8 Days in Ireland Itinerary: 4 itineraries to see the best of Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

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Are you looking for an 8 days in Ireland itinerary? You’ve found it! Actually, in this Ireland post, we have included four itineraries for Ireland that each can be used as an Ireland road trip planner. Whether you are a first time visitor, a returning visitor, also want to visit Northern Ireland, or do the best Ireland road trip, you will find the best road trip to Ireland here.

We are Eric and Marie, a couple living and traveling through Ireland for over three years. We love Ireland as it such a beautiful and romantic European destination. We used our experience, good and bad, to create these road trip itineraries so you can have the best experience in the country without making the same mistakes as us.

In each itinerary, you will find:

• the total number of km
• the total number of driving hours 
• the pace of the itinerary
• a driving map of Ireland with attractions locations so you can have a visual of the itinerary
• your schedule day by day
• what to do each day in order from morning to night
• the recommend time to be spent at each attraction
• ticket recommendations 
• hotel and airbnb stay recommendations 

Don’t forget to check out our fun couples questions for some road tip fun and our road trip game ideas to have fun together while driving around Ireland.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Our 4 itineraries to discover Ireland in 8 days also include a mix of visits. From National Parks to cities, these itineraries cover a variety of the best sites in Ireland to give you the most complete experience. 

Please note that this itinerary is an Ireland road trip itinerary which means you’ll need to rent a car and drive around, at least for the most part.

We have also include recommended activities and tours in case you want to catch a break from driving. For example, some of our itineraries take you to Galway and surrounding areas. From Galway, you could take this tour to the Connemara National Park, instead of driving around the national park yourself. This is a good option if you don’t want to be driving everyday and need to catch a break. 

If you don’t want to drive at all, we recommend this railway Ireland itinerary which will take you to most of the spots in our itineraries (the main landmarks of Ireland) without you having to drive one second! 

You’ll find more information on things to know when driving in Ireland at the end of the post. 

We recommend that you print out this post so you can bring your Ireland trip planner with you during the trip!

Is 8 days in Ireland enough or too much? 

If you are planning a trip to Ireland in 2022 or 2023, you might be wondering how many days in Ireland you should plan for. As you’ve seen from this post, there is quite the list of things to visit in Ireland and an 8 day tour of Ireland isn’t too much time to see the main spots! However, we do understand that you may only be able to come for 5 days in Ireland or maybe you’re only looking for a 6 day Ireland itinerary. Some of you might also want to stay longer. In this section, we give you tips to make the most of your trip to Ireland in that time. 

For trips under a week in Ireland

Our rule of thumb for trips of under a week to Ireland would be to stick to two mains areas. You can base your itinerary off of what we have above, but only stick to two main landmarks. For example, you’ll want to spend a couple of days in Dublin and three days in Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. You could also spend one day in Dublin and spend 4 to 5 days in the Ring of Kerry and couple that with the Dingle Peninsula. Either way you can easily cut our 8 day itineraries to suite your schedule. If you are coming to Ireland for just a short weekend, you ay want to check out our itinerary for 2 days in Dublin. 

For a week trip to Ireland

If you are looking for a 7 day Ireland itinerary, you can definitely use our above itineraries and cut them one day short. For example, if you prefer nature sites to cities, you could cut Belfast off Itinerary 3. A one week Ireland road trip is definitely doable but depending on you travel style, seeing everything in 7 days might be too fast paced! That said, you’ll definitely have time to do some of the fun things Ireland offers in 7 days!

For over 8 days in Ireland

If you are looking for a 10 days in Ireland itinerary, you can easily build up on our above itineraries. The first option is to spend more time in each places. Our itineraries are overall quite fast paced with at least a bit of driving everyday. You might prefer sticking to an area for more than 24h and exploring every nook and cranny. Those two extra days will be useful for that.

Alternatively, you can add some activities to your 9 day Ireland itinerary or 10 days Ireland itinerary. We recommend the following:

• Horseback riding on the Dingle Peninsula
• Visiting the Aran Islands by Galway
• Going Whale, Dolphin and Seal watching off the coast in Cork
• Taking a distillery and wine testing tour 
• Spending a night at Dromoland Castle 
• Take a Game of Thrones Tour or visit the Dark Edges
• Go to a traditional Irish music and dancing show 

If you are staying 9 days in Ireland, our 8 day itineraries might actually be very much suitable for you as it will give you a bit of leeway to book cheaper flights! Being flexible with dates is one way to spend less on flights!

Budget for these 8 days in Ireland itineraries

Just like with any destinations, your budget to spend 8 days in Ireland will depend on your travel style. In the past couple of years, Ireland has gone up in price especially for renting cars and for hotel and airbnb stays. 

Average costs in Ireland for a 8 days in Ireland itinerary

Below you’ll find the average cost for the main travel expenses in Ireland:

• Hotel/Airbnb: About €150/$200 per night. You can find cheaper hotels and Airbnbs, especially in the countryside but cities, and especially Dublin can be crazy for very average hotels.
• Car rental: About €450 for 8 days.
• Food: Can be as cheap or expensive as you’d like. This is one of the expense accounts you can save on the most easily!

How to save money while travelling 8 days in Ireland

There are ways you can cut down on your costs in Ireland, see below:

• Hostels: Spending nights in hostels is not really our thing but if you’re on a tight budget, it can be an easy solution even if it’s just for a night or two. With some hostels renting beds for less than €50 per night in the city, that’s a bargain lately!
• Food: Instead of eating out for every meal, head to Lidl or Aldi for the cheapest and best quality food. Lidl has a very good reputation in Europe. Their products are good quality and cheaper than any other store. We would suggest making your own meals for lunch and enjoying pubs for dinner. 
• Booking hotels with breakfast: Hotels with breakfast are usually a good bargain considering breakfast can cost up to €20 per person sometimes! We like to book our breakfast with our hotel and then take a couple of fruits or breads for the day which saves money too!

Best time to come to Ireland

We would recommend you check our post on spending spring in Ireland as this is one of the best season to visit the Emerald Isle. The post also warns you about the costs during St Patrick’s weekend which is to avoid if you don’t have an unlimited budget.

Besides spring, fall is also a gorgeous season in the country. The air is crisp, we get a bit more sunshine and the colours change which is especially nice if you decide to go visit the Wicklow Mountains National Park! It’s often the season picked by couples who wish to elope in the country. Both seasons are great for spending romantic times at the beach.

If you’re not too fond of crowds and don’t want to spend your 10 year savings on your trip, it is best to avoid July and August as these months are usually the most crowded and expensive. Note that, even though July and August are considered summer in Europe, Ireland’s weather is not that reliable and those months are not synonyms of good weather. It usually rains everyday in July with grey weather. August can be sunny but it’s really hit or miss. We sometimes get a heat wave but it varies from May, June or August so far in our experience. As you can see, it’s not worth spending more during summer in hope to get better weather as you probably won’t. To note also that Kerry County is usually rainy (hence why it’s so lush) regardless of the time of the year. 

Why your 8 day road trip across Ireland is romantic?

Before moving to Ireland and getting accustomed to Ireland (it becomes slightly more boring when it’s your everyday life but that’s just part of the game when you live abroad!), we thought of Ireland as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. With phenomenal landscapes and dramatic views, Ireland is one of the top countries chosen for elopements and weddings. 

Some spots are famous for being great places to propose or elope in Ireland such as the Dark Edges, the Cliffs of Moher or Powerscourt Waterfall. 

A road trip across Ireland is a great way to spend a memorable moment with your partner. It’s fun to play music in the car, guess to your favorite tunes while driving through some of the best roads of the country. Obviously, the views are breathtaking and certain spots are just fully love related such as Lough Ouler, a heart-shaped lake. 

Ireland also has some of the most romantic stays in Europe such as this gorgeous spa hotel and this beautiful hotel with a pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. 

All together, an 8 day road trip across Ireland is one of the most romantic road trips you could do and you’ll both have unforgettable memories to share for life!

Where to eat in Ireland

Ireland is famous for a range of dishes including seafood chowder, Irish breakfast, stew, and fish and chips. In most cases, you’ll find great food in pubs and you’ll find pubs pretty much anywhere in the country even where you don’t expect them!

