Ireland: 18 days itinerary in summer
- twointour
- Dec 25, 2025
- 14 min read
Ireland is a country with a green heart and adorned with wild stunning coasts, where you can still explore remote areas inhabited mostly by sheep and admire the power of the ocean.
We explore both Southern and Northern Ireland, doing a coastal loop! This is an epic on the road among cliffs, lighthouses, nordic beaches, castles, ancient prehistoric ruins, Celtic sites, picturesque villages!
Be flexible and when it rains, don't despair, it's often temporary...then when the sun comes out again the colors light up and the wonder becomes even greater.
Check out our itinerary and some practical info that can be useful to inspire you in organize your travel!
Our itinerary in Ireland:
Day 1 - arrive to Dublin - visit Dublin (St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Grafton Street, Temple Bar)
Flight Lufthansa: Florence - Frankfurt - Dublin
Night in Dublin (Staycity Apartment - Augustine)
Day 2 – 40km - Bray Head (hike to the promontory-2km loop) - 35km - Glen Beach Cliff Walk in Wicklow (4km loop) - 30km - Glendalough Monastic Site
Night in Rathdrum (Glenbeg Lodge)
Day 3 - 110 km – Kilkenny - 65km - Rock of Cashel -120 km - Hook lighthouse (The oldest active lighthouse in the world)
Night in Waterford (Diamond Hill Country House)
Day 4 - 75km - Ardmore - 80km - Kinsale and Charles Fort
Night in Kinsale (The K Kinsale Boutique Hotel)
Day 5 – 115km (scenic road R600) - Mizen Head - 60km- Sheep Head Lighthouse (trail 2km one way)
Night in Ballylickey (Aran Lodge)
If you have time, add here 1 day to visit Fastnet Lighthouse by boat
Day 6 - Ring of Kerry (km 200) : Moll’s of Gap - Killarney National Park and Lakes (Ladies Viewpoint on the 3 lakes, Ross Castle, Muckross House, Muckross Abbey) -Skellig Ring & Valentia Island
Night in Waterville (Dromid Hostel)
If you have time, add here 1 day to visit Skellig Island by boat with a descending tour (to be booked well in advance)
Day 7 -110km -Dingle Peninsula: Slea Head drive -Dunmore Head - Saint Road (Gallarus Oratory, kilmalkedar Church) - Dingle
Night in Dingle (Reenconnel Dingle House)
Day 8 - 250km - Loop Head Peninsula: White Strand- Kilkee village — Bridge of Ross - Loop Head Lighthouse
Night in Lisdeen (Keane’s Restaurant & accomodation)
Day 9 - 50 km- Aran Islands (Inis Oirr by e-bike) & Cliff of Moher by boat
Night in Doolin (Dubhlinn House)
Day 10 -Cliff Moher - 30km - Burren (Road 480 & Poulnabrone Dolmen) - 30km - Dunguaire Castle -120km/2h -Kylemore Abbey & Sky Road (Connemara)
Night in Cleggan (Oliver’s Seafood Restaurant & B&B)
Day 11 -115km- Achill Island
Night in Achill Island (Creevagh House)
Day 12 -100km- Dun Briste Stack - 110km- Mullaghmore Head - 100km -Sliabh Liag Cliffs - 50km- Donegal
Night in Donegal (Farmleigh House)
If you have time add here 1 day to continue to visit Donegal coastline (Horn Head (puffins) and Maghera Strand)
Day 13 - 90km - Fanad Head lighthouse & Pollaird Sea Arch- 140km- Malin Head - 50km
Night on Inch Island (Grangeview House)
Day 14 - 20km (Northern Ireland)–Derry/Londonderry -60km -Downhill & Musseden Temple - 30km - Dunluce Castle e Magheracross viewpoint —12km Dunseverick Castle - 15km - Dark Hedges
Night in Ballycastle (Homestay- New Room @Sean and Janes)
Day 15 -Giant Causeway- Ballintoy-Carrick-a-Rede Bridge
Night in Ballycastle (Homestay -New Room @Sean and Janes)
Day 16 -90km/1h15- Belfast -20km Carrickfergus Castle -20km Larne
Original plan: Rathlin Island (skipped due to bad weather)
Night in Larne (Carneview B&B)
Day 17 –20km-Black Head Lighthouse & Whitehead promenade – 140km- Monasterboice & Old Mellifont Abbey – 70km -Howth Promontory
Night in Dublin (Metro Hotel Dublin Airport)
Day 18 - fly back to Italy: Dublin - Munich - Florence (Lufthansa)
Total approx: _3700 km
Place by place
IRELAND
Dublin
Let’s start our trip to Ireland from its lively capital!
