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Constructing your Eire journey itinerary actually depends upon your pursuits, however I like to recommend beginning with a minimum of seven days in Eire. On the West coast particularly – it’s my private favourite – driving parts of the Wild Atlantic Method. I do know everybody loves a while in Dublin – however this text is simply specializing in the countryside and smaller villages of the west coast – that is my favourite a part of Eire – the agricultural areas! If attainable, extending your keep to 10 days and even fourteen days on Eire’s West coast will present a fair richer expertise, permitting deeper immersion into Irish tradition and surroundings.
I’ve traveled to Eire a number of instances – it seems like my dwelling in Europe. It doesn’t matter if I’m doing mountain climbing, biking, or driving journeys there, and I’ve liked all of them. I even run my very own small group excursions there ceaselessly, too. I used the entire data I’ve gained in these journeys and put collectively this complete Eire journey itinerary for you…from 7 to 14 days!
Let’s begin with a one-week itinerary exploring the charming rural great thing about County Sligo and County Mayo, on the north-west facet of the nation. From there, I recommend including on a couple of days to drive south to discover the Cliffs of Moher and the attractive Burren area. Then, to spherical out a full two-week Eire trip, proceed heading south to County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Let’s get began!
Begin Constructing Your Good Eire Journey Itinerary
You will want a set of wheels to get round for this itinerary. Don’t fear should you’ve by no means pushed overseas earlier than – Eire is the right place to study! That is truly the place I discovered how you can drive on the opposite facet of the street. Sure – it was harrowing at first – however on the west coast, there are many quiet roads to get your proper facet driving savvy and confidence! Nonetheless – I do at all times suggest getting the smallest rental automobile you’ll be able to when in Eire. The roads are slim, and the smaller the automobile, the higher.
See all of my driving suggestions for Driving in Eire
7 Days in Eire: A Cultural and Scenic Street Journey By means of Mayo and Achill
Situated on the west coast of Eire, County Mayo is a hidden gem with a rugged shoreline, beautiful mountain vistas, and picturesque villages. It affords vacationers a mix of tranquil rural settings, historic websites, vibrant cultural traditions, and limitless alternatives for outside adventures away from the vacationer crowds. That’s why I’ve run 4 totally different excursions in County Mayo – as a result of it’s a rustic that many individuals skip…and that’s simply loopy as a result of there may be a lot enjoyable stuff to do there!
Primarily based on a tour I led in 2024 with Rachel’s Irish Adventures, this itinerary highlights scenic coastal hikes and distinctive Irish cultural experiences.
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin and Head Straight to Ballina
After checking into the lodge, get pleasure from a riverside stroll and dinner by the River Moy. In case you’re up for it within the night, get pleasure from a pint of Guinness and conventional Irish music at Rouse’s Bar, Ballina’s oldest family-owned pub. If you’re fortunate, you’ll stroll into the bar and there shall be dwell music (each Saturday night time beginning at 10 PM). That is my favourite method to meet locals – hang around at a bar listening to music in a non-touristy city!
How one can get there: You’ll most certainly arrive in Eire by way of Dublin, so plan for a morning arrival should you can. Take public transport from Dublin to Ballina – the journey is simply 3-4 hours – then decide up a rental automobile when you’re on the West coast. Nonetheless – bear in mind, not all cities on the West Coast have automobile rental. So another choice is to select up your rental automobile in Dublin, and that approach you’ll be able to return to the identical spot and avoid wasting cash.
The place to remain: Ballina Manor for 3 nights. Or attempt Belleek Fort lodge for a bit extra luxurious
Day 2: Sligo Coast
After breakfast within the morning, hike Knocknarea Hill in close by County Sligo to go to the nice warrior Queen Maeve’s Cairn. (a reasonable hike) The cairn is an unimaginable sight to see – it form of appears just like the Nice Pyramids! Afterwards, heat up with a beverage and a home made deal with from Shells Café in Strandhill. Take a while to stroll across the quaint little village.
