7, 10, or 14 Days in Western Eire

August 15, 2025

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Constructing your Eire journey itinerary really is dependent upon your pursuits, however I like to recommend beginning with a minimum of 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 attainable, 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 instances – it appears like my house in Europe. It doesn’t matter if I’m doing mountaineering, biking, or driving journeys there, and I’ve beloved all of them. I even run my very own small group excursions there continuously, 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 fantastic thing about County Sligo and County Mayo, on the north-west facet of the nation. From there, I recommend 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 Good Eire Journey Itinerary

You’ll need a set of wheels to get round for this itinerary. Don’t fear in case you’ve by no means pushed overseas earlier than – Eire is the right place to be taught! That is truly the place I realized tips on how to 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 all the time advocate getting the smallest rental automobile you may when in Eire. The roads are slender, and the smaller the automobile, the higher.

See all of my driving suggestions for Driving in Eire

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

Situated on the west coast of Eire, County Mayo is a hidden gem with a rugged shoreline, beautiful mountain vistas, and picturesque villages. It presents 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!

Based mostly 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, get pleasure from a riverside stroll and dinner by the River Moy. When you’re up for it within the night, get pleasure from 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 will probably be reside music (each Saturday night time beginning at 10 PM). That is my favourite option to meet locals – hang around at a bar listening to music in a non-touristy city!

Learn how to get there: You’ll probably arrive in Eire by way of Dublin, so plan for a morning arrival in case you can. Take public transport from Dublin to Ballina – the experience is just 3-4 hours – then decide up a rental automobile when you’re on the West coast. Nevertheless – consider, not all cities on the West Coast have automobile rental. So another choice is to choose up your rental automobile in Dublin, and that manner you may return to the identical spot and avoid wasting cash.

The place to remain: Ballina Manor for 3 nights. Or attempt Belleek Fortress 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 kind of seems to be just like the Nice Pyramids! Afterwards, heat up with a beverage and a selfmade deal with from Shells Café in Strandhill. Take a while to stroll across the quaint little village.

In your manner again to Ballina, there are two stops I recommend you make. The primary in Aughris to go to the Seaside Bar, a standard thatch roof pub – you guessed it – close to the seaside for a fast afternoon Irish Espresso. The second cease is Kilcullen’s Bathtub Home in Enniscrone for a seaweed bathtub, a completely distinctive expertise courting again to the twelfth century. Seaweed baths are so nice for you – however I feel the most effective 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 study its significance to the city and group because it was established within the Nineties. That is the right time to purchase your self, and everybody you already know, an genuine Irish wool memento!

Again in Ballina, you may spend the afternoon exploring the world by bike. Go to the Belleek Woods, Monasteries of the Moy, and the Rosserk Friary. You may simply hire 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 present 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 in depth Stone Age monument on the earth, 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 components to cook dinner your personal dinner at Ceide Glamping Pods. Collect round their fireplace pit earlier than settling in for the night time and getting night time’s relaxation. These glamping pods are to not be missed…they’re secluded and provide an excellent sundown. I actually didn’t wish to depart them! So perhaps it’s best to keep two nights there and go mountaineering at Carrowteige the subsequent day! It’s my favourite hike in Eire!

The place to remain: Ceide Glamping Pods for one night time.

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 present you’re headed all the way in which to Achill Island is about 1.5 hours. I informed you it was an extended one (okay, perhaps not THAT lengthy), however there will probably be loads of spots to stretch your legs alongside the way in which, 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 lively blanket bathroom techniques in Western Europe. There are many trails to discover, so plan for a minimum of 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, test 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 considered one of my favourite experiences – I really like that you may 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 outside adventures.

The place to remain: Bervie Guesthouse for one night time.

Day 6: Achill Island

At present 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, usually praised as Eire’s most lovely seaside, the place turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs. And the drive there may be beautiful…you’ll want to get a window view! From there, take a hike as much as these towering sea cliffs – a few of the highest in Eire – for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Subsequent, wander by means of the hauntingly lovely Abandoned Village at Slievemore, a group of stone cottages alongside a mile-long highway 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 appeal and music scene. Settle in for the night with dinner and a pint at considered one of Westport’s iconic pubs, the place reside conventional music fills the air. Matt Molloy’s might be the most well-liked – however you may’t go improper at any pub in Westport!

