Get your rental car ready, because your 5-star Ireland road trip guide is here! We’re taking you on a thrilling Irish adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way. The Wild Atlantic Way is a breathtaking coastal route that stretches along the western seaboard of Ireland. It covers over 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles) of stunning coastline, weaving through picturesque villages, dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and rugged landscapes. This stunning drive is as iconic and dramatic as 101 coast of California.

For all the women who travel out there, this trip ranks an A+ for safety in my books. The Irish have this way of seeing your soul rather than your physical nature. All the rumors are true, the locals are friendly, down-to-earth, helpful and inclusive. A girlfriend and I were lucky enough to carve out a week for this adventure last July. Other than our 2 nights in Dublin, we blew like the wind as we cruised from town to town via local recommendations. The most captivating aspect of this country is the lush green landscapes all around provided by 30+ inches of rainfall a year. If you are looking for a new kind of European adventure, an Ireland road trip is a must. Check out our route below.

As you plan your voyage, it’s easy to get overwhelmed learning about all the interesting places and what they offer. This itinerary delivers a lot of diversity and will get you started in the right direction. Ireland feels like an instant best friend that you will want to visit again and again. This guide offers a concise loop with no backtracking and it starts and ends in Dublin. Be sure to leave space for the unknown and magic to unfold.

Dublin to Achill Island

Spoiler alert, our first stop leaving Dublin, Achill Island was our favorite and perhaps the most beautiful. As you plan your road trip through the Wild Atlantic Way it would be easy to cut this western corner ~ don’t do it! Here rugged cliffs meet crashing waves in a symphony of natural beauty and you can drive right onto this island with your car via bridge. After a day of driving and exploring coastal trails, retreat to The Amethyst Bar.

This local favorite is renowned for its warm hospitality and mouthwatering coastal cuisine. This is the place to be for dinner on the island, so be sure to make a reservation. If you are small group, hopefully they can squeeze you into the bar seating with less of a wait. Our seafood feast stands out as one of the freshest meals of the trip. Before or after dinner, leave at least 60 minutes of sunlight for the enchanting Keem Beach, 12 minutes up the road.

Did you know Achill Island is the stunning backdrop for the dramatic horror comedy film, The Banshees of Inisherin?

Keem Beach

Keem Beach stands as one of the most other worldly beaches I have traveled to. With its pristine golden sands, gentle waves and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder this hidden gem has earned its place among the world’s top-rated beaches. Time stood still this evening as we witnessed a pink sunset of a lifetime with curious sheep grazing and barely another soul in site. Keem’s location, in a quaint cove is perfect for soaking up sun or braving a cold plunge in the chilly Atlantic waters. We hit the jackpot this evening with the yummy dinner at Amethyst paired with a majestic beach sunset. These lovely recommendations came from the delightful folks at Lavelles Seaside House where we enjoyed a down home B&B stay. Achill Island set a high bar for the rest of our trip.

Next Up, the Cliffs of Moher

Next up, the Cliffs of Moher via the quaint towns of Westport and Leenane. As you pass through Leenane, stop at the Misunderstood Heron. This is a perfect savory lunch joint with an immaculate lookout point over the Killarney Harbour. Next, Westport offers the perfect size town to stretch the legs and soak in traditional Irish buildings. We couldn’t get enough of the colorful facades as we browsed for the perfect half pint of Guinness. Each pub has their secret formula to keeping the pipes clean for the perfect pour and the bartenders will happily tell you all about it.

The Cliffs of Moher are a huge reason I wanted to visit Ireland. I heard a friend gush about Ireland being her favorite country and the cliffs being her most memorable spot. The dramatic castle landscapes, grazing horses and rugged coastline added anticipation as we approached the famous cliffs. A true bucket list destination that is best savored at sunset. There are designated parking areas and then you have to walk to the cliffs, so be sure to plan accordingly with daylight. We did not, but a travel angel let us park behind private gates allowing for our own personal viewing area and hardly any walking. As we watched in awe, on the edge of the earth, this was a travel moment of a lifetime.

The Sleepy Leprechaun

Our wine, dine and stay options at the Cliffs of Moher did not disappoint. I highly suggest staying at The Sleepy Leprechaun B&B. The sweetest couple owns the joint and the Mr. is an incredible Italian chef serving scrumptious breakfast. For dinner, the modern Russells Seafood Bar is your spot and don’t miss McDermott’s Pub to top off the night with traditional music and dancing. Music and pub culture are huge reason I came to Ireland as well! McDermott’s had the best live music scene and the band was rocking the Irish Uilleann pipes. These pipes inflate with small bellows worn under the arm which makes them different than Scottish bagpipes. It felt like we were characters in an antiquated period piece movie.

