This Ireland itinerary has stood the test of time. I first put it together on my second trip—long before I had the benefit of the Internet—using nothing more than a paper map, a pen, and a bit of intuition about where to go next. It begins at Shannon Airport and finishes in Dublin, weaving together iconic stops with a few that feel a little more personal. Years later, it’s still the one I come back to, striking that balance between seeing the highlights and experiencing the country at a comfortable pace. It worked for two twenty-something friends setting out on their own, and it still works today as the foundation for a 7-10 day Ireland itinerary—or longer if you have the time.
If you’re starting to plan your own trip, you’ll find a few helpful resources linked throughout.
Day 1: Arrive at Shannon Airport & Travel to Killarney
Arrive at Shannon Airport early morning and travel to Killarney (approx. 2-hour drive)
After landing at Shannon Airport, make your way to Killarney and check into your accommodations if early check-in is available. If not, it’s still a good chance to drop your bags and head straight into your first taste of Ireland.
Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Killarney, which is perfect for a relaxed first stop—grab a bite to eat, browse the shops, and settle into the rhythm of the town. I picked up an Irish sweater and cap at Quills Woollen Mills on High Street, a Killarney landmark since 1938, and we also enjoyed a lovely meal at Foley’s on High Street.
This is also a great time to do something quintessentially Irish and take a jaunting cart tour through the Lakes of Killarney. There are several operators in town, and the scenery (and photo opportunities) are hard to beat.
We also visited Muckross House and Gardens, which, as their website describes, “represent the focal point and nucleus of Killarney National Park.”
It’s a full first day—perhaps ambitious for some—but I was a lot younger when I first did this trip, so feel free to take it at your own pace and adjust as needed.
Beginning and ending in Killarney, the iconic Ring of Kerry bus tour is one of the most popular day trips in Ireland, covering about 111 miles of scenic coastline in southwest Ireland and typically taking between 6 and 8 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through some truly stunning landscapes, along with historic sites and charming towns like Sneem and Kenmare. The buses make regular stops throughout the journey, which is part of what makes this Ring of Kerry itinerary so enjoyable—you have time to step out, explore a bit, grab a bite to eat, or simply take in the coastal air and scenery at your own pace.
You can drive the Ring of Kerry yourself, but if you’d rather not deal with narrow, winding cliff side roads, I highly recommend letting the pros do the driving. We took a bus tour, and it was a great way to simply sit back and enjoy the scenery from the coach window. It’s best to book your tour in advance online, ideally no later than the day before.
Dinner post-tour can be as much or as little as your appetite dictates. Killarney offers a wide range of cuisines and choices. On our trip, we had dinner at a Killarney landmark called the Old Kentucky. Alas, the Old Kentucky is no longer there, but a restaurant in its old space on New Street, The Caragh Restaurant, has long operated there and is considered the continuation of the business in that location.
Finish the evening at one of Killarney’s famous singing pubs. Enjoy lively traditional music, a bit of singing along, and a pint of the black stuff in hand. We enjoyed a group called Irish Mist at The Danny Mann, and on a previous visit I had a great night of craic at The Laurels. Whichever pub you choose, you’re in for some of the best traditional music in Ireland.
Day 3: Killarney to Lisdoonvarna – The Scenic Route
I’ve always loved taking the scenic route, and this drive is one of my favorites in any Ireland itinerary. Leaving Killarney via Tralee Road, you’ll follow the N69 and N67 through Tralee and Listowel before arriving at the Tarbert–Killimer ferry, which carries you across the River Shannon from County Kerry into County Clare.
I added the ferry because it looked like such a fun way to go, and it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the day—there’s something really special about crossing the Shannon and seeing the landscape shift as you move from one county to another.
From there, continue north through County Clare, with a stop at the Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking views of Ireland’s rugged west coast before arriving in Lisdoonvarna for the evening. (You can read my post, “A Simple Guide for Planning Your Visit to the Cliffs of Moher here.)
The full driving time is around 2 hours and 50 minutes, but that doesn’t include stops along the way. It’s worth checking the ferry schedule in advance so you can plan your timing, and leaving room for viewpoints and unplanned breaks is part of what makes this route so enjoyable.
We stopped in the seaside town of Kilkee for lunch and enjoyed a meal with a view at the Pantry Food Hall before continuing on to the Cliffs of Moher. I can still remember how the sunshine felt on my face as we sat outside enjoying a salmon salad sandwich and taking in the scenery—it was one of those simple travel moments that stays with you.
Plan to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours at the Cliffs, though that really depends on your pace and how long you want to linger along the walking paths.
From the Cliffs, you’ll follow the R478 through classic Burren scenery before arriving in Lisdoonvarna for the night—a short drive of about 15 to 20 minutes.
Lisdoonvarna offers a range of accommodations and dining options. This small town in North Clare is known for its spa traditions, festival atmosphere, and lively nightlife.
Day 4: Lisdoonvarna to Clifden
Depart Lisdoonvarna and travel about 20 minutes to Ailwee Cave. This is a wonderful stop and caving experience well worth the price of admission. After a visit here, you’ll drive on through the scenic Burren via the N67 through Ballyvaughn, around Galway Bay, Kinvara (stop at Dunguaire Castle!), Oranmore, all the way to Galway City.
Now, should you wish to stay in Galway City overnight, do! The music, shopping, dining, and historic charm of this iconic Irish city make it a place you’ll want to slow down and really take in. Wander the streets, browse the shops, experience the Irish Dance Experience, pick up a traditional Claddagh ring, and soak up the lively atmosphere that fills the city day and night. In fact, depending on how flexible your schedule is, you may want to spend a couple of nights in Galway. It also works beautifully as a base for exploring the surrounding region, including day trips to the Aran Islands by ferry.
