After spending a length of time in Ireland, I’m sharing with you the ultimate 8 to 10 days itinerary for exploring the country. Deciding where to go in Ireland can be tricky, and this Ireland itinerary will help you decide your travel plans.
When I embarked on this itinerary last month, I had no idea what to expect for my Ireland road trip. After doing lengthy research, deciding where to stay during our trip, and more, I felt we were well-prepped. I had only booked us in for an 8-night trip, and by the end, wished I had much longer.
Ireland, while not large, has so much to offer in experiences. Where you have large popular cities like Dublin and Galway, you also have these incredible small towns like Kilkenny and Kinsale. And between it all, stunning lush landscapes across the Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula. You’ll easily see why it’s called the “Emerald Isle” once you get out in the countryside.
One of my big takeaways from the trip was that some of the real gems are outside of Dublin. While Dublin is an exciting city, in my opinion, the countryside has much more to enjoy. So I’ve put together what I feel is the ultimate Ireland itinerary that can be tailored from 8-10 days (or even a week.). It has the big hits, it’s not a rushed itinerary, but rather a slower-paced one with a take-it-all-in feel to it.
Alright ready to plan your trip to Ireland? Read on to plan your itinerary for 8-10 days in Ireland.
Short on Time? Here is the Ultimate Ireland Itinerary for 8-10 Days:
Stop 1: Kinsale — 2 nights
Fly into Cork or Dublin Airport, then head to Kinsale.
- Actons Hotel Kinsale, for the best in-town stay
- The Old Bankhouse, for the best boutique hotel stay
- Perryville House, for the best luxury B&B stay
- 1 Bedroom Waterfront Apartment with Panoramic Views (Where We Stayed), for the best uninterrupted harbour views and calming seaside vibe
- 1 Bedroom Waterfront Guest Suite, for the best snug coastal escape in the heart of town
Stop 2: Killarney — 4 nights
Explore Killarney, Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, and Gap of Dunloe.
- Great Southern Killarney (Where We Stayed), for the best overall hotel
- Cahernane House Hotel, for the quintessential Ireland experience
- The Lake Hotel, for the best family-friendly lakefront hotel
- 1 Bedroom Town Center Apartment with Free Parking, for the best central base if you’re traveling with a car
- 1 Bedroom Town Center Apartment, for the best walkable stay right in the middle of town
Stop 3: Dublin — 2 nights
Explore Dublin: Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College Book of Kells, and walk the neighborhoods.
- The Shelbourne, for the best overall hotel
- The Fitzwilliam Hotel, for the best luxury boutique hotel
- Stauntons on the Green, for the best classic hotel
- Studio Boutique Apartment near St Stephen’s Green, for the best museum-district base steps from the park and city center
- 1 Bedroom Serviced Apartment in Temple Bar, for the best hotel-style stay with apartment comforts in a central riverside location
Stop 4: Add nights in Dublin, Galway, or Limerick — 2 nights
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
For more in-depth Ireland resources, don’t miss my one week Wild Atlantic Way itinerary and in-depth guides to Kinsale, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, and the Gap of Dunloe! If you’re traveling as a family, check out my guide to visiting Ireland with a toddler.
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Ireland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Ireland is quite easy, and while you drive on the opposite side, you’ll get used to it quickly (For more, read my guide to renting a car in Ireland). Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Ultimate Ireland 8 to 10 Days Itinerary
Ireland Travel Tips Before You Arrive
Do Book a Rental Car at the Airport
If I could make one single suggestion, it’s to rent a car when you land at the airport and take off from there. I rent all of our Europe rental cars on Discover Cars for the best rate, picking a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt, and taking an automatic car. Getting your rental car at the airport, whether you fly into Dublin Airport or Cork Airport, allows you to hit the road right away. I would keep Dublin for instance, for the end of your trip to reduce having to get a car later on in the trip. Book a rental car with Discover Cars here.
You Drive on the Left Side of the Road
As a former British Colony until 1922, Ireland drives on the left-hand road. It may seem scary at first, but I promise you’ll sort it out fast. It takes about an hour of driving until you feel comfortable, and as always just follow the traffic and slow down.
Have Mobile Cell Coverage
You will need to have some kind of cell coverage to navigate your trip in Ireland. Whether you get an e-sim or have international coverage with your carrier, be sure to plan. The roads are already tricky to navigate, so having cell access is very important.
Plan for Weather
The downside of a tight itinerary in Ireland is that the weather may not always be in your favor. I would have an extra half-day in each location if you can so that you can switch your itinerary around if need be. We lucked out in June with only a single morning of light rain, so we were not super impacted. But I know many people who get rained out or have tough weather.
Consider Flying into a Regional Airport
As you’ll see in this itinerary, you could fly into Cork or Dublin Airport. Cork Airport would cut down almost 2.5 hours of driving, so when you search for flights, consider your options. Flights from neighboring countries fly all over into Ireland, so you have options depending on how you plan your itinerary.
