I still remember sitting in the back of my mammy’s car on an Ireland road trip somewhere between Donegal and Sligo, watching rain crawl sideways across the window. The car smelled like damp jumpers and petrol. We stopped for sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil and tea that had gone lukewarm. At the time, it all felt normal. Slightly boring, even.

Above: One of the many roadtrips we took to Donegal in my mammy’s Ford Fiesta.

It wasn’t until years later, after being abroad and road-tripping other countries, that I realised how special those drives were. An Ireland road trip wasn’t a “bucketlist” thing back then, it was just what you did with your time off. The memories, though. Perfection.

This Ireland road trip came together recently, after years of dipping in and out of these places separately. We packed up the car and stitched together a route we’d both been travelling in fragments since childhood.

An Turas Bóthair – The Road Trip

You can start and end this Ireland road trip at any point. If you only have a short stint on our beautiful island, pull out the parts you want to do. If you have more time and want a real epic Irish coastal adventure, I have you covered below.

Dublin down to Cork. West to Kerry. Up through Clare, Connemara, Galway and Sligo. Across to Donegal, Derry and Belfast. Then back to Dublin, tired and very content.

This isn’t about racing from highlight to highlight. It’s about seeing Ireland the way it reveals itself best, slowly, between places, with plenty of room for weather, wrong turns and long lunches.

Dublin: Where your Ireland Road Trip Begins

If you’re coming to Ireland in 2026, you’re most likely going to be starting your adventures in the capital, Dublin. And, good news for those arriving solo, Tripadvisor has named Dublin the best destination in the world for solo travellers in 2026!

I always think Dublin is best eased into. Don’t try to “do” it all. Explore on foot.

Start your Ireland Road Trip in Dublin with Trinity College – wander that iconic library, drift along Grafton Street, follow the Liffey for a bit, and sit in St. Stephen’s Green if the weather allows. A stop at the charming Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre is a must. Dublin has a rhythm you only notice when you stop rushing.

If it’s your first visit, the Guinness Storehouse is genuinely good, even if you think it won’t be. EPIC is one of the best museums in the city. Kilmainham Gaol is heavy, but important, and worth the time if you want context to the history on the island. The Teeling Distillery tour is another fun way to spend an hour or two. For a coffee hit, you can’t beat the iconic Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street.

Where to stay in Dublin

• Hostel: Generator Hostel Dublin
• Budget: Zanzibar Locke
• Slightly more premium: The Dean
• Upscale: The Hyatt Centric at The Liberties

Cork: Food, Humour and a City That Knows Itself

The drive from Dublin to Cork is straightforward, but Cork itself deserves time. It’s a city that doesn’t try too hard, and rewards those who linger.

Wander Oliver Plunkett Street, follow the river, dip into the English Market and eat whatever smells best. You’ll recognise scenes from The Young Offenders everywhere you look.

We stayed at REZz Cork, which worked perfectly for being right in the middle of things.

Depending on the day of the week you visit, visit one of Cork’s seven other food markets,

From there, ring the Shandon Bells and cimb the 132 steps for epic views, walk through Fitzgerald Park, and spend an afternoon chasing the Ardú Murals. For a pint of the black stuff (In Cork, you’re looking for a Beamish or a Murphy’s), Crane Lane or Mutton Lane never disappoint.

One morning, leave the car behind and take the train to Cobh. The cathedral dominates the town, the Titanic history is genuinely moving, and the walk back down the hill past those colourful houses is one of my favourites in Ireland.

Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

You cannot do an Ireland road trip and miss out on beautiful county Kerry.

Killarney National Park still feels special no matter how many times you visit. Walk to Torc Waterfall, wander Muckross House and Gardens, and take a boat out to Ross Castle if the lake is calm.

Set aside a full day for the Ring of Kerry and start early. The road is quieter, the light is softer, and you won’t feel hemmed in by tour buses. From Killarney, Kenmare makes a lovely detour, and Dingle is worth every extra mile for food, music and that end-of-the-world feeling.

Don’t miss: The Gap of Dunloe

We stayed at a farm cottage Airbnb outside Killarney, which gave us the perfect base to explore all of the above.

Ennis and the Cliffs of Moher

Ennis is small, friendly, and easy to like. Wander the town centre, poke around the friary ruins, grab a coffee, and keep moving.

From here, make time for the Cliffs of Moher. Made famous by the Harry Potter series, and honestly breath taking. The scale hits differently in person. The wind, the sound, the way the Atlantic just keeps going. Stand still for a minute and appreciate the view before you take photos.

Top Tip: Father Ted fans should also take the opportunity to visit Glenquin House when in the area. You should try to book ahead and arrange a tour of the house, as it’s a private residence.

Connemara, Letterfrack and Inishmore

Connemara is where the Ireland road trip really slows down.

