The Perfect Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: One Week In Ireland

One of the coolest trips we’ve taken in our life was a one week Ireland Road Trip. Adding in the aspect of living in a van for a week and “bumming it” around Ireland made the trip so different from any other we’ve taken and truly memorable!

I’m sharing a one week itinerary that you can use to plan your trip to Ireland!

This one week itinerary is for any kind of road trip, either in a van or a regular car.

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But, we will share a little bit about why we chose a van and why we think you should too!

If you aren’t interested in renting a van and are sure you want to go with a regular car rental, you can skip down to the itinerary.

What to Know Before Visiting Ireland

Currency: Euro (€)
Language: English, Irish
Weather: Variable (can be rainy, dry, sunny, cloudy, foggy, hot, cold, and everything inbetween. Keep an eye on the weather as you travel). Be sure to pack accordingly!

One of the most important pieces of advice that I can give you here is about driving in Ireland. If you’re planning to do a road trip, in a van or a regular car, prepare yourself. 

The roads in Ireland are VERY narrow. Most of the roads are truly only large enough for one vehicle, with little turnouts located periodically to allow passing. 

You don’t need to be scared of driving in Ireland, just be a little more cautious than normal and you’ll be fine!

There are also tolls for any of the ‘M’ roads in the country, and these tolls are time sensitive. You’ll see a sign on the road about tolls if you are required to pay them, and you can pay them online from your phone, just visit this website to pay them.

Make sure you pay your tolls right away or you’ll be charged a late fee after a certain number of days!

If you have questions about the tolls, ask the company you rent your car or van from.

Renting a Van For Our One Week Ireland Road Trip

We decided to rent a van for our road trip for a few reasons. 

First, we just thought it would be fun!

We had talked about living in a van for a short period of time, but had never actually spent any significant time in one to know if we would like it. So, spending a week driving around Ireland seemed like a fun way to get our van life fix.

Second, a van seemed like it would be an efficient way to get around Ireland and be able to see as much as possible during our week there. 

That being said, renting a regular car for your road trip like we did on our Scotland road trip would also be fantastic and would allow you to stay at some very cool accommodations along the way.

This itinerary can be used to plan a road trip to Ireland no matter what vehicle you decide to rent. Because we could park anywhere and sleep in the van, you might need to change up some of the itinerary if you’re in a regular car based on accommodations.

Where to Rent Your Van or Car

We rented our van from Indie Campers and had a good experience. The van was clean when we picked it up, and we had no problems with it on our drive. 

You can pay extra for a bedding and kitchen package that comes with all you need to make meals in the van and set up the bed. We paid for this because we didn’t have any of these materials with us. 

If you’re planning to rent a regular car for your road trip, I recommend Sixt or Europcar rentals. You can search here for rental cars in Ireland. 

Driving Routes For An Ireland Road Trip

Really, there are an endless number of ways you could drive through Ireland, but I recommend doing a loop in order to get the most out of your time.

We started in Dublin then made our way northwest up to Donegal, back down towards the Dingle Peninsula, and then east back to end in Dublin in order to return our van and catch a flight out.

You could easily reverse this order and head south out of Dublin depending on maybe weather or just preference. Up to you!

Much of what we wanted to see is what is considered the Wild Atlantic Way, a driving route that hits a bunch of must see spots on the western coast of Ireland.

The Wild Atlantic Way is a fantastic driving route to stick to on your trip, or you can choose to visit just some of the spots on the way. 

There are signs all over Ireland pointing to the Wild Atlantic Way scenic driving route, so you’ll know if you’re on it!

What To Pack For Ireland

What time of year you plan to visit Ireland is of course going to impact what you need to pack, but I’ll provide you with a general list to work from.

It rains often in Ireland, no matter the season. In the Summer, temperatures often don’t exceed 70°F, or 21°C, with cool evenings. Winter can see nighttime temps around freezing (32°F, 0°C), with daytime temps peaking around 55°F, 13°C.

It is almost always windy in Ireland, and rain and fog can sweep in at any time. Be prepared to encounter multiple types of weather on any given day!

If visiting in Summer, I would pack like it’s Fall or Spring. For the winter, bring sweaters and a coat, but it won’t snow!

One Week In Ireland Packing List

• rain jacket
• boots
• 5 bottoms (jeans/shorts/skirts)
• 7 tops (sweaters/shirts/long sleeve tops/tanks)
• sneakers
• hat or beanie if its cold
• backpack or day bag for hiking/beach
• universal travel adapter
• camera
• sunscreen in summer

READ ALSO: Packing For One Week In Europe, Summer & Winter

One Week Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin

The capital city, and also largest city in Ireland, is a fantastic place to begin your one week trip in Ireland! There is so much to do and see, with something for everyone.

