- Why an Ireland road trip is the best way to see the country
- Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: 5 Days
- Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days
Ireland is full of gorgeous nature and intriguing history. Whether you’re into live music or want to see as many ruins as possible, there’s something for you. The best way to make the most of your time here is to rent a car and take an Ireland road trip. We’re here to give you ideas for a 5-day and a 10-day road trip, as well as some tips for extending them to two weeks if you have time.
Why an Ireland road trip is the best way to see the country
Road tripping through Ireland is arguably one of the most popular ways of exploring this beautiful country. Much of Ireland’s land is rural, and you’ll miss out on so much of the culture if you just fly from city to city. A road trip through Ireland with a SIXT rental car gives you the opportunity to explore the countryside on your own time.
Tips for driving in Ireland
There are a few basic adjustments you’ll need to make when driving in Ireland:
- Drive on the left side of the road.
- Speed limits are posted in km/h.
- Manual cars are more common than automatic—specify the type of vehicle you want when reserving your rental.
In addition, there are 11 toll roads in Ireland. All of them accept cash, but only a few accept cards. Consider our prepaid toll program to make your Ireland road trip easier, as these suggested itineraries involve at least one toll road each.
Finally, the requirements for driving as an American in Ireland are simple. If you’ll be there for less than one year, your passport and American license will do just fine. Consider what type of rental car coverage you need, though, before hitting the road.
Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: 5 Days
If you’ve only got 5 days to explore, don’t worry! We’ve put together a short Ireland road trip itinerary that hits the highlights.
Day 1: Dublin
Dublin has the largest airport in Ireland, so this is where you’ll fly into to start your journey. Pick up your SIXT car rental from Dublin Airport (DUB) and get going.
Before you leave the city, stop in for a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. You’ll learn the history of the brand, how it’s brewed, and how to pour the perfect pint.
Day 2: Drive to Limerick
- Total distance: 124 miles
- Total drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Number of stops: 1
- Dublin to Kildare: 1 hour
- Kildare to Limerick: 1 hour 30 minutes
First, you’ll stop in Kildare, home to the 5th-century St. Brigid’s Cathedral. Kildare also boasts the Irish National Stud & Gardens, a horse breeding farm and museum. If you’d like to catch a race, the Curragh Racecourse is nearby.
Then, it’s onward to Limerick. Situated on the River Shannon, the self-proclaimed rugby capital of Ireland is home to many pubs where you can watch the game with enthusiastic locals—or, head to Thomond Park to catch a game in person.
Day 3: Drive to Cork
- Total distance: 126 miles
- Total drive time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Number of stops: 2
- Limerick to Killarney: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Killarney to Blarney Castle: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Blarney Castle to Cork: 20 minutes
Today, you’re headed to the small town of Killarney, the gateway to Killarney National Park. This park is home to dozens of hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic sites like Muckross Abbey.
Then, hop back in your car and head to Blarney Castle & Gardens. This is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions thanks to the Blarney Stone, a block of limestone built into the castle in the 1400s. Legend has it that kissing the stone brings the gift of the gab.
Day 4: Things to do in Cork
Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland, so you need a full day to explore it all. To learn more about its history, head to Cork City Gaol, a 19th-century prison that has been made into a museum. Charles Fort contains the remains of fortifications from the 1600s with views of the sea.
You’ll also want to visit the English Market, where you’ll find local produce and other food in a covered market from the 18th century. After a snack, stroll through the campus of University College Cork along the riverbanks.
Day 5: Drive to Dublin
- Total distance: 177 miles
- Total drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Number of stops: 2
- Cork to Cahir Castle: 1 hour
- Cahir Castle to Kilkenny: 1 hour
- Kilkenny to Dublin: 1 hour 30 minutes
It’s time to return to Dublin, but not before hitting a few more attractions. Cahir Castle was built in the 1100s by the King of Thomond and dominates Cahir’s town center from its island on the River Suir.