In your approach again to Ballina, there are two stops I recommend you make. The primary in Aughris to go to the Seashore Bar, a conventional thatch roof pub – you guessed it – close to the seaside for a fast afternoon Irish Espresso. The second cease is Kilcullen’s Tub Home in Enniscrone for a seaweed tub, a very distinctive expertise relationship again to the twelfth century. Seaweed baths are so nice for you – however I believe the very best half about this expertise is soaking within the previous tubs and steam packing containers!
When you’re good and relaxed, head again to Ballina for a hearty dinner and extra conventional Irish music at Lillie’s Bar.
Day 3: Cultural Day
Spend the morning at Mount Falcon Aviary studying about birds of prey. Then transfer on to the historic Foxford Woollen Mills, the place you’ll find out about its significance to the city and neighborhood because it was established within the Nineties. That is the right time to purchase your self, and everybody you already know, an genuine Irish wool memento!
Again in Ballina, you’ll be able to spend the afternoon exploring the world by bike. Go to the Belleek Woods, Monasteries of the Moy, and the Rosserk Friary. You may simply hire a motorcycle (common or electrical) from Rachel’s Irish Adventures and have a superb afternoon exploring the countryside! Afterwards, unwind with a whiskey tasting after which dinner at Quay West.
Queen Maeve’s Hike
Biking County Mayo
Deserted Abby County Mayo
County Mayo Seacliffs
Croagh Patrick Hike
The River Moy in Ballina
Mount Falcon Aviary
Rouses Pub Reside Music Saturday
Seaweed Tub
Day 4: Ceide Coast
It’s time to alter lodging, so pack up your stuff and take a look at of your lodge earlier than you head out for the day.
At the moment begins off with a drive as much as see vistas of the North Atlantic Ocean from Downpatrick Head and a hike round for the morning. Take pleasure in lunch at Mary’s Bakery in Ballycastle earlier than heading to Ceide Fields for the afternoon. There you’ll see the oldest and most intensive Stone Age monument on the planet, consisting of megalithic tombs, homes, and relics coated by a pure, and completely distinctive, blanket lavatory.
Cease someplace for dinner or pop into the outlets to get elements to cook dinner your individual dinner at Ceide Glamping Pods. Collect round their fireplace pit earlier than settling in for the night time and getting a great night time’s relaxation. These glamping pods are to not be missed…they’re secluded and supply an excellent sundown. I actually didn’t wish to depart them! So perhaps you need to keep two nights there and go mountain climbing at Carrowteige the following day! It’s my favourite hike in Eire!
The place to remain: Ceide Glamping Pods for one night time.
Day 5: Mayo’s Hidden Gems
Discover the grounds at Ceide Glamping Pods for a short while earlier than heading out to your longest drive but on this journey. At the moment you’re headed all the way in which to Achill Island is about 1.5 hours. I instructed you it was a protracted one (okay, perhaps not THAT lengthy), however there shall be loads of spots to stretch your legs alongside the way in which, like Ballycroy Nationwide Park.
With 15,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness, Ballycroy is most notably dwelling to the Nephin Beg mountain vary and the Owenduff Lavatory – one of many final intact lively blanket lavatory methods in Western Europe. There are many trails to discover, so plan for a minimum of a couple of hours right here.
As soon as prepared, proceed your journey to Achill Island – the biggest island off Eire’s coast. Although sparsely inhabited, it’s identified for its dramatic sea cliffs and Atlantic views. Upon arrival, verify into your new lodging in Keel and unwind with a beachside sauna session at Achill Island Sauna, providing scorching/chilly remedy simply steps from the ocean. This was one among my favourite experiences – I really like which you could run proper out of the sauna and into the freezing ocean – it’s exhilarating!
Finish the day with a soothing dinner at your lodging or one of many eating places on the town, having fun with a heat meal after a full day of outside adventures.