The city can be easily visited on foot in 1 day.
Highlights
Dublin Castle
Trinity College
Grafton Street
Temple Bar (ideal in the late afternoon)
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
Marsh’s Library and/or Chester Beatty Library
Wicklow County
We say goodbye to Dublin and we begin our road trip from Wicklow County in the south of Dublin.
Highlights
1) Bray Head: a 2km loop trail takes you up the hill to the cross, offering beautiful views of the coast.
2) Glen Beach Cliff Walk in Wicklow, where you can spot seals
3) Glendalough Monastic Site, surrounded by two lakes and founded by the legendary hermit St. Kevin, who became one of Ireland's most venerated saints and transformed the site into one of the most famous religious centers in Europe.
- Free admission (parking €4)
- Always open
- Consider 1 hour for your visit (ideal early in the morning or late pm for fewer crowds and better light)
If you have more time, nearby there is Powerscourt Estate with its famous gardens
We are still on the Reykjanes Peninsula and here you will found hot springs, volcanic lakes, lava fields, black beaches and cliffs surrounded by a breathtaking landscape
The 4 main stops are the following:
-Kelifarvatn: a deep volcanic lake surrounded by black beaches
-Walk on the wooden walkways across the steaming and bubbling geothermal field in Seltun
- Graenavtn: an ancient crater that forms a turquoise volcanic lake
- The giant black cliffs of Krysuvìkurberg surrounded by lava fields
For the visit consider 2-3 hours
Kilkenny & Rock of Cashel
First stop o f today the lovely medieval village of Kilkenny
Highlights:
- Kilkenny Castle
- St. Canice's Cathedral, the largest medieval cathedral in Ireland after St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.
- the picturesque Medieval Mile, the labyrinth of alleys and medieval buildings between the castle and the cathedral
Then with 1h driving we arrive to Rock of Cashel, an ancient fortress and spectacular religious site perched on a hill and surrounded by imposing walls
Best places to photograph it:
- from Circular Road
- from the ruins of Hore Abbey, 1 km away
Rock of Cashel: Opening hour: 9-17.30 -Ticket 8 euro (consider 1h for the visit)
Hook lighthouse
Hook Lighthouse is the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world!
It is possible to visit the lighhouse with a 30-minute guided tour (14,50euro), and once you reach the top, you'll have a splendid view of the coast
In the nearby, if you have time from May to early August, head to Great Saltee Island from Kilmore Quay to see the puffins! https://threesisters.ie/
Cork County: the best on the coast
We're starting the famous Wild Atlantic Way, which runs from Kinsale (County Cork) in the south up the west coast of Ireland to Derry in the north. As lovers of coastal on-roads, we couldn't miss it!
1- the colorful village of Kinsale and nearby Charles Fort, one of Europe's best-preserved star-shaped fortresses, accessible by car or on foot via the 3km coastal walk (known as the Scilly Walk).
2- the spectacular promontory of Mizen Head, from which, on clear days, you can see Cape Clear Island and the Fastnet Rock lighthouse, the southernmost point of the country.
From the Visitor Center you can access to various panoramic walkways on the cliffs and the promontory as well as the possibility of walking to the small island opposite where the Signal Station is located (from here Marconi sent the first radio signal overseas) connected to the mainland by a 45m high bridge!!
If you're a photography enthusiast like us, consider staying at least 2-3 hours.
Ticket 7,50euro
Opening time 10-18
If you have time arrive also to the near Barley Cove Beach and evaluate a boat tour to Fastnet Lighthouse from Schull
Bonus tip: From Kinsale, instead of taking the main N71 road, take the scenic R600 route to Mizen Head.If you have time, stop at the colorful coastal village of Clonakilty, the mysterious Dromeberg Stone Circle, and the tidal salt lake of Lough Hyne.
