How to Spend 10 Days in Ireland: An Awesome Irish Road Trip Itinerary

Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!

-D. K. Gavan

Are you planning a trip to Ireland? If so, I’m envious because I’m already dying to return. I’d argue that 10 days in Ireland isn’t enough, as it is such a beautiful country with much to see. However, if you can do 10 days in Ireland, you can fit a lot in.

I had Ireland on my bucket list ever since I first saw Riverdance on PBS as a kid. The country sounded like a fairyland…and I’m convinced that’s because it actually is.

This past spring, my family and I finally went on an Ireland road trip adventure. We learned quite a few things on our first trip to Ireland (sometimes the hard way), but we greatly enjoyed our time there.

After much research, I put together our 10-day Ireland itinerary. Since it was my first time in Ireland, I didn’t want to miss a thing, yet I had to be realistic about what we could fit into 10 days. What you’ll find below is a combination of what we did and what I wish we had done.

If you have more than 10 days in Ireland, I’ve included how you can extend your trip at the end of this post.

So pack your bags and get ready to spend ten days in Ireland, full of rolling green hills, stunning seaside cliffs, castle ruins…and perhaps a dram or two of whiskey.

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Getting There

If you are flying into Ireland, you’ll most likely fly into Dublin Airpot (DUB). The city of Dublin is the country’s capital city and makes a great starting point for a road trip around Ireland. (This 10-day Ireland itinerary begins and ends in Dublin.)

Getting Around

The best way to get around Ireland is to do a road trip. While there is an extensive bus and train system throughout the country, a car is required to get to the more rural (aka beautiful) places.

To many international tourists, driving in Ireland can seem daunting. The Irish drive on the left-hand, many of the roads are narrow and twisty, and sometimes you have to brake for sheep. However, I’m here to tell you that braving these things is worth it!

Renting a car in Ireland is relatively easy; there are rental places such as Hertz and Budget in all of the major hubs, along with more localized options. When you pick up your car, make sure to read over your contract and receipt carefully! Double-check you haven’t been “upgraded” to something larger/ more expensive.

Also, it is worth paying for the Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) Insurance when renting a car in Ireland. Many major credit cards that normally have some kind of car rental insurance in the US do not apply in Ireland (even if that’s the card you use to make the reservation). Even if you’re not new to driving on the left-hand side of the road, you’ll probably have some scratches, so best to play it safe.

Other Things to Know

• Download offline Google Maps to use as a GPS. If you’re traveling internationally and don’t want to pay for extra phone service, offline maps are a great alternative. While you’re still on wifi, download the portion of the map that you’ll be driving that day, and it’ll keep you on track even when you go offline.
• The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro. Most places take credit/debit cards, but it is useful to have some coins on hand for public restrooms and tipping housekeeping.
• I highly recommend visiting Ireland during the shoulder seasons: spring or fall. The summer months may be the driest in Ireland, but they’re also the busiest. My family and I took our ten-day Ireland trip in April, and not only did we have plenty of sunshine, but we also beat the summer crowds.

10-Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

Note: This Ireland itinerary only covers the Republic of Ireland. Due to time restraints, we didn’t make it to Northern Ireland during my family trip. (Guess that gives me an excuse to go back!)

Day 1	Arrive in Dublin	Day 6	Dingle Peninsula
Day 2	Dublin	Day 7	Dingle to Cliffs of Moher
Day 3	Dublin to Kilkenny	Day 8	Galway
Day 4	Kilkenny to Killarney	Day 9	Connemara or Aran Islands
Day 5	Killarney to Dingle	Day 10	Drive back to Dublin

Day 1: Dublin

Failté (Welcome)! You’ve made it to Ireland. Spend your first couple of days getting acclimated in Dublin.

Arrive in Dublin

Once your plane lands, you have several options for getting from Dublin Airport to Dublin’s city center. The airport is about 10 km/ 6 miles north of the city.

• By car: Both regular taxis and Uber are available at Dublin Airport. Follow signs from either Terminal 1 or 2 to reach the taxi pick-up area.
• By bus: Dublin Express route numbers 782 and 784 will take you from the airport to areas in the city including Temple Bar, Trinity College, and Heuston Station. Bus tickets can be pre-purchased or purchased when you board the bus.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

When I visit a new city with my family, we like to take a hop-on hop-off bus tour. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city and pick the places you want to explore further. The bus drivers are not only full of fun facts about Dublin, but they sing as well!

Your ticket is good for 24 hours, so you can most likely still use it the morning of Day 2 if you want.

Eat and Drink at Your First Irish Pub of the Trip

Depending on when your flight arrives, you may be struggling with jet lag. I encourage you to try to stay awake through dinner.

One of the things you can easily cross off your Ireland bucket list on your first day is going to an Irish pub. Grab a pint, some pub grub, and get an early night.