We based ourselves in Letterfrack, staying in a “tiny house”, which couldn’t have been more idyllic a setting. Drive to Clifden, take the Sky Road, and spend time in Connemara National Park. The landscape here is open, quiet and endlessly changing with the light.

Above: Tiny House views. Probably the coolest Airbnb I have ever stayed in!

From the mainland, take the boat to Inishmore. Rent bikes. Cycle along stone-walled roads. Visit the Wormhole. Climb up to Dún Aonghasa and look out over the cliffs. This is one of those days you’ll remember long after the rest blur together. I promise I will revisit this entire island trip in a future blog post. Watch this space.

Galway: Music, Sea Air and Wandering Without a Plan

Galway is a fun, lively city and it knows it. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a busker pulling a crowd on Shop Street, music drifting out of a pub, or people spilling onto the street with coffees when the weather behaves. After days of driving the quieter roads of the west, it’s a welcome shift in energy.

Spend time in the Latin Quarter, walk down to the Spanish Arch, stroll the Salthill Prom, and sit by the canals doing very little. At weekends, the market is worth a wander. Menlo Castle is a good quiet escape if the centre feels busy.

Where to stay in Galway
Budget: The Nest Boutique Hostel
Premium: The Hardiman, right on Eyre Square

Sligo and Strandhill

Sligo is often overlooked, which suits it.

Walk along the Garavogue, visit W.B. Yeats grave and other sites, explore Carrowmore, and then head out to Strandhill. Walk the beach, watch surfers, and get an ice cream from Mammy Johnston’s. Yes, it’s worth it.

Where to stay in Sligo
Budget: Sligo City Hotel
Premium: The Glasshouse

Donegal

Donegal always feels a bit wilder than you expect, even if you’ve been before. The roads stretch out, the towns thin, and the scenery starts doing most of the talking again.

Break your Ireland road trip journey in Donegal Town, which is an easy place to pause. It’s compact, walkable, and good for a wander without any pressure to tick things off. Donegal Castle sits right in the middle of town and is worth a look, if only to understand how strategic this place once was. Grab a coffee, watch the river for a while, and stock up on snacks before heading back out.

From there, the drive takes you through Gaeltacht areas, where Irish is still the first language. You notice it on the road signs, in shop windows, and sometimes in conversations drifting past you. Even if you don’t speak Irish, there’s something grounding about being somewhere the language still shapes daily life. It changes the pace a little. Things feel quieter, more local.

The beaches in Donegal are the real reason to take your time. Long stretches of sand, Atlantic winds, barely anyone around. If you want a real eugged adventure, take your car to Malin Head, the most noirthernly point on the island. It’s truly stunning.

On your way to Derry, you must stop at Grianan of Aileach – offering panoramic views and rich history, linked to Irish mythology and early Gaelic kings as the royal seat of the Kingdom of Ailech.

Derry: History You Can Walk Through

Derry is a city you feel under your feet.

The best way to start is on the walls. They’ve stood here since the early 1600s and, unusually, they’re still completely intact. Walking them gives you perspective straight away. You look down into neighbourhoods shaped by centuries of conflict and resilience, and out towards the river that has always defined the city. It’s one of the few places where history isn’t tucked away in museums, it’s part of the daily route.

From the walls, head into the Bogside. The murals here aren’t decorative. They tell the story of civil rights, Bloody Sunday, and the lived experience of people who were here when it happened. Even if you’ve read about the Troubles before, standing in front of the murals makes it real in a way books don’t quite manage.

For proper context, the Museum of Free Derry is essential. It’s small, focused, and handled with care. You’ll come away understanding not just what happened, but why it mattered, and why it still does.

The Guildhall offers a different side of the city’s story, with exhibitions that help balance the narrative and show how Derry has evolved. Just beside it, the Peace Bridge feels quietly symbolic. Walk across it slowly. Watch people pass in both directions. It says more than any plaque ever could.

The Craft Village, tucked in the middle of the walled city, is an easy place to slow down. Small shops, local makers, and a sense of the city’s creative side that often gets overlooked. Nearby, the Derry Girls mural adds a lighter note, and it’s worth stopping at, not just for the photo, but because it shows how the city has reclaimed its voice through humour as well as history.

If you have time, step inside St Columb’s Cathedral, the oldest surviving building in the city. It’s quiet, solid, and grounding, and offers a moment to pause after taking in so much.

Derry isn’t heavy for the sake of it. It’s honest. Give it time, walk it properly, and let the city explain itself.

Where to stay in Derry
Budget: Holiday Inn Express
Premium: Bishop’s Gate Hotel

Read Next: Halloween in Derry 2025: Inside Europe’s Halloween Capital and the Ancient Spirit of Samhain

Take the scenic route on your way to Belfast, and be rewarded by the incredible UNESCO Giant’s Causeway – some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea.

Belfast: Stories, Streets and a City That’s Changed

Before we jump in, fun fact. Belfast’s been named one of Tripadvisor’s top trending destinations for 2026. Look at you, casually planning a very on-trend trip.

