Explore Ireland: 5 Routes to Experience the Island's Finest

Though Ireland is compact, its towns, cities, and coastlines offer limitless activities. Whether you wish to take a road trip along the Atlantic or delve into the island's fascinating cities, these five itineraries will assist you in crafting your ideal journey. Spanning 4 to 6 days, they can be lengthened with extended stops and diversions, or combined for a week or two of exploration. No matter your choice, adventure awaits!

Discover the Wild West Coast

Plan for a minimum of 6 daysDistance: 809km (502 miles) 

Ireland's rugged Atlantic coast is ripe for adventurous explorations and remote islands. This journey will have you marveling at the heights of dramatic sea cliffs, riding the surf, or unwinding on untouched beaches, indulging in oysters paired with creamy pints of Guinness, and enjoying traditional music sessions from some of the nation’s finest artists.

Bantry: 1 day

Kick off your wild west escapade in Bantry, where you can explore the stunning 18th-century Bantry House and its beautiful gardens, and savor the flavors of Bantry Bay mussels. For those seeking adventure, take the single-track road to Priest's Leap for breathtaking views of the bay. Then, enjoy a scenic afternoon drive through the picturesque peninsulas of Mizen Head, Sheep's Head, or Beara.

Next destination: Drive 2.5 hours from Bantry to Dingle. 

Dingle: 1 day

Visit the vibrant harbor town of Dingle, known as one of Ireland's largest Gaeltacht areas (where Irish is spoken). Explore local craft shops, embark on a seal-spotting boat adventure, or enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding before unwinding with a pint in one of Dingle's inviting pubs.

Optional side trip: Take a boat journey to the stunning early Christian monastic island of Skellig Michael (3 hours, reservations required). 

Next destination: Drive hours from Dingle to the Cliffs of Moher. 

Cliffs of Moher: 1 day

To avoid the crowds, arrive early at the Cliffs of Moher for a stroll along the narrow path overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, take a boat trip to view the towering cliffs from the water. In the evening, make your way to nearby Doolin for traditional music and delicious seafood.

Next stop: Drive 1.5 hours from the Cliffs of Moher to Galway City. 

Optional detour: Wander through the wildflowers, wildlife, and unique karst limestone landscapes of the Burren ( hours).

Galway City: 1 day

Begin your day at one of Galway City's top-rated coffee shops for a flat white or espresso to energize you as you explore the city on foot. Later, indulge in oysters and other freshly caught seafood. In the evening, dive into Galway's trad music scene on a lively pub crawl.

Next stop: Drive 1.5 hours from Galway City to Westport. 

Optional detour: Experience the rugged beauty of the landscape with a scenic drive through Connemara National Park (1.5 hours). 

Westport: 1 day

The charming, planned town of Westport in County Mayo is filled with lively pubs and is close to stunning beaches. Consider taking a surf lesson and exploring the local boutiques. Alternatively, begin your day with a hike up the nearby sacred mountain, Croagh Patrick, before enjoying a traditional music session at Matt Malloy's.

Optional detour: Hop on a ferry to Clare Island for tranquil hillwalks (50 minutes). 

Next destination: Drive 3 hours from Westport to Sliabh Liag.

Sliabh Liag: 1 day

Venture west to the majestic cliffs of Sliabh Liag, the tallest in Ireland. Lace up your hiking boots to explore the trails, where you might spot nimble sheep grazing near the precipice. Enjoy stories about the region and take in the breathtaking views of the cliffs from a boat trip below.

Optional detour: Witness the sunset at the crescent of silver sands at Malin Beg (25 minutes). 

Northern Highlights

Plan for a minimum of 4 daysDistance: 324km (201 miles) 

The North boasts incredible landscapes, from the serene lakelands of Fermanagh to the rugged beauty of Donegal and the iconic hexagonal formations of the Giant's Causeway. Along your journey, uncover captivating historical sites, including the unique islands of Lough Erne and the fortified city of Derry.

Enniskillen: 1 day

Begin your journey in Enniskillen, the charming island town that serves as a gateway to aquatic adventures on Lough Erne. After exploring the castle museums in town, embark on a boat trip to discover the ancient monastic ruins and the round tower of Devenish Island, or paddle out in a kayak to view the enigmatic stone figures of White Island. Don't miss the chance to taste local delicacies, including meat from livestock that graze on the nearby islands.

Next stop: Drive 2 hours from Enniskillen to Glenveagh National Park. 

Glenveagh National Park: Half day

Venture across the border into Donegal and navigate the Derryveagh Mountains surrounding Glenveagh National Park. Enjoy hiking trails around Lough Veagh and take a guided tour of Glenveagh Castle. Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, spot red deer, and uncover the hidden waterfalls. Bring your binoculars to catch a glimpse of local birdlife—you might even spot one of the area’s golden eagles.

Next stop: Drive 2 hours from Glenveagh National Park to Inishowen Peninsula. 

