Planning a trip to Ireland? Here’s a 2-Week Ireland Itinerary that will make sure you see all the best things to do in Ireland.
When is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
The best time to visit Ireland is in April, May, June, September, and October.
Irish weather is notoriously unpredictable, but April is generally the driest month.
Spring flowers are at their peak in April and May.
July and August are peak tourist season in Ireland, but June and September still have nice weather with fewer crowds and lower prices.
We visited Ireland the first two weeks of September.
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 1
The best airport to fly into Ireland in is Dublin, so this itinerary will have you starting and ending in Dublin. In two weeks you will see all the best things to do in Ireland.
Arrive in Ireland + Rent a Car
You will need a rental car for the entire 2 weeks of this Ireland itinerary, so after you arrive to the Dublin airport, immediately rent a car and drive to Belfast. It is about a 1 hour 45 minute drive north.
Take a Peace Walls Tour in Belfast
International flights generally arrive to Dublin in the morning, so after you drive to Belfast and get settled into your hotel, you will still have time to take a Peace Walls tour in the afternoon.
For a more information on the Peace Walls Tour, see the post below:
See this post: Best Things to Do in Belfast
Where to Stay: Europa Hotel
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 2
Spend the day seeing all the best things to do in Belfast.
Explore Belfast
Visit St. George’s Market, the Crumlin Road Gaol, and the Titanic museum.
Drive to Ballycastle
In the late afternoon / early evening, drive 1.5 hours to Ballycastle where you’ll check into your hotel and spend the night.
For more information on the best things to do in Belfast, read the post below:
See this post: Best Things to Do in Belfast
Where to Stay: The Old Manse B&B
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 3
Today you will see all the highlights along the coast of Northern Ireland
See Giant’s Causeway + The Coast of Northern Ireland
In addition to Giant’s Causeway, one of the most well-known sites in this area, you can also visit the nearby Magheracross View Point, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Dunluce Castle.
For more information on hiking at Giant’s Causeaway and where to find the view point and rope bridge, read the post below:
See this post: Day Trip to Giant’s Causeway Itinerary
Where to Stay: The Old Manse B&B
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 4
Today is a big driving day, with some scenic stops along the way.
Drive to Ashford Castle
Drive approximately 5 hours from Ballycastle to Ashford Castle. On the way stop and have lunch in Mullaghmore at Eithna’s By the Sea Restaurant.
After lunch, drive north along the coast (with Eithna’s on your left and the sea on your right) to the Mullaghmore Head view point. If you keep going straight this will loop you back around to the highway.
You can also take a slight detour to see the Gleniff Horseshoe Drive waterfall.
See this post: The Ashford Castle
Where to Stay: The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 5
Today you will have a full day to enjoy all Ashford Castle has to offer.
Full Day at Ashford Castle
In the morning, have an unforgettable “Hawk Walk” experience with the Ashford Castle’s school of falconry.
Have afternoon tea at the castle.
Explore the castle grounds and gardens, then borrow the complimentary bikes from the lodge and visit the Cong Abbey ruins.
For more information on the Hawk Walk, or more things to do at the castle, read the post below:
See this post: What to do at the Ashford Castle
Where to Stay: The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 6
Today you will drive 1 hour from Ashford Castle to Galway.
Kylemore Abbey + Connemara National Park
On your way to Galway, take a slight detour to visit Kylemore Abbey and the Connemara National Park.
See this post: The g Hotel in Galway
Where to Stay: The g Hotel & Spa
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 7
Today you will take a day trip from Galway to see the famous Cliffs of Moher.
Visit the Cliffs of Moher
For everything you need to know about visiting and hiking the Cliffs of Moher, check out the post below:
See this post: Hiking the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
Where to Stay: The g Hotel & Spa
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 8
Today you will drive from Galway to Dingle, with a scenic drive around the Dingle Peninsula. The Dingle Peninsula is one of Ireland’s best scenic drives.