Some of the best pubs in Dublin are:

• Grogans
• The Palace Bar
• Oliver St. John Gogartys
• The Long Hall
• The Stags Head

Where to Stay in Dublin

As in most cities, staying close to the city center makes it easy to walk around. That said, prices tend to be a bit higher in the more popular, central areas.

• Where we stayed: The Chancery Hotel
• Budget option: Gogartys Temple Bar Hostel
• Modest option: Drury Court Hotel
• Splurge option: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

Day 2: Dublin

Spend your first full day in Ireland exploring Dublin. For a more detailed Dublin itinerary, check out my post on how to spend one day in Dublin.

Guinness Storehouse OR Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Start your day off right by touring an alcohol facility that comes with free tastings! While this might seem like an odd suggestion, hear me out. You’ll beat the crowds by hitting some of Dublin’s most popular tourist destinations earlier in the day.

If you enjoy Guinness (or are interested in beer in general), head to the Guinness Storehouse. You’ll wind your way up the pint-shaped building, learning about how Guinness is made until you reach the top floor. There you’ll be treated to a rooftop bar with 360-degree views of Dublin City, as well as a free freshly-pulled pint.

Book your ticket for the Guinness Storehouse Experience here before they sell out!

If you prefer whiskey, check out Teeling Whiskey Distillery. Teeling is the first new distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years. Take a guided tour through the distillery and learn how the alcohol is aged and at the end of the tour, enjoy a whiskey-tasting experience.

Book your ticket for the Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting here.

The Book of Kells Experience OR National Museum of Ireland

It’s hard to fit in everything with just one day in Dublin, so like choosing your alcohol process of choice, it’s best to choose one museum experience. Are you more interested in books and art or history?

If you enjoy books, visit Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is located in the Long Room of Old Library. The Book of Kells is a 1,200-year-old manuscript intricately illustrating the four gospels of the Bible’s New Testament. While the Long Room is currently empty of books due to a redevelopment project, Trinity College is offering the Book of Kells Experience, an “immersive digital journey,” which brings the pages of the book to life with video, music, and lights. Tickets to the Book of Kells Experience need to be purchased ahead of time.

If you are more interested in history, consider visiting the National Museum of Ireland. There are two branches right next to each other: the National Museum of Ireland- Natural History and the National Museum of Ireland- Archaeology. Both are free to visit.

Temple Bar Area

One of the most popular things to do in Dublin is visit the Temple Bar area. Named for one of the pubs in the area, Temple Bar is now home to many other pubs, restaurants, theaters, and live music. It’s a great place to catch live music sessions in pubs if you want to cross that off your Ireland bucket list.

Day 3: Dublin to Kilkenny

It’s time to pick up your rental car and begin your road trip around Ireland! The first day of driving is on relatively main roads, giving you a chance to adjust to driving in Ireland.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

About an hour’s drive south will bring you to the Wicklow Mountains National Park. When I was on my ten-day Ireland trip with my family, I requested we stop here specifically because it’s featured in the film P.S. I Love You. However, Hollywood fame aside, Wicklow is a beautiful area to hike.

Glendalough Monastic Site

Within County Wicklow is the Glendalough Valley, where a monastery was founded in the sixth century. You can wander through a cemetery and cathedral remains in the shadow of the still-standing round tower.

I recommend parking at the Upper Lake car park and taking the Green Road Walk. It’s an easy 1.7-mile loop that passes by the monastic site.

Kilkenny

End the third of your 10 days in Ireland in the medieval city of Kilkenny. It’s a quaint city on the River Nore that is full of history, independent shops, and plenty of pubs and restaurants.

Some of the best places for dinner in Kilkenny are:

• Matt the Millers Bar and Restaurant
• Petronella
• Tynan’s Bridge House Bar
• Paris Texas Bar

Where to Stay in Kilkenny

• Where we stayed: Kilkenny House Boutique Hotel
• Budget option: The Orchard House
• Modest option: Kilkenny River Court Hotel
• Splurge option: Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel

Day 4: Kilkenny to Killarney

Explore more of Kilkenny before moving on to Killarney, with a pit stop at the impressive Rock of Cashel.

Kilkenny Castle

Before leaving Kilkenny, make sure to tour the gem of the city: Kilkenny Castle. Dating back to the 1200s, the castle has been lovingly restored to its Victorian glory. Take a self-guided tour through the interior of the castle, and then enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and gardens.

Smithwick’s Experience

If you didn’t get enough of a brewery experience at the Guinness Storehouse, head to Smithwick’s Experience in the heart of Kilkenny. Smithwick’s Irish Ale has been a staple since the 1700s, and it was brewed on-site until 2014. Enjoy an interactive tour with a tasting at the end.