Inishowen Peninsula: Half day

The northernmost point of Ireland, Malin Head, is located at the end of the Inishowen Peninsula and can be accessed by car or bike via the scenic Inishowen 100 route. At Malin Head, enjoy clifftop walks, look out for basking sharks and dolphins, and unwind with a pint at the family-owned Farren's Bar. Visit on a clear night for a chance to witness the northern lights.

Next stop: Drive 1 hour from the Inishowen Peninsula to Derry. 

Derry: 1 day

Spend a day in Derry, nestled along the banks of the River Foyle. Start by walking the city walls for an overview, then delve into the Bogside murals and visit the Museum of Free Derry. Afterward, cross the Peace Bridge to Ebrington Sq, where you can enjoy a tasting at Walled City Brewery. In the evening, experience the vibrant live music scene in one of the city's pubs.

Next stop: Drive 1 hour from Derry to the Giant’s Causeway. 

Giant's Causeway: Half day

To truly appreciate the beauty of the North Antrim coast, consider hiking a segment of the Causeway Coast Way. Make sure to spend some time exploring the stunning hexagonal formations at the renowned Giant's Causeway.

Detour: A 5km (3-mile) walking and cycling path links the Giant's Causeway to the Old Bushmills Distillery, which offers tours and whiskey tastings.

Next stop: Drive 20 minutes from the Giant’s Causeway to Ballycastle. 

Ballycastle: Half day

Ballycastle is a charming seaside town featuring a sandy beach, delicious fish and chips by the pier, and lively pubs where you can enjoy traditional music. Close by, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge connects the mainland to a small island—cross it if you're feeling adventurous.

Detour: A quick ferry ride from Ballycastle takes you to the wildlife-rich Rathlin Island, where you can spot nesting puffins and their chicks on nearby sea stacks during the summer months.

East Coast cities and attractions

Plan for at least 6 daysDistance: 332km (206 miles)

If you enjoy blending days of hiking and biking in the hills with urban culture and nightlife, this itinerary is perfect for you. Ireland's two largest cities are just a couple of hours apart by road or rail, each filled with museums, restaurants, and pubs. Scenic mountain ranges lie to the south of both cities.

Belfast: 1 day

Start your adventure in Belfast, where you can explore the Titanic in the Titanic Quarter. Then, head to the city center for some shopping and admire the street art in the Entries and Cathedral Quarter. Be sure to book a table at one of the city's premier restaurants for dinner, and cap off your day with a pint at the Crown.

Next destination: Drive for 1 hour from Belfast to Newcastle.

Newcastle: 1 day

Take the picturesque route through the Ards Peninsula and hop on the Strangford Lough ferry to reach Newcastle. The town serves as a starting point for walking trails in the Mournes, including paths up Slieve Donard, the highest peak in the North. You can also rent an e-bike to tackle the hills on two wheels.

Next stop: Drive 1.5 hours from Newcastle to Brú na Bóinne. 

Detour: Enjoy some folk or trad music at one of the local pubs in Rostrevor.

Brú na Bóinne: 1 day

Arrive early to secure your place on the tours of the passage tombs and dedicate the day to discovering the incredible array of prehistoric burial sites and the museum at Brú na Bóinne, which includes Newgrange, dating back to around 3200 BCE, and Knowth, known for its remarkable collection of passage-grave art.

Detour: Visit the lesser-known Stone Age passage graves at Loughcrew.

Next destination: Drive for 1 hour from Brú na Bóinne to Dublin.

Dublin: 2 days

Spending two days in Dublin allows you to explore the key attractions. Wander through Trinity College and admire the artifacts at the Chester Beatty. You can also visit the Archaeology and Natural History museums or the National Gallery, followed by a night out at the city's fantastic pubs. On your second day, discover how the iconic black stout is brewed at the Guinness Storehouse, then delve into more museums and parks.

Next stop: Drive for 1 hour from Dublin to Powerscourt.

Powerscourt: Half day

The highlight of Powerscourt Estate is its stunning gardens, as the grand house is not open to visitors. Take your time exploring the Japanese Gardens and Pepperpot Tower, and be sure to stop at the café and gift shops before heading out to see Powerscourt Waterfall, which stands at 121m (396ft) high, making it Ireland's tallest. Nature trails wind through towering redwoods and ancient oak trees, with two par-72 golf courses nearby.

Next stop: Drive 45 minutes from Powerscourt to Glendalough.

Glendalough: Half day

At the ancient monastic site of Glendalough, there's much to explore during your half-day visit. Stroll among the historic ruins, including the impressive 10th-century round tower and St Kevin's Kitchen, a quintessential early Irish church. Afterward, take a leisurely walk to the Upper Lake and back. If you have extra time, consider hiking the 19km (12-mile) Miners' Way trail through the scenic Wicklow Mountains.

The sunny southeast

Allow at least 4 daysDistance: 242km (150 miles)

The southeastern tip of Ireland boasts a (relatively) sunny and dry climate, offering the best food in the country. Get active with surfing lessons, cycling adventures, and visits to Viking-themed museums, then embark on a culinary journey through artisan markets and celebrated restaurants.

