Last Updated on the 10th of April, 2024
After all the road trips we’ve done in Ireland this year, exploring a naturally fertile southwest laden with stunning scenery is the one to take the prize. Firstly, it was because we were finally allowed to travel within the country. Second, the opportunity to devote our time to exploring Ireland’s Southwest corner. where we took photographs of beautiful castles, jumped off rocks, enjoyed comfortable silences and had meaningful conversations that were unforgettable.
We had an array of conditions in our time spent outdoors including plenty of rain showers, powerful surf, and moody light; it was enough to be outdoors, every sunrise and every trip didn’t have to be perfect.
I will never forget waking up just before sunrise and seeing a new day begin. I will always remember family dinners consumed while sitting on the campervan floor and listening to the rhythmic tapping of the rain. I will never forget staying up late and watching the stars shine bright.
Yes, we have been to the southwest part more times than I can count, but the trip as a family of three was just a matter of time. Travelling with a campervan was such a convenient way to explore Ireland; nothing like having everything you need in one place to go where your heart desires.
An amazing 2-week itinerary through Ireland’s Southwest
If you have found yourself reading this blog post, you must be planning a road trip around Ireland! This particular route will point you in the right direction. Still, you can feel free to make your schedule and modify our itinerary to suit your needs and budget.
Do you have two weeks to spare, and are you looking for an epic itinerary for your wild Irish adventure? Why not devote your time to this simple yet insanely adventurous trip around the southern part of the island where some of the best Irish attractions and sights are located?
This road trip itinerary takes you in a clockwise direction starting in Dublin and ending in Dingle and includes many popular tourist attractions as well as lesser-known places. However, if you are fortunate enough to have more than two weeks, you can even push further up the coast and include the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and Sligo, from where the driving distance back to Dublin is only 200 km.
Read More: A Short Guide To Visiting Clare Island in Couty Mayo, Ireland
Day 1-2: Begin your trip by arriving in Dublin
Most of the travellers from overseas usually arrive in Ireland through Dublin Airport where they rent a car and head off to explore the beautiful countryside, Ireland is famous for.
Alternatively, it’s possible to extend your trip by flying into Belfast Airport located in Northern Ireland or shorten it by flying into Shannon Airport situated in County Clare. Always check Skyscanner for affordable flights.
No trip to Ireland can be complete without visiting the infamous city of Dublin, drinking a pint of Guinness in a dimly lit pub, and visiting some of its classic tourist attractions.
You can spend as much time as you desire in Ireland’s capital, but we wouldn’t suggest more than 1-2 nights. First – the accommodation costs in Dublin are sky-high, and if you are on a tight budget, then it’s wiser to reduce your time in the city. Second – the most beautiful places in Ireland, whether you are keen on seeing Killarney’s pristine lakes or the staggering Cliffs of Moher, are located outside of the city.
Noteworthy things to do in Dublin: Trinity College and the Book of Kells | The Guinness Storehouse | Dublin Castle | Jameson Distillery | Pheonix Park | Temple Bar | St. Patrick’s Cathedral | Ha’penny Bridge | Christ Church Cathedral
Read More: Your Guide To Exploring Burren National Park In County Clare, Ireland
Day 3: Travel to Cork via Cashel
Make an early start for a drive to Ireland’s second-largest city Cork, stopping along the way to stretch your legs and admire the beautiful Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel – also known as St Patrick’s Rock or Cashel of the Kings is located in the town of Cashel and once used to serve as a fortress for the kings of Munster until it was donated to the church.
The spectacular site, set on the outcrop of limestone, is open all year round and in the surrounding gravesites, you’ll be able to find many beautiful high crosses as well as admire fantastic views of the countryside which is part of the Golden Vale region.
You can visit the Rock of Cashel for free on the first Wednesday of each month. Otherwise, the entry is €8.00 for an adult. A word of warning for photographers – you are not allowed to use drones at the national sights in Ireland.
Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: 11 Fun Things To Do in Beautiful Galway City
Day 4: Explore Cork City and visit Cobh
Once you arrive at one of Ireland’s oldest cities that are full of charm and plenty of tourist attractions to keep you busy for days, make it your base to explore Blarney Castle and to visit Cobh (pronounced Cove) – the last port of call for Titanic or meet the various animals at Fota Wildlife Park.
You’ll love the fact that most attractions are within a short walk from each other and that’s why walking is the best way to see the city.
One of Europe’s best-known vegetarian restaurants Café Paradiso is located in Cork and if you need a break from Guinness, you’ll be pleased to indulge in its craft beer scene started by Beamish and Murphy’s.
You can also visit the 18th-century market, which is Ireland best best-known covered food market, and taste local produce. Smoked fish, artisan cheeses, and handcrafted chocolates are just a few things you’ll find amongst the well-stacked stalls.
Top sights to see in Cork City: The English Market | Patrick’s Hill | St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral | Fitzgerald Park | St. Anne’s Church | Cork City Gaol | Crawford Art Gallery
Read More: A Local’s Guide To Visiting Iconic Kylemore Abbey In Connemara
Day 5-6: Drive to Mizen Head
Leave Cork early for yet another exciting day ahead as you’ll be heading to Ireland’s most southerly point Mizen Head, located in County Cork.
If you are short on time, then the fastest route to reach the visitor’s centre and to see the dramatic cliffs is to travel via R 586. The distance is 124 kilometres, and it can take up to 2 hours to reach the edge of Europe. Still, you’ll miss out on seeing some of Ireland’s most beautiful villages, barren landscapes, and miles of rugged coastline.
Located about 26 km southwest of the town of Schull and connected to the mainland by an arched bridge, Mizen Head is Ireland’s most southwesterly point, in addition to awe-inspiring views you can often see dolphins, seals and humpback whales splashing in the waters below.
Positioned atop a high cliff is the Mizen Heads Visitors Centre is a fantastic place to visit. There’s an extensive exhibit of maritime artefacts, a navigational aid simulator, and a wildlife photo collage. You can even have a peek inside the station keeper’s quarters.
- What to pack: Given its coastal location, the site is exposed to natural elements and can often feel breezy and chilly. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Wear light layers, and comfortable trail shoos that work well for the trails.
- Entrance fees: Adult: €7.50, senior and students €6, children: €4.50, a child under 5: fee and family: €25
- Things to know: Parking is free of charge and there is a lovely cafe and a gift shop on-site too.
Read More: Sligo Travel Guide: 8 Best Things To Do In Mullaghmore Village
Day 7: Explore Beara Peninsula
Less famous than the nearby peninsulas of Kerry and Dingle, Beara Peninsula is scattered with plenty of pretty villages and numerous exciting attractions.
Located in Ireland’s Southwest the rugged peninsula sweeps across two counties, and the best way to uncover its sights is to follow the 92-mile-long Ring of Beara route.
As the peninsula’s small winding roads are too narrow for the large tourist buses, it’s often referred to as Ireland’s best-kept secrets. It’s a haven away from the well-trodden tourist trail where along the way, you can stop at the colourful village of Eyeries, walk through Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve and take a boat to Garnish Island.
Another place worth visiting on the peninsula is the twisting and turning Healey Pass that winds north through high mountain peaks formed during the Ice Age, around 115,000 BC. Located at an elevation of 334m and created in 1847 during the famine years in order to help prevent starvation, Healey Pass is one of Ireland’s greatest drives.
Top sights on the peninsula: Garnish Island | Dunboy Castle | Healey Pass | Allihies | Dursey Island | Gleninchaquin Park | Derreenataggart Stone Circle
Read More: How To Visit Glenveagh National Park In County Donegal: The Ultimate Guide
Day 8-9 Drive the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry, a trendy 179 km circular route cutting through the countryside, national parks, and valleys, takes you on a fascinating road trip around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry.
You can quickly complete the scenic circuit within three to four hours, but in all honesty, you’ll be mad to go at such a rapid speed.
