7 Day Ireland Road Trip – Fantastic Places to Visit

7 Day Ireland Road Trip – The Perfect Irish Trip

A 7-day Ireland road trip can only be the best if it is full of the things that you like to do. In this post, we have highlighted what we think are the best places to see and visit with 7 days in Ireland, and we’ve also included alternative options that you might like.

On this 7-day Irish road trip,  you’ll be visiting some of its most well-known locations, as well as a few relatively unknown destinations along the way. I

f you’re looking for panoramic views, quaint Irish villages, picture-postcard scenery and some off-the-beaten-path spots then you’re in the right place. You can easily adapt this road trip to suit your own preferences by including our additional options.

We had already travelled much of Europe in a motorhome, but for our Ireland road trip, we were driving our somewhat smaller SAAB, and we utilised BnBs on the trip.

This article sets out how to spend a week in Ireland and takes you along the famous driving routes such as the Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry, Loophead Peninsula, Sky Road Loop and many more. Road-tripping Ireland is hands down the best way to enjoy all that the Emerald Isle has to offer.

7 Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

Our Ireland road trip starts and ends in Dublin. However, as we aren’t big city people, we didn’t schedule time to explore Dublin. However, you may like to include Ireland’s capital as part of your own itinerary. 

Day 1: Dublin to Durrus via the Rock of Cashel

Dublin > Rock of Cashel > Sheeps Head Peninsula> Durrus 

The Rock of Cashel

As you depart Dublin, the drive through the scenic green, rolling hills is a perfect welcome to the Emerald Isle. The first stop on day one of this Ireland itinerary,  is The Rock of Cashel, (named Carraig Phádraig in Gaelic). These 12th-century medieval buildings sit on a raised limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside and this spot was once the seat of power for local kings.

To grab some nice distance photos of ‘the Rock’, some good viewpoints can be found within 500 metres of Cashel, on the roads arriving from the north of the town. Don’t worry, you’ll see ‘the Rock’ well before you reach the town.

The Rock of Cashel

If you decide to drive directly to the Rock of Cashel then the dedicated, paid parking is found within a couple of hundred metres of the entrance to ‘the Rock’. There is well-placed signage once you enter the town which makes it all a bit easier.

Sheep’s Head Peninsula

Leaving Cashel, we chose to skirt the city of Cork, (on the southern coast of Ireland), and arrive at Durrus with the intention to explore Sheep’s Head Peninsula. Unfortunately, it was bucketing down the day we arrived. However, we did manage to take a few photos the following morning. 

It’s quite usual for the west coast to receive an unbelievable 1000 to 2000 mls of rain per year; that’s the secret to Ireland’s luscious green scenery. Therefore, keep in mind that you may very well experience rainfall on your one week in Ireland. Therefore, make sure you are well equipped with wet weather gear so you can continue to explore regardless.

Sheep’s Head Peninsula views, County Cork, Ireland

Day 2: Durres to Portmagee via the Ring of Kerry

Durres > Bantry > Glengarriff > County Kerry > Kenmare > Ring of Kerry > Derrynane Beach >Ballingskelligs Beach > Kerry Cliffs > Portmagee

On day 2 of your Ireland road trip itinerary, leave Durres and drive the back roads north to the town of Bantry and then join the Wild Atlantic Way. (A handy downloadable free e-guide book that encompasses the whole 2500 kilometre Wild Atlantic Way drive can be found here).

Upon reaching Glengarriff, swing north for approximate 12 kilometres along the N71 and follow the Caha Pass road (opened in the 1840s), crossing into County Kerry from Country Cork.

Here you’ll come across a statue of an Irish lady, Molly Gallivan, right beside the road and opposite, her early 20th-century farm and dwellings. This entrepreneurial woman offered food, drink and home-made crafts to passing travellers and this soon became a popular place to break the journey.

Here you can break your own journey and visit the tea rooms and visitor centre. 

Statue of Molly Gallivan, County Kerry

Kenmare

Descending the Caha Pass, about 16 kilometres north of Molly Gallivan’s, your road trip brings you into Kenmare Old. Just before crossing the bridge into Kenmare itself, swing right and follow the road for about a kilometre to the Kenmare Old Cemetery. During the 1840s potato famine, roughly 5000 people were buried here.