Where To Stay In Dublin

Luxury: The Westin Dublin
Mid-Range: Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Budget: Jacob’s Inn Hostel

Ha’penny Bridge

A very popular stop in Dublin is the Ha’penny Bridge, a small walking bridge over the River Liffey that runs through Dublin. 

The bridge is made of cast iron and was built in the 1800’s to allow pedestrian crossings over the river, and it’s an iconic spot in Dublin

Dublin Castle

Be sure to go to Dublin Castle, because a self-guided tour ticket is only €8 a person. 

The castle dates back to the 13th century as part of a viking settlement in what is now Dublin. Since then, it has played a vital part in Ireland’s history. 

You’ll get a great history of Ireland and its government on the self guided tour, and there is also a state apartments ticket that you can add in as well. 

Grafton Street

You may recognize the name of this popular nightlife street from one of Ed Sheeran’s songs! (I thought I could go without mentioning Ed in this itinerary, but here we are.)

While in Dublin, you have to stroll down the iconic Grafton Street. The street has become famous for drawing talented street artists and musicians, and is a great place to walk in the day or at night. 

Leo Burdock

If you go to Ireland and don’t eat fish & chips, did you really go to Ireland? 

Leo Burdock is one of the highest rated and most recommended places to get the iconic meal of fish and chips in Dublin. 

The portions are quite generous, and they serve your food up fast.

Note that there are often long lines during lunch and dinner, but it’s so worth it!

Temple Bar

Not only an iconic building in Dublin, The Temple Bar is also a very popular stop if you plan to enjoy Dublin’s nightlife.

The pub is located in a popular nightlife area with tons of other bars and restaurants around, making it a really great neighborhood to walk around at night. 

Whether or not you want to brave The Temple Bar crowds (especially on a Friday or Saturday night) is up to you! The pub has become very popular and therefore crowded, so don’t be afraid to skip it if that isn’t for you. Dublin is full of pubs to choose from!

Trinity College

The beautiful Trinity College is located right in the heart of Dublin and boasts so much academic and historical significance that it needs to at least be a short stop on your itinerary. 

You can walk around the campus, or see the famous Book of Kells in the library. 

The Book of Kells is a manuscript of the 4 gospel books of the New Testament, and dates back to 800AD. For any history buffs out there, this one is a must see. If it’s not your thing, no need to see it!

Tickets to see the Book of Kells start at €16. 

Guinness Storehouse

Easily one of the most popular stops in Dublin is the Guinness Storehouse Experience. 

See where the world famous brand of Guinness creates their iconic stouts, and enjoy a pint at the Gravity Bar. 

RECOMMENDED TOUR:

Day 2: Slieve League

Today you’re leaving Dublin and beginning your road trip around Ireland! I recommend you pick up your van or car as early as possible so you can get going and not waste any time.

Silver Strand Beach

Driving time from Dublin: 4hrs

The very first stop on your Ireland road trip is Silver Strand Beach in Donegal. Depending on what time of year you’re here, you can enjoy the beach and the water by spending some time swimming or playing in the sand.

We spent the night here on our first night in the van and it’s a great place to park overnight if you need to. 

Slieve League

Driving time from Silver Strand Beach: 32min

A short drive away from Silver Strand is Slieve League. This place is unreal!

Park your car and head up to the view point where you’ll get one of the most amazing views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains.

From the car park, walk up the short trail and follow it until you reach these incredible views.

If you continue to walk up that trail, you’ll make it to One Man’s Pass and get even more panoramic views. 

*only walk this trail in calm weather, as it is often muddy and very uneven ground*

Where to Stay Near Slieve League

Mid-Range: Spring Grove Guest House
Budget: Ros Dún House
Unique: Lough Eske Castle

READ ALSO: 10 Essential Items To Pack For A Trip to Europe

Day 3: Gleniff Horseshoe & Downpatrick Head

Gleniff Horseshoe

Driving time from Slieve League: 1hr 40min

Gleniff Horseshoe is the definition of otherworldly, in my opinion. And, Colton and I even thought it kind of looked like Hawaii, which totally surprised us!

There isn’t necessarily anything to do once you get here, except walk around and admire the lush green jutting rock formations. I believe there is a little trailhead here, but I’m not sure where it goes or if it’s an easy hike for everyone. 

In my opinion, you should hang out here and walk around a little, and then get in the car and keep going.

Choose Your Next Stop

If you would like another outdoor activity similar to Slieve League, you’ll want to visit Downpatrick Head.

If you want to see a castle and even do a castle tour, head to Donegal Castle and even explore the town a bit.

Do one, or both! You have time for all 3 activities if you get up and moving early on day 3!

Donegal Castle

Driving time from Gleniff Horseshoe: 45min

Head to Donegal Castle and see a 15th century castle, restored to it’s former glory.

Admission is only €5 a person, and you get to walk around the castle to experience what life was like for those that lived there back in the day.