One hundred eleven miles might not be that much to drive by American standards but don’t underestimate its narrow roads packed with lots of attractions, tour buses, and other travellers. The most popular place to start the loop is Killarney and if you are on a self-drive adventure, try to go in counter-clockwise to avoid the traffic with the coach buses travelling in the other direction.
Skelling Micheal is one of the main attractions along its scenic route. The popularity of Skelling Michael hugely increased after the scenes for two of the Star Wars movies were filmed on the island.
A trip to Ireland’s UNESCO site, located 12 km off the Kerry coast offers visitors an opportunity to visit the 6th-century monastic site sitting 200 m above sea level. Sadly, to guarantee passenger safety, the Office of Public Works decided to close access to the site for the year, and we didn’t get a chance to see it.
Top places to see on the drive: Killarney National Park | Torc Waterfall | Gap of Dunloe | Glenbeigh | Ring Fort Portmagee | Moll’s Gap
Day 10: Explore Killarney National Park
Ireland’s oldest national park is located in County Kerry and many people from all over the world flock to this scenic location to enjoy a blend of lakes, woodlands, mountains, and castles. Due to the quality and high ecological diversity Killarney National Park, which is also home to the tallest mountain range in Ireland and the only herd of native red deer, was deemed a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981.
Killarney is famous for its lakes that are surrounded by rugged mountains and within its 4,300 hectares, you’ll find a wide variety of wild birds, mammals and reptiles. Keep your eyes open for the Kerry slugs, the Downy emerald dragonflies and the Purple hairstreak butterflies.
Top sights to see in the park: Ross Castle | Killarney Lakes | Muckross House | Torc Waterfall
Day 11-12: Discover the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula
Finish your Southwest road trip with a visit to the rugged Dingle Peninsula, situated in County Kerry.
Make an early start and travel via R561 onwards Ireland’s most scenic peninsula where the highest road in Ireland known as Conor’s Pass is located. The Dingle Peninsula is an excellent spot if you love outdoor adventure and if you are a keen landscape photographer, you’ll be spoiled for scenic views too. Dingle Peninsula is a great option to add to your southwest road trip itinerary as there is plenty of opportunities to explore the rural side of the country.
Slea Head Drive, a very scenic 30-mile loop drive that can be found on the far western end, is one of the best parts of the peninsula, and depending on how long you plan on stopping, can take anywhere from half a day to a couple of days to drive. Keep in mind, the roads are narrow and curvy and you have to drive on the left side.
A collection of beehive huts, Star Wars filming sights, historical churches, scenic beaches, forts and old cottages abandoned 165 years ago during the famine are just a few things you’ll be able to see along the way. Dingle Town, Tralee and Killarney are all great places to base yourself on the peninsula if you plan an overnight stay.
Top places to see: Dunquin Pier | Slea Head Drive | Connor’s Pass | Dingle Town | Inch Beach | Mount Brandon | Great Blasket Island | Dingle Whiskey Distillery
Day 14: Head back to Dublin Airport
Unfortunately, at one point or another, your great Irish road trip has to come to an end. You can choose to drive back to Dublin and fly out from Dublin Airport, or you can travel to Shannon and fly out from Shannon Airport (SNN).
While it is tempting to use the last day of a trip simply to soak up a few last vacation vibes and blow off the responsibilities awaiting us at home, it’s wiser to be prepared for your flight back home. Make sure you don’t over-schedule and try to avoid packing in a frenzy right before you leave.
Here are a few tips you can use to escape the last day of vacation blues:
- Charge your phone and other electronics
- Stock up on in-flight entertainment and snacks
- Find your travel documents
- Get ahead of stuff to do at home
- Take the day off after your trip
- Start packing before your trip is over
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Now, over to you!
Have you ever visited Ireland’s southwest? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are plotting an Irish adventure and have travel-related questions!
