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Constructing your Eire journey itinerary actually relies on your pursuits, however I like to recommend beginning with no less than seven days in Eire. On the West coast particularly – it’s my private favourite – driving parts of the Wild Atlantic Means. I do know everybody loves a while in Dublin – however this text is simply specializing in the countryside and smaller villages of the west coast – that is my favourite a part of Eire – the agricultural areas! If potential, extending your keep to 10 days and even fourteen days on Eire’s West coast will present a good richer expertise, permitting deeper immersion into Irish tradition and surroundings.
I’ve traveled to Eire a number of instances – it seems like my house in Europe. It doesn’t matter if I’m doing mountaineering, biking, or driving journeys there, and I’ve beloved all of them. I even run my very own small group excursions there steadily, too. I used all the data I’ve gained in these journeys and put collectively this complete Eire journey itinerary for you…from 7 to 14 days!
Let’s begin with a one-week itinerary exploring the charming rural fantastic thing about County Sligo and County Mayo, on the north-west facet of the nation. From there, I recommend including on a couple of days to drive south to discover the Cliffs of Moher and the gorgeous Burren area. Then, to spherical out a full two-week Eire trip, proceed heading south to County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Let’s get began!
Begin Constructing Your Good Eire Journey Itinerary
You will have a set of wheels to get round for this itinerary. Don’t fear if you happen to’ve by no means pushed overseas earlier than – Eire is the right place to be taught! That is really the place I discovered the way to drive on the opposite facet of the street. Sure – it was harrowing at first – however on the west coast, there are many quiet roads to get your proper facet driving savvy and confidence! Nonetheless – I do at all times advocate getting the smallest rental automobile you may when in Eire. The roads are slim, and the smaller the automobile, the higher.
See all of my driving ideas for Driving in Eire
7 Days in Eire: A Cultural and Scenic Highway Journey By way of Mayo and Achill
Situated on the west coast of Eire, County Mayo is a hidden gem with a rugged shoreline, beautiful mountain vistas, and picturesque villages. It presents vacationers a mix of tranquil rural settings, historic websites, vibrant cultural traditions, and countless alternatives for out of doors adventures away from the vacationer crowds. That’s why I’ve run 4 completely different excursions in County Mayo – as a result of it’s a rustic that many individuals skip…and that’s simply loopy as a result of there’s a lot enjoyable stuff to do there!
Based mostly on a tour I led in 2024 with Rachel’s Irish Adventures, this itinerary highlights scenic coastal hikes and distinctive Irish cultural experiences.
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin and Head Straight to Ballina
After checking into the lodge, get pleasure from a riverside stroll and dinner by the River Moy. If you happen to’re up for it within the night, get pleasure from a pint of Guinness and conventional Irish music at Rouse’s Bar, Ballina’s oldest family-owned pub. In case you are fortunate, you’ll stroll into the bar and there can be dwell music (each Saturday night time beginning at 10 PM). That is my favourite method to meet locals – hang around at a bar listening to music in a non-touristy city!
How one can get there: You’ll almost definitely arrive in Eire through Dublin, so plan for a morning arrival if you happen to can. Take public transport from Dublin to Ballina – the trip is simply 3-4 hours – then choose up a rental automobile when you’re on the West coast. Nonetheless – consider, not all cities on the West Coast have automobile rental. So an alternative choice is to select up your rental automobile in Dublin, and that means you may return to the identical spot and avoid wasting cash.
The place to remain: Ballina Manor for 3 nights. Or attempt Belleek Fortress lodge for a bit extra luxurious
Day 2: Sligo Coast
After breakfast within the morning, hike Knocknarea Hill in close by County Sligo to go to the nice warrior Queen Maeve’s Cairn. (a average hike) The cairn is an unimaginable sight to see – it form of appears just like the Nice Pyramids! Afterwards, heat up with a beverage and a home made deal with from Shells Café in Strandhill. Take a while to stroll across the quaint little village.
In your means again to Ballina, there are two stops I recommend you make. The primary in Aughris to go to the Seaside Bar, a conventional thatch roof pub – you guessed it – close to the seashore for a fast afternoon Irish Espresso. The second cease is Kilcullen’s Tub Home in Enniscrone for a seaweed bathtub, a completely distinctive expertise relationship again to the twelfth century. Seaweed baths are so nice for you – however I feel the most effective half about this expertise is soaking within the outdated tubs and steam containers!
When you’re good and relaxed, head again to Ballina for a hearty dinner and extra conventional Irish music at Lillie’s Bar.
