7, 10, or 14 Days in Western Eire

This text might include affiliate hyperlinks the place I make a small fee for purchases you make from hyperlinks that you just click on from this text. By buying via these hyperlinks, you help me at no further value to you. Thanks to your help.

Constructing your Eire journey itinerary really is determined by your pursuits, however I like to recommend beginning with not less than seven days in Eire. On the West coast specifically – it’s my private favourite – driving parts of the Wild Atlantic Method. I do know everybody loves a while in Dublin – however this text is simply specializing in the countryside and smaller villages of the west coast – that is my favourite a part of Eire – the agricultural areas! If doable, extending your keep to 10 days and even fourteen days on Eire’s West coast will present a good richer expertise, permitting deeper immersion into Irish tradition and surroundings.

I’ve traveled to Eire a number of instances – it seems like my dwelling in Europe. It doesn’t matter if I’m doing mountain climbing, biking, or driving journeys there, and I’ve cherished all of them. I even run my very own small group excursions there continuously, too. I used all the data I’ve gained in these journeys and put collectively this complete Eire journey itinerary for you…from 7 to 14 days!

Let’s begin with a one-week itinerary exploring the charming rural fantastic thing about County Sligo and County Mayo, on the north-west facet of the nation. From there, I recommend including on a couple of days to drive south to discover the Cliffs of Moher and the gorgeous Burren area. Then, to spherical out a full two-week Eire trip, proceed heading south to County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Let’s get began!

Begin Constructing Your Good Eire Journey Itinerary

You will have a set of wheels to get round for this itinerary. Don’t fear when you’ve by no means pushed abroad earlier than – Eire is the right place to be taught! That is really the place I realized how one can drive on the opposite facet of the highway. Sure – it was harrowing at first – however on the west coast, there are many quiet roads to get your proper facet driving savvy and confidence! Nonetheless – I do all the time suggest getting the smallest rental automotive you possibly can when in Eire. The roads are slender, and the smaller the automotive, the higher.

See all of my driving suggestions for Driving in Eire

7 Days in Eire: A Cultural and Scenic Street Journey By Mayo and Achill

Positioned on the west coast of Eire, County Mayo is a hidden gem with a rugged shoreline, beautiful mountain vistas, and picturesque villages. It gives vacationers a mix of tranquil rural settings, historic websites, vibrant cultural traditions, and countless alternatives for out of doors adventures away from the vacationer crowds. That’s why I’ve run 4 totally different excursions in County Mayo – as a result of it’s a rustic that many individuals skip…and that’s simply loopy as a result of there’s a lot enjoyable stuff to do there!

Primarily based on a tour I led in 2024 with Rachel’s Irish Adventures, this itinerary highlights scenic coastal hikes and distinctive Irish cultural experiences.

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin and Head Straight to Ballina

After checking into the lodge, take pleasure in a riverside stroll and dinner by the River Moy. When you’re up for it within the night, take pleasure in a pint of Guinness and conventional Irish music at Rouse’s Bar, Ballina’s oldest family-owned pub. If you’re fortunate, you’ll stroll into the bar and there might be stay music (each Saturday night time beginning at 10 PM). That is my favourite technique to meet locals – hang around at a bar listening to music in a non-touristy city!

get there: You’ll most certainly arrive in Eire by way of Dublin, so plan for a morning arrival when you can. Take public transport from Dublin to Ballina – the experience is just 3-4 hours – then choose up a rental automotive when you’re on the West coast. Nonetheless – take into account, not all cities on the West Coast have automotive rental. So an alternative choice is to select up your rental automotive in Dublin, and that means you possibly can return to the identical spot and avoid wasting cash.

The place to remain: Ballina Manor for 3 nights. Or strive Belleek Citadel lodge for a bit extra luxurious

Day 2: Sligo Coast

After breakfast within the morning, hike Knocknarea Hill in close by County Sligo to go to the nice warrior Queen Maeve’s Cairn. (a reasonable hike) The cairn is an unimaginable sight to see – it type of seems just like the Nice Pyramids! Afterwards, heat up with a beverage and a selfmade deal with from Shells Café in Strandhill. Take a while to stroll across the quaint little village.

In your means again to Ballina, there are two stops I recommend you make. The primary in Aughris to go to the Seashore Bar, a standard thatch roof pub – you guessed it – close to the seashore for a fast afternoon Irish Espresso. The second cease is Kilcullen’s Tub Home in Enniscrone for a seaweed tub, a very distinctive expertise relationship again to the twelfth century. Seaweed baths are so nice for you – however I feel the perfect half about this expertise is soaking within the outdated tubs and steam packing containers!

When you’re good and relaxed, head again to Ballina for a hearty dinner and extra conventional Irish music at Lillie’s Bar. 

