Ireland has so much to offer hungry adventurers for travel, and the best way to experience it all is through a road trip. From sleeping on secluded beaches to climbing hidden fortresses and learning to surf, this ultimate guide to a road trip in Ireland has you covered.
- The Best Time to Travel to Ireland
- How to get around in Ireland
- Two-Week Road Trip Itinerary in Ireland
- Day 1: from Dublin to Skibbereen
- Day 2: Ring of Kerry, Skellig Ring and Valentia Island
- Day 3: from Ring of Kerry to Killarney
- Day 4: Killarney to the Dingle Peninsula
- Day 5: from Dingle Peninsula to the Cliffs of Moher
- Day 6: from Cliffs of Moher to Galway
- Day 7: Galway, Aran Islands and Rossaveel
- Day 8: from Rossaveel to Westport
- Day 9: Croagh Patrick, Achill Island to Sligo
- Day 10: Sligo and Donegal
- Day 11: Donegal and Northern Ireland
- Day 12: Portrush, Belfast and Carlingford
- Day 13: Carlingford and Athlone
- Day 14: Optional attraction and end of tour
If you only have two weeks in Ireland, this is the ideal trip for you. It will take you to almost all the major attractions in the country like the Cliffs of Moher and Newgrange, as well as some of the most unique and off-the-beaten-path attractions that many Irish natives don’t even know about. This 14-day road trip itinerary in Ireland starts in the southern county of Cork, follows the coast and the Wild Atlantic Way up to Northern Ireland and ends in Athlone. You can start your Ireland road tour from anywhere, as the country is small enough that you don’t have to drive far to reach the starting point. Most people will start from Dublin, home of the largest airport in the country. But you can also start from Galway or even Cork. For the purposes of this itinerary, let’s assume you are beginning your journey in Dublin.
Because this itinerary is designed to take you to as many attractions as possible to get the most out of your trip around Ireland, it is essential to start each day as early as possible.
The Best Time to Travel to Ireland
The weather in Ireland remains fairly consistent throughout the year, with March to September seeing some change to warmer weather. For the most part, however, the country has a damp and cool environment, so be sure to pack waterproof clothing and warm sweaters.
March and August are peak tourism periods, especially around St. Patrick’s Day, so it might be best to skip these months to avoid crowded attractions and limited accommodations. The best time to travel depends on how you plan to explore the country. If you intend to rent a campervan in Ireland, most campsites are only open from April to September. Some campsites are open year-round, although it would be easier to plan your camper tour when all parks are open. If you plan to rent a car, any time of year should be fine as long as you don’t mind a few degrees cooler in the winter months.
How to get around in Ireland
There are two options for touring Ireland by car. The first is a camper rental. While there are many manual camper rental options near Dublin, such as West Coast Campervans and Retro Camper Hire, options for those who have manual difficulties are limited. If you need an affordable automatic camper, RetroVentures motorcycle and camper rental outside Limerick is the best. A train goes directly to Limerick from Dublin and takes just under three hours.
You can also choose to visit Ireland by car, staying at Airbnb and hotels along the way. The best website to rent a car is Booking FullTravel and you can pick up rentals from Dublin, Galway, or Cork, depending on where you want to start your tour. Alternatively, you can choose to take a camper tour in Ireland.
Two-Week Road Trip Itinerary in Ireland
This road trip is a journey like no other. Not only will it take you driving through the narrow winding hills of the Irish countryside, but you will also be able to explore abandoned villages, horseback ride on a secluded beach, and climb a steep mountain.
Your trip begins when you leave Dublin behind and take a three-hour drive to Blarney Castle and the Wild Atlantic Way in County Cork. The Wild Atlantic Way is a beautiful coastal region stretching from County Cork to County Donegal and is renowned for its stunning cliff views, magnificent bays, and postcard villages.
Once you reach Blarney Castle, be sure to wear your ChapStick and bend down to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. According to legend, all who kiss the enchanted limestone block will receive the gift of eloquence. After sharing a kiss with the stone and visiting the grounds, you can head towards the Wild Atlantic Way to the small Celtic seaside village of Kinsale, County Cork.
Kinsale is a lively fishing town with two imposing forts, James Fort and Charles Fort, perched opposite each other overlooking the waterway entering the bay. The town is steeped in a rich history of battles and invasions.