Day 3: Cultural Day
Spend the morning at Mount Falcon Aviary studying about birds of prey. Then transfer on to the historic Foxford Woollen Mills, the place you’ll find out about its significance to the city and group because it was established within the Nineties. That is the right time to purchase your self, and everybody you recognize, an genuine Irish wool memento!
Again in Ballina, you may spend the afternoon exploring the realm by bike. Go to the Belleek Woods, Monasteries of the Moy, and the Rosserk Friary. You possibly can simply lease a motorcycle (common or electrical) from Rachel’s Irish Adventures and have a superb afternoon exploring the countryside! Afterwards, unwind with a whiskey tasting after which dinner at Quay West.
Queen Maeve’s Hike
Biking County Mayo
Deserted Abby County Mayo
County Mayo Seacliffs
Croagh Patrick Hike
The River Moy in Ballina
Mount Falcon Aviary
Rouses Pub Dwell Music Saturday
Seaweed Tub
Day 4: Ceide Coast
It’s time to alter lodging, so pack up your stuff and take a look at of your lodge earlier than you head out for the day.
At this time begins off with a drive as much as see vistas of the North Atlantic Ocean from Downpatrick Head and a hike round for the morning. Get pleasure from lunch at Mary’s Bakery in Ballycastle earlier than heading to Ceide Fields for the afternoon. There you’ll see the oldest and most in depth Stone Age monument on this planet, consisting of megalithic tombs, homes, and relics coated by a pure, and completely distinctive, blanket lavatory.
Cease someplace for dinner or pop into the outlets to get elements to cook dinner your individual dinner at Ceide Glamping Pods. Collect round their fireplace pit earlier than settling in for the night time and getting night time’s relaxation. These glamping pods are to not be missed…they’re secluded and supply an excellent sundown. I truthfully didn’t need to depart them! So perhaps you need to keep two nights there and go mountaineering at Carrowteige the subsequent day! It’s my favourite hike in Eire!
The place to remain: Ceide Glamping Pods for one night time.
Day 5: Mayo’s Hidden Gems
Discover the grounds at Ceide Glamping Pods for a short time earlier than heading out to your longest drive but on this journey. At this time you’re headed all the best way to Achill Island is about 1.5 hours. I informed you it was an extended one (okay, perhaps not THAT lengthy), however there can be loads of spots to stretch your legs alongside the best way, like Ballycroy Nationwide Park.
With 15,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness, Ballycroy is most notably house to the Nephin Beg mountain vary and the Owenduff Bathroom – one of many final intact lively blanket lavatory techniques in Western Europe. There are many trails to discover, so plan for no less than a couple of hours right here.
As soon as prepared, proceed your journey to Achill Island – the most important island off Eire’s coast. Although sparsely inhabited, it’s recognized for its dramatic sea cliffs and Atlantic views. Upon arrival, test into your new lodging in Keel and unwind with a beachside sauna session at Achill Island Sauna, providing sizzling/chilly remedy simply steps from the ocean. This was one among my favourite experiences – I really like that you could run proper out of the sauna and into the freezing ocean – it’s exhilarating!
Finish the day with a soothing dinner at your lodging or one of many eating places on the town, having fun with a heat meal after a full day of outside adventures.
The place to remain: Bervie Guesthouse for one night time.
Day 6: Achill Island
At this time is all about exploring the pure magnificence and historical past of Achill Island. After packing up your stuff and filling your stomach, begin with a go to to Keem Seaside, typically praised as Eire’s most stunning seashore, the place turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs. And the drive there’s beautiful…you should definitely get a window view! From there, take a hike as much as these towering sea cliffs – a few of the highest in Eire – for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Subsequent, wander via the hauntingly stunning Abandoned Village at Slievemore, a group of stone cottages alongside a mile-long street that had been deserted throughout the famine period. Within the late afternoon, drive to Westport, a vigorous city recognized for its attraction and music scene. Settle in for the night with dinner and a pint at one among Westport’s iconic pubs, the place dwell conventional music fills the air. Matt Molloy’s might be the preferred – however you may’t go fallacious at any pub in Westport!
The place to remain: The Mariner Resort for one night time (or two if planning an extended itinerary).
Day 7: Killary Fjord & South Mayo
Spend your morning having fun with a scenic drive alongside Clew Bay, making a cease at Croagh Patrick – Eire’s holy mountain and a website of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Even when you don’t hike all the best way to the summit, the midway level additionally presents unimaginable views and mountaineering problem. If mountaineering isn’t your factor, then the bottom presents spectacular views of the height and the bay’s many drumlin islands.