OUR CROSSINGS 
Traveling with a campervan I think is a wonderful experience! Can really enjoy the landscape and nature at its best 😍
Beautiful and very well done itinerary! I wish one day I’ll be able to visit it 😉
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Thank you very much! Discovering the scenic splendour of southwest Ireland and stopping at historic castles and colourful villages were one of the best road trips ever. The time just flew by and on the way back home we even stopped to walk the dramatic clifftop trails of the Cliffs of Moher. Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva
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I saw in pictures the Cliffs of Moher and are spectacular 😍 And me, that I’m dreaming to a home by the sea but on a cliff 🤪 Wonderful trip 😉
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A pint of Guinness in an Irish pub is something my husband dreams of. Maybe one day we’ll get there ☘️
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The trip gave us relief from the world and lots of crazy stuff going on right now. We had a blast trekking to Torc Waterfall, stopping in the lively town of Killarney and exploring the lunar limestone landscape of The Burren. Unfortunately, most of the pubs were closed due to the coronavirus and we didn’t get to sample the seafood or beer. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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I’ve only been to Ireland once (2008) and unfortunately didn’t get to explore the Southwest part. But after reading your descriptions of the itinerary you mapped out, I can’t wait to get there!
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We’ve been living in Ireland for nearly two decades and this was the first time we properly exploring the Southwest part. Strolling the vast stretch of Inch Beach in Dingle, watching the local surfers catch waves and roast marshmallows made us fall in love with Dingle Peninsula. Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva
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Never been overseas but this blog is so great. Southwest Ireland looks so beautiful and your advice will help many a traveler, I’m sure. Driving on the left side of the road would scare the heck out of me…!
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Whenever anyone asks me what towns they should visit when travelling to Ireland, I always tell them to make Dingle a priority. While it takes a bit of effort to get there (it’s a four-hour drive from Galway and Dublin), it’s so, so worth it. As for the driving part – it might sound intimidating but trust me: driving on the left will feel like second nature after a few days of cruising along the coast. Thanks for reading, Pam, and have a good day. Aiva
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OK. Now I am sad that our travel is so limited. We have been to all the places on your trip (except Mizen Head, Skellig and Dingle Peninsula) some of them several times. Always so much to see and explore. I am keenly interested in Mizen Head now. What a happy 2 week family vacation, sunrises, rain, stars and all. Thanks for sharing Aiva. Wishing you and your family a great week. Oh, and as to the Guinness, although we can get it over here, it is, as the Irish say, Shite. Nothing like Guinness in the country it comes from
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Thanks so much for stopping by and reading, Allan. Unfortunately, we can’t run our lives on the same tracks as we used to before the COVID, but it also doesn’t mean that we can’t try to make the most of what we are given. Living in a survival mode on top of each other for months on end thought me to embrace, not resist, this ‘new normal’ for the time being. And being able to travel around Ireland was such an eye-opener. Seeing how people live in rural towns along the coast, attending to livestock day in day out, reminded me that nothing lasts forever. Even the pandemic.
As for the Guinness – an international taste study found that Guinness does, in fact, taste better in its homeland of Ireland. Maybe Guinness does not travel well!
The sun is shining again in Sligo and it’s a big day for us because today is Ericeiras first day at preschool! My voice completely choked up as I said goodbye to her at school. Have a good day. Aiva
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We have to find our excitement where we can. It is not that we can’t do stuff, we just have to do stuff differently.
Unfortunately, Guinness is made under license over here. I think Fosters is the local maker. They can’t touch the taste of Irish Guinness on tap in any Irish pub. I just don’t drink it here.
Wow, that takes me back 30 years, since our oldest started preschool. Hope Ericeira and your household stay safe. Sunny and 20 here today as we say goodbye to our neighbours of 29 years.
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Wow, I’ve never been to Ireland and I definitely don’t have 2 weeks off work right now, but I can’t wait to have them, go back to your post and explore everything you’re talking about! Not only the places you describe seem (and look) gorgeous, traveling in a campervan with your loved ones must be an incredible experience! Thanks for sharing yours 😍
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Hi, Juliette, how are you doing?