Currency, Language, & Outlets
In Ireland, you will use euros to pay for things. I found most places take credit cards, but it is advisable to always have some cash on you. The two official languages of Ireland are English and Irish (Gaeilge) which is why you’ll see signage in both. In Ireland, you will need an outlet adaptor for plug type G (same as UK) — I love this one with multiple USB options.
8 to 10 Day Ireland Itinerary
- Day 1: Fly into Cork or Dublin Airport, head to Kinsale
- Day 2: Kinsale
- Day 3: Killarney
- Day 4: Dingle Peninsula + Slea Head Drive
- Day 5: Killarney National Park
- Day 6: Ring of Kerry / Gap of Dunloe
- Day 7: Drive to Dublin
- Day 8: Dublin Departure
- For 9-10 Days: Add a night in Dublin, Galway, or Limerick
Day 1: Arrive in Ireland and Drive to Kinsale
Arriving in Ireland
When you arrive in the airport, the first thing I would do is pick up your rental car there. It will be so much easier (and often cheaper) to get it on arrival. I always book my rental cars on Discover Cars and take the full coverage in addition to my credit card insurance. You’ll find driving in Ireland may take some time to get used to but don’t worry you’ll figure it out. I would plan to fly into either Dublin or Cork if you can before hitting the road to the small seaside town of Kinsale.
Where to Stay in Kinsale
Pre-book your accommodations well in advance in Kinsale — it sells out fast in the summer months. Private vacation rentals like this 1 Bedroom Waterfront Apartment with Panoramic Views, this 1 Bedroom Waterfront Guest Suite, or this 2 Bedroom Stylish Apartment with Parking are great options. If you’re looking for a hotel stay, I would consider either Actons Hotel Kinsale,The Old Bankhouse, or the Perryville House.
Kinsale
Get settled in Kinsale. You’ll likely get there in the mid-afternoon, so make your way to town. I’d stroll the colorful streets, and pop into some shops like Kinsale Leather, Mamukko Shop, and Ruxx. If you’re craving an ice cream, head straight to JESK. For dinner, I would do something on the more casual side like The Spaniard Inn or The Black Pig. And if you want to stretch your legs more, embark on the short but scenic Scilly Walk.
Read: A Slow Traveler’s Guide to Kinsale
Day 2: Kinsale and Beyond
A Kinsale Morning
I would start your morning back in town with a hearty breakfast at Lemon Leaf. It’s a quintessential brunch spot in Kinsale, then afterward grab a coffee to go from The Collector. Stroll town early before the crowds tend to appear by mid-morning.
If the weather is right, drive out to Old Head of Kinsale for epic views, and on your way back, stop by Blacks Brewery and Distillery to sample local spirits. If you want to explore more regional food, I’d book this foodie walking tour experience through Kinsale with this highly-rated tour.
Other must-see experiences include a visit to Charles Fort and you could also consider hopping on a harbor cruise depending on the weather. For lunch, a favorite town was Fishy Fishy for all things seafood — don’t miss the oysters.
Afternoon Cork or Blarney Castle & Gardens
When looking beyond Kinsale, there are two distinct places to consider visiting within an hour’s drive. The town of Cork or Blarney Castle & Gardens. Both are unique experiences and worth a visit, though I lean towards Blarney Castle myself. Though, you may be content to just enjoy Kinsale and call it a day which is very much what we did on our trip.
Dinner in Kinsale
Booking in advance is a must, so let me say it now—book ahead for a dinner at Saint Francis Provisions. As one of the top culinary locations in Ireland, no one else does food like Saint Francis. It’s a fresh take on local provisions inspired by European flare and just a total gem box of a restaurant. This is where I’d book for your last night.
Read: A Slow Traveler’s Guide to Kinsale
Day 3: Head to Killarney
Make The Drive to Killarney
Make the journey in the morning out to Killarney. It’s a slow, scenic drive through pastoral lands that takes about 1.5 hours to get to. The beauty of it is you’ll be there in a short time so you have a proper day to stroll the town. Once there, settle in and go enjoy the town. It’s small but full of stores, art, and many restaurants. One sight to consider visiting is Killarney House and Gardens on this day.
Where to Stay in Killarney
For our trip, we had 4 nights at the Great Southern Killarney right in the heart of town. It felt like a second home, incredibly kid-friendly with everything we needed for our stay. The Killarney Park, The Ross, and The Lake Hotel were a few other options that also caught my eye. For private vacation rentals, consider this 1 Bedroom Town Center Apartment with Free Parking, this 1 Bedroom Town Center Apartment, or this 3 Bedroom Restored Terrace House near Killarney National Park.
A Night in Killarney
The town of Killarney comes alive at night. You’ll hear “trad” live music playing out of the local pubs, people spilling into the streets, and restaurants packed. It’s an energetic vibe. I highly recommend booking in at The Laurels Pub & Restaurant for one of the best traditional Irish meals in town. Consider the lamb roast, beef roast, and kids menu a total hit.
Read: The Ultimate Killarney Guide
Day 4: Dingle Peninsula
Dingle Peninsula Morning
Make an early start for the Dingle Peninsula this morning (1-hour drive), and try to arrive by 9 am to enjoy the town sans the crowds. Go to the Bean in Dingle for all of your caffeine needs, and enjoy a quiet stroll through the colorful coastal town. If you need to stretch your legs, continue to Ventry Bay Beach, one of the best beaches in Ireland. Many come to post up, surf, and enjoy other outdoor activities.
