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Constructing your Eire journey itinerary actually will depend on your pursuits, however I like to recommend beginning with no less than seven days in Eire. On the West coast particularly – it’s my private favourite – driving parts of the Wild Atlantic Means. I do know everybody loves a while in Dublin – however this text is simply specializing in the countryside and smaller villages of the west coast – that is my favourite a part of Eire – the agricultural areas! If potential, extending your keep to 10 days and even fourteen days on Eire’s West coast will present a fair richer expertise, permitting deeper immersion into Irish tradition and surroundings.
I’ve traveled to Eire a number of occasions – it seems like my residence in Europe. It doesn’t matter if I’m doing climbing, biking, or driving journeys there, and I’ve cherished all of them. I even run my very own small group excursions there steadily, too. I used all the data I’ve gained in these journeys and put collectively this complete Eire journey itinerary for you…from 7 to 14 days!
Let’s begin with a one-week itinerary exploring the charming rural great thing about County Sligo and County Mayo, on the north-west aspect of the nation. From there, I recommend including on just a few days to drive south to discover the Cliffs of Moher and the gorgeous Burren area. Then, to spherical out a full two-week Eire trip, proceed heading south to County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Let’s get began!
Begin Constructing Your Excellent Eire Journey Itinerary
You’ll need a set of wheels to get round for this itinerary. Don’t fear in case you’ve by no means pushed out of the country earlier than – Eire is the right place to be taught! That is truly the place I discovered easy methods to drive on the opposite aspect of the highway. Sure – it was harrowing at first – however on the west coast, there are many quiet roads to get your proper aspect driving savvy and confidence! Nevertheless – I do all the time suggest getting the smallest rental automobile you may when in Eire. The roads are slender, and the smaller the automobile, the higher.
See all of my driving ideas for Driving in Eire
7 Days in Eire: A Cultural and Scenic Highway Journey By Mayo and Achill
Situated on the west coast of Eire, County Mayo is a hidden gem with a rugged shoreline, beautiful mountain vistas, and picturesque villages. It gives vacationers a mix of tranquil rural settings, historic websites, vibrant cultural traditions, and infinite alternatives for out of doors adventures away from the vacationer crowds. That’s why I’ve run 4 completely different excursions in County Mayo – as a result of it’s a rustic that many individuals skip…and that’s simply loopy as a result of there’s a lot enjoyable stuff to do there!
Primarily based on a tour I led in 2024 with Rachel’s Irish Adventures, this itinerary highlights scenic coastal hikes and distinctive Irish cultural experiences.
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin and Head Straight to Ballina
After checking into the lodge, take pleasure in a riverside stroll and dinner by the River Moy. For those who’re up for it within the night, take pleasure in a pint of Guinness and conventional Irish music at Rouse’s Bar, Ballina’s oldest family-owned pub. In case you are fortunate, you’ll stroll into the bar and there might be reside music (each Saturday evening beginning at 10 PM). That is my favourite approach to meet locals – hang around at a bar listening to music in a non-touristy city!
Easy methods to get there: You’ll most certainly arrive in Eire through Dublin, so plan for a morning arrival in case you can. Take public transport from Dublin to Ballina – the journey is simply 3-4 hours – then choose up a rental automobile when you’re on the West coast. Nevertheless – have in mind, not all cities on the West Coast have automobile rental. So another choice is to choose up your rental automobile in Dublin, and that approach you may return to the identical spot and avoid wasting cash.
The place to remain: Ballina Manor for 3 nights. Or strive Belleek Fortress lodge for a bit extra luxurious
Day 2: Sligo Coast
After breakfast within the morning, hike Knocknarea Hill in close by County Sligo to go to the nice warrior Queen Maeve’s Cairn. (a average hike) The cairn is an unbelievable sight to see – it form of seems to be just like the Nice Pyramids! Afterwards, heat up with a beverage and a do-it-yourself deal with from Shells Café in Strandhill. Take a while to stroll across the quaint little village.
