“May your day be touched by a bit of Irish luck, brightened by a song in your heart and warmed by the smiles of the people you love.”
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Traditional Irish Music session
The first time we went to Ireland was in the mid-90s. It was on a preview trip with band directors who were considering bringing their bands to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade the following year. We were part of a group, and the trip was scheduled and organized so we could get a feel for what the students would experience while in Ireland.
We spent 8 days traveling through Ireland, with each day’s events planned for us. We flew into Dublin Airport and immediately loaded onto a bus that took us 3 hours across the country to Limerick. I remember my head nodding from sleep deprivation and jet lag as we drove through quaint villages, passed green pastures, and castle ruins. Even though this is not my ideal way to travel, we LOVED Ireland, and have been going back ever since, exploring more and more of the country. We cannot get enough of the Emerald Isle!
This 10-day Ireland itinerary combines Dublin's history and culture with the scenery and character of the southwest and west coast. It includes time in Dublin, a choice between Dingle and the Ring of Kerry, and several nights in Galway. It's designed for independent travelers who want to explore at a comfortable pace rather than change hotels every night.
Our 10 Day Ireland Itinerary At a Glance
This Ireland itinerary is designed for 10 nights, departing on day 11, with time to experience Dublin, explore the southwest, and discover Ireland's west coast without changing hotels every night.
| Days | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Dublin | History, culture, food, traditional music, and city exploration |
| 4–6 | Dingle or Kenmare | Southwest scenery, charming towns, coastal drives, and outdoor exploration |
| 7–9 | Galway | West coast culture, lively city life, and day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, or the Aran Islands |
| 10 | Near Dublin Airport | A convenient final overnight stay before departure |
Which southwest base should you choose? Dingle is my personal favorite for its character, traditional music, and beautiful peninsula. Kenmare may be a better fit for travelers who want to explore the Ring of Kerry and nearby Killarney National Park. The right choice depends on your interests, preferred pace, and the places you most want to experience.
What Are the Best Places to Visit on a 10-Day Ireland Trip?
Greg with one of the High Crosses of Ireland
A simple answer to this question is “Dublin, The Dingle Peninsula OR The Ring of Kerry, and Galway.” But it’s really not that easy. Just as in other European countries, there are many different ways to create an amazing 10-day trip through Ireland. Each one is as distinct as the travelers themselves. When we plan trips for our clients, no two itineraries are the same. Each trip is unique and customized to their specific situation. We ask a ton of questions in order to determine what the perfect trip will be for them: Have they been to Ireland before? Are they traveling with children? Do they love food? How much do they like seafood? Do they enjoy beer? How much time do they want to spend in a city? Do they have a specific interest like history, genealogy, or adventure sports, etc.? There are lots of different preferences that make each journey unique and special.
My real recommendation is to go to Ireland for as long as you can, see all you are able to see, and leave enough time in your trip to truly - slow – down. Soak in every moment, and enjoy the people, the attitude, the accent, the landscape, and the charm. Enjoy these 10 days thoroughly and, if you are able, plan to return. Each time you come back, dive deeper into what you loved the most, and nestle in to the little nooks and crannies and cobblestones that make Ireland so special. Visit some of the same places and people, but expand your scope a little further each time. But let’s start with a truly great 10-day Ireland travel itinerary.
Which Ireland Itinerary Is Right for You?
The best Ireland itinerary depends on what you most want to experience and how fast you want the pace to be while traveling. Here’s how I’d approach the choices when planning a first trip to Ireland.
History, culture, beauty, and city life: The combination of Dublin, the southwest, and Galway offers a wonderful introduction to Ireland, balancing historic sights, lively towns, traditional music, and gorgeous views.
Scenery, smaller towns, and traditional music: Give the Dingle Peninsula serious consideration. Dingle is my personal favorite for its character, coastal scenery, and traditional Irish music.
A classic scenic drive: Consider the Ring of Kerry for its celebrated landscapes and coastal views. Keep in mind that it’s popular, and the time required to enjoy the route can affect how much else you can fit into your day.
A slower-paced trip: Resist the temptation to see everything. Spending more time in fewer places often makes for a more enjoyable holiday, with less time packing, driving, and checking into hotels. Look forward to a return trip in the future.