Old Kenmare Cemetery, County Kerry

While you’re here, it’s worth following signs to St Finnian’s Holy Well. You’ll find it down by the river, a mere 40 metres along the shore. The well is named after St Finnian, a 7th Century Irish monastic saint, and it is believed to have healing powers.

St Finnians Holy Well, County Kerry

Re-joining the Wild Atlantic Way, we begin the famed Ring of Kerry travelling westwards from Kenmare towards our stop for the night, Portmagee. 

In total, the Ring of Kerry encompasses 189 kilometres but we opted to drive about three-quarters of it to Killorglin, deciding to bypass Killarney. There is so much to see but being restricted to a week in Ireland, we had to make sacrifices!

The Ring of Kerry

It doesn’t matter in which direction you drive the Ring of Kerry but tour buses need to follow an anti-clockwise direction. We drove clockwise as it best suited our travel plans and also avoided any possible delays caused by tour buses. However, to be honest, we only saw a few buses during our September trip.

Ring of Kerry: Derrynane Beach

The drive along the south coast was pretty with some gorgeous views for the first 100 kilometres. Our first stop overlooked Derrynane Beach, a spot popular for windsurfers, although the sea spray made for hazy photo conditions.

Derrynane Beach, County Kerry

Ring of Kerry: Ballingskelligs Beach and Castle

Continuing on the Ring of Kerry and a further 26 kilometres down the road, we arrived at Ballingskelligs Beach, home to the 16th century Ballingskelligs Castle. This castle, or tower, used to guard the bay and charged tariffs from passing vessels. There’s a lovely beach here and the castle provides a great backdrop for photos.

Ballingskelligs Castle, County Kerry

Ring of Kerry: Kerry Cliffs

Continue your drive for 30 minutes northwards and you’ll come to Kerry Cliffs. These are County Kerry’s highest cliffs at about 300m in height. From here, on a clear day, there are views out to Skellig Rocks and Puffin Island.

Parking is close by the entrance to the cliffs, which will have you parting with 4 Euro per adult. A short, sharp-ish walk will soon have you at the cliff face at the closest viewpoint.

View of the Northern Kerry Cliffs, County Kerry

Veering off either left or right from here and within a few hundred metres are two other viewpoints. We thought that the best views were to be found at the northern-most viewpoint. Don’t miss the replica beehive huts (or clochans) – examples of the huts built around 2000BC. They are about 300m from the entrance point.

Day 3: Portmagee (continue on the Ring of Kerry) to Ballydavid via Dingle Peninsula 

 Portmagee > Valentia Island > Bray Head > Leacanabuile and Cahergal Ringed Forts >Ballycarbery Castle > Kells Beach > Rossbeigh Beach > Dingle > Slea Head Drive > Coumeenoole Bay > Dunmore Head > Ballydavid

Bray Head, Valentia Island

Day 3 of this Ireland itinerary begins in Portmagee with Valentia Island right on your doorstep.

It’s definitely worth a visit to hike Bray Head to enjoy some tremendous views. However, you’ll need to make a slight detour by crossing the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge in Portmagee as the Ring Of Kerry bypasses this island. Driving to the westernmost point of the island brings you to a dedicated decent-sized paid parking spot. From here follow the uphill trail for 2-kilometres. Bray Head is a steady climb to the top.

Bray Head Signal Tower, Valentia Island ( the two ‘Skelligs’ in the background)

It’s worth the time and effort for the views of Portmagee, the Skellig Ferry plying its route to both Skellig Michael and Little Skelling islands and for the distant views of the Cliffs of Kerry. The ruins of Bray Head Signal Tower, near the western-most point of this walk, is worth a wander through and also offers a respite from any intermittent rain showers.

All up, we spent three great hours here. We found some geocaches and even befriended some 4-footed woolly ‘locals’ on the way. 

Leacanabuile and Cahergal Ringed Forts

Bidding farewell to Valentia Island, we briefly re-joined the Ring of Kerry before again detouring at Cahersiveen, just 15 kilometres away. Our goal – to walk the impressive Leacanabuile and Cahergal Ringed Forts, dating back to the 7th century AD.

