The must-sees of a road trip in Ireland

A road trip in Ireland is one of the best ways to discover the island's wild landscapes and charming villages. From dramatic cliffs and coastal roads to secluded peninsulas and bustling cities, each stop reveals a new facet of the country.

From Dublin to Connemara, via Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland is perfect for a road trip. Having a car also makes it easy to reach more remote locations and fully enjoy the scenic routes.

Here are the must-sees to include during a road trip in Ireland.

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On the road, you're more of a…

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Dublin, an ideal starting point

Many journeys begin in Dublin.

The Irish capital boasts a friendly atmosphere and a city center that's easily walkable. Start with Trinity College before heading to Temple Bar and the banks of the River Liffey.

Next, explore Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. You can also visit the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Bow Street Distillery.

Dublin is therefore an excellent first stop before heading out to explore the wilder landscapes of the island. Our selection of Ten must-see places in Ireland complete this guide.

To discover other travel ideas and plan your trip, also check out our travel guides to Great Britain and Ireland.

Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains

Just a few kilometers from Dublin, County Wicklow already offers a completely different setting.

First, head to Glendalough, famous for its ancient monastic site situated between two lakes.

The surrounding mountains also offer numerous hiking opportunities. Several trails provide superb panoramic views of the lakes and valleys of Wicklow Mountains National Park.

This region makes an ideal stop at the beginning or end of a road trip.

Kilkenny and Medieval Ireland

Continue your journey to Kilkenny.

This small historic town has a particularly pleasant center to explore on foot. Its imposing castle overlooks the banks of the River Nore.

Next, explore the narrow streets of the Medieval Mile and discover the old houses, churches and historic buildings.

Kilkenny thus allows you to add a cultural stop to an itinerary that is primarily focused on nature.

The south coast and County Cork

The route then continues towards Cork and the south of Ireland.

Along the way, several stops are worth a visit. In particular, you can explore the Copper Coast, with its small coves and rugged cliffs.

Further west, Cork offers a lively atmosphere and a rich gastronomic scene.

Nearby, Blarney Castle is famous for its legendary stone. You can also visit Kinsale, a charming little port town known for its colorful facades and restaurants.

Killarney National Park

It's impossible to imagine a road trip in Ireland without passing through Killarney.

Killarney National Park brings together mountains, forests and large lakes in a spectacular environment.

Start at Torc Waterfall. Then, head to the shores of Muckross Lake and discover Muckross House.

Travelers wishing to enjoy more of nature can also explore the park by bicycle, kayak, or on a hike.

Above all, Killarney is the ideal starting point for exploring two of the most beautiful regions in the southwest: the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Our 7-day self-drive tour in Ireland it also follows this route, from Dublin to Kinsale via Killarney.

The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is probably one of the best-known road routes in Ireland.

This scenic route passes through mountains, villages and coastal landscapes around the Iveragh Peninsula.

Along the way, stop in Kenmare, Sneem or Waterville. Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean then accompany much of the journey.

However, take the time to regularly leave the main road. The smaller secondary roads often allow you to discover the most authentic landscapes.

The Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula is another must-see in western Ireland.

From the small town of Dingle, take the spectacular Slea Head Drive.

This road runs along the ocean and offers magnificent views of the Blasket Islands. It also passes through small villages and several historical sites.

Don't miss Dunquin, Gallarus Oratory or the wild beaches of the peninsula.

Thus, Dingle allows you to discover a particularly well-preserved Ireland.

The Cliffs of Moher

Continuing north, you will reach the famous Cliffs of Moher.

These monumental cliffs overlook the Atlantic Ocean and are one of the country's most famous natural sites.

Take the time to walk along the trails to enjoy the different viewpoints. We feature them, along with other sites, in our guide to Ireland's most beautiful cliffs.

However, the region is not limited to cliffs. The nearby Burren offers a stark, mineral landscape very different from the rest of Ireland.

This combination makes the region one of the major stops on a road trip along the west coast.

Galway and the atmosphere of western Ireland

Then continue on to Galway.

Cette ville animée est connue pour ses pubs, ses musiciens et ses façades colorées. Galway est d’ailleurs l’une des capitales de la traditional Irish music.

Take a stroll around the Latin Quarter before heading to Spanish Arch and the shores of Galway Bay.

In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere of traditional pubs and the many music sessions.

Galway also makes an excellent base for exploring Connemara. Our Complete guide to Connemara details the region.

Connemara

Connemara is one of the wildest regions in Ireland.

Mountains, peat bogs, lakes and narrow roads make up particularly photogenic landscapes.

