Planning a road trip around Ireland? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure. From bustling cities to sleepy seaside towns and ancient castles perched on windswept cliffs, Ireland packs a big punch for a small country. It’s the perfect country to explore by car, giving you the freedom to take the scenic route, which, let’s be honest, is how all the best adventures start.
To help you plan your trip, here are 20 things to do on a road trip around Ireland.
Last year, I spent two weeks road-tripping through Ireland with my cousin. Neither of us had been before, and our goal was simple: take our time, get a little lost, and see as many castles and as much coastline as possible.
I’ll be honest, I was nervous about driving on the left side of the road. However, having a car made the trip magical. We stayed in a country pub, explored more castles than I can count (including one where we had dinner!), and wandered through colorful coastal villages along the southern coast. And as it turns out, I got used to driving on the opposite side surprisingly fast.
Of course, I made sure we booked a car with full insurance… just in case.
Now, let’s jump into the 20 best things to do on a road trip around Ireland. This post isn’t a comprehensive itinerary, though. If you’d like one, please let me know in the comments, and I’ll put it together for you. Instead, these ideas are meant to help you start dreaming and planning your perfect Irish road trip.
Justyn’s Quick Ireland Car Rental Recommendations:
🏎️ Always start your car rental search on Discover Cars. They have the best deals, cancellation terms, and insurance options. Discover Cars is my go-to choice for rental cars.
🚗 If you’re not used to driving on the left, make sure to book an automatic transmission. It’ll make getting used to driving a whole lot easier!
🚙 I recommend getting a nice small car to navigate the winding streets around the island.
🍀 You definitely do not need a car in Dublin. We spent our first 3 days in Dublin and then picked up the car for the rest of our adventure. You could also pick up the car first and end your trip by exploring Dublin.
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20 Best Things to Do on a Road Trip in Ireland
You don’t need a car in Dublin. But it is the perfect place to start and end your trip. It’s one of my favorite cities in Europe. I’ll include some suggestions for things to do in Dublin, either before or after your road trip.
Listen to Live Music at The Cobblestone
We went to The Cobblestone every night we were in Dublin, and it never got old. This place attracts some of the city’s finest traditional musicians, with live music filling the room every night. Music is such a core part of Irish culture, and while you’ll hear it in pubs all across the country, The Cobblestone is an incredible place to start your journey.
Play Tourist in Dublin
I could write an entire post on things to do in Dublin. It’s one of my favorite cities in Europe, and if you’ve never been, there is a lot to do! But it’s not the best place for a road trip in Ireland. In fact, you really don’t need a car in Dublin. So, I’ll list a few of my favorite things to do in Dublin (for first-time visitors), and then we’ll get back to our road trip.
Best Things to Do in Dublin (for first-timers):
- Book a tour at Jameson Distillery on Bow Street.
- Explore Trinity College & The Book of Kells
- Visit Dublin Castle
- Get lost in Temple Bar
- Tour the Guinness Storehouse
Take a Coastal Walk in Howth
Even though Howth is just outside of Dublin, it feels like a world away. The Howth Cliff Walk offers stunning views of the Irish coastline and is the perfect escape from the city. If you go early, grab a coffee at Bailey Brew before hitting the trail, or end your walk with a pint at The Summit Inn.
Join a Medieval Banquet at Dunguaire Castle
I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about this one, but it was something my cousin really wanted to do… and it ended up being a blast! You join a group dinner inside the castle, complete with a theatrical performance that gives you a taste of what medieval life might have been like. The food was surprisingly good, and they did a great job accommodating my vegetarian diet as well.
Have Afternoon Tea at Ashford Castle
I’m a big fan of afternoon tea. It’s something my friend and I love to do around London, so you already know I wasn’t going to pass up the chance to have it in a castle. Ashford Castle is the perfect setting: elegant, historic, and full of charm. They’ve been serving afternoon tea since 1896, so you could say they’ve had time to perfect it.
Visit Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Kylemore Abbey is absolutely stunning! A fairytale-like castle set on a lakeshore, nestled in 1,000 acres of mountainside. It’s the kind of place that fairytales are written about. Today, the abbey is home to a community of Benedictine nuns who open the grounds to visitors. You can spend the day wandering the Victorian Walled Garden, touring the abbey, and shopping for handmade products like candles, soaps, and marmalades, all made by the nuns themselves.
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s most iconic road trip, a scenic coastal route that stretches over 1,500 miles along the rugged western coast. Of course, you’re not going to cover all 1,500 miles in a day (or even a week!). With 157 designated discovery points along the way, it’s best to pick and choose the sections that suit your route and interests. The Wild Atlantic Way could be your entire road trip in Ireland, or just a beautiful stretch you dip into for a few days. Either way, it’s one of the most memorable drives you can take in Ireland.
Ride Bikes Around the Aran Islands
Riding a bike around the Aran Islands was the top recommendation I got when planning my road trip, and it didn’t disappoint. The Aran Islands are stunning and feel like a step back in time. I highly recommend staying overnight (it’s what I wish we had done!), but they also make for a perfect day trip. You can catch an early ferry from Galway, rent bikes when you arrive, and spend the day exploring the island at your own pace. On the way back, our ferry cruised along the base of the Cliffs of Moher, offering a unique perspective to see them from.