Charles Fort is a well-preserved fortress dating back to the 1600s. This British fort is one of Ireland’s largest historical military installations and offers breathtaking views of the sea and bay. It is in surprisingly excellent condition considering its history of siege and fire. Visitors can wander the grounds and rooms of the fort at their leisure on a self-guided tour.
James Fort is less preserved than Charles Fort and has become overgrown by nature over the years. However, if you have time, I still recommend visiting the ruins. It is free to visit but a bit of a hike to reach. If you park near the edge of Kinsale, it will take about 45 minutes to walk to the fort. The upside is that many tourists do not bother to reach the fort, so you will most likely have the grounds all to yourself to explore!
As you make your way along the coast toward Skibbereen, you will find another hidden treasure that resembles Stonehenge. Drombeg Circle, or the Druid’s Altar as it is also known, is a fascinating self-supporting structure dating from 1100-800 BC. These ancient two-meter tall stones are hidden behind country lanes and fields and seem to erupt from nowhere. The site also retains the remains of an ancient primitive kitchen and a sacred well. It is a fun little stop on the way as there are informational plaques to read and it gives you the chance to stretch your legs. Also, the visit is free.
Leap Historic Waterfall, near Skibbereen, is another cool niche pit stop that gives you the chance to see some really unique things. Not only is there a decently sized waterfall to see, but there is also a metal walkway above the waterfall where you can stand and see the river below. The owners have done a lovely job decorating the riverbank with fairy houses and ornaments, creating a tiny fairy village. The waterfall is hidden in the back; you have to go through a small oddities building to get there.
If you have ever dreamed of kayaking at night in bioluminescent waters, then you’re in luck. This enchanting experience is one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets. Atlantic Sea Kayaking is the only company that offers tours to this lake near Skibbereen.
The lake, Lough Hyne, hosts rare bioluminescent plankton that dazzles and glows at night when you interact with the water. It is a fascinating phenomenon that is extremely rare in this type of climate. However, it is usually only visible in the warmer months in Ireland, from May to September. Even if the waters are not sparkling when you take the tour, it is still worth it because the area is one of the best places in Ireland to see the stars. So sit back, paddle, and enjoy the twinkling skies and dazzling waters.
The best places to stay in Skibbereen:
- Camping: The Hideaway Camping & Caravan Park
- Hotel: Ilenroy House B&B
Start day two by driving an hour and a half north toward the Ring of Kerry, a very popular scenic route packed with breathtaking cliff views and picturesque Irish towns. Head toward County Kerry up to the vibrant town of Kenmare. Once there, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the main street and stop at boutiques where you can find some really unique souvenirs and traditional Irish wool clothing. Kenmare is a great spot to grab a bite and fill up on gas before continuing on the Ring of Kerry.
The next stop is Derrynane Beach, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. There are several distinct sections on this beach, with only some areas being lifeguarded. If you explore the southern end of the beach, you will find the ruins of an ancient church on Abbey Island. The island is only accessible during low tide, so be careful not to stay too long and get stranded.
After a few hours of swimming and exploring, continue south along the Ring of Kerry for about 45 minutes through the Skellig Ring up to Valentia Island. Most travelers are unaware of the hidden attractions on this island. First, visit the tetrapod footprints, where you can see footprints of one of the earliest animals to walk on land nearly 370 million years ago. The prints can be viewed for free and are one of only four Devonian tracks in the world.
After a pit stop, drive five quick minutes to O’Shea’s Faux Pub and Saint Brendan’s Well. O’Shea’s Faux Pub is a niche piece of Irish culture. Guinness built this fake pub years ago solely for commercial advertising, and the stock footage is still used in Guinness commercials today. Since then, the building has been abandoned, but many visit to take a photo of themselves enjoying a pint of the black stuff outside this forgotten piece of pop culture.
Saint Brendan’s Well is a 10-minute walk along a trail from O’Shea’s. Legend says Saint Brendan, also known as the Navigator, sailed from Dingle Bay to Valentia Island in the 5th century. When he landed, he came across two dying pagan men along the cliff. He then anointed the two men where the well now stands and brought Christianity to the island.
Saint Brendan is known as the saint of all sailors and adventurers. Some believe he navigated to North America and discovered it before Christopher Columbus. Regardless of your religious beliefs, if you are a travel adventurer, say a little prayer at this well to protect you on your travels. Saint Brendan’s prayer begins: “Help me to travel beyond the familiar and into the unknown.”
