Ultimate Irish Coastal Road Trip
In the fall of 2024, Tys and I spent two weeks in Ireland, following the coastline around the island. We picked up our rental in Dublin and set off on the winding, narrow roads with questionable speed limits and saw as much as we could before our trip came to an end. Forty-some hours behind the wheel, over 50 sights seen, and more sheep than one would think possible later, I put together this not-so-little guide to inspire your own travels!
I broke things down by region to make planning simpler. Each destination includes estimated drive times and an approximate amount of time to spend at each destination. Think of these as loose guidelines; Irish roads often take longer than expected to navigate. I suggest picking out what you’re most excited to see, leaving room for a little spontaneity, and going with the flow!
Once you’re ready, let’s hit the road! First task? Getting out of Dublin by way of the (somewhat intimidating) M50. The busiest motorway in Ireland circles the capital, so braving it is your only way out of the city. Once you’ve mastered the basics of driving on the left, head southwest and set off on this epic roadtrip!
Dublin to County Cork
This first stretch will be the only time spent in Ireland’s interior before heading to the southern shores and ending in County Cork, a place of aged castles, colourful towns and show-stopping coastal views.
Read more about Dublin to County Cork.
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is an iconic 200 kilometre, scenic drive through Ireland’s highest peaks and some of its more dramatic coastlines. If you’ve ever been to the Scottish Highlands, this region might feel similar. The rugged peaks and lush green coastal cliffs, dropping to the electric blue waters of the Atlantic below, made this one of my favourite parts of our time in Ireland!
Read more about the Ring of Kerry.
Dingle Peninsula
Next up is the Dingle Peninsula. The Slea Head Drive hugs the jagged coastline of this rural, quiet region. Although the route is relatively short — about an hour with no stops — the beaches, quaint towns, and narrow twisting roads laden with sheep will easily keep you entertained for far longer.
Read more about the Dingle Peninsula.
County Clare to County Galway
Part four ventures through County Clare and County Galway, two regions that are home to some of Ireland’s most iconic stops. This stretch of our route includes rugged coastal landscapes, scenic walks, and some time for a couple of cheeky pints in Galway!
Read more about County Clare & County Galway.
County Mayo
The wild landscapes of County Mayo are dramatic, verdant, and rich with history and beauty. Being Ireland’s third-largest county and ranking only 18th in population means the land is largely uninhabited, creating a rare sense of solitude.
Read more about County Mayo.
County Sligo
Explore the quiet countryside of a county more densely populated by sheep than people. Filled with hard-to-find trails, glacier-formed mountains and gentle coastlines that fade into the ocean, County Sligo is a quiet escape that is well worth visiting.
Read more about County Sligo.
County Donegal
This northernmost part of Ireland (not to be confused with Northern Ireland) is full of rugged beauty, offering everything from hidden waterfalls to secluded beaches, and edge-of-the-world vibes.
Read more about County Donegal.
Jump to Northern Ireland
Take a trip across the border into Northern Ireland and prepare to switch over from kilometres to miles per hour and British Pounds instead of Euros as you enter the UK. Explore an iconic UNESCO site, visit landscapes straight out of Westeros, and check out the lively city of Belfast.
Read more about Northern Ireland.
