Are you planning to embark on a road trip around Ireland? If yes, then you might be wondering how long it would take to cover all the major attractions and scenic routes of this beautiful country. Well, the answer to this question depends on various factors such as your travel style, the number of places you want to visit, and the duration of your trip.
Factors That Affect the Duration of Your Road Trip Around Ireland
Your Travel Style: The first factor that affects the duration of your road trip is your travel style. Are you a slow traveler who likes to take their time and soak in the local culture?
Or are you a fast traveler who wants to cover as many places as possible in a short amount of time? Depending on your travel style, your road trip could last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
The Number of Places You Want to Visit: Another factor that affects the duration of your road trip is the number of places you want to visit. Ireland is home to numerous attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Giant’s Causeway, and many more. If you plan on visiting all these places, then your road trip could take several weeks.
The Duration of Your Trip: The final factor that affects the duration of your road trip is the duration of your overall trip. If you only have a week or two for your Ireland road trip, then you might have to skip some attractions or shorten your stay at certain places.
Recommended Duration for an Ireland Road Trip
If you want to cover most major attractions and scenic routes around Ireland without rushing through them, then we recommend that you plan for a 10-14 day road trip. This will give you enough time to explore popular destinations like Dublin, Cork, Galway City, Killarney National Park, and Donegal along with some offbeat locations.
Sample Itinerary for a 10-Day Ireland Road Trip
Day 1-2: Dublin
- Explore the famous Guinness Storehouse and learn about the history of Ireland’s favorite beer.
- Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, one of the oldest surviving manuscripts in the world.
- Stroll around St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street for some shopping and people watching.
Day 3-4: Cork
- Visit the famous Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone to gain eloquence.
- Explore the colorful town of Kinsale, known for its seafood and picturesque harbor.
- Drive along the scenic Ring of Kerry route and enjoy stunning views of mountains, lakes, and sea cliffs.
Day 5-6: Galway City
- Take a tour of Connemara National Park and enjoy hiking trails, lakeshores, and scenic drives.
- Visit Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful castle nestled in the heart of Connemara with stunning gardens.
- Spend an evening in Galway City, known for its live music scene, street performers, and cozy pubs.
Day 7-8: Killarney National Park
- Hike or bike through Killarney National Park to see Ireland’s highest mountain range – MacGillycuddy’s Reeks – up close.
- Paddle a kayak or take a boat tour on Lough Leane to explore hidden islands and ancient ruins.
- Spend an evening at Muckross House & Gardens, a Victorian mansion with an impressive collection of furniture and artwork.
Day 9-10: Donegal
- Drive along the Wild Atlantic Way route and visit some of the most stunning beaches and cliffs in Ireland.
- Explore Glenveagh National Park, known for its wilderness trails, hiking routes, and scenic drives.
- Visit the Slieve League cliffs, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an Ireland road trip can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your travel style, itinerary, and duration of your trip. However, we recommend planning for a 10-14 day road trip to cover most major attractions and scenic routes around Ireland without rushing through them. With proper planning and some flexibility, you can have a memorable road trip experience in this beautiful country.