While in Dublin, you’ll see the offer can be overwhelming so we have a full guide of the best restaurants in Dublin here. 

8 days in Ireland itinerary for first time visitors (Itinerary 1)

In this section, you will find the itinerary for a 8 day trip to Ireland that we recommend for first time visitors. In 8 days, you definitely cannot see everything in Ireland. However, you can absolutely see the main landmarks and areas of the country in that timeline. 

This driving itinerary Ireland offers covers the main Irish cities, historical sites and nature spots. We have also included a couple of hidden gems. This is the perfect first trip to Ireland itinerary!

DAY 1 Arrival and first day in Dublin

Your road trip in Ireland starts with a couple of days in Dublin. Irish locals will tell you that Dublin is a waste of time, but after living here for over three years, we highly disagree (some locals have a tendency to forget about the greatness of where they live!). 

Dublin is both a bustling and chill city. It is a small capital and has kept some of the Irish charm in its constructions. You will notice red brick buildings and old houses all over the city. Depending on your flights, you will arrive early or late in Dublin. That’s why we’ve kept your first day in Dublin quite flexible.

Your first stop will be your hotel to drop off your luggage. If your check-in time is later, don’t worry, most hotels still accept to store your luggage until your room is ready. Note also that you don’t need to be married to book a hotel room together.

Then, you are off to explore the following spots. Dublin is a very walkable city so beside a couple spots, the first two days are basically walking tours Ireland Dublin has to offer. 

Although we have a suggested itinerary below, we also recommend the following tours to get a different perspective of the city

• Discover Dublin by boat 
• Historical walking tour of Dublin
• 2h Ghost Bust tour of the city
• Self-Guided Mystery Tour at Trinity College
• Silent Disco Walking Tour of Dublin
• 2.5-Hour Guided Bike Tour

O’Connell Street

O’Connell Street is the main avenue in Dublin and stretches in the North part of the city. In the centre you will find a large monument looking like a needle called the Spire. It lights up at night and you can see it from a number of places in the city. On O’Connell Street, you’ll want to stop by the General Post Office which is housed in a building dating back to the war. You can actually see some holes from bullets on the façade. Nearby is also Henry Street, one of the two main shopping  streets of the city. If you are visiting Dublin during winter, Henry Street is worth checking out as stores go a bit crazy with Christmas decorations! At the very end of the street, you’ll find a Church-bar called The Church which is one of our favourite places to go grab a snack or a drink. Whether you’re feeling like a hot chocolate or a beer, they’ll have it there and you will enjoy a very unique decor for a bar! 

Depending on your arrival time, you can adjust shorten this section by skipping Henry Street and sticking to O’Connell Street.

Time recommended: 1h30min

Dublin Castle and the gardens

Dublin Castle is located in the south of the Liffey and is a beautiful and very interesting visit that we highly recommend. Near the castle, you’ll also be able to visit the Chapel which is stunning. In the back, you’ll find the castle gardens which are free to visit. The Castle is still used for government affairs but you get to visit most of it. 

Time recommended: 1h30min

Get your tickets: Fast track tickets to Dublin Castle and the Book of Kells

Chester Beatty Museum (optional if you have time)

The Chester Beatty Museum is one of Dublin’s free museums located in the Castle gardens. Depending on how much time you have, you can head to the museum just to check the building and the galleries out or you can spend a couple of hours in there. The collections are quite interesting and we thought we got really good value out of this free visit.

Time recommend: About an hour

Temple Bar, a must-see on your itinerary of Ireland

As your first day in Dublin comes to an end, we recommend that you head to Temple Bar, the famous district of the city. In Temple Bar, you’ll find countless pubs and bars with live performers playing the biggest hits and some Irish music both outside and in pubs. We love Temple Bar, it is definitely one of the hearts of the city! It is really fun to go into the district and check out the different pubs and facades. Of course, you’ll have to go into The Temple Bar Pub. You will recognise the building as it is bright red. The Pub has live music pretty much 24/7 and serves pub food and drinks. The inside is quite interesting when it comes to how it is decorated, and it is definitely something you’d want to check out.

Time recommend: The rest of the day and evening to feel the Irish spirit!

DAY 2 of your 8 days in Ireland Itinerary: Dublin

Let’s get your second day in Dublin started. On Day 2, you’ll learn more about Dublin’s history and symbols and we’ll take you to some of the highlights of the city!

Irish Breakfast 

First, we would recommend starting your day with an Irish breakfast. This is one of our favourite dishes in Ireland but it’s not for the faints of heart! With sausages, ham, hash browns, tomatoes, mushrooms, sweet beans, eggs and toasts, it will give you enough energy for your entire 8 day trip in Ireland! The breakfast used to be the sole meal of Irish farmers back in the day and was meant to keep them full all day!

We love getting one at LovinSpoon which is a cute café just up O’Connell Street. Otherwise, you’ll find Irish breakfasts at about any pubs or café in the city!

Phoenix Park 

Your second stop is Phoenix Park. Phoenix Park is to Dublin what Central Park is to New York City. It’s a beautiful park that is home to a herd of wild deer. You can learn more about Phoenix Park here and we also have a guide on how to find the deer in Phoenix Park. We highly recommend a visit to the park.

To get there, you can hop on the Red Luas line from the city centre and get off at Heuston Station. From there, it’s a five minute walk to the park. 

We recommend visiting in the morning when the weather is usually at its best (but it is Ireland so don’t quote us on this!)

Time recommended: 2 hours

Trinity College

Next, hop back onto the Red Luas Line towards the city centre. There, we recommend you head to the Trinity College library, officially known as Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Trinity College’s architecture will make you think of Harry Potter, especially with the clock tower in the centre. On the side, you’ll find the Book of Kells, a stunning exhibition which ends with the visit of the Old Library. 

While you are in Trinity College, we also advise that you check out the Geology building which was built in a completely different style and will make you think of Spain! Inside, you’ll find two giant Irish deer skeletons and a display of minerals and fossils.

Time recommended: 2 hours

Get your tickets: Fast track tickets to Dublin Castle and the Book of Kells

Grafton Street

Next to Trinity College, you’ll find Grafton Street, one of the most bustling shopping streets in Dublin. With a mix of luxurious and more affordable stores, what attracts tourists to Grafton Street is essentially the buskers! Buskers are live performers on the street. Here you’ll find singers, musicians, bands, and sometimes comedians and painters. It’s a fun street to go on! Some famous artists that regularly perform on the street include Allie Sherlock (produced by Ryan Tedder – One Republic) and Keywest. 

Time recommended: 30min

St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre and Park

On top of Grafton Street, you’ll find the St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre which has a very unique style! The architecture is unlike any other building in Dublin. We recommend that you head inside as well to see more of it!

If the weather is nice and you’d like to spend some time outside, St Stephen’s Green Park is right next-door and very popular. 

Time recommended: 1 hour

Molly Malone

Your last stop of the day is Molly Malone statue. Molly Malone, according to the story, was a bit of a frivolous lady who also sold fish. The legend says that touching her chest is good luck so don’t be surprised if you see a bunch of tourists touching her! 

Next to the statue stands one of the most iconic pubs in the city: O’Neils! This is a great spot for lunch of dinner!

Time recommended: 15min

DAY 3 of the best itinerary for 8 days in Ireland: Connemara National Park and Galway

• Dublin to Connemara: 3h-4h, 288km/179miles
• Connemara to Galway: 1h20min, 82km/51miles

On day 3, your 8 day road trip across Ireland starts! Your first stop is the Connemara National Park, which is one of the six national parks of Ireland. The Connemara is one of our favourite national parks and is one that is often overlooked by tourists who head straight for the Cliffs of Moher. 

This beautiful national park is home to a mix of mountains, beaches, long winding roads and, of course, sheep. One of the highlights of the park include visiting gorgeous Kylemore Abbey in Letterfrack and the gardens. The abbey stands tall and beautiful with the mountains in the backdrop and lakes surrounding it. It’s a gem and we recommend doing the guided tour! Another of the highlights of the park is Dog’s Bay, a stunning beach with turquoise water and thin sand. The area around Clifden and the Sky Road Loop are also worth a peak.

