Catherine - Savvy Family TravelPlanning a 3 day road trip in Ireland feels like standing at a bakery window where everything looks good and you want all of it at once.
Below are four routes perfect for a 3 day road trip in Ireland that begin and end in Dublin. No matter which you choose, you’ll fall in love with the Emerald Isle.
Ireland isn’t huge, but there are countless places worth pulling over for. Half the fun of a 3 day road trip in Ireland is the little surprises between the “big” stops.
If your schedule has room to spare or you want inspiration for your time in Dublin, check out our Two Week Ireland Itinerary and our Dublin Guide..
3 Day Road Trip in Ireland
Irish Road Trips – What No One Tells You
Welcome to the land of roundabouts and scenery so enticing you’ll want to pull over every ten minutes.
A few quick tips if you’ve never driven in Ireland before:
- Automatic transmissions exist, but you need to reserve a rental car early or you’ll end up relearning how to drive a manual transmission on a hill in Kilkenny.
- Most car rental companies require travel insurance or a $5,000 deposit for damages.
Note: On our 2025 trip, we were counting on our international rental car insurance from our Vennture X Credit Card (as we usually do abroad), unaware that Ireland and Papua New Guinea are the two exclusions to this coverage so we paid a premium to insure our rental at the time of pickup. - Google Maps underestimates drive times. Add 20–40% to the duration depending on how rural the route (and whether it is dark).
- Weather changes constantly. Keep your car stocked with layers or perhaps a change of clothes. The app, Yr, seems to be the most reliable for use in Ireland.
- Parking in villages is usually easy. Parking in cities is usually challenging, but you can find paid lots on Google Maps.
- Make sure to setup your phone’s international data plan or purchase an eSim (usually the more affordable route) so that you can get turn by turn navigation. We always choose Airalo eSims with plans starting under $7.
Knowing these common “gotchas,” you’re ready to decide which 3 day road trip in Ireland fits your travel style.
Choosing the Best 3 Day Road Trip in Ireland
There’s no “best” itinerary for everyone, so here’s my cheat-sheet version before we dive deeper into each:
Option 1: Blarney Castle + Cliffs of Moher Route
- Features: The Gift of Gab (with the kiss of the Blarney Stone), Cliffside views
- Best for: First-timers, Bucket Listers
- Total Drive Time: About 10 hours
Option 2: Northern Ireland Route
- Features: Stunning Coastlines, Castles, Titanic History, Whiskey, Game of Thrones Vibes, and Neolithic Ruins
- Best for: Game of Thrones fans, those wanting to step foot in another country (UK), moody photography, anyone with Titanic intrigue.
- Total Drive Time: About 8.5 hours
Option 3: Wicklow Mountains + Blarney Route
- Features: Gorgeous mountains, Monastic Ruins, Famous Castles
- Best for: Hikers and anyone wanting to maximize scenery and minimize drive time.
- Total Drive Time: About 8 hours
Option 4: Galway + Cliffs of Moher Route
- Features: food, live music, Aran Islands, Atlantic landscapes
- Best for: Foodies and Music Lovers, those who want to book just one hotel for both nights of the 3 day road trip in Ireland.
- Total Drive Time: About 8 hours.
4 Routes for the Perfect 3 Day Road Trip in Ireland
Option 1: Blarney Castle Route (with Cliffs of Moher)
This is a greatest-hits route: charming town + castle + famous cliffs. If you’re traveling with a group or trying to see as much as possible in three days, this one will not disappoint as long as the weather cooperates for views of the cliffs.
Day 1 – Dublin to Cork
Drive 3 hours southwest from Dublin to Cork.
Cork is lively, friendly, and stuffed with great food. When you arrive, peruse the English Market, walk the Shandon mile, and pop into a pub for a hearty Irish meal.
Overnight: Cork (or if you want something quieter, try Cobh.)
Day 2 – Blarney Castle Morning + Drive West
Blarney Castle is wildly popular, but the secret is to go early. Since you’re starting your morning in Cork, you only have a 15-20 minute drive in the morning to reach the castle.
Pack up the car and try to arrive at the Castle by the time they open at 9am so you don’t have to wait in a long line to kiss the stone.