 Entry is free and quite accessible from the nearby car park.

Leacanabuile ringed fort, County Kerry (with Cahergal ringed fort and Ballycarbery Castle in the background)

A word of warning: in one of the carparks, one of the locals was offering tourists a hold of one of his lambs and encouraging them to take a photo, but then requesting money for this afterwards. It was not done in good faith as there was no sign saying it was a paid service. 

Ballycarbery Castle, County Kerry

From the ringed forts, you can spy the ruins of the 15th century Ballycarbery Castle. We drove up to the surrounding fence line but unfortunately it was signed as ‘no entry’ so we didn’t get to wander the ruins. However, it still made for a great photo.

Ballycarbery Castle ruins, County Kerry

Kells Beach, County Kerry

Undeterred, we continued along the road for a further 15 kilometres and detoured down to Kells Beach to have a look around and stop for lunch. It didn’t take long to walk the 50m and we were soon tucking into some fish and chips from the local convenience store right by the car park.

Driving east on the northern part of the Ring of Kerry you can catch glimpses of Rossbeigh Beach.

Kells Beach, County Kerry is a nice, quiet place for a stop

Slea Head Drive, Dingle Peninsula

Pushing on in our mission to see Ireland in 7 days, we passed through Dingle and veered onto the R559 or Slea Head Drive. We picked up this looped 47-kilometre drive in Dingle and drove a spectacular 41 kilometres along the route to Feohanagh.

The roads on Slea Head are tight and mostly single lane. Even using the pull-overs to let opposing traffic through, it is often a squeeze and that’s in a car. Don’t let this deter you as it is so worth the views. Keep an eye out for some old, abandoned stone buildings by the road-side that are nice to wander around.

If you can’t stop then don’t fret, there’s a dedicated pull-over a bit further on with views to Coumeenoole Bay. Once you reach Coumeenoole Bay, park up and hit the trail for a 1-kilometre hike up the steep hill. Don’t be put off, the views are just fabulous.

Views over Coumeenoole Bay to Dunmore Head

Dunmore Head

The final destination for day three of our Irish road trip… Dunmore Head. Ring a bell? Parts of ‘Star Wars – The Last Jedi’ was filmed here. Any direction you look from up here, the landscape is just outstanding.

Star Wars territory: Dunmore Head, County Kerry

Day 4: Ballydavid to Kilkee via Conor Pass Road and Loop Head Drive

Ballydavid > Dingle > Conor Pass >Lough Doon > Lough Adoon > Glanteenassig Forest Park > Taubert >Killimer >Kilkee >Loop Head Peninsula > Bridge of Ross > Kilkee

Conor Pass

Day four of the Ireland itinerary takes us back through Dingle. Looping back to Dingle is pretty much the only way to continue the drive north and then onto the Conor Pass.

This 12-kilometre Mountain Pass is one of the highest in Ireland. It weaves past steep drops whilst tantalising you with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. The road going north-east past the summit carpark of Conor Pass is restricted to vehicles less than 2 tonnes.

Sweeping valleys as seen from Conor Pass, County Kerry

Lough Doon

Continue approximately 1.5 kilometres north past the Conor Pass summit and look for a pullover. Here you can see a cheery little waterfall from the carpark. If it’s not too slippery, walk to Lough Doon, a secluded lake sitting above the level of the road. Unfortunately, due to recent rain, the trek proved too slippery so we decided to tackle that one at another time.

Cheery waterfall near Lough Doon, County Kerry

Lough Adoon

Driving on another 4 kilometres you’ll reach the junction to Cloghane.  You can park up here and look for a not-so-obvious nearby gateway. Following the path takes you to Lough Adoon (not to be confused with Lough Doon just mentioned).

Lough Adoon is a beautiful secluded lake 1.5 kilometres from the gateway. The walk is very picturesque, paralleling and sometimes crossing a bubbly stream – making for some lovely photos. Closer to the lake, the path sort of ceases so it’s a case of picking the best line through the grass to reach the shoreline. Waterproof shoes and pants are definitely recommended. All up we spent about 2.5 hours here including the return walk.

