15 Days in Ireland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Road Trip Adventure on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

First-time visitors keen on visiting the sites along the Wild Atlantic Way will enjoy this road trip adventure. You'll hit popular spots like Blarney Castle, hike in Connemara National Park, bike the Sky Road, and more. The variety of activities also makes it a nice choice for active families. 

Visit the sites of Dublin, including the Medieval Quarter, then cross the Ha'penny Bridge before sitting down for a pint in a local pub. Head for Cork, with stops at the Rock of Cashel en route. Ring the Bells of Shandon and sample local foods at The English Market before setting out on the Wild Atlantic Way. Stretch your legs at Sheep's Head Lighthouse, then park the car in Kenmare and cycle the countryside. Pack a picnic for your drive to Beara Peninsula, where you'll visit Uragh Stone Circle and hike Beara Way. Continue on the Ring of Kerry, stopping to hike in Derrynane National Park before arriving in Dingle. 

Check out the cliffs of Sybil Head and take a boat tour to the Blasket Islands. Capture photos at the famed Cliffs of Moher and admire the lunar-like landscapes of the Burren. Drive north to Galway, and experience local arts and music on a walking tour. Hike Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park, then cycle the Sky Road. Enjoy water sports on Achill Island before driving to the Céide Fields Neolithic site. Continue to Donegal, where you can visit the castle and explore the trails. Visit the cliffs of Slieve League for incredible views, and head back to Dublin for a tasting tour at the Jameson Distillery. Learn more 

Itinerary #2: Ireland's Ultimate Self-Drive Adventure

Looping around Ireland and Northern Ireland, this self-drive itinerary is suited to first-time visitors who want to explore the Wild Atlantic Way's highlights and pay a visit to Belfast. Stops include iconic sites like the Rock of Cashel, scenic drives such as the Ring of Kerry, and unique experiences like the political taxi tour in Belfast. 

Check out Dublin's famous Long Room at historic Trinity College, then sample a pint of beer at the Guinness Storehouse before heading to the Temple Bar neighborhood to enjoy live music. Hit the road toward the Wicklow Mountains and hike in Glendalough Valley. On Day 3, it's off to Cork with a stop at the Rock of Cashel. Shop for souvenirs and picnic items at The English Market. Continue to Blarney Castle, then wander the ruins of Muckross Abbey on arrival in Killarney. Spend a day driving the Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring for epic coastal views, followed by cycling the scenic trails of Killarney National Park. 

Drive the Dingle Peninsula and watch the sunset from Dunquin's viewpoint. Head for Doolin, where you can walk to Liscannor along the Cliffs of Moher. Take the ferry to Inishmore and spend the day exploring by foot, bike, or horse and carriage. Continue on the Wild Atlantic Way and climb Croagh Patrick before relaxing on the beaches of Achill Island. Visit Ceide Fields and Slieve League, then head up the Causeway Coast to Northern Ireland, where you'll spend your final days experiencing Belfast through a variety of activities, including the Titanic Exhibition, the Gobbins cliff path, and a political taxi tour. Learn more 

Itinerary #3: Ultimate Southwest Ireland Hiking Adventure

With the chance to hike most days, this itinerary is best for active outdoor enthusiasts. From Killarney National Park to Dingle to Birr and many stops in between, this is the chance to experience Ireland's dramatic landscapes (including the Cliffs of Moher), ancient archaeological sites, and charming villages on foot. Trekking the trails also gives you access to some areas that cars cannot reach, making this an excellent option for photographers looking to capture unique images. 

Take a walking tour to some of Dublin's sites, then enjoy Irish music at a pub in Temple Bar. Transfer to Killarney, where you'll cruise the Three Lakes of Killarney, then hike along Upper Lake and onto Old Kenmare Road. Enjoy views of the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains en route to Sneem. If you've still got energy, explore some of Sneem's stone structures. Transfer to Cahersiveen for a hike at Beentee Mountain, then trek from Kells to Glenbeigh, enjoying views of Dingle Bay en route. Pass through the ruins of Minard's Castle on your way to Dingle, and refuel with Irish eats and a pint at a local pub.

Take a taxi to the starting point of your hike to Kilcolman, then continue to Ventry Beach for a walk around Slea Head, keeping an eye out for ancient "beehive" huts. Your next hike will take you through the countryside from Tiduff to Cloghane, then along the Dingle Peninsula, passing a deserted famine village before arriving at Annascaul. Transfer to Doolin, then head for the Cliffs of Moher. Follow the Burren Way route to Hag's Head, the southernmost point. Spend a day exploring ancient monuments on the Aran Islands, then cap off your trip castle-hopping in the hidden heartlands. Learn more 

Itinerary #4: Culinary Adventure Through Ireland

Foodies will be pleased with the variety of culinary activities on this gastronomy-forward tour. You'll taste artisan-made eats on the Old Butter Roads Food Trail tour in County Cork, sip gin infused with local ingredients on the Beara Peninsula, go seaweed foraging in Dingle, sample fresh seafood on a Galway food tour, and more. 

In Dublin, pop into the Temple Bar neighborhood for a taste of Irish fare. Enjoy the manicured grounds of Kilkenny Castle, then dine at a riverside restaurant before continuing to the Rock of Cashel. Meet the owners and horses of Slievenamon Clydesdales before diving into comfort food at McCarthy's Pub. Drive to Cork, and taste your way around town on A Slice of Cork tour. Follow the Old Butter Roads Food Trails on a bus tour, stopping by the Butter Museum and various local producers to sample apple brandy, preserves, and more. Walk the Old Head of Kinsale Loop, then refuel with fish and chips at Dino's.

Immerse in the Titanic Experience Cobh, the Titanic's last port of call, before heading south to Skibbereen with a stop in Clonakilty for seafood. Drive the Beara Peninsula and sample seawater and sugar kelp-infused gin at Beara Distillery. Continue to Kenmare for a food tour followed by a seaweed foraging excursion at Derrynane Beach. Your next stop is Dingle for an archeology tour and a visit to Dingle Distillery. Snap photos of the Cliffs of Moher, followed by sampling Irish stew in Doolin. Spend your final full day enjoying Irish music and filling your belly with fresh seafood on a Galway Food Tour. Learn more 

More Great Ireland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ireland? Check out these other Ireland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.