Day 3: Cultural Day

Spend the morning at Mount Falcon Aviary studying about birds of prey. Then transfer on to the historic Foxford Woollen Mills, the place you’ll study its significance to the city and group because it was established within the Eighteen Nineties. That is the right time to purchase your self, and everybody you recognize, an genuine Irish wool memento!

Again in Ballina, you possibly can spend the afternoon exploring the realm by bike. Go to the Belleek Woods, Monasteries of the Moy, and the Rosserk Friary. You possibly can simply hire a motorbike (common or electrical) from Rachel’s Irish Adventures and have a wonderful afternoon exploring the countryside! Afterwards, unwind with a whiskey tasting after which dinner at Quay West.

Day 4: Ceide Coast

It’s time to alter lodging, so pack up your stuff and take a look at of your lodge earlier than you head out for the day.

In the present day begins off with a drive as much as see vistas of the North Atlantic Ocean from Downpatrick Head and a hike round for the morning. Get pleasure from lunch at Mary’s Bakery in Ballycastle earlier than heading to Ceide Fields for the afternoon. There you’ll see the oldest and most intensive Stone Age monument on this planet, consisting of megalithic tombs, homes, and relics lined by a pure, and completely distinctive, blanket bathroom.

Cease someplace for dinner or pop into the retailers to get components to prepare dinner your individual dinner at Ceide Glamping Pods. Collect round their hearth pit earlier than settling in for the night time and getting a very good night time’s relaxation. These glamping pods are to not be missed…they’re secluded and supply an outstanding sundown. I actually didn’t need to go away them! So perhaps you must keep two nights there and go mountain climbing at Carrowteige the subsequent day! It’s my favourite hike in Eire!

The place to remain: Ceide Glamping Pods for one night time.

Day 5: Mayo’s Hidden Gems

Discover the grounds at Ceide Glamping Pods for a short while earlier than heading out to your longest drive but on this journey. In the present day you’re headed all the best way to Achill Island is about 1.5 hours. I instructed you it was an extended one (okay, perhaps not THAT lengthy), however there might be loads of spots to stretch your legs alongside the best way, like Ballycroy Nationwide Park.

With 15,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness, Ballycroy is most notably dwelling to the Nephin Beg mountain vary and the Owenduff Bathroom – one of many final intact energetic blanket bathroom methods in Western Europe. There are many trails to discover, so plan for not less than a couple of hours right here.

As soon as prepared, proceed your journey to Achill Island – the most important island off Eire’s coast. Although sparsely inhabited, it’s identified for its dramatic sea cliffs and Atlantic views. Upon arrival, examine into your new lodging in Keel and unwind with a beachside sauna session at Achill Island Sauna, providing sizzling/chilly remedy simply steps from the ocean. This was one among my favourite experiences – I like that you would be able to run proper out of the sauna and into the freezing ocean – it’s exhilarating!

Finish the day with a calming dinner at your lodging or one of many eating places on the town, having fun with a heat meal after a full day of outside adventures.

The place to remain: Bervie Guesthouse for one night time.

Day 6: Achill Island

In the present day is all about exploring the pure magnificence and historical past of Achill Island. After packing up your stuff and filling your stomach, begin with a go to to Keem Seashore, typically praised as Eire’s most stunning seashore, the place turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs. And the drive there’s beautiful…you should definitely get a window view! From there, take a hike as much as these towering sea cliffs – among the highest in Eire – for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Subsequent, wander via the hauntingly stunning Abandoned Village at Slievemore, a set of stone cottages alongside a mile-long highway that have been deserted through the famine period. Within the late afternoon, drive to Westport, a vigorous city identified for its appeal and music scene. Settle in for the night with dinner and a pint at one among Westport’s iconic pubs, the place stay conventional music fills the air. Matt Molloy’s might be the most well-liked – however you possibly can’t go improper at any pub in Westport!

The place to remain: The Mariner Lodge for one night time (or two if planning an extended itinerary).

Day 7: Killary Fjord & South Mayo

Spend your morning having fun with a scenic drive alongside Clew Bay, making a cease at Croagh Patrick – Eire’s holy mountain and a web site of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Even when you don’t hike all the best way to the summit, the midway level additionally gives unimaginable views and a very good mountain climbing problem. If mountain climbing isn’t your factor, then the bottom gives spectacular views of the height and the bay’s many drumlin islands.

When you skipped the Croagh Patrick hike, then you definately’ll have time to proceed into the guts of Connemara to go to Killary Sheep Farm. Right here you possibly can witness conventional sheepdog demonstrations and study rural Irish farm life in a shocking fjord-side setting.