Travelling in a campervan is so much fun, plus it was a great way to avoid crowded places and we didn’t have to worry about social distancing or where we gonna eat. Two weeks was just enough time to explore Ireland’s southwest, but as always we desired to stay for more. I hope you get to explore Ireland one day, gives us a shout if you are ever in Sligo. I would be delighted to meet you. Have a good day and thanks for reading! Aiva
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Awesome post! Super detailed, there was so much to learn!
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Thanks for reading. We were delighted to explore more of Ireland this summer and learn about culture and traditions. Have a good day. Aiva
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This is a great itinerary. I haven’t been to Ireland for many years and didn’t get to many of these places. I’d love to take this road trip. Hopefully in the not too distant future…
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The coastline of the South West is a meandering mix of inlets, coves and peninsulas, so there is plenty of opportunity for cliff-top walks and rambles. Inland, the landscape is more mountainous and if you visit County Kerry, that’s where you’ll find Irelands highest peak Carrauntoohil! We didn’t get to climb it due to the bad weather conditions, but as we are not travelling abroad any time soon, we can always return. Thanks for still reading our travel blog and have a good day. Aiva
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Sounds a good way to spend 2 weeks, Aiva 🙂 🙂
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Hi, Joe, how are you doing?
With everything that’s going on in the world right now, it would be foolish to travel overseas. We decided to explore Ireland and visit places we’ve never been to as a family of three. We had proper Irish weather throughout the trip, but we had fun spending time together. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Yesterday was Ericeiras first day at preschool. She was very excited, I was emotional: watching her walk through the school doors made me tear up.
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You never get the time back again so if you can spend it with your little one you are very lucky, Aiva. Kids need other kids to develop but it’s hard to let them go, isn’t it? 🤗💕
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I know, Joe! At least she was excited to start the school and wasn’t clinging to my arm. Have a good day
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So you got to Kerry 😊 thanks for the write up, we are probably going to go via Dublin so its interesting to see a few places to stop on the way there. Campervan sounds like an amazing way to travel around Ireland, so many amazing places to stop 😍
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It’s been years since our last trip to Kerry and this time our main goal was to finally visit the Torc Waterfall. Due to the COVID, we were seeking to explore lesser know places and tried to avoid bigger cities and towns. Killarney Town was packed to the brim with people so we opted to skip it altogether and only caught a glimpse of it through the car window.
Travelling with a campervan is such a great experience. It isn’t without its challenges and that’s what makes it so rewarding. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Yeah, its crazy busy at the minute, we have taken a bit of time off work, and trying to accommodation is difficult. We didn’t even know Torc Waterfall existed… another one for our ever-growing list of places to visit!
We know a few people who have converted vans to travel around in and hope in a few years to have the time to do something like that. It’s all part of the experience I imagine!
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Sweet picture at Rock of Cashel/Hore Abbey! I am longing to get back to Ireland! Nice post.
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Thank you very much. The Rock of Cashel was a huge draw for us; it is an amazing place with incredibly well-preserved carvings and tombs. There weren’t any guided tours due to COVID and that’s why we didn’t get to pay an entrance fee, but all the staff were very knowledgable and were happy to give a short talk about the site. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day.
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Looks like you had nice weather and embarked on some great adventures on your two week road trip. I visited Killarney Provincial Park earlier this summer and when searching for things to do, if I didn’t include “provincial park” in the search, it would return posts for Killarney National Park in Ireland. Naturally I really want to visit Killarney National Park now.
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And vice versa! When I was researching what is there to do in Killarney, articles about the Killarney Provincial Park in Canada kept on popping up. I was happy to learn about the park and then a short time after, you wrote the post about it. I would love to visit Ontario one day, preferably in the autumn month, I bet it’s super scenic then! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. It’s an emotional and fun-packed week for us as Ericeira just started preschool; she’s not a baby anymore and it made me tear up!
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The fall is my favourite season in Ontario. I can’t wait to get some fall hiking in when all the leaves are changing colour. All the best as Ericeira starts preschool. They grow up so quickly. Makes you appreciate every moment, big and small. Take care.