Rock of Cashel and Hore Abbey

An hour’s drive to County Tipperary will bring you to one of the most-photographed landmarks in Ireland: the Rock of Cashel. Also known as the “Cashel of the Kings,” the site was originally the seat of the kings of Munster until 1101, when the reigning king donated it to the Christian Church.

Sitting dramatically on an outcrop, it’s a striking sight. After paying an entrance fee, you can walk around the Hall of the Vicar’s Choral, the Cathedral, and the Round Tower. For an additional fee, you can also take a guided tour of Cormac’s Chapel.

If you take a quick drive down the hill, you can also explore the remains of Hore Abbey for free. Though less impressive than the Rock of Cashel, it also holds a certain quiet magic.

Killarney

You can finally rest at the end of your fourth of 10 days in Ireland in Killarney. Home to Killarney National Park, it’s a picturesque area on the shore of Lough (Lake) Leane.

Where to Stay in Killarney

• Where we stayed: Guerin’s Apartment 2
• Budget option: Killeen House Hotel
• Modest option: Killarney Randles Hotel
• Splurge option: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa

Day 5: Killarney to Dingle

Need a sweet treat to start your day? Swing by Lir Cafe for coffee, pastries, and chocolate.

Spend the fifth day of your Ireland trip enjoying the beauty of Killarney National Park.

Ross Castle

Perched on the shores of Lough Leane, Ross Castle is technically a tower house. There is a small fee to enter, but it’s free to walk around outside and sit in the tower’s shade by the lake.

To fully enjoy views of Ross Castle, the lake, and Killarney National Park, you can take a boat tour that begins and ends at the docks outside the castle. (Book your 1-hour Lake Cruise on Killarney’s Largest Lake ticket here.)

Muckross House and Abbey

Muckross House is a Victorian mansion open for touring, along with its beautiful gardens.

A twenty-minute walk from Muckross House (or a 10-minute walk from the car park) will bring you to Muckross Abbey. This monastery’s ruins date back to the 1400s and are still well-preserved. The most iconic part is the giant yew tree standing in the center of the cloisters.

Stops Along the Ring of Kerry

The scenic drive known as the Ring of Kerry begins and ends in Killarney. This Ireland itinerary doesn’t include time for driving the whole thing as it is 179 km/ 111 miles long. However, you can drive a section of it and hit some popular stops.

Stops to make along the Ring of Kerry that are in Killarney:

• Torc Waterfall: A short walk from the parking area will bring you to this beautiful, 20-meter-high waterfall
• Ladies View: This scenic viewpoint along N71 has a lovely view of the park…so lovely that it was a favorite of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting when they visited in 1861, hence the name.

Dingle

After an hour’s drive from Killarney, end your day in one of my favorite places in Ireland: the port town of Dingle.

Where to Stay in Dingle

• Where we stayed: Dingle Harbour Lodge
• Budget option: Rainbow Hostel
• Modest option: The Waterfront
• Splurge option: An Capall Dubh B&B Dingle

Day 6: Dingle Peninsula

Can you believe you’re halfway through your 10 days in Ireland? Spend the whole day on the Dingle Peninsula.

Start your day in Dingle with some coffee and treats from the Bean in Dingle.

Sheepdog Demonstration

Dingle Sheepdogs was one of my favorite stops during our 10 days in Ireland. Not only is the location gorgeous, but we got to talk to a farmer about his life and his very good boy, Captain. (Irish Gaelic is the first language for both of them.)

There’s also a “famine cottage” on the property (and some rather scary mannequins), which is full of information about the Great Famine that hit Ireland from 1845 to 1852.

Since it was springtime, I even got to hold a two-day-old lamb. My day was made, and it had only just begun.

Slea Head Drive

The Slea Head Drive is similar to the Ring of Kerry, in that it’s a scenic loop. Some favorite stops to make along Slea Head Drive are:

• Coumeenoole Beach: Fun to frolic around
• Dunmore Head: Awesome cliff hike, but not for those with a fear of heights
• Dunquin Pier: Iconic photo spot
• The Great Blasket Centre: A museum detailing the lives of the last inhabitants of the Blasket Islands
• Gallarus Oratory: Simple, but ancient church

Fish and Chips

If you head back into town after your day’s excursions, treat yourself to some fresh fish and chips. Some of the best spots in Dingle for fish and chips are:

• Reel Dingle Fish and Chips
• The Fish Box / Flannery’s Seafood Bar
• Out of the Blue

Grab a Pint and/or a Dancing Partner

The pub scene in Dingle is fantastic. You can catch live music or even a night of set dancing (similar to American square dancing). Some favorite pubs in Dingle are:

• Dick Mack’s
• O’Flaherty’s Bar
• Neligan’s

Day 7: Dingle to Cliffs of Moher

This will be the longest driving day (3 hours) on the itinerary, but you’ll be rewarded with the famous Cliffs of Moher.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most recognizable (and most-visited) places in Ireland. For my fantasy lovers, you may recognize them from The Princess Bride or Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. These towering cliffs are stunning from all angles, as you watch seabirds darting around the jagged edges.

