10 Breathtaking Stops for Your Road Trip in Ireland

Planning a road trip in Ireland? You are in for a pleasure! The Emerald Isle is blessed with a lot of picturesque drives and places worth visiting, hence being the dream destination for tourists (and maybe for you too). On a ride through its picturesque panoramas, one can find anything from cliffs to castles of the medieval age.

Why Choose a Road Trip in Ireland?

• Scenic Routes: The roads of Ireland remain as some of the most picturesque in the world. Try to imagine yourself driving around the coastal roads on the left, the Atlantic Ocean and to the right, green hills of wonderful topography. Sounds wonderful, right?
• Historical Sites: The island is rich in history. From ancient ruins to castles and little hamlets, each of them bears a story of its own.

What to Expect

In this guide, I will provide you with 10 astonishing stops that will be must haves on your travel list, from my point of view:

• Wild Atlantic Way - A beautiful drive emphasizing on pleasant scenery of the vast sea, sea cliffs and lighthouses.
• Ring of Kerry - A 111 mile coastal drive that winds in a circular path which is exquisite in landscapes and experiences.
• Cliffs of Moher - The unique over the edge experience features iconic cliffs with a the view of the Atlantic ocean.
• Blarney Castle - The most famous site hosting the kissing stone.
• Killarney National Park - Change of scenery and opportunities for excursions and sightseeing.
• Dublin - Cultural and historical aspects of the city make it a suitable point to start the journey.
• Burren National Park - Encounters with numerous historical monuments on a very special limestone plain.
• Kilkenny - The history of the town is reflected in the buildings that still stand today.
• Skellig Michael - Another UNESCO Heritage site including ancient sites of monks (and one of the filming locations for Star Wars).
• Galway - City life, good food and traditional music all in one place.

So, are you interested in creating an Ireland road trip itinerary with me? Let us now turn to the details of each of these wonderful places!

First on my list is the Wild Atlantic Way, which constitutes one of the most picturesque drives in the whole of Ireland. This 2500 kilometre coastline hugs the West of Ireland and offers beautiful sights and experiences.

Highlights

1. Slieve League Cliffs

Slieve League Cliffs is one of the great sea cliffs in Ireland standing sheer over the ocean. Just imagine looking over the edge taking in the wind on your face and looking down at the ocean waves broken on the coast. The sight is equally awesome.

2. Fanad Head Lighthouse

The Fanad Head lighthouse is one of the most famous lighthouses situated at Fanad head peninsula along the Atlantic Ocean coast. There you can take some amazing photos, read some facts, and get informed on the rich history of the place (Yes, it's got it all!)

Stone wall with Fanad Head lighthouse in the distance.

Natural Parks

1. Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park within County Donegal encapsulates serene lakes, lush trees, and craggy hillsides. While trekking inside, Glenveagh Castle waits for you. It is the place where the past coexists with nature, and I can assure you that both of them will take your breath away.

2. Ballycroy National Park

Ballycroy National park lies within County Mayo and attracts adventurists due to its wild unspoilt blanket bogs.

Driving through the Wild Atlantic Way is more than just a means to get from one place to another. It is the perfect place for a windy and scenic coastal drive since one can enjoy every twist and turn of the adventures along the coastline.

Number 2 is Ring of Kerry. It's a famous 111-mile driving loop, declining into the deep valleys and high mountains with rich and picturesque culture and flourishing nature. This road will take you to the grassy mountains, overlook the ocean from high coastal cliffs and wander around the ruins of medieval fortifications.

Valentia Island, on the Ring of Kerry route.

Among the notable stops of this place, I think you should go to:

• Killarney National Park: It will be a nirvana for a nature admirer. Steal through the old forests, witness the captivating Torc Waterfall and visit the ancient Ross Castle.
• Dingle Town: A town where modern civilization and traditional Irish culture complement each other. The seafood is delicious, you should absolutely try it!

Slea Head Drive

Slea Head drive on the Dingle Peninsula contains aspects of the Irish scenery that is able to captivate the very last person on earth (if you are like me and captivated by everyhting, it will take your breath away). Well-kept wide beaches, stone cliffs and ancient beehive huts make this drive unforgettable. The views over the Blasket Islands are just out of this world.

“One of the most glorious experiences in Ireland is driving the Ring of Kerry. It is as if time has forgotten the place in which nature and history lie in perfect coexistence.”

Be it trekking through the Killarney National Park, or enjoying the exquisite culture the Dingle Town has to offer, the Ring of Kerry is filled with eagerly waiting experiences one would wish to indulge in.

