This road trip through southern Ireland was absolutely unforgettable. It was my first time planning a road trip and it’s my favorite journey to date! Not to mention I was with two of my best friends, so of course we had an amazing time.
Travelling by car was the perfect way to experience the beautiful Irish countryside. One of my friends drove the entire time, on the opposite side of the car AND on the opposite side of the road than what we are used to… such bravery! I was the navigator, which was actually a breeze because southern Ireland has very few main roads between destinations.
I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories of driving in Ireland but we really had no trouble at all. Just take your time travelling the VERY narrow, windy roads and enjoy the moment when you have to stop for sheep crossing! I highly recommend experiencing this road trip through Ireland – you won’t regret it.
Day 1 – Drive from Dublin to Kilkenny
We had stayed in Dublin for 2 days prior to beginning our road trip, so we took the bus to Dublin Airport and picked up our rental car in the morning. Before you head out of Dublin, grab some food for a picnic lunch later in the day! There is a grocery store right next to the airport.
To read my blog post, “48 Hours in Dublin,” click here.
Powerscourt Estate
Take the M50 to Powerscourt Estate, just an hour outside of Dublin and a beautiful first stop on your road trip. The inside of the castle has only shops and restaurants, so spend some time walking the vast grounds, admiring the backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains.
Note: you will have to pay a toll for travelling on the M50, which you can pay online here: https://www.eflow.ie/i-want-to/pay-a-toll/
Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains
Take the R115 through the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough. Here you will find several monastic ruins from the 6th century.
There are also hiking trails along two different lakes where you can stop and have your picnic.
Kilkenny
Arrive in Kilkenny, where you’ll be spending the night. Walk over to the gorgeous Kilkenny Castle, where you can choose to take a tour or simply wander around the outside. A short walk will bring you to the Church of St Canice. Climb up the very narrow round tower for great views of Kilkenny.
Across the River Nore, which runs through the town, Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant is a fun place to end your night.
Kilkenny B&B: Fanad House
Day 2 – Drive from Kilkenny to Kinsale
Cahir Castle
Take the N76 to Cahir Castle, one of the largest castles in Ireland. You can choose to take a tour or walk around and admire the outside of the castle.
Rock of Cashel
A 20 minute drive will bring you to the Rock of Cashel. According to legend, it was created when St Patrick banished Satan from a cave and the rocks landed in Cashel.
Tours are available but make sure to walk around the grounds overlooking green Irish pastures.
Blarney Castle
Drive south for an hour to the popular Blarney Castle. For over 200 years, people around the world have climbed the steps of the castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. According to legend, kissing the stone grants the gift of eloquence. Obviously you’ll have to find out if it’s true by kissing the stone yourself!
The grounds and gardens are also gorgeous. Make sure to take a look at the Blarney Castle House.
Kinsale
Pass through Cork on your way further South to Kinsale, quaint and colorful sea port town.
For a delicious dinner overlooking the harbor, Man Friday is a lovely restaurant to end your night.
Kinsale B&B: Desmond House
Day 3 – Drive from Kinsale to Kenmare
Killarney National Park
Spend your day exploring Killarney National Park. We began our morning with some unplanned horseback riding through the park with Killarney Riding Stables. The most amazing experience! Highly recommend.
Ross Castle
Drive to Ross Castle, situated on the lakes of Killarney National Park.
Muckross House
Make your way further South into the park to Muckross House, a beautiful Victorian mansion where Queen Victoria actually stayed for a visit!
You have a lot of options here for things to do. You can tour the house and traditional farms, walk around the estate, hike to a waterfall or take a horse and carriage.
Kenmare
We chose to stay in the small town of Kenmare for the next two nights (and loved it) instead of Killarney, which is a larger and more populated town. There are plenty of restaurants in town where you can end your night.
Kenmare B&B: Seashore Farm
Day 4 – Drive the Ring of Kerry
Time for a full day of adventuring on the Ring of Kerry! Make sure to drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise (head West from Kenmare on the N70). This way, you will be driving along the ocean and you can pull over for amazing viewpoints without having to cross traffic.
To read my blog post, “A Guide to Driving the Ring of Kerry,” click here.
Day 5 – Drive from Kenmare to Bunratty
Inch Beach
From the N70, take the R561 to Inch Beach. I was so surprised when we came across this long, beautiful beach and it was warm enough to take a quick dip! Not what you would expect in Ireland.
Dingle
Travel further West to Dingle, a cute harbor town where you have to try Murphys Ice Cream. From here you can choose to travel along Slea Head Drive (which I wish we did!).
Bunratty
From Dingle, take the R560 along Conor Pass (a beautiful viewpoint), on the way to Bunratty where you’ll be spending the night. End your day at Durty Nelly’s or if you book in advance, a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle.
Bunratty B&B: Bunratty Meadows
Day 6 – Drive from Bunratty to Galway
Cliffs of Moher
Head to the Cliffs of Moher early in the morning so that you have time to hike to the various viewpoints. No road trip through Ireland is complete without stopping here!
Doolin
Make your way to Doolin. Stop at Gus O’Connor’s Pub if you need some lunch and make sure to check out The Sweater Shop!
The Burren
Take the R479 to R477 and stop at one of my favorite places of the trip, The Burren. The landscape is so rugged and unique.
Dunguaire Castle
Make a pit stop at Dunguaire Castle on your way to Galway, your home for the next two nights.
Galway hotel: The Western Hotel
Day 7 – Day Trip to Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey
Take a gorgeous drive past Connemara National Park to the stunning Kylemore Abbey. Before becoming an Abbey, Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s by a wealthy businessman, inspired by the love for his wife. How romantic!
Make sure to take the shuttle to the Victorian Walled Garden.
Galway
Spend your afternoon discovering Galway. Walk along the main road past Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch and The Docks to beautiful Salthill.
Ed Sheeran fans must visit O’Connors Pub in Salthill, where he filmed part of the music video for his song Galway Girl.
Day 8 – Drive from Galway to Dublin
Malahide Castle
Before heading to Dublin Airport area, end your road trip through Ireland at Malahide Castle and Gardens for some down time.
Dublin Airport hotel: Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport
I hope you enjoyed this road trip itinerary for southern Ireland!
