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The Best Week Long Irish Road Trip and Itinerary

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

A winding Irish country road leads towards a coastal view at sunset, with the sun setting over the ocean in the background.

Hi everyone. It seems spring has well and truly sprung, and as the weather turns kinder our thoughts turn to vacations. With that in mind I thought it was a good time to revisit and refresh our Irish road trip blog which has been hugely popular with our followers in the USA. So how much can you pack into a week? Well quite a lot!

Ireland is a very small but beautifully formed country. 280 km (175 miles) wide and 486 km (300 miles) long to be exact! This makes it about the size of South Carolina or Maine so you can cover a lot in 7 days.

The best way to get around is to drive. I recommend hiring a car at the airport so you can get on the road straight away. At the time of writing the cost of renting a mid sized car for 5 passengers for a week in May 2019 was approximately €163/$185. I recommend a medium sized car as some of the roads here in Ireland are pretty winding and narrow compared to North America!

I have planned this particular Irish road trip itinerary using Dublin as the starting point for Day 1. If you are planning to fly into Shannon airport then simply start your trip from Day 4 in Clare and loop around to finish in Clare again and return to Shannon. 

Before we get started, check out our top 5 gifts from The Irish Store. Ordering online with only one shipping charge for multiple items means you can shop from the comfort of your own home. If you are travelling to Ireland. you'll save valuable luggage space- if not- then let us bring "a little piece of Ireland" to you wherever you are!

Our Top 5 Irish Gifts 

1. Women's Traditional Crew Neck Aran Sweater

Woman wearing a cream sweater and green skirt standing in a mountainous landscape.

2. Women's Classic Irish Wool Newsboy Cap

Women's classic grey Irish wool newsboy cap, featuring a traditional rounded shape and visor.3. Men's Signature Half Zip Irish Wool Sweater

A man stands beside a river in a mountainous landscape, wearing a light-colored cable-knit aran sweater and dark pants. The scenery features lush green hills under a cloudy sky.

4. Silver Connemara Marble Claddagh Ring

Silver Claddagh ring featuring a heart-shaped Connemara marble stone, set against a textured rock surface. Soft greenery and flowers in the blurred background add depth to the scene.5. Women's Hooded Aran Zipper Classic Coat

A woman stands outdoors in front of a green hillside, wearing a dark green knit aran cardigan with a hood and pockets. She has long brown hair and is looking directly at the camera, with sheep grazing in the background.

The Best Week Long Irish Road Trip and Itinerary

Day 1. Kilkenny

 

Aerial view of Kilkenny Castle in Ireland, surrounded by lush greenery and a landscaped lawn. The River Nore runs alongside the castle, with the town of Kilkenny visible in the background.

Rent your car at Dublin airport and get on the road to the stunning city of Kilkenny. The drive is pretty straightforward and mainly on motorways so you can ease into driving on the other side of the road! You can find the Google maps directions here. The drive will take approx. 1:30hrs. The city itself is buzzing with energy against a stunning medieval backdrop.

Things to see in Kilkenny:

 

  • Kilkenny Castle - An absolute must-see in the heart of the city dating back to the 12th century.
  • Kilkenny Design Shop - Located opposite the Kilkenny Castle. A treasure trove of Irish arts & crafts.
  • Smithwicks Experience - Ireland's favorite ale is over 300 years old and very popular. A chance to sample Ireland's second most famous export after Guinness!
  • St Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower - a place of  Christian worship since the 6th century. A 100 foot round tower dating back to the 9th century stands beside the cathedral which can still be climbed to the top commanding stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Kytlers Inn - The oldest inn in Kilkenny with an intriguing history. Perfect for great Guinness, great food and some toe-tapping traditional Irish music.

 

Day 2. Cork

 

A panoramic view of Cork City featuring a variety of rooftops, with prominent buildings and a tall church tower in the foreground. The sky is clear with few clouds, and green hills are visible in the background.

