Ireland is a spectacular country to visit and offers so many gorgeous landscapes and natural features. This 10 day Ireland itinerary focuses on the main sites to see across the country, but you would easily spend two weeks exploring.
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History of Ireland
Ireland has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, beginning with early Celtic tribes who settled on the island around 500 BCE. Christianity later arrived and is most famously associated with Saint Patrick, and monasteries soon became centers of learning and art, preserving knowledge through the early medieval period.
However, beginning in the 700s, Viking raids reshaped Ireland’s coastal regions, leading to the founding of key cities like Dublin. In the 1100s, the Anglo-Norman invasion brought Ireland increasingly under English control. Tensions over land, religion, and governance intensified, especially during British rule, culminating in events like the Easter Rising and the subsequent War of Independence.
In 1922, most of Ireland gained independence as the Irish Free State, while Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom. Over the 1900s, Ireland evolved into a modern, democratic nation with a strong cultural heritage and growing global influence, known today for its vibrant traditions, literature, and resilient national identity.
Best Time to Visit Ireland
Ireland is an amazing country to visit, but it is known for having very rainy weather. You will want to keep that in mind when planning your visit. The summer months will offer the warmest weather, and the winter months will offer the cheapest prices. April to May or September to October are some of the best times to visit, as crowds are smaller and the weather is less rainy. We completed this itinerary in July.
How to Get to Ireland
Ireland has one main airport, Dublin Airport, right outside of the Dublin city center. From the United States, the easiest way to get to Dublin is flying AerLingus. They have direct flights from all over the United States.
Shannon also has several flights from the Eastern United States, while Belfast, Cork, Knock, and have smaller airports that serve parts of Ireland and Europe. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights. You can easily book Ireland on points.
Transportation in Ireland
For this 10 day Ireland itinerary, you will need a car to get to all of the places. I recommend renting a car through Economy Bookings as it will search all rental car companies for you. Note that in Ireland, you will have to pay for extra rental insurance, so keep that expense in mind.
If you only want to travel to the main cities, you can take buses and trains around the country. Uber is widely available.
Currency in Ireland
Ireland uses the Euro, while Northern Ireland uses the British Pound Sterling. However, credit cards are widely accepted.
10 Day Ireland Itinerary
This is my recommended 10 day Ireland itinerary that hit many of the main sites. If you have less time, you could cut the first day or two and head directly to Galway, or skip day three all together.
Day 1: Dublin-Newgrange-Sligo
Hotel: Best Western Sligo
Drive Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Start this 10 day Ireland itinerary with your arrival in Dublin. Depending on what time your flight gets in, you may want to spend one night in Dublin and start on this itinerary the next day. We arrived early in the day as we came from Copenhagen. However, many flights from the United States arrive in the afternoon, so you may need time to rest.
Newgrange
Cost: €7: pre book tickets online
Hours: 9am-7pm
Once you pick up your rental car, begin your journey at Newgrange, one of Ireland’s most remarkable prehistoric sites. This ancient passage tomb dates back over 5,000 years. It is older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
The structure is especially famous for its winter solstice alignment, when sunlight illuminates the inner chamber. Even outside of that event, visiting Newgrange offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past and early engineering.
Sligo
After exploring Newgrange, continue your drive to the charming town of Sligo, located along Ireland’s scenic northwest coast. Known for its connection to poet W.B. Yeats and its dramatic landscapes, Sligo offers a quieter, more authentic Irish experience. Before heading to the hotel, visit Sligo Abbey, a well-preserved Dominican friary from the 1200s, filled with intricate stone carvings and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a great introduction to Ireland’s rich medieval history.
Day 2: Sligo-Connemara National Park-Knock-Kylemore Abbey-Galway
Hotel: Eyre Square Hotel
Drive time: 3 hours, 25 minutes
For day two of this 10 day Ireland itinerary, you have a few options. You can choose to start in Knock, which will add about 20 minutes of drive time, or head straight to Connemara National Park.
Knock (optional stop)
To start off the day, stop in the small town of Knock. Most activities here center around its spiritual and cultural significance. You can find a few pubs, a shrine, a basilica, and a museum, so it makes for a great stop between Sligo and Galway.
Connemara National Park
Cost: Free
Hours: Visitor Centre typically 9:00am–5:30pm
When you are ready, head to visit Connemara National Park. It is one of Ireland’s most stunning natural landscapes, featuring rugged mountains, scenic boglands, and peaceful walking trails. Entry to the park is completely free, and you can spend time hiking routes like Diamond Hill or simply enjoying the views of the wild Atlantic coastline.
