14-Day Ireland Itinerary: Two Weeks Across the Whole Island
Two weeks is the sweet spot for Ireland. It gives you enough time to drive the Wild Atlantic Way without rushing, linger in a Kerry pub until closing, and still catch Belfast’s Titanic Quarter before flying home. This 14 day Ireland itinerary loops the island clockwise — Dublin first, then south to Cork and Kerry, up the west coast to Connemara and Galway, north to Donegal and the Causeway Coast, and finally Belfast. Every day has a realistic driving distance and a concrete place to sleep.
Before you leave, read our driving in Ireland guide — left-hand traffic and narrow country lanes catch many visitors off guard.
Days 1–2: Dublin
Fly in, drop your bags, and resist the urge to pack every Dublin sight into one afternoon. Two nights is enough for the essentials: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, a pint at a traditional pub on Dame Street, and an hour at the Guinness Storehouse. On day two, take the DART south to Killiney or north to Howth for fresh air and sea views.
Stay central to save time. Browse options at where to stay in Dublin — everything from luxury hotels on St Stephen’s Green to hostels in Dublin near Temple Bar.
Days 3–4: Kilkenny & Wicklow
Head south-west to Kilkenny — Ireland’s most intact medieval city. Walk the castle grounds, duck into the Design Ireland shop in the castle stables, and eat at one of the restaurants along High Street. Overnight here before cutting across County Wicklow on your way back north.
The Wicklow Mountains National Park deserves at least half a day: Glendalough’s monastic ruins sit in a glacial valley that stops most people in their tracks. See County Wicklow accommodation for guesthouses and B&Bs close to the trails.
Days 5–6: Cork & Kinsale
Cork city is compact, confident, and very food-focused. The English Market is essential, and the craft beer scene around the city centre rivals anywhere in Ireland. One night here, then drive the short distance south to Kinsale — a harbour town of brightly painted houses that punches well above its size for restaurants.
Find a room at where to stay in Cork or settle into something smaller at where to stay in Kinsale.
Days 7–8: Ring of Kerry & Killarney
This is the section most visitors put on their must-do list. The Ring of Kerry is a 179 km loop — do it anticlockwise in the morning to avoid tour coaches. Highlights include Ladies View above the Killarney lakes, the village of Sneem, and the clifftop road above Waterville. If you can squeeze in a boat trip to Skellig Michael, book well in advance — spaces fill up months ahead.
Base yourself in Killarney for two nights. Where to stay in Killarney covers everything from town-centre hotels to lakeside lodges. For spa breaks, spa hotels in Kerry have some of the best rural retreats in the country.
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Days 9–10: Dingle Peninsula & County Clare
The Dingle Peninsula is narrower and quieter than the Ring of Kerry, and many travellers rate it higher. Drive the Slea Head loop past the Gallarus Oratory and Iron Age forts, then reward yourself with fish and chips on the harbour in Dingle town. Overnight in Dingle, then drive north through Tralee and across the Shannon ferry to County Clare.
Clare deserves a full day. Walk the Cliffs of Moher at dawn before the car parks fill, then drive The Burren — a limestone karst landscape unlike anywhere else in Ireland. County Clare accommodation has solid options in Ennis, Doolin, and Lahinch.
Days 11–12: Galway & Connemara
Galway is the liveliest city on the west coast. Shop Quay Street, catch a session in one of the trad pubs, and eat well — the food scene has grown enormously in recent years. One full day here, then west into Connemara.
Connemara is bog, mountain, and silver light. Drive to Clifden via the Sky Road, stop at Kylemore Abbey, and consider a detour to the Aran Islands by ferry from Rossaveel. Stay in a cottage in Connemara if you want the full experience. More options at County Galway accommodation and where to stay in Clifden.
Days 13–14: Donegal & Belfast
The final stretch takes you north into Donegal — wilder and less visited than most of the west coast. Slieve League cliffs are three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher and far less crowded. Drive through Glenveagh National Park and overnight in Donegal town or Bundoran. See Donegal accommodation for the full range.
On day fourteen, drive east to Belfast. The Causeway Coast is a worthy detour: the Giant’s Causeway is genuinely strange and worth an hour even in rain. Spend a final night in Belfast — the Titanic Quarter is well served by hotels — before flying home from Belfast International or driving back to Dublin.
Practical Notes
Car hire: A mid-size car with unlimited mileage is the standard choice. Book in advance for summer travel. Read our travel insurance and car hire guide before you confirm.
Accommodation types: This itinerary mixes city hotels with bed and breakfasts, Irish cottages, and the occasional castle hotel. Booking flexibility matters — self-catering properties suit families who want a base for two or three nights without moving every day.
When to book: Demand peaks from June to August and again around bank holiday weekends. If you are travelling in July or August, book accommodation at least three months ahead — Kerry and Connemara properties fill early. January to March is the quietest period and often the best value, though some rural guesthouses close seasonally.
Getting around: Nearly all of this route requires a car. See getting around Ireland for transport options and getting to Ireland for ferry and flight routes.
FAQ
Is 14 days enough to see all of Ireland? Fourteen days lets you cover the main highlights of both the Republic and Northern Ireland without feeling rushed. You will not see everything — no two-week trip can — but you will get a genuine feel for the landscape, the cities, and the slower pace of rural life.
How much driving is involved in this 14-day Ireland itinerary? Total driving is roughly 1,800–2,000 km depending on detours. Most days involve two to three hours behind the wheel, split around sightseeing stops. The longest single day is the Donegal-to-Belfast stretch at around 200 km. Consult our driving in Ireland page for road conditions and fuel tips.
Should I hire a car or use public transport? For a two-week loop of the full island, a hire car is strongly recommended. Rural bus services in Kerry, Connemara, and Donegal are infrequent. City legs — Dublin and Belfast — are walkable and well served by public transport, so you can leave the car at the hotel on those days.
Related: 7-day Ireland itinerary · West coast Ireland itinerary · Where to stay in Ireland