At the end of the day, head back to Galway for dinner and to spend the night. Galway is a charming city but small so, although you could stay a couple of days, you’ll get the gist of it in one evening. The city centre is small but bustling with pubs and live music which is super fun. You can walk around the city before heading to dinner. 

Time recommended: all day

This tour to the Connemara National Park from Galway is perfect if you don’t want to drive around the park.

DAY 4 Cliffs of Moher

• Galway to Cliffs of Moher: 1h30min, 76km/47miles

On Day 4, you’ll be heading to the Cliffs of Moher. Depending on whether you are an early bird or not, you might want to take a stroll in Galway first as the city has a morning market with cheese and lots of goodies! It’s a nice one, especially on a sunny day.

Cliffs of Moher, a must-see on your 8 days in Ireland itinerary

The Cliffs of Moher are obviously a must-see on your first time in Dublin. They stand tall against the sea and provide us with some of the most beautiful and relaxing views. After checking out the visitor centre, head out to the paths, first on the right and then later on the left to get the best views. 

Be very careful when walking on the paths as they are not secured and people regularly die here as they fall down (we are not kidding). Other than that, ti’s an amazing place!

Doolin village

Doolin is a cute village near the Cliffs of Moher, which is known for  being the home of Ireland’s traditional music and folk scene. Some of the highlights in the village include the Doolin Cave, and the colourful traditional houses.

In Dooling, we recommend that you take in the Irish vibe and sit at a pub to really immerse yourself in the Irish culture! 

Time recommended: all day 

Get your tickets: Doolin Cave Tour 

DAY 5 Killarney National Park

• Cliffs of Moher to Killarney National Park: 2h37min, 188km/117miles

Next on your 8 day Ireland tour is Killarney National Park. At this stage, you are starting your Southern Ireland road trip. Killarney National Park is a beautiful park where driving around will definitely take you to beautiful spots. But there are a couple highlights you probably shouldn’t miss while in the area. 

The first one is Ladie’s view. Also part of the Ring of Kerry, Ladie’s View is a viewpoint that gives on the Ladies (mountains) and that provides stunning views on the park. When visiting Ladie’s View, you might also come across some wildlife including deer. 

The second highlight is Muckross House. Our visit at Muckross House blew our minds and we wish we had planned more time there! The House itself is a great visit with lots to see, furnished rooms and really knowledgeable guides. You’ll be able to see floors marked by people’s heels from back in the days and real kitchens with all the utensils. If you’re into Downtown Abbey, you’ll love it! On top of the house, the gardens are incredible. The space is actually huge and encompass, gardens, green spaces, a lake and the house’s famous rhododendrons.

Time recommend: all day

Get your tickets:

• Boat Cruise on the lakes in Killarney
• Horseriding tour of Killarney National Park

DAY 6 Ring of Kerry

• Killarney to Ring of Kerry: 55min, 46km/28miles
• Ring of Kerry to Kenmare: 28min, 27km/17miles
• Driving around Ring of Kerry: additional km but it’s not needed to go far!

On Day 6, you can head to the Ring of Kerry, another of Ireland’s famous natural landmarks. Going around the Ring of Kerry takes quite some time so most people only drive a section of it. The Gap of Dunloe, Derrynane House & Park, Portmagee and Ross Castle are some of the highlights on the ring. 

After spending the day exploring, you’ll want to head back to Kenmare for the evening and night. Kenmare is a charming town that will immerse you in the Irish culture! We loved the vibe and spending some time here!

Time recommended: all day

Get your tickets: Visit the Gap on Dunloe by boat, foot and pony ride.

DAY 7 of your 8 days in Ireland: The Cork area

• Kenmare to Kinsale: 1h37min, 99km/62miles
• Kinsale to Cork: 30min, 27km/17miles

Kinsale

Your next stop is a small town called Kinsale. Kinsale is not very well know of international tourists but it is definitely one fo the most liked places by locals. We loved spending some time here. The town, although small, is located right by the sea and shines through its colourful houses. We recommend taking a walk along the port and grabbing lunch at one of the restaurants. This is a great place to get seafood!

Time recommended: 2h to 3h

Cork

Cork city, one of the main cities of the country, is a bit of a hit and miss for us so we recommend you check it out for yourself. We liked it but thought a couple hours in the city were enough. We would recommend checking out the city centre and the iconic English market. St Fin Barrre’s Cathedral and Blarney Castle are two other monuments that deserve a visit. 

Time recommended: the afternoon and rest of the day

Get your tickets:

• Cork historical walking tour
• Cork cycle tour
• 2-Hour Guided Cork Harbour Scenic Cruise
• Jameson Experience Whiskey Tour
• Blarney and Cobh Tour from Cork

DAY 8 Rock of Cashel – Dublin

• Cork to Rock of Cashel: 1h, 94km/58miles
• Rock of Cashel to Dublin: 2h, 166km/103miles

Sadly, your last day in Ireland has come. But fear not, we have something quite cool for you to see on your way back to Dublin. The Rock of Cashel used to be the seat of the Kings of Munster before the Norman invasion. It is one of Ireland’s historic and heritage sites. On site, you’ll be able to visit the chapel, the open cemetery and the monument itself. It is a great visit, which can be guided if you choose that option. It is not a long visit but is about halfway to Dublin so it’s the perfect spot to take a break from the long drive from Cork to Dublin. 

Time recommended: 1h to 2h

More or less days in Ireland

If you are looking for a 7 days in Ireland itinerary, we would recommend bundling the ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park together in one day. Note that the 7 day trip to Ireland cost will be similar to the cost of spending 8 days in Ireland so if you can make it work, 8 days is better! 

If you are spending 6 days in Ireland and want to fo on a 6 day road trip Ireland style, we would recommend bundling the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park in one day, and cutting your time in Dublin as well.

If you are spending more than 8 days in Ireland, you can add some of the landmarks included in Itinerary 2 to yours!

8 days in Ireland itinerary for returning visitors (Itinerary 2)

In this section, you will find an Ireland in 8 day itinerary for returning visitors. If you’ve already been to Ireland before, it is probably the case that you’ve seen what we would call the basics such as Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher and Cork. In this section, we concocted you an upgraded recipe with beautiful spots of Ireland that first time visitors don’t usually go to. From hidden gems to beautiful nature spots, this is the perfect 8 day Ireland tour for anyone who wants to get to know Ireland beyond the surface.

• Total driving time: 15h30min
• Total kilometers: 1,118km/695miles
• Pace: moderate high as there are a couple of days with a 5h30min drive but otherwise moderate
• See your Ireland road trip map below. 

DAY 1 of your 8 day road trip of Ireland: On your way to Dingle and the Wild Atlantic Way

• Dublin to Kilkenny: 1h30min, 129km/80miles
• Kilkenny to Rock of Cashel: 50min, 62km/39miles
• Rock of Cashel to Dingle: 3h, 200km/124miles

This driving Ireland itinerary starts by heading to the Dingle Peninsula, one of the under rated regions of Ireland. But first, you’ll have to drive there and stop along the way to see some more beauty. Although there are a lot of km to drive on this first day, Kilkenny and Rock of Cashel are actually two great spots to stop on the way and will make the drive a lot more enjoyable and less tiring.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny will be your first stop. It is a charming medieval town that is perfect for a short stroll. The main landmark in the town is Kilkenny castle which dates back to the 12th Century. We highly recommend visiting the castle and the gardens. You can also wander through the streets to get a sense of the city. As it is a quick stop that is all you’ll have time for but if you are staying longer, you could walk the Mile and check out the Dominican Abbey.

Time recommended: 1h30

Get your tickets:

• Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views
• Historical highlights walking tour

Rock of Cashel, a historical site to add to your 8 days in Ireland itinerary

The Rock of Cashel used to be the seat of the Kings of Munster before the Norman invasion. It is one of Ireland’s historic and heritage sites. On site, you’ll be able to visit the chapel, the open cemetery and the monument itself. It is a great visit, which can be guided if you choose that option.