There’s no single perfect Ireland itinerary. The right route depends on your interests, travel dates, pace, and the experiences you’ll remember most.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Betsy at Wicklow Mountain National Park in March
The best time to travel to Ireland is absolutely any time you can go! So if you can only go in the summer, go then. But if your schedule is more flexible, try to go in the shoulder seasons so you beat the crowds. If you travel to Ireland in April/May or September/October, you’ll generally find fewer people trying to see the same things you want to see. Keep in mind that Irish weather is unpredictable, especially in the shoulder seasons, and opening hours and visitor experiences can vary depending on the attraction and time of year. If you go in the spring, you’ll need your raincoat. Actually, you’ll likely want one any time of year.
Summer brings longer daylight hours, which gives you more time to explore, but popular destinations can be busier. In the shoulder seasons, you may enjoy a quieter experience, although you’ll want to check opening schedules and allow for changeable weather.
If you want a party like no other, go to Ireland in March and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin. It is an experience, for sure. But if this is not your scene, you may want to avoid the holiday. Winter can be dark and wet, so factor that in if that’s when you want to go. But go when you can. You will fall in love with this country and its colorful and kind-hearted people.
How to Get Around Ireland on a 10-Day Trip
Galway Cathedral
Your best bet is to travel by car. Yes, you will be driving on the left. Yes, you will be driving on narrow, winding laneways and may sometimes be stopped in your tracks by a herd of sheep. But having a car gives you flexibility and the ability to get to all those tiny, tidy towns that are quintessentially Irish. If your budget is generous and you’d rather not drive, you could hire a private driver/guide. That has the added benefit of giving you the advice of a local throughout your trip.
But if you welcome the challenge of driving on the other side of the road, you’ll have some good laughs as you navigate the island on your own. Alternatively, you could take the train or bus, or a combination of both, and supplement your transportation with taxis and guided tours to explore places beyond the main routes.
Should You Drive in Ireland or Hire a Driver?
The best way to get around Ireland depends on your comfort level, budget, and the kind of experience you want. Here are the options I would consider when planning a 10-day Ireland itinerary.
| Transportation Option | Best Suited To |
|---|---|
| Rental Car | Travelers comfortable driving on the left who want flexibility to explore small towns, scenic routes, and places beyond the main tourist stops. |
| Private Driver/Guide | Travelers who prefer not to drive and value the convenience, local knowledge, and personal guidance of a professional driver or guide. |
| Public Transportation Plus Tours | Travelers who prefer not to drive and are willing to plan around train and bus schedules, available routes, and organized day tours. |
For this itinerary, I recommend renting a car, but I would wait until after your stay in Dublin to pick it up. Dublin is a very walkable city, and you can use public transportation or a taxi when needed. There is little reason to pay for a rental car while it sits parked as you explore the city. Pick it up the morning you leave Dublin and begin your journey through the Irish countryside.
One thing to keep in mind when planning your driving days: distances on a map can be misleading in Ireland. A route that looks short may take longer than you expect because of narrow, winding roads, slower driving speeds, stops along the way, and scenic detours. And trust me, you will want to stop! You may spot a charming village, a castle ruin, or a view that begs for a photograph. Allow time to enjoy these unexpected discoveries rather than planning every day around how many miles you can cover.
WHAT AIRPORTS SHOULD I USE ON MY IRELAND ITINERARY?
To use your time most efficiently, I recommend flying into Dublin. You could fly into Shannon, but I would save that arrival city for a more extensive trip focusing on Western Ireland, like the one we describe in our blog post: A Terrific 7-Day Western Ireland Travel Itinerary. I like using Skyscanner or Google Flights when I am evaluating my options. There are many direct flights from North America to Dublin, or you may be routed through London, and then take a short flight to Ireland.
Days 1–3: Explore Dublin
We find Dublin to be an exceptionally walkable city. There are some places where you will want to take a taxi or public transportation, but for the most part, you can walk to most of the places you want to go. This will give you a real feel for the city.
