Ireland is one of those countries that makes you want to come back again and again. The culture and natural beauty of the country make it the perfect place for a road trip. From the epic views to kissing the Blarney Stone, you will never run out of things to do and see.
Start your adventure in Cork. Rent a car and check into your hotel. Then spend the rest of your day exploring the downtown area. There are tons of great restaurants, pubs and shopping to enjoy.
Head to Blarney Castle and make sure you kiss that Blarney Stone for good luck! There will be a bit of a line to kiss the stone, but you have some great views to look at while you wait. Their visitor center has great food for lunch while you are there. They also have a really cool and unique poisonous garden that showcases a variety of poisonous plants.
After the castle, head over to the little town of Kinsale — a picturesque town on the water that is great for a stroll. Eat dinner at Fishy Fishy. Every dish they have is amazing.
Drive from Cork to Kerry and check into the Parknasilla Resort and Spa. This resort is one of my favorites and offers many rooms with absolutely breathtaking views. They have a cozy bar as well as a couple of restaurants onsite, a large hot tub on a deck with incredible views, a spa, and a golf course — all not to be overlooked.
Today you will drive the iconic Ring of Kerry. This is something that you go into without a strict itinerary — if you see something interesting, stop. There are many stone forts that you can stop at that are thousands of years old! Make a pit stop for lunch along the way. This drive will take you all day.
Another highlight is Killarney National Park. Be patient during this part of the drive as it can get backed up by tour buses.
Drive to the Dingle Peninsula. Heatons Guesthouse is a great option right on the water and a short walk to the main street. Start by driving the Dingle Peninsula — a beautiful scenic drive that will be less crowded than the Ring of Kerry.
Later in the day, make a stop at the Dingle Distillery. Take a tour and try some of their whiskey, gin, or vodka. In the evening, walk downtown, have dinner at a local pub, and listen to some live music. For dessert, make sure you stop by Murphy's Ice Cream.
Drive to Galway and stop at Bunratty Castle on the way. The Jury's Inn in Galway is in a great central location. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Galway town center and having dinner at one of the many great restaurants in the area.
Today you will take a ferry over to the Aran Islands. It takes about an hour to get to the ferry landing — make sure you get there about 30 minutes prior to departure. You will have about 4 hours to explore.
The scenery here is unlike anywhere I have ever been. The cliffs are absolutely gorgeous. Right when you step off the boat, there will be guides ready to take you on a tour of the island. You will stop at forts, shop for their famous sweaters, and have time for lunch at one of the local cafes.
Have breakfast and morning tea at the teahouse across from the Jury's Inn. Then head to the Cliffs of Moher. This is a very touristy destination, so be ready for some crowds — but the views are absolutely worth it.
Head to Ballynahinch Castle for a one-night stay. You can't go to Ireland without sleeping in a castle! They have a fabulous restaurant as well as beautiful walking trails throughout the property.
Head to your final stop of Dublin. Take tours at Guinness and Jameson. Then have dinner at The Brazen Head — the oldest pub in Ireland.
Take a tour of Trinity College and see the famous Book of Kells and the Old Library. Then head to Grafton Street for some shopping and grab dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Head home — or on to your next adventure!
"Ireland is one of those countries that makes you want to come back again and again. The culture and natural beauty of the country make it the perfect place for a road trip."
Practical Tips
- Rent an automatic car if you're not used to driving on the left side of the road — the roads in rural Ireland can be very narrow
- Book the Aran Islands ferry in advance, especially in peak season
- The Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula are best done on weekdays to avoid tour bus congestion
- Pack layers — Irish weather is famously unpredictable even in summer
- Book restaurants in advance in Dublin and Galway — the best spots fill up quickly