Next, head to Kilkenny. If you enjoy brewery tours, this city is home to another iconic beer brand: Smithwick’s. Once you feel like you’ve explored Kilkenny to the fullest, head off to Dublin.
SIXT Pro Tip: If you have extra time around Killarney, try driving part or all of the scenic Ring of Kerry.
Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days
With an extra 5 days, you can do so much more. Read on for the perfect 10-day Ireland road trip.
Day 1–2: Dublin
We’re starting in Dublin again, but giving you more time to explore. Aside from the Guinness Storehouse, you’ll want to visit Temple Bar and walk around Trinity College. These are some of the best things to do in Dublin.
Day 3: Drive to Cork
- Total distance: 188 miles
- Total drive time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Number of stops: 2
- Dublin to Kilkenny: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Kilkenny to Waterford: 45 minutes
- Waterford to Cork: 1 hour 50 minutes
From Dublin, head south towards Kilkenny. If you leave late morning, Kilkenny is a great place to grab lunch and see the famous Kilkenny Castle.
Then, you’re headed to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city founded by Vikings in 914 AD. You can see the remains of the city’s fortifications and visit the Waterford Museum of Treasures inside Reginald’s Tower. Waterford is also home to Waterford Crystal, which offers factory tours.
Day 4: Things to do in and around Cork
With a full day in Cork, you can visit the museums and landmarks that we mentioned earlier, or spend the day at the nearby Cork Harbour.
Day 5: Drive to Limerick
- Total distance: 190 miles
- Total drive time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Number of stops: 2
- Cork to Killarney National Park: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Killarney National Park to Dingle: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Dingle to Limerick: 2 hours 15 minutes
Head from Cork to your next stop on your Ireland road trip: Killarney National Park. Take some time to hike through part of the park and visit the Torc Waterfall.
Then, drive west to Dingle, a small port town on the Atlantic. Known for its wild scenery and marine life, you’ll want to get out on the water; you may even see some dolphins.
Day 6: Things to do in and around Limerick
After a long drive yesterday, give yourself a full day in Limerick to enjoy the city. Whether you’re interested in rugby or medieval artifacts, there’s plenty to do.
Day 7: Drive to Galway
- Total distance: 160 miles
- Total drive time: 4 hours
- Number of stops: 1
- Limerick to Cliffs of Moher: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cliffs of Moher to Galway: 1 hour 30 minutes
This is the highlight of your trip: you’re taking the Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal road with amazing views of the Atlantic. While you may stop at any point along the coast, the main attraction should be the famous Cliffs of Moher.
Day 8–9: Things to do in and around Galway
Made even more famous by Ed Sheeran’s hit single “Galway Girl”, this harbor city is known as the cultural capital of Ireland because of its art and traditional music scene. Galway also has famously friendly locals and a seaside location, making it the ideal Ireland road trip destination.
The 18th-century Eyre Square is the city’s hub, lined with shops and restaurants. In the Latin Quarter, you’ll find remains of the city’s old fortifications. After exploring the city center, walk the seaside promenade in Salthill and take a dive from Blackrock Diving Tower.
Day 10: Drive to Dublin
- Total distance: 130 miles
- Total drive time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Number of stops: 1
- Galway to Clonmacnoise: 1 hour
- Clonmacnoise to Dublin: 1 hour 30 minutes
It’s time for another early start for a drive straight back across the country. Your only stop along the way is Clonmacnoise, known for the massive ruins of the Clonmacnoise Monastic Site built in the year 544.
SIXT Pro Tip: If you have time and want to make your Ireland road trip longer, try heading north from Dublin to Sligo and Donegal before heading south towards Westport and the stops mentioned in this itinerary. It’s easy to extend this route to two full weeks!
There you have it: two awesome itineraries to help you enjoy your Ireland road trip to the fullest. These options are, of course, customizable, as your SIXT rental car gives you the freedom to explore and alter your journey as you please.
Looking for inspiration closer to home? Check out our guides for road tripping with your dog or seeing natural phenomena.
