Itinerary Spotlight: A + P's Ireland Road Trip
Ireland is one of my favorite recommendations for a couples’ trip and a top destination on many travelers’ bucket lists -- and it’s easy to see why. The country is blessed with beautiful green scenery, charming small towns, and a plethora of castles and historical sights.
Plus, it’s easy to get here and get around. It only takes around 5 or 6 hours to fly to Ireland from the east coast of the U.S. Although they drive on the left side of the road, conditions and driving style are otherwise similar to those you’re used to at home. English is the official language, so it’s easy to communicate. And, the country is small, so you can see a lot in a short time.
I’ve found that a week is the perfect amount of time to see the best sights of Ireland without feeling rushed (although you can always spend more time here!).
Here’s the itinerary we planned for A + P, a couple who enjoyed a long awaited visit to Ireland to celebrate their 10th anniversary.
If you’re considering planning a trip like this, I’ll help you customize your vacation and itinerary exactly for you based on your interests and desires. Send me a message to get started.
Day 1
Most flights from the U.S. to Ireland will fly overnight, meaning you’ll arrive in the vibrant capital of Dublin in the morning with a full day to spend. A + P picked up their rental car at the airport and spent a leisurely day getting acquainted with Dublin. They explored Grafton Street, Dublin’s main shopping street, and strolled through St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful park in the city center.
They stayed at the lovely Green Hotel, a boutique hotel centrally located downtown, which allowed them to do lots of sightseeing and exploring on foot.
Day 2
A + P had a great day seeing the very best of Dublin. They started their day at Trinity College, where they viewed the Book of Kells. They visited Dublin Castle, which dates back to 1204, as well as Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin’s oldest medieval church at almost 1,000 years old.
In the afternoon, A + P enjoyed a fun tour to the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. Along with a lively guide, they were able to skip the lines at these popular attractions, sample drinks, and learn to pour the perfect pint.
After dinner downtown, they ended their day with a drink at the iconic Temple Bar.
Day 3
A + P hopped in their car and headed out of the city today to start enjoying Ireland’s beautiful green countryside.
They visited the Rock of Cashel, a grand castle and Ireland’s most visited historic site, and Hore Abbey, the ruins of the last Cistercian monastery in Ireland.
For lunch, A + P stopped in the nearby charming town of Cashel.
In the afternoon, these travelers went to the Blarney Castle, famous for the Blarney Stone. It is said that those who kiss the stone will receive the gift of eloquent speech.
A + P stayed overnight right by the Blarney Castle, a cozy, quiet area. For city lovers, there are also lots of great hotel options in nearby Cork, where you’ll have access to restaurants and nightlife.
Day 4
A + P continued their adventure in Killarney, a charming town that’s often used as a base to explore the famous Ring of Kerry.
They spent their day out in nature at Killarney National Park and enjoyed a hike through the lush forest to Torc Waterfall. They visited the Muckross House, a grand Victorian mansion set right against the backdrop of the park, and explored the home, its garden, and its traditional farms.
Their day ended with a stroll around downtown Killarney, home to many colorful shops and restaurants.
A + P stayed at the charming Victoria House Hotel, a cozy boutique hotel just a short stroll from town and close to the natural sights of the area.
Day 5
Today, A + P enjoyed one of the most scenic drives in all of Ireland through the Dingle Peninsula, known for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking coastlines. They explored cottages, stone dwellings, beaches, and views along the way. They stopped for a delicious local seafood lunch in the cute town of Dingle.
Day 6
A + P headed onward to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most famous and most photographed spots in Ireland. The cliffs are known for their appearances in several movies, including Harry Potter.
A + P had planned to take a scenic cruise from the cliffs to the nearby tiny island of Inis Oirr, a perfect destination to learn more about authentic Irish culture. They were to cruise under the Cliffs of Moher on the way back.
Unfortunately, A + P dealt with some rough weather on this day, so they changed up their plans and explored the nearby city of Limerick instead. There are lots of great museums, historic sites, restaurants, and shopping here.
Day 7
A + P spent their last full day in Ireland exploring the coastal trails around the Cliffs of Moher and learning more about the area.
They spent an epic final night in a castle hotel, conveniently located close to the airport for their return flight home. A castle stay is a must for any Ireland itinerary, and there are tons of great options all over the country.
What did this couple have to say about their trip?
“Alicia knocked it out of the park for us! She planned a 7-day trip to Ireland for our 10th anniversary. I told her I didn't want to have to do anything but pack a bag and get on a plane, and she delivered! She booked several outings for us, gave tons of options for meals, and was super helpful with all the little details of international travel since we were newbies. She was easily accessible at all times and was very prompt with communication. She checked in on us before, during, and after the trip, and made sure to get one of our boating adventures refunded when they canceled due to weather. I would *totally* recommend her to anyone and I will *definitely* use her again in the future! Thank you SO so much, Alicia!"
Interested in planning a trip like this? Send me a message today, and we’ll create a customized itinerary based exactly on you. Plus, you’ll get your handy itinerary and all of your documents on an app that you can easily access throughout your travels.
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