Lough Adoon is nestled by nearby mountains

Glanteenassig Forest Park

A further 13 kilometres along, take the turnoff to Glanteenassig Forest Park. This park has two beautiful lakes (Lough Slat and Lough Caum), with stunning surroundings. Firstly you can drive close to Lough Slat and walk a short 100m to the lake. This was one of our favourite places to visit on our week in Ireland.

Lough Slat within Glanteenassig Forest Park, County Kerry

Glentassig Forest Park Video Clip

Lough Slat unplugged

From here, the road continues to Lough Caum where wooden walkways follow the shoreline. To depart, we recommend that you backtrack on your original route. If you choose to continue, as we did, then this circuitous route covers some pretty sharp, rocky ground. We inched our two-wheel-drive car over the track and made it out unscathed – but be warned!

Lough Caum 

Loop Head Peninsula Drive

Reaching Kilkee in County Clare, we headed south-west on the Loop Head Peninsula starting the famous Loop Head Drive. This is another scenic location featured in the Star Wars – Return of the Jedi movie. Kilkee to the Loop Head Lighthouse is a 26-kilometre route (one-way) and there’s also a free carpark.

Loop Head Peninsula 

If you choose, you can enter the lighthouse grounds for a fee and visit the museum. You can also climb this 23m high lighthouse built-in 1854. You could also book online and stay overnight in the Loop Head LightKeeper’s cottage.  We chose to wander the expansive grounds around the lighthouse and admire the staggering views of this wild, rugged coastline.

Magical views of County Clare coastline

Loop Head Lighthouse can be climbed

Right by the tip of Loop Head is a lone rock that seems to be cleaved from the mainland. This is Sampson’s Island. It is home to nesting seagulls, terns, plovers and is a haven for birdlife in general, so don’t forget your telephoto lens.

The gap between these two landmasses is known as Cú Chulainn’s Leap and at the closest point, it seems to be about 10 metres from the mainland. Back in the 18th century, there used to be a viewing platform overhanging the mainland towards Sampson’s Island but this is long gone.

Sampson’s Island

In the grassland in front of the lighthouse, you may come across the word ‘Eire’ arranged with stones. This tradition dates back to World War II and it indicated to pilots that they were entering neutral airspace. There are also some great geocaches tucked away but I’ll not mention where.

Bridges of Ross

Continuing your road trip along the coastline back north-east towards Kilkee, and just 6 kilometres away, lie the Bridges of Ross. At one time there were three such natural rock arches but today only one remains standing. From the dedicated parking area, a gentle path leads you to the magnificent rock formations.

Bridges of Ross

 Day 5: Kilkee to Clifden via the Cliffs of Moher and Galway

Kilkee > Kilkee Cliff Walk > Cliffs of Moher >The Burren > Galway > Clifden

Kilkee Cliff Walk and Pollock Holes

Before leaving Kilkee, on day five of this 7 day Ireland itinerary,  we drove to the coastline and parked at the Pollock Holes carpark close by the Diamond Rocks Cafe. Grab a coffee and stroll the looped 5- kilometre Kilkee Cliff Walk or if you prefer, the 8-kilometre loop.

You won’t miss the Pollock Holes as they are pretty much directly in front of the cafe. The Pollock Holes are three natural tidal rock pools, popular with swimmers, varying between 20m to 50m width and depths of up to 2.5m. They get their name from the Pollock (fish) which call this home for six months of the year.

The Amphitheatre – you can see why!

There are some really interesting and varied rock formations in this conservation area. Keep an eye out on the foreshore for the ‘Amphitheatre’ and the ‘Puffing Hole’, a natural rock blowhole.

The Puffing Hole is a decent sized hole

Cliffs of Moher

The next highlight for the day – the famed Cliffs of Moher. A 50-kilometre drive saw us queued up for the huge carpark.

Some interesting facts of Cliffs of Moher:

• The Cliffs of Moher are Irelands most visited natural attraction with up to one million visitors a year
• The Moher cliffs are 214m at their highest point.
• If you’re visiting between April and mid-July, then you have a good chance of seeing puffins.
• There’s a tourist centre, eatery and plenty of souvenir shops here.