The best places to stay on/near Valentia Island:
- Camping: Kerry Cliffs
- Hotel: Seagull Cottage Bed and Breakfast
Start Day 3 with a tour from Portmagee to Skellig Michael, where Star Wars: The Force Awakens was filmed. Skellig Michael is a small, rugged island with a remarkable monastery atop its steep peak. It is one of two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ireland, and visitors can take a 2.5-hour boat tour around the island between April and September. If you visit between May and November, you can book a half-day landing tour on the island, but note that tour times and duration may change due to weather.
After a morning boat trip around the island, hop back in the car and finish the Skellig Ring. Return to the Ring of Kerry up to Cahergall Ring Fort. This beautifully restored stone ringfort dates from the Iron Age and is an absolute must-see (and climb) for your trip to Ireland. At the center of the fort are the ruins of a circular stone house to explore. If you’re feeling brave, climb the small stairs to the top of the fortress walls and you’ll get phenomenal views of the Irish coast. This Irish national monument is located four kilometers off the Ring of Kerry, behind the town of Cahersiveen, and is completely free to visit.
About a five-minute walk from Cahergall Fort are the ruins of the Leacanabuaile Stone Fort. This fort is structured more like a maze with remains of several small buildings and huts. The fortress was built between the 9th and 10th centuries as a form of protection for a wealthy farm owner.
After reaching the forts, continue along the twisting roads of the Ring of Kerry to Kate Kearney’s Cottage. This adorable 150-year-old cottage marks the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe, a lush mountain pass with large waterfalls, hiking trails, and sheep pastures made famous when Queen Victoria visited in the 1800s. Enjoy a cup of soup in the famous restaurant or browse their craft store looking for souvenirs. The owners also offer traditional horse-drawn carriage rides through the gap if walking or driving is not your style.
End the day in Killarney, about a 20-minute drive away.
The best places to stay in Killarney:
- Camping: Fossa Caravan and Camping Park
- Hotel: The International Hotel Killarney
Killarney has many attractions within minutes of each other. Start Day 4 with a visit to Ross Castle, located on the lower lake of Killarney. The castle was built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century and was the last stronghold against Cromwell in the Munster region. It was eventually overtaken in 1652 by British General Ludlow. Visitors can tour the castle and castle park, as well as take a boat ride on the lake.
Muckross House is a luxurious 19th-century mansion down the road from Ross Castle boasting extensive grounds full of ruins and breathtaking gardens. Among the grounds is Muckross Abbey, a must-see on your trip to Ireland. The abbey was built in the 14th century and features incredibly well-preserved architecture, dramatic arches, and pillared corridors to explore. Have lunch at the Muckross Garden Restaurant or picnic in one of the many open fields.
After lunch, jump back in the car for a short drive to Torc Waterfall. There is limited parking near the waterfall entrance, so grab any spot you can. Once parked, this stunning 20-meter waterfall is only a 10-minute walk along a well-marked path.
After visiting the waterfall, lace up your hiking boots and head to Derrycunihy Church, where you can park and take a 45-minute hike up to the Derrycunihy Falls. The falls and trail are much less crowded than Torc Waterfall and its hiking paths and feature ruins of old houses to explore along the way.
Once back at the church, you’re probably ready for a snack. If you drive a few minutes down the road to the Ladies’ View Gift Store Café Bar & Roof Terrace, you can enjoy an excellent meal and a pint with exceptional panoramic views of the Ring of Kerry and the Killarney Lakes.
Now that you’ve completed the Ring of Kerry, it’s time to reach Dingle, just under three hours from Ladies’ View.
The best places to stay in Dingle:
- Camping: Aragail House Camping
- Hotel: base accommodation Dingle
Also see: luxury residences in Ireland
Next up in the Ireland itinerary is a scenic drive tour of the Dingle Peninsula. Start your day by heading to the Gallarus Oratory, a small stone structure dating between the 6th and 9th centuries. The original purpose of the building is unknown. However, researchers found a large Celtic cemetery nearby and now believe it was some kind of church or funerary building. Local legend says that if you can crawl through the oratory’s small window, your soul will be purified.