 

On day 2 travel from Kilkenny to Cork and include 2 stops at 2 iconic Irish landmarks. First up it's the stunning Rock of Cashel in Tipperary.

A medieval castle sits atop a grassy hill under a colorful sunset sky, with hues of pink and purple. Surrounding trees frame the scene, creating a serene landscape.


Then just outside Cork city make a stop at the world-famous Blarney Castle where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone. This route will take you by both sites.

Blarney Castle towers over lush greenery and vibrant bluebells in the foreground. The sky is partly cloudy, highlighting the historical architecture of the castle surrounded by trees and gardens.

This trip should take approximately 2:30hrs without stops so allow around 6 hours to take in the sights. By evening you will have arrived in Cork city. Time to sample some of its great restaurants and bars as you unwind after your busy day of driving and sightseeing!

Day 3. Cork 

A historic market building in Cork, featuring ornate architecture and decorative details. The facade includes large windows and a central clock, with people walking along a cobblestone path in front. Bright blue sky partially visible above the structure.

Grab some breakfast in the heart of the city at a Cork institution, The English Market. I love this place. The present building dates back to 1786 and there's always a wonderful bustling atmosphere here. Now that you're fed and watered it's time to get on the road again for a 30-minute drive to the seaside town of Cobh.

 

Cobh, County Cork. A view of a seaside town featuring colorful houses in the foreground and a tall, Gothic-style church with a spire in the background. The sky is clear with scattered clouds, and the calm water of the harbor reflects the scene.

Formerly Queenstown, this picturesque town is built on a steep hill that sweeps down to the harbor- the second largest in the world after Sydney Harbor. Steeped in history, Cobh was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic before she embarked on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic. Of the six million Irish emigrants that left Irish shores for America between 1848 and 1950, 2.5 million set sail from this very port.

Back to Cork city now for some well-earned rest before setting off for the magnificent county Clare in the morning!

Day 4. Clare 

The Cliffs of Moher rise sharply from the ocean under a partly cloudy sky. The grassy top of the cliffs contrasts with the rocky face below, as waves crash against the shore. The scene captures a serene yet rugged coastal landscape.
Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland

Next on our Irish road trip are two wonders of Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. The drive takes approximately 2.30 hours from Cork city. Prepare to be bowled over! The cliffs rise from the southwestern edge of the Burren and rise over 8 km along the edge of the Atlantic to their highest point at 214 meters at their midpoint at O'Brien's tower. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands, home to Ireland's favorite sweater.

Aran Islands. Aerial view of a rugged coastline with green fields on an island. A lighthouse is visible near the shoreline, surrounded by rocky cliffs and clear blue water in the background.

The Burren

The Burren County Clare. Aerial view of a rocky coastal landscape with layered geological formations leading to the ocean. The scene features a mix of exposed rock and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky, emphasizing the contrast between land and water.

Taking its name from the Irish word "Boireann" which means "great rock", the Burren consists of rolling hills of limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks. One of Ireland's 6 national parks, it covers 250 square kilometres. Truly awesome and other-worldly!

Day 5. Galway

A large puppet of a child dressed as a soldier dominates a vibrant street scene filled with people. The crowd is diverse, with attendees watching the parade and various theatrical figures, including dark, shadowy performers in costumes. Colorful banners and decorations are visible among the spectators.
Just an hour's drive up the road this morning to Galway-the penultimate stop on our Irish road trip. The home of the Claddagh ring nestles where the Atlantic meets the Corrib river and really has it all. Great food, friendly people, great music and endless craic! You can come back and enjoy all this later but first get on the road to the stunning Connemara region
Connemara. A panoramic view of a mountainous landscape with brown hills and a calm lake in the foreground. The sky is clear, showcasing blue tones, while patches of green and rocky terrain are visible near the water's edge.
Lough Inagh, Connemara, Co. Galway.

Magical, mystical, majestic. This stunning region perches on the edge of western Europe. Endless mountain vistas, lake-studded boglands and miles of golden beaches washed clean by the mighty Atlantic make this a truly special part of our beloved island. Back to bustling Galway city now for dinner and dancing before heading off to the capital tomorrow!

