Last updated on February 20th, 2025 at 06:05 pm
Are you planning an Ireland road trip? There is so much to see in Ireland and with limited time, you must be torn between which of Irelands’ must-see attractions you are going to visit. Don’t forget you still have to consider the hidden gems and the best hotels to rest your head.
Well, fear not! Let us guide you through Ireland’s top destinations, give you insider tips, and inform you about the best accommodation, so you will have a stress-free and unforgettable trip to Ireland.
We have taken all the cities, towns, and best attractions in Ireland that you must visit and packed it all in a 14-day Ireland road trip that brings you around the entire island of Ireland in chronological order. And not like some Ireland itineraries on Google that take you from Point A to Point D, and then back to Point B…….This Ireland itinerary actually makes sense!
Historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, Irish hospitality, and pretty much the best of Ireland attractions await you as you embark on an unforgettable adventure when discovering Ireland by car by following our 2-week Ireland itinerary.
Why take our advice? If you were visiting Australia, would you rather take advice from someone from Kenya or an Australian? Exactly, we’re two Irish locals who know Ireland’s top attractions and activities inside and out! Plus, we’ve personally visited every one of these incredible places in Ireland ourselves.
This is the short version of our 14-day Ireland itinerary with a quick overview of the essential points and best places to visit in Ireland. In this Ireland travel article, we have provided a link below to a more detailed itinerary of the same 2-week Ireland road trip, it goes into a lot more attention to detail to Ireland’s best attractions and our recommended places to stay – The detailed 2-week Ireland itinerary edition.
The Best 2-Week Ireland Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
In this 2-week Ireland itinerary, you will be completing a full lap of Ireland, including Northern Ireland, with Shannon Airport serving as the starting and finish point for your Ireland road trip.
Along the way, you will explore Ireland by car and visit Ireland’s most popular attractions such as the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the mysterious Giants Causeway, ancient megalithic sites such as Newgrange, drive the famous Ring of Kerry, and much much more.
If you choose to fly into Dublin Airport, Belfast Airport, or Cork Airport, you can simply pick up the 14-day Ireland itinerary from your arrival destination.
We highly recommend that your flight to Ireland arrives in the morning, allowing you to get the most out of your first day.
Additionally, we must warn you that this 2-week Ireland itinerary will be busy and requires early starts most days to allow you to get to the next attraction with plenty of time to explore.
We’ll provide detailed driving times and distances at the bottom of this Ireland travel article to give you a heads-up on what to expect each day for your Ireland road trip.
Finally, please note that this is a self-driving tour of Ireland, requiring either your own vehicle or a rented car for the duration of your stay.
As this is a 2-week Ireland itinerary by car, you must have… A car! Click the link to get a free quote for renting a car for your 2-week Ireland itinerary.
Experience the best 14-day Ireland Road Trip.
This 2-week Ireland road trip of the entire island has it all, just wait until you see how much we have packed into this 14-day Ireland itinerary. We are very confident that you will get to tick off loads on your Ireland bucket list!
