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Have you been dreaming of a bucket list journey around Ireland that also includes Northern Ireland’s captivating landscapes? Maybe you’d like to witness the rugged beauty of the Cliffs of Moher before heading north to visit the Giant’s Causeway? If all this is true, below I’m sharing my own 10 day road trip itinerary around Ireland that covers all these experiences and more.
Adding Northern Ireland did make this itinerary a bit faster-paced than what I normally prefer. However, we weren’t shorted on any of the Emerald Isle’s cultural richness, with each day revealing a new colorful seaside village or charming road through the sheep-covered countryside. I still reminisce about staying in super cozy cottages, holding baby lambs, and admiring dramatic coastal cliffs.
Are you ready to embark on your own unforgettable 10-day Ireland road trip? Let’s get into it!
Perfect 10 Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
Before we jump into the itinerary, here are a few Ireland basics to know before you travel.
Things to Know Before Your Ireland Road Trip
- Currency: While Ireland uses the euro, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and uses the pound.
- Driving: The Irish drive on the left side of the road. Additionally, drivers in the Emerald Isle sit on the right side of the car.
- Daylight: Daylight hours during your trip can lengthen or shorten your sightseeing. During our March visit, we had 12-13 hours of daylight every day. In December, this would look more like 7-8 hours, while in July it would be around 16-17 hours.
- Mobile Phones: Make sure your phone works in Ireland by setting up an international plan with your phone company or purchasing a sim card.
- Electrical Converters: Ireland operates on a 230V supply voltage with a three-pronged plug. It’s the exact same in Northern Ireland. You will need to pack an adaptor if you’re coming from outside of Ireland or the United Kingdom.
Related: What Does a Trip to Ireland Cost? A Full Rundown
Kick-Off Your Ireland Road Trip in Dublin
Upon landing in Ireland, do the following:
- Retrieve any checked luggage
- Withdraw euros from an ATM (we typically withdraw around €200)
- Caffeinate
- Pick up your rental car. Rent the smallest vehicle possible for maneuvering the narrow, sometimes one-lane roads you’ll encounter in Ireland.
Drive South Through the Wicklow Mountains
The charming medieval village of Kilkenny is a pleasant overnight stop before kicking off your 10 day Ireland road trip. It technically only takes about 1.5 hours to reach from Dublin via the highway, but wouldn’t the scenic route be more fun (mapped here)?
If you’re game, I recommend a detour through Wicklow Mountains National Park to immerse yourself into Ireland’s gorgeous scenery immediately. As energy allows, consider stopping in Glendalough about an hour and twenty minutes into your journey. This is where you can visit ruins of the Monastic City, which was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century.
Afterwards, the Hollywood Cafe in the tiny town of Hollywood is a cute place to grab a quick lunch and coffee before the final hour and twenty minutes of your drive. Yes, this route added an extra hour of travel, but we would never have seen sights like a heard of cows ambling across a bridge overhead had we taken the highway.
Overnight in Kilkenny
Upon arrival in Kilkenny, check into your hotel and then hit the town to stroll past the colorful storefronts of the Medieval Mile.
I’ll admit, we had an early dinner at 5:30pm because we were exhausted from our long journey. We ducked into the Cat and The Fiddle, a gastropub near our hotel, for a delicious burger, Thai green curry, and our first Guinness of the trip. Side note: Guinness actually does taste better in Ireland!
Afterwards, we had our typical first night ritual of a jet lag-interrupted sleep.
Travel Savvy Tip
We have found that ordering a medium burger (slightly pink in the middle) is not as common in Ireland as it is in the US. Unless you specify how you want it cooked, chances are your burger will come out well-done.
Suggested Stay: We stayed at the Kilmore Guest House in Kilkenny, which was inexpensive and conveniently located right around the corner from the Medieval Mile on High Street.
Day 1: Jerpoint Abbey, Rock of Cashel, Cobh
It’s time for the first big sightseeing day of your 10-day Ireland road trip extravaganza. You’ll just spend a short morning in Kilkenny because some seriously iconic stops are coming up on today’s itinerary! This includes a 12th century abbey, the Rock of Cashel, and the last port of call of the Titanic.