For our trip, we spent several hours in Galway before deciding to hop in the car and continue about an hour farther to the coastal town of Clifden in Connemara. Clifden feels like something out of a storybook, with its colorful buildings, friendly energy, and lively music scene. There are plenty of places to stay, including the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel if you’re looking for a castle experience. Dining options are easy to find as well. We enjoyed a lovely meal at Mannions Restaurant & Bar on Market Street, and there was even live music that evening, which made it all the more memorable. It’s one of those places that fits perfectly into a longer Ireland itinerary, especially if you want to slow the pace and spend more time along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Day 5: Clifden, Connemara to Boyle, Roscommon
Leaving Clifden, drive the N59 a short distance to Kylemore Abbey. You simply must stop here! It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. So much so that I have a piece of Galway Crystal with the Abbey etched on it that I have as a keepsake. You’ll want to tour the house and gardens and drink in the scenery. Give yourself 3 to 4 hours to comfortably see the main attractions without rushing. Here is an affiliate link for a walking tour of the Abbey that you can book before you travel.
Departing Kylemore Abbey, you’ll continue along the N59 to the town of Westport in Mayo. This is a gorgeous drive through Connemara that takes you to the foot of Croagh Patrick. Spend as much or as little time as you like in Westport; there are some wonderful restaurants and shopping, and you can even spot Paddington Bear sitting on a park bench. You can also tour Westport House, a historic estate set right on the grounds overlooking Clew Bay. If it’s a sunny day, I recommend outdoor seating at The Towers overlooking Clew Bay. The food is delicious, the pints are cool, and the views of the bay and Croagh Patrick are sublime.
After spending time in Westport, drive east on the N5 for most of the next hour and fifteen minutes until you arrive in Boyle.
Day 6 & 7: Boyle and Beyond!
Welcome to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands!
Because this is the area my family hails from, I typically spend more time in and around Boyle. That said, this part of the itinerary can easily be expanded or shortened depending on your schedule, and it’s one I would never suggest skipping. There is just too much to see and do here for a quintessential Ireland experience that takes you off the beaten path.
In and around Boyle, you’ll find plenty to fill your time, including Boyle Abbey, King House, Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Kilronan Castle, the Arigna Mining Experience, and The Shed Distillery, just to name a few.
Boyle also makes a fantastic base for exploring further afield. From here, you can head to Strandhill Beach along the Wild Atlantic Way, take in the dramatic landscapes of Benbulben and Knocknarea, or explore Yeats Country across nearby Sligo and Leitrim. You can also visit Rathcroghan Heritage Centre or the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, both offering a deeper look into Ireland’s history.
As part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the options truly do abound. Because many of these experiences sit slightly off the usual tourist trail, you’ll also find a slower pace here—one that invites you to linger a little longer and take it all in.
Day 8 and or 9: Dublin
Travel the N4 from Boyle through towns like Carrick-on-Shannon, Longford, and Mullingar on your way toward Dublin. From here, you can decide whether to stay outside the city or head right into the heart of Dublin itself.
If you’re planning to stay in the city, you won’t really need a car, so it can make sense to return your rental beforehand to save on fees and avoid the hassle of parking. Dublin is also very easy to navigate using trains, buses, and on foot.
There is no shortage of things to do in Dublin—Kilmainham Gaol, Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, Grafton Street, Temple Bar, Phoenix Park, and St. Stephen’s Green, just to name a few.
I’ve stayed both outside the city in nearby Skerries and right in Dublin itself, and while Skerries offers a quieter base, I found staying in the city much more convenient. The Hilton at Kilmainham was a great option—right across from Kilmainham Gaol and still within easy reach of the Liffey and many of the city’s main attractions (read more here).
It’s a fitting end to an Ireland itinerary that takes you from coastlines and countryside into the heart of one of Europe’s most vibrant capital cities.
Day 9 or 10: Depart
If you’re flying out of Dublin, one of the biggest conveniences is that you can clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection right at Dublin Airport before you depart, meaning you’ll arrive back in the U.S. as a domestic passenger without additional customs on landing. You can also clear U.S. Customs at Shannon Airport, which is another major advantage if your return flight is from there.
If you’re traveling between Dublin and Shannon Airport without a car, the most direct option is by bus, with services such as Bus Éireann and other coach operators running routes to Limerick or Ennis, where you can connect onward to Shannon Airport. The journey typically takes several hours, so it’s best to plan ahead and allow plenty of time.
It’s a simple final leg to an unforgettable Ireland itinerary.
Why This Remains My Favorite Ireland Itinerary
This Ireland itinerary is one I originally created on my second trip, working with nothing more than a paper map, a pen, and a limited sense of what I was about to discover. It turned out to be one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken, and over the years I’ve kept coming back to it—tweaking it, refining it, and yet always finding that it still holds up.
The photos from that trip are all pre-digital, tucked into the pages of a large photo album, which feels fitting in a way, because this is an itinerary built from real moments and lasting memories. Even now, it remains my favorite way to experience Ireland, and I suspect it always will.
Whether you follow it as a 7-day route or extend it into a 10-day journey or longer, it’s designed to evolve with you—and to become the kind of trip you remember long after you’ve returned home.
For readers planning their own trip, I also share a First-Timer’s Guide to Ireland, along with custom itinerary planning and trip consulting for those who want help shaping a route that fits their time, interests, and travel style. Whether you’re building your first itinerary or refining one you already have in mind, these resources are there to help you make the most of your time on the Emerald Isle.
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