Killarney National Park to Kinsale

On the next leg of our Ireland road trip, we traipsed through Killarney National Park on our way to Kinsale. When people ask me about this trip I tell them that Ireland is so beautiful everyday roads and national parks look the same. That being said, you don’t want to miss the hiking at Killarney National Park. There are trails of various lengths and difficulty levels, ranging from short loops that can be completed in under an hour to longer treks that take several hours or a full day. The more popular trails like the Muckross Lake Loop or the Torc Mountain Trail, typically take around 2 to 4 hours. Longer routes like the Kerry Way or the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks can take multiple days.

Foodie Paradise at The Black Pig

I am happy to report we found foodie paradise at The Black Pig in Kinsale. A charming town on the water you are not going to want to miss. If you remember nothing else from this article, make sure you get a dinner reservation here. They are located on a back street right in the heart of the village. This was by far our best meal of the trip and one of the most memorable restaurant experiences I have had in Europe, 😲. The Irish are incredibly welcoming and friendly.

The Black Pig is one of those places that lures you in with their dim amber lighting and charms you for hours. We sat at the lively bar and the friendly owner gushed about their exceptional wine list, elevated share plates and local digestivo. We made friends with our neighbors and tasty extras from the kitchen were graciously accepted. They even had Negroamaro wine from Apulia and mushroom toast, my faves. It was a night for the books and we are dreaming of a return!

Innishannon House Hotel

We opted to stay right outside of Kinsale in the countryside at the Innishannon House Hotel, which I highly recommend. This hotel is set in a beautiful period building full of old-world charm and surrounded by gardens leading down to the river. It is such a beautiful property fit for a wedding or special event. The Irish really nail the quaint B&B vibe – maybe they created the concept? The breakfast at these establishments will make any breakfast skipper a believer.

Blarney Castle & the Ardmore Cliff Walk

Over the next few days of our Ireland road trip we visited the Blarney Castle and enjoyed the Ardmore Cliff Walk. Blarney Castle is an iconic medieval fortress located near the town of Cork. Built over 600 years ago by the MacCarthy dynasty, the castle is famous for its legendary Blarney Stone. This stone is said to bestow the gift of eloquence upon those who kiss it. Be ready to wait in a long line for this kiss. The castle itself is a striking example of medieval architecture where you can visit various rooms and passageways. We also enjoyed the Blarney Castle Gardens, featuring lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and colorful floral displays. It’s the perfect place for a midday stroll.

I love incorporating nature and exercise into the flow of a trip, and The Admore Cliff Walk allows for just that. Along the way, you can admire the ancient ruins of Ardmore Cathedral and Round Tower, which date back over a thousand years. This walk is relatively easy, suitable for all skill levels, and typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. It’s the perfect outing to take in more of Ireland’s stunning coastline.

Wicklow & Back to Dublin

As we headed to Wicklow & back to Dublin, our Ireland road trip was sadly coming to an end. Our last night was spent at an enchanting B&B engulfed in nature called Clone House – Wicklow. This antique manor is surrounded by forest, geese and peacocks and run by a sweet family and their 3 friendly dogs. Don’t miss the freshly baked scones and tea in the morning. This is the perfect place to unwind, catch up on reading and take a digital detox.

To note, Cork has an airport that you can fly in or out of. We opted to return to Dublin as the flights were better for us and we wanted to check out the cool beaches just south of Dublin called Greystones and Brey. Bekah and I have followed The Happy Pear culinary twins for years. I was delighted to try their casual restaurant in Greystones called ‘The Happy Pear’ for some vibrant vegan eats. Sometimes it is the little things and connecting dots that make for fond memories.

Bon Voyage

We wish you bon voyage on your 5-star Ireland road trip! Many people told me that Ireland is expensive and they don’t know what someone like me is going to eat there. I found Ireland moderately priced and suited for various budgets + healthy food options available. If this country sparks your curiosity, this is your sign to go. Prepare for a nature-forward trip and diverse weather patterns that can bring rain during the summer.

The picturesque Wild Atlantic Way and the kindest locals await you. From the surreal shores of Achill Island to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, every stop promises awe-inspiring scenery and special moments. Indulge in mouthwatering cuisine at local gems like The Amethyst Bar and highly curated menus like The Black Pig. As you traverse the country’s charming towns and breathtaking landscapes, let the spirit of adventure guide you on this unique journey. We cannot wait to hear about where you go, what you eat and where you have your favorite pint of Guinness. Mine is at an epic pub in Dublin called Searsons…just brilliant!

See you on the left side of the road,

Rach

PS ~ We are lovers of summer Euro road trips and we have mapped out Apulia for you, check it out here!