An Epic 6 Day Ireland Road Trip

Are you looking for an epic 6 day Ireland road trip adventure?
Stick with me and I’ll tell you exactly how we did it and why it was so successful.

Ireland has always been a dream of ours and it did not disappoint! Picture the Irish countryside and its beautiful cities in the Fall, when the tourists are starting to drift off and everything is green and misty, but not too cold. 

We were able to explore a lot of the top sites and still had time for some quaint towns and cozy pubs. There are a ton of historic landmarks and fascinating stories everywhere you go.

With only a week to spend, we had to make some tough choices about what we could and couldn’t fit into the schedule. Renting a car saved us time and money. It also meant that our schedule was our own and we could see the countryside at our own pace. 

Notes About Driving in Ireland:

• Book your car rental for pick up and drop off at the Dublin Airport. The airport is a short taxi ride from Dublin hotels.
• Some of the roads are wide highways, many are not!
• Roads can be VERY NARROW with high hedges or stone walls on either side.
• Cars drive pretty fast considering how narrow the roads are.
• Just a warning, sheep may cross the road at any time!
• If you are not comfortable with driving on the left side, then be sure to watch some videos and do some research in advance!

Click on the Map for all the places on this Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

Your 6 Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

This 6 Day Ireland Road Trip begins in Dublin, takes you through Ireland’s Southeast counties, up to the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, and back to Dublin. In spite of a few challenges driving on the left side of the road, it was great fun and I’m excited to share it with you!

Day 1 Ireland Itinerary – Dublin 

Depending on your arrival schedule, I suggest your first day be a flexible one. We were able to fly to Dublin from London in the morning and had a full day to explore.

Where to Stay in Dublin

The Green Hotel was the perfect choice for us. It’s a 4 star, lovely hotel, across the street from the St. Stephen’s Green park, within walking distance to all the key spots – and it’s affordable! I highly recommend The Green. Book The Green Hotel for the beginning of the trip and for the last night 2 nights as well.

Day 1 Morning & Afternoon – Explore Dublin

Walking Tour of Dublin

Schedule a “Free” Walking Tour. The guides are always great, you pay what you can at the end of the tour, get the lay of the land, AND learn some history lessons. Typically, you won’t go inside any of the main attractions, but you’ll get an overview as you walk and see where they are. Your Dublin tour will likely cover these sites:

• O’Connell Bridge & Street & The Spire: This is the main street in the city center and has several significant statues along its meridian.
• General Post Office (GPO): This is the site of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland, which is Ireland’s most critical point in history. This is what led to Ireland’s eventual independence from England in 1922.
• Dublin Castle: The historic castle and the surrounding administrative buildings were originally a medieval fortress in 1204 and was the seat of the English rule in Ireland until 1922’s rebellion.
• Christ Church Cathedral & St. Patrick’s Cathedral:  These medieval cathedrals are Dublin’s most important churches. Christ Church is Dublin’s oldest building and St. Patrick’s is a gothic cathedral that contains the tomb of famed Irish writer, Jonathan Swift.
• Temple Bar District: This is the city’s oldest area with historic buildings, the famous Temple bar pub, and a lively culture of pubs, shops, music, and charming cobblestone streets.
• St. Michan’s Church: This church is famous for being an original chapel for the city in 1095, but then became the site of mummified remains. Some of the mummies were lost in a fire in 2024.
• Wolfe Tone Square & St. Audoen’s Church: These historic spots are National Monuments honoring the Tone who was key to the rebellion. The church is Dublin’s oldest medieval parish.

The Guinness Tour

I’m going to be honest here. We booked tickets for this tour prior to our trip. It’s very popular and many people say “You’ve gotta do the Guinness Tour.” – I disagree. If you feel like you’ll be missing out, then go ahead and book tix. However, please note:

The Guinness “tour” is self guided. It feels like an amusement park exhibit with lights and crowds. You won’t see any beer being made, you won’t have a guide, and you’ll roam through the displays reading the captions on the walls.

Book The Guinness Storehouse Experience Here!

At the top of the factory is a penthouse bar. You’ll have to wait for a seat to sip your “free” (comes with the tour) pint of Guinness. Please note, my husband LOVES Guinness and was very happy once we got a seat.

The room has 360 degrees of views of Dublin and while we were there a gorgeous rainbow appeared. I was able to go downstairs to a different bar for a gluten free cider and some Keogh’s Crinkle Cut chips to bring upstairs. We had fun, but you could spend less and get a pint of Guinness at any fun pub in town.