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Your photos of Ireland are stunning! I’ve only ever visited Dublin and Cork when I went almost five years ago, but I’d love to go back and see more of the country. Mizen Head and Killarney National Park are absolutely breathtaking, and the things I’d do to see those nature spots in person! Really enjoyed your two-week itinerary for travelers who desire to visit Ireland some day, and I hope to read more similar posts like it from you soon. 🙂
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The South West is home to two of Ireland’s top tourist towns: Cork and Killarney and we were eager to see them both! If you are seeking a little culture during their time in the South-West should head to the heart of the Killarney National Park, where they will find the region’s most impressive stately home, Muckross House. The gardens were in full bloom and we finally had a chance to see the ruins of Muckross Abbey, Thanks for stopping by, Rebecca. I hope all is well. The mornings are slowly becoming darker and we are getting ready to embrace the fast-approaching autumn. Can’t wait for seasons to change. Aiva
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So many beautiful things seen in a two weeks period. The photos and names remind me of so many good times during my years in Ireland, having been there many times as from Dublin nothing is really too far for a weekend.
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Thank you very much. We had the best time exploring Ireland, watching sunsets and walking trough the blooming gardens. The Beara Peninsula, a very scenic corner that runs along Ireland’s southwest coast, between Kenmare Bay in County Kerry and Bantry Bay in County Cork, was my firm favourite. At the moment there are around 6,000 residents living on the rugged peninsula, Before the Great Famine of the 1840s, there were almost 40,000 and that’s such a huge difference! Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva
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You just mentioned Bantry Bay, I remember visiting Bantry House and passing family members on the stairs, everything is that simple in Ireland 🙂
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Bamtry House was one of the places we missed visiting on our trip around County Cork. I would love to go back in spring when Wisteria floribunda that dominates the southern aspect of the house is in full bloom. Have a good day.
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I loved travelling the West Coast of Ireland!
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We love exploring the West Coast of Ireland too. We particularly loved the remote Black Valley in County Kerry. The area was the last part of Ireland to be connected with electricity and telephone networks. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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I visited many of these places during a road trip years ago. Very impressive!
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Thank you very much! By visiting Ireland’s southwest, we ticked off many bucket list attractions and must-see sights. Inch Beach, located 14 miles east of the town of Dingle, County Kerry, was one of the highlights of the trip. We spend the night on the beach, waited up for sunset and while roasted marshmallows. Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva
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Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful Aiva! Lovely photographs and you guys look so happy and peaceful there! It is certainly a wonderful country! Love it completely!
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Thank you very much, Francisco. Southwest Ireland, which stretches from Killarney down to Dingle and to Kerry, is a spectacular landscape, with deep valleys and long stretches of road traversed only by sheep. We loved the slower pace and ability to spend quality time together as a family. The trip took us along the craggy coastline and past green farmland patches and onto quintessential coastal Irish towns. Thanks for reading and have a good day. I have a lot of catching up to do with your blog posts; Ericeira started preschool on Monday and with our new daily schedules we are trying to get everything done as efficiently as possible. Aiva
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I know you will Aiva, you are very efficient and precise, I can tell from your blog! Great work and I hope that Ericeira enjoys school! All the best!
Francisco 🙂
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What a lovely trip Aiva – you certainly saw a lot on your 2 week vacation. We were in Kerry recently and saw lots of camper vans – we are seriously considering an RV next year if Covid persists –
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Thank you very much, Marie. I am so glad we made an effort to squeeze in the Rock of Cashel and Hore Abbey. The sun was shining and we had a great time exploring the old ruins. The trip through the southwest was full of delightful sights and unexpected surprises. Seeing wildlife was one of our favourite things, we saw dolphins, seals, deer and pheasants. Thanks for reading and have a good day. Ericeira started preschool on Monday, so it’s been an emotional enough week. Aiva
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Ah … a very special week …
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It looks like a wonderful vacation, Aiva! The weather looked like it was good too. Despite my name, I haven’t visited County Kerry or the rest of the south. One day…
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the real charm of Southwest Ireland lies in the small towns. We had a great time visiting Dingle, Kinsale, Kenmare and Eyeries Village in County Cork. Spending time in Ireland, collecting stories, taking photos and making memories proved to be as rewarding as travelling overseas, minus the airfare. I hope all is well Take care. Aiva
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Glad you had a fab time – sometimes the best places are close to home. K x
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I think we did almost the same journey as you, at least we visited the same parts although we approached s.w. Ireland from Belfast, not Dublin. I remember vividly sitting on the dunes somewhere and looking to see and thinking how lucky I was to be there with someone I loved on a beautiful day. And then the rain came and the man I loved turned into a grouse (he hated rain) only assuaged when we got to Kate Kearney’s cottage and had downed a hot chocolate and two Irish coffees.