Downpatrick Head

Driving time from Gleniff Horsehoe: 1hr 55min
Driving time from Donegal Castle: 2hrs 25min

The rock formation known as Downpatrick Head is a huge rock stack located just off the coastline. 

You’ll truly be amazed at how it looks like a piece of the coast was cut off and plopped down in the water 100ft off shore. It even has grass growing on the top just like the surrounding land!

There is a small information center to visit, as well as a natural blowhole with a viewing platform.

It’s crazy that you can just walk right up to the edge to take in the monolith, so be careful when doing so as there are no railings!

Tonight you’ll either drive to Galway and spend the night or if it’s late, stay near Downpatrick Head. Or, if you’re in a van, find a nice spot to park! (We slept in the Downpatrick Head parking lot just fine!)

Where To Stay Near Downpatrick Head

Luxury: Belleek Castle
Mid-Range: Great National Hotel
Budget: The Loft Bar & Restaurant

Day 4: Galway

Driving time from Downpatrick Head: 2hrs 25min

Where To Stay In Galway

Luxury: Glenlo Abbey Hotel
Mid-Range: Skeffington Arms Hotel
Budget: The Woodquay Hostel

Welcome to Galway! This is such a beautiful city with some great Irish charm, street musicians, delicious fish and chips, and the best pint of Guinness I’ve ever had!

Our taxi driver in Dublin recommended a few places to us for when we were in Galway, and we are nothing if not loyal to locals’ recommendations. So, we tried them all and now I’m sharing them with you!

McDonagh’s

You must eat at McDonagh’s for their fish and chips. There is an option of the type of fish (I went with the Cod), and you get a large portion of chips as well. 

If you’ve never had fish and chips, or are unsure what it is, it’s basically breaded fish with a side of fries. Be sure to put malt vinegar on both!

McDonagh’s is a very popular spot, so be sure to come early for lunch or prepare to wait in a line out the door! Absolutely worth it, though!

Shop St.

Shop Street is just that, a shopping street! It’s basically the main drag in Galway with bars, restaurants, and plenty of shops selling Aran wool from the Aran Islands off the coast. 

An Irish Aran wool sweater is a very popular souvenir as it’s a very practical one, and the quality is amazing! Plus, you can tell all your friends that you bought it in Ireland when they ask where your sweater is from 😉

The Latin Quarter, towards the end of Shop Street, is a great area for a night out, or just to stroll around to enjoy the laid back and purely Irish feel of Galway.

Also, be sure to stop in to one of the many pubs in town for a pint of Guinness! 

Dough Bros

You’re probably going to say, ‘why should I get Italian pizza in Ireland?’ And you’re not wrong to ask that question because I thought the same thing. 

But, this pizza is damn good.

Two brothers who learned the art of pizza making in Italy started this shop in Galway. It’s a very popular spot for good reason! So be sure to pick up a pie from Dough Bros. 

Galway Cathedral

If you enjoy visiting cathedrals like I do, then be sure to go to Galway Cathedral.

You probably assume that because it’s a cathedral in Ireland it’s going to be very old, but actually, no! 

Galway Cathedral was constructed in the 1950-60’s! This makes it the last great stone cathedral to be built in Europe. 

It really is quite an impressive structure, so if this is your type of thing, make the stop! If not, don’t be afraid to pass it by.

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher

Driving time from Galway: 1hr 45min

What. A. Day. The Cliffs of Moher are everything they’re hyped up to be, I’ll tell you that! 

I was truly worried that I would be underwhelmed or disappointed by the Cliffs of Moher. But I was NOT.

Sometimes there are huge tourist attractions around the world that get hyped up, and then you visit them and you wonder, ‘why do people think this is so great?’

Thank the good Lord that the Cliffs of Moher not only met expectations, but wildly exceeded them. You’re going to love it!

The Cliffs of Moher are situated between the Atlantic Ocean and what’s known as The Burren, a stretching rocky landscape with much to see in its own right. There is also a nice visitors center with bathrooms, gift shop, and a restaurant.

You should truly spend a whole day here (or close to it) like we did. There is a very long pathway (800m) right next to the cliffside that you can walk and take in the cliffs from every angle. 

The pathway is safe, with barriers separating you and the cliffs in areas where the ground is not sturdy enough for visitors. 

But, there are some areas where you can walk right up to the edge, with no barrier. I got a true adrenaline rush standing so close to the edge of these massive cliffs, and I practically gave Colton a small heart attack. But what’s life without a little risk?

The Cliffs of Moher were the highlight of our Ireland road trip!

Truly though, please be so very careful when walking on the cliffs!

Where To Stay Near Cliffs Of Moher

Luxury: Luxury Lodges in Doolin
Mid-Range: Aiteall Boutique Accommodation
Unique: Ivy Hill Glamping Pod

Day 6: Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula is a fantastic place to spend time in Ireland, with hiking, beautiful views, tons of adorable small towns, scenic drives, castle ruins… the list goes on and on!

