Driving on the left side of the road for bog & a pint! This guide has recommendations for things to see, do, and eat in Dublin, Galway, & Killarney Ireland.
My first visit to Ireland has convinced me it is the greatest destination for a road trip with friends. The people are warm & hospitable, the views abundant, and the roadside stop opportunities endless. Renting a car is not the cheapest way to get around but the flexibility afforded us the time to cover a lot of ground in seven days.
It is possible to bus from the cities we stayed in, but being able to pull over and admire sheep for as long as we wanted was a treat. If I had to recommend one area to visit, it would be the Killarney & County Kerry.
Our time in Ireland was split into:
- 3 nights in Dublin
- 2 nights in Galway
- 2 nights in Killarney
Though it was rainy, cold, and the sun set promptly at 4 pm when we did this trip in early January, the roads were not crowded & the attractions we largely had to ourselves. I did not mind the cold and the dark considering the tranquility of the nature.
A must see especially if you are a fan Normal People by Sally Rooney--the campus is beautiful & the Book of Kells is an awe-inspiring piece of history along with the library itself
A tourist trap but worth the visit to learn more about Ireland's famous beer. The experience ends with a free beer at the top of the building with a view of Dublin city
A gay bar known for its music, dancing, and late hours
Add to
Details
Wicklow & County Dublin
Our first adventure outside of Dublin was to the Wicklow Mountains, and it did not disappoint. The fog and the rain added a mysticism that felt fitting for the mountains. We navigated to Roundwood from Dublin and continued to the following listed sites until we ran out of daylight. We did not stop to hike due to rain & limited daylight, but I would highly recommend if conditions are more in your favor.
After our loop through the Wicklow mountains, we drove to Galway for two nights. Galway was much more relaxed after the business in Dublin and still had a liveliness that was exciting to participate in.
From Galway, we took a day trip out to Connemara National Park for wide open views and fabulous hiking. We hiked the Diamond Hill trail for a casual walk from the Connemara visitor center but there are many trails in the area with the 12 Bens.
The cutest town! We parked here to begin the cliff walk path to the Cliffs of Moher. Parking is free here but it is quite a trek to the viewpoints. Doolin is connected by bus to the visitor center of the Cliffs of Moher making it easy to park & ride or hike & ride rather than hiking out and back
We began the walk to the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin which was a sublime experience to approach the viewpoint from below. Be warned, the walk is exposed to the cliff edge, so windy conditions are very dangerous. We started the trek in gorgeous weather that quickly turned windy and scary without warning. Weather permitting, it is an incredible experience to hike up to the cliffs and work for the view rather than park at the visitor center in my opinion.
Top 3 favorite hostels I have ever stayed in! Eco-conscious, friendly, and nature-oriented. The atmosphere feels homey and familiar. Attached to a fantastic coffee shop and has dogs that hangout in the common areas
Delicious Asian food to warm up & fill up after a day walking around in the cold
Add to
Details
The Ring of Kerry
This day was by far my favorite. The views completely blew me away & I cannot recommend this drive enough. The area is well marked, and I recommend following signs that sound interesting for surprising stops.
There are tour companies that take groups around the Ring of Kerry from different starting points in Ireland if driving is not in the budget.
Our last stop on the ring road because the sun set so early & we were out of energy from a full day. This stop was not the most interesting & I would omit
Add to
Details
A resource that I used while planning this road trip was The Irish Road Trip that provides incredible detailed information organized by county.
I am a part-time English teacher, part-time traveler currently based in Northern Spain. As I am in my second year living in Spain, I am attempting to see as much as possible with a focus on budget-friendly, outdoor destinations. My guides are built for anyone looking to fill a long weekend in Western Europe with a balance of good food and great views!