The place to remain: Bervie Guesthouse for one night time.
Day 6: Achill Island
At the moment is all about exploring the pure magnificence and historical past of Achill Island. After packing up your stuff and filling your stomach, begin with a go to to Keem Seashore, typically praised as Eire’s most lovely seaside, the place turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs. And the drive there may be beautiful…you should definitely get a window view! From there, take a hike as much as these towering sea cliffs – a number of the highest in Eire – for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Subsequent, wander by way of the hauntingly lovely Abandoned Village at Slievemore, a group of stone cottages alongside a mile-long street that have been deserted throughout the famine period. Within the late afternoon, drive to Westport, a full of life city identified for its allure and music scene. Settle in for the night with dinner and a pint at one among Westport’s iconic pubs, the place dwell conventional music fills the air. Matt Molloy’s might be the most well-liked – however you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable at any pub in Westport!
The place to remain: The Mariner Resort for one night time (or two if planning an extended itinerary).
Day 7: Killary Fjord & South Mayo
Spend your morning having fun with a scenic drive alongside Clew Bay, making a cease at Croagh Patrick – Eire’s holy mountain and a web site of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Even when you don’t hike all the way in which to the summit, the midway level additionally affords unimaginable views and a great mountain climbing problem. If mountain climbing isn’t your factor, then the bottom affords spectacular views of the height and the bay’s many drumlin islands.
In case you skipped the Croagh Patrick hike, you then’ll have time to proceed into the guts of Connemara to go to Killary Sheep Farm. Right here you’ll be able to witness conventional sheepdog demonstrations and find out about rural Irish farm life in a surprising fjord-side setting.
If right this moment is your ultimate day, now’s the time to catch a practice to Dublin from Westport to your flight dwelling, or you’ll be able to prolong your street journey to 10 or 14 days. On this case, I recommend staying in Clifden – an lovely little city full of retailers and pubs.
Downpatrick Head Nation Mayo
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Ceide Glamping Huts
Keem Seashore
Slievemore
Strolling by way of Slievemore previous famine ruins
Downpatrick Head
10 Days in Eire: Into the Coronary heart of Clare: Doolin, Cliffs of Moher & the Burren
This expanded itinerary options the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the otherworldly landscapes of the Burren, providing a deeper look into Eire’s pure magnificence.
Day 8: Drive to Galway Metropolis
From Clifden, right this moment you’ll head south to Galway Metropolis. I recommend you stand up early and drive the beautiful Sky Street. Or in case you are feeling extra lively – hire an ebike from Clifden Bike Store nestled within the cute native memento store – All Issues Connemara. Bike the Sky Street and expertise it at a slower tempo! After your morning exploring Clifden, take the sluggish route on the tremendous scenic Wild Atlantic Method in the direction of Galway Metropolis. Stroll across the metropolis and deal with your self to some fantastic eating on the town after the entire pub meals! Check out Rúibín Bar & Restaurant for scrumptious seafood and cocktails! Then slowly stroll the streets, having fun with the buskers on each nook!
The place to Keep: Kinlay Hostel is a superb price range keep that has personal rooms and nice amenities. For a extra upscale keep, attempt Victoria Resort
Day 9: Discover the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin
At the moment is all concerning the Cliffs of Moher! This is likely one of the hottest sights in Eire – so you’ll want to time your go to fastidiously to keep away from the crowds. I recommend taking a sluggish morning in Galway, or driving the sluggish approach alongside the Wild Atlantic Method to Doolin. Then within the late afternoon, when the entire constitution buses are heading again to Dublin, now could be your time to go to the Cliffs of Moher!
I recommend taking a taxi from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher customer heart. This manner you don’t have to fret about parking and you may take a look at the customer heart. Begin by heading south across the Cliffs viewing space – after which stroll again north so far as you’ll be able to go. You’ll ultimately depart the Cliffs of Moher space and find yourself mountain climbing alongside the Burren Method, a coastal path from Cliffs of Moher customer heart to Doolin, timed excellent to coincide with sundown for an elevated expertise!