If you happen to skipped the Croagh Patrick hike, then you definitely’ll have time to proceed into the guts of Connemara to go to Killary Sheep Farm. Right here you may witness conventional sheepdog demonstrations and find out about rural Irish farm life in a shocking fjord-side setting.
If right now is your closing day, now’s the time to catch a practice to Dublin from Westport to your flight house, or you may prolong your street journey to 10 or 14 days. On this case, I recommend staying in Clifden – an cute little city full of outlets and pubs.
Downpatrick Head Nation Mayo
DCIM100GOPROGOPR4034.JPG
Ceide Glamping Huts
Keem Seaside
Slievemore
Strolling via Slievemore outdated famine ruins
Downpatrick Head
10 Days in Eire: Into the Coronary heart of Clare: Doolin, Cliffs of Moher & the Burren
This expanded itinerary options the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the otherworldly landscapes of the Burren, providing a deeper look into Eire’s pure magnificence.
Day 8: Drive to Galway Metropolis
From Clifden, right now you’ll head south to Galway Metropolis. I recommend you rise up early and drive the beautiful Sky Highway. Or in case you are feeling extra lively – lease an ebike from Clifden Bike Store nestled within the cute native memento store – All Issues Connemara. Bike the Sky Highway and expertise it at a slower tempo! After your morning exploring Clifden, take the gradual route on the tremendous scenic Wild Atlantic Means in the direction of Galway Metropolis. Stroll across the metropolis and deal with your self to some advantageous eating on the town after all the pub meals! Check out Rúibín Bar & Restaurant for scrumptious seafood and cocktails! Then slowly stroll the streets, having fun with the buskers on each nook!
The place to Keep: Kinlay Hostel is a superb price range keep that has personal rooms and nice amenities. For a extra upscale keep, attempt Victoria Resort
Day 9: Discover the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin
At this time is all in regards to the Cliffs of Moher! This is without doubt one of the hottest sights in Eire – so it would be best to time your go to rigorously to keep away from the crowds. I recommend taking a gradual morning in Galway, or driving the gradual means alongside the Wild Atlantic Means to Doolin. Then within the late afternoon, when all the constitution buses are heading again to Dublin, now could be your time to move to the Cliffs of Moher!
I recommend taking a taxi from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher customer middle. This manner you don’t have to fret about parking and you’ll take a look at the customer middle. Begin by heading south across the Cliffs viewing space – after which stroll again north so far as you may go. You’ll finally depart the Cliffs of Moher space and find yourself mountaineering alongside the Burren Means, a coastal path from Cliffs of Moher customer middle to Doolin, timed excellent to coincide with sundown for an elevated expertise!
The customer middle is about 8km from Doolin alongside the Burren Means mountaineering path, which ought to take 2.5 to three hours – or longer, the extra stops you make to take footage! Make sure you deliver a raincoat as storms can roll in shortly alongside the Atlantic coast!
After you catch sundown on the coast after which go take heed to music and a few get pleasure from Guinness stew at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin.
I take into account this hike the finest method to see the Cliffs of Moher, so I’ve an entire submit devoted to my expertise doing this hike solo.
The place to remain: Suantrai Home in Doolin for 2 (or three if planning an extended itinerary).
Day 10: The Burren
At this time is a transition day, however don’t miss the possibility to discover the Burren, one among Eire’s most iconic and weird landscapes. Whether or not you’re wrapping up your journey or persevering with on with the total two-week Eire itinerary, I’ve some solutions for what to do within the Burren.
If leaving for house later: Begin early and make the quick drive from Doolin to Burren Nationwide Park, providing a number of mountaineering trails via its placing limestone pavement, together with grasslands, woodlands, and scrub habitats wealthy with distinctive wildlife. An exquisite method to spend your morning earlier than heading house.
If persevering with your itinerary: For a extra immersive expertise, take into account reserving a self-guided hike with Eire Stroll Hike Bike. I’ve praised them earlier than, and for good purpose—on my solo hike organized via them, my solely path companions had been curious cows, and the peace and solitude had been unforgettable.
Get 5% off any reserving with Eire Stroll Hike Bike if you use code OttsWorldIreland
Not within the temper for extra mountaineering? No drawback. You possibly can nonetheless discover the Burren by visiting a couple of key websites. Good if you happen to simply need to make a pitstop or two earlier than heading again to Dublin or persevering with on to County Kerry.
