7, 10, or 14 Days in Western Eire

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Constructing your Eire journey itinerary really relies on your pursuits, however I like to recommend beginning with at the very least seven days in Eire. On the West coast particularly – it’s my private favourite – driving parts of the Wild Atlantic Method. 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 a good richer expertise, permitting deeper immersion into Irish tradition and surroundings.

I’ve traveled to Eire a number of occasions – it looks like my house in Europe. It doesn’t matter if I’m doing climbing, biking, or driving journeys there, and I’ve liked all of them. I even run my very own small group excursions there steadily, too. I used the entire information 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 great thing about County Sligo and County Mayo, on the north-west facet of the nation. From there, I counsel including on just a few 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 Excellent Eire Journey Itinerary

You have to a set of wheels to get round for this itinerary. Don’t fear in the event you’ve by no means pushed out of the country earlier than – Eire is the right place to study! That is really the place I discovered learn how to drive on the opposite facet of the street. 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 all the time suggest getting the smallest rental automobile you’ll be able to when in Eire. The roads are slender, and the smaller the automobile, the higher.

See all of my driving ideas for Driving in Eire

7 Days in Eire: A Cultural and Scenic Street Journey By means of Mayo and Achill

Situated on the west coast of Eire, County Mayo is a hidden gem with a rugged shoreline, gorgeous mountain vistas, and picturesque villages. It affords 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 totally 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’s 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 lodge, take pleasure in a riverside stroll and dinner by the River Moy. Should you’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. In case you are fortunate, you’ll stroll into the bar, and there might be dwell 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!

Find out how to get there: You’ll most probably arrive in Eire by way of Dublin, so plan for a morning arrival in the event you can. Take public transport from Dublin to Ballina – the journey is simply 3-4 hours – then decide up a rental automobile when you’re on the West coast. Nevertheless, take into account, not all cities on the West Coast have automobile rental. So an alternative choice is to select up your rental automobile in Dublin, and that approach 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 Citadel lodge 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 nice warrior Queen Maeve’s Cairn. (a average hike) The cairn is an unimaginable sight to see – it type of appears to be like 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 approach again to Ballina, there are two stops I counsel you make. The primary in Aughris to go to the Seaside 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 tub, a very distinctive expertise courting again to the twelfth century. Seaweed baths are so nice for you – however I believe the very best half about this expertise is soaking within the previous tubs and steam containers!

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 study 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 recognize, 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 possibly can simply lease a motorcycle (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.

Day 4: Ceide Coast

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

At the moment 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 the planet, consisting of megalithic tombs, homes, and relics coated by a pure, and completely distinctive, blanket lavatory.

Cease someplace for dinner or pop into the outlets to get substances to prepare dinner your individual dinner at Ceide Glamping Pods. Collect round their fireplace 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 supply an excellent sundown. I actually didn’t wish to depart them! So perhaps it is best to keep two nights there and go climbing at Carrowteige the subsequent 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 to your longest drive but on this journey. At the moment you’re headed all the best way to Achill Island is about 1.5 hours. I advised 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 Bathroom – one of many final intact energetic blanket lavatory techniques in Western Europe. There are many trails to discover, so plan for at the very least just a few hours right here.

As soon as prepared, proceed your journey to Achill Island – the biggest island off Eire’s coast. Although sparsely inhabited, it’s recognized for its dramatic sea cliffs and Atlantic views. Upon arrival, verify 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 every of my favourite experiences – I like that you may run proper out of the sauna and into the freezing ocean – it’s exhilarating!

Finish the day with a calming 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

At the moment 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 Seaside, typically praised as Eire’s most stunning seashore, the place turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs. And the drive there’s gorgeous…remember 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 the hauntingly stunning Abandoned Village at Slievemore, a group of stone cottages alongside a mile-long street that have been deserted in the course of the famine period. Within the late afternoon, drive to Westport, a full of life city recognized for its attraction and music scene. Settle in for the night with dinner and a pint at one in every of Westport’s iconic pubs, the place dwell conventional music fills the air. Matt Molloy’s might be the most well-liked – 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 affords unimaginable views and climbing problem. If climbing isn’t your factor, then the bottom affords spectacular views of the height and the bay’s many drumlin islands.

Should you skipped the Croagh Patrick hike, you then’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 study rural Irish farm life in a shocking fjord-side setting.

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

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, in the present day you’ll head south to Galway Metropolis. I counsel you stand up early and drive the gorgeous Sky Street. 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 Street and expertise it at a slower tempo! After your morning exploring Clifden, take the gradual route on the tremendous scenic Wild Atlantic Method in the direction of Galway Metropolis. Stroll across the metropolis and deal with your self to some tremendous eating on the town after the entire 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 finances keep that has personal rooms and nice services. For a extra upscale keep, strive Victoria Lodge

Day 9: Discover the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin

At the moment is all in regards to the Cliffs of Moher! This is without doubt one of the hottest sights in Eire – so it would be best to time your go to fastidiously to keep away from the crowds. I counsel taking a gradual morning in Galway, or driving the gradual approach alongside the Wild Atlantic Method to Doolin. Then within the late afternoon, when the entire constitution buses are heading again to Dublin, now’s your time to move to the Cliffs of Moher!