“In Dublin’s fair city, where the girls are so pretty”
For this 10-Day trip to Ireland, I recommend flying into Dublin and taking a bus, taxi, or Uber into the city center. If your budget allows, arrange for a chauffeur to pick you up at the airport and take you to your accommodations. You may arrive from your overnight flight before your room is ready. If so, ask them to keep your bags, and then start exploring this great city by foot. Be sure to book your lodging in the heart of the city. It may cost a little more, but you’ll be happy to be situated in the center of everything.
I recommend spending three nights in Dublin at the beginning of your trip. If you’re arriving from North America, you’ll likely be tired after an overnight flight, and having a few days in the city gives you time to recover, adjust to the time difference, and start exploring without immediately having to navigate a rental car on the left side of the road.
You won’t need a rental car while you are staying in Dublin, and it’s nice to not have to deal with the car while you are in the city, so pick up your rental car the morning you leave town.
You’ll have most of your first day to get situated, get over jet lag, take some great walks, and duck into a pub or two. You won’t be able to see everything Dublin has to offer in three nights, and that’s perfectly fine! Think about what interests you most and plan accordingly. If you love history, you may want to prioritize Kilmainham Gaol. If literature is more your thing, allow extra time for Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Food lovers may prefer to spend more time enjoying Dublin’s pubs, restaurants, and lively neighborhoods. Choose the experiences that appeal to you rather than trying to check every attraction off a list. After all, this is your vacation!
You may choose to walk through St. Stephen’s Green and onto pedestrianized Grafton Street, filled with buskers, shops, cafés and lots of colorful and friendly people.
The campus of Trinity College
Meander through the campus at Trinity College, where politicians, philosophers, playwrights and poets have studied. Continue on to Temple Bar and plan to return at night for some lively music and notable restaurants. Know that it is a popular area, so prices tend to be high. There are other great choices in the city too, so you may prefer to check it out, and then move on to another area that is less crowded. But if you’re up for a party, this is the place!
As you stroll through Dublin, you may want to continue on to Dublin Castle, ChristChurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and decide which one(s) you’d like to return to for a more thorough exploration another day. Pick up some traditional fish and chips while you are in the area. Our favorite place for a spot of this greasy goodness is Leo Burdock across the street and around the corner from ChristChurch. Find a bench with a view of the church, and enjoy them while they’re hot.
The Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse
Then spend half a day visiting The Guinness Storehouse. It’s a little Disneyesque, but it’s also a lot of fun, and you’ll learn about the family and the stout that has been so important to this tiny country. I think it’s best to go early in the day, to avoid the majority of the crowds. You can even have lunch there, and end your experience in the Gravity Bar with a perfectly poured pint and an incredible view of surrounding Dublin. Following your time learning about brewing, marketing, transporting and enjoying Guinness, you could tour Kilmainham Gaol, a former 18th-century prison that was used up until 1924. A tour here is a poignant reminder of Ireland’s difficult history.
On the next day, tour Trinity College and see The Book of Kells. My favorite part of this tour is ambling through Trinity’s spectacular library. I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur of libraries, and this one is by far my all-time favorite.
The amazing Library at Trinity College
You may enjoy visiting EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. This high-tech exhibit explains the Irish diaspora and the forces that propelled so many Irish people to emigrate to all parts of the globe, including the United States.
During the Irish Potato Famine that lasted from 1845 to 1852, approximately 1/3 of the population stayed, 1/3 died, and 1/3 emigrated. This museum tells the emigration story, and has been voted “Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction” at the World Travel Awards. Don’t try to crush too many activities into your 3 days in Dublin, as you want to really enjoy each aspect of the city, without becoming exhausted. But if you love learning, you may want to make time for this acclaimed Dublin museum.
If you’d like details on more out of the way sights to see in this incredible city, check out our blog post on 7 Rather Unusual Things to Do in Dublin.
Days 4–6: Choose Dingle or Kenmare
Pick up your car at a rental agent in town, or head back out to the airport to collect your rental, and then head southwest. It’s about a 4 1/2 - 5 hour drive from Dublin to Dingle, but I recommend taking your time and making a couple of detours and interesting stops on your journey. After all, you are there to really and truly experience Ireland, not just tick items off your list.