In your approach again to Ballina, there are two stops I recommend you make. The primary in Aughris to go to the Seaside Bar, a standard thatch roof pub – you guessed it – close to the seaside for a fast afternoon Irish Espresso. The second cease is Kilcullen’s Tub Home in Enniscrone for a seaweed bathtub, a completely distinctive expertise courting again to the twelfth century. Seaweed baths are so nice for you – however I believe the perfect half about this expertise is soaking within the previous tubs and steam containers!
When you’re good and relaxed, head again to Ballina for a hearty dinner and extra conventional Irish music at Lillie’s Bar.
Day 3: Cultural Day
Spend the morning at Mount Falcon Aviary studying about birds of prey. Then transfer on to the historic Foxford Woollen Mills, the place you’ll find out about its significance to the city and group because it was established within the Nineties. That is the right time to purchase your self, and everybody , an genuine Irish wool memento!
Again in Ballina, you may spend the afternoon exploring the realm by bike. Go to the Belleek Woods, Monasteries of the Moy, and the Rosserk Friary. You’ll be able to simply hire a motorbike (common or electrical) from Rachel’s Irish Adventures and have a wonderful afternoon exploring the countryside! Afterwards, unwind with a whiskey tasting after which dinner at Quay West.
Queen Maeve’s Hike
Biking County Mayo
Deserted Abby County Mayo
County Mayo Seacliffs
Croagh Patrick Hike
The River Moy in Ballina
Mount Falcon Aviary
Rouses Pub Stay Music Saturday
Seaweed Tub
Day 4: Ceide Coast
It’s time to alter lodging, so pack up your stuff and take a look at of your lodge earlier than you head out for the day.
As we speak begins off with a drive as much as see vistas of the North Atlantic Ocean from Downpatrick Head and a hike round for the morning. Get pleasure from lunch at Mary’s Bakery in Ballycastle earlier than heading to Ceide Fields for the afternoon. There you’ll see the oldest and most in depth Stone Age monument on the planet, consisting of megalithic tombs, homes, and relics lined by a pure, and completely distinctive, blanket lavatory.
Cease someplace for dinner or pop into the retailers to get elements to cook dinner your personal dinner at Ceide Glamping Pods. Collect round their fireplace pit earlier than settling in for the evening and getting a very good evening’s relaxation. These glamping pods are to not be missed…they’re secluded and supply an outstanding sundown. I actually didn’t need to go away them! So possibly you need to keep two nights there and go climbing at Carrowteige the subsequent day! It’s my favourite hike in Eire!
The place to remain: Ceide Glamping Pods for one evening.
Day 5: Mayo’s Hidden Gems
Discover the grounds at Ceide Glamping Pods for a short while earlier than heading out on your longest drive but on this journey. As we speak you’re headed all the way in which to Achill Island is about 1.5 hours. I advised you it was a protracted one (okay, possibly not THAT lengthy), however there might be loads of spots to stretch your legs alongside the way in which, like Ballycroy Nationwide Park.
With 15,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness, Ballycroy is most notably residence to the Nephin Beg mountain vary and the Owenduff Bathroom – one of many final intact energetic blanket lavatory methods in Western Europe. There are many trails to discover, so plan for no less than just a few hours right here.
As soon as prepared, proceed your journey to Achill Island – the biggest island off Eire’s coast. Although sparsely inhabited, it’s identified for its dramatic sea cliffs and Atlantic views. Upon arrival, verify into your new lodging in Keel and unwind with a beachside sauna session at Achill Island Sauna, providing sizzling/chilly remedy simply steps from the ocean. This was one in every of my favourite experiences – I really like that you would be able to run proper out of the sauna and into the freezing ocean – it’s exhilarating!
Finish the day with a calming dinner at your lodging or one of many eating places on the town, having fun with a heat meal after a full day of outside adventures.