For those who may have a fear of heights, you can still enjoy the views from the safety of the Cliffs of Moher Experience. Here you’ll learn about how the cliffs were made and how they became such a tourist hotspot. Food, shopping, and restrooms are also available.

However, for my more adventurous folks, drive to this private farm (Google link here) and pay five euros to park in the lot. Follow the path for the Cliffs of Moher Liscannor Walk to enjoy the cliffs with fewer crowds. Pro Tip: The Hag’s Head area is perfect to visit at sunset.

Poulnabrone Dolmen

One site I wish we had visited during our family trip is Poulnabrone Dolmen. This large stone table is from the Stone Age and marks a mass grave.

Places to Stay Near the Cliffs of Moher

• Where we stayed: Cliffs of Moher Hotel
• Budget option: Aille River Tourist Hostel and Camping Doolin
• Modest option: Castle View Rooms
• Splurge option: Aran View Country House

Day 8: Galway

Spend the day exploring the vibrant city of Galway. This was a place I wish we’d spent more time in.

Support Local Shops

Galway is full of independent and local shops selling everything from jewelry to handmade woolen sheep. Some favorites are:

• Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold: The oldest known makers of the famous Claddagh ring
• Sheridans Cheesemongers: Based out of County Meath, Sheridans stocks local cheeses from around Ireland and beyond
• Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop: This bookshop is packed- both inside and outside- with classics, new works, and bestsellers; and they even have a section of books printed in Irish Gaelic

Listen to Buskers

Did you know Ed Sheeran used to play music on the streets of Galway? If you take a moment to listen, Galway is full of musical talent. Who knows- a busker you watch may be the next international pop star.

Enjoy the Food and Drink

Being a cosmopolitan area, Galway has no shortage of places to ear or drink. Some favorite restaurants and pubs are:

• The Dough Bros: As a certified New Yorker, who is stuck-up when it comes to pizza, I highly recommend the pizza from Dough Bros!
• Tigh Chóilí: A popular pub in Galway, especially for live music
• The Quay Street Kitchen: Cozy Irish restaurant with excellent fish and chips

Walk Along the River Corrib to the Long Walk

There’s a lovely walk along the River Corrib in Galway that leads to the “Long Walk,” the line of picturesque houses along the bank.

Where to Stay in Galway

• Where we stayed: Mountain View Guesthouse (Note: This was because we were continuing north to Connemara, so it is outside the city.)
• Budget option: The Nest Boutique Hostel
• Modest option: The Snug Townhouse
• Splurge option: Leonardo Hotel Galway

Day 9: Connemara or Aran Islands

This is where this 10-day Ireland itinerary differs from my original trip. Part of the reason I wish we had stayed in Galway a bit longer is because it’s a great location from which to take day trips.

If you want to give yourself a break from driving, here are some of the best day trips from Galway:

• Connemara National Park Day Trip: For those who love the outdoors, wander the trails of Connemara National Park. Book your tour here.
• Day Trip Ferry to Inis Oírr (Aran Islands): The Aran Islands are some of the most popular day trips from Galway, and for good reason! These rocky, remote islands have scenic views and prehistoric sites. Reserve your spot here.
• Connemara and Cong Full-Day Tour: Visit the beautiful area of Connemara, making stops at the picturesque Kylemore Abbey and the village of Cong. Book that tour here.

Day 10: Back to Dublin

If you only have 10 days in Ireland, then sadly this is where your journey ends. It’s time to bid farewell to this beautiful country.

The drive from Galway to Dublin is only 2.25 hours. Depending on your flight schedule, you should have time to drive your rental car back to Dublin Airport to catch your flight.

Extra Days to Add to Your Ireland Itinerary

If you have more than 10 days to spend in Ireland, here are a few suggestions of places to add to your Ireland itinerary:

• Westport (+1 Day): This town on the Atlantic is known for being the home of the Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley.
• Achill Island (+1 Day): Also on the coast, Achill Island has sea cliffs, peat bogs, and sandy beaches.
• Sligo (+2 Days): County Sligo, and the town of the same name, are worth exploring for those who enjoy the outdoors. Hike the Benbulben Forest Walk and/or visit Maeve’s Cairn.
• Stay in a Castle (+1 Day): As a treat, my family and I spent the last night of our Irish road trip at Markree Castle in County Sligo. We loved it and wished we’d had a day to just relax at the castle and wander the lovely grounds.

I hope this Ireland itinerary for 10 days has been helpful! Ireland may be a small country, but it has a lot to see and enjoy. With so much scenery and history, you’ll probably find yourself longing to return to do another Irish road trip like I do.

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