Morning in Kilkenny
Begin your day with a stroll over to Kilkenny Castle to view the exterior and tour the inside if you have time (I recommend seeing as many Irish castles as possible!). Purchase tickets online in advance for the 9am timeslot and allow one hour for your visit.
Now it’s time to retrieve your bags and prepare to hit the road. Before leaving Kilkenny, make one last stop at La Rivista for a cappuccino and croissant served with butter and jam.
Jerpoint Abbey
Just a twenty-minute drive south of Kilkenny is your first stop of the day: Jerpoint Abbey. Our experience at this former 12th century monastery was quiet and pleasant, with only a couple of other tourists around us.
Aaron and I took a short stroll around the property, looking for evidence of the structure’s early Romanesque architecture before the eventual transition to tall gothic arches. There are also various stone sculptures on tombs and other memorials to admire that date back to the medieval period .
Rock of Cashel
Next, it’s time to drive just over an hour into County Tipperary to see one of the most visited sites in Ireland: the Rock of Cashel ($8 for adults). This impressive collection of medieval stone buildings perched strikingly on top of a hill was once the seat of the kings of Munster from the 4th or 5th century. According to legend, in the year 432 AD St. Patrick himself converted King Aenghus to Christianity at this site.
Today, you can several surviving buildings, including a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of Vicars Choral, and a fifteenth-century Tower House. Additionally, it’s well worth a wander into Cormac’s Chapel to see the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland (this is a separate ticket purchased upon arrival).
The hilltop might be a bit windy, so you may want to bring a light sweatshirt or jacket. Otherwise, don’t forget to enjoy the views over the town of Cashel and rolling acres of farm land all around.
If you a craving an additional adventure, take a downhill stroll into the fields west of the Rock of Cashel to see the lesser-visited Hore Abbey ruins (free). Although these ruins have not been well kept, they are what is left of the last medieval Cistercian monastery in Ireland.
Cheerful Cobh
Get back on the road for one last stop in County Cork: the quaint, hilly seaside town of Cobh (pronounced like cove). Cobh has the world’s second-largest natural harbor and cheerful streets with colorful homes that lead down to the water. This town makes a great lunch stop and is worth a look around if you have a couple hours to spare.
Learn about the travelers who embarked from this port en route to Ellis Island and other immigration hubs at the Cobh Heritage Center. Cobh was also the last port of call for the Titanic before its fateful voyage, which you can explore at the Titanic Experience.
Of course, this hilly town is perfectly pleasant for simply wandering along the picturesque harbor. Another popular photo spot requires fighting gravity up a steep hill lined with the cutest colorful stretch of homes, known as the “deck of cards”.
Kissing the Blarney Stone
Is kissing the Blarney Stone on your bucket list? I’m not gonna lie – although I haven’t done it myself, this activity is viewed by many to be a tourist trap.
That said, plenty of people come to Ireland with this famous kissing ritual high up on their bucket list. After all, legend has it that those who do will receive “the gift of gab”.
If this is you, then you should definitely leave Cobh early (or maybe skip it all together) to hit up the Blarney Castle. It’s a 40-minute drive west from Cobh, but make sure to arrive to the castle at least an hour before closing (check hours here).
The drawbacks? You might have to wait in line, and the way visitors are shuffled through quickly may take away from the overall experience. This is also a pricey activity at €20, with an additional €2 charge for parking.
Stay in County Cork
Afterwards, continue onto your lodging somewhere in County Cork, whether that’s in Cobh, Kinsale, or a rural Airbnb. Aaron and I opted for the last one in the town of Kilbrittain (I’ve listed it as a recommendation below). We ate a wonderful dinner at Monk’s Lane in the nearby town of Timoleauge, which was happily off the main tourist path.
Suggested Stay: Sleep at this super cozy cottage so that you can easily tour the nearby historic seaside town of Kinsale the next day.
Day 2: Kinsale, Killarney National Park, Kenmare
Welcome to the Wild Atlantic Way. You are in for some astounding scenery, in case you weren’t already impressed by what you have seen so far.
Having awoken to a sunny March day in the mid-50’s (F), we fueled up for another harborside adventure with fresh brown bread, butter, and jam provided by our Airbnb host.
Kinsale
We headed to the town of Kinsale for an 11:15am tour with Don and Barry’s Historic Strolls (€8). Starting at the Tourist Information Center, Barry led us and other guests through Kinsale’s history over 1.5 hours.