The customer heart is about 8km from Doolin alongside the Burren Method mountain climbing path, which ought to take 2.5 to three hours – or longer, the extra stops you make to take footage! Be sure you carry a raincoat as storms can roll in shortly alongside the Atlantic coast!
After you catch sundown on the coast after which go hearken to music and a few get pleasure from Guinness stew at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin.
I contemplate this hike the finest method to see the Cliffs of Moher, so I’ve an entire submit devoted to my expertise doing this hike solo.
The place to remain: Suantrai Home in Doolin for 2 (or three if planning an extended itinerary).
Day 10: The Burren
At the moment is a transition day, however don’t miss the possibility to discover the Burren, one among Eire’s most iconic and weird landscapes. Whether or not you’re wrapping up your journey or persevering with on with the complete two-week Eire itinerary, I’ve some ideas for what to do within the Burren.
If leaving for dwelling later: Begin early and make the brief drive from Doolin to Burren Nationwide Park, providing a number of mountain climbing trails by way of its putting limestone pavement, together with grasslands, woodlands, and scrub habitats wealthy with distinctive wildlife. A beautiful method to spend your morning earlier than heading dwelling.
If persevering with your itinerary: For a extra immersive expertise, contemplate reserving a self-guided hike with Eire Stroll Hike Bike. I’ve praised them earlier than, and for good cause—on my solo hike organized by way of them, my solely path companions have been curious cows, and the peace and solitude have been unforgettable.
Get 5% off any reserving with Eire Stroll Hike Bike whenever you use code OttsWorldIreland
Not within the temper for extra mountain climbing? No downside. You may nonetheless discover the Burren by visiting a couple of key websites. Good should you simply wish to make a pitstop or two earlier than heading again to Dublin or persevering with on to County Kerry.
Persevering with your Eire journey? The place to remain: Ashe Resort in Tralee for two nights. They’ve a beautiful restaurant and bar, additionally within the lodge, you need to take a look at!
14 Days in Eire:
This complete itinerary offers a deep dive into Eire’s breathtaking southern finish of the Wild Atlantic Method, from rugged cliffs to charming cities.
Day 11: Uncover Dingle Peninsula’s Coastal & Cultural Gems
In your method to Dingle within the morning, drive over Conor Cross – Eire’s tallest mountain go. It’s probably the most dramatic and scenic method to arrive in Dingle. As soon as there, ensure you cease at my favourite ice cream retailer in Eire – Murphy’s Ice Cream. The store began in Dingle and has flavors like Brown bread and Gin ice cream! Subsequent, load up on cheese and chocolate from the Little Cheese Store to snack on when you drive the dramatic Slea Head loop. Cease at Dun Beg Fort and Dunquin Pier for sweeping Atlantic views. Then proceed on to the Gallarus Oratory, a well-preserved early Christian chapel that’s older than the Egyptian pyramids! Make certain to stretch your legs on a brief hike alongside the coast or perhaps a seaside for a bit, too.
If you’re hungry for lunch, head to the South Pole Inn in Annascaul. You would possibly surprise why it’s referred to as the South Pole Inn. As you’ll see, it was named such by Tom Crean, former proprietor of the inn, who joined Shackleton and Scott on a few of their South Pole expeditions within the early twentieth century.
After you’ve stuffed up on meals and enjoyable Tom Crean information, transfer on to Gleann na Gealt, nicknamed the Valley of the Mad. There are tales that say coming to this valley cures psychological sickness – even kings have been cured of their insanity right here. It was solely comparatively not too long ago that the water was examined and located to comprise lithium, which is a drug typically used to deal with psychological well being situations.
Head again to Tralee for the night time for dinner at your lodging or one of many eating places on the town.