Looking south at the Cliffs of Moher – if you look carefully, you can see people at the promontories

This was the most touristy location we had visited on our Ireland road trip so far. We paid 8 Euro per person because we arrived at the busiest time of day – between 11 am and 4 pm. However, buying your tickets online and visiting outside of these busy hours can give savings of up to 50%.

Check here for online tickets and opening hours.

The cliffs of Moher were extremely busy as it was the tourist season, (August) but regardless, we did manage to walk a good portion of the cliffs. What we didn’t account for were the biting bugs that we encountered. The biting flies were there in droves. It was insane and really distracting. This wasn’t common according to the locals.

For us, the cliff views were pretty good but not as great as all the hype behind it. However, you just don’t know unless you see it for yourself. Obrien’s Tower, on the northern part of the cliffs, gave the best views to the south.

O’Brien’s Tower at the Cliffs of Moher

The Burren

Driving north for 16 kilometres, we stopped for a couple of photos at ‘The Burren’. This is a huge landscape of weathered limestone outcrops and a vast contrast to the green rolling hills.

The weathered limestone rock of The Burren

Thinking we were about due a stop for lunch, O’Donohue’s Pub came into sight. We spoke to Pat the publican who was the owner and he told us that this 150-year-old pub had passed down through five generations of his family. Fittingly, we woofed down tasty bowls of Irish Stew and test drove an Irish Coffee and a Guinness – perfect!

The hard to miss colours of O’Donohues Pub, County Clare

Galway

The Claddagh Ring design

The Claddagh ring is representative of love, loyalty and friendship and only a few select shops lay claim as makers of this traditional artwork.

Down by the waterfront and close by the Wolfe Tone Bridge is the Spanish Arch. Built-in 1584, it remains an important part of Galway’s historical past. Galway’s colourful ambience certainly impressed us. Here’s a quick highlights video.

Clifden

Our final stop for the day, 77 kilometres away was Clifden. And why Clifden? On this road trip, we wanted to experience an iconic traditional Irish Pub band and Lowry’s Music and Whiskey Bar was the place for us. It was voted in 2015, 2018 & 2019 as the winner of the ‘Best Traditional Bar in Ireland‘ at Ireland’s prestigious National Hospitality Awards.

This Irish pub is open every day, and let me tell you, it’s every bit as good as we had hoped. Get there early (an hour before the band starts) to ensure you get a seat otherwise, it’s standing room only. We bopped and clapped our way through the medleys of traditional Irish Folk music and ballads. I’d say the Guinness helped too! 

Irish Pub folk music – just unbeatable!

Day 6: Clifden to Westport via the Sky Road and Kylemore Abbey

Clifden > Sky Road Loop > Kylemore Abbey > Croagh Patrick > Westport 

Sky Road Loop

Right on the doorstep of Clifden lies the Sky Road Loop. This 16-kilometre loop starts and ends in Clifden and gives fantastic views of the Connemara countryside. So start the day by taking the Sky Road from Clifden going west. At the 3.4 kilometre point, you arrive at a junction where you can choose either the upper road to the right or the lower road to the left. We chose the upper road to get the gain in altitude and the better views of the coastline and nearby islands.

Intersecting the N59, we headed north away from Clifden, driving 16 kilometres to reach Kylemore Abbey.

Island views seen from the Sky Road

Kylemore Abbey

Haven’t heard of Kylemore Abbey? Read the history of a tragic love story and how this castle, originally built in 1868, became a world-renowned girl’s boarding school under the tutelage of the St Benedictine nuns. The school no longer exists but the nuns maintain their residence here at Kylemore Abbey. 

Entering the carpark into Kylemore Abbey, the best photo opportunity is right by the carpark near the lake at a purpose-built viewing platform.

Seeing is believing – Kylemore Abbey, County Galway

For an entrance fee of 14 Euro per adult, it may at first seem somewhat expensive but it’s definitely worth the outlay. You have access to the abbey, a gothic church on the grounds which was built in memory of the original owner’s wife, the expansive 6-acre Victorian walled gardens and the head gardeners cottage.  We spent the good part of half a day here.

When you feel like a break, a teahouse, perfect for cream teas and snacks, is near the gardens. It is serviced by an electric bus running between the abbey and the tea house. Right by the tea-house is the entrance to the Victorian gardens.

