From the Cliffs of Moher to the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, west Ireland is a road-trip of green headlands, mountains and trad pubs. Galway and Killarney are good bases.
Good to know
- Drive on the left; rent a small car for narrow lanes.
- Book accommodation early in summer; B&Bs are the best value.
- Weather changes hourly; start early to see cliffs before the crowds.
Eat this
Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Free museum on the quay covering Galway's maritime history, with the Spanish Arch next door.
Colorful, musical city with buskers, pubs and the Spanish Arch waterfront.
Thick seafood chowder and brown bread in a cosy pub while the rain passes outside.
Wild coastline of beehive huts, beaches and a harbor town with good pubs.
Sheer Atlantic cliffs rising 200 meters, with walking paths and a visitor center.
Limestone karst plateau with rare flowers, dolmens and tiny pubs.
Tour the old distillery near Cork and finish with a tasting of Irish whiskeys.
Famous 179 km loop of coast, mountains and lakes with several photo stops.
Lakes, woods and Muckross House, best explored by jaunting cart or bike.
Ferry to stone-walled islands with Dun Aonghasa fort and cycling lanes.
Live traditional music in a stone pub; arrive early for a seat near the fire.
Castle with the stone of eloquence, plus extensive gardens.
Boggy mountains, lakes and a neo-Gothic abbey with gardens.