Kylemore Abbey
Cost: €17+ pre book tickets online
Hours: Typically 10:00am–6:00pm (seasonal variations)
Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s most iconic and picturesque attractions, set against a lake with mountains in the background. Originally built as a castle and later transformed into a Benedictine monastery, the estate includes restored rooms, a neo-Gothic church, and beautiful Victorian walled gardens. Make sure to book tickets in advance, and plan to spend a few hours exploring the grounds and scenic walking paths.
End the day of this 10 day Ireland itinerary by driving to the adorable town of Galway, where you will stay for the next two nights.
Day 3: Galway
While you will be based in Galway for today’s day trip, you will head to the port to venture to the Aran Islands for day three of this 10 day Ireland itinerary.
Aran Islands
An Aran Islands day trip from Galway offers a unique look at traditional Irish life, with Irish-speaking communities and rugged coastal scenery. Most visitors head to Inis Mór, the largest island, easily reached by ferry in about an hour. The highlight is Dún Aonghasa, a dramatic prehistoric fort perched on cliffs above the Atlantic. You will spend the majority of the day exploring the Aran Islands.
Galway
After spending the day on the Aran Islands, spend the late afternoon and evening wandering around Galway to see what this adorable city has to offer. Often considered the birthplace of the iconic Claddagh ring, it is a vibrant city full of history and charm.
In the heart of the city, you’ll find St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval parish churches in Ireland, dating back to 1320. Just a short walk away is Eyre Square, a lively gathering place surrounded by shops, restaurants, and street performers.
Nearby, Lynch’s Castle stands as a beautifully preserved example of medieval architecture and once served as the home of one of Galway’s most powerful families. Together, these landmarks showcase Galway’s rich heritage and energetic atmosphere and are the perfect thing to add to your 10 day Ireland itinerary.
Day 4: Galway-Cliffs of Moher-Ennis
Hotel: Temple Gate Hotel
Drive Time: 2 hours
This morning, say goodbye to Galway and head to the Cliffs of Moher to start our day four of this 10 day Ireland itinerary. If you do not want to drive yourself, you can also take this Cliffs of Moher Tour.
Cliffs of Moher
Cost: 4€-8€ pre buy tickets online.
Hours: 8am-9pm
Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic natural attractions, rising dramatically over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean along the west coast of County Clare. Stretching for about 8 miles, the cliffs offer sweeping panoramic views of the ocean, the Aran Islands in the distance, and the rugged Irish coastline.
Formed over millions of years, they are part of a UNESCO Global Geopark and are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins during certain seasons, making them a favorite destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Visitors can explore the cliffs via well-maintained walking paths and viewing platforms that provide safe vantage points to take in the scenery. Due to their popularity, the cliffs can get busy during peak hours, so early morning or late afternoon visits are often recommended for a more peaceful experience. Visitors should always exercise caution near the edges, as the cliffs are exposed and can be affected by strong winds.
Day 5: Ennis-Limerick-Killarney
Hotel: Best Western Eviston House Hotel
Drive Time: 2 hours
Limerick
Today, start your fifth day of this 10 day Ireland itinerary with a stop in Limerick. King John’s Castle is one of Limerick’s most famous landmarks, offering interactive exhibits and panoramic views of the River Shannon. Nearby, Thomond Bridge is a historic crossing point with great views of the castle and river, and it’s free to visit at any time. On the way out of town, stop at Bunratty Castle, as it is one of Ireland’s most complete medieval castles.
Killarney
From Limerick, head to Killarney National Park. This is a stunning protected area featuring mountains, woodlands, and scenic walking trails and is free to enter. Within the park, the Lakes of Killarney offer breathtaking views and opportunities for boat tours, walking, or simply relaxing by the water. Together, these natural attractions make Killarney one of the most picturesque stops on any 10 day Ireland itinerary.
After stopping in Limerick and Killarney National Park, you will overnight in the town of Killarney.
Day 6: Killarney-Blarney Castle-Cork
Hotel: Residence Inn by Marriott Cork
Drive Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
After visiting Killarney, you will head to Cork by way of the Blarney Castle as part of this 10 day Ireland itinerary. If you have more than 10 days, I recommend adding a few more nights in Killarney to visit the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula.
Blarney Castle
Hours: 9am-7pm prebook tickets online
Cost: €18 onsite or €16 online
Start your day with a visit to Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, best known for the Blarney Stone, which visitors kiss to receive the “gift of gab.” The site also includes expansive gardens, walking trails, and historic grounds worth exploring. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to save money and avoid queues, especially during peak travel seasons. Plan to spend a couple hours exploring the grounds.
Cork
Next, head to Cork to see what this amazing city has to offer. Exploring Cork offers a mix of history, culture, and unique local experiences. Make sure to stop at St Anne’s Church to access the famous Bells of Shandon tower. Here you can ring the bells and enjoy views of the city.