Time recommended: 1h30

The rest of the day is dedicated to driving to the Dingle Peninsula.

DAY 2 Dingle Peninsula – Part 1

Driving around the Peninsula, easy and not long distances

The Dingle Peninsula is one of our favourite places in Ireland. When we first moved to Ireland, we had only heard about County Kerry by reference to the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park. But it turns out that just a few hours away, you will find this beautiful peninsula with a lot less tourists and incredible gems. Day 2 and Day 3 are dedicated to exploring this space.We have included what we think you should see on the peninsula below but we also have a full guide on the Dingle Peninsula here if you want to have a look. 

Inch beach

Inch beach is a long strand of thin compact sand near the cute town of Dingle. The beach is several km long and a prime spot for surfers. You can rent surfing equipment on the beach for about €10 and have fun in the waves! The fun fact about Inch beach is that you can drive on the beach which is quite fun. Beware though as the tide comes up all the way so don’t leave your car here. From the beach, you’ll have incredible views on the Ring of Kerry on the other side. You can also get a nice view on the beach from the road. 

We would recommend parking on the beach if the tide allows and taking a long nice walk to strat your day off right. 

Time recommended: 1h

Slea Head Drive

After a nice walk, you will get to sit in the car for a bit as you drive on the Slea Head Drive. This is a loop drive at the tip of the peninsula which takes you to gorgeous spots. Some of those include Dunquin Pier, Star Wars filming location at Dunmore Head, the Gallarus Oratory and the Beehive huts. When in Dunquin Pier, you’ll want to park and walk all the way down to the pier. 

It is better to drive the loop clockwise are the road can get narrow and everyone tends to follow that way. The Slea Head Drive distance takes about 2 to 3 hours to drive but more with the stops. 

Time recommended: 4h

Dingle Town

To finish your day, you can head to Dingle. The town of Dingle gave its name to the peninsula so it’s no surprise that it’s a must see Ireland road trip spot. Dingle is famous for being the departure town of the whale and dolphin watching tours. It’s also famous for being a cute town with a nice promenade along the port and colourful houses. You can stop by Murphy’s to get the famous ice cream or have dinner at the pub! 

Time recommend: all evening

DAY 3 Dingle Peninsula – Part 2

Driving around the Peninsula, easy and not long distances

Part 2 of your time on the peninsula is a fun one too!

Ventry Beach

First, you can start the day by exploring Ventry Beach. We highly recommend going horse riding on the beach with John Long Horse Riding. Our experience was amazing and we enjoyed riding on the beach and in the mountains. It was the perfect experience to enjoy the area in a different way. 

Time recommend: 2h-3h depending on whether you go horseback riding. 

Connor Pass

Connor Pass is essentially the road that goes across the mountains and takes you to the opposite coast of the peninsula. It is a nice drive that has quite a bit of elevation so the views are really nice. You can stop at the top to really take it in and take photos. We would recommend going on a nice day but obviously you might not have the choice. The weather in Ireland is hit or miss so just be prepared! 

Time recommend: 1h

Cappagh beach, a hidden gem to add to your 8 days in Ireland itinerary

Once on the other side of the peninsula, we recommend you head to Cappagh beach. This is such an under the radar beach, we are so happy we pushed all the way there and discovered it! Cappagh beach is a beautiful strand of thin sand with turquoise and blue waters. The backdrop is stunning with lush green mountains looking over you. There is nothing to do here besides looking at the beauty and taking it in. This is a great spot for photos or just sitting on the beach with a snack!

Time recommend: 1h

Dingle Town

Head back to Dingle to enjoy your evening at the pub with a good meal before going on your next adventure the next day. 

Time recommend: evening

DAY 4 of your best 8 day Ireland itinerary: Going across Ireland

• Dingle Peninsula to Limerick: 2h, 148km/92miles
• Limerick to Burren NP: 54min, 56km/35miles
• Burren NP to Sligo: 2h20min, 181km/112miles

Day 4 is a big driving day as you’re going to drive all the way to Sligo town in Sligo County. As this is about a six hour drive, we have included some stops along the way that are worth checking out.

Limerick

Limerick is a bit less than halfway through to Sligo so it’s a great spot to stop. The city of Limerick isn’t usually a prime choice of tourists whereas it’s a very nice city to visit. On your stop in the city, you’ll want to check out the medieval Cathedral of St Mary’s and St John’s Square which is the home to a line of Georgian townhouses. Of course, Limerick Castle is also one of the city’s main landmarks. As you’ll be on your way to Sligo, this is more of a stop to wander around than visiting each landmark, although you could if you don’t mind waking up early and arriving a bit late.

Time recommend: 1h

Burren National Park

One of the six national parks of Ireland, the Burren National Park is often overlooked by visitors who head straight to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. In addition to be located halfway to Sligo and making it a great spot to stop at, it is a stunning national parks with long straight roads that will make you think of the USA. 

From the Poulnabrone Dolmen to Ballyvaughan, the roads across the Burren leads to gorgeous places. Here, you can choose to drive across the park or stay on the border and enjoy the views from there if that is too much driving for you. We’ve gone across before and honestly you get such amazing views that you don’t need to really go in but that will depend on your preference.

Time recommend: 2h

Head back in the car and finish the road to Sligo

DAY 5 Sligo

Driving around Sligo, not long distances

Enniscrone Beach

Enniscrone Beach is one of the best beaches in Sligo and is perfect for a coastal walk. The long strand of sand contrasts with the coast and would be perfect for sunrise! 

Time recommended: 1h

Carrowkeel passage tombs

These passage tombs, also called the Bricklieve tombs, are located in south County Sligo and were built during the Neolithic era. They are as old as the Newgrange neolithic site between Belfast and Dublin. You’ll find the tombs on the Bricklieve Hills, overl Lough (lake) Arrow.

Time recommended: 1h

Glencar Waterfall

Located about 10-15min walk from the parking lot, Glencar Waterfall is easily accessible and is a big waterfall surrounded by some smaller ones. If you’re in for a longer walk, the Devil’s Chimney is a 50min walk. It is a high waterfall that only runs after it has rained but it is gorgeous if you get a chance to see it. 

Time recommended: 2h

Streedagh Strand

Streedagh Strand is one of the most beautiful beaches of County Sligo. It is perfect if you’re looking for breathtaking coastal views and want to have a romantic walk with your partner. The strand is only 3km long so you can take your time and take in the views.

Time recommended: 1h

Sligo Town

Finish the day in Sligo Town. Before dinner, head to the oldest pub in County Sligo called Thomas Connolly. You can also stop by Sligo Abbey. 

Time recommended: rest of the day

DAY 6 Donegal

• Sligo to Donegal: 1h15min, 94km/58miles
• Driving around Donegal, longer distances but easy

Slieve League Cliffs

The Slieve League Cliffs are among some of the highest cliffs in Europe with a height of about 600 meters. From the cliffs, you’ll have incredible views on the coast of both Donegal and Sligo!

Errigal Mountain

It’s hard to miss Errigal Mountain while in Donegal! The mountain stands tall and alone inland. 

It is the tallest peak of the county. You can hike it or just observe it from the road. 

Fana Head Lighthouse

Fana Head Lighthouse has been helping seafarers since 1817. It stands on the coast of Donegal and makes for a beautiful scenery. You can take a tour and climb the 76 steps made of granite to the top of the tower. 

Time recommended: Spend the day at your own pace 

Get your tickets: Take this boat tour to the Slieve League Cliffs for incredible views

DAY 7 Donegal

Doagh Famine Village

 Recognisable by its thatched cottages, Doagh Famine Village is a testimony to Ireland’s history. You can take a tour that takes you through the village and the 1800s buildings to see historical objects. You will learn about how people lived during the famine. 

Glenveagh National Park

In the Derryveagh Mountains, you’ll find Glenveagh National Park, one of the six national parks of Ireland. The park takes you through moutnains, lakes, woods and valley for a complete immersion. In the park, you can observe a variety of wildlife including red deer. One of the highlights of the park is Glenveagh Castle and its gardens. 