Day 1 Evening – Dinner & Temple Bar District

Dinner
Leo Burdock’s Famous Fish & Chips
4 Crown Alley, Temple Bar

Leo Burdocks Famous Fish & Chips is, in fact, a very famous fish & chips spot in the Temple Bar district. It’s a tiny restaurant with a few tables inside, so feel free to order take out if you’re exhausted and want to head back to the hotel.

Temple Bar Pub
47-48 Temple Bar 
If you’re not too tired, then wander the Temple Bar District and you’ll hear plenty of music playing and can have a drink at any one of the area’s great pubs. The most popular spot is the renowned Temple Bar Pub. Chances are it will be crazy crowded inside, so feel free to enjoy another pub, they’re all good!

Book a Top Rated Walking Tour of Dublin Here!

Day 2 Ireland Itinerary – Dublin 

Today is full Dublin adventure day. Get an early start so you can pack in as much as you want!

Day 2 Morning & Afternoon – Trinity College, Book of Kells, National Gallery

Breakfast
Taste Food Company
39-40 William St S
A locally sourced menu known for their comfort food and pastries.

Book This Very Popular Book of Kells Tour and Dublin Castle Tour Here!

Trinity College Campus 

Head to the Trinity College campus. Trinity is Ireland’s oldest and most famous university. Trinity grads include famous writers, and scientists such as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Becket, Jonathan Swift, and E.T.S. Walton. Depending on the time of your Book of Kells entry, explore the campus before or after the tour. Here are some main sites to find on campus:The Front Gate & Square – This beautiful entrance leads to the grand courtyard surrounded by the elegant Georgian buildings.

• The Campanile – This is the iconic 100 foot tall bell tower that marks the center of the Front Square of the campus. Since 1853, it has been said that students who walk under it when the bell rings will fail their exams.
• The Dining Hall – This dining hall has been used for students to eat since the 18th century!
• The Old Library – This is the large building which houses the Book of Kells and the Long Room. Construction for this building began in 1712 and took 20 years to complete!
• The Douglas Hyde Gallery – If you have time, check out this small, contemporary art gallery on the campus. 
• Sphere Within Sphere Sculpture – This is one of the bronze globe sculptures created by artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. His other sphere sculptures are at The Vatican and the United Nations.

The Book of Kells Experience

This is a must-do for your visit to Dublin. The Book of Kells exhibit is in The Old Library on campus. Kells is the book of the four gospels that was created by Celtic monks in 800AD. The artwork and detail of the book is unimaginable, especially when you consider how old it is and how well preserved it is. The exhibit is paced very nicely. Even though crowded, the timed tickets make for a reasonable flow of people moving through the exhibit. Be sure to have your ear buds or headphones with you so you can download the QR code and listen to the tour as you go.

The Long Room

Then the moment of awe! When you enter into the Long Room, you won’t believe how literally breathtaking it is. You’ll see shelves with over 200,000 rare books, vaulted ceilings, dark oak, marble, and the unusual globe piece called Gaia. This is an illuminated globe created by Luke Jerram and displays the NASA imagery of the earth.Gaia is said to be a temporary exhibit in the Long Room, so better get there soon or you’ll have to follow it to its next stop!

Dawson Street & Lunch

Dawson Street is a charming street that runs from Trinity College to St. Stephen’s Green with upscale shops, lovely restaurants, and is home to the Mansion House which is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Lunch
Lennan’s Yard
21 Dawson Street
Hands down, Best. Seafood Chowder. Ever. Anywhere.

National Gallery of Ireland

We love visiting art museums in foreign places, and this was a perfect choice for a rainy afternoon. This free museum has an excellent collection of Irish and European art, but I think my favorite was seeing how beautiful the building and its gallery rooms are!

Day 2 Evening – Dinner & St. Andrew’s

Molly Malone Statue

St Andrew’s Church & Suffolk Street
One of the famous symbols of Dublin is the statue of Molly Malone, the legendary woman of the famed in the song “Cockles and Muscles.” Poor Molly Malone was a fishmonger and “working girl” who tragically died of cholera in historic Dublin. 

Dinner
Trocadero
4 St. Andrew’s
This is Dublin’s famous theater restaurant which is famed for hosting many famous actors over six decades. The food and service were perfect!

Day 3 Ireland Itinerary – Southeastern Ireland

This begins your road trip through the magical countryside of southeastern Ireland. You’ll be amazed at how beautiful these farmlands are and at how many sheep you’ll see! You’ll be heading from Dublin to Cahir with stops in Glendalough, Kilkenny, and Cashel.