We dove into how British control impacted the port from the early 1600’s, the impact of the Lusitania’s nearby sinking on WWI, and the town’s transformation from a walled city to a colorful haven that I found reminiscent (in a way) of Charleston, South Carolina.
Post tour, keep the sea vibes going with a lunch at Fishy Fishy that includes crispy fish and chips and seafood soup. Then its time to start your 1.5 hour drive towards Kenmare, detouring to Killarney National Park along the way.
Travel Savvy Tip
Not quite ready to leave these cozy harbor towns? I don’t blame you. If you are unable to add an extra day to your Ireland road trip itinerary, consider making a swap on one of your remaining days.
For example, I have included two iconic peninsular drives in this 10 day Ireland road trip itinerary (they really are fantastic). Simple choose between either the green, fairy tale Ring of Kerry or the culturally rich Dingle Peninsula. Then you’ll be able to spend one extra day soaking in the sea breezes and learning maritime history in Cobh and Kinsale.
Killarney National Park
You’ll technically be visiting your first stop on the Ring of Kerry today, so you will not have to retrace this path tomorrow. Killarney National Park is full of hiking trails, but one of the most popular stops is Muckross House, a 19th century Victorian mansion.
Since we accidentally chose the wrong parking lot, we visited 15th century Muckross Abbey instead of walking 1.5 miles to the house. This was a happy accident, as we loved having the run of the place to wander up every narrow spiral staircase and pop into hidden rooms.
If you have time and energy, stop off for a ten minute hike to Torc Waterfall before continuing on to Kenmare. We made it to this sleepy town around 5:30pm, where two hours of daylight was just the right amount of time to explore.
Kenmare
Kenmare is the ideal place to overnight in preparation for completing the Ring of Kerry the next morning. First, we checked out a small local stone circle, where we were all alone with the rocks and fairy trees. There was just a small “honor” money box that charged a small fee at the entrance.
Next, we holed up in Crowley’s, a small pub filled with welcoming locals and seating near a toasty fireplace. This is also the place where I discovered I liked draft Murphy’s better than Guinness, though it can be harder to find this one on draft.
We finished off the evening by dining at The Horseshoe, filling up on delectable sea scallops over deceitfully good cauliflower purée and a full rack of BBQ ribs.
Travel Savvy Tip
When ordering either Murphy’s or Guinness, do not and I repeat, DO NOT, grab your beer and start drinking it if the bartender sets your glass near you on the bar, but not in front of you. They are letting the foam settle before continuing with your proper pour.
I must have eagerly grabbed my glass prematurely three times before I finally absorbed the repeated scolding from both my husband and the bartender.
Suggested Stay: Rockcrest House in Kenmare is a husband-and-wife-run bed and breakfast that gives romantic panoramic views over Kenmare. It’s just five minutes from the town center. We paid in cash for our room at checkout.
Day 3: Ring of Kerry
Today, you will be doing the first of two peninsular driving routes: the stunningly beautiful Ring of Kerry. Hit the road by 8 or 9am to maximize daylight and beat the crowds and large bus tours.
The route I have mapped takes about 4 hours and fifteen minutes (without stops) and is 211 miles long, ending the day with a drive to Dingle.
Here are the top sites going clockwise around the Ring of Kerry from Rockcrest House in Kenmare:
- Glacier Lake (18.1 km): Serene blue lake formed by a glacier 10,000 years ago.
- Sneem (26.5 km): Town where you can grab a coffee or snack before continuing.
- Staigue Ring Fort (45.4 km): Large, wonderfully preserved ring fort, possibly dating back to the Celtic period. Observe the 10 flights of stairs in an X shape leading to the ramparts and the tightly interlocked stones, demonstrating expert craftsmanship.
- Derrynane House (58.1 km): For €5, tour the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, a national hero who championed equal rights for Irish Catholics during the 19th century. Also check out stunning Derrynane Beach.
- Waterville (70.4 km): Chill beach town with a Charlie Chaplin statue (he vacationed here with his family).
- Skellig Ring Loop (87.8 km): Bonus loop off the Ring of Kerry that boasts the breathtaking Kerry Cliffs (€5). Afterwards, stop at the Fisherman’s Bar in Portmagee for lunch.