Rock of Cashel
Along the way, take a break in Kilkenny. Enjoy lunch here and take a stroll along this town’s medieval streets. If you’d like suggestions on what to do while you are there, you will enjoy reading through our blog post, How to Spend a Great Day in Kilkenny Ireland. If it’s a nice day while you drive west, you can also meander on the grounds of the Rock of Cashel. If you have enough time, you can go in and explore further. The views are wonderful from this medieval fortress, with origins dating back to the 4th or 5th century.
It’s nice to be able to stay in one place for several days and unpack your bags, so you can really settle in. It also gives you a better chance of feeling more like a local than when you change accommodations every night. So, I recommend staying 3 nights in either Dingle or Kenmare. This will give you a home base from which you can explore the surrounding area without having to pack up and move every day.
Dingle or Kenmare: Which Should You Choose?
It’s a difficult choice because each of these towns and their surrounding landscapes has its own appeal. The best choice depends on what you want to experience, which places you most want to explore, and how much driving you want to do during your stay.
Dingle is my personal favorite. I love its character, beautiful coastal scenery, and traditional Irish music. The town itself is a delight to explore, and the Dingle Peninsula offers wonderful drives, gorgeous views, outdoor adventures, and little places to stop along the way. If you enjoy smaller towns, a lively pub scene, and the feeling of getting to know a place rather than simply passing through, Dingle is an excellent choice.
Kenmare may be the better base if the Ring of Kerry is high on your list. It’s a charming town with a good selection of places to eat and stay, and it puts you in a convenient position for exploring the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park. If those are the landscapes and experiences you most want to enjoy, staying in Kenmare can make your days easier to organize.
The Ring of Kerry is larger and generally busier than the Dingle Peninsula, so allow plenty of time to enjoy the route. Whichever base you choose, remember that the goal isn't to cover the most ground possible. It’s to enjoy the places you visit.
Why Your Choice of Base Matters
When we plan trips for our Euro Travel Coach clients, choosing a place to stay isn't simply about finding the prettiest town. We look at how the location fits the overall route, how much driving each day will involve, whether travelers want to change accommodations, and what they're most interested in seeing and doing. A beautiful place to stay may not be the best choice if it adds unnecessary driving to every day of the itinerary. Or, if staying in the most beautiful place is the highest priority on your list, we will take that into consideration when giving you lodging options. Each itinerary is different and it all depends on what you will enjoy most.
You could try to squeeze Dingle, Kenmare, the Ring of Kerry, and Killarney into a short stay, but I wouldn't recommend trying to do it all in three nights. You'd spend too much time driving and watching the clock instead of enjoying the scenery, wandering through the towns, stopping for photographs, or settling into a pub for a traditional music session. Remember, you also have the rest of Ireland to explore on this 10-day itinerary.
If Dingle appeals to you most, make it your base and spend an entire day touring the peninsula and exploring the town itself. On your second full day, you could head toward Killarney for lunch and spend some time enjoying the beauty of Killarney National Park, provided you're comfortable with the additional driving. If the Ring of Kerry is your priority, choose Kenmare instead and devote your time to that scenic route and the surrounding area.
If you really want to split the difference between Dingle and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney is another option to consider. But think carefully about the places you most want to visit before deciding where to stay.
Your time here will likely be spent driving the coast, maybe hiking some incredible trails, perhaps biking through beautiful scenery, or watching sheepdogs do what they do best. You'll also have a chance to experience a true Irish music session in one of the pubs. Your 3 days here will fly by!
But whatever you do, take your time and soak it all in. You can't see everything in one visit, and that's a wonderful reason to return. Our 7-Day Western Ireland Travel Itinerary has more recommendations if you'd like to explore further.
Days 7–9: Explore Galway and Ireland’s West Coast
Head north from here toward Galway. Again, you want to take your time and see some of the amazing sites along the way. One of these is the iconic Cliffs of Moher. I have been there in the sun, in the rain, and in a howling wind, and the Cliffs are glorious in each setting.
Allow about 3 1/2 - 4 hours to reach the Cliffs of Moher if you take the ferry from Tarbert across the Shannon River. This is driving time, not the time you’ll spend enjoying the Cliffs or continuing on to Galway. You’ll want to allow time to walk along the cliffs, take in the views, and perhaps stop for a bite to eat either at the Cliffs or in the little town of Doolin. Your total travel time will depend on your route, ferry arrangements, and how many stops you make along the way. We recommend that you book your ferry in advance. Be sure to arrive early and leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy the journey.