Dingle Peninsula Scenic Drive
For more information about the best views on the Dingle Peninsula and where to stop, check out the post below:
See this post: What to see on the Dingle Peninsula Scenic Drive
Where to Stay: Airbnb in Dingle
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 9
Today you will drive 2 hours from Dingle to Portmagee.
Kerry Cliffs + Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive
On the way to Portmagee, you’ll take one of Ireland’s most famous scenic drives, the Ring of Kerry Loop. Today you will only drive the northern half of the loop, but you will get to drive the southern loop another day. Today’s drive ends in Portmagee at the famous Kerry Cliffs.
For more information about the best places to stop on the Ring of Kerry Loop, check out the post below:
See this post: What to See on the Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive
Where to Stay: Airbnb in Portmagee
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 10
Today you will take a day trip from Portmagee to see the famous Skellig Michael, the iconic filming location in the new Star Wars movies.
Skellig Michael
If you want to visit Skellig Michael you need to be prepared!! Read the post below for EVERYTHING you need to know about visiting Skellig Michael.
See this post: How to Visit Skellig Michael in Ireland
Where to Stay: Airbnb in Portmagee
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 11
Today you will leave Portmagee and drive south to Cork.
County Cork
On the way to Cork you will get to drive the southern half of the Ring of Kerry Loop, and visit the colorful towns of Kinsale and Cobh.
For more information on Kinsale and Cobh, check out the post below:
See this post: What to do in County Cork, Ireland
Where to Stay: The River Lee
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 12
Today you will drive 3 hours back to Dublin for the last 2 days of your trip in Ireland.
Blarney Castle + Rock of Cashel
Visit the Blarney Castle and Rock of Cashel on your way to Dublin.
Return Rental Car
You can return your rental car today because you won’t need it in Dublin.
See this post: Best Things To Do in Dublin
Where to Stay: The Merrion Hotel
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 13
Today you have a full day to enjoy Dublin, Ireland.
Full Day in Dublin
Use the post below to help plan your day so you don’t miss any of the best things to do in Dublin!
See this post: Best Things To Do in Dublin
Where to Stay: The Merrion Hotel
Things To Do in Ireland Itinerary — Day 14
It’s time to go home! Book your flight to depart Dublin on this day.
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Where did you stay on day 7? Did you spend 2 nights in Galway or only one full day and then did you drive to Dingle and stay overnight? I truly like your itinerary and I am planning a 2 week trip in Ireland, trying to follow your fabulous trip.I think we need 2 nights in Portmagee, in order to be early for Skellig Michael. I booked 2 nights in Galway, but I think that one night should be good. We will leave The Lodge at Ashford Castle after a 2 night stay and drive to Galway for the entire day, since it is a short drive to Galway. After overnight in Galway, and on our way to Dingle, we can stop and see the Cliffs of Moher, etc. What do you think? I truly want to go to Cork and also see Kinsale. There is just so much to see! Thanks for any advice you can give me!
Hi there! I’d love to know exactly or around what you spent for the trip. Total airfare, rooms, and anything else. My husband and I would like to take 2 friends, so I just want a rough estimate and then I’ll add more too that. We want to go for 2 weeks. I don’t want to have to rush anything. Thanks so much if you could provide that.
Hi Amanda! Amazing photos!!!
I have a question… Do you think it’s possible to make this trip with two children? (age 1 and 4).
Thank you so much!
Hi Ivan! I don’t have kids, so I don’t know what it’s like to travel with children, but I think everything should be fine except for Skellig Michael… The boat ride is rough and the hike is not a super easy climb. If you skip that you should be able to enjoy everything else. Have a great trip!
Hello, do you have a map of the route you took?
Here’s one I made in Google maps! :) https://goo.gl/maps/atyUCBEav3GdB3oPA
Thank you for your post and sharing your information. I see your post was dated in 2018 May I ask what month of the year did you visit? If 5e pics that you posted are yours there is a lot of sunshine and I know Ireland is not known for sunshine but rain.
Thank you
Hi Deborah! We were there in September 2017. We were very lucky with the weather!