Ireland in 10 Days: Our Day-by-Day Itinerary

Ten days is the right amount of time to discover the’Ireland in 10 days Without spending all day behind the wheel: Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains, Kilkenny, Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara. Having lived in the UK since 2012, we organize this trip every year. Here is our day-by-day itinerary, with distances, our favorite stops, and our driving tips.

In short: Ireland in 10 days: a loop of approximately 1,200 km starting from Dublin. Stops: Glendalough, Kilkenny, Cashel, Cork, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and Connemara. Alternative: replace Kerry and Dingle with Belfast and the Antrim Coast. Tips: drive on the left, pay the M50 toll online before 8 pm the following day, and book accommodations early in summer.

Ireland in 10 days: our itinerary at a glance

Indeed, this loop starts in Dublin, heads south, follows the west coast, and then returns through the center of the country. It covers approximately 1,200 kilometers in total.

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• Dublin, Trinity College and Temple Bar (day 1).
• Glendalough and Kilkenny (day 2).
• Rock of Cashel, then Cork (day 3).
• Blarney, then Killarney (day 4).
• Ring of Kerry (day 5).
• Dingle Peninsula (day 6).
• Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway (day 7).
• Connemara (day 8).
• Clonmacnoise and return to Dublin (day 9).
• Last morning in Dublin and departure (day 10).

Days 1 and 2: Dublin, Glendalough and Kilkenny

Day 1: Dublin

Start at Trinity College and the Book of Kells, then stroll along Grafton Street to St Stephen's Green. In the evening, listen to traditional music in a pub. For a longer stay in the capital, follow our itinerary for Visit Dublin in 3 days.

Day 2: Glendalough and Kilkenny

Pick up your car and head south from Dublin. First, visit Glendalough, a monastic site founded in the 6th century by Saint Kevin, nestled in the Wicklow Mountains. Then, continue on to Kilkenny, a medieval town dominated by its castle. The journey will take approximately 150 kilometers.

Days 3 and 4: Cashel, Cork and Killarney

Day 3: Rock of Cashel and Cork

First, in the morning, stop at the Rock of Cashel, a collection of medieval buildings perched on a hill, the former seat of the kings of Munster. Then head to Cork, the country's second largest city, for the night.

Day 4: Blarney and Killarney

After Cork's English Market, stop at Blarney Castle and its famous stone. Then, head to Killarney, about an hour and a quarter's drive away. The national park, lakes, and Muckross House are best explored at the end of the day.

Days 5 and 6: The Ring of Kerry and Dingle

Day 5: The Ring of Kerry

First, this roughly 180-kilometer loop circumnavigates the Iveragh Peninsula. Set off early to enjoy the viewpoints, such as Ladies View, before the tour buses arrive. If you have time, also include the Skellig Ring, which is wilder and quieter.

Day 6: The Dingle Peninsula

The Slea Head road loops around the tip of the peninsula, winding between beaches, cliffs, and prehistoric sites. Then, the village of Dingle, with its colorful pubs, is perfect for a musical evening. This makes for a shorter day spent driving, leaving plenty of time for walking.

Days 7 and 8: The Cliffs of Moher and Connemara

Day 7: Moher, the Burren and Galway

Leave Kerry heading north and cross the Shannon Estuary on the Tarbert to Killimer ferry. This saves you time on the road. The Cliffs of Moher then tower 214 meters above the Atlantic. Finally, travel through the limestone landscapes of the Burren before arriving in Galway. Discover other sites in our guide to... Ireland's most beautiful cliffs.

Day 8: Connemara

In Connemara, lakes, peat bogs, and the Twelve Bens mountains follow one after another. For example, climb Diamond Hill in the national park, then visit Kylemore Abbey and its gardens. In the evening, Clifden or Galway offer excellent options. Our Connemara guide details each step.

Days 9 and 10: Clonmacnoise and return to Dublin

To return, travel through the center of the country. On the way, stop at Clonmacnoise, a former monastic site on the banks of the Shannon. Galway and Dublin are also connected by motorway in about two and a half hours. On your last day, enjoy a morning in Dublin before your flight.

Alternative: Ireland in 10 days including Northern Ireland

However, if you prefer the north, replace Kerry and Dingle with Belfast and the Antrim coast. There you'll discover, among other things, the Titanic Belfast museum, the Giant's Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Dark Hedges. For this part, consult our guide to...’Northern Ireland.

If you're dreaming of a wild coastline, also follow our itinerary of the Wild Atlantic Way in 10 days. It is indeed focused on the west coast.

Our tips for a successful 10-day trip to Ireland

• We drive on the left: take an automatic car if you are not used to it.
• On small roads, 100 kilometers often take much longer than in France.
• Dublin's M50 ring road is a barrier-free toll road: pay online before 8pm the next day.
• Book your accommodation early for July and August, especially in Kerry and Galway.
• Finally, pack a waterproof jacket, regardless of the season.

For the car, read our guide for rent a car in Ireland. In terms of season, May, June, and September often offer the best balance between weather and crowds: our guide when to go to Ireland details each month. The tourist office Ireland.com It also publishes numerous ideas for visits.

Our 10-day trips to Ireland

We offer two ten-day tours, which can be adapted to your preferences. Our 10-day self-drive tour in Ireland follows a loop similar to this one, via Dublin, Galway, Kerry and Cork. Our 10-day road trip in Ireland It starts from Belfast and passes through Donegal and Connemara.

For other step ideas, also check out our selection of must-sees for a road trip in Ireland.

Also read: Things to do in Galway: sightseeing, pubs and excursions ; Ireland in winter: weather, things to do and itinerary ; Things to do in Belfast: Titanic, murals and pubs ; Ring of Kerry: route, stages and tips ; Things to do in Kilkenny: castle, Medieval Mile and tips.

Are you hesitant to organize everything yourself? Discover why using a professional is the best option. local travel agency in Ireland makes your stay easier.

How much should you budget for this trip? Everything is detailed in our guide to... budget for a trip to Ireland.

Also read: What to do in Cork

Also read: What to do in Killarney

Frequently asked questions about Ireland in 10 days

Are ten days enough to visit Ireland?

Yes, for a loop via Dublin, the south and the west. However, you have to choose between Kerry and Northern Ireland, or plan two weeks to see both.

Do we need to rent a car for this tour?

Indeed, this is the most practical solution, as the western sites are poorly served by public transport. However, the train connects Dublin to Cork, Killarney, and Galway if you prefer to avoid driving.

What budget should I plan for Ireland in 10 days?

It all depends on the season and the accommodations. For example, our ten-day tours start at €1,500 per person.

What is the best time for this trip?

From May to September, the days are long and most sites are open. However, July and August remain the most expensive and busiest months.

Can Northern Ireland be included in a 10-day trip?

Yes, by replacing Kerry and Dingle with Belfast and the Antrim coast. Belfast is about a two-hour drive from Dublin.

Plan your 10-day trip to Ireland with Brightside Travel

Indeed, our experts know every step of this route. Tell us your dates, your pace, and your preferences: we'll create a tailor-made itinerary for you, complete with a car, charming accommodations, and our favorite spots.

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