Seven days in the Emerald Isle: the best Ireland road trip

From the Giant’s Causeway to the craic in Cork, an Irish road trip will have you feeling like the luckiest traveller in the world. Beginning and ending in Liverpool, and taking in Belfast, Derry, Donegal, Killarney and more, this itinerary is packed full of wild, rugged coastlines, achingly beautiful national parks and pubs that feel more like a home than a bar. Ready? Let’s go.

Day 1 | Liverpool to Belfast

Your road trip through Ireland begins with a ferry trip from Liverpool. Keep your fingers crossed for a smooth, eight-hour crossing before spending an evening immersed in Belfast’s gritty charm. The Cathedral Quarter and Botanic are where you’ll find most of the nighttime action, with the latter being particularly popular with students from Queen’s University.

Day 2 | Belfast to Derry (via Bushmills and the Giant’s Causeway)

Enjoy an Irish fry in Belfast and spend some time exploring town before packing up and travelling north to Derry, following the rugged Antrim Coast to the World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway. Be sure to stick around for lunch at Bushmills, a quaint town that’s home Bushmills Irish Whiskey – the world’s oldest licensed distillery – before continuing to Derry, where you can walk along the city walls and pay a visit to the Bogside neighbourhood, home to the famous murals depicting the Troubles.

Day 3 | Derry to Donegal

We’re westward bound this morning, heading to the green, green grass of County Donegal and the wild Atlantic coast. We recommend taking the scenic route, and a slight detour, through the Inishowen Peninsula so you can stop at Malin Head, which is Ireland’s northernmost point. You’ll also want to cruise by the Slieve League Cliffs for panoramic views of the Atlantic. In the evening, park up near the ever-charming Donegal town, on the banks of the River Eske, and explore the cute, colorful streets and fresh seafood.

Day 3 | Donegal to Westport

Point your nose south and prepare for the beauty, and history, of County Sligo. A town that inspired Irish writers like W.B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney, Sligo has a rich literary history and is a wonderful place to stroll around (depending, of course, on the weather). It’s an hour-and-a-half drive from Sligo to Westport, the latter of which lies just 10 kilometres from Croagh Patrick, known locally as The Reek. It was on this summit that Saint Patrick himself is said to have spent forty days fasting. It’s a popular pilgrimage site and well worth the climb, but if you’re arriving later in the day, best save your energy for a visit to one of Westport’s bustling pubs, where traditional Irish music can be heard every night of the week.

Day 4 | Westport to Galway

A visit to Galway is, as far as we’re concerned, a non-negotiable for any self-respecting trip to Ireland. And as you’re travelling south from Westport, you’ll drive through one of Ireland’s most celebrated landscapes – Connemara National Park. With seven thousand acres of mountains, heaths, bogs and achingly beautiful coastal views, the Connemarra, as it’s known, will no doubt be a highlight of your road trip through Ireland. And it only gets better once you arrive in Galway, thanks to its winding, cobbled streets packed with pubs. Take a stroll along the Salthill Prom, head up the River Corrib to check out the University of Galway and Galway Cathedral, then pull up a stool in a cosy pub and settle in for a night of traditional tunes.

Day 5 | Galway to Killarney

Continue south today to County Kerry, a region known for its jaw-dropping landscapes and successful efforts to preserve traditional Irish culture. Stop at the Dingle Peninsula along the way, a remote wilderness that’s long been celebrated for its coastal scenery, then make a beeline to Killarney National Park to visit the Gap of Dunloe and Torc Waterfall. The small town of Killarney is a popular tourist destination, but people visit for a good reason – spend a night here and find out why for yourself.

Day 6 | Killarney to Cork

Cork is a vibrant, colorful city with a rich cultural heritage. There’s a vibrant music and arts scene and a number of historic landmarks including Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral and the Cork City Gaol. Be sure to visit the bustling English Market, which has been serving locals and visitors alike for over 200 years, and take a tour of the Jameson Distillery before you go.

Day 7 | Cork to Dublin

Your road trip will wind up in Dublin, Ireland's capital city. The Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and Dublin Castle are unmissable sights, while plenty of pubs will be putting on traditional music every single night. Avoid Temple Bar, which is the city’s main tourist trap, and head instead to the area around Williams Street, right by Trinity College, for some serious craic come nightfall.

In the morning, take a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead and continue on to Liverpool, where your road trip began. From here, home – or perhaps another adventure – awaits.

Planning a road trip through Ireland? Be sure to book a van that’ll have you travelling in comfort through Camplify.