Building your Ireland travel itinerary truly depends on your interests, but I recommend starting with at least seven days in Ireland. On the West coast in particular – it’s my personal favorite – driving portions of the Wild Atlantic Way. I know everyone loves some time in Dublin – but this article is just focusing on the countryside and smaller villages of the west coast – this is my favorite part of Ireland – the rural areas! If possible, extending your stay to ten days or even fourteen days on Ireland’s West coast will provide an even richer experience, allowing deeper immersion into Irish culture and scenery.
I have traveled to Ireland multiple times – it feels like my home in Europe. It doesn’t matter if I’m doing hiking, biking, or driving trips there, and I’ve loved them all. I even run my own small group tours there frequently, too. I used all of the knowledge I’ve gained in those trips and put together this comprehensive Ireland travel itinerary for you…from 7 to 14 days!
Let’s start with a one-week itinerary exploring the charming rural beauty of County Sligo and County Mayo, on the north-west side of the country. From there, I suggest adding on a few days to drive south to explore the Cliffs of Moher and the beautiful Burren region. Then, to round out a full two-week Ireland vacation, continue heading south to County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Let’s get started!
Start Building Your Perfect Ireland Travel Itinerary
You will need a set of wheels to get around for this itinerary. Don’t worry if you’ve never driven in another country before – Ireland is the perfect place to learn! This is actually where I learned how to drive on the other side of the road. Yes – it was harrowing at first – but on the west coast, there are plenty of quiet roads to get your right side driving savvy and confidence! However – I do always recommend getting the smallest rental car you can when in Ireland. The roads are narrow, and the smaller the car, the better.
See all of my driving tips for Driving in Ireland
7 Days in Ireland: A Cultural and Scenic Road Trip Through Mayo and Achill
Located on the west coast of Ireland, County Mayo is a hidden gem with a rugged coastline, stunning mountain vistas, and picturesque villages. It offers travelers a blend of tranquil rural settings, historical sites, vibrant cultural traditions, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures away from the tourist crowds. That’s why I have run 4 different tours in County Mayo – because it’s a country that many people skip…and that’s just crazy because there is so much fun stuff to do there!
Based on a tour I led in 2024 with Rachel’s Irish Adventures, this itinerary highlights scenic coastal hikes and unique Irish cultural experiences.
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin and Head Straight to Ballina
After checking into the hotel, enjoy a riverside stroll and dinner by the River Moy. If you’re up for it in the evening, enjoy a pint of Guinness and traditional Irish music at Rouse’s Bar, Ballina’s oldest family-owned pub. If you are lucky, you’ll walk into the bar and there will be live music (every Saturday night starting at 10 PM). This is my favorite way to meet locals – hang out at a bar listening to music in a non-touristy town!
How to get there: You will most likely arrive in Ireland via Dublin, so plan for a morning arrival if you can. Take public transport from Dublin to Ballina – the ride is only 3-4 hours – then pick up a rental car once you’re on the West coast. However – keep in mind, not all cities on the West Coast have car rental. So another option is to pick up your rental car in Dublin, and that way you can return to the same spot and save some money.
Where to stay: Ballina Manor for three nights. Or try Belleek Castle hotel for a bit more luxury
Day 2: Sligo Coast
After breakfast in the morning, hike Knocknarea Hill in nearby County Sligo to visit the great warrior Queen Maeve’s Cairn. (a moderate hike) The cairn is an incredible sight to see – it sort of looks like the Great Pyramids! Afterwards, warm up with a beverage and a homemade treat from Shells Café in Strandhill. Take some time to walk around the quaint little village.
On your way back to Ballina, there are two stops I suggest you make. The first in Aughris to visit the Beach Bar, a traditional thatch roof pub – you guessed it – near the beach for a quick afternoon Irish Coffee. The second stop is Kilcullen’s Bath House in Enniscrone for a seaweed bath, a totally unique experience dating back to the 12th century. Seaweed baths are so great for you – but I think the best part about this experience is soaking in the old tubs and steam boxes!
Once you’re nice and relaxed, head back to Ballina for a hearty dinner and more traditional Irish music at Lillie’s Bar.
Day 3: Cultural Day
Spend the morning at Mount Falcon Aviary learning about birds of prey. Then move on to the historic Foxford Woollen Mills, where you’ll learn about its importance to the town and community since it was established in the 1890s. This is the perfect time to buy yourself, and everyone you know, an authentic Irish wool souvenir!
