Discover Your Irish Roots with the Freedom of the Open Road
There’s no better way to explore your Irish heritage than by taking the wheel and setting off on a road trip through Ireland’s storied landscapes. This 5 day Irish road trip is your perfect guide to uncovering the rich tapestry of Irish history, culture, and natural beauty — from ancient ruins and medieval castles to rugged coastlines and vibrant cities.
With a rental car from Irish Car Rentals, you’ll enjoy the freedom to go beyond the guidebooks and explore Ireland at your own pace. Whether you’re tracing family roots, fulfilling a lifelong dream, or simply seeking adventure, the open road offers a deeper, more personal connection to this remarkable island.
No Irish heritage journey would be complete without visiting some of the country’s most iconic and breathtaking sites. Over the course of five unforgettable days, this itinerary includes:
Guinness Storehouse – Dive into Dublin’s brewing legacy at Ireland’s most visited attraction.
Cliffs of Moher, Clare – Marvel at the dramatic Atlantic views from one of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders.
The Rock of Cashel, Tipperary – Step back in time at this spectacular medieval complex, once the seat of kings and bishops.
Glendalough, Wicklow – Wander through the peaceful monastic ruins nestled in a lush glacial valley.
Kilkenny Castle – Discover centuries of history in this beautifully restored Anglo-Norman castle.
The Burren, Clare – Explore a striking limestone landscape rich with rare wildflowers and wildlife.
Day 1: Dublin
Morning:
Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
Learn about Irish emigration and the impact of Irish-Americans.
Perfect for heritage explorers and family historians.
Afternoon:
Explore Trinity College and the Book of Kells.
Dive into Irish history and art.
Evening:
Visit the Guinness Storehouse for an immersive experience into Ireland's most famous export. Enjoy panoramic views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar while sipping on a perfectly poured pint.
Experience Temple Bar’s traditional Irish music scene.
A vibrant introduction to Irish culture for cultural enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Day 2: Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough
Morning: Collect Your Rental Car
Start your day early by picking up your rental car — the earlier you hit the road, the more time you'll have to explore Wicklow’s breathtaking landscapes.
Driving gives you the freedom to explore Ireland’s hidden gems, like the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough, at your own pace — something public transport simply can’t match. Whether you're into scenic hikes or ancient history, having your own car makes spontaneous stops and detours easy.
Late Morning:
Wicklow is known as the "Garden of Ireland".
Drive to Wicklow Mountains National Park, enjoy scenic routes.
Afternoon:
Visit Glendalough Monastic Site.
Perfect for history buffs and heritage explorers.
A 6th-century monastic settlement set in a glacial valley.
Evening:
Experience a traditional craft workshop in Laragh, learning Irish skills like weaving or pottery.
Day 3: Kilkenny and Cashel
Morning:
Visit Kilkenny Castle and explore its medieval history. Highlight the banquet hall in Kilkenny Castle which is the biggest in Ireland and mention the Medieval Mile.
Afternoon:
Drive to the Rock of Cashel, an iconic site blending history and mythology. The tour shares the importance of Cashel for the King of Munster, St. Patrick, and later Brian Boru, High King of Ireland.
Evening:
Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner at a local restaurant.
Donoghue’s and Bru Boru have live music throughout the week.
Day 4: Cork and Cobh
Morning:
Visit Blarney Castle and Kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence
You can also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills which is famous for Irish knitwear and wool.
Afternoon:
Explore the Titanic experience Cobh, find out about the 123 passengers who boarded the boat from Cobh using interactive displays and audio visual tours.
Jeremiah Burke who wrote the last message ever to leave the ship
Cobh heritage centre, Emigration and Maritime Story within the centre tells stories designed to bring the Irish emigration experience and The Great Famine to life.
A must-visit for family historians and heritage explorers.
Evening:
Explore Cork City’s vibrant food scene and enjoy a local food tour.
Alternatively, take a walking tour of the city, including St. Finn Barre's Cathedral
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
Morning:
Drive to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most iconic natural landmarks.
You can also park on a farm in Liscannor and do the Liscannor to Cliffs of Moher, otherwise known as the Cliffs of Moher trail. It is part of the Burren and you can take some beautiful photos along the way.
Find parking under “Cliffs of Moher Walk Liscannor parking” in Google Maps. Parking your car for the day costs €3.
Afternoon:
Explore The Burren’s unique landscape and archaeological sites. It is ???
Evening:
End your trip in Doolin, enjoying live traditional music and dinner at Gus O’Connor’s pub.
You can also stay at Lahinch which has a lot of beautiful restaurants and pubs such as O’Looney’s.
Choosing to stay in Clare cuts down on your driving for the last day to explore some of the nicest villages in Ireland. Especially if you’ve good weather where you could go swimming at Lahinch.
Why Renting a Car is Essential for this Itinerary
Convenience and Freedom:
Public transport is limited, especially in rural areas like Wicklow, Cashel, and the Cliffs of Moher.
A rental car gives you the flexibility to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and scenic routes without restrictions.
Scenic Roads:
Ireland’s countryside and coastal roads are a major part of the experience, best enjoyed with the independence of driving.
Time-Saving:
Maximize your time by driving directly to key attractions instead of relying on bus schedules or tours.
Pros of spending 5 days in Ireland
Spending 5 days in Ireland offers a surprisingly comprehensive experience, largely due to the country's manageable size, which allows travelers to cover significant ground efficiently. With careful planning, visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse array of key attractions, from the vibrant streets of Dublin and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher to historically rich sites like the Rock of Cashel or the monastic settlement of Glendalough.
This short itinerary also enables travelers to focus their budget strategically on must-see attractions and authentic Irish experiences, ensuring a high-value trip. Ultimately, a 5-day visit serves as an ideal "taster," providing a perfect introduction for those new to Ireland or individuals exploring their Irish roots.
Travel Trips
Be sure to leave enough time for your drive to Dublin Airport, car rental return, and check-in - especially during busy travel seasons. Aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight.
Before you go, don't miss our additional resources to help you plan the perfect trip:
- Visiting Ireland Guide - What to bring for all seasons and activities
- Driving Tips in Ireland - Navigate Irish roads with confidence
Need a car for your trip? Explore our car rental options to find the perfect vehicle for your Irish adventure. 🍀
Planning ahead and understanding the car rental process can make your journey through Ireland smooth and hassle-free. To help you get the best experience, we've created a comprehensive guide with essential tips on renting a car in Ireland. Check it out here!
