Ireland Road Trip: Top 5 Stops Along the Way
Ever wanted to see the main sights of Ireland, but you only have a short amount of time? There are so many small stops that can be made around the countryside and in the cities. These are my top 5 things you must-do and see on your road trip, in order:
1. Blarney Castle
Start your trip by getting out of Dublin. It helps to get a good start away on your drive to the West Coast, so just get the 3 hour drive out of the way right away! Drive straight to the Blarney Castle, but make a quick stop about halfway there at the Rock of Cashel, which sits on the top of a hill.
When you get to Blarney, make your way to the Blarney Castle and please, pay for the tour of the grounds. It is a beautiful green landscape, with history and many walking paths. This make a good change of pace from being in the car.
You can kiss the Blarney Stone, explore a rock cave attached to the castle, walk through the gardens or trails, and get some food at the Stable Yard Cafe.
The Stable Yard Cafe is literally housed in an old stable. There are tables within different stalls as well as out on the patio/terrace if it’s a nice day. There are many different things to do here, so it is well worth the stop, AND if you’re lucky, there will be a guy playing a bagpipe while you walk through the estate, which adds to the cultural history and experience.
2. Ring of Kerry & Kerry Cliffs
Make sure you get a chance to do the entire Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is a 3 and a half hour drive (without any stops) full of forests, rugged coastlines, lakes, and the Kerry Cliffs. There are so many places to stop on this drive and walk through the small towns or just take in the views. I recommend getting gas in Killarney and beginning by driving in the direction of Killarney National Park.
There are scenic landscapes and viewpoints continuously throughout the drive, but one of the best experiences was seeing the Kerry Cliffs at sunset. There was only one other group there, so we essentially had almost the whole place to ourselves. We watched the sun set over the ocean across from the cliffs, leaving a warm glow over the whole area.
3. Cliffs of Moher & Wild Atlantic Way
Next up, make your way north along the Wild Atlantic Way to the famous Cliffs of Moher. Pro tip: go early to avoid the swarms of tour buses that will inevitably all show up around the same time.
Within the main part of the Cliffs of Moher attraction, there are many stone walls put up to avoid people getting too close to the edge. Make sure you do the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.
From the main section, you can do the coastal walk in either direction. From both directions however, you will get very close to the edge, so be careful! It will, however, afford you incredible views and better pictures without the stone walls blocking the view.
After you have walked for however long your heart desires, make a stop at the Moher Cottage. It is a small cafe about a 5-10 minute drive from the Cliffs of Moher. It has delicious croissants, coffee, and homemade fudge. Indulge in all of it, and sit on the back patio to enjoy the view of the coast.
4. Galway
Galway is one of the larger cities on the west coast of Ireland. It is about an hour and a half drive, and it is a different change of pace from the greenery and outdoorsy vibes. This is a young and vibrant city that has a few major sites that make it an easy stop on a road trip to get out and walk around while experiencing cultural history.
Some major things to see would be the Spanish Arch, The Docks, Eyre Square, and the Galway Cathedral. These are all within the city, and they make for an easy DIY walking tour. There were tons of people walking around outside, sitting by the water, and enjoying life. This is a must-see stop on your road trip!
5. Guinness Storehouse
Clearly, Ireland is known for its Guinness. There are so many amazing things to do in Dublin, but one of the best overall experiences is the Guinness Storehouse (definitely worth the money). You get to walk through 7 floors of creative architecture featuring how Guinness is made, how to pour Guinness, and opportunities to taste Guinness.
The tour has interactive learning and informative videos that explain the history of Guinness. There is a pouring room where you can learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, but be warned there will probably be a line!
On the top floors, there are bars where you can get your complimentary Guinness or Guinness product that comes with the purchase of a ticket. Make sure you at least go up to the Gravity Bar, even if it’s crowded to at least see the view for a short time.
There are so many wonderful stops to make in Ireland, but these are among the top 5. If you have ever dreamed of seeing the iconic sights of Ireland, even if you only have a few days, you can make it happen! Get out there, and book your flights to Ireland. You won’t regret it.
For more on Ireland:
Want to read more about our entire trip? Check out our ultimate hop around Europe in one week by reading Iceland, Ireland, and Spain in One Week: a Travel Guide.
For more on Europe destinations:
If you are unsure about your next European destination or want to add on more cities like we did, read:
