For a solid itinerary that covers Dublin or Belfast, plus outdoor activities in a few different counties, a 10-day trip is a great choice. With less time, you can still cover a lot of ground with a well-planned road trip. And lucky travelers with two weeks or more can hit several highlights around the entire island at a more relaxed pace. Check out some possible itineraries from 5 to 14 days below.
Five days in Ireland is just enough time to visit a few key destinations. Start in Dublin and road-trip to Cork and the Cliffs of Moher—or, alternatively, to Dingle and the magnificent Ring of Kerry—or opt for a hiking adventure in Donegal or Kerry, where you'll have the chance to meet local people and hear traditional Irish music and language. Another option is to start in Belfast and drive to the northern coast to hike and horseback ride around the Glens of Antrim.
Six days in Ireland gives you enough time to explore the highlights, including Dublin, Kilkenny, and Galway. Or spend less time in the Republic of Ireland and focus on Northern Ireland's rugged landscape. Check out Giant's Causeway and drive the Wild Atlantic Way. Spend a few days hiking in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and cover trails in Marlay Park and Roundwood, or take a self-guided expedition on the west coast of County Kerry through Tralee, Annascaul, and Dingle.
In seven days, you can road trip through many of the country's best-loved places or stick to one region to go beyond the highlights. Pick up a rental car and hit the road to explore Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula, enjoy urban adventures in Limerick, Belfast, and Galway, hike along the Antrim Coast, or cycle the beautiful Ring of Kerry: read on to learn more about your options.
In seven days, you can see three to four areas and many of Ireland's highlights. Consider a road trip, as this makes exploring much easier with kids. Sightsee in Dublin and then enjoy activities beyond the city, like kid-friendly hikes, beach time in the Connemara region, learning about history through castles and museums, a "magical" fairy trail walk in County Offaly, a ghost tour in colorful Kinsale, wandering by old stone structures on the Aran Islands, and taking a less-traveled route to the Cliffs of Moher.
Eight days in Ireland is enough time to explore three to four destinations in one region. Using Dublin as a jumping-off point, discover the West Coast's iconic Wild Atlantic Way or venture to Northern Ireland to wander among Belfast, Antrim's waterfalls, and islands in the Scottish Hebrides. Another option is to city hop arts-loving Galway to cosmopolitan Cork. More active travelers might consider a walking adventure of western Ireland's The Burren, Aran Islands, and Connemara.
Nine days in Ireland affords you enough time to explore the natural highlights, including the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, and the Ring of Kerry, as well as the city hotspots in Dublin. Spend less time in the Republic of Ireland and concentrate on the dramatic scenery of Northern Ireland. Visit Giant's Causeway and see Ardara's waterfalls along the Wild Atlantic Way. Choose a historic route that covers Kilkea Castle, Leap Castle, and Blarney Castle, or spend a few days hiking along the Wicklow Way and cover trails in Glenmalure, Glendalough, and Roundwood.
Ten days in Ireland is enough to get to know a particular region, like the Dingle Peninsula or to travel more widely and see the country's highlights. Opt for a road trip around Northern Ireland, go on a western cycling tour of medieval castles and whiskey distilleries, hike the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands on an outdoorsy adventure, or drive yourself around to the country's top attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry.
Ten days is enough time to experience five to six destinations in Ireland. With popular stops like Dublin and Killarney, the Family Adventure is great for first-timers. The West Coast Road Trip's treasure hunts and farm visits are a hit with young ones and animal lovers, while the abundance of sports, such as surfing, on the South and West Road Trip makes it ideal for older kids and active families. The variety of the Outdoor Adventure, including toy-making and Celtic hurling, fits families of diverse ages and interests.
With two weeks to spend, you can see as much of Ireland as you'd like—classic highlights and remote wonders alike—plus exploration of Northern Ireland. Take a road trip that includes key attractions, like the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry, or focus your time on one region—for example, you can drive the Wild Atlantic Way, hike the Dingle Peninsula, or bike the windswept coastal landscapes of the north.
Road-tripping for two weeks in Ireland is manageable, even with young children. You can visit at least six destinations, though focusing on the country's north or south is best. Explore Belfast and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland using Dublin as a jumping-off point. If venturing south, you can drive the Ring of Kerry, and it's easy to include the Cliffs of Moher in every itinerary. You'll surely experience family time at historical castles, on hiking trails, and along stunning coastlines.
