12 Day Ireland Road Trip

Ireland was one of those bucket list destinations for me. Our first visit was in 2017 and since then we have been back several times. The best way to see this beautiful island is to rent a car and do a road trip. This way you will be able to get off the beaten path and visit the quaint towns Ireland has to offer. We like to travel to Ireland in the fall or winter when there are less travelers. There's nothing better than going for a hike and finishing the day sitting next to a warm fire in a cute little pub.

Here is a 12 day road trip itinerary that will leave you wanting to come back for more!

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin and head west to Galway

If you are traveling from the United States, you will most likely arrive in Dublin in the morning. I suggest renting a car from the airport and heading west toward Galway. On your way to Galway, stop in Athlone for lunch and visit Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest pub. The owner is happy to share the history of the pub while you sip on a pint. My husband and I love to stay at the Galway Bay Sea View Apartments. This place is situated in the Salthill area and offers one or two-bedroom condo’s that all have an amazing view of Galway Bay. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants nearby. The Latin Quarter is about a 30 minute walk away and offers pubs, restaurants, and shopping. This is a lively spot to go and hear live music as well. Don’t forget to stop at Aran Island Knitwear to get yourself a cozy sweater.

Day 2: Cliffs of Moher

Why not take a day trip to check out the famous Cliffs of Moher? It's just about an hour and a half drive from Galway. For €8 per person, you get access to the Visitors Center, O’Brien’s Tower, and the pathways to stroll along the top of the cliff. Try to go on a clear day so you can enjoy the stunning views.If you decide to plan your trip during the summer months, take advantage of the boat tour that leaves from Doolin to see the cliffs from a different perspective.

Day 3: Connemara

If you're in Galway, you’ve got to check out Connemara for a day trip. This National Park is a must-visit. We decided to drive over to Diamond Hill, which is close to Letterfrack. The drive is absolutely stunning, but keep an eye out for sheep on the road. Once you get to Diamond Hill, you can choose between two hiking trails. The lower trail is a quick 45-minute walk. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the upper trail, which takes about two hours. Either way, you’ll be ready for some lunch afterward. I had the most amazing seafood chowder at this cozy spot called Anglers Rest Bar and Restaurant.

Days 4 and 5: Sligo

After leaving Galway Bay Sea View Apartments, we headed up to Sligo and checked into The Glasshouse Hotel, which is another awesome spot right in the middle of everything. Our favorite pub in town is Thomas Connolly’s, just across the river from the Glasshouse. If you're up for some hiking, today’s the perfect day for it. These three hikes are super close to each other. We kicked things off with Benbulbin, a mountain with steep sides and a flat top. We chose the easy forest loop at the base, but if you're in the mood for a challenge, you can hike up to the summit. Next, we went to Glencar Waterfall. It’s a really short walk to the waterfall and a great place to chill for a bit. Our last hike of the day was to Devils Chimney. It's best to do this one after a lot of rain. When the wind blows from the south, the waterfall gets blown up and back over the cliff, looking like smoke coming out of a chimney.

Days 6 and 7: Donegal

We stayed in a cozy little cottage by the water, just a quick 10-minute drive from town. Take today to just relax and unwind. If you're up for exploring a castle, why not check out Donegal Castle? The next day, we visited Slieve League, which boasts the tallest cliffs in Ireland. I suggest spending the extra €5 to drive up and park closer to the trailhead. After an energizing hike, make sure to stop by John Joe’s Bar in Kilcar—the owner is super friendly. Before you leave town, head over to Studio Donegal to see the artisans weaving tweed that’s sold in the shop. I picked up a gorgeous tweed blanket as a keepsake from this special experience.

Days 8 and 9: Bushmills and Carrick-a-Rede

You can't go to Ireland without checking out a whiskey distillery. We made sure to hit up Bushmills, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery. The next day, we headed to Carrick-a-Rede, where there's a rope bridge hanging about 100 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. It was first put up by salmon fishermen back in 1755 and now it's a major tourist spot. Definitely not for those who are scared of heights!

Days 10 through 12: Dublin

We spent the last few days hanging out in Dublin. Here's a tip: ditch the rental car before you hit the city. You won't need it because Dublin is super walkable if you pick the right spot to stay. We love staying at The Henricks in Smithfield. The prices are better on that side of the River Liffey, and it's just a short stroll to the famous Temple Bar area. Definitely try a Rural Pub Tour with Shane. He’ll drive you out of the city to check out a few pubs in the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains. And if you're up for another whiskey distillery, give Teeling a visit.

Pro-tip:

If you are not used to driving on the left side of the road, I recommend paying extra to get an automatic-transmission vehicle. It’s just one less thing to think about when driving on narrow roads.