Where To Stay in Cahir

The Cahir House Hotel is the best choice in the area because of its rich history, perfect location, lovely staff, and excellent food!

Day 3 Morning & Afternoon – Glendalough, Kilkenny, Cashel

Have an early breakfast, check out of the hotel, and take a taxi or Uber to the airport car rental.

Glendalough Monastic Site

Drive about 90 mins from the Dublin Airport to the Glendalough Monastic Site. You’ll enter the Wicklow Mountains National Park to the Glendalough. This is one of the Heritage Sites managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW). These sites are free, but you do have to pay for parking at a kiosk in the lot.

The Glendalough Monastic Site was where St. Kevin worshiped and studied before dying in the year 620.  The site still houses remains of at least 5 churches, a tower, a gatehouse, and many graves dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Spend time walking around, enjoying the scenery and learning more about the history. We really loved this stop over – so different from the busy city of Dublin! And when they sing Danny Boy’s line “from glen to glen,” you’ll now know what a true glen (a narrow valley) really is!

Prefer a Day Trip Tour to Glendalough from Dublin? Check This Out!

Kilkenny Castle

Drive about 90 mins from Glendalough to Kilkenny. Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most charming medieval towns. You should be able to find metered parking as you enter the city and you’ll see the Kilkenny Castle right in the center of town. They call this stretch the Medieval Mile because it is lined with many old stone buildings that house shops and cafes.

The Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland’s most popular Heritage Sites with structures dating back to the 11th century. Originally built by William Marshal, the castle later was home to the Butler family for over 600 years, until 1967. You need tickets for the castle which is totally worth it, as everything is beautifully preserved, restored, and displayed. 

Lunch in Kilkenny
The town of Kilkenny is filled with pubs and shops. Grab a quick lunch after your castle visit.

Rock of Cashel

Drive a short 50 mins from Kilkenny to the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is a majestic fortress on top of a hill, towering over The Golden Vale region. It was the seat of the Kings of Munster and is one of Ireland’s most impressive historic sites.

Important Note: The Rock of Cashel last entry is at 4:45. No exceptions! Be sure to arrive before that time or you will not be allowed in to the gates. I know this because we were late and were only able to explore the outside grounds. The views and pastures surrounding the Rock are nothing short of magnificent. We wandered on paths surrounding the fortress and soaked the views and hung out with the sheep!

The centuries old monuments and buildings include:

• Round Tower
• High Cross
• Cormac’s Romanesque Chapel,
• Gothic cathedral, the abbey, the
• Hall of the Vicars Choral
• Tower House

Consider a Private Tour of Kilkenny, Cashel, and Cahir Castles –
Check Out This Tour Here!

Day 3 Evening – Cahir & Dinner

Drive about 20 minutes from Cashel to the sweet town of Cahir. The town of Cahir is quaint and charming with a local feel, in spite of having the tourist attraction of the Cahir Castle. Cahir is considered a heritage town in County Tipperary along the River Suir and we found it to be one of our favorite hidden gem spots on the trip. The people were incredibly charming and generous, which made our visit even more special.

Cahir House Hotel

Check in to the Cahir House Hotel for the night. When the medieval and military base of Cahir Castle, where the Butler family lived, became outdated, the Butlers just blocks away. They built a modern, Georgian style mansion, called the Cahir House. The Butlers lived in Cahir House until 1927 when it was bought and converted into a hotel. It became a well known hotel and hosted Hollywood VIPs like Walt Disney, Jackie Kennedy, and Mae West!

Dinner
No need to get back in the car or leave the hotel. Head to the on site bar and restaurant for dinner. Order the fish & chips!

Day 4 Ireland Road Trip – Cahir, Bunratty

Today you’ll have time to enjoy the gem of Cahir and its highlights as well as driving to your next destination, Bunratty.

Day 4 Morning & Afternoon – Cahir Castle , The Swiss Cottage

Breakfast
Enjoy the breakfast included in the Cahir House Hotel.

Cahir Castle

Enjoy a visit to the Cahir Castle which opens at 9:30 each day. The ticket prices are 5 euro and under. Cahir Castle was built in the 13th century as a state of the art defense fortress. It is built on an island of rock along the river and was at its time considered impenetrable. Today, Cahir Castle is considered to be Ireland’s largest and best preserved castle.