The place to remain: Bervie Guesthouse for one evening.
Day 6: Achill Island
As we speak is all about exploring the pure magnificence and historical past of Achill Island. After packing up your stuff and filling your stomach, begin with a go to to Keem Seaside, usually praised as Eire’s most lovely seaside, the place turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs. And the drive there’s beautiful…make sure to get a window view! From there, take a hike as much as these towering sea cliffs – a few of the highest in Eire – for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Subsequent, wander by means of the hauntingly lovely Abandoned Village at Slievemore, a set of stone cottages alongside a mile-long highway that had been deserted through the famine period. Within the late afternoon, drive to Westport, a energetic city identified for its attraction and music scene. Settle in for the night with dinner and a pint at one in every of Westport’s iconic pubs, the place reside conventional music fills the air. Matt Molloy’s might be the most well-liked – however you may’t go incorrect at any pub in Westport!
The place to remain: The Mariner Resort for one evening (or two if planning an extended itinerary).
Day 7: Killary Fjord & South Mayo
Spend your morning having fun with a scenic drive alongside Clew Bay, making a cease at Croagh Patrick – Eire’s holy mountain and a web site of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Even when you don’t hike all the way in which to the summit, the midway level additionally gives unbelievable views and a very good climbing problem. If climbing isn’t your factor, then the bottom gives spectacular views of the height and the bay’s many drumlin islands.
For those who skipped the Croagh Patrick hike, then you definately’ll have time to proceed into the guts of Connemara to go to Killary Sheep Farm. Right here you may witness conventional sheepdog demonstrations and find out about rural Irish farm life in a shocking fjord-side setting.
If as we speak is your closing day, now’s the time to catch a practice to Dublin from Westport on your flight residence, or you may prolong your highway journey to 10 or 14 days. On this case, I recommend staying in Clifden – an lovable little city full of retailers and pubs.
Downpatrick Head Nation Mayo
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Ceide Glamping Huts
Keem Seaside
Slievemore
Strolling by means of Slievemore previous famine ruins
Downpatrick Head
10 Days in Eire: Into the Coronary heart of Clare: Doolin, Cliffs of Moher & the Burren
This expanded itinerary options the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the otherworldly landscapes of the Burren, providing a deeper look into Eire’s pure magnificence.
Day 8: Drive to Galway Metropolis
From Clifden, as we speak you’ll head south to Galway Metropolis. I recommend you rise up early and drive the beautiful Sky Highway. Or if you’re feeling extra energetic – hire an ebike from Clifden Bike Store nestled within the cute native memento store – All Issues Connemara. Bike the Sky Highway and expertise it at a slower tempo! After your morning exploring Clifden, take the gradual route on the tremendous scenic Wild Atlantic Means in the direction of Galway Metropolis. Stroll across the metropolis and deal with your self to some nice eating on the town after all the pub meals! Check out Rúibín Bar & Restaurant for scrumptious seafood and cocktails! Then slowly stroll the streets, having fun with the buskers on each nook!
The place to Keep: Kinlay Hostel is a good finances keep that has non-public rooms and nice amenities. For a extra upscale keep, strive Victoria Resort
Day 9: Discover the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin
As we speak is all in regards to the Cliffs of Moher! This is among the hottest sights in Eire – so it would be best to time your go to fastidiously to keep away from the crowds. I recommend taking a gradual morning in Galway, or driving the gradual approach alongside the Wild Atlantic Means to Doolin. Then within the late afternoon, when all the constitution buses are heading again to Dublin, now could be your time to move to the Cliffs of Moher!
I recommend taking a taxi from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher customer middle. This manner you don’t have to fret about parking and you’ll take a look at the customer middle. Begin by heading south across the Cliffs viewing space – after which stroll again north so far as you may go. You’ll ultimately go away the Cliffs of Moher space and find yourself climbing alongside the Burren Means, a coastal path from Cliffs of Moher customer middle to Doolin, timed good to coincide with sundown for an elevated expertise!
