Ireland is a country that’s more known for its rural beauty than for its metropolis cities. Yes, spend some time exploring Dublin, but get out of the city and see the Irish countryside. From endless fields of green to dramatic cliffs and everything in between, you’re to leave Ireland with a memory card full of gorgeous landscapes. In this Ireland one week road trip, you’ll cover the best bits of the Emerald Isle. While you won’t see everything, this will give you a great taste of Ireland.
About This Itinerary
Most of my itineraries are either exact copies of trips I’ve done or are heavily influenced by trips I’ve done. This itinerary is a little different. I lived in Ireland for four months and that just gives you a different travel experience. So while I did everything on this itinerary, this is not the way I explored Ireland.
Because so much of Ireland’s beauty is found outside of its cities and in its rural countryside, having a rental car is ideal. However, I realize that not everyone can, or wants to, rent a car. For those without a rental car, check out my 7 days in Ireland without a car itinerary.
An Ireland One Week Road Trip
Day 1 – Hello Dublin, Goodbye Dublin
Most international flights to Ireland will take you to Dublin, so that’s where this one week Ireland road trip starts. Well, sort of. Arrive at Dublin’s International Airport, pick up your rental car, and leave the city. Remember when I said Ireland’s strength is its rural beauty? We’re wasting no time on getting there.
Don’t worry though, you’ll get a little time in Dublin at the end of this itinerary. Although to be fair, I don’t give a lot of time to Dublin. I personally just feel like there are so many other, better places to experience in Ireland.
Back to the Ireland road trip itinerary. Today’s goal is to drive from Dublin to Galway. The drive is about 2 hours and 15 minutes if you take the most direct road (which comes with tolls). While you may find yourself dealing with jet lag, don’t worry. Today is not a big sightseeing day. All you need to do is focus on getting to Galway. Once there, you’re free to go out and explore the town. Galway’s charm makes it a favorite among travelers.
Sleep: Galway
Day 2 – Galway and Doolin
Today is where the fun really starts on this one week Ireland road trip. This morning, you have a chance to wander and explore Galway. While the city is light on sights, it makes up for it in charm. Grab a nice breakfast, wander the old town, and just enjoy a relaxing morning.
In the afternoon, load up your things and head an hour and twenty minutes south to the small town of Doolin. The drive here runs down the coast, so you’re sure to see some nice views on your drive.
Settle in to your accommodation in Doolin. You’ll be here for two nights.
Sleep: Doolin
Day 3 – Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher
Today it’s all about the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher. This is my favorite day of the Ireland road trip. While on my trip I only had a chance to visit Inisheer, the smallest of the three islands, it was one of my favorite day trips in Ireland, so I have to include it. From Doolin, you can catch the ferry to Inisheer, or any of the other Aran Islands.
As mentioned, I only have experience with Inisheer. When I visited, we walked and self explored the Plassey Shipwrek and the ruins of an old castle. It’s not a bad way to spend a day.
In the afternoon, return to the mainland. Pick up your car and head just a little further south. It’s time to tour the famous Cliffs of Moher. If you had a clear day, you may have gotten a glimpse while on the Aran Islands, but here’s your chance to explore properly. Just be aware, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular attractions in Ireland so expect crowds.
Sleep: Doolin
Day 4 – More Cliffs en route to Killarney
Pack up your things and get ready to move again. Today you’re heading south to Killarney, but we’re not going to go the most direct way. Since this is an Ireland road trip, we can be flexible and include more.
The Cliffs of Moher are beautiful, but they can be crowded. So, today we’re going to venture to some less crowded, but no less beautiful cliffs in Ireland. The southwestern coast of Ireland is lined with spectacular cliffs so it’s really just a matter of finding some. Locals will definitely be able to point you in the right direction, but when all else fails, I recommend checking out an area near the tiny town of Kilkee. Just a smidge southwest of the heart of the town, there’s a small cafe and a path with gorgeous coastal cliffs.
Admittedly, I haven’t been there since my visit to Ireland, so it’s definitely possible they are a bit more discovered nowadays. However, when I visited, the only people at the cliffs were our small group of 12 students (plus the driver). Compare that to the Cliffs of Moher which had buses full of people and this was an amazing experience and one of my favorites in Ireland.
After taking in some stunning views, hop back in your car to drive the rest of the way to Killarney.
From Doolin to Kilkee, you’ll have about one hour of driving. From Kilkee to Killarney, it’s about two and a half hours.
Sleep: Killarney
Day 5 – Ring of Kerry
Killarney is the traditional jumping off point for people who wish to drive the Ring of Kerry. This 110 mile loop is one of the most popular scenic drives, so it’s perfect for this Ireland road trip. However, since it’s a loop, don’t feel like you need to start in Killarney. You can start anywhere along this route.
Now, the Ring of Kerry is only 110 miles, which may feel short. In some ways it is. But you’ll find narrow and windy roads that may have you questioning Irish road safety (I know I did and I was on a bus and not even driving a car). But give yourself a day to take it slow. There’s plenty of good photo stops along the route, ranging from beaches to waterfalls and everything in between.
Sleep: Killarney
Day 6 – Back to Dublin
Today, it’s time to head back to Dublin in preparation for your flight home tomorrow. But you have two options for how to spend the last full day of your one week Ireland road trip.