The Sleeping Giant

After visiting the castle, stroll on the path alongside the river. Be sure to notice the Sleeping Giant. In the Cahir Castle Park along the river, you’ll see a path, gardens, and sculptures. One of the newer sculptures is of the legendary Sleeping Giant. This character in Irish mythology is named Fionn mac Cumhaill. You will find him sleeping on an island in the river as you stroll on the path.

Coronation Walk to The Swiss Cottage

Take the Coronation Walk to the Swiss Cottage heading south through woods, along the river. You’ll see trees planted in the 1790s and maybe encounter some pheasants and swans. It’s about 2.5 miles from the castle to The Swiss Cottage. (You also have the option to drive and park near the cottage).

The Swiss Cottage is the ornamental cottage built by the Richard Butlers in 1810 as a place to entertain guests. They also used it as a country home and would at times dress up as peasants and pretend they weren’t noble Lords and Ladies! It’s a very interesting structure and worth the short tour. It’s been perfectly restored and is considered a historic site. The cottage is open from March – November. You can access tickets and more information here.

Day 4 Evening – Bunratty Castle Banquet

Drive about 60 mins to the Bunratty Manor Hotel to check in before heading to the castle banquet dinner.

Where To Stay in Bunratty

The Bunratty Manor Hotel is a lovely hotel, within walking distance to the Bunratty Castle. It was the perfect choice for our overnight stay.

Bunratty is a charming village in County Clare that is known for its fully restored 15th century Bunratty Castle. Not only is the castle and grounds open for touring, but the adjacent Folk Park is a living history village. You can visit the traditional 19th century Irish village complete with shops, pubs, and farmhouses. 

The Bunratty Castle and Folk Park are open daily 9:30 – 5:30 and the Banquet seatings are at 5:30 and 8:30.

Plan on participating in the Bunratty Banquet for one of their dinner seatings. We were entertained and fed in the castle by a crew of medieval lords and ladies in complete historical costume. Yes, it’s kind of kitsch, but it was one of the most fun highlights of our trip. Everything was very well done and we laughed a lot, made friends with others from around the world at our banquet table, and are so happy we did it. Book the Bunratty Banquet Here

Day 5 Ireland Itinerary – Cliffs of Moher & Dublin

Today’s road trip will take you to one of the most magnificent places you’ve ever been, the Cliffs of Moher, and then back to Dublin to return the car.

Day 5 Morning – The Cliffs of Moher

Breakfast at Bunratty Manor
After an early breakfast, get on the road. Drive about 60 mins from Bunratty to the Cliffs of Moher. You’ll want to arrive as early as possible to avoid the tour busses. It’s an unusually beautiful drive through the countryside to the sea.

The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are by far one of Ireland’s most famous and majestic natural sites and is a UNESCO Global Geopark . These cliffs hover over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. They drop about 700 ft down to the water and stretch along the coast for about 8 miles. The landscape is called the Burren, a distinct limestone rocky area of over 320 million years old.

Be sure to walk the trail to the O’Brian Tower that was built in 1835 to be an observation tower for the tourists. When it’s open you can join the crowds and climb the narrow steps up to the top!

There’s plenty of parking and a really nice visitor center, bathrooms, food, and of course, souvenirs. Be prepared for rain, fog, cold, wind, and sun – if you’re lucky!

Check Out a Top Rated Cliffs of Moher Tour from Dublin Here!

Day 5 Afternoon – Back to Dublin

Drive back to Dublin. It’s about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive. Drop the car off at airport car rental and uber back to The Green Hotel. If you have time, energy, or even want to add an extra day, here are some smart options for stops on the way back to Dublin:

Hag’s Head (Ceann Cailli)

Hags Head is also called The Mini Cliffs are at the southern end of the Cliffs of Moher. Drive about 5 mins from the main visitor center. These cliffs are equally as dramatic but often much quieter due to fewer crowds. Look for the Moher Tower, a Napoleonic signal tower.

Doolin

Doolin s just 10 minute drive from the Cliffs.  It’s a small and very quaint town with some lunch choices and short walks with beautiful views.

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Burren National Park’s Poulnabrone Dolmen is a 5,000-year-old tomb right off the road. You can pull up to the ancient stone portal parking area for a quick visit of a remarkable structure. The Burren area is completely different than anywhere in Ireland due to its rocky terrain. 

Galway

I would only suggest Galway if you have a lot of time or even want to add an entire day. The city of Galway is a lively and popular city. The Latin Quarter is charming with cobblestone streets, lots of music, and plenty of pubs and eateries. The Spanish Arch and Claddagh area is great for a waterfront walk and grabbing some food.

