companies that offer tours from nearby villages such as Doolin and Lahinch. You’ll get to see the cliffs from the water and may even spot some wildlife such as dolphins or seabirds.

4. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Bunratty Castle is a stunning medieval fortress located in County Clare, known for its rich history and cultural significance, as well as its beautiful architecture and stunning surroundings. Here are my top recommendations for what to see and do at Bunratty Castle.

• Take a guided tour of the castle: Bunratty Castle has a fascinating history that dates back to the 14th century, and taking a guided tour is the best way to learn about its past. The castle’s interior has been beautifully preserved and restored, with many original features still intact.

• Visit the Folk Park: The Folk Park, in the castle grounds, is home to a variety of traditional Irish buildings, including thatched cottages, a schoolhouse, and a church. There’s also a working farm within the park, where you can see cows, pigs, and other farm animals.

• Explore the castle grounds: In addition to the castle and Folk Park, Bunratty Castle is surrounded by beautiful grounds that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. 

• Enjoy a medieval banquet: If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, be sure to attend a medieval banquet in the castle’s Great Hall, where you’ll be treated to a four-course meal and entertainment by costumed performers. 

Insider Tip : Book ahead for the Medieval Banquet

5. Limerick

Limerick is the third biggest town in Southern Ireland (after Dublin and Cork) and to be honest, Limerick was not my favorite part of the Irish Road Trip. Although Limerick is larger than Galway, there are fewer activities for visitors to enjoy, and the area has a much more residential vibe. That being said, there are a few attractions that I would definitely recommend.  

• The main attraction in Limerick for me was a visit to King John’s Castle. The castle dates back to the 13th century and offers a fascinating insight into medieval life in Ireland. You can take a guided tour of the castle, explore the interactive exhibits, and enjoy the stunning views of the River Shannon.

• Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral: St. Mary’s Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick and it was founded in 1168 on the site of a palace donated by Donal Mor O’Brien, King of Munster. It features stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and beautiful architecture. However, you should be aware that entry to St Mary’s Cathedral will cost you €5 for adults and €3 for students.

• Other activities include a walk along the River Shannon, a wander around the Milk Market and a visit to Thomond Park,  home to the Munster Rugby team. 

6 Killarney

This town is a gateway to the Ring of Kerry and is famous for its national park, and was my favourite part of the Irish Road Trip, as I was in awe of its stunning natural beauty. Here are some of my top recommendations for what to see and do in Killarney.

• Visit Killarney National Park: Killarney National Park is a must-see attraction in the area. The park covers over 25,000 acres and features stunning lakes, mountains, and forests. You can explore the park on foot, bike, or horseback, and take in the breathtaking scenery, and you will also see the red deer, which are the last surviving indigenous herd of red deer in Ireland.

• Visit Muckross House and Gardens: Muckross House is a 19th-century mansion that is now a museum, showcasing the history and culture of the area. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a great place to spend an afternoon.

7 The Ring of Kerry

This famous scenic drive is a must-do on any trip to Ireland. The 180-kilometer route takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country, including rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and charming towns.

I will do a post later about The Ring of Kerry, but in the meantime, here are some of my top recommendations for what to see.

Insider Tip : Drive around the ring in a clockwise sense, so you are going in the opposite direction to the coaches and tour buses

• Hike up to Torc Waterfall, a spectacular waterfall in the Killarney National Park 
• See the meeting of the Waters – a group of three interconnected lakes that are surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.
• Take in the views at Ladies View, a popular viewing spot that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes
• Visit the town of Kenmare, a charming town that is known for its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere. Kenmare Stone Circle is a must-see in town 
• Stop in Sneem : Sneem is another good choice for a stop on your Ring of Kerry road trip.
• Visit Derrynane Beach and Derrynane House and gardens
• Stop in Valentia Island : One of the Skellig Coast’s best-kept secrets, which is reached by driving over the bridge from Portmagee.
• Stop at Cahersiveen, with its statue of Charlie Chaplin who was once a regular visitor. 
• Visit Kells, although it should be noted that the Book of Kells is actually housed within the Old Library building, at Dublin City’s Trinity College
• Stop in Glenbeigh, a small peaceful village at the foot of a well wooded mountain and close to the head of Dingle Bay

8 Cork (The Blarney Castle and the Jameson Experience)

Cork is a vibrant city with plenty of charm and two of the nearby key attractions are the Blarney Castle and a visit to the Jameson Whisky Experience in Midleton. 