Then, head to the Butter Museum which highlights Cork’s historic role in Ireland’s dairy trade. After that, head up to Keyser Hill, which is a short scenic walk area in the city. It offers great views and a glimpse into Cork’s charming streets, and is free to explore at any time. This is the perfect way to end day six on your 10 day Ireland itinerary.
Day 7: Cork-Cobh-Tramore
Hotel: Beach Haven Guesthouse
Drive Time: 2 hours
Start day seven of this 10 day Ireland itinerary by departing Cork for Cobh, a famous port town.
Cobh
Cobh is a picturesque harbor town best known for its maritime history and colorful waterfront. Cobh Cathedral, also known as St. Colman’s Cathedral offers stunning architecture along with panoramic views over the harbor.
Nearby, the Titanic Experience Cobh provides an interactive and informative look at the final port of call of the Titanic and the stories of its passengers. You can also opt to take the Cobh Titanic tour to learn more about the area.
Once you have finished exploring Cobh, head to the small seaside town of Tramore for the night. Here you can go for a nice stroll along the beach to end your seventh day of this 10 day Ireland itinerary.
Day 8: Tramore-Waterford-Johnstown Castle-Dublin
Hotel: Temple Bar Hotel or Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin
Drive Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Tramore
Start day eight of this 10 day Ireland itinerary with a visit to Tramore Beach. This is a popular seaside destination known for its long sandy shoreline and relaxed coastal atmosphere, perfect for a scenic walk or fresh ocean air. The beach is open year-round and free to visit, making it an easy and enjoyable stop on your itinerary.
Waterford
Cost: €15–€20
Hours: 9am–5:00pm (guided tours vary)
Next head to Waterford to visit the Waterford Crystal Factory. This factory offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how world-famous crystal is crafted by skilled artisans. Visitors can watch the intricate production process, learn about the history of the brand, and browse beautifully crafted pieces in the showroom.
Johnstown Castle
Cost: €3
Hours: 9am–5:30pm
Then, Johnstown Castle is a beautifully restored 19th-century estate set among ornamental gardens, lakes, and woodlands. It offers a peaceful setting to explore both the castle grounds and the surrounding agricultural museum, making it a worthwhile and affordable stop along this 10 day Ireland itinerary.
Finally, head to Dublin to check into your hotel. I recommend either parking the car near the hotel or returning it to the airport. This post gives you more deals on what to do in Dublin.
Day 9: Dublin
Begin your first day in Dublin exploring key cultural and historic landmarks across the city. Start at the EPIC Irish Immigration Museum to learn about Ireland’s global diaspora, then visit Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells and its historic library.
Continue to the National Gallery of Ireland before heading to Dublin Castle and the nearby Chester Beatty Library. In the afternoon, explore Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, both rich in medieval history.
Day 10: Dublin
Your second day focuses on Ireland’s political history, iconic experiences, and relaxing green spaces. Begin with a guided visit to Kilmainham Gaol to understand Ireland’s struggle for independence, then head to the Guinness Storehouse for an interactive brewery experience and panoramic city views.
Continue with a whiskey tasting at a local distillery such as Jameson or Teeling, followed by a peaceful walk through St. Stephen’s Green. Wrap up your 10 day Ireland itinerary with a memorable dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants and enjoy Dublin’s vibrant food scene.
More than 10 Day Ireland Itinerary?
If you have more than 10 days to explore Ireland, I recommend adding on these stops. You could also spend more time in Dublin.
Killarney
Add on another night or two in Killarney to visit the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel could also be visited from Limerick.
Ring of Kerry: The Ring of Kerry is a famous scenic driving loop in southwest Ireland known for its dramatic coastal views, mountains, lakes, and charming villages along the Iveragh Peninsula.
The Dingle Peninsula is another breathtaking coastal region in southwest Ireland, celebrated for its rugged landscapes, sandy beaches, ancient sites, and vibrant Gaelic culture, especially around the town of Dingle.
Rock of Cashel: The Rock of Cashel is a dramatic historic complex of medieval buildings perched on a limestone hill, once the traditional seat of the kings of Munster and now one of Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites.
Skellig Michael: Skellig Michael is a remote, UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved early Christian monastery perched high on a rocky island and its dramatic Atlantic Ocean setting.
Northern Ireland
This 10 day Ireland itinerary does not spend any time exploring Northern Ireland. If you have the time, spend a couple more days exploring this part of Ireland.
Belfast: Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, known for its rich industrial history, the Titanic Quarter, vibrant cultural scene, and significant role in the history of the Troubles.
Giant’s Causeway: The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of thousands of interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity, creating one of Ireland’s most unique coastal landscapes.
Final Thoughts on 10 Day Ireland Itinerary
This 10 day Ireland itinerary shows you some of the highlights of this amazing country. It can also be paired with a trip to London and the United Kingdom or Iceland. Even just a quick weekend trip to Dublin can make for a fun introduction to Ireland.