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A road trip through Ireland’s southwest part is one of the most popular routes as its steeped in history and offers some of the best tourist attractions. We had proper Irish weather throughout the trip and even after all these years living in Ireland, it stills makes me grumpy! Nevertheless, we had a great time and managed to visit many prehistoric settlements, castles, farmers markets, beaches and towns.
We never made it to Kate Kearney’s cottage but it looks like a fantastic place for traditional food, music and dancing. Something for our next trip. Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva
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Such a great post and makes me miss Ireland. Glad you three were able to get out and explore and do some traveling. Now there seems to be more I need to put on my list for my next visit to Ireland. Campervan would be so nice to do, though I have been wanting to do a bike tour through Ireland. I also need to remember Shannon Airport, I had so many issues trying to get out of Ireland from Dublin. Rookie mistake. 🙂
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If you’re looking for an adventure, then a trip through Ireland’s southwest can provide you with just that. Cork and Kerry, Ireland’s most southwesterly corner, offer an attractive combination of sea and mountain scenery; perfect for photographers, hikers and natures lovers. Just remember to bring your rain jacket and hiking boots.
We had a memorable time wandering its small roads and were pleased to adjust to a slower pace of life. Meeting friendly locals was one of my favourite parts of the trip; people find it quite natural to strike up conversations, just because you happen to be in the same place at the same time. Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva
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So many beautiful sights to see in Ireland. This road trip looks amazing.
“While it is tempting to use the last day of a trip simply to soak up a few last vacation vibes and blow off the responsibilities awaiting us at home, it’s wiser to be prepared for your flight back home. Make sure you don’t over-schedule and try to avoid packing in a frenzy right before you leave.” – Great advice. I couldn’t agree more. Sad as it is, getting to and from is part of the travel and must be anticipated and planned for.
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Believe it or not but the departure days are my favourite parts of the trip; either I’m coming home or going to a different country. Not being prepared can so easily sabotage your whole trip and instead of returning home at peace, you’ll be exhausted, defeated and irritable. Anyone can avoid the seven-day trap: three days impatient to be relaxed already, two days actually being relaxed, and then two final days of dread before going back to work? Habits of the mind aren’t easy to break in a few days, it took me a solid decade of travelling to appreciate every aspect of it, from packing and organising to booking and departing. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Aiva, I still can’t get over what an insanely beautiful country you live in. I’m happy that you’ve taken full advantage of domestic travel during this crazy time. Where/what is the first photo of the beautiful ruins? It reminds me a lot of an old abbey we saw in our travels in Brittany. Thanks for this wonderful itinerary. We are stoked to visit.
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Thank you very much, Caroline. In the first photo, you can see the ruins of Hore Abbey. Originally founded by the Benedictine order in 1266, the monastery is located near the Rock of Cashel and is open for visitors free of charge. I loved wandering through the crumbling arches and learning more about Irish history. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. We are getting ready for seasons to change Autumn is my favourite time of the year and I can’t wait to see what it’s gonna be like this year. I’m hoping for a dry and colourful fall. Aiva
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Thanks for the additional info about the ruins.