Kinvarra

Kinvarra is another great choice if you have plenty of time or an extra day. About 35 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher en route to Galway is this small and colorful seaside village. There you’ll find the Dunguaire Castle, which is said to be one of the most photographed castles in Ireland because of its location on the water.

Day 5 Evening – Dublin Dinner

Dinner
Cafe En Seine
40 Dawson Street
A lovely restaurant with a beautiful bar, an enclosed outdoor seating area, and a Parisian/European vibe.

Day 6 Ireland Itinerary – Howth & Dublin

Today is time to see the prettiest suburb of Dublin, Howth. Howth is Dublin’s charming coastal town with a lovely harbor, beautiful cliffs, trails, and plenty of shops and seafood restaurants on the water. It’s perfect for a day trip or even just for a few hours to get a sense of what’s just on the outskirts of bustling Dublin.

Day 6 Morning & Afternoon – Howth

Breakfast
Brother Hubbard
153 Capel Street
This is the Brother Hubbard chain’s flagship restaurant in a great location. Known for their seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients, and great service.

After breakfast, head to the train station.
Howth is  just 20 minutes on the DART(Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train. The trains run about every 15 minutes. Howth is the final stop and drops you off right in the village. You can very easily walk to the cliff trail and the harbor from there. Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers, no need for hiking boots.

How to take the DART train:

1. Trains leave from Connolly, Tara Street, and Pearse  stations. (We took the train from Pearse).
2. Look for the DART train going northbound toward Howth.
3. Buy a ticket at the machines.
4. Board the train and stay on until Howth Station (last stop).
5. The ride takes less than 30 minutes.

The Cliff Path Loop

Get off the train and follow signs to The Cliff Path Loop. The Loop is less than a 5 mile round trip from the train station. This path will take you along the coast and winds up a hill in a neighborhood of homes with sea views. You might wonder if you’re on the right path, but stay the course! You’ll see the trail up ahead. It’s not a difficult trail but it is magnificently beautiful. You’ll see Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye, and Dublin Bay. Keep an eye out for Grey Seals.

Lunch
As you make your way back to town, wander to the harbor, the lighthouse, and find some fish and chips at one of the many restaurants on the water. Then hop back on the train to the city for dinner and packing up for your departure.

Consider a Day Tour to Howth with this Top Rated Excursion!

Day 6 – Afternoon & Evening

St. Stephen’s Green

If you have time, take a stroll through the beautiful park filled with ponds, fountains, benches, and quintessential Victorian paths.

Phoenix Park

If you have enough time venture to Phoenix Park. This is a huge park on the south side of Dublin where Fallow Deer herds have lived for centuries and as you walk or picnic in the park, you’ll see the deer just grazing.

Dinner
The Stags Head
1 Dame Ct
A traditional Irish Pub with great food near Trinity College for your final dinner Ireland!

Sadly, it’s time to pack up and say your goodbyes to Ireland.

When is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland depends on what you care about most – weather, crowds, prices, or scenery. Here’s all the info you need to know for what to pack for Ireland!

May – June
Springtime in Ireland is considered the best time to visit by some. You’ll find:

• Mild weather (cool, but pleasant)
• Longer daylight hours
• Fewer crowds than peak summer
• Great for road trips and walking

July – August
Summer is a very popular time to visit Ireland because the weather is ideal and warm.

• Warmest temperatures for Ireland
• Long summer days
• Lots of festivals and events
• More crowds, higher prices

September – October (this is when we visited)
Fall was a great time to visit because of the misty scenery, lush greenery, and fewer crowds.

• Potentially fewer visitors
• Cozy pubs, misty landscapes
• Shorter days and more rain

November – March
Winter months are great if you want lower costs and don’t mind the damp chill!

• Cold and rainy
• Least amount of daylight
• Fewer tourists
• Lower prices

Start Planning Your 6 Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary Today!

In a nutshell…

This 6-day Ireland road trip was the perfect introduction to the country. It gave us a blend of the big city of Dublin and all its history and culture, along with dramatic coastlines and medieval castles. It never felt overwhelming and every stop felt meaningful and memorable. Ireland is absolutely a favorite in all of Europe!

If it’s your first time in Ireland, this itinerary gives you a little bit of everything – castles, charming towns, scenic drives, cozy pubs, and unforgettable landscapes.I’m not going to lie, I left wanting more! It’s the kind of trip that makes you already dream about coming back before you’ve even left. Ireland has a way of doing that.

xx,
Carrie