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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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.

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.

Killarney is above all the ideal starting point for exploring two of the most beautiful regions of the southwest: the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula.

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.

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.

This lively city is known for its pubs, musicians, and colorful facades.

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.

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 go through it in its entirety. You can select certain sections depending on the length of your trip.

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 frequented than some regions of the southwest. It is therefore ideal for travellers seeking more peace and quiet.

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 add the northwest and Donegal.

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.

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.

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

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 build a coherent and personalized itinerary.

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.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

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