Are you a Harry Potter fan? If yes, I think this place will look familiar. During your road trip in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are certainly an attraction you will not forget that rises to 700 feet amidst the Atlantic Ocean waters that crash against it. It covers a stretch of up to 14 kilometers on the western coast and features stunning cliffs that are poised to trigger admiration from within the onlookers. Just be prepared for the wind!

The Cliffs of Moher, filming location for one of the Harry Potter films.

Visitor Attractions and Activities

Apart from the breathtaking landscape, there are a number of other attractions and activities for visitors to indulge in while at the Cliffs of Moher:

• O'Brien's Tower: This historic tower is located at the cliff’s highest point thus offering a perfect view for photography.
• Visitor Centre: The eco-centre set within the slopes has interactive displays that tell about the cliffs’ geology and historical background. It's really interesting trust me.
• Birdwatching: In addition to the cliffs offering stunning views, these cliffs are also populated with derelict birds like puffins and guillemots for bird watchers’ delight.

Hiking Opportunities

I can't talk about these cliffs (and Ireland in general) without talking about hikking. If you want to stretch your legs and get some wonderful views, then the Doolin Cliff Walk is a must. This walk starts in Doolin and edges around the cliffs which are full of scenic views. You will find:

• Sea Stack Views: Sea pillar fans may be thrilled watching the sea pillars that soar over the blue sea down under.
• Lush Pastures: Walk through green fields which are full of wild flowers.
• Dramatic Vistas: It is a visual delight as every step reveals another angle and view of the majestic towers of stones.

Exploring the natural beauty here not only has the advantage of presenting stunning sights but also gives a chance to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Irish coast, hence a must see for all travelers in the Land of Saints and Scholars.

I've talked about a lot of landscapes up until now, so it's time for a bit of architecture. Number 4 on my list is Blarney Castle, a place of interest situated in Cork, and it is a great reflection of Irish history and culture. It is nearly 600 years old, built by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. The medieval Blarney castle depicts a fine architectural treasure of the nation, besides that Blarney castle stands as an admonition of the olden times.

The rustic look of Blarney Castle, not to be missed on a road trip in Ireland.

When someone talks about Blarney Castle they are bound to mention the Blarney Stone. One legend has it that anyone who kisses this stone will receive the gift of speech, or more affectionately as the locals put it “gift of the gab”. This rather peculiar activity means that people have to lean back over the edge of the parapet so that they may able also appreciate the stone’s embedded in their battlements.

Things to Do at Blarney Castle

However, the Blarney Castle is not just about the Blarney stone. The vast area has different kinds of activities for the tourists. I personally think that the top activities are:

• Visit the Gardens: As you walk around the gardens, which have effectively been planned and developed to include various and rich flowers and plants, you relax. You will especially enjoy the Poison Garden, which features some of the deadliest plants from different countries (yes, my definition of relaxing could be different from yours).
• Visit The Rock Close: There is a place in the gardens - The Rock Close - where the elder druids and the enforcer fairies glade. There are various ways of exploring the gardens and for those that like some magic in their walks, this is the ideal place.
• Explore Castle’s Past: Go into the castle as it is where the visit gets more interesting, by exploring all of its hidden history. Go around the chambers and dungeons full of centuries-old history and listen keenly as you go around every corner of each room, history tries to liberate itself (Well, not really, but you get my point).

Blarney Castle is not just a place where one gets to see a building, as a historical artifact and the only remains of its past glory. It is a journey to the stories of the past imbued with lush green cover, character and features that define the magic of the land of Ireland. That's why it's in fourth position of my list of the best things to do during a road trip in Ireland.

As I mentioned earlier (in my second section about the Ring of Kerry), Killarney National Park is composed of so many features of beauty that no nature lover is ever capable of walking away without being awed. One travels from peaceful lakes to the fierce mountains and the park offers all this for only those who crave for outdoor activities in Ireland (and you will not be disappointed with this one).

First impression of Killarney National Park.

Picture this: you are lost in a thick forest and then, out of the shimmering green and healthy trees appears a clear blue lake - Lough Leane. This offers each opportunity to experience different kinds of flora and fauna with every visit since the park has different ecosystems This is a good place for enthusiasts of nature as well as adventure seekers, as they will rarely run out of options in this park.

Major Attractions

• Ross Castle: A commanding view of the lake can be had from a 15th-century tower, whose construction speaks of Irish history. The visitors are taken around the castle and made familiar with all that it has been through and the beautiful sights out of it.
• Muckross House: Surrounded by elegant lawns, this Victorian-style house allows you to travel back in history. Well-kept gardens and rural homesteads give an insight into what the Irish culture of the 1800s was like.

