I may be a bit biased, but Ireland is one of my favorite countries in the world. (I also might be obliged to say this as I met my husband in Dublin 11 years ago…) 

I first visited Ireland in 2013 with a friend for a family wedding, and it was love at first sight. Both with my husband, but also with the country itself. 

I fell in love with its stunning landscapes & rolling hills, rich history, and vibrant & warm culture. I loved the connection to its traditions from music to meals, and I got a real sense of the pride that was felt to be Irish. 

(As someone who always touted my 25% Irish ancestry, I felt pride through proximity.)

No matter your interests, Ireland is a destination that captivates the hearts of travelers. From the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the scenic Ring of Kerry to the lively streets of Dublin and the ancient ruins scattered across the countryside, Ireland offers a diverse array of experiences. 

Whether you have 3 days or 3 weeks, Ireland promises an unforgettable adventure.

Here are my tried-and-true recommendations for the perfect road trip through Ireland.

Dublin: 

Dublin will always hold a very special place in my heart, as it’s where I met my now husband almost 11 years ago. As you’ll likely fly into Dublin International Airport, Dublin is the perfect place to start your Irish adventure. Teeming with history, lively culture and a bit of mischief, it won’t take long to see why it’s one of my favorites!

If you’re looking to be amongst it all, there’s no better spot than Temple Bar Hotel. Located right in the heart of Temple Bar and in walking distance to many of the sites and attractions, Temple Bar Hotel is a beautifully appointed venue. You can request a room not facing the main street to avoid any noise from late night partygoers. 

Top Highlights:

• Just walking around Temple Bar is an excursion in and of itself. There are so many old pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops to explore. 
• Take a stroll through St Stephens Park. Pro Tip: If you have children, there’s a great playground here to let them get their energy out!
• Learn about the history of Guinness and enjoy 360 degree views at the top at the Guinness Factory
• Sip your way through the Jameson Distillery
• Go back in time at the historic Kilmainham Gaol Museum
• Walk across Ha Penny Bridge
• Feel like a student again at Trinity College 
• Enjoy the history of Dublin Castle
• Say hi to the Molly Malone Statue
• Pro Tip: The Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour is an excellent way to see many of these sites in one day if you’re short on time!

Day Trip -> I highly recommend driving to the seaside town of Howth (25 min drive) and hiking the Howth Summit Walk (8km). Stop in the village of Howth for lunch at O'Connells, which is famous for its beef & Guinness pie. You can also skip the hike and head straight to the seaside village to enjoy a change of scenery for citylife. 

Where to Eat & Drink: 

The Church - Enjoy dinner in a restored, 300-year old church, where they showcase Irish step dancing on a nightly basis. This is an absolute must, and it was one of the most unique places we ate all through Ireland. Reservation required. Drinks at the bar are also an option if you miss out on a reservation.

• The Old Storehouse - Classic pub for lunch (& also great for late night vibes with live music with much more of a younger, backpacker crowd)
• Oliver St. John Gogarty Pub - Lively pub at night for those looking for a good time!
• Yamamoto Japanase - Fabulous Japanese for those craving warm Ramen on a cold day!
• Chicobo  - Charming cafe over the Ha Penny Bridge with great avocado toast and coffee
• Elephant & Castle - Not far from Temple Bar Hotel, Elephant & Castle offers great breakfast selections and is one of the earlier cafes to open in the morning if you’re looking for an earlier bite to  eat.
• The Bank on College Green - For an elevated night out, Elegant bar with live piano music and chandeliers hanging from an intricately decorated ceiling.
• Other Restaurants to Note: Brazen Head, L Milligans Grocer, Mary’s Bar & Variety Jones

Remember many places require a reservation, so be sure to call ahead to avoid being disappointed. 

‍Cork: 

Cork is a charming city about 3 hours south of Dublin. You’ll likely stay here if you’re visiting Blarney Stone & Castle or if you’re heading farther south to Bantry Bay. With lots of restaurants, shopping and art galleries, it’s a great city to walk around for a day.