Day 12: Drive the Ring of Kerry
Your first stretch takes you alongside coastal roads towards the charming city of Killorglin, excellent for grabbing a espresso and snapping photographs of the River Laune. From there, proceed by way of Glenbeigh with views over Rossbeigh Seashore, a stupendous spot to tug over and stroll alongside the sand or admire sweeping Atlantic vistas.
Round noon, arrive at Kells Bay Home & Gardens for lunch. Take time to walk by way of the plush, subtropical gardens, well-known for his or her large ferns and coastal setting. Afterward, proceed south towards Cahersiveen, with an non-compulsory fast go to to the ruins of Ballycarbery Fort or a cease on the historic Valentia Island bridge for photographs of the harbor and mountains.
Be sure you make a fast cease on the Kerry Cliffs – one other spectacular set of rugged coastal cliffs and waves. This web site isn’t as busy because the Cliffs of Moher however simply as lovely. Proceed on and make a fast cease on the Skelligs Chocolate Manufacturing facility and Cafe for a particular deal with!
Within the afternoon, comply with the coastal street by way of Waterville and Sneem, having fun with dramatic views over Kenmare Bay. Find time for a brief leg-stretch at Women View for panoramic photographs of Killarney’s lakes and mountains. End your day close to Killarney Nationwide Park, checking in to your lodging able to discover its trails, lakes, and historic websites the following morning.
It’ll be a protracted day, nevertheless, in case you have the power, cease by Courtney’s Pub for some dwell music.
The place to remain: Killarney Avenue Resort close by for 1 night time. Or the Ross lodge. Each are within the coronary heart of the city, the place you’ll be able to stroll to something.
When you have an additional day – it’s possible you’ll wish to keep in Portmagee and catch an early boat to the Skellig Islands the following morning. The distant islands are probably the most well-known and hardest to get to in Eire!
Day 13: Morning in Killarney & Return to Dublin
Spend your ultimate morning immersed within the coronary heart of Killarney Nationwide Park. Right here you’ll be able to hike or go to Muckross Home and Gardens, one of many park’s most beloved highlights. Tour the grand Nineteenth-century mansion with its interval rooms and discover the fantastically maintained gardens that overlook the lakes and mountains.
Stroll alongside close by trails by way of lush woodlands to the scenic Torc Waterfall. I additionally love visiting the Abbey within the park. Don’t miss the traditional Yew tree in the midst of the Abbey! After absorbing these iconic sights, return your rental automobile in time to catch a bus to Dublin for the night time.
Take pleasure in a ultimate night of music at a full of life pub, a leisurely stroll alongside the River Liffey, or a comfy meal in one of many metropolis’s historic pubs. Being in Dublin the night time earlier than your flight additionally means you’ll be able to keep away from an early-morning cross-country rush, guaranteeing a clean, hassle-free departure and time to replicate in your journey by way of Eire’s wild and exquisite west.
The place to Keep: My favourite lodge in Dublin is Zanzibar Locke – an amazing location and actually fashionable!
Yew Tree Muckrose Abbey
Skellig Islands
Ring of Kerry Shoreline
Kerry Cliffs
Dingle City
Torc Waterfall
Ring of Kerry Views
Murphy’s Ice Cream Dingle
On daily basis gained’t be like this…
Cheese Store Dingle
Gallorus Oratory Dingle
Dunquin Pier Dingle
Dingle Peninsula
Day 14: Remaining Day in Eire
Ending your two-week West Coast street journey in Dublin affords the right transition earlier than flying dwelling, supplying you with an opportunity to relaxation and replicate on the epic journey you simply skilled.
Eire Journey Assets
My favourite native guides and corporations for Eire excursions
These are the businesses I work with, and I fortunately name these small enterprise homeowners my pals.
Eire Tourism Web site – Filled with details about occasions and issues to do
I hope you fall in love with Emerald Isle like I did! I’m comfortable to reply any questions you’ve gotten about journey in Eire or customizations of those Eire journey itineraries!
Incessantly Requested Questions on Touring in Western Eire
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