The customer middle is about 8km from Doolin alongside the Burren Means climbing path, which ought to take 2.5 to three hours – or longer, the extra stops you make to take footage! You should definitely convey a raincoat as storms can roll in shortly alongside the Atlantic coast!
After you catch sundown on the coast after which go take heed to music and a few take pleasure in Guinness stew at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin.
I think about this hike the finest approach to see the Cliffs of Moher, so I’ve a complete publish devoted to my expertise doing this hike solo.
The place to remain: Suantrai Home in Doolin for 2 (or three if planning an extended itinerary).
Day 10: The Burren
As we speak is a transition day, however don’t miss the possibility to discover the Burren, one in every of Eire’s most iconic and weird landscapes. Whether or not you’re wrapping up your journey or persevering with on with the total two-week Eire itinerary, I’ve some recommendations for what to do within the Burren.
If leaving for residence later: Begin early and make the brief drive from Doolin to Burren Nationwide Park, providing a number of climbing trails by means of its hanging limestone pavement, together with grasslands, woodlands, and scrub habitats wealthy with distinctive natural world. An exquisite approach to spend your morning earlier than heading residence.
If persevering with your itinerary: For a extra immersive expertise, think about reserving a self-guided hike with Eire Stroll Hike Bike. I’ve praised them earlier than, and for good cause—on my solo hike organized by means of them, my solely path companions had been curious cows, and the peace and solitude had been unforgettable.
Get 5% off any reserving with Eire Stroll Hike Bike while you use code OttsWorldIreland
Not within the temper for extra climbing? No drawback. You’ll be able to nonetheless discover the Burren by visiting just a few key websites. Excellent in case you simply need to make a pitstop or two earlier than heading again to Dublin or persevering with on to County Kerry.
Persevering with your Eire journey? The place to remain: Ashe Resort in Tralee for two nights. They’ve a beautiful restaurant and bar, additionally within the lodge, you need to take a look at!
14 Days in Eire:
This complete itinerary supplies a deep dive into Eire’s breathtaking southern finish of the Wild Atlantic Means, from rugged cliffs to charming cities.
Day 11: Uncover Dingle Peninsula’s Coastal & Cultural Gems
In your approach to Dingle within the morning, drive over Conor Move – Eire’s tallest mountain cross. It’s probably the most dramatic and scenic approach to arrive in Dingle. As soon as there, be sure to cease at my favourite ice cream retailer in Eire – Murphy’s Ice Cream. The store began in Dingle and has flavors like Brown bread and Gin ice cream! Subsequent, load up on cheese and chocolate from the Little Cheese Store to snack on when you drive the dramatic Slea Head loop. Cease at Dun Beg Fort and Dunquin Pier for sweeping Atlantic views. Then proceed on to the Gallarus Oratory, a well-preserved early Christian chapel that’s older than the Egyptian pyramids! Be sure to stretch your legs on a brief hike alongside the coast or possibly a seaside for a bit, too.
Once you’re hungry for lunch, head to the South Pole Inn in Annascaul. You would possibly surprise why it’s known as the South Pole Inn. As you’ll see, it was named such by Tom Crean, former proprietor of the inn, who joined Shackleton and Scott on a few of their South Pole expeditions within the early twentieth century.
After you’ve crammed up on meals and enjoyable Tom Crean information, transfer on to Gleann na Gealt, nicknamed the Valley of the Mad. There are tales that say coming to this valley cures psychological sickness – even kings had been cured of their insanity right here. It was solely comparatively lately that the water was examined and located to include lithium, which is a drug usually used to deal with psychological well being situations.
Head again to Tralee for the evening for dinner at your lodging or one of many eating places on the town.