If at the moment is your last day, now’s the time to catch a prepare to Dublin from Westport to your flight dwelling, or you possibly can prolong your highway journey to 10 or 14 days. On this case, I recommend staying in Clifden – an lovable little city full of retailers and pubs.

10 Days in Eire: Into the Coronary heart of Clare: Doolin, Cliffs of Moher & the Burren

This expanded itinerary options the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the otherworldly landscapes of the Burren, providing a deeper look into Eire’s pure magnificence.

Day 8: Drive to Galway Metropolis

From Clifden, at the moment you’ll head south to Galway Metropolis. I recommend you stand up early and drive the beautiful Sky Street. Or if you’re feeling extra energetic – hire an ebike from Clifden Bike Store nestled within the cute native memento store – All Issues Connemara. Bike the Sky Street and expertise it at a slower tempo! After your morning exploring Clifden, take the gradual route on the tremendous scenic Wild Atlantic Method in the direction of Galway Metropolis. Stroll across the metropolis and deal with your self to some superb eating on the town after all the pub meals! Check out Rúibín Bar & Restaurant for scrumptious seafood and cocktails! Then slowly stroll the streets, having fun with the buskers on each nook!

The place to Keep: Kinlay Hostel is a superb finances keep that has personal rooms and nice amenities. For a extra upscale keep, strive Victoria Lodge

Day 9: Discover the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin

In the present day is all in regards to the Cliffs of Moher! This is among the hottest sights in Eire – so it would be best to time your go to rigorously to keep away from the crowds. I recommend taking a gradual morning in Galway, or driving the gradual means alongside the Wild Atlantic Method to Doolin. Then within the late afternoon, when all the constitution buses are heading again to Dublin, now could be your time to move to the Cliffs of Moher!

I recommend taking a taxi from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher customer heart. This fashion you don’t have to fret about parking and you’ll take a look at the customer heart. Begin by heading south across the Cliffs viewing space – after which stroll again north so far as you possibly can go. You’ll ultimately go away the Cliffs of Moher space and find yourself mountain climbing alongside the Burren Method, a coastal path from Cliffs of Moher customer heart to Doolin, timed excellent to coincide with sundown for an elevated expertise!

The customer heart is about 8km from Doolin alongside the Burren Method mountain climbing path, which ought to take 2.5 to three hours – or longer, the extra stops you make to take photos! Be sure you convey a raincoat as storms can roll in shortly alongside the Atlantic coast!

After you catch sundown on the coast after which go take heed to music and a few take pleasure in Guinness stew at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin.

I take into account this hike the finest technique to see the Cliffs of Moher, so I’ve a complete publish devoted to my expertise doing this hike solo.

The place to remain: Suantrai Home in Doolin for 2 (or three if planning an extended itinerary).

Day 10: The Burren

In the present day is a transition day, however don’t miss the possibility to discover the Burren, one among Eire’s most iconic and strange landscapes. Whether or not you’re wrapping up your journey or persevering with on with the total two-week Eire itinerary, I’ve some ideas for what to do within the Burren.

If leaving for dwelling later: Begin early and make the quick drive from Doolin to Burren Nationwide Park, providing a number of mountain climbing trails via its placing limestone pavement, together with grasslands, woodlands, and scrub habitats wealthy with distinctive wildlife. A beautiful technique to spend your morning earlier than heading dwelling.

If persevering with your itinerary: For a extra immersive expertise, take into account reserving a self-guided hike with Eire Stroll Hike Bike. I’ve praised them earlier than, and for good cause—on my solo hike organized via them, my solely path companions have been curious cows, and the peace and solitude have been unforgettable.

Get 5% off any reserving with Eire Stroll Hike Bike once you use code OttsWorldIreland

Not within the temper for extra mountain climbing? No downside. You possibly can nonetheless discover the Burren by visiting a couple of key websites. Good when you simply need to make a pitstop or two earlier than heading again to Dublin or persevering with on to County Kerry.

Persevering with your Eire journey? The place to remain: Ashe Lodge in Tralee for two nights. They’ve a beautiful restaurant and bar, additionally within the lodge, you must take a look at!

14 Days in Eire:

This complete itinerary gives a deep dive into Eire’s breathtaking southern finish of the Wild Atlantic Method, from rugged cliffs to charming cities.

Day 11: Uncover Dingle Peninsula’s Coastal & Cultural Gems

In your technique to Dingle within the morning, drive over Conor Move – Eire’s tallest mountain move. It’s essentially the most dramatic and scenic technique to arrive in Dingle. As soon as there, be sure to cease at my favourite ice cream retailer in Eire – Murphy’s Ice Cream. The store began in Dingle and has flavors like Brown bread and Gin ice cream! Subsequent, load up on cheese and chocolate from the Little Cheese Store to snack on whilst you drive the dramatic Slea Head loop. Cease at Dun Beg Fort and Dunquin Pier for sweeping Atlantic views. Then proceed on to the Gallarus Oratory, a well-preserved early Christian chapel that’s older than the Egyptian pyramids! Ensure to stretch your legs on a brief hike alongside the coast or perhaps a seashore for a bit, too.