‍Imperial Hotel Downtown Cork - This luxury hotel is a timeless landmark, located in the heart of Cork City, making it a perfect place to explore all that the city has to offer by foot. With over 200 years of history, The Imperial Hotel is known by many as the ‘Grande Dame’ of Cork. I love the spacious rooms and high ceilings, which is hard to come by in hotels across Ireland.

‍Top Highlights: 

• Explore the history and beauty of Blarney Stone & Castle. (It was well worth the drive and the visit) Pro Tip: Give yourself plenty of time to explore and take in the beauty of the property. 
• Walk & shop around the River Lee
• Experience the hustle and bustle of one of Europe’s oldest markets - the English Market in Cork.

‍Where To Eat:

• The Oliver Plunkett: A traditional Irish pub, famous for live music, dance and classic Irish fare. Open throughout the day, it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat and rest in between your adventures.  
• Sketch: Located on the bottom floor of The Imperial Hotel, Sketch is best known for its famous High Tea. 

‍Killarney: 

Killarney is hands down one of my favorite places in all of Ireland. From the stunning landscapes, rich history, amazing hikes & bike rides, world class golfing, boat trips on the lake and more, there is something for everyone. Next time we go back to Ireland, we will definitely plan to spend more time in this gorgeous area of the country.

When it comes to accommodation in Killarney, look no further than the Muckross Park Hotel & Spa. This hotel was absolutely stunning, set amongst the Killarney National Park and within walking distance to Muckross Abbey and The Blue Pools. You feel as if you’ve stepped back in time (the 18th century to be exact) without sacrificing modern technology & style. The Spa is a total 5-Star experience with complimentary access to their Vitality Spa - equipped with jacuzzis, sauna, steam rooms and more.

‍Top Highlights:

• Explore the ancient ruins of Muckross Abbey 
• Hike to the Torc Waterfall
• Walk to The Blue Pools 
• Take a Jaunting Car through the Gap of Dunloe (Note: You can also hike the Gap as well.) 
• Treat yourself at Muckross Spa 
• Explore Ross Castle & Ross Island Walk 
• Take a boat tour on the lake 
• Golf 18-holes at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
• If you have the time, drive through the Ring Kerry and stop at various look out points (120km total). You can also take a day tour with a local operator.
• Have Kids? Head to Muckross Traditional Farms to interact with animals and farm life!

‍Where To Eat: 

• Murphy's is a classic Irish pub in Killarney town with traditional dishes to choose from.
• Porterhouse had an excellent selection of Irish & International meals and an incredible hospitable staff.
• JM Reidys is a really fun multi-room bar with live music in many of its rooms. We were recommended to go here by a local, and it didn't disappoint.
• Kate's Cafe is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat before embarking on a Jaunting Car or starting your hike at the Gap of Dunloe

‍Cliffs of Moher / Doolin:

Many people take a Day Tour on a bus from Galway or Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher. If time allows, I highly recommend staying a night or two in the town of Doolin. Known to be the traditional music capital of Ireland, I loved the quaint seaside charm of this small village with gourmet restaurants, classic pubs and locally-owned ice cream shops to choose from! Pro Tip: If you stay in Doolin, you can beat the crowds by waking up early to hike the Cliffs of Moher before the tour buses arrive. 

‍Note: The roads are very narrow here and at times turn into one-ways just by nature, so just be careful driving at night. 

As you can imagine, in a small town there isn’t a huge selection of accommodation options to choose from. We were visiting Doolin during a busy bank holiday weekend so many of the B&Bs were already booked. We did however find this gorgeous Airbnb in County Clare, just a short drive away from the Cliffs of Moher. It was the most peaceful place we stayed with wild horses and lots of small animals around the property. (Pro Tip: Ask for the room with the view of sunset!) 