For those who want to take their active resorts after the ride, Killarney National Park has a multitude of hiking trails (I told you that Ireland is perfect for hiking). Another interesting excursion is to Torc Waterfall which just has to be seen, such waterfalls are enchanting in every way. Whether it’s a casual walk or a tough climb to the top of Torc Mountain, the park certainly leaves one with beautiful sights regardless of the chosen path.

Killarney National Park is therefore an open invitation to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of Ireland, with no intention of shutting the doors after distance has been completed.

We've now arrived at the middle of my list. I hope it's been useful until now and that you've learned something. If not, let me make it up to you. It goes without saying that choosing Dublin as the starting point for your road trip in Ireland is great. Dublin, being the capital city, is one city that oozes history, culture, and density of life. It is an active city with a special sweetness which is an ideal teaser for your trip.

Anne Street in Dublin, a must-see on any road trip in Ireland.

Key Attractions

For Dublin, here are some of the attractions you would not like to miss:

1. Trinity College: If the Book of Kells is the highlight, which it is, the rest of the Trinity College will find you immersing into Irish history very quickly. From the outside, it is a different world altogether and decently feels like time travel when on the inside.
2. Dublin Castle: There are very few symbols of Irelands history like the Dublin Castle. Even though the castle complex is hardly more modern than 1700, the various exhibits give a taste of many centuries of history.
3. Guinness Storehouse: A trip to Dublin cannot be said to be completed if one has not been to the Guinness Storehouse. One such feature proceeds to display the entire process of brewing beer and culminates in the customers sipping their drinks at the Gravity Bar which offers great vistas of the capital city. Note that persons under the age of 18 are also allowed to visit the site, but are not allowed to taste the Guinness.

Trinity college in autumn.

I can reassure you that this is not a guide necessarily on historical landmarks. Dublin is also a centre of Irish culture:

• Food: Explore authentic Irish food and enjoy many meaty stews, seasonal fish and great cheeses. With numerous restaurants and snazzy places, Temple Bar is all hustle and bustle.
• Music: Visit any of the local pubs and witness authentic Irish music. From deep-voiced men weeping Gaelic love songs to men and women dancing jigs on the streets, the concert is to be multi-faceted.
• Festivals: However, if your luck is on the right side, then you will be there during one of Dublin’s celebrated events that include the St Patrick’s Day or the Dublin Theatre Festival.

Moving out of Dublin, each road trip in Ireland will lead you to some other new super experiences waiting for you.

Let's move on to number 7. Burren National Park, which can be found in Clare County, is an interesting place that has beautiful scenery in the form of landscapes and also geological features. The use of the term Karst landscape to refer to the limestone landscape in the park cannot be referenced elsewhere. Envision huge plains made of grayish stone which has some thin patches of foliage grown on cracks in it. It’s a rock garden by nature.

Mountain range with a lake, in the Burren National Park.

The geological features here are magnificent beyond the normal understanding. Such unnatural beauty results from the action of glaciers and geographical washing on the landscape over the ages, making it fascinating and timeless.

Contextual History

Burren National Park is not entirely dominated by aspects of geology. It has a great historical importance. Inside the park lie several archaeological sites of Ireland like dolmens, ring fortifications as well as sites of the early christians. An excellent illustration is the Poulnabrone Dolmen which is a stunning tomb known to be a portal tomb constructed in the neolithic period. As you stand in front of it, the enormous feeling of grasping the ancient world is irresistible.

When people go to Burren National Park, it is not only about the sights. They have a chance of exploring the heritage of Ireland and treading the same soil that was once conquered by the ancients. Anyone who comes here can feel both small and mighty, as indeed great history is present amidst stunning landscapes. This explains why it should be on your list for a perfect road trip in Ireland.

Oh, another lovely city that made it to number 8 on my list. Marble City, such a name for Kilkenny only speaks of the rich presence of history in the city. The cobbled streets give a sense of a medieval age. It is a city of narrow, old lanes interspersed with buildings that have existed for generations.

Kilkenny skyline, not to be missed on a road trip in Ireland.

Major Attractions

Some of the most important attractions I think you should check out:

• Kilkenny Castle: Whoever visits Kilkenny cannot fail to visit Kilkenny Castle. This castle was built by William Marshal in 1195. It is possible to make a trip to the lovely rooms and magnificent gardens of the castle.
• St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower: One of the finest cathedrals of Ireland, St. Canice's cathedral is a medieval building of the thirteenth century. There is also an unusual round tower, which guests can climb to have a great view of the city from above.
• Rothe House: It is a distinctive ensemble of three houses which were constructed over a period between 1594. It contains what may be considered a genuine urban slice of life in the Tudor period with gardens from the era.

