Two-Week Best of Ireland Itinerary
This all-encompassing trip through Ireland pairs the well-known must-see attractions with worthwhile lesser-known spots. It’s mainly a driving itinerary with some car-free days in Dublin. Covering buzzing towns, the craic, and the great outdoors, you’ll laugh, eat, and drink your way around this wonderful island.
Dublin
Day 1
Make a flying start with a tour of the city’s highlights. Wander the grounds of Trinity College before walking across the city to the Guinness Storehouse. Spend some time in the Liberties and soak up some true Dublin character. You’re never too far from a pub with live music in Dublin, so finish your night with some singing before returning to your hotel.
Day 2
After a city-center breakfast, take a short 15-minute bus ride north to Glasnevin to walk the beautiful grounds of the National Botanic Gardens and learn about the famous residents of Glasnevin Cemetery. No trip to Glasnevin is complete without a visit to The Gravediggers for one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin. If you don’t fancy a bowl of coddle, pop back into the city and enjoy some modern Irish cuisine instead.
Day 3
Spend your last day in Dublin immersed in arts and culture and hop on the Luas tram to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, housed in a 17th- century hospital in Kilmainham. Book a tour at Kilmainham Gaol to fully understand the area. Walk back into the city via Thomas Street and see the vast collection of artifacts at the Chester Beatty Library. Go shopping at Kilkenny Design and the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre and pick up some souvenirs.
Day 4
32 km (20 mi); 45 minutes
Leave the city behind and drive south to Wicklow Mountains National Park to take in the views along the scenic Old Military Road. See the thundering Powerscourt Waterfall before stopping at Powerscourt House for a light lunch and a regal experience. Continue south to Glendalough and take a relaxing stroll along Miners Road from the old monastic city. Return to the city for the night.
Cork
Day 5
250 km (155 mi); 3 hours
Leave Dublin behind and drive south to Cork City to see why Corkonians are so proud of their home. Wander the bustling streets and stop at Nano Nagle Place for insight into the local legend and a delicious lunch. Spend time in the famous Crawford Art Gallery and drop by the English Market for tasty treats and foodie gifts. Before returning to your hotel for the night, enjoy a local stout like Beamish or Murphy’s in one of the many great pubs—you’re spoiled for choice in Cork.
Day 6
27 km (17 mi); 30 minutes
Take a short drive to foodie heaven in Kinsale and spend your day hopping from cute cafés to unforgettable restaurants on the narrow and colorful streets. Enjoy the Scilly Walk along the water to the Bulman Bar for a drink, and a quick swim in the water if you’re feeling brave. Watch the sun set on Kinsale Harbour as you walk back into town and book into one of the top-tier restaurants for dinner before driving back to Cork City.
The Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park
Day 7
265 km (165 mi); 4-5 hours
Taking the scenic route to Killarney via the Ring of Kerry, today has a lot of driving but more than enough beautiful landscapes. Make Kenmare your first stop and have morning coffee at the Park Hotel Kenmare. Get onto the Ring of Kerry here and see the wonderful views at Moll’s Gap before continuing along the coast, where you’ll see Valentia Island, the mighty Carrauntoohil, and endless beaches. Arrive in Killarney for the night.
Day 8
6 km (4 mi); 10 minutes
Get up early and take a short drive into Killarney National Park. Start at Muckross House to get your bearings and learn about the history of the park, then choose a gentle lakeside walk, a short hike to Torc Waterfall, or one of the challenging trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife: The park is home to red deer, birds of prey, foxes, otters, squirrels, and more. Finish your day back at John M. Reidy’s in Killarney, where the music and craic go into the wee hours.
The Cliffs of Moher
Day 9
177 km (109 mi); 2.5 hours
Swap the forests for the coast and drive west toward County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher are a must, and you can walk along the cliff tops. Stay in either Lahinch or Doolin for the night, but make sure to visit both for incredible coastal views, beautiful beaches, and pubs with strong traditional music.
Galway
Day 10
104 km (65 mi); 1.5 hours
Detour through Burren National Park on the way to Galway and get ready for the electric buzz of the city, a place famous for its party atmosphere, festivals, and amazing food. Stay in and around the Latin Quarter to be in the center of it all, and plan a day around eating in much-loved restaurants like Kai and The Dough Bros. Spend the rest of the day and the evening pub-hopping in the Latin Quarter.
Day 11
190 km (118 mi); 3.5 hours
Drive west toward Connemara National Park, making pit stops to take in the views along the way to Kylemore Abbey. Stop for food in Letterfrack for a remote setting or Clifden for somewhere a bit livelier. Return to Galway City via Roundstone and watch the sun set on the calm waters of the spectacular Dog’s Bay. Cross the River Corrib to the West End for a quieter night of casual food and drink in Galway City.
Back to Dublin
Day 12
265 km (165 mi); 4 hours
Have an early breakfast in Galway and start the cross-country journey to Dublin with another day of driving. Break up the journey with views of the River Shannon in Athlone and at least one stop in the ancient Boyne Valley. Choose from Newgrange and Knowth for a look into the Stone Age past or the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre for more recent history. From here, it’s less than an hour back to Malahide or Howth for a scenic stay by the coast close to Dublin Airport.
With More Time: Belfast City and the Giant’s Causeway
Day 13
If you have more time, take the train from Dublin to Belfast and treat yourself to brunch in one of the trendy cafés in the Cathedral Quarter. Learn about the history of the Titanic at Titanic Belfast and see how the ship helped shape the city. Go on a tour to see Belfast’s murals, which tell the story of the Troubles, or spend the afternoon strolling the shops and independent businesses in the Cathedral Quarter. Stay in the Queen’s Quarter.
Day 14
209 km (130 mi); 4 hours
From Belfast, take the train to the Causeway Coast and jump out at Portrush for a late breakfast watching surfers catch waves. Walk along Whiterocks Beach and look through the souvenir shops near the water. Hop on a bus for 15 minutes to the Giant’s Causeway and see this legendary geological wonder. Return to Belfast on the train for a relaxing car-free day.
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Pin It for Later