After attempting a good soul purification, it’s time for a short drive to Dunquin Pier. The pier offers breathtaking views of Blasket Island and the rugged coastal cliffs. This is truly one of the most magical and majestic spots showcasing the best of Ireland. Visitors can take a walk along the winding pier or stroll the lush cliff paths to find the perfect photo spot.
Next, head north along the peninsula toward St Brigid’s Well and the Cliffs of Moher. Your first stop will be St Brigid’s Well, which is a short but interesting pit stop. Brigid was such a popular goddess within Celtic religion that when Christians arrived in Ireland, they could not purge her from the island. Instead, they made her a patron saint and the foster mother of Jesus. St Brigid’s cross can be seen all over Ireland and there are other wells dedicated to her name. However, this particular well is the oldest in Ireland. The flowing water in the stone cave of the well is said to have healing powers, and many visitors come from all over the world to lay memories and pray inside. Today tourists can visit the well and underground fountain and walk the ancient cemetery behind the well.
If you have been planning a trip to Ireland for a while, you’ve probably already heard of the Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, known for their stunning sea views and interactive visitor center. These dramatic cliffs have also been featured in many famous films such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride.
The best places to stay near the Cliffs of Moher:
- Camping: Nagles Camping & Caravan Park
- Hotel: The Pipers Rest
Day six begins with a tour of the Doolin Cave, just 10 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher. The caves host the longest free-hanging stalactite in Europe and it is a must-see when visiting Ireland. The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes and visitors can then have lunch at the onsite cafe.
The next stop is Thoor Ballylee Yeats Tower, about an hour’s drive from the caves. On the way to Thoor Ballylee, you can stop at Kilmacduagh Abbey, where Ireland’s tallest round tower stands alongside imposing ruins of an 800-year-old abbey. After a short walk at Kilmacduagh Abbey, drive 15 minutes to Thoor Ballylee. The tower is famously known as the summer home of Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet WB Yeats. Yeats purchased the property in 1916 and it became the inspiration for many of his most famous writings, including The Tower and “A Prayer for My Daughter.” Today visitors can enjoy a free cup of tea offered by volunteers in the tea room and visit the beautiful gardens and house that inspired the power of writing behind the Irish literary movement. While exploring, keep an eye out for the ghost of an Anglo-Norman soldier who Yeats said haunted the house.
After warming up with a cup of tea, it’s time to head an hour north to Galway, to the Brigit’s Celtic Garden and Café. This garden consists of 11 acres of magical meadows, gardens, and woods designed to reflect the four Celtic seasonal festivals. As you wander the paths, you’ll learn about the Celtic traditions, beliefs, and festivals that date back thousands of years.
After a day of exploring caves, gardens, and towers, it’s time to head to Galway for the night. If you’re looking for a unique pub to visit, go to Áras na nGael, a fully Gaelic-speaking pub that welcomes tourists and newcomers to come learn to speak the traditional Irish language.
The best places to stay in Galway:
- Camping: Salthill Caravan Park
- Hotel: The Residence Hotel
On day seven, it’s time to test your sea legs and take the ferry to the Aran Islands. The ferry departs from Rossaveel, about 45 minutes west of downtown Galway. It’s highly recommended to book your ferry ticket in advance, especially during high season. It runs a couple of times a day, and the schedule depends on the month you plan to visit. Check here for ferry times for your vacation month.
The best island to visit is Inishmore since it is much larger and has more to see. The trip takes about an hour and will drop you off in the small village of Kilronan. From Kilronan, visit Teampall Bheanáin, the ruins of an 11th-century church said to be the smallest in Ireland. You will need to park and take a short walk to reach the ruins, but you should take your time to explore the nearby grounds. Downhill from the church are the remains of a monastery, a round tower, and a Celtic cross dating from the 6th century.
After exploring the grounds, get back in the car and take a short drive to Dún Dúchathair. Also known as The Black Fort, Dún Dúchathair is a less crowded attraction on the island. Visitors can wander the ramparts, walls, and ancient stone dwellings of this cliffside fortress. If you’re up for a swim after visiting the fort, head to Poll na bPéist. Also known as Wormhole, Poll na bPéist is a natural saltwater pool carved into the edge of a rocky cliff and is also one of the competition sites for Red Bull Cliff Diving.
