With 10 days in Ireland, the best Irish road trip will connect you with the people, the music, and the unique natural beauty here. And you’ll find those things in small villages far from urban Dublin…although a day or two in Dublin makes a nice end to your trip. Here’s how to plan the best road trip for a 10 day Ireland itinerary and where to spend extra days if you have more time.
Contents
- Ireland Itinerary: 10 Days
- The Irish Road Trip
- Day 1: Trim
- Day 2: Kilkenny via Glendaloch
- Day 3: Glengarriff or Killarney
- Day 4: Drive the Mizen Peninsula or Ring of Kerry
- Day 4 Option: Day Trip to Garnish Island
- Day 5: To Dingle
- Day 6: Dingle
- Day 7: Cliffs of Moher
- Day 8: Day Trip to the Aran Islands
- Day 9: Falconry at Ashford Castle
- Day 10: Dublin
- Have more time? Here’s what to do with two weeks in Ireland…
Map: 10 Day Irish Road Trip
How to use this map: This map is an image. Click the map to open an interactive version of the map. From there, if you click “open in my maps”, you can add this to your Google maps. Just click the tiny transparent star to the right of the map description to save it in “your places.” Go to “your places” next and there it is!
*Note: Google Maps only allows 10 points of interest so the above map doesn’t show your return to Dublin, but you’ll just cut straight across the country at the end of your trip to return to Dublin (unless you are flying out of Shannon on the west coast).
Ireland Itinerary: 10 Days
Here’s how you can enjoy the best things to see Ireland in 10 days: Fly into Dublin, rent a car, and then head towards Ireland’s incredibly scenic Wild Atlantic Way on the stunning west coast, with stops in tiny fishing villages and postcard-worthy towns along the way. See this itinerary if you have just 7 days in Ireland.
My recommended tour ends near Galway on the west coast—with a round-trip back to Dublin—to maximize a leisurely pace for an immersive travel experience.
While it’s tempting to bomb up the west coast to squeeze in points further north (I’m looking at you Connemara National Park, Giants Causeway, and Belfast), resist the temptation.
However, if you have two weeks instead, this is entirely doable!
The Irish Road Trip
It can be tempting when planning a bucket list trip to stay in a new place every night. I still fight this tendency myself but have found it’s far more rewarding and rejuvenating when I slow down my pace.
Spend at least two days in a single location during your Ireland road trip if you can.
During the best trip to Ireland, you’ll spend time following sheep across windswept pastures…feel the “craic” in cozy local pubs…and taste the seafood, music, and brews that locals love best.
Take your time and soak it all in!
This Ireland road trip mixes up well-loved iconic spots with off-the-beaten destinations for fewer crowds.
Day 1: Trim
Save your stop in Ireland’s capital, Dublin, for the end of your trip when you’re less jet-lagged and readier for a faster pace.
I recommend that after you pick up your airport rental car in Dublin, you head for tiny Trim in County Meath on the River Boyne.
Trim is an easy drive—less than an hour—from the airport and makes a lovely spot for an overnight on a road trip.
It’s small and rural with quaint pubs and plenty of romantic ruins to make a memorable first impression.
Before you leave Trim, visit Trim Castle. It’s the largest Norman castle in Ireland. We enjoyed a fabulous sunset in the fragrant meadow just outside of the castle on our first night.
What a way to beat jet lag!
If you love cathedrals, don’t miss St. Patrick’s Cathedral . While you’re here look for the stained glass window that features St. Patrick preaching on the Hill of Tara.
Is there any better spot for your first pint in Ireland than Marcie Regan’s? You’ll find this tiny pub by the Norman Bridge makes a picturesque spot for a Guinness or Smithwick ale. (Smithwick is pronounced with no “w” in these parts!) No food is served here, however, so be aware.
If the weather cooperates, you can sit outside with incredible views of the 13th-century priory ruins to watch the sheep graze as we did.
Where to stay in Trim
Trim is a small, rural village so it’s easy to find a B&B with plenty of parking close to major sights. Highfield House Guesthouse is well-loved.
Check price and availability here.
We booked there, in fact, but actually stayed at Tigh Cathain B&B (no longer accepting reservations) when the owner at Highland House thoughtfully rebooked us last minute due to a water emergency.