Explore the Grounds at Dromoland Castle Hotel
If I could afford to stay the night at a castle, this would be my top pick. It’s been transformed into a luxurious 5-star resort where you’re treated like royalty from the moment you arrive. Even if an overnight stay isn’t in the cards, it’s still absolutely worth a visit. You can wander through the beautiful gardens and grab a drink at the Fig Tree Restaurant. The whole place feels like a fairytale escape.
Do the Three Bridges Walk in Limerick
The Three Bridges Walk, also known as the Slí na Sláinte loop, is a scenic route that takes you along the River Shannon and past many of Limerick’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a relaxed and beautiful way to experience the city on foot. Along the way, be sure to stop at King John’s Castle, where you can quite literally step back in time and dive into centuries of Irish history.
Sleep in a Country Pub
You know, when you see something in a movie and think, one day, I want to do that? That’s exactly how I felt about staying in a country pub, and Ireland, I finally got to do it. It was such a lovely experience, and I felt like we were staying with locals rather than just passing through.
If you get the chance, book a couple of nights at a small-town pub on your road trip in Ireland. The best part? You can sip Guinness by the fire without worrying about how you’re getting home.
See the Dramatic Views at the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are among the most iconic and dramatic landscapes in Ireland, stretching for about 14 kilometers along the Atlantic coast. If you can, I highly recommend seeing them from both the top and the bottom. We took the long ferry back from the Aran Islands, which sailed right beneath the cliffs, and honestly, they were even more impressive from the sea. Even though it’s one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded when we visited.
Go for a Walk in Killarney National Park
Located in County Kerry, Killarney National Park is one of the best stops on any Irish road trip. It’s home to McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. And it offers endless ways to explore. Spend your day chasing waterfalls, riding horses, or wandering the trails around the world-famous Lakes of Killarney. However you choose to experience it, this national park is full of magic.
Drive the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most scenic drives, looping 179 kilometers (111 miles) through County Kerry. It’s famous for its rugged cliffs, charming villages, and historic sites, and it’s well worth dedicating a whole day to exploring. The drive takes at least four hours without stops, but trust me, you’ll want to pull over often for photos.
Just a heads-up: the roads can get narrow in places, and large tour buses also use the route, so make sure you feel comfortable driving before you go.
See the Lighthouse at Mizen Head
Mizen Head is the most southwesterly point in Ireland, and it’s home to one of the country’s most dramatic coastal viewpoints. For €7.50, you can explore the old signal station (now a museum) and cross the iconic arched bridge that stretches high above the crashing Atlantic below. It’s a bit of a drive to get there, but the views and photo ops make it more than worth the journey.
Enjoy the Blarney Castle and Gardens
A visit to Blarney Castle is one of the most iconic things to do on an Irish road trip, and for good reason. My biggest tip? Arrive early and head straight to the castle. The line to kiss the famous Blarney Stone can get very long, and it’s much more enjoyable if you can beat the crowds. When we arrived, there was no line, but by the time we left, the wait was over two hours!
While the stone is the main attraction, don’t skip the gardens; they were some of the most beautiful we explored during our entire trip.
Visit the Colorful Coastal Town of Cobh
Cobh is one of the most picturesque coastal towns in Southern Ireland. It’s famous for its brightly colored houses and deep maritime history. If you’re looking for a charming spot to aim for, I definitely recommend Cobh.
Honestly, the entire southern coast is dotted with colorful fishing villages that are just as lovely. If you have the time, spend a day driving along the coast and stopping wherever catches your eye. You really can’t go wrong.
Step Back in Time at the Rock of Cashel
If you’ve never heard of the Rock of Cashel, you’re not alone; I hadn’t either before my trip. But it quickly became one of the most impressive stops on our road trip. Perched dramatically on a limestone outcrop, this site is home to one of the most remarkable collections of medieval buildings in Ireland. According to legend, St. Patrick himself came here to convert the king to Christianity. Whether you’re into history or just love a good view, the Rock of Cashel is absolutely worth the detour.
Tour the House of Waterford Crystal
For such a small country, Ireland is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. If you’re looking for a break from the natural landscapes, take some time to explore the beauty Ireland creates. In Waterford, you’ll find the world-famous crystal factory, where skilled artisans handcraft some of the most intricate and delicate pieces.
The tour is fascinating, you get to watch the artisans at work and see just how much precision and care go into every piece.
Take a Tour of Kilkenny Castle
Last but not least, make time to tour Kilkenny Castle, your final castle stop if you’re following all of these recommendations! Kilkenny Castle is one of the oldest continuously used castles in Irish history, with a legacy that spans over 800 years. (Considering the United States is less than 250 years old… that really puts things into perspective.)
It’s open seven days a week, closed only on major holidays, and entry is just €8 for a self-guided visit or €12 for a guided tour. I definitely recommend the guided option, as it provides a much deeper understanding of the castle’s long and fascinating history.
And just like that, you’ve got 20 of the best things to do on a road trip through Ireland. I hope this list helps you plan a trip filled with unforgettable views, cozy pubs, winding roads, and a few castle detours along the way.
Ireland is truly something special, and I hope you love it as much as I did.
If you’re planning a road trip around Ireland, I highly recommend booking your rental through Discover Cars. They compare prices from top rental companies around the world to help you get the best deal, plus, they offer free cancellation up to the day before your trip. I love how easy they make the entire process, from booking to insurance to last-minute changes.
👉🏻 Find a rental car for your trip to Ireland here.
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