After a dip in the rocky pool, take a short drive along the coast to the more popular fortress of Dún Aonghasa. Unlike Dún Dúchathair, this prehistoric fort has a visitor center and is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch with views of the Atlantic. If you’re not in the mood to pack lunch, Teach Nan Phaidi restaurant is less than 10 minutes from the fort and serves classic Irish dishes.
After lunch, it’s time to wrap up your island tour with a visit to the famous Na Seacht dTeampaill (Seven Churches). There’s a lot of discussion as to why the site is named this since there are only two churches on the grounds. Regardless, visitors can tour the ruins of both churches and the surrounding monastic dwellings. There are also seven graves marked with Celtic crosses said to be the final resting place of seven saints.
The last ferry to Rossaveel departs around 6:00 pm, so be sure not to miss it! Alternatively, you could spend the night on Inishmore at an Airbnb or bed and breakfast. However, keep in mind it’s an hour ferry ride back to the mainland in the morning, which could put strain on the next day’s travel itinerary.
The best places to stay near Rossaveel:
- Camping: Spiddal Caravan and Camping Park
- Hotel: Arran View B&B
The next part of this road trip itinerary in Ireland will take you north along the Wild Atlantic Way through the stunning Connemara region. There is only one attraction to visit this day because it is so incredible you won’t want to rush. Drive for an hour through the winding lush green hills and you will arrive at Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Wall Gardens.
Kylemore Abbey is a stunning 1,000-acre estate full of history. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the property’s rich past through a tour of the Victorian villa. However, there is much more to visit beyond the house itself. Guests can stroll in a six-acre walled garden, walk the woodland trails on the property, explore the neo-Gothic church, enjoy a warm cup of tea from the tearoom, and grab a bite at the café. While the house is currently home to Benedictine nuns, visitors are invited to explore the entire park and can even purchase souvenirs at the gift shop after their tour.
After a day at Kylemore Abbey, it’s time to pack up and head to the beautiful town of Westport. The town is great for boutique shopping and traditional Irish pub culture.
The best places to stay in Westport:
- Camping: The Caravan & Camping Park at Westport House
- Hotel: Drummin House B&B
On day 9, it’s time to continue your road trip around Ireland by lacing up your hiking boots and heading to Croagh Patrick, also known as Reek. This pilgrimage route is relatively challenging, although many older people manage to reach the summit; keep in mind this is not a leisurely hike. At the top of the mountain, visitors will find breathtaking panoramic views of Clew Bay and the surrounding area.
Croagh Patrick has been a place of worship for thousands of years and there is a small church on its peak. According to legend, Saint Patrick climbed the Reek in 441 AD and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. Since then, many tourists have come from all over the world to hike the barefoot path as penance during the pilgrimage.
The hike takes three to four hours round trip, which is why you should start your hike as early as possible to have time to rest and enjoy the view when you reach the top.
Once you reach the bottom, it’s time to drive just over an hour to Achill Island. First head towards Slievemore Deserted Village. A mile of abandoned stone house ruins is all that remains of this once-thriving booley village. Booleying was a lifestyle in Ireland where families moved town to town depending on the season so the farmer’s livestock could graze grassy fields all year long. Slievemore was abandoned during the Irish famine due to rising rents and the associated economic recession. Today visitors can explore the stone ruins on the hill and admire the island views.
The next stop is Keem Beach, a small sandy cove with turquoise water that looks like it belongs in the tropics. The road to Keem is steep and winding and offers picturesque sea views and views of Clare Island. Watch out for sheep on the road though! If you’re thirsty for a pint, stop at Gielty’s Bar and Restaurant and enjoy a drink at the westernmost pub in Europe.
After a visit to the beach and a refreshment at Gielty’s, it’s time to wrap up the day and head to Sligo for just over two hours. For those traveling in a campervan in Ireland, the best place to stay is Dunmoran Strand, outside Sligo. You can park your van with a view of the secluded beach and watch the sunset over the North Atlantic. It is free to camp in the parking lot and there are on-site toilets.
The best places to stay near Sligo:
- Camping: Dunmoran Strand
- Hotel: Tranquility B&B
Also see: sleeping in a cottage in Ireland
Day 10 is one of the few days that include tours you need to book in advance, but it’s worth it. Island View Riding Stables is located 20 minutes north of Sligo and offers group horseback rides along a private beach. The people at Island View are fantastic and can accommodate everyone, regardless of skill level. If you’re an experienced rider, they will happily take you on a livelier ride along the beach. If you’ve never ridden a horse in your life, that’s okay too! The guides will show you all the riding ropes and lead you on a gentler ride along the beach. A one-hour beach ride costs €35 per person, but they also offer longer tours along the beaches, islands, and nearby marshes.