- Cahersiveen (112 km): Another bonus loop, where you can see two more majestic ring forts: Cahergal and Leacanabuaile. Chances are you’ll encounter some sheep too.
End the day in Dingle, a lively port town about two hours away, to be well-situated to navigate the Dingle Peninsula the next day.
Suggested Stay: Sleep at this cottage in Dingle, which is equipped with a fireplace and is a short walk from the town center.
Day 4: Dingle Peninsula
Cap off one more day of peninsula circling with the Irish heritage-packed Dingle Peninsula. Don’t worry – this one is shorter than the Ring of Kerry, being 30 miles long. That said, you’ll still fill a day seeing the cluster of sights along this route.
Here are the must-see’s along the Dingle Peninsula (along with a map):
- Dunbeg Fort (13.3 km): Iron age promontory fort with gorgeous sea views.
- Beehive Huts (14.2 km): 1,000 year old medieval houses made of stone from the ancient method of drystone corbelling.
- Hold a baby lamb (15.7 km): Means exactly what it says!
- Cross at Slea Head (16.9 km): From here there are pretty views out to the Blasket Islands.
- Great Blasket Island and Dunmore Head viewing point: Roadside stop for pretty views. Option to do a 1.6-mile hike on Dunmore Head.
- The Blasket Centre (23 km): Exhibits tell the story of the unique community that inhabited the Blasket islands through 1953. Open March through November.
- Clogher Head pullout (25.2 km): Scenic viewpoint. I recommend doing the 1-mile hike on Clogher Head for gorgeous sea views.
- Town of Ballyferriter (30.9 km): The largest village west of Dingle town. If you stop into a pub, you’ll likely hear Irish being spoken.
- Riasc Monastery ruins (32.8 km): A medieval monastic site with a 6th century cross-inscribed stone pillar in its original position.
- Gallarus Oratory (36.3 km): Must-see 1,000-year-old structure that is the best preserved ancient church in Ireland.
- St. Brandon’s Oratory (39.8 km): Predates Gallarus, but is not as perfectly preserved.
- The ruined church of Kilmalkedar (40.1 km): Site of an early monastery along the significant Cosán na Naomh pilgrimage route. See the hilltop ruins of a 12th-century Norman Church, a mix of medieval and more recent graves, a 5th-or-6th-century swearing stone, and an early medieval sundial.
Evening in Dingle
After returning back to Dingle, we were craving some coffee. We found a cute little stand along the harbor and got cappuccinos to sip by the sea.
We decided to treat ourselves to a classy seafood dinner at Out of the Blue in downtown Dingle (closed during winter). Afterwards, we grabbed one of the last chairs in The Dingle Pub to sip a pint while trad music filled our ears.
Suggested Stay: Sleep in Dingle for a second night.
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher and Galway
While your Ireland sightseeing has come in a lot of quick bursts so far, now it’s time to settle in for two consecutive days with a bit more driving. Unfortunately, a couple days like this are necessary when combining both Ireland and Northern Ireland into a 10 day road trip. Wear comfy clothes and pick a good playlist since you’ll be in the car for a while.
Lunch & Car Ferry
Soon, we we’re passing through a number of small colorful villages, stopping in Listowel at an adorable cafe called Lynch’s Bakery & Coffee Shop. This was the perfect cozy place to warm up before heading back out for more driving through the chilly March drizzle.
That’s before we encountered another delay: I hadn’t noticed that the shortest mileage route from Dingle to the Cliffs of Moher included a 20-minute car ferry crossing (€23). We arrived to the dock just as one was leaving, meaning we had to wait for an hour to catch the next one.
Cliffs of Moher
Things picked up once Aaron and I arrived at the incomparable Cliffs of Moher, which are every bit as vast and breathtaking as we’d pictured. We strolled about 700 feet above the North Atlantic thundering below, while the diffused evening light softened the rocky cliff faces stretching for five miles into the misty horizon.
We paused to take in the view and capture some photos before getting back on the road.
Galway
We ended the evening in Galway – an energetic college town with trendy eateries and fun nightlife. Since Aaron and I were delayed in our travels, we weren’t able to explore Galway as much as we’d hoped. However, we were able to grab some dinner at The Quay Street Kitchen, which had a lively atmosphere.