Back in Ballina, you can spend the afternoon exploring the area by bike. Visit the Belleek Woods, Monasteries of the Moy, and the Rosserk Friary. You can easily rent a bike (regular or electric) from Rachel’s Irish Adventures and have a fabulous afternoon exploring the countryside! Afterwards, unwind with a whiskey tasting and then dinner at Quay West.
Day 4: Ceide Coast
It’s time to change accommodations, so pack up your stuff and check out of your hotel before you head out for the day.
Today starts off with a drive up to see vistas of the North Atlantic Ocean from Downpatrick Head and a hike around for the morning. Enjoy lunch at Mary’s Bakery in Ballycastle before heading to Ceide Fields for the afternoon. There you’ll see the oldest and most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of megalithic tombs, houses, and relics covered by a natural, and totally unique, blanket bog.
Stop somewhere for dinner or pop into the shops to get ingredients to cook your own dinner at Ceide Glamping Pods. Gather around their fire pit before settling in for the night and getting a good night’s rest. These glamping pods are not to be missed…they are secluded and offer a superb sunset. I honestly didn’t want to leave them! So maybe you should stay two nights there and go hiking at Carrowteige the next day! It’s my favorite hike in Ireland!
Where to stay: Ceide Glamping Pods for one night.
Day 5: Mayo’s Hidden Gems
Explore the grounds at Ceide Glamping Pods for a little while before heading out for your longest drive yet on this trip. Today you’re headed all the way to Achill Island is about 1.5 hours. I told you it was a long one (ok, maybe not THAT long), but there will be plenty of spots to stretch your legs along the way, like Ballycroy National Park.
With 15,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness, Ballycroy is most notably home to the Nephin Beg mountain range and the Owenduff Bog – one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Western Europe. There are plenty of trails to explore, so plan for at least a few hours here.
Once ready, continue your journey to Achill Island – the largest island off Ireland’s coast. Though sparsely inhabited, it’s known for its dramatic sea cliffs and Atlantic views. Upon arrival, check into your new accommodation in Keel and unwind with a beachside sauna session at Achill Island Sauna, offering hot/cold therapy just steps from the sea. This was one of my favorite experiences – I love that you can run right out of the sauna and into the freezing ocean – it’s exhilarating!
End the day with a relaxing dinner at your accommodation or one of the restaurants in town, enjoying a warm meal after a full day of outdoor adventures.
Where to stay: Bervie Guesthouse for one night.
Day 6: Achill Island
Today is all about exploring the natural beauty and history of Achill Island. After packing up your stuff and filling your belly, start with a visit to Keem Beach, often praised as Ireland’s most beautiful beach, where turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs. And the drive there is stunning…be sure to get a window view! From there, take a hike up to those towering sea cliffs – some of the highest in Ireland – for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Next, wander through the hauntingly beautiful Deserted Village at Slievemore, a collection of stone cottages along a mile-long road that were abandoned during the famine era. In the late afternoon, drive to Westport, a lively town known for its charm and music scene. Settle in for the evening with dinner and a pint at one of Westport’s iconic pubs, where live traditional music fills the air. Matt Molloy’s is probably the most popular – but you can’t go wrong at any pub in Westport!
Where to stay: The Mariner Hotel for one night (or two if planning a longer itinerary).
Day 7: Killary Fjord & South Mayo
Spend your morning enjoying a scenic drive along Clew Bay, making a stop at Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s holy mountain and a site of pilgrimage for centuries. Even if you do not hike all the way to the summit, the halfway point also offers incredible views and a good hiking challenge. If hiking isn’t your thing, then the base offers impressive views of the peak and the bay’s many drumlin islands.
If you skipped the Croagh Patrick hike, then you’ll have time to continue into the heart of Connemara to visit Killary Sheep Farm. Here you can witness traditional sheepdog demonstrations and learn about rural Irish farm life in a stunning fjord-side setting.
If today is your final day, now’s the time to catch a train to Dublin from Westport for your flight home, or you can extend your road trip to 10 or 14 days. In this case, I suggest staying in Clifden – an adorable little town full of shops and pubs.
10 Days in Ireland: Into the Heart of Clare: Doolin, Cliffs of Moher & the Burren
This expanded itinerary features the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the otherworldly landscapes of the Burren, offering a deeper look into Ireland’s natural beauty.