Today is about learning and enjoying the beach. That’s why your next adventure is learning to surf at the Murfs Surf School at Tullan Strand. The beach is less than 20 minutes by car from Island View Riding Stable in Ireland’s surf capital, Bundoran. The town is a great place to stop and refuel with a hearty lunch before heading to the surf school. If you’re worried the water might be too cold for you, don’t fret. A five-millimeter thick wetsuit is included with the surfboard rental and lessons to keep you warm. You can choose to book a private one-hour lesson for €75 or join an adult group lesson for €35.
After a day spent riding surfboards and horses, it’s time to head an hour and a half north to your final destination for the day, Dunfanaghy in County Donegal. Dunfanaghy is a picturesque fishing town full of lively pubs and restaurants. If you’re in a campervan, the best place to stay is the Killahoey Beach parking lot, which has on-site toilets and is free to camp.
The best places to stay in Dunfanaghy:
- Camping: Killahoey Beach Car Park
- Hotel: The Mill
Also see: sleeping in a castle in Ireland
Day eleven ends along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal and takes you into Northern Ireland. There are no borders when crossing from Ireland into Northern Ireland, so you won’t need to show your passport to anyone. But keep in mind that driving in Northern Ireland is not the same as driving in Ireland. The speed limits are posted in miles per hour, not kilometers per hour, as in Ireland. They also use the British pound instead of the euro as currency. The day is packed full of attractions, so it’s best to start no later than 8:30 am.
Start the day by heading to Grianán of Aileach, one of the best ring forts in Ireland. The fort was built around the 8th century, but the site is believed to have been an important place as early as 1700 BC. Over the years, sundials, bones, and even an ancient board game have been uncovered at the site. According to Irish folklore, you should not reveal any secrets while in the fort because if you do, it will no longer be a secret and soon everyone will know. Visitors today can tour the well-preserved ruins of the fortress perched atop a massive hill. It has one of the best panoramic views of County Donegal.
After exploring the ringfort, it’s time to head to Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland. Game of Thrones fans may recognize the castle as the House of Greyjoy, rulers of the Iron Islands. Once home to the Clan McDonnell, this medieval castle sits atop steep rocky cliffs and is only accessible via a bridge. This would have been a strategic setting for the McDonnell house to protect themselves from Viking raids. Visitors can tour the castle and the surrounding village park.
The next stop is probably Northern Ireland’s most famous attraction, the Giant’s Causeway. The causeway is a beach covered with raised basalt columns shaped hexagonally that formed naturally over six million years ago. However, Irish folklore tells a different story about how the stone beach was created. It is said that the Irish giant Finn McCool was challenged to battle by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Finn used nearby rocks to build a bridge to Scotland to fight Benandonner, leaving the hexagonal rock formations we see today. On a clear day, you can see Scotland on the horizon.
If you’re looking for a late afternoon lunch, stop at Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy. The pub houses an entire room dedicated to Game of Thrones. When a storm blew down one of the trees of Dark Hedges (also used in GoT filming), Tourism NI decided to carve six heavy and intricate wooden doors from the fallen tree and dedicate each door to an episode of the sixth season of the series. Fullerton Arms hosts door six and has even built a custom replica throne where fans can take a photo.
Next, continue along the coast to the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge. This attraction is not for the faint of heart. The 66-foot rope bridge connects the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede and sits about 100 feet above the rocky waters. Before heading to the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, you should always check if it’s open as strong winds and bad weather can temporarily close the attraction for safety reasons.
You can spend the night in Portrush, a lively seaside resort with endless nightlife, attractions, and restaurants.
The best places to stay in Portrush:
- Camping: Sandhill Drive campervan parking
- Hotel: The Harbour Studio B&B
Start the day with a hearty Irish breakfast in Portrush and drive 30 minutes to The Dark Hedges. The Dark Hedges is a famous road framed by majestic-looking beech trees that twist and turn along the avenue. The Stuart family planted the trees in the 18th century to impress visitors on the way to their estate. It has now become an icon of Northern Ireland, made even more famous by Game of Thrones, which used it as the road to King’s Landing.