3-the remote Sheep's Head Peninsula and its lighthouse, reached by a 2km walk along a cliff dotted with flowers (consider a couple of hours).
The road to get there is narrow, so it is not suitable if you are in a camper.
4- If you have time,you can also visit/do in this area:
-Ring of Beara Peninsula & Healy Pass,
- Bantry House
- the charming little island of Ilnacullin, famous for its magnificent gardens and seal colonies (ferries from Glengariff)
Kerry County
We leave the beautiful County of Cork and begin our journey up the famous and picturesque County of Kerry.
Highlights
1. The breathtaking coastal views of the Dingle Peninsula, the ruins of ancient monastic sites on the Saint Road (Main stops: Gallarus Oratory and Kilmalkedar Church) and the colorful village of Dingle
Dingle Peninsula is one of the main attractions of the county of Kerry and of the Wild Atlantic Way!
Consider at least half a day to drive on the magnificent Slea Head Drive, stopping at various coastal viewpoints and arrive to Dunmore Head, the westernmost point of mainland Ireland (40-minute trail).
2. The remote Valentia Islands and Skellig Ring
Connected to the mainland (Portmagee) by a bridge, Valentia island is just 11km long and 3km wide and it is a splendid and still little-visited corner, but well worth the detour!
If you have time, dedicate a day to the wonderful Skellig Islands: boat descending tours depart from Portmagee and must be booked well in advance as they are always full in high season (cost around €130-150 per person).
3. Killarney National Park & Lakes
Within the park, in addition to the three lakes (Lough Lane Lake, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake), don't miss Ladies Viewpoint, Ross Castle, overlooking the lake, Muckross House and Muckross Abbey.
4. Ring of Kerry
Moll’s of Gap and the coastal route
Loop Head Peninsula
If you love cliffs, do not Miss this peninsula!
Highlights
- Loop Head Lighthouse, located on a breathtaking cliff (ideal at sunset)
The lighthouse can be visited (€8), but we recommend a free walk around the promontory to enjoy the spectacular view of the cliffs and the sea stack.
- Bridge of Ross, a rock arch over the sea that you can walk on
To get there, from the car park take the walk along the cliff (15 min) and along the way keep your eyes opened, as you may see dolphins in the sea.
- White Strand
Aran Islands- Inis Oirr (Inisheer)
We depart from Doolin by ferry and in 15 minutes we reach the Aran Islands, specifically Inis Oirr (Inisheer), the smallest of the three islands that make up the archipelago (the others are Inis Mór/Inishmore, the largest, and Inis Meain/Inishmaan, the most isolated).
We rent e-bikes at the port and set off to explore the island, pedaling past archaeological ruins, a lighthouse, an abandoned shipwreck, and views on cliffs and splendid Nordic beaches with turquoise water: breathtaking!
To conclude this wonderful day, we sail along the iconic Cliff of Moher before returning to Doolin.
Practical info:
-For information on schedules and prices, see https://doolinferry.com/ (no adv). Here's the link to our tour https://doolinferry.com/book-aran-cliffs-combo/inis-oirr-cliffs/
-Choose the first tour that leaves at 10:00 a.m. and try to be among the first to get off the boat to rent a bike, otherwise you risk missing one and having to wait in a long line.
- The electric bike is a bit expensive (€45), but for us, it was money well spent to get around the island.
Cliffs of Moher
Ireland's most iconic and famous cliffs!
With their 214 meters high, it will take your breath away!
The best way to see these cliffs:
1) From the bottom, with a boat trip that can be booked from Doolin (for costs and timetable see https://doolinferry.com/ - no adv): stay on the upper deck and on the left side of the boat for the best view
2) From the viewpoints and trails starting from the visitor center (1h30/2h for the visit)
For information on the trails, visit https://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/your-visit/beyond-the-cliffs-places-to-see/cliffs-of-moher-coastal-walk/
To the south (if open), we recommend the Moher Walk to Hag's Head, which offers breathtaking views of the cliffs (5 km one way - starting from the visitor center ).