Wexford: 1 day

Start your day by exploring the historic architecture of Wexford before making your way to nearby Johnstown Castle. Afterward, visit the Irish National Heritage Park, home to Ireland's first Anglo-Norman settlement and various reconstructed historical sites. If you're an opera fan, don’t miss a performance during the Wexford Festival Opera in the autumn.

Next stop: Drive 1 hour from Wexford to Waterford. 

Waterford: 1 day

As Ireland's oldest city, Waterford is the perfect place to delve into Viking history. Begin your journey at the Viking Triangle, marked by a replica longboat, and check out the enormous outdoor Viking chessboard. Then, visit the King of the Vikings immersive VR attraction, which brings to life what was once known as Vadrarjfordr.

Detour: Rent a bike in Waterford and cycle the scenic, traffic-free 48km (30-mile) Waterford Greenway to Dungarvan.

Next stop: Drive 1 hour from Waterford to Dungarvan. 

Dungarvan: Half day

Take a moment to admire the boats and vibrant pubs along Dungarvan quay, and indulge in fresh seafood, farmhouse cheeses, and other artisan delights at the farmers market. Don’t miss the impressive Anglo-Norman castle that overlooks the harbor. If you're a beer enthusiast, consider booking a tour at the Dungarvan Brewing Company.

Next stop: Drive 1 hour and 15 minutes from Dungarvan to Cork City. 

Detour: Enjoy stunning views along the Copper Coast as you make your way to the surf town of Tramore.

Cork City: 1 day

Arrive in Cork ready to savor the local cuisine. Start by exploring the English Market, followed by tasting artisanal products at the Marina Market. Then, take a leisurely stroll around the university campus and learn about the somber past of Cork City Gaol. If you’re up for it, experience the city from a different perspective on an urban kayaking tour. Wrap up your day with a fantastic meal at one of the city's superb restaurants.

Next stop: Drive for 1 hour and 15 minutes from Cork City to Clonakilty.

Clonakilty: Half day

In the charming market town of Clonakilty, indulge in the renowned Clonakilty black pudding and sample triple-distilled whiskey at Clonakilty Distillery. Discover the legacy of local independence figure Michael Collins at a museum located in his former residence and at the Michael Collins Centre on the town's outskirts. Conclude your visit with a lively folk music session at De Barra's pub.

Inland Ireland

Allow at least 4 days Distance: 304km (189 miles) 

Venturing inland provides a different perspective on Irish culture, showcasing everything from horse racing and hurling to dairy farming. You'll visit bustling towns with rich arts scenes and lively pubs while traveling along tranquil rural roads that lead to stunning medieval castles and ancient monastic sites in the heart of Ireland.

Kildare: Half day

Kildare's main draw is the Irish National Stud, located 1.5km (1 mile) south of the town. Here, you can stroll through the paddocks and observe the thoroughbreds. If your visit coincides with race day, don your finest hat and take the shuttle bus from Kildare to the Curragh Racecourse for some horse betting. During other times, you can opt for a behind-the-scenes tour of the racecourse.

Next stop: Drive 45 minutes from Kildare to Carlow.

Carlow: Half day

In Carlow, the key attractions are all within a short walk in the town center, which overlooks the River Barrow. Begin your visit at Carlow Castle, then admire the cathedral and explore the museum showcasing fascinating archaeological discoveries. After that, immerse yourself in the local arts scene at the Centre for Contemporary Arts. If time permits, check out nearby gardens, including the welcoming Delta Sensory Gardens.

Next stop: Drive 30 minutes from Carlow to Kilkenny. 

Kilkenny: 1 day

Spend a day in Kilkenny, starting with a stroll along the medieval mile that links the cathedral and the castle. Take time to browse the Irish crafts and designs in the castle stables, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbanks or consider a boat trip. If you're lucky, catch a hurling match during your visit. In the evening, dive into the city's vibrant pubs for some live music.

Next stop: Drive 1 hour from Kilkenny to Cashel. 

Cashel: 1 day

Make your way to Cashel's crown jewel, the stunning array of medieval structures atop the limestone bluff known as the Rock of Cashel. Afterward, visit the ruins of Hore Abbey for some fantastic photo opportunities of the Rock. Take some time to explore the charming town of Cashel and indulge in some delicious Cashel Blue cheese.

Next stop: Drive 1 hour from Cashel to Limerick. 

Limerick: Half day

Explore the city of Limerick, where Georgian architecture lines the streets. Don’t miss the art gallery and the Hunt Museum, which showcases artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome. On Saturday mornings, the bustling Milk Market features stalls brimming with artisan foods and local cheeses. Additionally, consider joining an Angela's Ashes walking tour to visit sites highlighted in Frank McCourt's memoir.

Next stop: Drive 1.5 hours from Limerick to Clonmacnoise.

Clonmacnoise: Half day

Nestled beside a bend in the River Shannon, the monastic remains of Clonmacnoise sit in a picturesque landscape. This prominent monastic site draws scholars from around the globe. Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring its ancient features, including early Christian gravestones, two round towers, three high crosses, and nine churches. You can also access the site by boat from Athlone Castle.