Ireland Itinerary: A 9-Day Ireland & Northern Ireland Road Trip
Jet Setting with Jen contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
There are few places in the world that tug at your heart the way Ireland does. From the hauntingly beautiful cliffs to the warmth of strangers in a pub, my 9-day journey around the entire island was one I’ll never forget. I traveled with a flexible plan, an open heart, and a rental car, and somehow, every twist in the road delivered magic. Whether you’re mapping out your first trip or returning for another adventure, I hope my Ireland itinerary not only helps you plan efficiently but also inspires you to slow down and savor every sheep-dotted hillside and dramatic coastal view Ireland has to offer.
Introduction: Ireland Itinerary
Planning a 9-day Ireland itinerary that covers the entire island, including Northern Ireland, might sound ambitious, but it’s absolutely doable, especially if you’re up for a road trip full of winding coastal roads, cozy towns, and windswept wonders. In this detailed guide, I’ll guide you through the exact route I took, starting and ending in Dublin. This trip is packed with stunning viewpoints, cultural treasures, and a few hidden gems, all laid out in a logical, scenic loop that makes the most of every single day.
Day 1: Things to do in Dublin
After landing at Dublin Airport, I immediately felt the buzzing energy of the city mixed with the unmistakable Irish charm. Since jet lag can hit hard, I made a conscious decision to take it easy, stay in the city center, and explore Dublin on foot.
First, I started my morning with a flat white and a flaky pastry at Bewley’s Grafton Street Café. Sitting at an upstairs window seat, I watched the early morning hustle on Grafton Street and soaked in that “first day in a new place” feeling. From there, I headed straight to Trinity College, and walking into the Long Room of the Old Library felt like stepping into a Harry Potter novel. Seeing the Book of Kells in person was surreal, as its detail and age reminded me just how ancient and rich Irish history really is.
Next was a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, where the city’s green heart pulses quietly. Locals were out with their dogs and books, and I grabbed a bench to just breathe and watch the city unfold.
In the afternoon, I toured Kilmainham Gaol, and it was honestly one of the most moving museum experiences I’ve ever had. The stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters echoed through the old cells, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s fierce, resilient spirit.
That night, I had some amazing fish ‘n chips at a local Irish pub that was actually playing live music when I was there. It was a great spot to have some amazing food, listen to some Irish music, and just feel like a local.
Pro tip: Stay somewhere central in Dublin for this first night. I chose a boutique hotel in the Temple Bar area, which made it easy to explore without worrying about parking or traffic.
Day 2: Dublin to Belfast
After an early breakfast in Dublin, I picked up my rental car and headed north toward Belfast, which is about a 2-hour drive. The transition from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland was seamless (no hard border), but the change in accent, signage, and even currency (GBP) gave the day a bit of intrigue.
Next, I made a detour to Malahide Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest castles still in use. Wandering through its grand halls and lush gardens felt like stepping into a fairytale. I grabbed a coffee at the on-site café before continuing north, hugging the scenic M1.
Arriving in Belfast, I checked into a centrally located hotel in the Cathedral Quarter, a charming, walkable, and full of street art and cozy pubs. My afternoon was devoted to the Titanic Belfast Experience, which exceeded every expectation. It’s not just a museum it’s a storytelling marvel, tracing the ship’s construction and tragic end in a deeply human way.
Lastly, I had an amazing dinner was at The Muddlers Club, a hidden gem tucked into a quiet lane. I treated myself to the tasting menu, and every dish was a piece of art. That night, I strolled along the Lagan River, watching Belfast’s skyline light up under a cool mist.
Insider Tip: Download a walking tour app or book a guided Black Cab Tour of Belfast’s political murals the next morning if time allows. It’s an unforgettable and eye-opening experience.
Day 3: Belfast to the Causeway Coast
Leaving Belfast, I followed the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the most breathtaking drives I’ve ever done. My first major stop: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it. Crossing the swaying bridge with the Atlantic crashing below gave me a small adrenaline rush and a huge view payoff.
Next was the legendary Giant’s Causeway, and it’s every bit as mystical as you’ve heard. The hexagonal basalt columns, the ocean wind, the myth of Finn McCool—it’s pure Irish magic. I spent nearly two hours wandering the coast, climbing over the rocks, and sitting to just take it all in.
Lunch was a bowl of seafood chowder in nearby Bushmills, followed by a stop at Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff. It’s partially in ruins, but that just adds to its haunted beauty.
Lastly, that evening, I stayed in a cozy seaside B&B in Portrush, where I watched the sunset from a bluff and chatted with the owners over tea and scones. It was the kind of slow, grounding moment that makes road trips feel rich and personal.
Pro Tip: Drive this stretch slowly and pull off often. The views are endless, and some of the best moments come from spontaneous stops.
Day 4: Causeway Coast to Derry to Donegal
After a hearty Irish breakfast, I drove west to Derry (Londonderry), which is a city with a deeply layered past. Walking the Derry City Walls gave me a physical sense of its history. I joined a guided tour and was moved by the stories of resilience and reconciliation from locals who lived through The Troubles.
From there, it was time to cross back into the Republic of Ireland and head toward the wild, untouched beauty of Donegal. I made my way to Slieve League Cliffs, which are often overshadowed by the Cliffs of Moher but, in my opinion, far more dramatic and far less crowded. The wind was wild, the cliffs were raw, and the hike to the viewing point was an absolute highlight.