The grounds alone are beautiful—woodland trails, fern-filled passages, the Wishing Steps, and the magical Rock Close.
After lunch, start heading west toward the Atlantic and explore the city where you chose to spend the evening.
When you reach Limerick, stop to admire King John’s Castle or explore inside. You can stay over night here or get a bit closer to the cliffs and opt to stay in Doolin or Lahinch instead.
Overnight: You can base yourself in Lahinch (beach town), Doolin (small, musical, only 10 minutes from the Cliffs), or Limerick (bigger city feel, but 70 minutes from the cliffs).
Day 3 – Cliffs of Moher to The Burren to Dublin
The Cliffs of Moher are stunning even when the weather is damp or cloudy. The cliff walk is the best way to experience them, just be careful of the wind. You may get there and find complete fog coverage. Don’t panic, check the Yr weather app and see if the weather system is moving through quickly.
After enjoying 1-2 hours at the Cliffs of Moher, head to the otherworldly Burren National Park (Free) before making the 2 hour 40 minute drive back to Dublin.
This is the best 3 day road trip in Ireland if your group wants “iconic Ireland” in one tight bundle.
Option 2: Northern Ireland Adventure
(Belfast to Coastal Gems to Game of Thrones Filming Locations)
Day 1 – Dublin to Belfast
I like easing into road trips, so this first leg is perfect: a scenic drive north, a smooth border crossing (no checkpoint at the time of this post), and a city that’s endlessly fascinating.
The drive from Dublin to Belfast takes 2 hours without stops.
While you’re in Belfast, make sure to visit Cathedral Quarter and Falls Road. We also highly suggest the immersive Titanic Belfast museum and a Black Taxi Tour.
Stay the night in Belfast unless you want to find a quaint B&B near The Dark Hedges.
Overnight: Belfast
Day 2 – The Causeway Coast
Northern Ireland’s most iconic stops.
Start early at The Dark Hedges, where the beech-tree tunnel has become a pilgrimage spot for Game of Thrones fans.
Continue to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge for those wild Atlantic views, then roll into Giant’s Causeway— you can park on the roadside to skip the paid lot if you time it right.
Afterward, explore the cliff-top ruins of Dunluce Castle, one of the most dramatic medieval silhouettes on the island and another Game of Thrones highlight.
Cap the afternoon with a tasting at Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world, before strolling to your accommodations in Bushmills for the night. (It’s illegal to drive in Ireland after even a sip of alcohol, so staying within walking distance is absolutely the move.)
Overnight: Bushmills
Day 3 – Neolithic Ruins + Malahide Castle
On your way back to Dublin, you can let your whims guide you, or you can set off to see the mind-bending Newgrange monument and Malahide Castle.
Start early to grab breakfast in Bushmills at Bothy White Park Bay. Then drive about 2.5 hours south to Newgrange. This prehistoric passage tomb pre dates the pyramids of Egypt!
Take a tour of the incredible ruins and then set off for Malahide Castle to tour both the castle and its gardens. Before you delve in though, you must be hungry so be sure to enjoy one of the onsite cafes.
Guided Option
GetYourGuide has a highly rated tour to to Northern Ireland from Dublin and they complete the trip in just two days.
You can use your 3rd day for another day trip (Howth, Malahide, Wicklow, Bray) or take more time in Dublin.
Option 3: Wicklow Mountains + Blarney Castle Loop
(Dublin to Wicklow to Kilkenny to Blarney)
This one is ideal if you want epic sites without all the drive time.
Day 1 – Dublin to Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains
Kick off the morning driving through the Wicklow Mountains, taking the scenic route through the Sally Gap. Pull off for the view of “Guinness Lake.“
Stop at Glendalough for the incredibly preserved monastic ruins and a waterfall hike. Give yourself about 1.5-2hours here.
From Glendalough, it’ll take about 1.5 hours to drive to Kilkenny, where you’ll stay for the first night of your 3 day road trip in Ireland.
Overnight: Kilkenny
Day 2 – Kilkenny to Cork
Kilkenny is compact and charismatic. After breakfast at Low Lane, don’t miss Kilkenny Castle and its gardens, the Medieval Mile, and shopping.