If you do have some extra time in Galway, do the following as your schedule allows:
- Explore Galway Cathedral
- Stroll past the colorful waterfront homes of the Long Walk
- Observe the Spanish Arch, which dates back to the 1500’s
- Check out the Galway City Museum
- Go to Tigh Neachtain’s or The Crane Bar to hear trad music
Suggested Stay: We stayed within walking distance of top Galway sights at a bed and breakfast called Sli Na Mara.
Day 6: Portrush
Today you’ll have to make one more five hour journey to reach Portrush in Northern Ireland. You won’t run into any border between these two counties where you’d need to show your passport or anything. The road just continues on as normal.
Donegal
Break up the drive with a lunch stop in the medieval town of Donegal and with a visit to Donegal Castle. Originally built in the 15th century, major improvements were made to this castle after 1616 when it came into the hands of Sir Basil Brooke. You can see some of his proudest additions today, including the giant fireplace with an intricate carved-wood mantlepiece.
Note: Unfortunately, from November 2023 Donegal castle is closed for works until further notice.
Portrush
Once you’ve ended another long day of driving upon arrival in Portrush, you should still have time to visit some striking outdoor sights. While I’ll provide a general idea of how to spend your time in Portrush in this post, I recommend referring to my more in-depth 36 hours on the Antrim Coast itinerary here.
On your first afternoon/evening, make the following stops:
- The Dark Hedges
- The Giant’s Causeway: Take the blue trail down to the basalt columns on the water
Afterwards, check into your next stay and grab dinner in downtown Portrush.
Suggested Stay: We rented this cozy cabin in Portrush.
Day 7: Portrush
Time to wake up and hit the ground running for your one full day exploring Portrush. If it’s sunny, lucky you! Otherwise, be sure to bring an umbrella and soldier on (a waterproof jacket helps).
Today, you will do the following:
- Cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. There is also a short scenic hike along the coast to enjoy before reaching the bridge.
- Tour the Old Bushmills Distillery, which has been making Irish whiskey for 400 years.
- Visit a cafe for a snack and warm drinks in the town of Bushmills.
- Do the red trail along the Giants Causeway to explore the coast and see “the organ”.
- Visit the cliffside Dunluce Castle ruins
Eat dinner in Portrush again.
Day 8: Trim & Dublin
Today, it’s time to navigate to the last stop of your Ireland road trip: Dublin.
Break up the three hour highway drive with a stop in Trim, a pretty medieval town situated 45 minutes northwest of Dublin in the ancient Boyne Valley. This lush region, where rivers rush past rolling vibrant greenery, contains 5,000 years of Ireland’s history. The likes of pagans, Irish high kings, monks, Vikings, and Normans have all left their mark here.
Visit Trim Castle
Towering above Trim is 12th-century Trim Castle (€5, €1 for parking), which was once featured as a set in the movie Braveheart. This tall stone structure, rising vertically above the River Boyne down below, must have been a looming presence during the era of Norman. A tour allows you to take in panoramic views from the roof of what is the largest Norman-Anglo castle still standing.
Before departing Trim, grab a deli sandwich from the Harvest Home Bakery & Cafe before continuing on to Dublin.
Settle into Dublin
Depending on when you arrive into Dublin, a lot of popular sights, like Dublin Castle, might already be closed. However, if you’re intent on squeezing out every available ounce of sightseeing time, it’s still possible to do an evening pub crawl or food tour.
Here are three great evening tours of Dublin:
Aaron and I opted simply for dinner and drinks, wandering into a recommended pub called Doheny & Nesbitt, only to find crowds and a closed kitchen. Therefore, we got a table at Foley’s Bar instead, a music venue and gastropub with a tasty food menu. While eating nachos, a Cajun chicken burger, and a seafood pot pie, we listened to a DJ play 80’s and 90’s hits.
Note: Upon arrival in Dublin, you will no longer need your rental car. Consider dropping it off and then Ubering back to the hotel on your first night.
Suggested Stay: Unpack for the last time during your Ireland road trip in a vintage glamour-themed room at Number 31. This quiet hotel is walkable to St. Stephens Green, Trinity College, the National Archeology Museum, the National Gallery, and the lively Temple Bar area.