Start with Connemara National Park. Then, discover Kylemore Abbey before continuing on to Clifden.

The Sky Road, near Clifden, offers superb panoramic views of the Atlantic coast.

Finally, take the time to visit Roundstone and Dogs Bay. These smaller roads offer a glimpse into a more peaceful side of Connemara.

The Wild Atlantic Way

Much of your road trip can follow the famous Wild Atlantic Way.

This scenic route runs along the west coast of Ireland for approximately 2,500 kilometers. It crosses nine counties and links some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the country.

However, it is not necessary to read it in its entirety. You can select certain sections depending on the length of your trip. Our 10-day itinerary on the Wild Atlantic Way provides an example.

Kerry, Dingle, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and Donegal are among the most spectacular sections.

Thus, the Wild Atlantic Way is above all an ideal guideline for building a tailor-made itinerary.

To prepare for this part of the trip, also consult the Tourism Ireland's official website dedicated to the Wild Atlantic Way.

Donegal for an even wilder Ireland

If you have more time, continue your journey north.

County Donegal offers some of the wildest scenery on the island.

The impressive cliffs of Slieve League are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

You can also explore Glenveagh National Park, deserted beaches and scenic roads that wind through the county.

Donegal remains less crowded than some areas of the southwest, making it ideal for travelers seeking peace and quiet. The county also borders Northern Ireland: see What to see in Northern Ireland.

How much time should I allow for a road trip in Ireland?

The ideal duration depends primarily on the regions you wish to explore.

For a first trip, a week is already enough to build a nice itinerary between Dublin and the west of the country.

However, 10 to 15 days offers a much more pleasant pace. You can then combine Kerry, Dingle, the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara without spending too much time on the road.

Finally, a trip of two weeks or more allows you to include the northwest and Donegal. For preparation, read our guide to plan a trip to Ireland.

However, it's best to avoid trying to see everything. Irish roads are sometimes narrow and journey times can be longer than expected.

When is the best time to go on a road trip in Ireland?

Ireland can be explored all year round.

Spring offers beautiful days and generally fewer crowds. Summer then allows for long days, but the most popular sites are also more crowded.

Autumn, on the other hand, brings beautiful colours and a more peaceful atmosphere.

However, the weather remains changeable regardless of the season. Therefore, always pack waterproof clothing and adapt some visits to the day's conditions. Our guide when to go to Ireland detailed each month.

Planning your road trip in Ireland

Before you leave, check the distances between each stage.

Indeed, a 100-kilometer journey can sometimes take much longer than in France. Small rural and coastal roads are often narrow and winding.

Therefore, avoid planning excessively long steps.

Furthermore, driving on the left usually requires a short adjustment period. A compact car can therefore be particularly practical on narrow roads. See our tips for rent a car.

Finally, leave some flexibility in your itinerary. The Irish landscapes often inspire you to stop and enjoy a view or discover an unexpected village.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need for a road trip in Ireland?

One week is enough to travel between Dublin and the west. However, 10 to 15 days offers a more pleasant pace, and two weeks or more allows you to include Donegal.

What route should I follow for my first Irish road trip?

Start in Dublin, then pass through Glendalough, Kilkenny and Cork. Next, head to Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Dingle, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway and Connemara.

Do we have to travel the entire Wild Atlantic Way?

No. It runs along the west coast for about 2,500 kilometers. Instead, select a few sections, such as Kerry, Dingle, Moher, Connemara, or Donegal.

When is the best time to go on a road trip in Ireland?

All year round. Spring is less crowded, summer offers long days, and autumn beautiful colors. However, the weather remains changeable in every season.

Is it difficult to drive in Ireland?

Driving is on the left, which takes some getting used to. Rural roads are also narrow and winding: a compact car and short stages make the journey easier.

What to see in Donegal?

The Slieve League cliffs, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Glenveagh National Park, and deserted beaches. The region is also less crowded than the southwest.

Plan your road trip in Ireland with Brightside Travel

A road trip in Ireland allows you to discover the country at your own pace while combining historic cities, wild landscapes and charming villages.

From Dublin to Kerry, then from Dingle to Connemara, each region has its own distinct identity. A car makes it easy to get off the main roads and discover more secluded spots.

At Brightside Travel, we create tailor-made trips to Ireland adapted to your desires, your pace and the length of your stay.

We select accommodations, the most beautiful scenic routes, and local experiences to create a cohesive and personalized itinerary. Discover our Tailor-made trips to Ireland or our advice for going to Ireland as a family.

You can also browse all of our travel guides to find more inspiration before you leave.

To prepare for your stay, you can also consult the Official website of Tourism Ireland.

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