I stayed in a traditional thatched cottage guesthouse just outside Ardara that evening. The host had turf burning in the fireplace, and I was served a homemade stew that warmed every inch of me after a long day outside.
Insider Tip: Donegal’s roads are winding and narrow, so make sure you take your time. If the weather permits, consider a boat tour beneath the Slieve League Cliffs for a stunning new perspective.
Day 5: Donegal → Sligo → Galway
After we left the very serene town of Donegal, we followed the Wild Atlantic Way’s rugged coastline headed towards the town of Sligo. I decided to stop at Gleniff Horseshoe for some incredible mountain views and at Mullaghmore Head, where we were able to watch surfers out in the water. Even on cloudy days, the drama of this drive blew me away—every turn seemed more cinematic than the last.
Midday, I paused in Sligo Town and enjoyed fresh seafood by the quay, then wandered over to Strandhill Beach. We finally made it to Galway’s Latin Quarter that evening and it was such an energetic area. The street musicians kept the crowd entertained, and pubs were all super lively. I was glad that we had a few nights here because it was great to be able to interact with some of the locals and chat with other solo travelers like myself.
Day 6: Galway → Cliffs of Moher → Doolin
I left Galway before sunrise and drove south through Connemara National Park, stopping at Kylemore Abbey (a dreamlike castle surrounded by gardens and mist). By noon, I reached the iconic Cliffs of Moher, and yes, they lived up to every expectation. The wind was so strong, that made driving a little challenging, but the views and listening to the waves were well worth the challenging drive.
Lastly, after exploring O’Brien’s Tower and the Burren’s lunar landscape, I made my way to Doolin, a tiny village famous for trad music. Later that evening I decided to venture out with a few of my tour group members to grab dinner in a local pub and listen to some live Ireland local music. It was the kind of evening that makes Ireland feel alive.
Day 7: Doolin → Killarney via the Dingle Peninsula
After I left Doolin, I got onto a ferry from Shannon to the Dingle Peninsula, which is known for being incredibly beautiful and it has way less crowds than most places in Ireland. The Slea Head Drive revealed sweeping ocean views and ancient stone cottages. I squeezed in fresh Dingle Ice Cream before heading inland to Killarney, checking into a guesthouse near the National Park.
In Killarney, I hiked around Muckross House, strolled to Torc Waterfall, and watched the sunset from Ladies View and its name is literal: serene vistas fit for royalty. Dinner was hearty lamb stew in a local pub where laughter and warmth filled the room.
Day 8: Killarney → Ring of Kerry → Cork
After a hearty Irish breakfast in Killarney, I set off on the legendary Ring of Kerry, and wow, did it live up to the hype. It’s one of Ireland’s most iconic drives for good reason. The loop is about 111 miles, and every twist brought something new: rolling green hills, jagged cliffs, sheep lounging on the roadside (or in the middle of it), and sweeping ocean views that made me pull over constantly.
One of my favorite stops was Ladies View, where I had already caught a sunset earlier in the trip but this time saw the valley under a moody morning mist. I explored Muckross House & Gardens briefly again from a new angle before winding down to Torc Waterfall, which felt even more lush after the morning rain.
Along the route, I made quick stops at Waterville, where Charlie Chaplin used to vacation, and the postcard-perfect village of Sneem for lunch. There’s something timeless about these small Irish towns, colorful buildings, flower boxes in every window, and the scent of peat in the air.
Later in the afternoon, I stopped at Staigue Stone Fort, one of the oldest in Ireland, perched high on a hill with panoramic views of the Iveragh Peninsula. Walking through something built around 300–400 AD is the kind of surreal that makes you whisper without realizing it.
Lastly, ny early evening, I arrived in Cork, which is known as Ireland’s “second city” with a vibrant food scene and laid-back feel. After a full day of countryside quiet, it was nice to be in an energetic town again. I checked into a cozy riverside hotel and capped off the night with an artisan pizza at a local pub. The mix of natural beauty and city comfort made this one of my favorite days on the trip.
Day 9: Final Day – Cork/Waterford → Kilkenny → Dublin
At the end of our coastal road trip, I finally got to visit the iconic Blarney Castle, where I got to kiss the Blarney Stone and walk through the incredible gardens. A little further north, I made a stop in the town of Kilkenny and where I was able to walk medieval streets over to the Kilkenny Castle. Over lunch, I reflected on my trip and how each region felt different yet connected.
After my visit to Kilkenny, we made our two- and half-hour drive back to Dublin to prepare for my departure the next day. In the evening, I wound down with one last fish ‘n chips, feeling full, not just from food, but from the unforgettable landscapes, people, and moments of this Ireland itinerary.
Conclusion: Ireland Itinerary
If you’re looking for an Ireland itinerary that balances culture, coast, cities, and solitude that this nine-day route is your key. From visiting the historic streets of Dublin to fighting the winds in the Giants Causeway, to the iconic Cliffs of Mohr, I custom curated this Ireland itinerary so that may drive was a scenic as possible and around being able to see as many of the highlights as I possibly could. Need help planning your ideal Ireland itinerary? Reach out anytime, as I would love to create a custom Ireland itinerary that meets your needs in order to make your trip absolutely incredible.