Day 9: Dublin
It’s time to close out your Ireland road trip with a couple days exploring Dublin. Begin your first day with breakfast at your hotel before hitting the pavement for a busy day exploring some of Ireland’s hardest hitting sights.
Old Library & Book of Kells at Trinity College
Dive right into the literary side of Dublin by viewing one of the oldest books in the world: the Book of Kells, which is on display at Trinity College’s Old Library. Written around the year 800 by Scottish monks taking refuge in the Irish town of Kells, this book contains the four gospels in Latin. However, it is most notable for the ornate, pigmented illustrations for decor and depicting biblical scenes.
This was definitely the most crowded sight we visited in Dublin, even with having reserved an essential timed entry ticket. It was also among the most expensive, at €19 per adult. However, you’ll get to see this treasure opened up to one of its most impressive pages, and marvel at the centuries of people who’ve also come into contact with this book.
An audio tour comes with your ticket on the Visit Trinity app. It’s a good idea to download the app ahead of time (my husband couldn’t download it with the museum’s poor internet connection).
After viewing the Book of Kells, continue onto the Long Room at the Old Library, which dates back to the 18th century. This two-story space holds 200,000 of the library’s oldest books and the stuff of dreams for book lovers everywhere. You will also see marble busts of great thinkers and writers of the western world at the end of each bookcase, along with other artifacts, including a medieval harp.
Kilmainham Gaol Museum
Next, continue onto the Kilmainham Gaol Museum, where you will once again need to buy a timed-entry ticket in advance for a guided tour. This jail was built in 1796 to house common criminals. Although this jail had a goal of reform, it would in reality become overcrowded with abysmal living conditions.
Many political prisoners would be held here as well. This includes 14 leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising until they were executed by firing squad on the property.
You will need to cross town from Trinity to reach Kilmainham Gaol, so either take the 60 or 13 bus (bring cash) or grab an Uber or taxi. I was able to quicky and easily find all necessary bus routes and times simply using Google Maps.
Lunch
It’s been a busy morning, so take a quick lunch stop before some distillery fun. We grabbed some sandwiches from KC Peaches, which is a local chain.
Taste Irish Whiskey
When in Ireland, it is essential to taste some Irish whiskey and there are several places where you can do so:
- Jameson Distillery Dublin: The site where John Jameson first opened his Bow Street Distillery in 1780. Although Jameson whiskey production moved to Midleton, County Cork in 1975, today a visitor center remains at the old Bow Street location, offering tastes and tours.
- Teeling Distillery: This establishment became the first new distillery to enter the Dublin Irish whiskey scene in 125 years when it opened its doors in 2012. Making whiskey is in the Teeling brothers’ blood, as their ancestor Walter Teeling ran a small craft distillery in Dublin back in 1782. Tasting and tour fees here are a tad lower than those of Jameson’s.
- Irish Whiskey Museum: Where you can learn the unbiased general history of whiskey production in Ireland. You’ll taste a variety of styles and distillation methods from different Irish brands.
Aaron and I visited Teeling and stayed afterwards for a few more smooth samples of whiskey with a couple we met during the tour. We ended up bringing home two bottles of whiskey.
Dinner
We dined at Pickle North Indian Cuisine, which sits right on the edge of Dublin’s hip Portobello neighborhood. Our delightful courses included duck two ways, limbu jhinga (a prawn curry), and dessert that was reminiscent of beignets soaked in a sweet syrup.
For those looking for nightlife afterwards, there were plenty of pubs in the vicinity, some of which had lines down the sidewalk.
Day 10: Dublin
Today you’ll be exploring even more beloved sights around Dublin on this very walkable itinerary. Be sure to eat a filling breakfast because you’ll be having a late lunch.
St. Stephen’s Green
On your way to your first stop of the day, the National Museum of Ireland – Archeology, take a walk through St. Stephen’s Green. Just a three a three minute walk from the museum, this park was originally established in 1663 when a designated green space was set aside for public use, while surrounding lots were put up for rent.
By the 19th century the park had fallen into disrepair and was no longer open to the public. However, Sir Arthur Guinness, descendent of the original Guinness brewery founder, purchased the land and made it once again accessible to all. The park would be a part of history once again in 1916 when it was occupied by rebel forces during the Easter Rising.
National Museum of Ireland – Archeology
The National Museum of Ireland – Archeology is one of the top rated museums in Ireland for good reason. First off, the museum is open every day (except Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day, and Good Friday) and admission is completely free.
