10 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Ireland Road Trip

Take to the open road for this wide-ranging driving tour of Ireland's highlights, from the Cliffs of Moher to the Ring of Kerry.

The adventure starts in Dublin, where you'll stop for a Guinness at the legendary St. James's Gate Brewery. The next day, pick up a rental car and drive to the village of Laragh. From there, you'll walk through the forest to the monastic village of Glendalough and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing and hiking in the surrounding region. Continue onto Cork, stopping to see the Rock of Cashel along the way.

Killarney Castle is next, while the famous drive along the Ring of Kerry awaits on Day 5. The latter part of the trip is all about dramatic scenery as you drive to Slea Head and the Dingle Peninsula, then continue on to the Cliffs of Moher. Spend a day sightseeing in Galway before venturing by boat to the Aran Islands—a haven for hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts—on Day 9. Return to Dublin, where the trip ends, on Day 10. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Discover the Dingle Peninsula 

The natural beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, including islands, oak forests, and beautiful stretches of coastline, is front and center on this outdoorsy itinerary.

Begin in the transport hub of Tralee. From there, you'll hike along the Dingle Way to the village of Camp, where you'll spend a night. Continue on through boglands to beautiful Inch Beach. The hike continues past a 16th-century castle and along country roads that lead to charming Dingle Town. On Day 5, you'll pass the early Christian site of Kilcolman on your way to Ventry Beach, Slea Head, and picturesque Dunquin. 

The second part of the trip takes you to the Blasket Islands by ferry. Walk around and picnic on the shores of Great Blasket Island, then continue on to Killarney, the gateway to Killarney National Park. After exploring the park, you'll hike onward the next day, passing through dense oak forest en route to Kenmare. On the last full day of the trip, enjoy the lovely walk from Kenmare to Sneem, a route that features incredible views across the surrounding mountains and the Beara Peninsula. Spend one last night in Kenmare before the trip comes to a close. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Cycling Tour of Western Ireland

Cycle past medieval castles, whiskey distilleries, and dramatic rock cliffs—and put your bike on a ferry to take it to the Aran Islands for a spin—on this bicycle tour of western Ireland.

The trip starts in the village of Ennis. Take a short cycle to Knappogue Castle before grabbing a pint at the local pub and getting some rest. On Day 2, pedal to Kilrush along the north shore of the Shannon River Estuary with beautiful views over North Kerry and Scattery Island. The next day brings a 27-mile ride along the Wild Atlantic Way with views of the Cliffs of Moher, followed by a break for fish and chips in the seaside town of Kilkee.

Continue pedaling along the scenic shores of County Clare, stopping in Spanish Point to learn about shipwrecks in the area. After a 23-mile route on Day 5, relax in the town of Doolin and catch some traditional Irish music over dinner or a beer. You'll have to get off your bike the next day—hiking is preferable, given the terrain—to explore the limestone slabs and rocky hills of the Burren. Then board a ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, and spend a day and night in colorful Galway before finishing up the trip with a visit to the iconic sea stack at Downpatrick Head and a drink at the Connacht Whiskey Company. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Explore Dublin & the Northern Coastline

This colorful trip plan has something for everyone—urban adventure, wildlife viewing, beautiful beaches, and free-flowing beer, to name a few.

Kick off the trip with a walking tour of Dublin and a kayaking adventure on the River Liffey. Move onto Belfast on Day 2, heading to Cave Hill Country Park to see Belfast Castle and enjoy views over the city. You'll take a black cab tour of the city the next day before continuing on to the Glens of Antrim. The next day, explore the unique geological landscape of the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Dunluce Castle and Old Bushmills Distillery, Ireland's oldest working distillery.

On Day 5, catch the ferry to Rathlin Island to see a resident puffin colony and a historic lighthouse. Then head to Donegal and go for a hike at Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland, which served as the backdrop for the 2017 Star Wars film. On Day 7, visit Glenveagh National Park and hike to some of the highest cliffs in all of Ireland at Slieve League. Then take a half-day kayak tour, including an island picnic, at Lough Gill. Circling back towards Dublin, where the trip ends, stop to see megalithic sites around Sligo. Finally, enjoy one last night in the bustling capital city before flying out. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Northern Ireland Road Trip Adventure

Explore Northern Ireland at your own pace—including two national parks, the Aran Islands, and the cities of Dublin, Galway, and Belfast—on this diverse road trip around the region.

The capital city of Dublin is where the journey begins. Do some sightseeing and have a pint at a corner pub before picking up your rental car and continuing on to Galway on Day 2. From there, you'll visit one of the Aran Islands and spend a day hiking in remote and beautiful Connemara National Park. The colorful village of Westport will be your home base for a few nights as you side-trip to gorgeous Achill Island, famous in Ireland for its dramatic landscapes.

The drive continues onward to Donegal. You'll visit Ceide Fields, a 5,500-year-old Neolithic site, and walk along the windswept coastal trail that leads to the awe-inspiring sea stack at Downpatrick Head. Overnight in Letterkenny before venturing to the geological wonders of the Giants Causeway and driving along the scenic Antrim Coast. On Day 9, you'll spend the day sightseeing in Belfast, where you can take a black cab tour, see the Titanic Exhibition, and have one last Irish-style night out before returning the rental car and flying out the next day. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Ireland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ireland? Check out these 10-day itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.