7, 10, or 14 Days in Western Eire

August 16, 2025

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Constructing your Eire journey itinerary really is dependent upon your pursuits, however I like to recommend beginning with at the least seven days in Eire. On the West coast particularly – it’s my private favourite – driving parts of the Wild Atlantic Approach. 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 potential, extending your keep to 10 days and even fourteen days on Eire’s West coast will present an excellent richer expertise, permitting deeper immersion into Irish tradition and surroundings.

I’ve traveled to Eire a number of instances – it looks like my house 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 incessantly, 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 number of days to drive south to discover the Cliffs of Moher and the attractive 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 if you happen to’ve by no means pushed out of the country earlier than – Eire is the right place to be taught! That is really the place I realized 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! Nevertheless – I do at all times suggest getting the smallest rental automotive you’ll be able to when in Eire. The roads are slim, 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 Highway Journey By means of Mayo and Achill

Positioned on the west coast of Eire, County Mayo is a hidden gem with a rugged shoreline, gorgeous mountain vistas, and picturesque villages. It provides vacationers a mix of tranquil rural settings, historic websites, vibrant cultural traditions, and countless alternatives for outside adventures away from the vacationer crowds. That’s why I’ve run 4 completely 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 may be 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 resort, take pleasure in a riverside stroll and dinner by the River Moy. If you happen to’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 evening beginning at 10 PM). That is my favourite approach to meet locals – hang around at a bar listening to music in a non-touristy city!

The right way to get there: You’ll most definitely arrive in Eire through Dublin, so plan for a morning arrival if you happen to can. Take public transport from Dublin to Ballina – the journey is simply 3-4 hours – then decide up a rental automotive when you’re on the West coast. Nevertheless – bear in mind, not all cities on the West Coast have automotive rental. So another choice is to select up your rental automotive in Dublin, and that method you’ll be able to return to the identical spot and avoid wasting cash.

The place to remain: Ballina Manor for 3 nights. Or strive Belleek Fortress resort 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 good warrior Queen Maeve’s Cairn. (a average hike) The cairn is an unimaginable sight to see – it kind of seems to be just like the Nice Pyramids! Afterwards, heat up with a beverage and a do-it-yourself deal with from Shells Café in Strandhill. Take a while to stroll across the quaint little village.

In your method again to Ballina, there are two stops I recommend you make. The primary in Aughris to go to the Seashore Bar, a conventional thatch roof pub – you guessed it – close to the seashore for a fast afternoon Irish Espresso. The second cease is Kilcullen’s Bathtub Home in Enniscrone for a seaweed bathtub, a very distinctive expertise courting again to the twelfth century. Seaweed baths are so nice for you – however I feel one of the best half about this expertise is soaking within the previous tubs and steam bins!

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 find out about 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 realize, an genuine Irish wool memento!

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

Queen Maeve’s Hike

Day 4: Ceide Coast

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

Immediately 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. Take pleasure in 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 outlets to get substances to cook dinner your individual dinner at Ceide Glamping Pods. Collect round their hearth pit earlier than settling in for the evening and getting evening’s relaxation. These glamping pods are to not be missed…they’re secluded and provide an excellent sundown. I actually didn’t need to depart them! So perhaps you must keep two nights there and go mountain climbing at Carrowteige the following day! It’s my favourite hike in Eire!

The place to remain: Ceide Glamping Pods for one evening.

Day 5: Mayo’s Hidden Gems

Discover the grounds at Ceide Glamping Pods for a short time earlier than heading out on your longest drive but on this journey. Immediately you’re headed all the best way to Achill Island is about 1.5 hours. I informed you it was a protracted 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 house to the Nephin Beg mountain vary and the Owenduff Lavatory – one of many final intact energetic blanket bathroom programs in Western Europe. There are many trails to discover, so plan for at the least a number 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 recognized 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 scorching/chilly remedy simply steps from the ocean. This was one in all my favourite experiences – I like which you can run proper out of the sauna and into the freezing ocean – it’s exhilarating!

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

The place to remain: Bervie Guesthouse for one evening.

Day 6: Achill Island

Immediately 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, usually praised as Eire’s most stunning seashore, the place turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs. And the drive there may be gorgeous…make sure to 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 by way of the hauntingly stunning Abandoned Village at Slievemore, a group of stone cottages alongside a mile-long highway that have been deserted throughout the famine period. Within the late afternoon, drive to Westport, a vigorous city recognized for its allure and music scene. Settle in for the night with dinner and a pint at one in all Westport’s iconic pubs, the place stay conventional music fills the air. Matt Molloy’s might be the preferred – however you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable at any pub in Westport!

The place to remain: The Mariner Lodge for one evening (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 provides unimaginable views and mountain climbing problem. If mountain climbing isn’t your factor, then the bottom provides spectacular views of the height and the bay’s many drumlin islands.

