Catherine - Savvy Family TravelIf Ireland’s been sitting on your bucket list for years, this is the sign to finally go. The Republic of Ireland (AKA all of the island except Northern Ireland) is pure magic — misty coastlines, cozy pubs, well preserved castles, and winding roads that make you want to pull over every five minutes just to take it all in.
This Southern Ireland road trip loops from Dublin to Galway, down the coast to hit the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, over to Cork and the Blarney stone, and through the Wicklow Mountains on your return to Dublin.
Two weeks gives you enough time to slow down, linger in small towns, and see the best of Ireland. And yes, it’s family-friendly! You’ll find several stops that are perfect for a Southern Ireland road trip with kids.
Southern Ireland Road Trip
Best time for a Southern Ireland Road Trip
Spring and early fall are my favorite times for an Ireland road trip — the days are still long, there are fewer crowds, and you’ll save on airfare.
If you can swing a trip in August though, you’ll be rewarded with more sunshine, blooming purple heather, and longer days. Just be sure to book your car and accommodations early.
Suggested 14-Day Southern Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
This route is designed as a loop — so no matter which direction you drive, you’ll end up back in Dublin.
You’ll drive past sheep-dotted hillsides one moment and stumble onto a 13th-century castle the next.
I’ve optimized this itinerary for:
- Daytime driving so you can soak up the sights and it makes driving easier on the narrow side rows.
- Minimized hotel changes (where possible) to streamline unpacking/repacking while still seeing a great variety of places within the country. It’s still a lot of relocating, so pack as efficiently as possible.
Day 0-1: Arrive in Dublin
Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Pick up your rental car at the airport, adjust to driving on the left (but in the right side of the car), and spend your first evening unwinding.
We recommend skipping Dublin on this end of your trip because an overnight in Dublin comes at a premium and so does parking. We are taking you to your first charming Irish town so you can wake up and enjoy its’ morning magic knowing the drive is behind you.
Hit the road to Kilkenny, a medieval gem about 90 minutes south of Dublin.
Depending what time you landed in Dublin you may get to Kilkenny early afternoon or late evening. At a minimum, unwind at your first Irish pub of the trip! Kyteler’s Inn has nightly live music and a great atmosphere.
Drive Time: 90 minutes
Overnight: Kilkenny
Day 2: Kilkenny
Kilkenny is compact, walkable, and full of character making it the perfect start to your Southern Ireland road trip.
Sleep off a bit of jet lag then start your day with breakfast at your B&B or Low Lane. Next, take the Medieval Mile walking tour and explore Kilkenny Castle.
For lunch, check out Santería Sandwich Club or Kilkenny Design Restaurant.
Spend your afternoon popping into cozy pubs and shops. Kilkenny is the perfect spot to stock up on road trip snacks and drinks. We recommend Dunnes Stores for convenience and affordable prices.
Savor an artistically presented dinner at Rive Gauche Kilkenny.
Drive Time: 0 minutes. You can leave it parked while in Kilkenny.
Overnight: Kilkenny
Day 3: Kilkenny to Cashel to Galway
We suggest an early start this morning so you can reach the Rock of Cashel before they start to get busy.
Drive southwest 50 minutes to Cashel, home of the iconic Rock of Cashel — one of Ireland’s most photographed historic sites. Perched high on a limestone hill, its medieval towers overlook lush green farmland making the views stunning. Explore the layers of history in the ruins and take the tour to learn about St. Patrick’s history on this site.
If time allows, you can probably enjoy ruins to yourself if you walk down the hill to Hore Abbey. This remains one of our favorite thin spaces in Ireland.
In town, have lunch at Michelin recommended restaurant, Chez Hans before setting out on a beautiful two hour drive through Irish countryside on your way to Galway.
Tip: I have the Cliffs of Moher on the docket in a couple of days, but if you find your journey to Galway has sunny skies – consider taking the detour today! It would add 90 minutes to your drive, but worth it for good views at the Cliffs. (I recommend this because on our first visit to the Cliffs, we could hardly only see as far as our outstretched arm.)
You can break up your drive and stretch your legs at Burren National Park (free). The Burren has a unique limestone landscape dotted with wildflowers and neolithic ruins.
Drive Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (50 minutes to Cashel, then 2 hours to Galway)
Overnight: Galway
Day 4: Galway
Galway is known for its colorful streets, music, and energy. It’s also, arguably, the best city in the country to spend St. Patrick’s day or Halloween. In fact, their history is so haunting, we recommend a Dark History Tour any time of year, if you dare!
Grab a traditional breakfast at Ard Bia at Nimmos if one isn’t provided at your hotel.
If you want a dose of history, check out the Galway City Museum. This is a great indoor option for rainy days too.
Stop for lunch at the Galway Market if its running while you’re there, otherwise head to Brasserie On The Corner.
If the weather’s nice, stroll the Salthill Promenade (locals say it’s good luck to “kick the wall” at the end). This is a great spot to watch sunset too.