After taking some photos at the Dark Hedges, it’s time to head to the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. It’s about an hour’s drive from downtown Belfast. Before parking to explore the city, take a walk past the Peace Wall on Cupar Way. There are many of these peace walls in Belfast, but this is one of the easiest to visit on a self-guided tour. These walls were initially built to separate Catholic republican, nationalist neighborhoods and Protestant loyalist, unionist neighborhoods during the sectarian uprisings of 1969. The purpose of the walls was to protect citizens from the violence of the thirty years’ conflict. After the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, local artists decorated the walls with vibrant murals representing the problem.
Once done touring the Peace Wall, head downtown to Belfast City Hall. There is plenty of paid parking in the area. Take a stroll through the lively streets and watch street performers, shop at boutiques, and grab a bite. Since the Titanic was built in Belfast, it makes sense to check out the Titanic Belfast Museum. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of nine interactive exhibits and learn how it was made, the people on board, and what remains of it in the ocean.
After Belfast, it’s time to head back across the Irish border to the town of Carlingford for the night. It is just over an hour’s drive from downtown Belfast.
The best places to stay near Carlingford:
- Camping: Gyle’s Quay Caravan & Camping Park
- Hotel: Shalom B&B
Day 13 starts with a leprechaun hunt hike on the Slieve Foye Loop. To understand why this is a thing, you need to know a bit of Carlingford’s history. In the 1980s, a businessman in town was walking on the hillside and found a tiny hat and trousers with gold coins near a burnt patch of grass. Since then, the town has held an annual national leprechaun hunt, during which people search the mountain for the tiny magical creatures. In 2010, the European Union officially recognized Carlingford as the home of Ireland’s last leprechauns. Tourists come from around the world to hike the Slieve Foye Loop in the hope of seeing these magical creatures. The hike takes about 2.5 hours round trip and starts behind downtown shops. Head toward the Ln River, then turn right onto Mountain Park and follow the red and blue signs.
The next stop on your road trip in Ireland is Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne, located 45 minutes south of Carlingford. Brú na Bóinne, also known as the Boyne Valley Tombs, hosts ancient Celtic tombs that predate the pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. The most famous tomb is Newgrange, dating back to 3200 BC. Here visitors can discover some of the best Neo-Gothic artwork in Europe. There is much history and other tombs to explore as well. Head to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre Newgrange and Knowth from where you can take a guided tour of the grounds and learn all about the high king of Ireland who lived in the area, the rituals that took place, and why the winter solstice is so important here.
You should finish with Newgrange by the mid-afternoon and have a 25-minute trip to the Hill of Tara. The Hill of Tara is where every High King of Ireland sat from 600 BC to 400 AD. Saint Patrick himself visited in the 5th century. The hill was sacred to the ancient Irish as they believed it was a home of the gods and a portal to the otherworld. Today not much remains of the great palace, but there are other sites to see, such as the Lia Fáil, also known as the Stone of Destiny. You can take a guided tour from the visitor center of the grounds or choose to self-tour.
Spend the night in the town of Athlone, located just under 90 minutes from the Hill of Tara. Athlone is home to Sean’s Pub, which the Guinness Book of World Records officially recognized as the oldest pub in Ireland. The pub claims to have been founded in 900 AD and holds a fascinating history. Be sure to stop for a pint and check out the documented history and the building.
The best places to stay near Carlingford:
- Camping: Lough Ree East Caravan & Camping Park
- Hotel: Prince of Wales Hotel
Depending on when you need to return your rental car, you can choose to continue your trip in Ireland and visit Birr Castle, located 40 minutes south of Athlone. The castle is fully intact and houses a museum of its history and the family who lived here. It also has extensive grounds full of rare trees and breathtaking gardens. The most important attraction is the Leviathan of Parsonstown, a gigantic telescope made by the third Earl of Rosse, William Parsons, in 1840. The imposing telescope is 50 feet tall and 70 feet long.
So that concludes your two weeks in Ireland! It’s just under two hours from Dublin Airport and one hour from Galway Airport from Birr.
If you’re headed to Dublin and find yourself with a few extra days, be sure to check out the best things to do in the city or consider 7 days in Southern Ireland.