Spend half the day in Kilkenny before either continuing south or if you want to try something offbeat, book a session with Hawkeye Falconry located just outside Kilkenny before heading to Cork.
On your way to Cork, stop at Jerpoint Abbey. It’s another beautifully preserved 12th-century Cistercian monastery where intricately carved stone tombs and cloister walkways.
Soak in Cork’s nightlife tonight since you’ll be able to walk to your hotel after the pubs.
Overnight: Cork
Day 3 – Blarney Castle to Dublin
Round out your last day with a visit to Blarney Castle (arriving early is key). While you’re there, be sure to tour the castle and its gardens after you kiss the stone.
Then, make the 3 hour drive back to Dublin with optional stops at the Rock of Cashel or Newbridge Silver.
This version of a 3 day road trip in Ireland feels slower, less crowded, and still full of the Irish magic you came for.
Guided Option
This GetYourGuide option offers a similar itinerary and you can sit back while a local drives the narrow backroads.
Plus, here are some top rated tours to Glendalough that you can use as a day trip from Dublin.
Option 4: Galway + Cliffs Route
(Dublin to Galway to Cliffs of Moher)
If you’re a “all I want is live music and cozy pubs” traveler, then you need to experience Galway.
Day 1 – Dublin to Galway
The direct route from Dublin to Galway takes about 2.5 hours if you take the highway without stops.
A couple noteworthy sites that are right along the motorway to break up your drive are Dún Na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park and Clonmacnoise Monastic Site.
Arrive in Galway in time for dinner. Wander the Latin Quarter, enjoy the live music, and let the city’s energy sink in.
Overnight: Galway
Note: With the Cliffs of Moher being part of this 3 day road trip in Ireland, you’ll want to watch the weather closely and consider rearranging the days so that you spend the sunniest day at the cliffs.
Day 2 – Soak in Galway
Start your morning with a traditional breakfast at Ard Bia at Nimmos—unless your hotel already treats you to one.
If you’re in the mood for a little history (or the weather turns Irish on you), pop into the Galway City Museum. It’s an easy, worthwhile stop and perfect for a rainy hour or two.
For lunch, swing by the Galway Market if it happens to be running—it’s fun, chaotic, and full of good food. If not, Brasserie On The Corner is a reliable, delicious backup.
On a sunny day, wander along the Salthill Promenade. Locals swear it’s good luck to kick the wall at the end, and honestly, it’s a prime sunset spot too.
Then make your way through the Latin Quarter, following Shop Street and Quay Street.
If you’re in a shopping mood, check out favorites like Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Amber Gift Shop, Planet Retro Village, and the city’s many tiny art galleries tucked into side streets.
Wrap up another night the Galway way—hopping between pubs, soaking up trad music, and chatting with friendly locals who somehow make you feel like you’ve lived here for years.
Overnight: Galway
Day 3 – Cliffs of Moher to Burren to Dublin
Even if you’ve seen the Cliffs before, they somehow hit differently each time. Give yourself at least 90 minutes to walk the coastline.
Head to the town of Doolin for lunch and then check out the otherworldly landscapes of Burren National Park (free) before the drive back toward Dublin.
If you want to break up the drive on the way back, consider a stop in Limerick to see King John’s Castle.
You can also book some really unique Equestrian experiences like touring the Irish National Stud or catching a race at the Curragh Racecourse.
Guided Option:
If you want to leave the driving to the professionals, check out this guided tour that follows a similar route with the addition of Killarney:
Packing for a 3 Day Road Trip in Ireland
You don’t need much, but you do need:
- Waterproof jacket (the wind here laughs at umbrellas)
- Layers
- Comfortable, waterproof shoes
- External battery for your phone
- Snacks and beverages to stock the car
- Motion sickness medicine
Final Thoughts
Each of these routes gives you a taste of landscapes and towns that leave you wanting more for your longer return trip in the future. Don’t forget, Ireland rewards curiosity and unplanned detours.
Pin this image for future 3 Day Road Trip in Ireland planning.
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys. My tireless husband provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and an expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
Based in: Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
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