I counsel taking a taxi from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher customer middle. This fashion 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 climbing alongside the Burren Method, 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 Method climbing path, which ought to take 2.5 to three hours – or longer, the extra stops you make to take photos! Remember to deliver a raincoat as storms can roll in rapidly alongside the Atlantic coast!

After you catch sundown on the coast after which go hearken to music and a few take pleasure in Guinness stew at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin.

I think about this hike the finest approach to see the Cliffs of Moher, so I’ve an entire 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

At the moment is a transition day, however don’t miss the prospect to discover the Burren, one in every of Eire’s most iconic and strange landscapes. Whether or not you’re wrapping up your journey or persevering with on with the complete two-week Eire itinerary, I’ve some recommendations for what to do within the Burren.

If leaving for house later: Begin early and make the brief drive from Doolin to Burren Nationwide Park, providing a number of climbing trails by 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 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 once you use code OttsWorldIreland

Not within the temper for extra climbing? No downside. You possibly can nonetheless discover the Burren by visiting just a few key websites. Excellent in the event you simply wish 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 lodge, it is best to try!

14 Days in Eire:

This complete itinerary gives a deep dive into Eire’s breathtaking southern finish of the Wild Atlantic Method, 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 Move – Eire’s tallest mountain move. 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! Ensure 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 may 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 stuffed up on meals and enjoyable Tom Crean info, 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 typically 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, good for grabbing a espresso and snapping photographs of the River Laune. From there, proceed by Glenbeigh with views over Rossbeigh Seaside, a stupendous 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 the luxurious, subtropical gardens, well-known for his or her big ferns and coastal setting. Afterward, proceed south towards Cahersiveen, with an non-compulsory fast go to to the ruins of Ballycarbery Citadel or a cease on the historic Valentia Island bridge for photographs of the harbor and mountains.

Remember to 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, observe the coastal street by Waterville and Sneem, having fun with dramatic views over Kenmare Bay. Find time for a brief leg-stretch at Girls View for panoramic photographs 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 subsequent morning.

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

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

When you’ve got an additional day – it’s possible you’ll wish to keep in Portmagee and catch an early boat to the Skellig Islands the subsequent 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 remaining 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 fantastically maintained gardens that overlook the lakes and mountains.

Stroll alongside close by trails by 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 automobile in time to catch a bus to Dublin for the evening.

Take pleasure in a remaining night of music at a full of life 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, guaranteeing a easy, hassle-free departure and time to replicate in your journey by Eire’s wild and exquisite west.

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

Day 14: Last Day in Eire

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

Eire Journey Assets

My favourite native guides and firms for Eire excursions

These are the businesses I work with, and I fortunately name these small enterprise house owners my mates.

Eire Tourism Web site – Filled with details about occasions and issues to do

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

Incessantly Requested Questions on Touring in Western Eire

5 Journey Necessities to Take On Each Journey

My prime decide

Eagle Creek Pack-It Set of three Packing Cubes

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Dice Set contains an XS packing dice for journey necessities, S dice for t-shirts, and M dice for denims to assist organized packing.

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Favourite Model – Girl Owned

Wallaroo Hats

I like all of their kinds and usually all the time have at the very least 2 of their totally different hats with me on each journey I take! All of their kinds supply excellent solar safety. The Pores and skin Most cancers Basis recommends the fabric of each Wallaroo hat with a UPF score and a 3+ inch brim as an efficient UV protectant. Plus – they’ve so many modern kinds!

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Peak Design Tech Pouch

I like this pouch – you’ll be able to match a lot into it – it truly is misleading! Whether or not storing cables, on a regular basis gear, or journey necessities, Tech Pouch affords unequalled group and ease of entry. Origami-style pockets create huge spatial effectivity, letting you pack extra right into a smaller house whereas holding your gadgets neatly organized and straightforward to search out. This goes on each journey with me!

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My Prime 5 Items of Mountain climbing Gear

Ottsworld Favourite

Title 9 Clamber Pants

I like these pants!! They’re nice for fall/spring, are stretchy, however water-proof, with nice pockets! I like the stretchy waist band because it suits me with out having to make use of a belt.

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Ottsworld Favourite

Osprey Sirrus 24L Backpack

That is my ‘go-to’ day pack for climbing. It is bought an incredible hip belt and assist. It comes with a rain cowl – no want to purchase it individually! My favourite characteristic is the Stow and Go Trekking Pole performance – you’ll be able to retailer and simply get out your climbing poles with out taking off your pack! Large water bottle holders and house for a water bladder! The proper pack!

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REI

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Ottsworld Favourite

Oboz Girls’s Bridger Mid B-DRY Mountain climbing Boot

My favourite climbing boot. I’ve hiked with them all around the world. Rugged boots with nice footbed assist. Sole is nice for rocky trails, and the colour is fairly cute too! Nice for laborious hikes and via hikes.

REI

Amazon

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I do not depart house with out it!

Cotton Service G3 Digital camera Harness

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Montem Extremely Mild 100% Carbon Fiber Mountain climbing Poles

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These are an incredible finances possibility for climbing poles.

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