Persevering with your Eire journey? The place to remain: Ashe Resort in Tralee for two nights. They’ve a beautiful restaurant and bar, additionally within the lodge, you need to take a look at!
14 Days in Eire:
This complete itinerary gives a deep dive into Eire’s breathtaking southern finish of the Wild Atlantic Means, from rugged cliffs to charming cities.
Day 11: Uncover Dingle Peninsula’s Coastal & Cultural Gems
In your method to Dingle within the morning, drive over Conor Move – Eire’s tallest mountain move. It’s essentially the most dramatic and scenic method to arrive in Dingle. As soon as there, ensure you cease at my favourite ice cream retailer in Eire – Murphy’s Ice Cream. The store began in Dingle and has flavors like Brown bread and Gin ice cream! Subsequent, load up on cheese and chocolate from the Little Cheese Store to snack on when you drive the dramatic Slea Head loop. Cease at Dun Beg Fort and Dunquin Pier for sweeping Atlantic views. Then proceed on to the Gallarus Oratory, a well-preserved early Christian chapel that’s older than the Egyptian pyramids! Be sure that to stretch your legs on a brief hike alongside the coast or perhaps a seashore for a bit, too.
If you’re hungry for lunch, head to the South Pole Inn in Annascaul. You may marvel why it’s known as the South Pole Inn. As you’ll see, it was named such by Tom Crean, former proprietor of the inn, who joined Shackleton and Scott on a few of their South Pole expeditions within the early twentieth century.
After you’ve stuffed up on meals and enjoyable Tom Crean information, transfer on to Gleann na Gealt, nicknamed the Valley of the Mad. There are tales that say coming to this valley cures psychological sickness – even kings had been cured of their insanity right here. It was solely comparatively just lately that the water was examined and located to comprise lithium, which is a drug typically used to deal with psychological well being circumstances.
Head again to Tralee for the night time for dinner at your lodging or one of many eating places on the town.
Day 12: Drive the Ring of Kerry
Your first stretch takes you alongside coastal roads towards the charming city of Killorglin, good for grabbing a espresso and snapping pictures of the River Laune. From there, proceed via Glenbeigh with views over Rossbeigh Seaside, a lovely spot to drag over and stroll alongside the sand or admire sweeping Atlantic vistas.
Round noon, arrive at Kells Bay Home & Gardens for lunch. Take time to walk via the plush, subtropical gardens, well-known for his or her large ferns and coastal setting. Afterward, proceed south towards Cahersiveen, with an non-compulsory fast go to to the ruins of Ballycarbery Fortress or a cease on the historic Valentia Island bridge for pictures of the harbor and mountains.
Make sure you make a fast cease on the Kerry Cliffs – one other spectacular set of rugged coastal cliffs and waves. This website isn’t as busy because the Cliffs of Moher however simply as stunning. Proceed on and make a fast cease on the Skelligs Chocolate Manufacturing unit and Cafe for a particular deal with!
Within the afternoon, observe the coastal street via Waterville and Sneem, having fun with dramatic views over Kenmare Bay. Find time for a brief leg-stretch at Women View for panoramic photographs of Killarney’s lakes and mountains. End your day close to Killarney Nationwide Park, checking in to your lodging able to discover its trails, lakes, and historic websites the subsequent morning.
It’ll be an extended day, nevertheless, when you’ve got the vitality, cease by Courtney’s Pub for some dwell music.
The place to remain: Killarney Avenue Resort close by for 1 night time. Or the Ross lodge. Each are within the coronary heart of the city, the place you may stroll to something.
If in case you have an additional day – you could need to keep in Portmagee and catch an early boat to the Skellig Islands the subsequent morning. The distant islands are essentially the most well-known and hardest to get to in Eire!
Day 13: Morning in Killarney & Return to Dublin
Spend your closing morning immersed within the coronary heart of Killarney Nationwide Park. Right here you may hike or go to Muckross Home and Gardens, one of many park’s most beloved highlights. Tour the grand Nineteenth-century mansion with its interval rooms and discover the superbly maintained gardens that overlook the lakes and mountains.
Stroll alongside close by trails via lush woodlands to the scenic Torc Waterfall. I additionally love visiting the Abbey within the park. Don’t miss the traditional Yew tree in the midst of the Abbey! After absorbing these iconic sights, return your rental automobile in time to catch a bus to Dublin for the night time.