The place to remain: The Mariner Resort for one night time (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 website of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Even when you don’t hike all the way in which to the summit, the midway level additionally presents unimaginable views and mountaineering problem. If mountaineering isn’t your factor, then the bottom presents spectacular views of the height and the bay’s many drumlin islands.

When you skipped the Croagh Patrick hike, then you definately’ll have time to proceed into the center of Connemara to go to Killary Sheep Farm. Right here you may witness conventional sheepdog demonstrations and study rural Irish farm life in a shocking fjord-side setting.

If as we speak is your last day, now’s the time to catch a prepare to Dublin from Westport to your flight house, or you may lengthen your highway journey to 10 or 14 days. On this case, I recommend staying in Clifden – an lovely little city full of retailers 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, as we speak you’ll head south to Galway Metropolis. I recommend you stand up early and drive the beautiful Sky Street. Or if you’re feeling extra lively – hire 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 sluggish 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 high-quality 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 good price range keep that has personal rooms and nice amenities. For a extra upscale keep, attempt Victoria Resort

Day 9: Discover the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin

At present is all in regards to the Cliffs of Moher! This is likely one of the hottest sights in Eire – so you’ll want to time your go to rigorously to keep away from the crowds. I recommend taking a sluggish morning in Galway, or driving the sluggish manner alongside the Wild Atlantic Approach 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 recommend 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 may go. You’ll ultimately depart the Cliffs of Moher space and find yourself mountaineering alongside the Burren Approach, a coastal path from Cliffs of Moher customer middle to Doolin, timed good to coincide with sundown for an elevated expertise!

The customer middle is about 8km from Doolin alongside the Burren Approach mountaineering path, which ought to take 2.5 to three hours – or longer, the extra stops you make to take footage! Make sure you carry 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 get pleasure from Guinness stew at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin.

I think about this hike the finest option 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 present is a transition day, however don’t miss the prospect to discover the Burren, considered one of Eire’s most iconic and strange landscapes. Whether or not you’re wrapping up your journey or persevering with on with the total two-week Eire itinerary, I’ve some solutions 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 mountaineering trails by means of its putting limestone pavement, together with grasslands, woodlands, and scrub habitats wealthy with distinctive natural world. A beautiful option 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 means 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 while you use code OttsWorldIreland

Not within the temper for extra mountaineering? No drawback. You may nonetheless discover the Burren by visiting just a few key websites. Good in case 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 Resort in Tralee for two nights. They’ve a stunning restaurant and bar, additionally within the lodge, it’s best to 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 option to Dingle within the morning, drive over Conor Cross – Eire’s tallest mountain move. It’s probably the most dramatic and scenic option to arrive in Dingle. As soon as there, ensure 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 when 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! Make sure that to stretch your legs on a brief hike alongside the coast or perhaps a seaside for a bit, too.

While you’re hungry for lunch, head to the South Pole Inn in Annascaul. You may marvel why it’s referred to 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 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 not too long ago that the water was examined and located to include lithium, which is a drug usually used to deal with psychological well being circumstances.

Head again to Tralee for the night time 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 means of Glenbeigh with views over Rossbeigh Seaside, 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 means of the luxurious, 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 website isn’t as busy because the Cliffs of Moher however simply as lovely. Proceed on and make a fast cease on the Skelligs Chocolate Manufacturing unit and Cafe for a particular deal with!

Within the afternoon, observe the coastal highway by means 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 subsequent morning.

It’ll be an extended day, nonetheless, if in case you have the vitality, cease by Courtney’s Pub for some reside music.

The place to remain: Killarney Avenue Resort close by for 1 night time. Or the Ross lodge. Each are within the coronary heart of the city, the place you may stroll to something.

When you have an additional day – chances are 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 last morning immersed within the coronary heart of Killarney Nationwide Park. Right here you may 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 means 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 midst of the Abbey! After absorbing these iconic sights, return your rental automobile in time to catch a bus to Dublin for the night time.

Take pleasure in a last night of music at a full of life pub, a leisurely stroll alongside the River Liffey, or a comfortable meal in one of many metropolis’s historic pubs. Being in Dublin the night time earlier than your flight additionally means you may keep away from an early-morning cross-country rush, guaranteeing a easy, hassle-free departure and time to mirror in your journey by means of Eire’s wild and delightful west.

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

Day 14: Remaining Day in Eire

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

Eire Journey Sources

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 buddies.

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 pleased to reply any questions you’ve got about journey in Eire or customizations of those Eire journey itineraries!