While you’re hungry for lunch, head to the South Pole Inn in Annascaul. You may marvel why it’s known as the South Pole Inn. As you’ll see, it was named such by Tom Crean, former proprietor of the inn, who joined Shackleton and Scott on a few of their South Pole expeditions within the early twentieth century.

After you’ve stuffed up on meals and enjoyable Tom Crean info, transfer on to Gleann na Gealt, nicknamed the Valley of the Mad. There are tales that say coming to this valley cures psychological sickness – even kings have been cured of their insanity right here. It was solely comparatively not too long ago that the water was examined and located to include lithium, which is a drug typically used to deal with psychological well being situations.

Head again to Tralee for the night time for dinner at your lodging or one of many eating places on the town.

Day 12: Drive the Ring of Kerry

Your first stretch takes you alongside coastal roads towards the charming city of Killorglin, good for grabbing a espresso and snapping images of the River Laune. From there, proceed via Glenbeigh with views over Rossbeigh Seashore, a lovely spot to drag over and stroll alongside the sand or admire sweeping Atlantic vistas.

Round noon, arrive at Kells Bay Home & Gardens for lunch. Take time to walk via the plush, subtropical gardens, well-known for his or her big ferns and coastal setting. Afterward, proceed south towards Cahersiveen, with an elective fast go to to the ruins of Ballycarbery Citadel or a cease on the historic Valentia Island bridge for images of the harbor and mountains.

Be sure you make a fast cease on the Kerry Cliffs – one other spectacular set of rugged coastal cliffs and waves. This web site isn’t as busy because the Cliffs of Moher however simply as stunning. Proceed on and make a fast cease on the Skelligs Chocolate Manufacturing facility and Cafe for a particular deal with!

Within the afternoon, comply with the coastal highway via Waterville and Sneem, having fun with dramatic views over Kenmare Bay. Find time for a brief leg-stretch at Women View for panoramic photographs of Killarney’s lakes and mountains. End your day close to Killarney Nationwide Park, checking in to your lodging able to discover its trails, lakes, and historic websites the subsequent morning.

It’ll be an extended day, nevertheless, in case you have the power, cease by Courtney’s Pub for some stay music.

The place to remain: Killarney Avenue Lodge close by for 1 night time. Or the Ross lodge. Each are within the coronary heart of the city, the place you possibly can stroll to something.

In case you have an additional day – chances are you’ll need to keep in Portmagee and catch an early boat to the Skellig Islands the subsequent morning. The distant islands are essentially the most well-known and hardest to get to in Eire!

Day 13: Morning in Killarney & Return to Dublin

Spend your last morning immersed within the coronary heart of Killarney Nationwide Park. Right here you possibly can hike or go to Muckross Home and Gardens, one of many park’s most beloved highlights. Tour the grand Nineteenth-century mansion with its interval rooms and discover the superbly maintained gardens that overlook the lakes and mountains.

Stroll alongside close by trails via lush woodlands to the scenic Torc Waterfall. I additionally love visiting the Abbey within the park. Don’t miss the traditional Yew tree in the course of the Abbey! After absorbing these iconic sights, return your rental automotive in time to catch a bus to Dublin for the night time.

Get pleasure from a last night of music at a vigorous pub, a leisurely stroll alongside the River Liffey, or a comfy meal in one of many metropolis’s historic pubs. Being in Dublin the night time earlier than your flight additionally means you possibly can keep away from an early-morning cross-country rush, making certain a clean, hassle-free departure and time to mirror in your journey via Eire’s wild and delightful west.

The place to Keep: My favourite lodge in Dublin is Zanzibar Locke – an ideal location and actually fashionable!

Day 14: Last Day in Eire

Ending your two-week West Coast highway journey in Dublin gives the right transition earlier than flying dwelling, supplying you with an opportunity to relaxation and mirror on the epic journey you simply skilled.

Eire Journey Sources

My favourite native guides and firms for Eire excursions

These are the businesses I work with, and I fortunately name these small enterprise house owners my associates.

Eire Tourism Web site – Stuffed with details about occasions and issues to do

I hope you fall in love with Emerald Isle like I did! I’m glad to reply any questions you’ve gotten about journey in Eire or customizations of those Eire journey itineraries!

Continuously Requested Questions on Touring in Western Eire