Ireland: The Emerald Isle in 10 Days
/Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland
Tell anyone you are thinking of visiting Ireland and there is one consistent response: rent a car and explore the island at your leisure. This is an extremely popular way to visit the island if you don’t mind driving. Simply fly into a major airport (Dublin, Cork and Shannon are the most popular) pick up a car rental, and head out to experience some of the most spectacular sites you can imagine. Remember, all those sites will be from the left-hand side of the road! It’s easy to find itineraries suggesting sites for the amount of time you have in Ireland. Some tour guides have 5 day routes around the Ireland but a full week will ensure you can get to the stunning Northern Coast.
We recently took a 10 day trip around Ireland beginning and ending in Dublin and it looked something like this…
Day 1: Powerscourt
A country estate and gardens constructed in 1741.
Day 2: Rock of Cashel
13th Century fortress ruins.
Day 3: Cliffs of Moher
Awe inspiring cliffs on the Southwest Coast of Ireland.
Day 4: Kylemore Abby
A Benedictine monastery founded in 1920.
Day 5: Castlerock
Town in Northern Ireland that is home to the Downhill Mansion and the filming of Game of Thrones.
Day 6: Giant's Causeway and Bushmills
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Whiskey Distillery.
Day 7: Belfast
Northern Ireland's Capital!
Day 8: Downpatrick
Small town south of Belfast and said to be the burial place of Ireland's beloved Saint Patrick.
Day 9: Slane Castle and High Crosses
An Irish castle with grounds that has a natural amphitheater for rock concerts and Ireland's iconic crosses.
Day 10: Dublin
Drop the car off and walk Ireland's largest city.
Have you been to Ireland? Leave a comment on your favorite sites!
* Places and Perspectives is a blog devoted to exploring topics and images that inspire the sense of place. We always welcome suggestions on places readers want to learn about and see featured on our blog.
