Ireland, with its breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and friendly locals, offers an ideal setting for an epic road trip adventure. Join us as we map out the ultimate Ireland road trip, where every twist and turn reveals another piece of the island's timeless beauty.
The key information to your road trip in Ireland
| Best time to go: | June or September |
| Average cost for 2 travelers: Including 7 days car rental, 7 nights in hotels, and gas to cover 500 miles. | $2,000 |
| Best car to rent: | An Opel Corsa, or similar small car. |
- Average price for one night in a mid-range double hotel room in Dublin: €208 ($225)
- Average price for one night in a hostel in Dublin: €129 ($140)
- Average daily rate for a rental car in Dublin: €63 ($68)
- Cost of 1 gallon of gas in Dublin: €6.75 ($7.26) in April 2025, according to numbeo.com (you’ll need approx. 4 gallons to cover 100 miles)
Based on a 7-day road trip in Ireland covering 500 miles we would expect the costs to reach about €1,000 (about $1,100) per person based on two people sharing the costs.
West Coast Ireland road trip: 7-day itinerary
Day 1: Dublin (one night)
The capital city of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin has a complex history marked by Vikings, famines, and wars. The city center retains a historic charm, with cobbled streets, ancient churches, and majestic castles awaiting exploration.
In addition, Dublin is a party city with a wealth of things to do and see. These are some of our favorites:
- Explore the iconic Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy a pint of Guinness.
- Immerse yourself in Dublin's vibrant nightlife scene with a visit to the famous Temple Bar, where you can enjoy pub-hopping and live Irish music.
- Delve into Irish history at the Kilmainham Gaol Museum, a former prison with a fascinating past.
- Marvel at the historic Book of Kells, housed in the Old Library and Long Room at Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university.
- Discover the story of Irish emigration at The Irish Emigration Museum, located in Dublin's Docklands.
Where to stay in Dublin: Schoolhouse Hotel offers free parking in a central location.
Day 2: Cork (one night)
Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, offers a lively blend of culture, history, and charm. Nestled on the River Lee and known for its vibrant culinary scene, friendly locals, and colorful Georgian architecture, Cork is a gateway to the scenic southwest. The English Market is a must-visit for food lovers, while nearby Blarney Castle offers a chance to kiss the famous stone and gain the “gift of the gab.” With its rich maritime heritage and easygoing pace, Cork is a delightful stop on any Irish itinerary.
Day 3: Killarney (one night)
Distance from Waterville: 92 km/ 57 miles - less than 2 hours
Today covers the final leg of the Ring of Kerry before arriving at Killarney, the final stop on your west coast Ireland road trip itinerary.
Your first stop is Caherdaniel best known for Derrynane Beach and Derrynane House and National Park, once the home of the great liberator Daniel O’Connell, the first Irish nationalist leader to hold a seat in Westminster.
Derrynane Beach is a paradise for beach lovers, with its fine sand, clear turquoise waters, and craggy rocks. In the summer, the beach is perfect for swimming and you can also hire kayaks to explore the coastline.
From Caherdaniel, drive to the very Instagrammable village of Sneem before heading north to Killarney to explore the remaining sights of the Ring of Kerry, including Muckross House, Ross Castle, the Gap of Dunloe, and Ladies View.
Where to stay in Killarney: The Ross is in the center of town and offers free parking.
Day 4: Waterville (one night)
Distance from Dingle: 109 km/ 68 miles - less than 2 hours
Today you’ll be driving part of the gorgeous Ring of Kerry, a scenic coastal route through rural seaside villages around the Iveragh Peninsula.
Make your way to Kells, a picturesque fishing village, and from there, continue to Cahersiveen, where you can explore the ancient 7th-century Cahergall Stone Fort.
Next, take the chain ferry from Reenard Point to Valentia Island. Here, you can visit the charming red and white Valentia Island Lighthouse and the historic Valentia Transatlantic Cable Station, where the first transatlantic telegraph cable was laid to Heart’s Content in Newfoundland.
Don't miss the opportunity to follow the Tetrapod Trackway and see fossilized footprints that are a staggering 365 million years old, or take a boat trip to explore Skellig Michael, home to thousands of breeding puffins during the warmer months.
Where to stay in Waterville: The Smugglers Inn has stunning views of Ballinskelligs Bay and gets great reviews.
Day 5: Dingle (one night)
Distance from Loop Head: 150 km/ 93 miles - 3.5 hours (includes a ferry)
Today is one of driving, with folklore, legends, and waterfalls to keep you entertained along the way!
At the seaside resort of Ballybunion, take a stroll up the cliffs north of town to discover Druid's Lair, also known as Scolt Na Dhrida. This site is steeped in folklore and legend, associated with Druid worship and ancient Celtic rituals dedicated to the god Mananann.
Set your sat nav for the Conor Pass waterfall, which will be at its best in spring. You can hike up behind the waterfall for fantastic views of the nearby lakes. The pass itself is also a great drive along mostly single-track roads surrounded by interesting rock formations and lush green scenery.
Where to stay in Dingle: Barr Na Sraide Inn is well-located and offers a warm Irish welcome.
Day 6: Loop Head (one night)
Distance from Galway: 164 km/ 102 miles - 3 hours
Make an early start today as you’ll be stopping en route to see two of Ireland’s behemoths: the other-worldly landscape of the Burren and the majestic Cliffs of Moher.
The Burren is a unique karst environment renowned for its rugged beauty and rich biodiversity. The distinctive terrain is characterized by vast expanses of limestone pavement, where deep fissures known as grikes separate flat-topped slabs of rock.
Next along the route and rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the country's most iconic natural landmarks. Stretching for approximately 14 km along County Clare's rugged coastline, these incredible cliffs reach heights of over 700 feet at their highest point.
An hour and a half to the south is stunning Loop Head on the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the best summer holiday destinations in Europe.
Start the famous Loop Head Drive from Kilkee and you'll be treated to a spectacular coastal journey. At the tip of the peninsula stands the impressive 1854 Loop Head Lighthouse with a balcony 275 feet above the sea, from where you can watch the waves crashing against the cliffs below.
Where to stay in Loop Head: An Sean Teach Guest House is five minutes from the lighthouse and receives excellent reviews.
Day 7: Galway (one night)
Vibrant and lively, Galway exudes a slightly wild and bohemian charm that perfectly complements its rich culture, artistry, fabulous local cuisine, and music scene.
At the heart of the city lies the bustling 18th-century Eyre Square, a lively meeting point adorned with modern sculptures and trees, and the Latin Quarter, where historic stone-clad buildings house cozy cafés, independent boutiques, and local art galleries.
Where to stay in Galway: The Dean Galway is centrally located and has its own parking.
Conclusion
After completing your road trip around Ireland, you will have explored some of the most breathtaking destinations on the Emerald Isle.
From the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Ring of Kerry and the Antrim Coast to the quaint villages of County Clare, and everything in between, you will have ticked off some of Ireland's most iconic sights from your bucket list and have many precious memories.
Use our guide to start planning your Irish road trip today and experience the incredible tapestry of culture, history, and natural wonders of the island of Ireland.
Disclaimer: The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author's personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.
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