First, let’s find out in a brief travel planner what the complete circuit of Ireland by car entails.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at Shannon Airport. Pick up your rental car and start the day at Irelands’ must-visit attraction, the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Afterward explore the nearby Burren National Park, a unique landscape that looks more like the moon. | Doolin, County Clare |
| Day 2 | Explore Irelands’ favorite city – Galway City. | Galway City, County Galway |
| Day 3 | Step back in time at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, and marvel at the striking silhouette of one of Ireland’s best natural attractions Ben Bulben and Gleniff Horseshoe. | Sligo Town, County Sligo |
| Day 4 | Visit the Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal. Cross the border from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland to explore the famous Derry City Murals and historic sites such as the Derry Walls. | Derry, County Derry |
| Day 5 | Drive one of the world’s best road trips along the Causeway Coastal Route and visit Northern Irelands’ best attractions such as the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and many more hidden gems. | Belfast, County Antrim |
| Day 6 | Start the day in Belfast with a Black Taxi Mural Tour, followed by a visit to the Irish Republican History Museum. In the afternoon you will visit Northern Ireland’s most visited attraction the Titanic Experience Museum. | Belfast, County Antrim |
| Day 7 | Cross back into the Republic of Ireland with a visit to one of Ireland’s UNESCO sites – Newgrange, followed by a visit to the mythical Hill of Tara and Bravehearts Trim Castle. That night explore the best pubs in Dublin. | Dublin, County Dublin |
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 8 | Learn about the struggle for Irish independence and the1916 Easter Rising in Kilmainham Gaol, in the afternoon explore Trinity College and the famous Book of Kells. Finish your day in Ireland’s most visited attraction – The Guinness Storehouse. | Dublin, County Dublin |
| Day 9 | A scenic drive through the Wicklow Mountains will take you to Ireland’s historic site of Glendalough, followed by an afternoon visit to the iconic Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. | Fota Island, County Cork |
| Day 10 | A local day trip to Irelands’ most beautiful town Cobh with attractions such as the Cobh Heritage Center – The Queenstown Story, and the Titanic Trail, followed by an afternoon visit to the Jameson Distillery in Middleton. | Fota Island, County Cork |
| Day 11 | Discover two more of the best colourfull seaside towns in Ireland – Kinsale and Clonakilty in County Cork. | Clonakilty, County Cork |
| Day 12 | Drive the Ring of Kerry and finish in Killarney, with nearby stops at Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle. | Killarney, County Kerry |
| Day 13 | Save the best until last on your 2-week Ireland Itinerary and drive the Slea Head Drive in the gorgeous Dingle Peninsula with stop-offs such as Gallarus Oratory, a view of the Blasket islands, ancient beehive stone huts and ring forts, and our favorite place to visit in Ireland – Dunquin Pier. | Dingle, County Kerry |
| Day 14 | Sadly this is the end of your Ireland road-trip. Head from Dingle to Shannon Airport for your afternoon flight back home! |
2-week Ireland Itinerary in Summary
Now that we have an outline of the 2-week Ireland itinerary by car, let’s delve into the specifics of each day, such as the driving times/distances, and places to stay (with breakfast and free parking included) to ensure a well-planned and enjoyable journey.
Day 1 of the Ireland Road Trip: Arrive at Shannon Airport
Arrive at Shannon Airport in County Clare. Fáilte go hÉireann – Welcome to Ireland!
Travel summary for Day 1 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Arrive at Shannon Airport, and pick up a rental car.
- Drive 1 hour to the Cliffs of Moher, A must-visit Ireland attraction – 66 kilometers (41 miles) from Shannon Airport.
- Explore the Burren National Park a unique landscape and visit the Poulnabrone Dolmen one of Irelands’ must-visit megalithic sites. Lastly, visit the nearby Aillwee Cave.
- Stay overnight in Doolin.
Day 2 of the Ireland Road Trip : Lahinch to Galway
Travel summary for Day 2 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Drive one hour and thirty minutes to Galway City from Doolin – 75 kilometers (46 miles).
- Stop-offs include Kinvara, Dunguaire Castle ruins, and Kilmacduagh Monastery.
- Spend the day exploring Galway City.
- Stay overnight in The Galmont Hotel & Spa in Galway.
Day 3 of the Ireland Road Trip: Galway to Sligo
Travel summary for Day 3 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Drive two hours to Sligo Town from Galway – 138 kilometers (85 miles).
- Before you arrive in Sligo, visit The Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery.
- Visit Ben Bulben (in our opinion the best natural attraction in Ireland) other highlights near Ben Bulben are – the Devils Chimney, Glencar Waterfall, Rosses Point, Eagles Rock, and the Viewpoint of Castle Classiebawn in Mullaghmore.
- Explore Sligo Town.
- Stay overnight in the Clayton Hotel & Leisure Club Sligo in Sligo Town.
Day 4 of the Ireland Road Trip: Sligo to Derry
Travel summary for Day 4 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Visit the Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal. Less famous than the Cliffs of Moher, but arguably even better. Continue your drive to Derry City – A total drive time of 4 hours including stop at Slieve League 240 kilometers (150 miles) .
- Welcome to Northern Ireland!
- Explore Derry’s famous murals and historic sites.
- Stay overnight in the Bishop Gate B&B in Derry.