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The Torc Waterfall looks just beautiful! What an impressive part of Ireland, I look forward to visiting one day 🙂
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Torc Waterfall is located in Killarney National Park and it’s a true paradise for natures lovers. Like all waterfalls, it’s best seen after a rainfall. If you want a good viewing point of the lakes then push yourself a little further and climb the 100 or so steps immediately to the left of the waterfall to get some excellent views of the lakes. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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This trip looks amazing. I especially like the slow shutter speed image of the waterfall. Surreal.
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The Southwest contains some of Ireland’s most iconic scenery: crenellated coastlines, green fields crisscrossed by tumbledown stone walls, mist-shrouded mountains and bogs and the country’s top three peninsula drives – the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Beara.
Despite the rainy weather, we had a memorable time exploring Ireland’s southwest and can recommend it to other travellers. Thanks for stopping by and have a good weekend. Aiva
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Good to know more about the location Aiva. Thank you for the update.
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Thanks for the trip. Aside Dublin, I know close to nothing of Ireland and do wish to visit more. Someday. (Have you changed your hair colour?)
Cheers.
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Hi, Brian! There are many amazing places worth exploring in Ireland and even thou we’ve lived on the island for nearly two decades, some of those places were are surprise discovery for us. No, I haven’t been to hairdressers for years now, I suppose it’s due to the light rays. If the light rays inside the hair are refracted or diffused by an uneven inner structure, the hair will be less shiny and the colour will be less clear.
Thanks for stopping by and have a good weekend. Aiva
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Must be the light indeed. 😉
Bon week-end aussi.
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Falling in love with your amazing Irish adventures more and more! I guess we need to plan a week in Ireland once this all is over. Stay safe Aiva, Martina x x
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Hi, Martina and thanks so much. As beautiful as Ireland is, it’s still strange for me to stay in one place for such a long time. Last time I traveled was last August, imagine! I really hope things start to change next year, I miss seeing my family and friends abroad. I hope you guys are doing well 😉 Aiva xxx
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How amazing places these are. I really love to read this post😍. You’ve described it nicely. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post.
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Thank you very much. Ireland’s southwest corner is steeped in authentic Irish culture and the locals speak Irish as their first language. Famous for its stunning sea views and remote landscape, exploring Dingle, Kerry and Cork is a must for every traveller visiting Ireland. Thanks for stopping by and have a good weekend. Aiva
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This sounds and looks amazing. Someday…
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Thank you, Ali! It was such a joy to finally be on the road. We have explored Ireland from top to bottom and have yet to be disappointed by a single place! Ireland is a diverse country that offers something for everyone I hope you get to visit Ireland one day. Thanks for reading and take care. Aiva
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Wow, these photos are such a beautiful depiction of your amazing trip. Ireland looks gorgeous.. no wonder it is called the Emerald Isle. So green and peaceful.
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Thank you! In all our trips around Ireland, I’ve discovered some real gems on this beautiful emerald isle. It has so much natural beauty that it almost hurts your eyes to look at all that green! There are also so many cultural and historical sites that you must see in Ireland that it could potentially take you a lifetime! Can’t wait to go back on a road! Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva
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Wow! Truly amazing from start to finish. One of the best road trips I’ve seen. A nature blessed adventure. Thanks 🙏
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Thanks so much. It turned out to be one of the best family road trips ever. With another lockdown looping over us, I am so glad we had a chance to explore more of Ireland. Thanks for reading and I hope all is well. Take care. Aiva
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Thank you for sharing this… I have always wanted to visit Ireland and Europe… such beauty! Great itinerary 👏
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Thanks for stopping by. We had so much fun exploring Ireland over the last few months and we were glad to make many happy memories to look back in years to come. I hope all is well, take care xxx Aiva
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We have a 2 week trip planned late April into May of this year 🙂 I am very much enjoying your site – your writings are absolutely beautiful and making me very excited!
We are flying into Dublin, driving to Kilkenny for the first couple of nights then down to Cork for two nights. From there….. no concrete plans….may just see where the wind blows us. We don’t plan on going any further north than Galway – if we even make it that far. Our last two nights will be in Dublin. One thing I would very much like to do is a boat tour to see cliffs and marine life. Would especially love to see seals. Any thoughts on a good place to do this?
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