Option 1 is to Dublin right away. This is really the only time you’ll have to explore this capitol city on this one week road trip.
Option 2 is to add just a little more scenery before we head back. You’re so close to Dingle, that it seems a shame to not spend just a little time on the Dingle Peninsula. For beautiful views and some gorgeous beaches, this small peninsula can easily be explored in a half day.
Sleep: Dublin
Day 7 – Fly Home
Return your rental car and head home. Your one week Ireland road trip is over.
Modifications to This Itinerary
While this itinerary was designed with just one week in mind, you may find yourself with more time. So if you have extra time, here’s how you can extend your one week Ireland road trip.
With 8 Days
If you have one extra day, spend it in Dublin. So on Day 6, you can do the Dingle Peninsula and return to Dublin. On Day 7, you’ll have the full day in Dublin.
Admittedly, I didn’t give any time to Dublin on this itinerary. There are some great sights, but I focused more on my favorites in Ireland. So, if you can squeeze out one more day, spend some time in Dublin. See St. Patrick’s Cathedral, walk along the River Liffey, see the Book of Kells at Trinity College, tour the Guinness Storehouse, or just enjoy Dublin. The choice is yours.
With 9 Days
It’s a long day trip, add in a day trip to Belfast. Spend day 7 in Dublin and then on day 8, drive two hours north to the capital of Northern Ireland. Visit the Titanic Museum or learn about the Troubles from a Black Cab Tour. The choice is yours.
With 10 Days
Ten days is my ideal length for a first time visitor. With 10 days, you can spend the night in Belfast. This gives you a little more time to explore, plus with your extra day, you can take a day trip to the jaw dropping Giant’s Causeway.
Ireland Itinerary Recap
Here’s a recap of what you’ll need for hotels, as well as what you can expect from each day of your Ireland road trip.
7 Days
Day 1: Travel from Dublin to Galway. Sleep in Galway.
Day 2: Galway to Doolin. Sleep in Doolin.
Day 3: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher. Sleep in Doolin.
Day 4: Doolin to Killarney. Sleep in Killarney.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry. Sleep in Killarney.
Day 6: Travel to Dublin. Sleep in Dublin.
Day 7: Fly Home.
8 Days
Day 1: Travel from Dublin to Galway. Sleep in Galway.
Day 2: Galway to Doolin. Sleep in Doolin.
Day 3: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher. Sleep in Doolin.
Day 4: Doolin to Killarney. Sleep in Killarney.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry. Sleep in Killarney.
Day 6: Killarney to Dingle Peninsula to Dublin. Sleep in Dublin.
Day 7: Explore Dublin. Sleep in Dublin.
Day 8: Fly Home.
9 Days
Day 1: Travel from Dublin to Galway. Sleep in Galway.
Day 2: Galway to Doolin. Sleep in Doolin.
Day 3: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher. Sleep in Doolin.
Day 4: Doolin to Killarney. Sleep in Killarney.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry. Sleep in Killarney.
Day 6: Killarney to Dingle Peninsula to Dublin. Sleep in Dublin.
Day 7: Explore Dublin. Sleep in Dublin.
Day 8: Day trip to Belfast. Sleep in Dublin.
Day 9: Fly Home.
10 Days
Note this 10 day Ireland road trip is organized slightly differently to be efficient with your time. Specifically, this is to make sure that your last night is in Dublin.
Day 1: Travel from Dublin to Galway. Sleep in Galway.
Day 2: Galway to Doolin. Sleep in Doolin.
Day 3: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher. Sleep in Doolin.
Day 4: Doolin to Killarney. Sleep in Killarney.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry. Sleep in Killarney.
Day 6: Killarney to Dingle Peninsula to Belfast. Sleep in Belfast.
Day 7: Explore Belfast. Sleep in Belfast.
Day 8: Day trip to Giant’s Causeway. Sleep in Belfast.
Day 9: Belfast to Dublin. Sleep in Dublin
Day 10: Fly home.
When to Do This Itinerary
Winter (December through February) will be the coldest, but Spring (March through May) can be very rainy. Summers (June through August) can be warm, but you’ll have the best chance for good weather. Fall (September through November) will start to get cold.
Normally, I’m all for avoiding peak tourist season. In Ireland, that means summer. However, with so much of this trip focusing on natural beauty, you’ll want to have the best weather. Sure, you can get lucky in the off season (my parents visited for a week in April and there was a total of 15 minutes of rain over their entire visit), but it’s no guarantee.
If you are completely against peak season, I’d recommend late spring and early fall. You can hopefully squeeze out a few decent weather days on your visit.
Final Thoughts
Ireland is a beautiful country and seven days is not enough to see everything. While this Ireland road trip was designed for one week, if you can squeeze a few more days into your vacation, you’ll have an even more epic trip to Ireland. But if you can’t, don’t worry. You’ll still find yourself in awe of the beauty of the Emerald Isle.
Continue Your Adventure
Ireland: Learn about the best things to do in Ireland or take a photo tour of the Emerald Isle.
More Itineraries in Europe: Try 5 Days in Iceland for more epic nature or the my Best of Spain in 10 Days for a more city focused trip.