Get pleasure from a closing night of music at a vigorous pub, a leisurely stroll alongside the River Liffey, or a comfortable meal in one of many metropolis’s historic pubs. Being in Dublin the night time earlier than your flight additionally means you may keep away from an early-morning cross-country rush, guaranteeing a clean, hassle-free departure and time to mirror in your journey via Eire’s wild and exquisite west.
The place to Keep: My favourite lodge in Dublin is Zanzibar Locke – an awesome location and actually trendy!
Yew Tree Muckrose Abbey
Skellig Islands
Ring of Kerry Shoreline
Kerry Cliffs
Dingle City
Torc Waterfall
Ring of Kerry Views
Murphy’s Ice Cream Dingle
On daily basis gained’t be like this…
Cheese Store Dingle
Gallorus Oratory Dingle
Dunquin Pier Dingle
Dingle Peninsula
Day 14: Last Day in Eire
Ending your two-week West Coast street journey in Dublin presents the right transition earlier than flying house, supplying you with an opportunity to relaxation and mirror on the epic journey you simply skilled.
Eire Journey Sources
My favourite native guides and corporations for Eire excursions
These are the businesses I work with, and I fortunately name these small enterprise house owners my buddies.
Eire Tourism Web site – Stuffed with details about occasions and issues to do
I hope you fall in love with Emerald Isle like I did! I’m completely happy to reply any questions you may have about journey in Eire or customizations of those Eire journey itineraries!
Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Touring in Western Eire
5 Journey Necessities to Take On Each Journey
Klean Kanteen 16oz (w/ Café Cap)
One of many issues I like about Klean Kanteen is that they’ve a system the place you actually simply must buy one insulated bottle after which use their interchangeable caps to your completely different wants; caps for sipping drinks, straws lids for chilly drinks, or chug caps. One bottle is basically all you want!
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08/22/2025 02:05 pm GMT
My prime choose
Journey Important
Eagle Creek Packing Organizers
Packing organizers are the important thing to packing happiness – they flip your bag into a bit of furnishings. I take advantage of mine to arrange my several types of garments, identical to I might a dresser; one has t-shits, one has pants, one has sweaters. You get the thought – it’s packing bliss. I take advantage of and love Eagle Creek packing options.
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Favourite Model – Girl Owned
Wallaroo Hats
I really like all of their types and usually at all times have no less than 2 of their completely different hats with me on each journey I take! All of their types supply excellent solar safety. The Pores and skin Most cancers Basis recommends the fabric of each Wallaroo hat with a UPF ranking and a 3+ inch brim as an efficient UV protectant. Plus – they’ve so many modern types!
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Peak Design Tech Pouch
I really like this pouch – you may match a lot into it – it truly is misleading! Whether or not storing cables, on a regular basis gear, or journey necessities, Tech Pouch presents unequalled group and ease of entry. Origami-style pockets create huge spatial effectivity, letting you pack extra right into a smaller house whereas maintaining your gadgets neatly organized and straightforward to search out. This goes on each journey with me!
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My High 5 Items of Climbing Gear
Ottsworld Favourite
Title 9 Clamber Pants
I really like these pants!! They’re nice for fall/spring, are stretchy, however water-resistant, with nice pockets! I really like the stretchy waist band because it suits me with out having to make use of a belt.
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Ottsworld Favourite
Osprey Sirrus 24L Backpack
That is my ‘go-to’ day pack for mountaineering. It is acquired an awesome hip belt and assist. It comes with a rain cowl – no want to purchase it individually! My favourite characteristic is the Stow and Go Trekking Pole performance – you may retailer and simply get out your mountaineering poles with out taking off your pack! Huge water bottle holders and house for a water bladder! The proper pack!
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08/22/2025 02:04 pm GMT
Ottsworld Favourite
Oboz Ladies’s Bridger Bdry Climbing Boot
My favourite mountaineering boot. I’ve hiked with them all around the world. Rugged boots with nice footbed assist. Sole is nice for rocky trails, and the colour is fairly cute too! Nice for exhausting hikes and via hikes.
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I do not depart house with out it!
Cotton Provider G3 Digicam Harness
I do not go on a visit with out this harness! It permits me to be palms free when mountaineering and snowshoeing. I’ve additionally used it whereas horseback driving. It has saved my neck and again and it a safe, wholesome method to carry my digital camera!
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Montem Extremely Gentle 100% Carbon Fiber Climbing Poles
One Pair (2 Poles) – Extremely Gentle, Fast Locking, and Extremely Sturdy
These are an awesome price range choice for mountaineering poles.
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08/22/2025 11:04 pm GMT
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