Ireland is one of those places that feels like a storybook come to life. Rolling green hills, cosy pubs alive with laughter, windswept cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea — it’s no wonder it’s called the Emerald Isle. But beyond the scenery, what makes Ireland unforgettable is its character. This is a land of myths and legends, of music and poetry, and of people who’ll make you feel like an old friend within minutes of arriving.
This Ireland itinerary takes you from Dublin’s lively streets to the wild beauty of Cork, Kerry and Clare. Along the way, you’ll uncover history, landscapes and culture that will make you fall head over heels for Ireland.
Dublin: Warm Welcomes and Living History
Start your adventure in Dublin, the beating heart of Ireland. The city blends old and new in a way that’s endlessly charming. On one street, you’ll find Georgian townhouses and cobbled alleys; on the next, vibrant street art and modern cafés buzzing with life.
Spend a morning exploring Trinity College’s Old Library, where the famous Book of Kells is housed among towering shelves of ancient manuscripts. Wander down Grafton Street for shopping and street performers, or dive into the history of the 1916 Easter Rising at the General Post Office.
Of course, no visit to Dublin is complete without soaking up the craic in one of its pubs. Whether you’re sipping a pint of Guinness in the Temple Bar district or enjoying live folk music in a tucked-away tavern, the city’s spirit is best experienced with a drink in hand and locals singing along around you.
County Kildare: Horses and Heritage
Before heading west, make a stop in County Kildare, home to the Irish National Stud and Gardens. This is where some of the country’s most famous racehorses are bred and trained, and walking the grounds gives you a fascinating insight into Ireland’s deep connection with horse racing. The surrounding gardens are beautifully serene — a peaceful pause before hitting the road.
County Cork: Coastlines and Character
From here, travel into County Cork, where colourful fishing villages and rugged coastlines showcase Ireland’s charm. Stop in Cobh, the Titanic’s last port of call, or wander the streets of Kinsale, a harbour town famous for its bright-painted houses and gourmet food scene.
Cork city itself hums with creativity — visit the English Market for artisanal cheeses, smoked salmon, and buttery soda bread, or simply wander the lanes, popping into traditional pubs where the storytelling is just as rich as the stout.
The Ring of Kerry: Ireland’s Most Scenic Drive
Few drives compare to the Ring of Kerry, a circular route that winds past glacial lakes, windswept moors and dramatic coastal cliffs. Every bend reveals another postcard-worthy scene — sheep-dotted hills, ruined castles, and tiny villages where time seems to stand still.
One of the highlights is a view of the Skellig Islands, jagged outcrops rising from the Atlantic. Remote and dramatic, they’re now famous for their role in the Star Wars films, but their history stretches back centuries to when monks built stone beehive huts on the islands.
Take your time on this drive — it’s not about rushing, but about soaking up Ireland’s wild beauty. Stop for seafood chowder in a local pub, hike along the coast, or simply pull over and breathe in the salty Atlantic air.
County Clare: Cliffs, Burren and Ancient Legends
Your journey continues north to County Clare, a region rich with both natural wonders and folklore. The Cliffs of Moher are the showstopper here, soaring 214 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. Standing at the edge, with waves crashing below and seabirds wheeling overhead, is one of those goosebump-inducing moments that will stay with you forever.
Not far away lies the Burren, a landscape unlike anywhere else in Ireland. Its limestone “moonscape” is dotted with wildflowers, caves and ancient tombs, making it both eerie and enchanting. Walking here feels like stepping into another world, where legends of fairies and spirits don’t seem far-fetched at all.
In Clare’s towns and villages, you’ll also find traditional music spilling from pubs, artisan chocolatiers perfecting their craft, and lace-makers keeping age-old traditions alive. It’s this mix of landscapes, legends and local crafts that makes Clare such a captivating part of the trip.
Why Ireland Stays With You
An Ireland road trip isn’t just about the places you see — it’s about the people you meet and the stories you collect. From Dublin’s buzzing pubs to the remote beauty of Kerry, from Clare’s dramatic cliffs to Cork’s colourful harbour towns, every stop adds a new chapter to your adventure.
And at the heart of it all is the legendary Irish hospitality — warm, witty and welcoming. You’ll leave not just with photos of stunning landscapes, but with memories of laughter, music, and maybe even a new favourite whiskey.
At Journeys Made, we believe these kinds of adventures should be remembered forever. That’s why we create handcrafted travel keyrings with engraved tokens for each destination. Whether it’s Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, or the Ring of Kerry, you can carry a piece of Ireland with you wherever life takes you.