Day 2: Kilkenny via Glendaloch
Kilkenny, in southeastern Ireland, makes the perfect stopover on your journey towards Ireland’s west coast, breaking up the otherwise long drive. It’s just under two hours to drive from Trim.
Its history dates back to the early 6th century although it wasn’t until the 12th century when the Normans invaded that famous Kilkenny Castle was built.
But in Ireland, it’s all about the journey take the day to meander your way here.
I highly recommend a stop at beautiful Powerscourt Gardens, voted the #3 garden in the world by National Geographic. You’ll find Ireland’s highest waterfall here as well as the Italianate gardens and Japanese gardens.
Try the seafood chowder at t Johnnie Fox’s, one of Ireland’s best-loved and oldest pubs—since 1798, in fact—for a delicious lunch. It was seeing the huge chunks of seafood in the chowder here that reminded me as an island, Ireland really delivers when it comes to all things fish!
Johnnie Fox is also a prime spot to catch Irish music and Irish dancing in the evening if it works in your itinerary.
Sally Gap in the scenic Wicklow Mountains offers breathtaking views. It’s a favorite for serious cyclists. You’ll likely be surprised when you see Lough (pronounced “Lock”) Tay below. It’s called “Guinness Lake” by those in the know due to its deep brown color!
Continue on to famous Glendalough, pronounced “Glen-da-lock,” a medieval monastic settlement from the 6th(!) century and one of my favorite places that we visited when traveling Ireland.
In spring during our visit, it was aglow with wildflowers. You’ll see impressive crumbling cathedral ruins and lichen-covered Celtic crosses studding the graveyard here.
Glendalough makes the perfect spot to stretch your legs on a riverside walk. Plan an hour or two here for sure.
Once you arrive in Kilkenny, head to Marble City Bar for creative Irish fare or Paris Texas. Kilkenny is fabulous for foodies, with plenty of great dining options.
Then walk around the corner for an evening of trad music at the Kytelers Inn. It was so fun hearing a ballad about a red-headed girl and then seeing all the red-headed school girls just let out from school the next day.
Fun fact: Way back in 1263, the original proprietress of Kytelers Inn accumulated a vast fortune courtesy of her four marriages. Her fortune aroused considerable jealousy and she was burned at the stake for witchcraft!
Where to stay. Kilkenny is compact and walkable if you base close to the center of town. Bridge View B&B is in an excellent location and guests rave about the outstanding hospitality.
Check prices and availability on Bridge View B&B here.
Read more on Ireland & Scotland travel:
• Best things to do in Dingle
• Packing list for Ireland
• Ireland’s most beautiful places
• Places to visit in Perthshire, Scotland
Day 3: Glengarriff or Killarney
Next up on your 10 day Ireland vacation is the Wild Atlantic way. However, it’s just an hour’s drive (and a beautiful one at that) to your next destination—Glengariff—or 2.5 hours if you’re basing in Killarney instead.
More on those options below but spend today seeing more gasp-worthy sights along the way.
Visit Kilkenny Castle (there’s a small fee for a ticket) and duck into St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, a key site of Christina worship since the sixth century, before you leave Kilkenny.
Rock of Cashel makes a perfect stop en route.
Also known as St. Patrick’s Rock, the Rock of Cashel was a fortress and center of power back in the 4th and 5th centuries AD! It’s magnificent standing sentry high on a cliff.
Be sure to see St. Patrick’s Cross, Cormac’s Chapel, and the cathedral while you’re here.
We were fortunate to have stunningly good weather during our two weeks in Ireland.
In fact, we arrived in Glengarriff late one evening (it was getting dark at 10 pm in May) with the sun streaming through puffy white clouds to light up wildflower-strewn meadows of grazing sheep and cows.
What a first impression!
Where to Stay in Glengarriff or Killarney
You have two great choices for a base in this beautiful corner of Southwestern Ireland.
For 10 days in Ireland, spend two nights here. With two weeks, consider adding a third day.
Glengarriff is a tiny fishing town—with essentially one main street—ideally positioned between Ireland’s Mizen peninsula and the Ring of Beara.