If you happen to skipped the Croagh Patrick hike, then you definitely’ll have time to proceed into the guts of Connemara to go to Killary Sheep Farm. Right here you’ll be able to witness conventional sheepdog demonstrations and find out about rural Irish farm life in a surprising fjord-side setting.

If right now is your ultimate day, now’s the time to catch a prepare to Dublin from Westport on your flight house, or you’ll be able to prolong your highway journey to 10 or 14 days. On this case, I recommend staying in Clifden – an cute little city full of outlets and pubs.

Ireland travel itineraries achill island Slievemore

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, right now you’ll head south to Galway Metropolis. I recommend you stand up early and drive the gorgeous Sky Highway. Or if you’re feeling extra energetic – lease an ebike from Clifden Bike Store nestled within the cute native memento store – All Issues Connemara. Bike the Sky Highway and expertise it at a slower tempo! After your morning exploring Clifden, take the gradual route on the tremendous scenic Wild Atlantic Approach in the direction of Galway Metropolis. Stroll across the metropolis and deal with your self to some tremendous 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 price range keep that has non-public rooms and nice amenities. For a extra upscale keep, strive Victoria Lodge

Day 9: Discover the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin

Immediately is all in regards to the Cliffs of Moher! This is without doubt one of the hottest sights in Eire – so you’ll want to time your go to fastidiously to keep away from the crowds. I recommend taking a gradual morning in Galway, or driving the gradual method alongside the Wild Atlantic Approach to Doolin. Then within the late afternoon, when all the constitution buses are heading again to Dublin, now’s your time to move to the Cliffs of Moher!

I recommend taking a taxi from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher customer middle. This manner you don’t have to fret about parking and you’ll try the customer middle. Begin by heading south across the Cliffs viewing space – after which stroll again north so far as you’ll be able to go. You’ll ultimately depart the Cliffs of Moher space and find yourself mountain climbing alongside the Burren Approach, a coastal path from Cliffs of Moher customer middle to Doolin, timed excellent to coincide with sundown for an elevated expertise!

The customer middle is about 8km from Doolin alongside the Burren Approach mountain climbing path, which ought to take 2.5 to three hours – or longer, the extra stops you make to take footage! Make sure you deliver 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 think about this hike the greatest approach 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

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

If leaving for house later: Begin early and make the quick drive from Doolin to Burren Nationwide Park, providing a number of mountain climbing trails by way of its putting limestone pavement, together with grasslands, woodlands, and scrub habitats wealthy with distinctive natural world. An exquisite approach to spend your morning earlier than heading house.

If persevering with your itinerary: For a extra immersive expertise, think about reserving a self-guided hike with Eire Stroll Hike Bike. I’ve praised them earlier than, and for good purpose—on my solo hike organized by way of 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 whenever you use code OttsWorldIreland

Not within the temper for extra mountain climbing? No downside. You’ll be able to nonetheless discover the Burren by visiting a number of key websites. Good if you happen to 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 stunning restaurant and bar, additionally within the resort, you must try!

14 Days in Eire:

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

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

In your approach to Dingle within the morning, drive over Conor Cross – Eire’s tallest mountain go. It’s probably the most dramatic and scenic approach to arrive in Dingle. As soon as there, be sure you 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! Be certain that 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 would possibly surprise 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 crammed up on meals and enjoyable Tom Crean information, 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 lately that the water was examined and located to include lithium, which is a drug usually used to deal with psychological well being situations.

Head again to Tralee for the evening 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, excellent for grabbing a espresso and snapping photographs of the River Laune. From there, proceed by way of Glenbeigh with views over Rossbeigh Seashore, a gorgeous 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 by way of the plush, subtropical gardens, well-known for his or her big ferns and coastal setting. Afterward, proceed south towards Cahersiveen, with an non-obligatory fast go to to the ruins of Ballycarbery Fortress or a cease on the historic Valentia Island bridge for photographs of the harbor and mountains.

Make 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 by way of Waterville and Sneem, having fun with dramatic views over Kenmare Bay. Find time for a brief leg-stretch at Women View for panoramic pictures 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 following morning.

It’ll be a protracted day, nonetheless, if in case you have the vitality, cease by Courtney’s Pub for some stay music.

The place to remain: Killarney Avenue Lodge close by for 1 evening. Or the Ross resort. Each are within the coronary heart of the city, the place you’ll be able to stroll to something.

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

Day 13: Morning in Killarney & Return to Dublin

Spend your ultimate morning immersed within the coronary heart of Killarney Nationwide Park. Right here you’ll be able to 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 by way of 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 evening.

Take pleasure in a ultimate 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 evening earlier than your flight additionally means you’ll be able to keep away from an early-morning cross-country rush, making certain a easy, hassle-free departure and time to replicate in your journey by way of Eire’s wild and exquisite west.

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

Day 14: Remaining Day in Eire

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

Eire Journey Sources

My favourite native guides and corporations 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’m in County Mayo, internet hosting a tour group

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

Incessantly Requested Questions on Touring in Western Eire

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