Kylemore Abbey
After you have walked along the Cliffs to your heart’s content, continue north to Galway. The great thing about staying here is that it is wonderful on its own, but it’s also a perfect jumping off point for day trips in the surrounding area. In Galway, you’ll enjoy the cobblestone streets, the buskers, the shopping, the food, the music, and the quintessential Irish allure.
One of the great things about Galway is that you can enjoy a lively, character-filled city and use it as a base for exploring very different parts of Ireland’s west coast. You might spend one day enjoying Galway itself, another exploring the landscapes of Connemara around Kylemore Abbey, or choose a day trip to the Burren or the Aran Islands. With only three nights here, though, I would choose your day trips carefully rather than trying to fit everything in. Travel times, ferry schedules, and the time you want to spend at each place all matter. You’ll enjoy Ireland much more if you have time to explore without constantly watching the clock.
But if you want to go beyond this town’s charms, you can explore Kylemore Abbey, The Burren or the Aran Islands. Check out 10 Great Reasons to Visit Galway Ireland for specifics, and more ideas of what to do while you are there.
Day 10: Spend Your Last Night Near Dublin Airport
You have one more day to spend in Ireland. As you are likely flying out of Dublin early the next morning, it’s a good idea to spend your last night near the airport. Enjoy a leisurely morning in Galway and explore sights there that you haven’t had a chance to see, or shop for a treasure to bring home to remind you to return soon. Then head toward Dublin. The highway makes it a pretty quick trip. It should only take a little over 2 hours to get there.
But you haven’t toured an Irish distillery yet, and there is a great one on your way. Kilbeggan Distilling Co. was founded in 1757 and is the oldest licensed distillery of its kind in Ireland. They have a great tour and tasting and it’s a perfect place to stop on your way east. You can walk around the tiny town after the tour, to make sure you are in good shape for the rest of your drive. You have another hour to go before you reach your lodging for the night.
The historic Kilbeggan Distillery
If your budget allows and you would like a bit of a splurge on your last night, you may enjoy staying at Clontarf Castle. It is only 15 minutes from the airport, giving you plenty of time to drop off your car before your departure in the morning.
Of course, you could do this itinerary going counter clockwise, heading to Galway from Dublin and then on to Dingle or Kenmare, and back to Dublin. Or, if you follow the recommended itinerary and are lucky enough to have more than 10 days to travel through Ireland, you could continue your clockwise journey on to County Mayo or even Northern Ireland. In that case, continuing on from Galway would be perfect!
Whatever you choose, this is a great itinerary for your time in Ireland. I know you will fall in love with this country, its people, its pubs, and its landscapes, just as I did.
This itinerary is a starting point, not a prescription. Your ideal Ireland trip depends on your travel dates, interests, pace, and the places you most want to experience. If you'd like help creating a personalized Ireland itinerary, Euro Travel Coach can help you shape a trip around what matters most to you. Learn more about our custom Ireland travel planning and let me know if you have questions!
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Betsy Ball – Betsy is co-founder and partner of Euro Travel Coach (ETC), which crafts custom European vacations for independent travelers and leads small group trips to Europe. She is a passionate and culturally curious traveler who thoroughly enjoys sharing her love for exploring Europe with ETC clients. Prior to founding ETC, Betsy taught International Business at Tarleton State University in Texas (part of the A & M System) where she led study abroad trips to multiple European countries and other worldwide destinations. She retired from teaching in 2017 and since then, Betsy and her husband, Co-founder and Partner, Greg, have been traveling through Europe multiple times per year for as many as 9 months at a time. She has a degree in hotel, restaurant management from Michigan State University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She also holds a Level 3 certification from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust.
This 10-day Ireland itinerary will help you create an amazing trip! Visit and explore Dublin, Dingle or Kerry, and Galway, and other delightful stops along the way. When you plan your trip to Ireland, expect to enjoy charming pubs, beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and warm hospitality everywhere you go.