It’s also an easy hop from here to the famous Ring of Kerry or Kilkenny National Park as well.
If you enjoy the idea of a remote small village in a super scenic locale with fewer tourists, stay at the Glengarriff Park Hotel as we did.
Your stay comes with a full breakfast each morning and there is an amazing gastropub downstairs.
Check price and availability on Glengarriff Park Hotel here.
Option 2: Killarney is a better choice for a base in this region if you’d prefer a bigger town with more shopping and dining options. It’s also well-located for seeing Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park.
Stay at family-run Abbey Lodge, city center, for an excellent included breakfast and spacious rooms. It’s just a three-minute walk to everywhere you want to see in Killarney.
Check price and availability at Abbey Lodge here.
Day 4: Drive the Mizen Peninsula or Ring of Kerry
There are several half- or all-day “loop” drives in this area and all are lovely ways to enjoy this area.
Driving one of these is a must on any visit to Ireland’s west coast. The more famous of them are
Ring of Kerry, Ring of Beara, or the Mizen Head peninsula.
You’ve like heard of Ring of Kerry but be aware if you’re here mid-summer that you could get stuck behind monster tour buses circling the road here. (I hear that driving counterclockwise can address this problem but haven’t done it myself.)
Whichever drive you choose, you’ll want to allow a full day. You’re going to be wanting to pull off the road constantly to take a walk, perhaps a ferry ride, or nip into the quaint boutiques and pubs.
While the Ring of Beara is also a beautiful drive, we elected to see the Mizen Peninsula as we were intrigued by the opportunity to hike to a secret castle.
Again, if you go, plan on a full day to explore this gorgeous peninsula. If you drive to the very end, you’ll be standing on the most western point in Ireland!
Things to See and Do on the Mizen Peninsula
As you drive the tiny, narrow roads in Ireland, keep a look out for the brown road signs that highlight historic sights and sights of cultural interest.
It’s the very best way to happen upon impressive castles, stone circles, megaliths, and more. We loved stopping by the Kealkill Stone Circle—it’s close to Glengarif—before you head down the peninsula.
Built in the Bronze Age, stone circles are still a mystery. Scholars today believe they were involved in religious rituals use to observe the sun and moon.
The ruins of Carriganass Castle are just a five minutes drive from the stone circle. Built in 1540 for the powerful O’Sullivan Beare clan, this Irish tower house sits perched over a lovely river.
Stop in tiny Bantry to explore the handmade jewelry, candles, and pottery from artisans here. Organico Cafe makes a delicious stop for beautiful coffees, pastries or a healthy vegetarian lunch.
Eat dinner at The Fish Kitchen in Bantry! This was one of our favorite finds for dining in Ireland.
Located just above an actual shop that sells fish just pulled from the bay, it’s a serious squeeze to get into this tiny one-room restaurant. You’ll be sitting elbow to elbow practically with other diners but you won’t even notice as the food’s so outstanding.
There are just 20 tables so be sure to reserve ahead.
The Crookhaven Inn in Crookhaven is another great option for lunch or dinner. (Reservations recommended.) We were so sad it was closed during our visit.
Keep driving and you’ll arrive at an excellent example of an Altar Wedge Tomb, a tomb dating from the Neolithic and early Bronze age c. 2500 BC, You’ll find it cliffside next to the bay here.
With pink clover and yellow lichen growing in every crevice of these coastal rocks, it doesn’t get more scenic than this!
Save time for the highlight of your day here though: A hike at Three Castle Head., so named for the beautiful castle ruins here.
You’ll park in a tiny lot at an ocean overlook, walk through a small gate, and enter a meadow of sheep.
Follow the footpath across the meadow for impressive ocean vistas.
After you summit the hill, Dun Lough Castle comes into view with its three towers standing sentry above Dun Lake.
Legends abound about this place, including one about the O’Donohues who resided here and apparently all died via murder or suicide.
Day 4 Option: Day Trip to Garnish Island
I find that when I’m planning the trips that have been my favorites, the best itineraries switch it up between driving, hikes, cycling, ferry rides, and historical sights.