Second, the museum’s rich collection of artifacts allows you to delve into the origins of Ireland’s history and heritage. Learn about the 9th century Vikings who inhabited Dublin, view gold jewelry dating back to the Bronze age in Ireland, and see the Faddan More Psalter (a medieval book of psalms).
O’Connell Street & Temple Bar
Next it’s time to see O’Connell Street, a busy thoroughfare in Dublin that houses a string of statues that honor Irish national heroes. Cross the O’Connell Bridge, known for being wider than it is long, over the River Liffey to begin this stroll.
The first statue you’ll encounter is of Daniel O’Connell (remember Derrynane House on the Ring of Kerry?). Continue a little further down O’Connell Street to see additional tributes, eventually reaching The Spire, which sits 120 meters tall and gives a nod to Ireland’s past and future.
Other than these landmarks, this street is busy and lined with American fast food chains, so head back over the River Liffey via the Ha’penny Bridge to find more charm. First, make a quick photo stop at the iconic red Temple Bar Pub on the corner of Essex Street and Temple Lane. Stop in for a drink or a bite if it’s not too busy; otherwise, let’s keep moving.
Dublin Castle
I know you’ve already seen a lot of castles, but a stop at Dublin Castle is absolutely essential during a visit to the city. I mean, can you ever really see too many castles?
Originally a medieval fortress built during the 13th century, Dublin castle served as the seat of English (followed by British) rule in Ireland. In April 1684, a fire damaged much of the building, and from here it was rebuilt as a Georgian palace. That said, visitors can still see some portions of the original structure that survived the blaze.
On January 16, 1922, the palace was handed over the the newly formed Republic of Ireland, which had just become independent from the United Kingdom. Presidential inaugurations and many other ceremonial state events continue to be held at Dublin Castle to this day.
Late Lunch
Tonight you’ll be joining a pub crawl, which falls right in the middle of traditional dinner time. Therefore, it’s best to eat a late lunch so you aren’t starving while sipping Irish whiskey.
I recommend popping into The Hairy Lemon, which is a ten-minute walk from Dublin Castle and will bring you back within 400m of St. Stephen’s Green. With a menu full of delicious pub food and Irish whiskey, this establishment has a friendly dive bar feel.
Literary Pub Tour
Literature and trad music are both Irish traditions to be found in Dublin, which you can be exposed to via a number of tour options.
If you’d like to see why Dublin was selected as the fourth UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, opt for this literary pub tour. Far from being dry, you’ll essentially be doing a pub crawl while a licensed guide brings to life the works of writers like James Joyce and William Butler Yeats.
However, if you haven’t got your fill of trad tunes yet, then try this musical pub crawl instead.
Depart from Dublin
All the many legs of this bucket list Ireland road trip are now complete and it’s time to begin your journey back home (or onward). If your travels are done, grab a taxi or Uber back to Dublin Airport.
If you are like me and want to maximize your time abroad, consider taking a budget flight on Dublin-based Ryanair to another European city. In just two hours, I was able to reach Copenhagen and be immersed in an entirely different culture.
Have Only 7 Days for your Ireland Road Trip?
If you’d like to shorten this 10 day Ireland road trip itinerary to just 7 days, do the following:
- Cut out the Northern Ireland portion of the trip to revisit during future travels
- Spend just one exhilaratingly hectic day seeing all that you can in Dublin
Do You Have 2 Weeks for a Road Trip Around Ireland?
Extend this 10 day Ireland road trip itinerary with any of the below:
- Add a day trip to the Aran Islands from Galway
- Spend an extra day in the Cobh/Kinsale area
- Explore more sights around Dublin, including day trips like Wicklow Mountains National Park and the Boyne Valley
- Add an extra day near the Cliffs of Moher for hiking and listening to Trad music in Doolin
- Visit Belfast in Northern Ireland, which is where the Titanic was built
• • •
Whew! That was one intense sightseeing extravaganza around the Emerald Isle! However, if you want to get a taste of all that Ireland and Northern Ireland have to offer in just 10 days, then this road trip itinerary is exactly what you need. Prepare to be awed by the rich history, dramatic coastal cliffs, and vibrant green hills that are even more impressive in person!