Days 6 & 7. Dublin

A scenic view of The Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin at sunset, showcasing colorful buildings along the banks. The bridge spans the river, with a few boats visible on the water. Trees line the walkway beside the river. The sky is illuminated with soft hues of pink and orange.Time for the final stop on our Irish road trip. The 2.5-hour drive to Dublin is almost completely on a motorway making it nice and easy. Aim to arrive in Dublin for noon to give you as much time as possible over the next 2 days. There' s so much to do and see with its wealth of museums, galleries and heritage sites. Here are our top 5 must-sees/dos.

1. Trinity College & The Book of Kells

Book of Kells, Trinity College Dublin. A dimly lit museum exhibit featuring a central glass display case with a statue on a pedestal. Surrounding displays are backlit, showcasing artifacts against dark walls with red accents. Informational placards provide context for the exhibits.Arguably one of the most famous landmarks and places to visit in Ireland. Trinity college is the most prestigious university in Ireland. The Book of Kells is housed in the stunning old library of the college. Thought to be over 1200 years old, it is a true Irish national treasure.

2. Kilmainham Gaol 

Kilmainham Gaol. The image shows a historic building with a classical façade, featuring large windows and decorative elements at the top. It is flanked by bare trees under a clear blue sky. The area in front has evenly spaced white pillars on a paved surface.This iconic gaol held many Irish leaders involved in the 1916 Easter Rising prior to their execution on the grounds. It was built in 1796 and features in films such as Michael Collins, The Italian Job, In The Name of the Father and The Wind That Shakes the Barley. An absolute must on any Irish road trip and it's also a must to book tickets in advance. I advise visitors to book as far out from their trip as possible as it can be booked out for weeks in advance. You can book tickets here.

3. Guinness Storehouse 

Guinness Storehouse. An industrial-style display featuring a large copper still, with text indicating its capacity and directional arrows. The setting appears to be part of a museum or exhibit, illuminated by soft lighting. A large numeral "11" is visible in the background, suggesting a designated section or exhibit number.Time to embrace Ireland's most famous export. The tour itself shows the remarkable level of detail that goes into ensuring the taste is consistent in every keg produced. You can even pull your own pint of Guinness which is a skill in itself and you can enjoy a pint of the Black Stuff high above Dublin city in the Gravity Bar.

4. Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle. Historic building with a clock tower and a green dome, featuring arched entrances and stone façades. The sky is clear and blue, highlighting the structure's architectural details.An absolute must-see in the heart of the city. Most of the structures present today are from the 18th century although there has been a castle building on the site since 1204. Until 1922 it was the seat of British power in Dublin. Today it is still a major government building and houses a museum and the Chester Beatty Library which has been hailed as one of the best museums in Europe.

5. Christchurch Cathedral

Christchurch Cathedral. The image shows a large stone church with a tall tower and multiple architectural details, set against a clear blue sky. The foreground features green grass, and there are benches for visitors.
Christchurch Cathedral is set in the heart of medieval Dublin. The first cathedral was built on this site sometime around 1028 on elevated ground above the Viking settlement at Wood Quay. Extensive renovations took place in the 19th century restoring much of its medieval Gothic design. Inside you can visit the fantastic Dublinia exhibition charting Dublin's medieval past.  Then there's the intriguing 12th-century crypt. As well as being the oldest crypt in Ireland, it is also the city's oldest surviving structure.

So there you have it. Of course, this particular Irish road trip is by no means definitive and I'd love to hear your comments queries and suggestions. My last piece of advice is to remember to bring your Aran sweaters and raincoat!

Happy travels!

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

The Irish Store banner

 

 
Lulu O'Sullivan, Founder & CEO of The Irish Store, is a woman with wavy, shoulder-length blonde hair is smiling gently at the camera, wearing a blue top and white shirt. The background features a weathered wooden surface, suggesting an outdoor or rustic setting.

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!

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