During the Troubles, a period of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to the late 1990s, the Bogside neighborhood in Derry was a hotbed of resistance against British rule and the Protestant majority government and is a MUST-visit attraction in Derry.
Click below to find out the very affordable price for a walking tour through the Bogside to see Derry’s best attraction. Make sure to include Derry City Walls, the oldest city walls in Europe.
Day 5 of the Ireland Road Trip: Derry to Belfast
Travel summary for Day 5 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Drive to Belfast from Derry via the Giant’s Causeway along the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the best road trips in the world. The total driving distance is 210 kilometers (130 miles), and this will be a full day of driving, but with all of the best attractions in Northern Ireland!
- Starting in Derry, follow this route: Mussenden Temple, Dunluce Castle, (Unfortunately there will be not enough time to visit Bushmills Distillery, but the Jameson Whiskey distillery is included later in this Ireland itinerary), The Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, The Dark Hedges, Glendun Viaduct, The Hidden Village of Galboly, The Black Arch, Chaine Memorial Tower in Larne, and lastly Carrick Fergus Castle.
- Ireland Travel Tip – After the Dark Hedges, drive to Ballycastle and continue along the Antrim Coast. Google Maps will take you inland and you will miss some of the scenic Causeway Coastal route.
- Stay in The Hilton in Belfast for two nights.
Day 6: Belfast
Travel summary for Day 6 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Take the Black Taxi Mural Tour of Belfast.
- Learn all about the history of the IRA in the free-to-visit Irish Republican History Museum.
- Spend your afternoon in the Titanic Experience Museum.
The best way to learn about Belfast’s bloody history during the troubles is by taking a Black Taxi Mural tour. This is without a doubt one of Irelands’ best attractions and a MUST when in Belfast. The guided tour takes you to the best Belfast murals, important historical points, and will make you understand the history of Belfast and the Troubles.
Book your ticket NOW to avoid missing out!
Day 7 of the Ireland Road Trip: Belfast to Dublin
Travel summary for Day 7 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Drive to Newgrange, County Meath. One of two UNESCO heritage sites in Ireland, a Megalithic site older than the Great Pyramids of Giza and the historical landmark Stonehenge.
- Explore the Hill of Tara. An important historic site related to Irish Mythology.
- Visit Trim Castle, a 12th-century castle that played a starring role in the epic film Braveheart, directed by and starring Mel Gibson.
- The total driving distance today is 215 kilometers (135 miles).
- After Trim Castle continue to Dublin for one more hour of driving and stay in Irelands’ capital city for two nights at the luxurious Mespil Hotel, conveniently located near Trinity College. Visit some of the best pubs in Ireland in the evening and don’t forget to take a picture with Dublin’s’ iconic Molly Malone Statue.
Again, booking tickets in advance when visiting Newgrange is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as tickets are often booked months in advance due to the high demand.
Day 8 of the Ireland Road Trip : Dublin
Travel summary for Day 8 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Visit Kilmainham Jail first thing in the morning. A historical site where many of Irelands’ leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed.
- Afterward, visit Trinity College and the famous Book of Kells.
- Finish the day exploring the Guinness Storehouse, and have a well deserved pint of Guinness.
- Stay a second night in Dublin.
Day 9 of the Ireland Road Trip : Dublin to Cork
Travel summary for Day 9 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Tour through some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscape in the Wicklow Mountains via Lough Tay Viewpoint.
- Known as one of the must-visit attractions in Ireland, Glendalough Monastery and Round Tower is perfectly located within the Wicklow Mountains.
- Drive to Cork from Glendalough, via the Rock of Cashel. a very popular landmark in Ireland
- Total driving distance of 310 kilometers (195 Miles).
- Stay overnight at the five-star Fota Island Resort and Spa for a very reasonable price!
Day 10 of the Ireland Road Trip: Cobh and Middleton
Travel summary for Day 10 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Visit Ireland’s most beautiful town Cobh in the morning. Only a 15-minute drive from the Fota Island Resort and Spa. Visit the Cobh Heritage Museum and The Titanic Trail
- In the afternoon visit The Jameson Distillery Irish Whiskey Experience in nearby Middleton.
