7-Day Road Trip Through South Ireland: Must-See Destinations & Scenic Routes
Discover My Personal Picks FROM OUR IrISH Adventure
At the end of May 2023, we set off on a seven-day road trip through the south of Ireland. After poring over several bloggers’ itineraries, I mapped out our route—along with a 'next trip' list (some tough cuts had to be made!). I don’t know about you, but I always feel the urge to squeeze in just one more stop. Over time—sometimes the hard way—I’ve learned that the best trips aren’t about covering the most ground, but about slowing down and truly sinking into a few special places.
Though our week was full, we made time for 'scheduled slow'—leisurely strolls through small towns and unhurried meals. Everything I’d read about the burgeoning food scene proved true—we ate some incredible food! But what stayed with me most was the land itself. It has a certain spiritual quality, a quiet pull. No wonder it has inspired poets and writers for generations.
ireland Road Trip Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly into Dublin and rent a car. Drive to Kilkenny (1 night).
Day 2: Drive to Waterford then on to Cork (1 night).
Day 3: Morning in Cork then on to Killarney to explore the national park and downtown (2 nights).
Day 4: Explore Dingle Peninsula.
Day 5: Stop in Adare. Tea at Dromoland Castle. Final stop Doolin (2 nights)
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher walk and music in Doolin.
Day 7: Drive back to Dublin to drop car. (1 night)
Day 8: Fly home early morning
WHERE TO STAY in SoUTH IRELAND
Mount Juliet Estate
A great relaxing first night stay after a long travel day. The grounds are beautiful and the Manor House was a fun place for a nightcap and acoustic tunes. If you’re a golfer you may want to squeeze in a tee time. I personally stick to tea time…
Cahernane House Hotel
Our home base in the Southwest for two nights was the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. The updated rooms, combined with its fantastic location between downtown Killarney and Killarney National Park, made it a real standout. One of my favorite moments of the trip was riding bikes from the hotel straight into the park.
Fisherstreet Lodge, Doolin
This Doolin location couldn’t have been more prime, and Darra and Niall were the most gracious hosts. The setting is nothing short of idyllic, with lush green pastures in the backyard and the charming town of Doolin just steps from the front porch. And yes, there are even horses grazing on the front lawn—talk about a picture-perfect setting!
South Ireland Highlights: My Favorite BITES, SIGHTS & EXCURSIONS
The Glass Curtain
This Cork restaurant may have served my favorite meal of the trip. From the delicious food to the expertly crafted cocktails, every detail was spot-on. The ambiance was just right—warm and welcoming—and it absolutely lived up to all the hype I’d read. Though our stop in Cork was brief, and while I can’t recommend our accommodation, this restaurant was an undeniable highlight of the visit.
Bike Riding Through Killarney National Park
As I mentioned above, thanks to Cahernane House Hotel, we had bikes at our disposal for a ride through the stunning Killarney National Park. The park is home to the beautiful Muckross House, which we toured, though I found myself enjoying the exterior and gardens even more. We also took a scenic horse-and-buggy ride down to the Torc Waterfall, an absolute must-see.
Dingle Peninsula
Known as "one of the most scenic drives in Ireland," the Dingle Peninsula’s Slea Head Drive is jaw-dropping. I’ll admit, some parts of the drive were a little nerve-wracking—narrow roads with many cars made it a bit intense! But the view from Dunquin Harbour was more than worth it. We also enjoyed strolling around the town of Dingle, popping into shops and grabbing a bite (plus an ice cream, of course!).
Adare Village
This sweet stop along our route was the perfect place to stretch our legs. The village is filled with cute cafes, charming shops, and the iconic thatched-roof cottages. A lovely spot to grab a refreshment and take in the scenery.
Dromoland Castle for Afternoon Tea
A very classic experience that lived up to all expectations. The afternoon tea was delicious, and the castle setting made it feel extra special. Highly recommend for a bit of royal indulgence!
Walking Tour of the Cliffs of Moher with Pat Sweeney
An unforgettable experience with an expert guide. For more on this adventure, be sure to listen to the Cliffs of Moher Camino audio! After the morning of walking we enjoyed delicious fish and chips at the Ivy.
Doolin Pub Music
A trip to Doolin wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its legendary pub music scene. The lively, traditional Irish music played in the cozy pubs made for a perfect evening. Whether you’re a fan of folk tunes or just soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, the music here is a must-experience—authentic and full of heart. Specifically, we enjoyed dinner and music at Fiddle & Bow and music and beer at O’Connor’s. I don’t think you could go wrong though!
May the road rise to meet you
-Irish Proverb
“To Bless The Space Between Us.” Irish poet Jon O’Donohue’s collection came along for the ride with me on this trip. In fact, it is his words that partly inspired the name for this site…
Unfinished Poem
I would love to live like a river flows
Carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.