To access the cliffs, the trail from Doolin is currently closed, so the only option is from the visitor center. For information on costs, opening times, and online bookings, see https://bookings.cliffsofmoher.ie/
(Booking online for admission from 8:00 am to 11:00 am or from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm is off-peak, there are fewer people, and it costs less!)
If you have time, pass quickly through the Burren (R480) to see the Poulnabrone Dolmen set in a lunar landscape that was an ancient seabed exposed following a cataclysm.
Connemara
Our on-road journey continues and we head into Connemara!
Highlights
- the scenic Kylemore Abbey and its gardens
Ticket €18
Opening hours: 10am-6pm
- Sky Road, a scenic circular route with views of a stunning coastal landscape (ideal at sunset)
For a fantastic seafood dinner at a fair price, we recommend Oliver's Seafood Restaurant in Cleggan: it was the best meal of our entire trip to Ireland!
If you have time, you can also visit the beaches of Gurteen Beach, Dogs Bay, and Ballyconnelly in the area, take a ferry to Inishbofin from Cleggan, do a boat tour in the Killary fiord.
Achill Island
Cliffs overlooking the sea, sandy beaches, turquoise sea... this island—connected to the mainland by a bridge—is a must-see!
Highlights
- Drive the sensational Atlantic Drive coastal road and stop at various clifftop viewpoints (ideal at sunset)
- Keem Bay Beach
- Trawmore Beach
On your way, stop at the scenic Mulranny Beach!
Consider at least a half day for the visit, but a full day is better because the island is truly stunning!
The Best of the North Coast on the Wild Atlantic Way
Before entering Northern Ireland (UK), we travel the final stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way in the counties of Mayo, Sligo and Donegal in northern Ireland, where only a few travelers arrive. This unspoiled, remote, and wild stretch of coastline rewards those who arrive with breathtaking views: cliffs overlooking the ocean lashed by powerful waves and wind, beaches with crystal-clear water, and solitary lighthouses.
Highlights:
- the remote Dun Briste Stack & Downpatrick Head
- Sliabh Liag Cliffs, the highest sea cliffs in Ireland and among the highest in Europe at 600 meters
P 10 €/2h - 15€ all day
- Mullaghmore Head, a scenic headland lashed by powerful waves
- the suggestive Fanad Head Lighthouse: very interesting the guided tour (Ticket 12€) which takes you to the top of the lighthouse.
Nearby, also stop at Pollaird Sea Arch, a stunning stone arch overlooking the sea.
- Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland
If you have time, add a day and explore Donegal's spectacular coastline. In particular:
- Horn Head cliffs where you can see the puffins from May to July
- Maghera Strand
NORTHERN IRELAND (UK)
Since it's in the UK, starting April 2025, an ETA linked to your passport is required and can be applied online at https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply
Highlights (consider spending here at least 3 days)
- the fortified city of Derry/Londonderry
- the ruins of Downhill fortress & Musseden Temple perched on a cliff
- the iconic Giant's Causeway with its hexagonal basalt columns (UNESCO)
- the ruins of Dunluce Castle perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the sea
- Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, a 20-meter-long rope bridge separating the cliff from the small island of Carrick-a-Rede
- Dark Hedges, the famous Kingsroad in Game of Thrones with its intertwined beech trees (go early in the morning or late in the evening
- Rathlin Island
- Belfast
Derry or Londonderry?
A fortified city plenty of colorful murals that has two names: Derry, used by the most nationalistic Irish, on signs in Ireland, and the most used regardless of political beliefs; Londonderry is the official name, used by unionists and appears on signs in Northern Ireland.
Highlights
- Stroll along the city walls (1.5km)
- Guidhall, a beautiful red-brick neo-Gothic building with splendid stained-glass windows
- St. Columbus Cathedral
- The iconic Free Derry Corner and the many murals painted on the surrounding houses, commemorating the Troubles (the fighting between the Irish and the English in the 1970s) and today a symbol of resistance, democracy, and continuing to be repainted to support various contemporary causes
Consider 2-3 hours for the visit
Giant’s Causeway
Thousands of columns and hexagonal basalt rocks (UNESCO) surrounded by awesome cliffs: the symbol of Northern Ireland!