There can be a lot of driving on an Irish road trip and it’s absolutely worth it for the stunning scenery but a trip to Garnish Island was just what we needed between our day driving the Mizen Peninsula and our drive to Dingle.
Garnish Island makes a fantastic half-day trip from Glengarriff for garden and architecture lovers…No driving involved!
If you have two weeks in Ireland (instead of 10 days), add this to your itinerary as Day 5.
Just catch the ferry at the ferry terminal in Glengarriff for a 15-minute ferry ride across Bantry Bay. It runs every 30 minutes.
You’ll pass plenty of seals cavorting on rocks in the ocean along the way.
After arrival, be sure to tour the incredible Italianate, walled gardens, Greek temple and Martello Temple here.
There’s a cafe on the island, but it’s better suited to a cup of bracing Irish tea than a meal.
Save lunch for a pub visit and conversation with locals after your island visit wherever you’re spending the night.
In fact, of all the places I’ve visited, I’ve never felt quite so welcomed as in Ireland.
From the shop girl who suggests her favorite pub to the barkeep who offers an impromptu whiskey tutorial, you’ll find locals genuinely interested in learning where you’re from and where you’re headed in Ireland, with lots of local tips to enhance your stay.
It’s easy to connect in Ireland. My top tip: Sit at the bar! It’s the best invitation there is.
Day 5: To Dingle
It’s about a two-hour drive from Glengarriff to Dingle on the scenic Dingle Peninsula…less if you’re staying in Killarney.
I recommend you take a good chunk of the day to get there, however.
Things to Do on the Way to Dingle
Begin by driving the very scenic Molls Gap. This mountain pass is actually part of the Ring o Kerry and it’s just lovely.
If you go this way, you’ll likely pass Avoca, which is a great place to pick up a hand-crafted Irish Souvenir. This place is a combination gourmet cafe/bookseller/hand weaver of sweaters and woolen blankets. The food is delicious; it actually makes an ideal lunch spot with a gorgeous valley view.
Next, get out and stretch your legs with a hike in Killarney National Park. It’s conveniently on the way to Killarney and when we visited in May, it was blazing with thousands and thousands of bright pink rhododendron blossoms everywhere.
Opportunities for day hikes abound here. Whether you’re in search of an easy half-hour jaunt or a challenging full-day excursion, Killarney National Park offers scenic trails aplenty.
See the Gothic cathedral of St. Mary’s in Killarney. It’s an attractive cathedral with a very Irish character. Then head to the Celtic Whiskey Bar and Larder for whiskey or a delicious Irish coffee.
Keep driving and you’ll come upon Inch Beach. If the weather is nice—or even if it isn’t, you can’t let the weather stop you in Ireland—stop for a pint at Sammy’s on the Beach.
This long wind-swept beach on the Atlantic is popular with surfers, swimmers, and fishermen.
Rumour has it you can even drive your car on this beach!
Some practical tips for visiting Dingle
There are so many fun things to do in Dingle! Dingle deserves two nights on your itinerary. The trad music scene is incredible and so is the scenery.
So give yourself at least one full day. If you’d like to appreciate the wild, unswept beauty here with fewer crowds, visit in shoulder season. May was glorious here when we visited.
Where to stay in Dingle: We loved our rural stay at Ocean View B&B just outside of Dingle…with lots of windswept views of sheep and pastures, a friendly host, and delicious breakfast included.
You can check prices and availability at Ocean View B&B here.
If you’ll be pub crawling, however, skip the short drive to the B&B above and stay city center at John Street Apartments. The location is city center ideal and it comes with all the amenities you’d expect in a nice apartment.
Check prices and availability at John Street Apartments here.
Where to eat and hear music: Of all the music we heard in Ireland, Dingle was the highlight.
Dingle is an epicenter of the traditional music scene here, drawing all kinds of instrumentalists and ballad singers throughout Ireland for impromptu performances.
Consider a pub crawl that includes: Dick Macks, Foxy Johns, Kennedy’s, Hannie Agnes, and my favorite: O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub.
We first met Courthouse Pub owner Tommy O’Sullivan and his Texan wife Saundra while we were at home in San Diego at a friend’s house concert.
We were smitten by their music then and resolved to visit their pub. And we were not disappointed!