Wander the Latin Quarter down Shop Street and Quay Street for street performers and pubs with live music.
Noteworthy places to shop include Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Amber Gift Shop, Planet Retro Village, and the city’s many small art galleries.
By night, find a cozy spot in one of the traditional pubs—O’Connel’s, Tigh Neachtain or The Crane Bar—for live trad music and that distinctly Irish sense of cheer that spills right out onto the streets.
Drive Time: 0 Minutes (Galway’s highlights are walkable.)
Overnight: Galway
Day 5: Galway to Cliffs of Moher to Bunratty Castle
From Galway, set out right after breakfast to visit the Cliffs of Moher — Ireland’s most dramatic natural wonder on your southern Ireland road trip.
You’ll want to keep an eye on the weather and try to time your arrival accordingly. Irish weather can be moody, but the most reliable app for the island is YR.no.
The cliffs tower 390-700 feet above the Atlantic, with walking trails to more incredible views. Visit the website for ticket details.
Optional: Next, head south toward Bunratty, home to the famous Bunratty Castle & Folk Park — one of the most family-friendly stops on the route.
This living-history village, complete with costumed guides and farm animals, makes it a favorite for a Southern Ireland road trip with kids.
Even if you aren’t traveling with kids, a visit to Bunratty Castle is a must. The furnishings are beautiful and the guided tours fascinating.
Decision Point: If you want to return to Galway rather than move hotels, we recommend skipping Bunratty or make a quick visit on your drive down to Killarney National Park. Just make sure to save enough daylight hours once you get to Killarney to see the Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and some hiking.
Overnight Options: Keep your Galway hotel or book one night near Limerick.
Day 6: Killarney National Park
Drive south into County Kerry, where Killarney National Park‘s trails and historic homes will surprise you. Enjoy the drive through the park, visit Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and choose a trail or two to explore.
If time allows, check out Ross Castle on your way back to Killarney town.
Drive Time: Limerick to Killarney National Park 1 hour 40 minutes. Plus 10 minutes back to Killarney town. (If you stayed in Galway, its a 2 hour 45 minute drive to Killarney National Park.)
Overnight: Killarney
Day 7: The Ring of Kerry
Set aside a full day for the Ring of Kerry, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland and it starts and ends in Killarney.
We cannot say enough good things about this detailed guide to the Ring of Kerry.
If you’d rather go shorter, try the Gap of Dunloe, a breathtaking mountain pass perfect for cycling or hiking.
Drive Time: 2.5-3 hours, but with stops, you’ll be glad you have the whole day.
Overnight: Killarney
Day 8: Killarney to Blarney Castle to Cork
Today we head east to Cork, Ireland’s culinary capital.
Shortly before you reach Cork, detour to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and wander the gardens.
In Cork, explore the English Market, walk the Shandon Mile, and stroll along the River Lee. See our detailed Cork itinerary for more on the best food, pubs, and day trips to add on to your southern Ireland road trip.
Drive Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Overnight: Cork
Day 9: Cork to Cobh
Start the morning in Cobh, a picturesque harbor town and the Titanic’s final port of call.
Head straight to Spy Hill to snap the idyllic photo of the “Deck of Cards” houses. Then visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, the Titanic Museum ,and climb to St. Colman’s Cathedral.
If you’re visiting on particularly nice day, consider taking a boat over to Spike Island. It’s Ireland’s version of Alcatraz.
Before returning to Cork for the night, soak in the vibes at The Roaring Donkey. After eight trips to Ireland, this pub stands out amongst all the others for friendly people and trad sessions that will blow you away.
Find more details in our full Cobh guide, including our favorite beach for sea glass.
Drive Time: 50 minutes round trip
Overnight: Cork
Day 10: Cork to Ballysaggartmore Towers to Waterford
In the morning, set off on a scenic detour to Ballysaggartmore Towers. Here, a short forest walk that leads to whimsical yet tragic, gothic ruins hidden in the woods.
Next stop: Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city and home of the world-famous Waterford Crystal.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Viking Triangle, popping into museums, and soaking up the riverside charm.
You can see a glass blowing demonstration with tours at the House of Waterford.
Drive Time: 3 hours (1 hour to Ballysaggartmore, 1 hour to Waterford, 1 hour to Wexford)
Overnight: Wexford
Day 11: Wexford and Curracloe
Continue along the southern coast to Wexford, a cheerful seaside town with plenty of charm.
Decision time: Do you need to take a breather after several busy days? Or are you ready for more?
Today can be a relaxing recovery day at Curracloe Beach, a vast stretch of sand that appeared in Saving Private Ryan. It’s perfect for a Southern Ireland road trip with kids, thanks to its easy access and open space to play.
Or you can pack your day with more sightseeing, like Johnston Castle, the Irish National Heritage Park, Selskar Abbey, and the National Opera House.
A great lunch spot is Jasper’s Restaurant. For dinner, we suggest either The Old Granary or for seafood, head to La Côte.
