Dublin to The Wild Atlantic Way
This Ireland Travel Guide is the perfect destination for your first international trip. Their travel pre-clearance agreement with the US and their being English-speaking makes Ireland an easy location. While they do speak English, they also speak Gaeilge. Unless you travel into some really small towns, you will primarily hear English spoken.
My first international experience was in France. While I found France easy to navigate and knew enough French to be dangerous, I found Ireland extremely easy. That is why I recommend it to my clients who have never been outside the US.
With over 3,000 miles of coastline and 30,000 castles, where do you even start? I am focusing on some “must-see” places for this itinerary in this blog. The focus is on the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. If you plan to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, you’ll need to ensure you have read any updated travel requirements for the UK.
This Ireland itinerary is for ambitious people who want to see as much as possible without exhausting themselves. If you're going to do a tour option for Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher, you will get more historical information by having a guide sharing information with you than you would if you are driving. We did a self-drive tour through Ireland, but we also took guided tours for the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher. If you choose this option, you will want to add an additional day at the end, as the Cliffs of Moher tours are all-day tours. Be sure that you use a tour company that offers an early departure to get the most out of your views of the cliffs!
As you prepare for your trip, remember these few practical tips. Remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road and be cautious on the narrow rural routes that wind through the countryside. Ireland's famously changeable weather means that packing a light raincoat is essential, even during summer. You'll be using the Euro (€) throughout the Republic of Ireland, and tipping 10-15% for good service in restaurants is customary, as well as any tours that you take and transportation. Should you need emergency assistance at any point, both 112 and 999 will connect you with emergency services. With these essentials covered, you're all set to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality that make Ireland an unforgettable destination.
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8 Days in Ireland: from Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way
Day 1: Departure
Overnight flight to Dublin
Pack essentials: comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended), camera, travel adapter
Tip: Try to sleep on the flight to minimize jet lag
Day 2: Welcome to Dublin
Arrive at Dublin Airport
Transportation to city center: Aircoach, Dublin Bus, or taxi options available
Check into accommodation
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - Inclusive Pass (48-hour pass begins)
Perfect introduction to the city's layout
Key stops:
Trinity College & The Book of Kells
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
Guinness Storehouse (consider booking the late afternoon tour with your included ticket - you can also reserve a spot for dinner here!)
Evening: Dinner in the Temple Bar area
Early night to recover from travel
Day 3: Dublin Exploration
Continue Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Dublin Castle
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Jameson Distillery (optional tour)
Afternoon: Shopping on Grafton Street
Evening: Traditional Irish music with dinner at the Merry Ploughboys
Day 4: Dublin to Killarney
Pick up rental car in the morning (reserve automatic transmission if not used to manual)
Dublin to Killarney Drive (approximately 3.5 hours without stops)
Recommended stops along the way:
Rock of Cashel (1.5-2 hour visit) - an impressive medieval religious site
Cahir Castle (1-hour visit) - a well-preserved 13th-century castle
Adare Village (lunch stop) - one of Ireland's prettiest villages with thatched cottages
Arrive in Killarney by evening
Check into accommodation
Dinner in the town center
Optional: Traditional music session at a local pub
Day 5: Ring of Kerry
Explore the Ring of Kerry (allow 7-8 hours with stops)
Recommended stops:
Ladies' View scenic outlook
Killarney National Park
Muckross House & Gardens
Torc Waterfall
Kenmare, a colorful town (excellent lunch spot)
Sneem Village
Staigue Stone Fort
Derrynane Beach
Kerry Cliffs for views of Skellig Islands
Return to Killarney for dinner and overnight
Day 6: Killarney to Galway
Morning departure from Killarney
Route to Galway (approximately 3.5 hours without stops)
Recommended stops:
Adare Manor (photo stop)
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park (2-hour visit)
The Burren - unique limestone landscape
Kinvara - charming fishing village with Dunguaire Castle
Arrive in Galway by late afternoon
Check into accommodation
Evening in Galway:
Stroll through the Latin Quarter
Shop Street exploration
Dinner at one of Galway's excellent restaurants
Experience traditional Irish music in pubs along Quay Street
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher & Return to Dublin
Early start for Cliffs of Moher (1.5-hour drive from Galway)
Spend 2-3 hours exploring the cliffs and visitor center
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds
Begin journey back to Dublin (approximately 3 hours)
Optional stops depending on time:
Athlone - lunch by the Shannon River
Clonmacnoise - ancient monastic site
Return rental car
Check into Dublin accommodation
Final evening in Dublin
Day 8: Departure
Transportation to Dublin Airport (allow extra time for rental car return if applicable)
Flight home
Tip: Keep some euros for airport purchases