‍Top Highlights:‍

• If you’re driving from Killarney, stop in the town of Ennis on the way to Doolin. Ennis is a quaint village and highly recommend grabbing lunch and shopping here. (We ate Brogran’s.)
• Cliffs of Moher is the main attraction in this area. To avoid the crowds, I recommend planning a Sunset stop at the Main Visitor Center. The next morning, wake up early and experience Sunrise there as well. 
• Hike the Cliffs South Coastal Walk (about 6-7km). After the first 20 minutes of walking south, there are minimal tourists and incredible view points. 
• Take a boat trip to the Aran Islands 
• Journey to the Great Stalactite at Doolin Cave & Visitor Centre
• Watch the sunset from Doolin Pier

‍Where To Eat: 

• The Ivy Cottage is an adorable restaurant off the Doolin Pier with world class seafood and dishes. 
• Gus O'Connor's is a traditional tavern that opened in 1832, offering Irish food, outdoor benches and a great live music scene.
• Anthony’s Restaurant is more upscale, and situated in town, known for its fantastic sunset views. 
• Satisfy your sweet tooth at Doolin Ice Cream

‍Galway: 

Galway is one of my favorite cities in the world. With live music on every corner, a culinary experience like none other and the close proximity to the sea, Galway is a convergence of culture, while still offering a traditional Irish experience.

If you’re looking for a welcoming, homey stay, Sea Breeze B&B is one of the top recommended Bed & Breakfasts in the area, with sea views and cozy rooms. Note: They don’t typically allow children under the age of 12 to stay at the property.

‍Top Highlights: ‍

• Walk down the famous pedestrian streets - Shop Street & Quay Street - for shopping, food and live music on every corner
• Take a stroll around Millennial Park
• Take the boardwalk alongside the river towards Newtown Smith
• Step under the historic Spanish Arches 
• Purchase a Claddagh Ring
• Look at the gorgeous architecture of Galway Cathedral 
• Explore the Galway City Museum 
• Looking for a party? Viking Pub Crawl is an exciting night out!

If you have time, consider taking a Day Trip or adding a few days to your itinerary to Connemara National Park - boasting of world class hikes and viewpoints. Diamond Hill Hike is high on my hiking bucket list!

‍Where To Eat:  ‍

• Cava Bodega is a Spanish-style Tapas restaurant with incredible food and drinks. Reservations are recommended.
• Head to Taffes for live music
• Looking for a late night spot? Dails is your go-to!
• The Quay Street Kitchen is easily the best meal I had in Ireland. Small, quaint and no reservations taken. Arrive right as they open for lunch and you’ll likely be able to grab a table. 
• The Dough Bros for pizza

‍Enniscrone: 

Enniscrone is a small, classic Irish beach town with an expansive beach and cute seaside village. I originally came here for a wedding in 2013, and have been back since to bring my own growing family. It’s a family-friendly town that offers a much-needed sea escape. 

If you’re looking to add a castle experience to your trip to Ireland, Belleek Castle is a wonderful choice. Surrounded by enchanting woodland, you’ll feel as though you stepped into a fairy tale. With miles of walking trails around the property, there is so much to do and explore and escape the hustle and bustle of the more crowded cities. The rooms look and feel majestic, and a tour of the castle is a must!

‍Top Highlights:

• Take a traditional seaweed bath at the historic Kilcullen's Seaweed Baths & Spa 
• Sunbathe, play in the sand or take a cold plunge at Enniscrone Beach
• Feel like a kid again at this classic beachside Arcade
• Explore the history of Belleek Castle with their Castle Tour
• Walk around the Belleek Forest an check out the Fairy Trail
• Depending on the season, there are surf lessons available at Enniscrone.

‍Where to Eat:

• Ait Eile Restaurant and Gilroy’s Bar
• Surfs Up Cage 
• Jack Fenn's at Belleek Castle

Ireland truly has something for every type of traveler, and you'll never be the same after experiencing the culture and hospitality. I hope this guide serves as a foundation for you to start planning your Bucket List trip to Ireland. Ready to make the dream a reality? As a Certified Travel Advisor, I’m here to support you in designing the trip of a lifetime, utilizing my expertise and industry partnerships. Let’s chat!

Happy Exploring,

Kelly