We heard an incredible accordion and guitar performance one night and an Uileann pipe player (an Irish version of a Scottish bagpipe) the next.
Be sure to visit when in Dingle!
Day 6: Dingle
Ireland’s cultural heritage lives here on the Dingle Peninsula.
This is a “Gaeltract” country, an area where Irish is spoken as a first language in homes and taught in schools.
In fact, families in other parts of Ireland frequently send their children here for Irish immersion programs.
Things to Do in Dingle
Whatever you do, don’t miss driving the oh-so-scenic Slea Head Loop. This drive takes several hours to drive with frequent stops to fully appreciate the views and history.
It’s simply stunning and not to be missed. In mid-summer, I’d do the drive on a long evening to miss the crowds. Otherwise, be sure to drive it clockwise to avoid getting stuck behind the tour buses!
See the beehive huts. These cone-shaped houses (on Slea Head Loop) likely date from the 8th to 12th centuries AD and housed hermit monks and possibly some pagans.
There was no mortar used in building them…just the plentiful rocks dotting the meadows throughout Ireland.
At one point, more than 400 of these beehive huts covered the hillsides here. (These are on the Slea Head Loop.)
Tour the Gallarus Oratory. This 12th-century chapel (also on the Slea Head Loop drive) is the only intact specimen of its kind and therefore extremely famous!
Skip the touristy visitor center and movie (a private venture by an enterprising local).
Instead, drive past the visitor center to the free parking lot just next to the actual Gallarus Oratory for free admission.
With more time, stop in at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery, an award-winning artisan whiskey distillery.
We loved dining at Out of the Blue (reservation required) in Dingle for A+ lobster!
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher
It’s a three-hour drive from Dingle (via Limerick) to see the unbelievable Cliffs of Moher.
If there’s good weather and visibility, be sure to drive here via Connor’s Pass.
The views just become more and more gasp-worthy as you eventually climb to the highest point in Western Ireland.
(Some of these views reminded me of our road trip in New Zealand!)
Things to Do on the Way to Cliffs of Moher
Your first stop should be lovely little Adare, which bills itself as “the prettiest village in Ireland.” Adare is all about the quaint thatched roof cottages.
It makes a great stop en route to either Doolin or Liscannor, both great bases for seeing the Cliffs of Moher.
We enjoyed a lovely lunch here at The Good Room.
Just outside of town is Adare Desmond Castle, a 13th-century castle and ring fort.
We stopped, instead, a bit further up the road in Quin to tour the Quin Abbey, a 15th-century cloistered monastery.
It was actually an amazing experience as we happened upon a gaggle of actors filming a movie about St. Patrick there, which was particularly fun.
The Abby Tavern in town makes a nice stop for tea.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most impressive sights.
These jaw-dropping cliffs rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at the southern end and stretch for nearly nine miles along the western coast of Ireland here.
They are also home to one of Ireland’s biggest seabird colonies, including the adorable White Atlantic puffins.
Practical tips for seeing the Cliffs of Moher:
Insider tip: In mid-summer, you can expect that the Cliffs of Moher will likely be mobbed by tourists. (More than 1 million people visit each year!)
Here’s how to see it with far fewer people as we did: Hike from the south end of the cliffs north to the visitor center. And if you start your hike in early evening, so much the better!
You can make this hike as long or short as you like. It’s a seven-hour hike between Doolin and Liscannor but we did a two-hour hike by parking at Hag’s Head. (Parking in the lot there is just a few euros.)
Where to stay. Stay two nights here. Most visitors to Cliffs of Moher stay in nearby Doolin. It’s convenient…just five minutes to the Cliffs. You can check lodging in Doolin on booking.com here.
For an even more local experience, however, stay at Vaughn’s Anchor Inn as we did in the tiny village of Liscannor (a 10-minute drive to the cliffs). This is an award-winning gastropub with comfortable rooms just upstairs.
Not only will you find delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies in your room daily, but a gourmet hot breakfast is included in your stay. And it was one of the best breakfasts we had anywhere in Ireland!
Check price and availability on Vaughn’s Anchor Inn here.