Time recommended: Spend the day at your own pace driving around the park

Donegal Town

Finish the day in Donegal Town for dinner. 

DAY 8 Heading back to Dublin and exploring a bit more

• Donegal to Dublin: 4h, 248km/154miles

Although the morning will be focused on driving back to Dublin, if your flight is late in the evening, you will have time to do a bit of exploring before heading home.

For this last day, we have a couple of options depending on your preferences. We love all the below places so you really can’t go wrong here but we though we would offer flexibility as flight times vary.

Option 1: Spend some time in Portmarnock

Portmarnock, and especially Portmarnock Beach is a gorgeous area north of Dublin. Portmarnock is actually quite close to the airport so it’s a nice spot to explore if your flight is close in time. The beach is a long strand and one of locals’ favourites. It’s perfect tot ake in the Irish fresh air one last time!

Option 2: Exploring Bull Island

Bull Island is located in the North of Dublin City and is a gorgeous island with a very nice beach. Think of seagrass, beautiful views and nice walks through the wildflowers. At the tip of Bull Island, you can observe both grey seals and common seals. We have a full guide to Bull Island here and to Dollymount beach here. 

This is the perfect option if you have at least a couple of hours before heading to the airport.

Option 3: Exploring the Wicklow Mountains National Park

Your last option is exploring the Wicklow National Park. The park is located in the south of Dublin so this option is more suitable if your flight is late at night. There is lots to do in the park and you can find our full guide to Wicklow here. One spot we would recommend that is easily accessible and beautiful to finish your 8 days itinerary on is Glendalough and the Upper Lake. 

More or less days in Ireland

If you are looking for an Ireland 7 day itinerary, you could cut one day in Donegal or in Sligo and only focus on the very main landmarks. If you want to spend a couple more days in Ireland, we would recommend spending some additional time in the Wicklow Mountains. We recommend this tour to the Wicklow Mountains National Park. 

8 days in Ireland itinerary including Northern Ireland (Itinerary 3)

This is the best Ireland road trip itinerary for you if you’d like to combine Ireland and Northern Ireland. We foten get asked if Ireland is part of the UK. Though it’s not, it is easy to do a road trip that includes both Ireland and the UK! An Ireland 8 day itinerary could not cover all the areas of Ireland and Northern Ireland but it is definitely possible to visit the main ones in that time. Here’s how your itinerary goes…

• Total driving time: 14 hours
• Total kilometers: 1,108km/689 miles
• Pace: moderate

DAY 1 of your Ireland trip itinerary: Belfast

• Dublin to Belfast: 2 hours, 166km/103miles

This road trip is a bit of a fly and drive Ireland itinerary as your first day starts with taking the road to Belfast from Dublin Airport. Don’t worry, you’ll come back to Dublin later on. You can find out whether Dublin or Belfast is better here. However, in this itinerary, you won’t have to choose! Belfast is a very nice city, one that Eric (you can follow us @twolostexplorers on Insta) called home for three years and one that I’ve visited a couple of times. Here are the visits we recommend to fill your first day on the Emerald Isle.

Titanic Museum

Start with the Titanic Museum. The museum is an iconic landmark of Belfast and tells the story of how the ship, from how it was built to when it started its long journey. The museum is located where the ship was designed which is pretty cool.

Time recommend: 2h to 3h

Belfast Market

If you are coming to Belfast on a Friday, Saturday on Sunday, you can also head to the St George’s Market. The covered market is home to a variety of stalls selling fruits, books, decor, arts and crafts. There is also some live music and it’s a great place to have lunch!

Time recommend: 1h

City Hall

Belfast City Hall stands tall in the city centre and is a stunning building you should visit. You can learn more about the city and the visit is quite interesting! The visit is free of charge which is great if you’re on a budget. 

Time recommend: 1h

City centre

Belfast City centre is bustling with lots of shops and restaurants. Similarly to Dublin, you’ll find people playing music and singing on the street. Those are buskers and they are one of the highlights visitors come to find on the streets. Greenvale Street is one of the spots where to find them

Time recommend: rest of the day

DAY 2 of your best 8 day Ireland itinerary: Antrim Coast

• Belfast to Giant’s Causeway Area: 1 hour, 93km/58 miles

Day 2 itinerary of your 8 days in Ireland will blow your mind! The plan on this day is to head from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway area. The good news is that Belfast is close to Giant’s Causeway so there isn’t a lot of driving today. There’s also a lot of stops on the way so you’ll get to see lots of beauty with minimal effort. 

Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge

This is a fun suspension bridge located on your way to Giant’s Causeway. It’s located right before Ballintoy. Although it is mainly a tourist attraction, going across the bridge gives you an excuse to get out of the car and experience Northern Ireland for yourself. From going down the cliffs to looking at the beautiful landscape that surrounds you, it’s a beautiful step on your way. The bridge is 20 metres long and hangs 30 metres above the water. 

Time recommend: 1h

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is a ruined medieval castle which dates back to the 16th or 17th Century. Although most organised tours only stop on the road for you to see the castle, you can actually visit it which we recommend. The castle is one of the romantic landmarks in Ireland and people even propose here!

It is open everyday from 9:30am to 5pm but you should check the times in case access to public is restricted on specific days. 

Time recommend: 2h

Bushmills Distillery

The Bushmills Distillery is located in…Bushmills! After having visiting the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Tennessee, I thought all other distilleries would kind of sound boring. But the Bushmills Distillery visit was actually a great visit and very interesting! 

We were the last group to go on a tour and yet, the guides took their time and really walked us through the process and the different stages of production. We got to go inside the distillery and check out how everything works. It’s quite a fun visit!

Time recommend: 2h

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is your last step for the day, one you’ll remember. When arriving, you can park next tot the visitor centre. From there it is a 1.2km walk to the stones of the causeway. 

There are two legends about the reasons behind the Giant’s Causeway. The first one says that the causeway was built and then partly destroyed by two Giants names Irish Finn McCool and the Scottish Benandonner in a battle. The second one says that it was actually built for love. 

If you are a bit more realistic, the Giant’s Causeway is actually a site with about 40,000 basalt columns of different heights which are the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. The rock formation is impressive and quite unique. 

During your visit you can walk from the visitor centre to the causeway. There you can explore and walk on the basalt columns all around. It’s a fun experience and one you won’t find anywhere else!

You can find more information here. 

Time recommend: 3h (more if you want to do some of the hikes or activities)/ rest of the day

You don’t feel like driving to Belfast and would rather hop on a tour and let you be guided to the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Belfast and more? Take this stunning tour to Northern Ireland! 

DAY 3 of your itinerary: Dublin 

• Giant’s Causeway to Dublin: 3 hours, 265km/165 miles

Day 3 takes you back to Dublin for a day before heading to the South the next. If you are an early bird, you can easily make it a full day in Dublin by leaving early (around 6am/7am). Otherwise, you can use this day as a chill half day in Dublin. Here’s what we recommend visiting while you’re here. 

Bull Island and Newgrange Ireland

On your way back to Dublin, you’ll pass Newgrange which is a neolithic monument about halfway to the city. It’s a nice quick stop before Bull Island if you left Giant’s Causeway early.

Bull Island is located in the North of Dublin City and is a gorgeous island with a very nice beach. It’s on your way from Belfast to Dublin so it’s a nice nature spot before arriving in the city. 

Think of seagrass, beautiful views and nice walks through the wildflowers. At the tip of Bull Island, you can observe both grey seals and common seals. We have a full guide to Bull Island here and to Dollymount beach here. 

Time recommend: about 1h

Trinity College

Next, park in the city and hop onto the Red Luas Line towards the city centre. There, we recommend you head to the Trinity College library, officially known as Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Trinity College’s architecture will make you think of Harry Potter, especially with the clock tower in the centre. On the side, you’ll find the Book of Kells, a stunning exhibition which ends with the visit of the Old Library. 

While you are in Trinity College, we also advise that you check out the Geology building which was built in a completely different style and will make you think of Spain! Inside, you’ll find two giant Irish deer skeletons and a display of minerals and fossils.