Drive Time: Varies (Curracloe is 15 minutes from Wexford)
Overnight: Wexford
Day 12: Wicklow Mountains
As you begin the journey back toward Dublin, we’ll spend some time in the tranquil Wicklow Mountains and prepare to re-enter 21st century life in Dublin.
Your first stop is at the ancient monastic settlement, Glendalough.
The settlement was founded by St. Kevin and has a beautifully preserved round tower, stone church, and moss covered gravestones.
A Poulanass Waterfall Walk is one of the best spots to soak in nature before returning to city life after a southern Ireland Road Trip. Give yourself about 40 minutes to complete this 1.6km loop.
Resume your drive toward Dublin through Sally Gap. It’s one of Ireland’s most scenic mountain passes. Pull off at a viewpoint for Lough Tay (dubbed “Guinness Lake“). Its dark, peaty waters and crescent of pale sand give it the appearance of a perfectly poured pint of Guinness — foam and all.
But it actually gets its name from the Guinness family, who own the nearby Luggala Estate.
It became more famous after being used as a filming location for the Vale of Arryn in Game of Thrones.
When you reach Dublin, head to Temple Bar. It’s touristy, but still full of character. Duck into The Quays or The Old Storehouse for your a pint of Guinness. If you prefer somewhere quieter, try O’Donoghue’s or Kehoe’s.
Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Wexford to Glendalough, then 1 hour to Dublin
Overnight: Dublin
Day 13: Dublin
Start your day with a coffee from Bewley’s Café, then take a peaceful stroll around Trinity College, home to the beautifully illuminated Book of Kells — a must-see for any first-time visitor. (The Book of Kells Experience be booked in advance.) The Long Room library is a masterpiece but will be under construction until 2027 or 2028.
From Trinity, wander up Grafton Street, Dublin’s most famous shopping street.
No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse — Ireland’s most popular attraction for good reason. The self-guided tour is fun, interactive, and ends with a complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar, where you’ll get panoramic views over the city.
For dinner, try Fade Street Social for modern Irish dishes, The Woollen Mills for comfort food with a view over the Liffey, or Gallagher’s Boxty House for traditional potato pancakes.
Then head to The Cobblestone in Smithfield for authentic trad music
Drive Time: 0 Minutes (We suggest leaving your car where you parked it and get lots of steps in!)
Overnight: Dublin
Day 14: Fly Home
Grab breakfast at Brother Hubbard or Beanhive Coffee. Then, take one last walk around Merrion Square to see the colorful Georgian doors before you load your luggage into the car.
If you have time before your flight, stroll through Phoenix Park, hit the National Museum or National Gallery (both free), or take a quick trip to the seaside village of Howth for fish and chips before your flight home.
If you are flying to the USA from Ireland, be sure to give yourself at least 3 hours at the airport as US pre-clearance will take place in Dublin. Also be aware that most rental cars must be returned to an offsite lot with a shuttle.
Driving Tips for a Southern Ireland Road Trip
- Rent the smallest car that fits your group for more easy on narrow roads.
- Make sure to note whether you are renting a manual or automatic transmission.
- Spring for full insurance coverage; peace of mind is worth it. Important note: Credit Card companies famously exclude Ireland from their rental car insurance (i.e. Sapphire Reserve / Venture X).
- Most highways are toll-free, but you’ll encounter a few along the M50 near Dublin. Automated tolls will be billed directly to your car rental company. Most though can be paid via a credit/debit card.
- Expect roundabouts everywhere — they’re actually easier than they look because everyone actually knows how to use them here!
- Plan to drive during daylight. Driving in the dark on winding, narrow roads on the right hand side of the card, and left hand side of the road = white knuckles.
Where to Stay
Here’s what we suggest as far as accommodations go:
- 2 Nights Kilkenny
- 2-3 Nights Galway
- 0-1 Night Limerick
- 2 Nights Killarney
- 2 Nights Cork
- 2 Nights Wexford
- 2 Nights Dublin
Packing Tips
- Pack for four seasons in one day: layers, a rain jacket, and definitely be prepared with waterproof shoes.
- Bring a portable charger, universal adapter (with voltage conversion), and offline maps for rural areas.
- Snacks are key — some stretches between towns are longer than you’d expect. Stock up at a Tesco or Lidl grocery store.
- Install an eSim to stay connected on cellular data without paying a premium to your home provider. We always recommend Airalo. (Plans start at 5 euros.)
Printable Southern Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
If you want this guide in Itinerary format that’s easy to print and bring along for the ride, check out our digital download, here.
Final Thoughts on a Southern Ireland Road Trip
There’s a reason travelers fall hard for southern Ireland. The sights are fantastic, but it’ll be the little things, like watching the mist lift over the lakes in Killarney, that really stick with you.
Whether you’re exploring as a couple, solo, or on a Southern Ireland road trip with kids, this country somehow feels like home and otherworldly all at once.
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
We’ve spent time in Dublin, and doing a long bike trip on the west coast, but seem to have missed much of the southern coast so far. Love the mix of cities, coast, castles, and even mountains.