- Alternatively, explore Cork City. (Trains run hourly from Fota Island to Cork City)
- Relax another night at the five-star resort of Fota Island Resort and Spa. Located perfectly between Cobh and Middleton.
Day 11 of the Ireland Road Trip: Cobh to Clonakilty
Travel summary for Day 11 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Explore Kinsale, another one of Corks’ most beautiful towns, with options to visit Charles Fort and the Old Head of Kinsale.
- Visit the Drombeg Stone Circle, Ireland’s version of the famous historical landmark of Stonehenge.
- Total driving time – 115 kilometers (71 miles).
- Explore Clonakilty, and stay the night in the conveniently located Emmet Hotel.
If you don’t fancy driving around Ireland yourself then an incredible alternative is to book an Ireland Tour with Brendan Vacations. Sit back, relax and experience a uniquely tailored trip that is planned, managed and personally delivered by a passionate team of Celtic Experts.
Day 12 of the Ireland Road Trip: Clonakilty to Killarney
Travel summary for Day 12 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Drive the Ring of Kerry starting in Kenmare, and finishing in Killarney
- The total driving time of the Ring of Kerry ranges from 4 hours to 6 hours.
- From Kenmare, explore the following highlights – Sneem, Derryname Beach, Com an Chise Viewpoint, Kerry Cliffs, Cahergal Stone Fort, Dingle Viewpoint, The Gap of Dunloe, Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, Muckross Abbey (not Muckross house), and lastly Ross Castle.
- Stay overnight in The Gleneagle Hotel & Apartments, Killarney’s best hotel with an indoor swimming pool.
Day 13 of the Ireland Road Trip: Killarney to Dingle
Travel summary for Day 13 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- Drive the Slea Head Drive. One of Irelands’ best road trips.
- Continue your Ireland road trip, and explore the nearby Conor Pass, one of the best free things to do in Ireland.
- Have a pint in the historical South Pole Inn, Annascaul.
- Stay overnight at the Dingle Skellig Hotel with stunning sea views.
Day 14 of the Ireland Road Trip: Departure
Travel summary for Day 14 of your 2-week Ireland itinerary:
- This day marks the end of your 14-day Ireland itinerary. Drive two hours and 15 minutes from Dingle to Shannon Airport for an evening flight, via Adare Village and Bunratty Castle.
- Alternatively, stay in the Shannon Springs Hotel near Shannon Airport or in the city center of Limerick City in the Strand Hotel (formerly known as the Hilton) for your last night, and depart back home the following day. On Day 15, you will conclude your unforgettable Ireland road trip by returning home.
To explore this 2-week Ireland itinerary, you will need your own car. Simply click the link and filter down your needs to find your perfect vehicle to discover Ireland by car!
14-day Ireland Itinerary: Final Tips
There you have it, a perfect 2-week Ireland itinerary that takes you on a complete lap of the island, visiting all the best attractions in Ireland along the way. What do you think? Sounds pretty awesome right, and most importantly, very achievable.
Remember we mentioned at the start we have another travel article on the same 14-day Ireland road trip. Even though that article is a bit longer read, it has A LOT MORE attention to detail. Click the link to read a more detailed version of our 14-day complete Ireland Road Trip.
Before we give you our final tips for your Ireland Road Trip, please take a moment to explore the fantastic offers below and find out in a few clicks how much a trip to Ireland will cost.
- This 2-week Ireland Itinerary requires a car.
- In the summer, days will be longer due to extended daylight hours, giving you plenty of time to explore all of the best things to do in Ireland, and still have time to relax in the evening.
- Your Ireland road trip will be busy, but it is the only way to visit all of the best Ireland attractions in limited time.
- Try to leave as early as possible every day when driving long distances.
- Remember, you will be starting early every day on your 2-week Ireland itinerary, so take it easy in those delicious pints of Guinness the night before.
- There are plenty of local shops such as Spar, and Centra, that sell sandwiches, snacks, hot meals and coffee along the way.
- Enjoy your perfect Ireland road trip. We know you will!
We would love to answer any questions you may have, or tell us what you visited in Ireland. Please feel free to leave us a message below or contact us through our socials.
Slán go fóil
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