Time recommended: 2 hours

Get your tickets: Fast track tickets to Dublin Castle and the Book of Kells

Grafton Street

Next to Trinity College, you’ll find Grafton Street, one of the most bustling shopping streets in Dublin. With a mix of luxurious and more affordable stores, what attracts tourists to Grafton Street is essentially the buskers! Buskers are live performers on the street. Here you’ll find singers, musicians, bands, and sometimes comedians and painters. It’s a fun street to go on! Some famous artists that regularly perform on the street include Allie Sherlock (produced by Ryan Tedder – One Republic) and Keywest. 

Time recommended: 30min

St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre and Park

On top of Grafton Street, you’ll find the St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre which has a very unique style! The architecture is unlike any other building in Dublin. We recommend that you head inside as well to see more of it!

If the weather is nice and you’d like to spend some time outside, St Stephen’s Green Park is right next-door and very popular. 

Time recommended: 1 hour

Molly Malone

Your nest stop of the day is Molly Malone statue. Molly Malone, according to the story, was a bit of a frivolous lady who also sold fish. The legend says that touching her chest is good luck so don’t be surprised if you see a bunch of tourists touching her! 

Next to the statue stands one of the most iconic pubs in the city: O’Neils! This is a great spot for lunch of dinner!

Time recommended: 15min

Dublin Castle and Gardens

Dublin Castle and its gardens are a very nice visit. However, you might be short on time depending on how much time you end up spending at the previous visits. What is nice with Dublin Castle is that you can see it really well from the inner courtyard (free) and the gardens behind it (also free) are also very peaceful and perfect for a quick stroll. The gardens also offer a nice view on the castle.

Time recommended: rest of the day

Get your tickets: Fast track tickets to Dublin Castle and the Book of Kells

DAY 4 Wicklow Mountains National Park

• Dublin to Glendalough: 1 hour, 66km/41 miles

The Wicklow Mountains National Park is located in the south of Dublin and is often overlooked, as visitors prefer to focus on the city. However, it is a gem of a place that we’d like to recommend! There is lots to do in the park and you can find our full guide to Wicklow here.One spot we would recommend that is easily accessible and beautiful is Glendalough and the Upper Lake. In Wicklow, you can also do hikes to a heart-shaped lake called Lough Ouler, see seals at Glen Beach and do a very nice walk at the Devil’s Glen and Waterfall. The Spinc is a longer hike that is also a great way to spend the day and enjoy the park. 

If you want to do an easy walk and see a beautiful scenery, head to the Powerscourt Waterfall. It’s especially stunning during fall so it is one of the things to do in Ireland in September and October. The Estate is also close by and nice to visit. 

Other highlights include the Glenmacnass Waterfall, the Sally Gap drive and Blessington.

Time recommended: the whole day

We also recommend this tour to the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Sleep in Wicklow National Park

You can find all our favourite Wicklow Glamping accommodations here. Glamping stands for glamour camping which is essential camping but in a more luxurious way with real beds, bathrooms and bigger accommodations. In our list, we included glamping sites with hot tubs which are perfect for couples travelling around Ireland for 8 days and looking for a relaxing and romantic stop along the way. 

Here are a couple other accommodations we recommend:

• This stunning hotel right near Blessington lake close to all Wicklow’s main landmarks 
• This comfortable, well-rated and budget-friendly Bed and Breakfast.

DAY 5 Cork + Kinsale

• Glendalough to Cork: 3 hours, 256km/157 miles
• Cork to Kinsale: 32 minutes, 27km/17 miles
• Kinsale to Kenmare: 1hour 37min, 98km/61 miles

Explore Cork City

Cork city, one of the main cities of the country, is a bit of a hit and miss for us so we recommend you check it out for yourself. We liked it but thought a couple hours in the city were enough. We would recommend checking out the city centre and the iconic English market. St Fin Barrre’s Cathedral and Blarney Castle are two other monuments that deserve a visit. 

Time recommended: 2h

Get your tickets:

• Cork historical walking tour
• Cork cycle tour
• 2-Hour Guided Cork Harbour Scenic Cruise
• Jameson Experience Whiskey TourBlarney and Cobh Tour from Cork

Explore colourful Kinsale

Your next stop is a small town called Kinsale. Kinsale is not very well know of international tourists but it is definitely one fo the most liked places by locals. We loved spending some time here. The town, although small, is located right by the sea and shines through its colourful houses. We recommend taking a walk along the port and grabbing lunch at one of the restaurants. This is a great place to get seafood!

Time recommended: 2h 

Finish the day by driving to Kenmare. 

DAY 6 Ring of Kerry

Driving around the Ring and NP, not strenuous 

On Day 6, you can head to the Ring of Kerry, another of Ireland’s famous natural landmarks. Going around the Ring of Kerry takes quite some time so most people only drive a section of it. The Gap of Dunloe, Derrynane House & Park, Portmagee and Ross Castle are some of the highlights on the ring. 

After spending the day exploring, you’ll want to head back to Kenmare for the evening and night. Kenmare is a charming town that will immerse you in the Irish culture! We loved the vibe and spending some time here!

Time recommended: all day

Get your tickets: Visit the Gap on Dunloe by boat, foot and pony ride. 

DAY 7 Killarney National Park

• Kenmare to Killarney NP: 40min, 42km/26miles

Next on this best Ireland road trip itinerary is Killarney National Park. Killarney National Park is a stunning nature park which offers great visits as well. But there are a couple of highlights you probably shouldn’t miss while in the park.

The first one is Ladie’s view. Also part of the Ring of Kerry, Ladie’s View is a viewpoint that gives on the Ladies (mountains) and that provides stunning views on the park. When visiting Ladie’s View, you might also come across some wildlife including deer. The parking lot is just off the road and it’s just a couple meter walk until you reach the viewpoint.

The second highlight is Muckross House. We loved visiting Muckross House and we wish we had planned more time on the Estate! The house features furnished rooms and you’ll learn a lot thanks to the really knowledgeable guides. You’ll be able to see floors marked by people’s heels from back in the days and real kitchens with all the utensils. If you’re into Downtown Abbey, you’ll love it! On top of the house, the gardens are incredible. The space is actually huge and encompasses, gardens, green spaces, a lake and the house’s famous rhododendrons. There is even a beach at the end of one of the paths which is the perfect romantic spot for a picnic. 

Time recommend: all day

Get your tickets:

• Boat Cruise on the lakes in Killarney
• Horseriding tour of Killarney National Park

DAY 8 Rock of Cashel back to Dublin

• Killarney to Rock of Cashel: 2 hours, 142km/88 miles
• Rock of Cashel to Dublin: 2 hours, 166km/103 miles

Sadly, your last day in Ireland has come. But fear not, we have something quite cool for you to see on your way back to Dublin. The Rock of Cashel used to be the seat of the Kings of Munster before the Norman invasion. It is one of Ireland’s historic and heritage sites. On site, you’ll be able to visit the chapel, the open cemetery and the monument itself. It is a great visit, which can be guided if you choose that option. It is not a long visit but is about halfway to Dublin so it’s the perfect spot to take a break from the long drive from Killarney to Dublin. 

Time recommended: 1h to 2h

More or less days in Ireland 

What to see in Ireland in 7 days

If you’re looking for an Ireland road trip 7 days long, you can merge Day 6 and Day 7 and explore the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park on the same day. You won’t have time to do everything but you can cut visits you’re least interested in. A 7 day trip to Ireland is just as nice and can definitely work well too.

What to see in more than 8 days in Ireland

If you’re spending more time than 8 days in Ireland, get inspired by the other 3 itineraries to add exploring Killarney National Park. While in Northern Ireland, you could push to Donegal for a couple of days before heading back to Dublin. You could also spend an extra day in Dublin if it is your first time here. 

8 days in Ireland: the big road trip (Itinerary 4)

If you’re not afraid of driving, and embarking on a high paced adventure, this itinerary is for you. This is probably the best road trip around Ireland as you’ll see all of the main landmarks of the island including some that first time visitors don’t usually stop at! This Ireland driving itinerary involves a lot of km with some heavy driving days. However, we’ve planned it so you can take break and explore at the same time. This is THE Irish road trip to see the best of Ireland! 

