We spent a week driving around the country, starting with Northern Ireland, walking the Cliffs of Moher, and making a loop around the Ring of Kerry, with many other stops along the way. We spent a couple days in the Dublin area, then flew over to Edinburgh, Scotland for two days, then back to Dublin and flew home.
Day by Day Schedule
Day 1 - Flight to Ireland and Drive to Northern Ireland
Flew from NY to Dublin, then rented a car and drove to Portrush, Northern Ireland. Stopped for a beautiful hike on the way at Kinbane Castle.
Day 2 – Explore the North Coast
We visited the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Giant’s Causeway, and explored Portrush.
Day 3 – Head South back into Ireland and stayed in Sligo
We stopped at Dunluce Castle on our way out of town, then headed south, back towards the border. We passed through Londonderry (aka Derry), visited the Beltany Stone Circle, and Donegal Castle. We went for a hike around Benbulben, a table mountain with a great view of Silgo, then checked into our B&B and hiked Knocknarea, a large hill with a great view of the whole area and some stone cairn burial mounds.
Day 4 – Drove South To the Cliffs of Moher
We stopped at Carrowkeel for a hike to see some ancient passage tombs, then headed to Doolin for our boat ride to see the Cliffs of Moher. The boat ride was canceled due to the rough seas, but rescheduled for the next day.
Day 5 – Cliffs of Moher & Drive to Kenmare via Killarney National Park
We walked along the cliffs at Hag’s Head almost completely alone, then took the rescheduled boat ride. We stopped at Torc Falls in Killarney National Park and checked into our B&B in Kenmare.
Day 6 – Ring of Kerry
The worst weather but one of the best days of our road trip. We stopped many places but our favorites include Straigue Ring Fort, Ballinskellig Castle and Abbey, Bray Head, Ballycarbery Castle, Cahergal Ring Fort, and Leacanabuaile Ring Fort.
Day 7 – Drive to Cobh & Cork
We explored the picturesque town of Cobh and stayed the night in the more industrial Cork.
Day 8 – Returned to Dublin
We stopped at the restored Cahir Castle and the ruins of the Rock of Dunamase on our way back to Dublin. In Dublin we said goodbye to the car and settled into our AirBnB.
Day 9 – Dublin
Walked to the harbour and took a walking tour of Dublin.
Day 10- Dublin & Dun Laoghaire
Walked through some Dublin neighborhoods and took a train to the neighboring town of Dun Laoghaire.
Day 11- Dublin
Explored some more of the city and took a Mountain Pub Tour.
Day 12- Edinburgh, Scotland
Flew to Edinburgh, explored the city, and hiked to Arthur’s Seat in Hollyrood Park.
Day 13 - Edinburgh, Scotland
Explored the city some more and toured the Vaults, then flew back to Dublin.
Day 15 - Flew Home
Budget
Approx $2900 total for two
- Flight NY to Dublin Roundtrip: $1200
- Flight Dublin to Edinburgh Roundtrip: $120
- Portrush B&B (2 nights): $253
- Sligo AirBnB (1 night): $42
- Cliffs of Moher B&B (1 night): $93
- Kenmare B&B (2 nights): $104
- Cork Hotel (1 night): $67
- Dublin AirBnB (3 nights): $390
- Edinburgh AirBnB (1 night): $74
- Dublin Airport Hotel (1 night): $117
- Cliffs of Moher Cruise: $33
- Car Rental: $80
- Gas & Tolls: $170
- Tours & Entry Fees: $140
Short on Time?
This could easily be modified to a 8 or 9 day trip of you spend less time in Dublin and fly out when you get back. Dublin is an interesting modern city, but two days probably would have been enough.
More?
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