Ultimate Irish Road Trip: Summer 2025 Edition
Are you planning an Irish road trip this summer? Check out this recommended route to make the most of our stunning country.
Day 1: Dublin to Kilkenny
🏰 Highlights: Kilkenny Castle, Medieval Mile, Smithwick’s Experience
🍽️ Food Tip: Try Paris Texas Bar for a mix of Irish and southern BBQ
🛏️ Stay: Pembroke Hotel or B&B in Kilkenny city centre
Day 2: Kilkenny to Waterford via Hook Peninsula
🏞️ Detour: Visit Hook Lighthouse (one of the world’s oldest)
🏙️ In Waterford: Explore the Viking Triangle & Waterford Crystal. Don't miss Geoff's bar for the evening!
☕ Snack Stop: Momo Restaurant - local, modern Irish food
Day 3: Waterford to Kinsale (via Cork)
🍻 Optional Cork Stop: English Market, Spike Island (Cobh)
🌅 Kinsale Highlights: Colourful harbour town, Charles Fort, James's Fort, seafood
🍷 Eat: Fishy Fishy or The Black Pig
Day 4: Kinsale to Killarney (via Mizen Head)
📸 Scenic Route: Take the Wild Atlantic Way coastal roads
🏞️ Stop: Mizen Head Signal Station - dramatic cliffs & bridge
🛏️ Base: Killarney - great pubs, nightlife, and national park access
Day 5: Killarney National Park
🚣♂️ Activities: Kayak on the lakes, hike to Torc Waterfall, or cycle the Gap of Dunloe
🐎 Optional: Take a jaunting car (horse carriage) ride
Day 6: Killarney to Doolin via Cliffs of Moher
🌄 Iconic Stop: Cliffs of Moher
🎻 Evening: Live trad music in Doolin pubs
Day 7: Doolin to Galway
🏞️ Morning Drive: Through the Burren National Park
☕ Brunch: In Kinvara or Oranmore
🏙️ Explore Galway: Latin Quarter, Spanish Arch, street performers
🎶 Night: Music and craic in Tig Coili or Crane Bar
Share this article