• Total driving time: 18hours
• Total kilometers: 1,201km/746miles
• Pace: high

DAY 1 of your Ireland vacation itinerary: Arrival and half day in Dublin

Your road trip in Ireland starts with a couple of days in Dublin. Irish locals will tell you that Dublin is a waste of time, but after living here for over three years, we highly disagree (some locals have a tendency to forget about the greatness of where they live!). 

Dublin is both a bustling and chill city. It is a small capital and has kept some of the Irish charm in its constructions. You will notice red brick buildings and old houses all over the city. Depending on your flights, you will arrive early or late in Dublin. That’s why we’ve kept your first day in Dublin quite flexible.

Your first stop will be your hotel to drop off your luggage. If your check-in time is later, don’t worry, most hotels still accept to store your luggage until your room is ready.

Then, you are off to explore the following spots. Dublin is a very walkable city so beside a couple spots, the first two days are basically walking tours Ireland Dublin has to offer. 

Although we have a suggested itinerary below, we also recommend the following tours to get a different perspective of the city

• Discover Dublin by boat 
• Historical walking tour of Dublin
• 2h Ghost Bust tour of the city
• Self-Guided Mystery Tour at Trinity College
• Silent Disco Walking Tour of Dublin
• 2.5-Hour Guided Bike Tour

O’Connell Street

O’Connell Street is the main avenue in Dublin and stretches in the North part of the city. In the centre you will find a large monument looking like a needle called the Spire. It lights up at night and you can see it from a number of places in the city. On O’Connell Street, you’ll want to stop by the General Post Office which is housed in a building dating back to the war. You can actually see some holes from bullets on the façade. Nearby is also Henry Street, one of the two main shopping  streets of the city. If you are visiting Dublin during winter, Henry Street is worth checking out as stores go a bit crazy with Christmas decorations! At the very end of the street, you’ll find a Church-bar called The Church which is one of our favourite places to go grab a snack or a drink. Whether you’re feeling like a hot chocolate or a beer, they’ll have it there and you will enjoy a very unique decor for a bar! 

Depending on your arrival time, you can adjust shorten this section by skipping Henry Street and sticking to O’Connell Street.

Time recommended: 1h30min

Dublin Castle and the gardens

Dublin Castle is located in the south of the Liffey and is a beautiful and very interesting visit that we highly recommend. Near the castle, you’ll also be able to visit the Chapel which is stunning. In the back, you’ll find the castle gardens which are free to visit. The Castle is still used for government affairs but you get to visit most of it. 

Time recommended: 1h30min

Get your tickets: Fast track tickets to Dublin Castle and the Book of Kells

Trinity College

Next, hop back onto the Red Luas Line towards the city centre. There, we recommend you head to the Trinity College library, officially known as Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Trinity College’s architecture will make you think of Harry Potter, especially with the clock tower in the centre. On the side, you’ll find the Book of Kells, a stunning exhibition which ends with the visit of the Old Library. 

While you are in Trinity College, we also advise that you check out the Geology building which was built in a completely different style and will make you think of Spain! Inside, you’ll find two giant Irish deer skeletons and a display of minerals and fossils.

Time recommended: 2 hours

Get your tickets: Fast track tickets to Dublin Castle and the Book of Kells

Temple Bar, a must-see on your itinerary of Ireland

As your first day in Dublin comes to an end, we recommend that you head to Temple Bar, the famous district of the city. In Temple Bar, you’ll find countless pubs and bars with live performers playing the biggest hits and some Irish music both outside and in pubs. We love Temple Bar, it is definitely one of the hearts of the city! It is really fun to go into the district and check out the different pubs and facades. Of course, you’ll have to go into The Temple Bar Pub. You will recognise the building as it is bright red. The Pub has live music pretty much 24/7 and serves pub food and drinks. The inside is quite interesting when it comes to how it is decorated, and it is definitely something you’d want to check out.

Time recommend: The rest of the day and evening to feel the Irish spirit!

DAY 2 Wicklow Mountains National Park

• Dublin to Glendalough: 1h15min, 70km/43miles

The Wicklow Mountains National Park is located in the south of Dublin and is often overlooked, as visitors prefer to focus on Dublin City. However, from Glenmacnass Waterfall and the Sally Gap drive to Blessington, it is a gem of a place. There is lots to do in the park and you can find our full guide to Wicklow here. One spot we would recommend that is easily accessible and beautiful is Glendalough and the Upper Lake. In Wicklow, you can also do hikes to Lough Ouler, a heart-shaped lake that is a perfect romantic stop, see seals at Glen Beach and the coastal walk and do a very nice walk at the Devil’s Glen and Waterfall. The Spinc also encompasses several hikes, including a longer hike that is also a great way to spend the day and enjoy the park. 

If you want to do an easy walk and see a beautiful scenery, head to the Powerscourt Waterfall. It’s especially stunning during fall. The Estate is also close by and nice to visit. 

Time recommended: the whole day

We also recommend this tour to the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

DAY 3 of your 8 day itinerary Ireland: Waterford, Cork and Kinsale

• Wicklow to Waterford: 1h40min, 130km/80miles
• Waterford to Cork: 2h, 130km/80miles
• Cork to Kinsale: 33min, 30km/19miles

Waterford, a port city

Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland and was built by the Vikings. It sits on the River Suir and features a nice long boardwalk. The city is quite typically Irish with stone buildings and is famous for glass making. When visiting the city, you can see part of its ancient wall. You can also visit the Waterford Museum of Treasures which displays archeological finds. 

Time recommended: 1h

Get your tickets: House of Waterford Crystal 1h tour

City of Cork

Cork city, one of the main cities of the country, is a bit of a hit and miss for us so we recommend you check it out for yourself. We liked it but thought a couple hours in the city were enough. We would recommend checking out the city centre and the iconic English market. St Fin Barrre’s Cathedral and Blarney Castle are two other monuments that deserve a visit.

Time recommended: 2h

Get your tickets:

• Cork historical walking tour
• Cork cycle tour
• 2-Hour Guided Cork Harbour Scenic Cruise
• Jameson Experience Whiskey Tour
• Blarney and Cobh Tour from Cork

Colourful Kinsale village

Your next stop is a small town called Kinsale. Kinsale is not very well know of international tourists but it is definitely one fo the most liked places by locals. We loved spending some time here. The town, although small, is located right by the sea and shines through its colourful houses. We recommend taking a walk along the port and grabbing lunch at one of the restaurants. This is a great place to get seafood!

Time recommended: 2h

DAY 4: Ring of Kerry & Alpacas

• Kinsale to Alpaca Walking Farm: 2h, 114km/71miles
• Alpaca Walking Farm to Ring of Kerry: 47min, 44km/27miles
• Ring of Kerry to Kenmare: 25min, 20km/12miles

Alpaca Walking Experience

Walking alpacas is an activity that has developed quite well in Ireland and it’s for sure a fun one! We walked alpacas in Kerry County and absolutely loved the experience! These quirky and kind animals are the most snuggly you’ll ever find. You can read about where you can walk alpacas in Kerry here and the benefits of walking alpacas here. 

Time recommended: 2h-3h 

The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s famous natural landmarks. Going around the Ring of Kerry takes quite some time so most people only drive a section of it. The Gap of Dunloe, Derrynane House & Park, Portmagee and Ross Castle are some of the highlights on the ring. 

After spending the day exploring, you’ll want to head back to Kenmare for the evening and night. Kenmare is a charming town that will immerse you in the Irish culture! We loved the vibe and spending some time here!

Time recommended: afternoon

Get your tickets: Visit the Gap on Dunloe by boat, foot and pony ride.

DAY 5 Killarney National Park 

• Kenmare to Killarney NP: 40min, 42km/26miles

Next on your 8 days in Ireland road trip is Killarney National Park. Killarney National Park is a stunning nature park which offers great visits as well. But there are a couple of highlights you probably shouldn’t miss while in the park.