Where to eat and hear music. In Liscannor, eat at Vaughn’s Anchor Inn and head to Joseph McHugh for music.
In Doolin, candlelight sets the mood at Gus O’Connor’s Pub for a simple meal and music afterward. McGann’s is another excellent spot for music in Doolin.
Shopping for gifts? Pick up some unbelievable strawberry jam or whiskey marmalade at The Clare Jam Company. Small samplers make it easy.
Day 8: Day Trip to the Aran Islands
Ireland’s three Aran islands—Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer are an easy day trip from either Galway or Doolin. With an extra day, spend one night here to enjoy an island all to yourselves after the day trippers leave.
I wish we’d done this!
Practical tips for visiting the Aran Islands
Inishmore is the largest and most popular island to visit with shops, pubs, and the famous sight, Dún Aenghus (an Iron Age Fort). For a more off-the-beaten-path destination in a gorgeous locale, consider Inisheer as we did.
It’s easy to rent bicycles right at the dock on Inisheer for a lovely ride around the island (mostly flat) past cud-chewing cows and cute ponies in bucolic meadows crisscrossed with rock walls.
You’ll see a shipwrecked freighter off the coast as well. And if you prefer to skip the cycling, you can also tour the island in a horse-drawn carriage!
Make your way up to the ruins of O’Brien’s Castle, It’s about a 20-minute walk up a (steep) path with phenomenal panoramic views of the whole island.
About halfway up (or down as the case may be), you’ll find an adorable wee cafe that makes the perfect spot for a spot of tea.
Otherwise, stop into a pub on your way back to the ferry. Inisheer actually has its own beer! (“Inish beer for Inisheer,” as the locals say.)
See the Cliffs of Moher from the sea. No visit to the Cliffs would be complete without looking up at them from the sea.
It’s easy to do this on your Aran Island visit, just book your ferry trip to include the Cliffs cruise on the return. You can check prices and reserve here.
If you’ve decided to overnight on one of the Aran Islands, you can find some options for Aran Islands accommodation here.
Another option for your extra day (or after your overnight on the Aran Islands) is to see the fascinating Burren.
It’s just a 30-minute drive from Cliffs of Moher. (A visit to both sights is easily combined in a single day.)
With its cracked limestone and rocky moonscape, Burren National Park looks very different than the rest of green leafy Ireland.
And yet, it’s internationally famous for its flora and fauna. Arctic-Alpine plants comingle happily here with Mediterranean wildflowers. It’s a great place for a hike!
Definitely stop at the Burren Perfumery while you’re here. This little shop makes singular botanical fragrances that are not your typical perfume. It’s a great spot to pick up a unique gift for someone back home.
Day 9: Falconry at Ashford Castle
Falconry in Ireland is designated as a UNESCO living heritage…and you can experience the magic of it for yourself with a Hawk Walk at the Ireland School of Falconry at Ashford Castle.
You’ll be matched with your very own Harris Hawk for a sixty-minute amble through the woods on the castle’s grounds, while the falconer teaches you everything you need to know to release and retrieve your hawk. It was a truly spectacular experience.
Make reservations many months ahead. And while you’re at it, book high tea in the Connaught Room at the castle as we did.
This little jewel box of a tea room offers a memorable afternoon tea (gluten-free and vegetarian options available).
A stay at Ashford Castle with its sumptuous, plush decor and a crackling fire is also one of the best fall destinations in Europe!
Where to stay
For a bucket list luxury experience, stay at Ashford Castle. A more affordable alternative that is just next to the castle is The Lodge at Ashford Castle.
Check price and availability at Ashford Castle here.
With extra time, head to Galway. As a university town, Galway is all about the street scene.
Without a car, Galway makes a great base for convenient tours to the Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and even points north on the Wild Atlantic Way, such as the Connemara region if you have more time.
Dining tip for your night near Kinvara or Cong: Go to Moran’s Oyster Cottage!
Day 10: Dublin
It takes around two hours to drive from Kinvara, Cong, or Galway back to Dublin.
If you’ve reserved two nights for Dublin before flying home, be sure to stop in at Tullamore DEW for a whiskey tasting and lunch in their café. It’s conveniently on the way.
With just one night before your flight, head directly to Dublin to make the most of your day there instead.