Day 8: Drive to Galway City
From Clifden, today you’ll head south to Galway City. I suggest you get up early and drive the stunning Sky Road. Or if you are feeling more active – rent an ebike from Clifden Bike Shop nestled in the cute local souvenir shop – All Things Connemara. Bike the Sky Road and experience it at a slower pace! After your morning exploring Clifden, take the slow route on the super scenic Wild Atlantic Way towards Galway City. Walk around the city and treat yourself to some fine dining in town after all of the pub food! Try out Rúibín Bar & Restaurant for delicious seafood and cocktails! Then slowly walk the streets, enjoying the buskers on every corner!
Where to Stay: Kinlay Hostel is a great budget stay that has private rooms and great facilities. For a more upscale stay, try Victoria Hotel
Day 9: Explore the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin
Today is all about the Cliffs of Moher! This is one of the most popular sights in Ireland – so you will want to time your visit carefully to avoid the crowds. I suggest taking a slow morning in Galway, or driving the slow way along the Wild Atlantic Way to Doolin. Then in the late afternoon, when all of the charter buses are heading back to Dublin, now is your time to head to the Cliffs of Moher!
I suggest taking a taxi from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher visitor center. This way you don’t have to worry about parking and you can check out the visitor center. Start by heading south around the Cliffs viewing area – and then walk back north as far as you can go. You’ll eventually leave the Cliffs of Moher area and end up hiking along the Burren Way, a coastal path from Cliffs of Moher visitor center to Doolin, timed just right to coincide with sunset for an elevated experience!
The visitor center is about 8km from Doolin along the Burren Way hiking trail, which should take 2.5 to 3 hours – or longer, the more stops you make to take pictures! Be sure to bring a raincoat as storms can roll in quickly along the Atlantic coast!
After you catch sunset on the coast and then go listen to music and some enjoy Guinness stew at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin.
I consider this hike the best way to see the Cliffs of Moher, so I have a whole post dedicated to my experience doing this hike solo.
Where to stay: Suantrai House in Doolin for two (or three if planning a longer itinerary).
Day 10: The Burren
Today is a transition day, but do not miss the chance to explore the Burren, one of Ireland’s most iconic and unusual landscapes. Whether you’re wrapping up your trip or continuing on with the full two-week Ireland itinerary, I have some suggestions for what to do in the Burren.
If leaving for home later: Start early and make the short drive from Doolin to Burren National Park, offering several hiking trails through its striking limestone pavement, along with grasslands, woodlands, and scrub habitats rich with unique flora and fauna. A wonderful way to spend your morning before heading home.
If continuing your itinerary: For a more immersive experience, consider booking a self-guided hike with Ireland Walk Hike Bike. I’ve praised them before, and for good reason—on my solo hike arranged through them, my only trail companions were curious cows, and the peace and solitude were unforgettable.
Get 5% off any booking with Ireland Walk Hike Bike when you use code OttsWorldIreland
Not in the mood for more hiking? No problem. You can still explore the Burren by visiting a few key sites. Perfect if you just want to make a pitstop or two before heading back to Dublin or continuing on to County Kerry.
Poulnabrone Dolmen – A striking Neolithic portal tomb.
Aillwee Cave – A dramatic cave system with an underground waterfall.
Caherconnell Stone Fort – A 1000-year-old fort that’s also home to a working sheep farm.
Kilfenora Cathedral – Historic cathedral ruins with a glass-roofed chancel and ancient Celtic crosses.
Continuing your Ireland adventure? Where to stay: Ashe Hotel in Tralee for 2 nights. They have a lovely restaurant and bar, also in the hotel, you should check out!
14 Days in Ireland:
This comprehensive itinerary provides a deep dive into Ireland’s breathtaking southern end of the Wild Atlantic Way, from rugged cliffs to charming towns.
Day 11: Discover Dingle Peninsula’s Coastal & Cultural Gems
On your way to Dingle in the morning, drive over Conor Pass – Ireland’s tallest mountain pass. It’s the most dramatic and scenic way to arrive in Dingle. Once there, make sure you stop at my favorite ice cream store in Ireland – Murphy’s Ice Cream. The shop started in Dingle and has flavors like Brown bread and Gin ice cream! Next, load up on cheese and chocolate from the Little Cheese Shop to snack on while you drive the dramatic Slea Head loop. Stop at Dun Beg Fort and Dunquin Pier for sweeping Atlantic views. Then continue on to the Gallarus Oratory, a well-preserved early Christian chapel that is older than the Egyptian pyramids! Make sure to stretch your legs on a short hike along the coast or maybe a beach for a bit, too.