The first one is Ladie’s view. Also part of the Ring of Kerry, Ladie’s View is a viewpoint that gives on the Ladies (mountains) and that provides stunning views on the park. When visiting Ladie’s View, you might also come across some wildlife including deer. The parking lot is just off the road and it’s just a couple meter walk until you reach the viewpoint.

The second highlight is Muckross House. We loved visiting Muckross House and we wish we had planned more time on the Estate! The house features furnished rooms and you’ll learn a lot thanks to the really knowledgeable guides. You’ll be able to see floors marked by people’s heels from back in the days and real kitchens with all the utensils. If you’re into Downtown Abbey, you’ll love it! On top of the house, the gardens are incredible. The space is actually huge and encompass, gardens, green spaces, a lake and the house’s famous rhododendrons. There is even a beach at the end of one of the paths which is the perfect romantic spot for a picnic. 

Time recommend: all day

Get your tickets:

• Boat Cruise on the lakes in Killarney
• Horseriding tour of Killarney National Park

DAY 6 Cliffs of Moher and Galway

• Killarney to Cliffs of Moher: 2h35min, 187km/116miles
• Cliffs of Moher to Galway: 1h30min, 75km/46miles

Cliffs of Moher

On Day 6, you’ll be heading to the Cliffs of Moher before ending the day in Galway. The Cliffs of Moher are obviously one of Dublin’s most notorious landmarks. They stand tall against the sea and provide us with some of the most beautiful and relaxing views. After checking out the visitor centre, head out to the paths, first on the right and then later on the left to get the best views. 

Be very careful when walking on the paths as they are not secured and people regularly die here as they fall down (we are not kidding). Other than that, ti’s an amazing place!

Time recommended: 2h to 3h

Doolin

If you’ve got time and are still in good shape, you can head to Doolin for a quick stroll. Doolin is a cute village near the Cliffs of Moher, which is known for being the home of Ireland’s traditional music and folk scene. Some of the highlights in the village include the Doolin Cave, and the colourful traditional houses. Depart Doolin at the latest mid-afternoon so you have time to enjoy Galway. 

Time recommended: 1h

Get your tickets: Doolin Cave Tour

Galway

Galway is one of the most famous cities on the West Coast. Known for being chiller than Dublin, it’s also smaller but full of charm. Once arrived in Galway, head for a stroll across the city centre and the main street. There you’ll find plenty of buskers playing live music on the street. The Latin Quarter with remains of the medieval city walls is also a nice area to check out. Of course, you’ll want to spend dinner at a pub and enjoy the live music there too! 

Time recommended: end of the day

DAY 7 Connemara National Park 

• Galway to Connemara NP (Kylemore Abbey): 1h20min, 77km/48miles
• Additional km for driving around the NP to be added.
• Connemara NP to Galway (way back): 1h20, 77km/48miles

Early morning in Galway

In the morning of your 7th day in Ireland, take a stroll through Galway to the market. There are two different markets, one opened all year round every Saturday and Sunday and one in St Nicholas Street open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in July and August. They are quite fun so we encourage you to get out of bed and check them out. We grant you bonus points if you buy Irish cheese!

If you’re out of luck and your 7th day is not a market day, get breakfast and head to the Connemara National Park early, you won’t regret it!

Connemara National Park

Your next stop is the Connemara National Park, which is one of the six national parks of Ireland. The Connemara is one of our favourite national parks and is one that is often overlooked by visitors who head straight for the Cliffs of Moher, thinking there is nothing to do in the park (spoiler, they are wrong). 

This beautiful national park is home to a mix of mountains, beaches, long winding roads and, of course, cute sheep. One of the highlights of the park include visiting gorgeous Kylemore Abbey and gardens in Letterfrack. The abbey stands tall and beautiful with the mountains in the backdrop and lakes surrounding it. It’s a gem and we recommend doing the guided tour! Another of the highlights of the park is Dog’s Bay, a stunning beach with turquoise water and thin sand. The area around Clifden and the Sky Road Loop are also worth a peak.

At the end of the day, head back to Galway for dinner and to spend the night. This might be the right evening to go watch an Irish dancing show as well!

Time recommended: all day

Get your tickets: This tour to the Connemara National Park from Galway is perfect if you don’t want to drive around the park.

DAY 8 Back to Dublin 

• Galway to Dublin: 3h, 230km/142miles

Your last day is dedicated to getting back to Dublin for your departure. Depending on the time of your flight, you might have some time to explore Dublin some more. You could visit one of the listed sites for your first day if you haven’t had time to do that (this will depend on the time of your arrival flight). Otherwise, we suggest that you stop by Phoenix Park as it is one the way from Galway to Dublin Airport and won’t need a detour. It’s also easy to park in Phoenix Park so it will be a nice and smooth stop for your last few hours.

Phoenix Park is to Dublin what Central Park is to New York, except it is actually and surprisingly much bigger! You can learn more about the park here. From ruins to nice nature spots, the park is great for a nice walk to the Papal Cross! The park is also home to a herd of wild deer. If you are visiting in July, you might even see babies! You can use our Phoenix Park Deer guide to find out where you can find them. 

More or less days in Ireland

Are you only able to do a 7 day Ireland road trip itinerary? That’s fine! Use this 8 days itinerary and merge Killarney with the Ring of Kerry in one day. That will give you the best 7 day tour of Ireland!

Are you staying more than 8 days in Ireland and want a 9 or 10 day itinerary? We recommend that you add a couple of days between Killarney and Galway in the Dingle Peninsula. The Peninsula is beautiful and offers lots to do! We recommend this two tours to the Dingle Peninsula:

• Day trip to Dingle from Killarney
• Day trip to Dingle and the Slea Head drive 

Driving in Ireland

Touring Ireland by car can be a bit nerve racking to people especially when coming from a country with large highways such as the USA or Canada and because we drive on the left instead of the right side. But fear not, going to travel Ireland by car is actually not that hard and you’ll be grateful for the experience! Here are some things to remember about your Ireland driving tour itinerary:

• Ireland uses the metric system like Canada. However, Northern Ireland (which is part of the UK) uses the imperial system like the USA. 
• Ireland (and Northern Ireland) drives on the left side of the road and everything is switched. This means the driver sits on the right side of the car and the gear shift is on the left. It also means we take round about clockwise. Don’t worry though, you will get used to it! Here are some tips to start:
  • practice driving your rental car on a parking lot first
  • go slow, especially in cities, so you can get used to the road signage
  • stop and take break if you’re too stressed
• Contrary to popular belief, Ireland also has long and large highways especially from Dublin to Cork, Killarney, and Belfast.
• Ireland also has narrow roads but that is mostly in the countryside. Irish people are used to them and you will notice that they can drive quite fast (too fast honestly) on those. Take your time and drive a bit slower if you feel more comfortable. You will still have time to do everything on these itineraries. 

Your first 30 minutes driving in Ireland will be a bit bizarre but you get the hang of it quickly and you’ll be fine the rest of the trip! I (Marie) was anxious the first time but it’s really not that different from driving on the right. Rental cars also usually have stickers on the windshield to remind you to keep left!

Safety in Ireland

Ireland is overall very safe but you’ll want to adopt common sense and safety reflexes you would have anywhere in the world such as:

• Walk on the main avenues at night;
• Don’t let valuable objects in sight in your car;
• Do not carry your wallet or money in the backpackers of your jeans or backpack as there are pickpockets around, especially in the city centres;
• If you are traveling alone, make sure someone knows where you are staying and where you are in general, especially if you’re going out at night;
• In Dublin, exercise caution at night and stick to the main avenues. Dublin has a high percentage of homeless people but they generally aren’t aggressive. Dublin also has issues with drugs but if you stick to the touristy spots, you’ll avoid these issues;
• If a situation makes you uncomfortable or you don’t feel it is a good idea, remove yourself from that situation or ask for help. Irish people are friendly and will usually help, especially in pubs;
• Although pubs are usually very friendly, let staff know if you feel unsafe and they’ll intervene. 

Any questions on the best Ireland itineraries for 8 days? Drop them in the comments or on insta and we will get back to you asap.