Day 12: Drive the Ring of Kerry
Your first stretch takes you alongside coastal roads towards the charming city of Killorglin, excellent for grabbing a espresso and snapping photographs of the River Laune. From there, proceed by means of Glenbeigh with views over Rossbeigh Seaside, an exquisite spot to tug over and stroll alongside the sand or admire sweeping Atlantic vistas.
Round noon, arrive at Kells Bay Home & Gardens for lunch. Take time to walk by means of the plush, subtropical gardens, well-known for his or her big ferns and coastal setting. Afterward, proceed south towards Cahersiveen, with an non-compulsory fast go to to the ruins of Ballycarbery Fortress or a cease on the historic Valentia Island bridge for photographs of the harbor and mountains.
You should definitely make a fast cease on the Kerry Cliffs – one other spectacular set of rugged coastal cliffs and waves. This web site isn’t as busy because the Cliffs of Moher however simply as lovely. Proceed on and make a fast cease on the Skelligs Chocolate Manufacturing unit and Cafe for a particular deal with!
Within the afternoon, observe the coastal highway by means of Waterville and Sneem, having fun with dramatic views over Kenmare Bay. Find time for a brief leg-stretch at Women View for panoramic photographs of Killarney’s lakes and mountains. End your day close to Killarney Nationwide Park, checking in to your lodging able to discover its trails, lakes, and historic websites the subsequent morning.
It’ll be a protracted day, nonetheless, in case you have the vitality, cease by Courtney’s Pub for some reside music.
The place to remain: Killarney Avenue Resort close by for 1 evening. Or the Ross lodge. Each are within the coronary heart of the city, the place you may stroll to something.
In case you have an additional day – it’s possible you’ll need to keep in Portmagee and catch an early boat to the Skellig Islands the subsequent morning. The distant islands are probably the most well-known and hardest to get to in Eire!
Day 13: Morning in Killarney & Return to Dublin
Spend your closing morning immersed within the coronary heart of Killarney Nationwide Park. Right here you may hike or go to Muckross Home and Gardens, one of many park’s most beloved highlights. Tour the grand Nineteenth-century mansion with its interval rooms and discover the fantastically maintained gardens that overlook the lakes and mountains.
Stroll alongside close by trails by means of lush woodlands to the scenic Torc Waterfall. I additionally love visiting the Abbey within the park. Don’t miss the traditional Yew tree in the course of the Abbey! After absorbing these iconic sights, return your rental automobile in time to catch a bus to Dublin for the evening.
Get pleasure from a closing night of music at a energetic pub, a leisurely stroll alongside the River Liffey, or a comfy meal in one of many metropolis’s historic pubs. Being in Dublin the evening earlier than your flight additionally means you may keep away from an early-morning cross-country rush, guaranteeing a easy, hassle-free departure and time to mirror in your journey by means of Eire’s wild and delightful west.
The place to Keep: My favourite lodge in Dublin is Zanzibar Locke – an amazing location and actually trendy!
Yew Tree Muckrose Abbey
Skellig Islands
Ring of Kerry Shoreline
Kerry Cliffs
Dingle City
Torc Waterfall
Ring of Kerry Views
Murphy’s Ice Cream Dingle
Every single day gained’t be like this…
Cheese Store Dingle
Gallorus Oratory Dingle
Dunquin Pier Dingle
Dingle Peninsula
Day 14: Ultimate Day in Eire
Ending your two-week West Coast highway journey in Dublin gives the right transition earlier than flying residence, supplying you with an opportunity to relaxation and mirror on the epic journey you simply skilled.
Eire Journey Sources
My favourite native guides and corporations for Eire excursions
These are the businesses I work with, and I fortunately name these small enterprise homeowners my associates.
Eire Tourism Web site – Stuffed with details about occasions and issues to do
I hope you fall in love with Emerald Isle like I did! I’m completely satisfied to reply any questions you may have about journey in Eire or customizations of those Eire journey itineraries!
Continuously Requested Questions on Touring in Western Eire