The Slea Head Drive Afternoon
The entire reason for heading to the Dingle Peninsula is to embark on the Slea Head Drive. It’s a short loop drive that combines stunning rolling pastures to sheer cliffs with turquoise ocean waters. Along the way, historic sites, scenic views, beaches, and idyllic spots to enjoy. I have you covered with a detailed Dingle Peninsula guide on how to enjoy this drive, where to stop and eat, and more exciting adventures like the Conor Pass.
Dingle Town Night
After finishing up your scenic drive to Conor Pass, I would come back into Dingle for dinner. There are several great restaurants, and The Fish Box was our pick for the night. The town does get quieter come 5 pm, but many shops also close around this time so keep this in mind.
Read: The Dingle Peninsula Guide + Slea Head Drive
Day 5: Killarney National Park
A Full Day in Killarney National Park
Take your time enjoying Killarney National Park as there are endless things to do. What I love about the national park is that nearly almost everything is within a 15-minute drive of each other. I think one of the best ways to visit the park is both on foot or by renting a bike from this company for the day (just know bikes are restricted in some places). We split our day doing two things — one part on foot and the other with a leisure bike ride.
Here is where not to miss:
- Muckross House & Gardens
- Muckross Abbey
- Ross Castle
- Lake Cruise
- Torc Waterfall
- Ladies View
- Dinis Cottage for coffee/tea/pastries (1 mile walk out)
Read: The Ultimate Killarney Guide
Day 6: Ring of Kerry / Gap of Dunloe
Optional Morning: Ring of Kerry
While we had grand plans to embark on more of the Ring of Kerry, we opted for a slower morning in town. So I still want to share where you could consider going if you’re itching to see more of the Ring of Kerry beyond Killarney National Park. Some popular sights you could head to include places like Rossbeigh Beach, Ballycarbery Castle, Kerry Cliffs (Aillte Chiarraí), Derrynane Beach, and the town of Kenmare.
Afternoon in the Gap of Dunloe
Our second favorite excursion we did was to the Gap of Dunloe. This insanely picturesque, narrow pass through the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain cannot be missed. There are a few ways to experience it — if you arrive late in the afternoon, I would just drive it. If you want to take it all in, then consider parking your car at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and walking the paved road stretch. And as always, I have a very detailed guide on the Gap of Dunloe for how to visit it. At the end of your time there, stop into Kate Kearney’s Cottage for a meal.
Read: The Gap of Dunloe Guide
Day 7: Drive to Dublin
A Day in Dublin
It’s time to embark on your drive back to Dublin where you’ll likely be catching your departing flight. This is your opportunity to add in an extra night or two elsewhere (more on that below). But if not, make your way back to get the most of the city. As you arrive in Dublin, you’ll find a much different pace of life here.
Where to Stay in Dublin
I would recommend staying somewhere close to either Merrion Square or St Stephen’s Green. It will be the most peaceful option with still great proximity to everything. If I could pick, I’d stay at The Shelbourne, The Fitzwilliam Hotel, or Stauntons on the Green. For vacation rentals, this Studio Boutique Apartment near St Stephen’s Green and 1 Bedroom Serviced Apartment in Temple Bar are my top picks.
Dublin
If you have about a half day, I would consider visiting the major hits. Save Temple Bar for the night when the energy goes up a notch. Stop into the Guinness Storehouse, visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, and walk the neighborhoods. Of course, Trinity College Book of Kells is always a must but be sure to book in advance (this highly rated guided tour is a great way to experience the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle).
Day 8: Dublin Departure
Dublin
It’s time to depart, I would pre-book an Uber for your returns. And remember, if flying back to the US, in Dublin Airport you will do your customs there. This is great because you don’t have to do customs on arrival in the US (and there is Global Entry here!)
Extending to a 10-day Ireland Itinerary
So you want to stay longer (I wish I had), this is where I would go….
1. Galway and Cliffs of Moher
The one place I wish I had more time for was to head up to Galway while passing the Cliffs of Moher. This is the perfect place to add to the itinerary after Killarney as it makes sense directionally. I would make Galway my home base, and even do day trips from there. One spot I really would have loved to have visited was the Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens.
2. Limerick
Another charming, medieval-era city in western Ireland is Limerick. I have done some initial research for here and it looks very beautiful for its historic sites. It’s also halfway between Killarney and Dublin, so a good spot to add to the itinerary.
3. More Time in Dublin
Depending on how much you want to see in Dublin, you could easily add a day if you plan to tour around. The current itinerary only has a half-day of time in the city, so one extra day would give you more space to enjoy the sights.
More Helpful Ireland Posts
- The Best Things to Do in Killarney, Ireland: Travel Guide
- A Slow Traveler’s Guide to Kinsale, Ireland: Things to Do & More
- Your Guide to Visiting the Gap of Dunloe
- The Ultimate Guide to the Dingle Peninsula in a Day
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
