Ireland Itinerary 10 Days

The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip

This 10 Day Road Trip through Ireland is a great introduction to all the natural beauty this country has to offer. The Emerald Isle is only about the size of South Carolina, which makes it perfect for a road trip. This was definitely the best road trip we’ve ever taken!

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Plan a Trip to Ireland

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland or it’s on your bucket list of places to visit, you’re in the right place! This Ireland 10 Day Itinerary and travel guide will help even the most inexperienced traveler plan an epic tour of the Emerald Isle. Find the best places to visit in Ireland, where to stay, and where to eat on this self-drive tour of Ireland. I’ve also included a few alternative Ireland itineraries at the end if a self-drive tour is not appealing to you. No matter how you see it, Ireland is a beautiful country to visit. 

Best Month to Visit Ireland

The best month to visit Ireland is during the summer months when the days are longer and warmer there. If you’re looking for less crowds then the months of May, September, or October would be best. The weather will still be warm but there won't be the crazy summer crowds. 

How to Do Ireland in 10 Days

To see all of Ireland in 10 days you must decide which things you want to see the most. While it is entirely doable to see the best of Ireland in 10 days, you won’t have time to see everything. We visited everything we wanted to see in Ireland in 10 days but didn’t make it to Northern Ireland during our visit. You’ll have to decide for yourself which attractions are most important to you. 

Self Drive Tour of Ireland

Taking a self drive tour is the best way to see Ireland because it allows you the freedom to stop at any castle or pub along the way. Seeing Ireland by train is an option, you just are limited to where the train stops to visit.

Driving Tips in Ireland

• I would recommend a driving tour of Ireland only if you or someone in your party is a confident driver because the roads can be tricky.

• Not only will you be driving on the opposite side of the road (if you’re from the U.S.) but you are also sitting in the opposite side of the car.

• The roads in Ireland are often very narrow and sometimes have hedges growing on the side, which can make two way traffic stressful.

• If you rent a car and opt for the self-drive tour of Ireland, I recommend getting a small car and getting rental insurance. 

Best Things to do in Ireland

Castle Tours

• Malahide Castle

• Mellifont Abbey

• Slane Castle

• Trim Castle

• Ashford Castle

• Kylemore Abbey

• Bunratty Castle

• Ross Castle

• Blarney Castle - kiss the Blarney stone

• Rock of Cashel

• Kilkenny Castle

Brewery and Distillery Tours

• Guiness Storehouse tour in Dublin 

• Jameson Distillery in Dublin

Hiking in Ireland

• Stairway to Heaven Ireland (The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail)- boardwalk trail leading to Cuilcagh Mountain peak on the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland

• Connemara National Park - some of the best hiking in Ireland - recommend Diamond Hill loop (the route we took)

• Howth Cliff Walk Ireland (Green Route)- Clifftop hiking route only 40 minutes from Dublin city centre. Howth Cliff Walk is one of the best hikes near Dublin.

• Ballycotton Cliff Walk - oceanside southern Ireland walking path connecting Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen Beach

• The Causeway Coast Way - Northern Ireland’s best hike showcasing multiple viewpoints including the famous Giant’s Causeway

Top places to visit in ireland

• Dublin

  • The capital of Ireland and full of fun things to do!

• Ring of Kerry

  • Scenic coastal drive in County Kerry Ireland

• Cliffs of Moher

  • The most photographed attraction in Ireland - steep cliffs with a walking path where many movies were filmed

• Dingle Peninsula

  • Ireland’s westernmost point, Dingle Peninsula is known for its scenic drive along the coastline.

• The Burren

  • A unique landscape of limestone in Southwest Ireland that has unique rock formations.

• Connemara National Park

  • Gorgeous park in western Ireland with great hiking trails.

• Galway

  • A popular harbor city to visit in Ireland known for its brightly colored houses and lively pubs.

• Cork

  • Both a city and a county in Ireland, Cork is home to Blarney Castle where the famous Blarney Stone resides.

• Killarney

  • Another popular area to visit, Killarney is home to beautiful lakes, castles, and a National Park.

Dublin Itinerary - 3 Days in Dublin

Where to stay in Dublin

• City center in Dublin, also known as the Temple Bar and Trinity area is the best area to stay in Dublin. When you stay in the city center of Dublin it’s easy to walk to all the best restaurants and things to do in the city. 

Luxury Hotels in Dublin

• The Westbury (where we stayed - highly recommend)

• The Merrion Hotel Dublin

• The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

Budget Hotels Dublin

• Harding Hotel

• Arlington Hotel

• The Grafton Hotel

Fun Things to do in Dublin

• Trinity College and The Old Library

• Guiness Tour Dublin

• Dublin Castle

• Jameson Distillery

• The Brazen Head

• Afternoon Tea Dublin

• Visit the Old Cathedrals of Dublin 

I hope this 10 Day road trip itinerary through Ireland has inspired you to plan an Irish road trip adventure of your own someday! Be sure to save this post by pinning it to your travel Pinterest boards. Follow me on Instagram to see my daily travel foodie adventures!

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• Italy 10 Day Itinerary

• San Francisco Itinerary

• Greece 10 Day Itinerary

See more in the Travel Blog