Two Weeks in Ireland: The Ultimate 14-Day Itinerary

Two weeks in Ireland gives you the space to slow down, go deeper, and discover the places most visitors miss. This itinerary takes you from Dublin through the southeast, down to Kerry, up the Wild Atlantic Way, across Connemara, and into the dramatic landscapes of the north — a full loop of the island’s greatest hits with room to breathe.

Days 1–2 – Dublin

Spend two full days exploring Ireland’s capital. Day one covers the essentials: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, a wander through Temple Bar, and the Guinness Storehouse. Day two goes deeper: Kilmainham Gaol for Irish history, the Chester Beatty Library (free, extraordinary), and the National Museum of Ireland.

In the evenings, explore Dublin’s pub culture beyond Temple Bar — try Kehoe’s, Toner’s, or The Palace Bar for old-world atmosphere and live trad sessions.

Day 3 – Wicklow Mountains

Drive south into the Wicklow Mountains for the day. Visit Powerscourt Estate (magnificent formal gardens with mountain backdrop), then continue to Glendalough for the monastic ruins and lake walk. Return to Dublin or stay overnight in Wicklow town.

Days 4–5 – Kilkenny & Wexford

Head to Kilkenny — Ireland’s best-preserved medieval city. Spend the morning at the castle, walk the Medieval Mile, and stop at St Canice’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, drive to Wexford and explore the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig, which reconstructs 9,000 years of Irish history.

Day five, visit the Hook Peninsula — home to Hook Lighthouse, one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world — then drive southwest toward Cork.

Day 6 – Cork & Blarney

Cork is Ireland’s second city and proud of it. Spend the morning at the English Market, one of Europe’s finest covered markets, and pick up artisan cheese, sausages, and coffee. Explore the streets of the city centre and the quirky neighbourhood of Shandon.

Afternoon: drive to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone (if you don’t mind leaning backwards over a parapet) and walk the castle grounds.

Day 7 – Ring of Kerry

Drive west to Killarney and tackle the Ring of Kerry — the 179km coastal circuit with views over Skellig Michael (inspiration for the Star Wars island), mountain passes, and colourful village stops. Allow the full day for the drive with proper stops.

Day 8 – Dingle Peninsula

Swap crowds for the quieter, equally stunning Dingle Peninsula. Drive Slea Head, stop at ancient beehive huts and the Gallarus Oratory, and end in the town of Dingle for seafood chowder and live music.

Day 9 – Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

Drive north through County Limerick (stop at the King John’s Castle in Limerick city) and into County Clare. Walk the Cliffs of Moher and spend the afternoon exploring The Burren — its moonscape limestone pavements, rare wildflowers, and ancient dolmens.

Days 10–11 – Galway & Connemara

Galway is one of Ireland’s most vibrant cities — compact, colourful, and full of music. Spend an evening on Shop Street and in the Latin Quarter.

Day eleven, drive into Connemara: vast boglands, the Twelve Bens mountain range, and glacial loughs reflecting grey skies. Visit Kylemore Abbey, beautifully set against a lake and mountain. Continue to Clifden, the “Capital of Connemara,” for the night.

Day 12 – Aran Islands or Westport

Two options: take the ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Mór (the largest Aran Island) and cycle to Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort perched on a 100-metre cliff edge — one of Ireland’s most dramatic sights. Or drive north to Westport, a planned estate town at the foot of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain.

Day 13 – Sligo & Donegal

Head north into Sligo, the landscape that inspired W.B. Yeats. Visit Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery (older than Stonehenge) and see Ben Bulben, the flat-topped mountain that lords over the county.

Continue north into Donegal — wild, windswept, and achingly beautiful. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way along sea cliffs and empty beaches. Stay in the town of Donegal or Bundoran.

Day 14 – Giants’ Causeway & Return

Cross into Northern Ireland (no border crossing required — same island) and visit the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Drive the scenic Causeway Coastal Route through the Glens of Antrim and stop at Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

Drive back to Dublin (about 2.5 hours from the causeway) for your departure.

Practical Notes

Car rental: Essential. Book in advance, especially for summer. An automatic is worth the extra cost on narrow country roads.

Accommodation mix: Guesthouses (B&Bs) are Ireland’s hidden gem — home-cooked breakfasts, local knowledge, genuine hospitality. Book ahead in July–August.

Budget: Expect to spend €80–130/day per person including accommodation, food, fuel, and entry fees.

Weather: Pack layers and a waterproof regardless of season. Ireland’s weather changes fast.