Victorian gardens of Kylemore Abbey

A large craft and gift shop nearby the carpark sells all sorts of homemade chocolates and fudge – we can vouch first-hand that the fudge is delicious.

Kylemore Abbey opening times are from May-Oct 9.am to 6/7 pm. 

Croagh Patrick

Leaving Kylemore Abbey, we headed north on the R335 hoping to get some great photos over the lake, Doo Lough, but the weather wasn’t kind to us so we kept going until we reached Croagh Patrick some 50 kilometres later.

Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, nicknamed The Reek, is the holiest mountain in Ireland and an important pilgrimage site. Croagh Patrick is 764m high with the hike taking roughly 4 hours in total assuming you have an average fitness level. The starting point is the paid carpark near its base.

Statue of St. Patrick holding a shamrock

Views over Clew Bay on the Croagh Patrick climb

Day 7: Westport to Dublin via Sean’s Bar in Athlone

Westport > Athlone > Sean’s Bar > Dublin

Westport

You’ll start your final day of this itinerary in Westport which was voted as the Best Place to Live in Ireland in 2012. We loved this town. The people seemed just that bit happier here. The locals were chatty, the shop decor was vibrant and life felt upbeat. 

A touch of Westport style

We armed ourselves with delicious ice cream from McGreevy’s Westport voted ‘Winner of the Best of  ’99’ Ice Cream in Ireland’ and ate them overlooking Carrowbeg River, just over the road. Love the colours on this building!

All smiles here – you know why!

Athlone

We left Westport and set a leisurely pace heading 140 kilometres east to Athlone and the oldest pub in Ireland, Sean’s Bar. 

The Guinness Book of Records has traced the pub’s heritage right back to 900AD and currently, the bar is vying for the title of ‘oldest bar in the world’. Imagine all the stories that have told there!

Sean’s Bar – oh the stories these walls must hold

The bar staff at ‘Sean’s Bar’ were super chatty and explained how the sloping floor used to allow rainwater to flow quickly through the establishment down to the river. The sawdust not only soaked up any spillages but allowed for easier removal of unconscious patrons during the dragging process.

There is plenty of memorabilia adorning the walls and the roof, along with an ample variety of Irish ‘brews’ to choose from. Needless to say, I walked away with a smile on my face.

The business end of Sean’s Bar

This black beauty needs little introduction – Guinness Beer

There sure are a lot of fabulous things to see and do on an Ireland road trip. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we did and that this one week Ireland itinerary helps you plan a fantastic trip … to be sure, to be sure.

Thanks, Ireland, we had a blast!

Let us know what you think of this Ireland itinerary and keep us posted of any Ireland road trips you go on – we’d love to hear about them. Just leave a comment below 🙂 

Why not Pin and Save for Later? 

You May also be Interested in Reading:

• Wales, UK: A Weekend in Pembrokeshire – Escape to Nature
•  Wales, UK: Skomer Island Puffins in Wales
• France: Breathtaking Brittany Road Trip, France

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission from purchases you make through our links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting us. For more info, read our Disclosure Policy.

Arrange Your Travel Insurance

Get a quote from World Nomads – one of the best options for travellers. Find out why here.

Book Your Accommodation

We use Booking.com as we can find a variety of cheap and budget accommodation such as local guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Travel Gear and Accessories

We’ve been on the road for almost three years now and have added useful items to  our Lifejourney4two page on Amazon  

Car Hire

We use  Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals.

Motorhome/Van Rentals

if you are looking for a motorhome or van rental – we highly recommend the Motorhome Republic who can find the best deals worldwide.

Finding Activities to do

We use Get Your Guide and Viator to get ideas of what to do in a place – sometimes it’s best to get tickets online and jump the queues.

Flexible Accommodation Options/ Or Finding someone to look after your pets

We often use house/petsitting as it really makes our travels much more affordable – as accommodation is FREE

Get 25% off  Trusted House Sitters by using our link here: Join Trusted House Sitters either as a house sitter or if you want to find a house sitter.

Photography Prints and Products

Shop our ETSY store for digital downloads of our best photos and our unique travel designed products.