Blarney Castle is a stunning medieval fortress located in County Cork, which is known for the famous Blarney Stone, which is said to give those who kiss it “the gift of eloquence”, colloquially known as “the gift of the gab”. But there’s much more to see and do at Blarney Castle than just kissing the stone. Here are my recommendations for Blarney Castle.

Let’s start with the obvious – kissing the Blarney Stone. This iconic attraction is located at the top of the castle’s tower, and reaching it requires a bit of a climb, and also at busy times you will have to queue. It’s a bit of a touristy tradition, and although I climbed up to the top, I didn’t kiss the stone, and I preferred exploring the castle grounds.

Blarney Castle is surrounded by stunning gardens and lush greenery, making it the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll. You can explore the different gardens and admire the various flowers, plants, and trees. Be sure to check out the Poison Garden, which features a collection of toxic plants from around the world, and the Rock Close, which features a collection of ancient standing stones, a fairy glade, and a waterfall.

The Jameson Experience, Midleton, is an Irish whiskey museum and visitor centre located in the Old Midleton Distillery in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland, and although I’m not a whisky drinker I really enjoyed this visit and will write a separate post on this later.

9 Kilkenny

This medieval city is famous for its well-preserved castle and cathedral and has a rich history and vibrant culture. Here are some of my top recommendations for what to see and do in Kilkenny.

• Visit Kilkenny Castle: Kilkenny Castle is a must-see attraction in the town. The castle was built in the 12th century and has undergone several renovations over the years. 

• Explore the Medieval Mile: The Medieval Mile is a stretch of the town that is full of historic buildings and landmarks. You can explore the mile on foot and take in the beautiful architecture and learn about the town’s history.

• Take a walk along the River Nore: The River Nore runs through Kilkenny and offers beautiful views of the town. You can take a leisurely walk along the river and enjoy the scenery.

• Visit the Smithwick’s Experience: The Smithwick’s Experience is a tour of the oldest operating brewery in Ireland. You can learn about the history of the brewery and the process of making beer, and I will do a feature on this later.

10 Dublin

End your journey in the vibrant capital of Ireland. From historic landmarks to bustling streets filled with shops, restaurants, and pubs, Dublin has something for everyone. Here are some of my top recommendations for what to see and do in Dublin.

• Visit the Guinness Storehouse: No trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Whether you like Guinness or not, this is still a must-do experience.

• Stroll through St. Stephen’s Green: St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful park located in the heart of Dublin. You can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and admire the sculptures and monuments, or simply relax on the grass and enjoy the scenery.

• Explore Trinity College: Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university and boasts a rich history and stunning architecture. You can take a guided tour of the campus and see the famous Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated manuscript from the 9th century.

• Visit Dublin Castle: Dublin Castle is a historic fortress that dates back to the 13th century. You can take a guided tour of the castle or simply stroll through the gardens and admire the architecture.

Wander through Temple Bar: Temple Bar is a lively neighborhood in Dublin that is known for its colorful buildings, street performers, and bustling nightlife, a great place to spend the evening! 

Insider Tip : Return your car rental when you arrive in Dublin, as you won’t need it to get around and parking is expensive!

If you have more time for your Irish Road Trip

We allowed ten days for our Irish Road Trip, but if we had been able to take an extra day or two, I would have added a scenic drive around the Dingle Peninsula.

The Dingle Peninsula is located just north of the Ring of Kerry and offersmore stunning coastal views. You can take a scenic drive around the peninsula or stop in the town of Dingle for some shopping and dining.

About Driving in Ireland

In Ireland they drive on the left-hand side of the road, and some of the roads are narrow and windy, so remember to keep left and have a look at the rest of my tips below:

• Consider the size of car you rent – you want something big enough for the size of your group, but small enough that you feel comfortable driving it on the narrow roads.
• Take full cover car insurance – make sure that you take fully comprehensive car insurance, and ideally with zero franchise
• Consider if you need to rent a GPS – this is especially important if you won’t have phone service during your trip
• Take your time – there’s no rush so take your time and schedule plenty of stops. You’ll be glad you did as the scenery is spectacular!

Conclusion about The Ultimate Irish Road Trip Itinerary

In conclusion, Southern Ireland is a beautiful place to explore, and these ten stops on The Ultimate Irish Road Trip Itinerary are just the tip of the iceberg. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

I hope you enjoyed this post on The Ultimate Irish Road Trip Itinerary and I will soon post a more detailed feature on the Ring of Kerry.

I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to make sure you never miss a post,

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Happy travelling!