Return your car at the Dublin airport, walk over the sky bridge, and then catch the bus into town. Tickets can be purchased on-site just before boarding.
Whatever you do, don’t try to take your car into Dublin! It’s a massive city and the streets seem to change their names every few blocks for maximum confusion!
After arrival, enjoy an evening pub crawl or guided Irish literature walking tour.
Beer lovers will want to visit the home of Guinness with a skip-the-line ticket for a self-guided tour of the Guinness storehouse.
Things to Do in Dublin
Dublin didn’t impress me the same way that Paris or Barcelona did with its iconic architecture. But there is so much history here to soak up!
On a 10 day Ireland itinerary, Dublin deserves a full day or a day and a half on your itinerary.
Here are my top picks for your time in Dublin:
First, you absolutely must not miss seeing the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin.
This beautiful illuminated manuscript dates from 800 AD and was discovered in a farmer’s field!
On the Chi Rho page—the most famous page in the book—the lavish illustrations were made by four main scribes. It’s a sight to behold.
But reserve ahead for fast track access to skip the long lines. Tip: Get the audio guide when you reserve as you can’t add it once you’ve gone inside.
Then tour Trinity Library. Your ticket to the Book of Kells exhibition includes access to The Long Room at Trinity College, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The library houses 200,000 medieval books!
Enjoy a picnic on St. Stephen’s Green in the city center and then head to the National Museum of Ireland to see everything from Viking swords to Celtic art.
Or, take a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. It’s one of my favorite ways to really see a European city and Dublin is no exception. You can check prices on a tour here.
Practical tips for visiting Dublin
Where to stay. Stay central or be prepared for major walking or taxi rides. We loved our stay at Pembroke Hall, just a 15-minute walk to St. Stephens Green and Grafton Street.
It’s a great value, but be aware breakfast is not included. (Bonus: The bus from the airport stops just across the street!)
Check price and availability at Pembroke Hall here.
Where to eat and hear music. Dublin is foodie central! If you’ve had your fill of full Irish breakfasts and are staying at Pembroke Hall, head just up the street to Eathos for a gourmet healthy breakfast. Fallon & Brynn is a delicious gourmet grocery and restaurant near Grafton Street for sandwiches and homemade soups.
We enjoyed a delicious upscale Italian dinner at Dunne & Crescenzi. For a truly local dining experience, reserve ahead at The Little Kitchen. (You can bring your own wine!)
When it comes to music, most tourists head directly to the Temple Bar area. If you’re more interested in hearing the next emerging musical talent out of Ireland, skip Temple Bar and head to Cobblestone Smithfield, Whelan’s or The Ruby Sessions instead.
Have more time? Here’s what to do with two weeks in Ireland…
With more time on the Emerald Isle, add at least one day for Garnish Island near Glengariff, overnight on one of the Aran Islands, see The Burren, and spend a day in Galway.
With even more time, head further north to Connemara National Park!
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Mary Corr says
My husband and I are looking to travel for ten (10) days in October 2020 to Ireland.
Chris says
I hope this post gave you some destination inspiration, Mary 🙂
Lisa Clark says
ENJOY! My husband and I are also looking to go in October 2020 and want to make the most of it without feeling overly rushed. Some of this information will be helpful.
Thanks.
Chris says
Happy to hear it. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
amy wood says
Just wondering how much, on average, a 10d trip with this itinerary would cost a couple? It will be our 20th wedding anniversary so don’t want to skimp but don’t need top of the top at every spot – we love the local flavors… just trying to determine how much we should allow for each day.. Thanks for any assist and I love love love this site! Amy
Chris says
Hey Amy, thanks so much for the kind words. I went and looked up our expenses for you. We spent $5300–which included flights, car rental, and gas for our 2 week trip. (This 10 day itinerary represents the best of that.) Part of that was possible because we booked our airfare when we saw a great deal on Scotts Cheap Flights (which I highly recommend), 2 tickets from LAX at $1488 total and our two week auto rental was just $250. (Rent through Autoslash for the best deal, then use a credit card with int’l insurance coverage to avoid paying extra fees on-site.) Hope that helps and Happy Anniversary!