If you prefer to visit some other stone structures, I have two other places for you:

• Black Abbey: Created in 1225, this Dominican place of prays was of the utmost importance in the Medieval time in the city of Kilkenny. Black Abbey with its beautiful colored glasses will suit all the fans of religious arts.
• The Tholsel: Iconic structure which has through the ages served as a toll house and is presently the centre of town administration. Its arched structure complements the rest of the building making keen photographers want to capture it on camera.

This section was very historical, I have to admit, but it was just to show you that there is no end to the corner of Kilkenny for one who is enthralled and bewitched, by the history of Ireland. There is always a new architecture or structure that seems to look brand new and is most definitely worth the discovery.

Now it's the turn of one of my favourite places. If I listened to the Star Wars fan in me, I would have put it at the top of my list. But hey, I tried to be a bit objective here. Proclaimed to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Skellig Michael is among the most tourist attractive sites in Ireland. Indeed, although this isolated island is situated 12 kilometres away from County Kerry, it is mostly known for its breathtaking landscapes and heritage (and Star Wars!).

Skellig Michael, also used for filming some of the Star Wars movies.

Approved as a UNESCO site in 1996, Skellig Michael is very important both in terms of culture and history. The island’s natural ruggedness forbade development, irreversible man’s changes, thus preserving many old buildings that illustrate early Christianity’s way in the monasticism.

Exploration of Ancient Monastic Ruins

I really think that Skellig Michael should be included in the your itinerary, as it is possible to visit the ancient temples where monks lived in the sixth century. Important, preserved buildings in this area consisted of:

• Beehive huts (clocháns): These were stone huts where monks could stay away and practice meditation.
• Oratories and chapels: Basic structures where the devout monks offered their prayers on a daily basis.
• The Wailing Steps or Stone steps: From the base, the island rises sharply at around 25 degrees to the uppermost building’s monastery.

But the island of Skellig Michael is not limited to its history. The island is also for those who are keen on watching fascinating animals. The puffins and gannets and other species found on the island provide more than enough reasons for the tourism of this island.

Try to picture yourself standing upon the long-studied stones, lending on the the glorious views of the Atlantic Ocean. Time travel is possible here.

Tip: Have no doubts that it is hard to reach due to its longitude and weather, so visit properly. There is the restriction concerning the number of sailing vessels disembarking every day.

Skellig Michael is a place where one steps instantly into a different era. It perfectly fuses the elements of time, land and spirit. It is one of the must pretty places to see during any road trip in Ireland, and that's explains why it's the number 9 of my list.

Ah Galway! In this city, there is a vivaciousness that shall be hard to come by. Culture lovers will not be disappointed by what the city can offer.

The relaxing city of Galway, a must-see during your road trip in Ireland.

Key Attractions

• Eyre Square: Commonly referred to as the city foundation, Eyre Square is filled with people at all times of the day. From my point of view, it's a perfect place to start your exploration, as it's surrounded by shops, cafes, and historic monuments.
• Spanish Arch: This is 16th century structures which reconstructs the history of Galway. It is situated next to the river which is suitable for taking a calm stroll next to it.

Cultural Scene

I think that the cultural life in Galway is nothing less than explosive, if not better:

• Street Performers: Get ready to find talented musicians and artists on the streets. Most people are enjoying their music and performances (as I did).
• Festivals: Be it the Galway International Arts Festival or the Oyster Festival, it is not an off season for festivals in which people from around the world participate.

While Galway may be a modern city, its love for traditional Irish music is undying:

1. Tigh Neachtain: This is a pub that everyone has to visit as it has the best one can ask for in terms of dry Irish music.
2. The Crane Bar: Another of those places where a big night is guaranteed with sessions occurring every night. A fun place where you will be counting days till your next visit.

Visiting Galway is about taking in the great and vibrant atmosphere – and splendid sights of the city. No matter whether you travel for the city’s history or modern life and amenities, there are plenty of wonderful things to experience at each step.

This list went quicker than I thought, and I hope that my knowledge will be useful to some of you. From the rugged cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Way to the picturesque town of Kilkenny, there is a lot of geographical variety to explore. I'm just leaving you with some of my final tips for a perfect road trip in Ireland.

Travel Tips for Ireland

• Pack for the unexpected: It is well known that the weather in Ireland can be unpredictable. As a result packing layers is necessary.
• Rent a small car: Narrow, twisting roads are common. Therefore it is prudent to have a small car for easier navigation.
• Stay flexible: Some pauses should be made in-between these scheduled times as a lot of good stuff happens in the crazy moments that are not planned.
• Embrace the outdoors: As there are numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views and equally captivating nature parks outdoor activities in Ireland are quite engaging.

My final words are to take on this adventure oblivious, as the emerald isle awaits you. Paths may vary, bends may be sharp, but the Emerald Isle is there to offer its magic on each road trip in Ireland. Bon voyage!