Belfast rewards curiosity. The more you give it, the more it gives back.

Start with a Black Cab tour. It’s one of the most informative experiences you can have anywhere, not just in Ireland. The drivers don’t just recite history, they explain how it still shapes the city now. Murals, peace walls, neighbourhoods that look ordinary at first glance but carry deep stories. It sets the tone for everything else.

From there, take a walking tour of the city centre. Belfast is compact, and walking it helps connect the dots between its industrial past and its modern energy. The Cathedral Quarter is the natural place to linger, especially in the evenings, with its mix of old pubs, live music, street art, and people spilling out onto cobbled streets.

If you haven’t visited Titanic Belfast, it’s worth the time. Even if you’re not particularly interested in the ship itself, the exhibition does a good job of placing Belfast in a global industrial context. Nearby, the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens offer a slower pace, especially welcome after a morning of heavy history.

Belfast isn’t a city that shows everything at once. Walk, listen, ask questions, and let it unfold.

Where to get coffee in Belfast:

• Established
• HJEM
• Kaffe Ø

Where to stay in Belfast
Budget: Premier Inn City Centre or easyHotel
Premium: Moxy Belfast or The Merchant Hotel

Back to Dublin via Howth

Before closing the loop, stop in Howth. Walk the cliffs, watch the seals in the harbour, eat seafood straight off the boats if you can.

Then head back into Dublin, return the car, and let the trip settle.

Practical Tips for an Ireland Road Trip

• Currency: Euro in the Republic, Pound Sterling in Northern Ireland
• Language: English, with Irish on signage
• Transport: A car is essential for this route
• Best time to visit: May, June and September
• How long you need for an Ireland Road Trip: 14 to 16 days to see all of this guide. Break it up into shorter stints if you need to.

Is an Ireland Road Trip Safe?

Ireland is generally very safe. Cities anywhere require normal awareness around pickpocketing. Rural roads are narrow and demand patience. Speed limits are not a target. Late-night walking feels safe in most places, but trust your instincts as you would anywhere. Never, ever drink and drive.

Why You Can Trust This Ireland Road Trip Guide

I grew up in Ireland. I’ve been travelling these roads since childhood, long before I wrote about travel. This route is built from years of return visits, local knowledge, and a recent full loop that reminded me why Ireland still holds its own against anywhere else I’ve been.

Go Dté Sibh Slán – May you go safely

Ireland Road Trip FAQ

What is the best month for an Ireland road trip?
May and September offer the best balance of weather and quieter roads.

How many days do you need for an Ireland road trip?
Fourteen to sixteen days allows you to see this route properly.

Is Ireland expensive for road trips?
Accommodation can be pricey. Use deals to save – and price nearby eareas for accommodations. Fuel and food are manageable with planning.

Do you need a car for an Ireland Road Trip?
For this route, yes. Public transport won’t reach many of these places.

Is an Ireland road trip suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. Ireland is one of the easiest countries in Europe to road trip, even for first-time visitors.

What side of the road do you drive on in Ireland?
You drive on the left side of the road throughout Ireland.

Are petrol stations easy to find in rural areas?
They are less frequent in rural areas. Fill up when you have the chance, especially in Connemara and Donegal.

Can you drink the tap water in Ireland?
Yes. Tap water is safe to drink across Ireland.

Is Ireland walkable once you arrive in towns and cities?
Yes. Most towns and cities on this route are compact and easy to explore on foot.

Do you need to pre-book attractions in Ireland?
Some attractions require pre-booking in peak season, including Kilmainham Gaol and Cliffs of Moher parking.

Is Northern Ireland different when road tripping?
Yes – minorly. NI uses a different currency and road signs are in miles, not kilometres. Check your visa requirements for visiting both, but don’t skip the north!

What’s the best way to handle currency on an Ireland road trip?
Carry a card that works internationally and keep a small amount of cash. Remember you’ll need euros and pounds.

How many main airports are there in Ireland and Northern Ireland?
There are seven main airports commonly used by travellers across the island of Ireland.

• Dublin Airport (DUB) – The largest airport on the island, with the widest range of international flights
• Belfast International Airport (BFS) – Main international airport serving Belfast
• Cork Airport (ORK) – Best for starting or ending a southern Ireland road trip
• George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) – Closest airport to Belfast city centre, with quick UK and European routes
• Shannon Airport (SNN) – Ideal for the west coast, Clare, and the Wild Atlantic Way
• Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) – Convenient for Sligo, Mayo, and Donegal
• Derry City Airport (LDY) – Some connections to UK and soon to be connected to Dublin

What’s the biggest mistake people make on an Ireland road trip?
Trying to see too much in too little time. Ireland is best experienced slowly. Build your own Ireland Road Trip using this guide, don’t try to follow it exactly.

Last Updated on 2 weeks ago by Ryan | Irish Travel Addict