When you’re hungry for lunch, head to the South Pole Inn in Annascaul. You might wonder why it’s called the South Pole Inn. As you’ll see, it was named such by Tom Crean, former owner of the inn, who joined Shackleton and Scott on some of their South Pole expeditions in the early 20th century.
After you’ve filled up on food and fun Tom Crean facts, move on to Gleann na Gealt, nicknamed the Valley of the Mad. There are stories that say coming to this valley cures mental illness – even kings were cured of their madness here. It was only relatively recently that the water was tested and found to contain lithium, which is a drug often used to treat mental health conditions.
Head back to Tralee for the night for dinner at your accommodation or one of the restaurants in town.
Day 12: Drive the Ring of Kerry
Your first stretch takes you along coastal roads toward the charming town of Killorglin, perfect for grabbing a coffee and snapping photos of the River Laune. From there, continue through Glenbeigh with views over Rossbeigh Beach, a beautiful spot to pull over and walk along the sand or admire sweeping Atlantic vistas.
Around midday, arrive at Kells Bay House & Gardens for lunch. Take time to stroll through the lush, subtropical gardens, famous for their giant ferns and coastal setting. Afterward, continue south toward Cahersiveen, with an optional quick visit to the ruins of Ballycarbery Castle or a stop at the historic Valentia Island bridge for photos of the harbor and mountains.
Be sure to make a quick stop at the Kerry Cliffs – another impressive set of rugged coastal cliffs and waves. This site isn’t as busy as the Cliffs of Moher but just as beautiful. Continue on and make a quick stop at the Skelligs Chocolate Factory and Cafe for a special treat!
In the afternoon, follow the coastal road through Waterville and Sneem, enjoying dramatic views over Kenmare Bay. Make time for a short leg-stretch at Ladies View for panoramic shots of Killarney’s lakes and mountains. Finish your day near Killarney National Park, checking in to your accommodation ready to explore its trails, lakes, and historic sites the next morning.
It’ll be a long day, however, if you have the energy, stop by Courtney’s Pub for some live music.
Where to stay: Killarney Avenue Hotel nearby for 1 night. Or the Ross hotel. Both are in the heart of the town, where you can walk to anything.
If you have an extra day – you may want to stay in Portmagee and catch an early boat to the Skellig Islands the next morning. The remote islands are the most famous and hardest to get to in Ireland!
Day 13: Morning in Killarney & Return to Dublin
Spend your final morning immersed in the heart of Killarney National Park. Here you can hike or visit Muckross House and Gardens, one of the park’s most beloved highlights. Tour the grand 19th-century mansion with its period rooms and explore the beautifully maintained gardens that overlook the lakes and mountains.
Stroll along nearby trails through lush woodlands to the scenic Torc Waterfall. I also love visiting the Abbey in the park. Don’t miss the ancient Yew tree in the middle of the Abbey! After soaking up these iconic sights, return your rental car in time to catch a bus to Dublin for the night.
Enjoy a final evening of music at a lively pub, a leisurely stroll along the River Liffey, or a cozy meal in one of the city’s historic pubs. Being in Dublin the night before your flight also means you can avoid an early-morning cross-country rush, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free departure and time to reflect on your journey through Ireland’s wild and beautiful west.
Where to Stay: My favorite hotel in Dublin is Zanzibar Locke – a great location and really stylish!
Day 14: Final Day in Ireland
Ending your two-week West Coast road trip in Dublin offers the perfect transition before flying home, giving you a chance to rest and reflect on the epic adventure you just experienced.
Ireland Travel Resources
My favorite local guides and companies for Ireland tours
These are the companies I work with, and I happily call these small business owners my friends.
Ireland Walk Hike Bike(use promo OTTSWORLDIreland for 5% off)
Rachel’s Irish Adventures Multi-adventure County Mayo
Away a Wee Walk Northern Ireland Hikes
Ireland Tourism Website – Full of information about events and things to do
I’m in County Mayo hosting a tour group
I hope you fall in love with Emerald Isle like I did! I’m happy to answer any questions you have about travel in Ireland or customizations of these Ireland travel itineraries!
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling in Western Ireland
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