The best way to explore it is by following the various panoramic paths above the cliff (red+yellow) and the lower coastal path (blue)
Starting from the visitor center, we took the upper red trail (which starts above the cliff and passes Weir Snout viewpoint and reaches Shepherd's Steps: 3.2 km) and then the yellow trail (which from Shepherd's Steps continues above the cliff to the Amphitheatre viewpoint). To return, go back 2 km to Shepherd's Steps, descend 162 steps, and rejoin the coastal blue trail to the iconic basalt Columbia: 4 hours
Wear technical hiking shoes, as the trail is on uneven terrain.
Ticket, which also include parking, is £15 per person, if purchased online. https://www.nationaltrust-tickets.org.uk/event-tickets/33330?branches.branchID=2473&catID=32984b
To avoid crowds at the basalt columns, we recommend entering as soon as they open at 9:00 a.m.!
Carrick-a-Rede Bridge
A 20-meter rope bridge separates the cliff from the small island of Carrick-a-Rede, offering spectacular views of the coast and Rathlin Island.
Consider at least a couple of hours to calmly enjoy the walk and the views.
Tickets is £15 per person, if purchased online
Downhill Castle & Musseden Temple
Did you know The “scandal” behind the Mussenden Temple?
It all started with its builder, the Bishop of Derry, and his excessive affection for his young cousin, to whom he dedicated the small temple on the cliff, which served as a library/viewpoint.
She was married, he was an eccentric and worldly bishop, and people immediately started talking. When his cousin died, gossip exploded: secret love? Forbidden affair? No one really knows.
What is certain is that Mussenden Temple has become a place full of romantic and slightly spicy legends, perfect to visit if you love mysterious stories and breathtaking views!
Rathlin Island
From Ballycastle, it is possible to take a day ferry to visit the remote and beautiful Rathlin Island, famous for its magnificent coastal views, breathtaking cliffs, and lighthouses. From May to early August, you can see puffins on the island, and even seals until the end of August!
Belfast
Historically dark and complicated due to violent clashes between Catholics and Protestants, in recent years it has become a vibrant city.
Maybe it's because we're not city-lovers, or it rained cats and dogs, or we were actually supposed to go to Rathlin Island that day (but we cancelled the trip due to bad weather), but honestly, we didn’t like very much Belfast!
Highlights
- Cathedral Quarter, the historical center of Belfast:
- St. George ‘s Market
- Crown Liquor Salon, the most famous pub in Belfast
- Titanic Belfast, dedicated to the history of the famous transatlantic
Other Practical info
- We recommend driving the Wild Atlantic Way from south to north and not in the opposite way, because the most awesome coastal views are in the west and north of Ireland, compared to the south, which is beautiful but less spectacular, in our opinion.
-Keep in mind that travel times by car are very slow, as the roads are often quite narrow and/or scenic.
- Remember that driving is on the right.
-Be flexible and ready to adjust your itinerary according to the weather: however, when it rains, don't despair; it's often temporary!
-Weather is a crucial factor on this trip, and we also had to skip something (especially Rathlin Island at the end of the trip). However, by being a bit flexible with the stops, we managed to enjoy this road trip, despite the rain (which, however, is usually temporary!)
-Book B&Bs in advance, because, especially in the summer, the most popular areas sell out quickly and prices increase significantly.
-When dining out, keep in mind that many restaurants close by 8:00 PM or don't take new tables, so plan to arrive between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM at the latest.
-Driving the entire coastal loop, we traveled about 3,700 km in 18 days. For us, the most beautiful part starts from Mizen Head to the Giant's Causeway, so if you have fewer days, we recommend starting the tour from there or even from the Dingle Peninsula.
If you have more than 18 days, we recommend adding 1 day in Donegal and other stops such as Skellig Island (boat tour with the option of getting off, from Portmagee) and the Fastnet Lighthouse (boat tour from Schull).
To discover more about Ireland have a look to our posts and stories dedicated to this country dated September/December 2025 on our Instagram page @2intour
Did you enjoy our article? Read the other articles and for more photos and videos follow our IG page @2intour
Comments