I’m going to give you some ideas of things to do while you’re in the area, so it’s sort of a choose your own adventure type of thing!

Ballydavid Head Cliff Walk

Driving time from Cliffs of Moher: 3hrs 30min

A highly rated ‘hike’, Ballydavid Head Cliff Walk is a 3 mile walking trail that gives you incredible views off of Dingle Peninsula.

I recommend doing at least a small part of this walking trail to get out and stretch your legs, and to get up close and personal with the coastline, rather than seeing it just from the car. 

Find the hike on All Trails.

Conor Pass (R560)

Take Conor Pass on your way into the peninsula, and be rewarded with sweeping views of valleys and lakes along the way. It’s one of the most popular scenic drives in Ireland.

The day we drove through, it was so foggy we could barely see 20ft in front of us so…be aware that it can get quite foggy. That’s Ireland for ya!

Peddler’s Lake

Along Conor Pass, you can stop off and stretch your legs at Peddler’s lake. Just off the road, there is an observation deck area where you can see the pretty lake, the waterfalls that feed it, and the towering mountains that surround it.

Dunquin Pier

Take an amazing picture at Dunquin Pier, a unique and iconic pier located close to the furthest point on the peninsula. 

Stop at Kruger’s Bar and have a pint of Guinness at Europe’s ‘most westerly bar’. It’s a cute little pub and a great place to take a minute and enjoy the beauty of the coastline here. 

The Town of Dingle

If you’re looking for a lunch spot or a place to grab a pint, head into the town of Dingle.

While you’re there, have lunch or dinner at The Fish Box and a drink at The Boatyard Restaurant.

Slea Head Drive

Another scenic route on Dingle Peninsula, and one I highly recommend you take is Slea Head Drive. 

You’ll find Dunquin Pier off of this road, and it loops around the edge of the peninsula, giving you a great vantage point for the coast. 

Pick the drive up in Dingle, then loop around until you end back up in Dingle at the end of the drive. You can also do just part of the loop and cut back to Dingle on any one of the smaller connecting roads. 

Where To Stay

On night 6, I would drive off of the peninsula a little ways to be closer to Dublin tomorrow if time allows. You could drive to Limerick for the night, which is about 2 hours from Dingle. 

In Dingle

Luxury: Dingle Benners Hotel
Mid-Range: Seaview Heights
Budget: Rainbow Hostel

In Limerick

Luxury: Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa
Mid-Range: The Bedford Townhouse & Cafe
Budget: Pery’s Hotel

Day 7: Back to Dublin

Don’t cry because it’s almost over, smile because it happened 🙂 Let’s enjoy the last day of your Ireland road trip!!

Today will likely depend on if you have a flight booked on day 7 or day 8.

If you have a flight booked on day 7 of your journey, keep in mind it takes about 4 – 4.5 hours to get from Dingle to Dublin.

On your way back to Dublin to drop off your car, you’ll likely take the M7 from Dingle to Dublin.

You can drive straight on all the way to Dublin and hit any spots you missed in the fair city after dropping off your rental car.

Options To Extend Your Ireland Road Trip

If you find yourself with extra time, there are so many other charming Irish towns and natural wonders to visit!

Spend some time in the city of Cork, or head over to the Rock of Cashel for a historical experience.

If you’re visiting Ireland in the warmer months and like to surf, go to the popular surf spot of Bundoran in County Donegal.

Head to Blarney and partake in kissing the Blarney Stone, said to bring luck! Find a tour for your favorite movie, two of the most popular being Game of Thrones and Star Wars.

Should I Get the Van Insurance?

The short answer is yes. 

I typically opt out of insurance when I rent a normal car because my travel credit card insurance covers me. But, a van is often considered a recreational vehicle by most insurance companies, which means you might not be covered in the event of an accident or damage.

While driving through Sligo, the mirror on the passenger side of our van was hit and the damage eventually cost us around $500. 

We had chosen not to get the insurance.

So, that was a big bummer and made the experience a tad more expensive. 

This is a decision you just need to make for yourself, but be aware that the roads in Ireland are very narrow and vans are quite large!

Van Life Tips & Tricks For An Ireland Road Trip

• Buy groceries from Lidl and make meals in the van! It’s fun and means you can camp anywhere for dinner/sleeping. 
• Buy gallons of fresh water for the van.
• Stay in at least one campground along the way to dump and refill water & use facilities
• Try to keep your van as clean as possible!
• Use public restrooms when possible so you can empty your van toilet less. 
• Park in caravan parks or public parking lots. (We even slept in a Lidl parking lot one night. Any port in a storm! Because there was a literal storm and we needed cover from the wind, so…)

I hope you have as much fun as we did on your one week Ireland road trip!