2 Week Ireland Road Trip Itinerary for Families

From the serene lakes of Glendalough to the dramatic cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way, our 20-day Irish adventure promises to unveil the soul of the Emerald Isle. Beginning with a ferry arrival at Rosslare or a flight to Dublin and winding through the Garden of Ireland, this carefully crafted itinerary weaves together Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes, ancient heritage sites, and vibrant cultural experiences.

Days 1-2: Arrival and Wicklow’s Garden of Ireland (Glendalough)

Our Irish odyssey begins with a scenic ferry arrival at Rosslare, Ireland’s southeastern gateway. The journey northward through Counties Wexford and Wicklow reveals Ireland’s diverse landscapes, from coastal beauty to mountain wilderness.

Settle into the mystical valley of Glendalough, the “Valley of the Two Lakes,” where 6th-century monastic ruins create one of Ireland’s most atmospheric sites. Founded by St. Kevin, this ancient monastery with its iconic Round Tower stands reflected in pristine glacial lakes, surrounded by the rolling Wicklow Mountains.

Recommended Activities:

• Explore the world-famous Monastic Site with its perfectly preserved Round Tower
• Walk the peaceful paths around the Lower and Upper Lakes
• Hike the Derrybawn Woodland Trail (8km) to Poulanass Waterfall
• Take the challenging Spinc Loop for spectacular mountain and lake views
• Spot red deer roaming through Wicklow Mountains National Park
• Visit Powerscourt Gardens, one of Ireland’s most magnificent formal gardens

En Route Discoveries:

• Stop in medieval Wexford town to explore Viking heritage
• Drive the scenic coastal route through Wicklow town
• Relax at golden Brittas Bay beach with its spectacular sand dunes
• Browse Avoca Village, famous for handweavers and “Ballykissangel” filming
• Experience the wild beauty of Sally Gap on the scenic Military Road

Days 3-4: Medieval Beginnings in Kilkenny (Cahir)

The next stop is Kilkenny, where the imposing Kilkenny Castle stands as a testament to Norman power. Explore the castle’s magnificent galleries and stroll through the medieval city’s narrow cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the Kilkenny Design Centre for authentic Irish crafts and the historic St. Canice’s Cathedral with its round tower offering panoramic views.

From your base in Cahir, venture to the town’s own Cahir Castle, one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles, dramatically positioned on a rocky island in the River Suir.

Recommended Activities:

• Take a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle’s State Apartments
• Walk the Medieval Mile trail through Kilkenny’s historic heart
• Visit the Smithwick’s Experience brewery tour
• Explore Cahir Castle and its ancient defensive walls

Days 5-6: Coastal Beauty and Ancient Mysteries (Top of the Rock)

Journey to the charming fishing village of Kinsale, renowned for its colorful houses, gourmet food scene, and maritime heritage. The town’s star-shaped fortress, Charles Fort, offers stunning harbor views and fascinating military history.

Experience Ireland’s ancient past at the Drombeg Stone Circle, a Bronze Age monument perfectly aligned with the winter solstice sunset. The mystical atmosphere of these standing stones connects you directly to Ireland’s Celtic heritage.

Continue to Glengarriff Wood Nature Reserve, where subtropical plants thrive in Ireland’s Gulf Stream-warmed microclimate. The scenic Beara Peninsula drive reveals some of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal scenery.

Recommended Activities:

• Food tour through Kinsale’s acclaimed restaurants
• Boat trip around Kinsale Harbor
• Sunrise or sunset meditation at Drombeg Stone Circle
• Nature walk through Glengarriff’s rare oak woodlands
• Drive the Healy Pass for breathtaking mountain and coastal views

Days 7-8: Killarney’s Natural Wonders (Black Dog Farm)

Killarney National Park showcases Ireland at its most spectacular. The park’s three lakes, ancient oak forests, and towering mountains create a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Take a traditional jaunting car ride or cycle through the park’s scenic trails.

The legendary Ring of Kerry offers one of the world’s most beautiful drives, winding through charming villages, pristine beaches, and mountain passes. Each turn reveals another postcard-perfect vista of Ireland’s southwestern coast.

Don’t miss the otherworldly Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site where early Christian monks built a monastery on dramatic rocky pinnacles rising from the Atlantic. The boat journey itself is an adventure, with opportunities to spot puffins, gannets, and seals.

Recommended Activities:

• Hike to Torc Waterfall and Ladies View viewpoint
• Boat cruise on the Lakes of Killarney
• Take a scenic helicopter flight over the Ring of Kerry
• Book a Skellig Michael boat tour (weather permitting)
• Visit the Kerry Bog Village Museum

Day 9: Dingle Peninsula Magic (Black Dog Farm)

The Dingle Peninsula captivates with its Irish-speaking communities, archaeological treasures, and stunning coastal scenery. Dingle town pulses with traditional Irish music, colorful pubs, and artisan shops. The peninsula boasts over 2,000 archaeological sites, including the famous beehive huts of Fahan.

Recommended Activities:

• Meet Fungie the dolphin on a boat tour from Dingle Harbor
• Explore the ancient Gallarus Oratory stone church
• Drive the scenic Slea Head loop for dramatic Atlantic views
• Experience traditional Irish music sessions in Dingle’s pubs
• Visit local craft workshops and galleries

Days 10-11: Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands (Rainbow Hostel, Doolin)

The mighty Cliffs of Moher rise 214 meters above the crashing Atlantic, offering one of Ireland’s most iconic views. The visitor center provides fascinating insights into the area’s geology, wildlife, and history.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park brings medieval Ireland to life with its authentic 15th-century castle and recreated 19th-century village, complete with traditional crafts and period demonstrations.

The Aran Islands preserve Ireland’s most traditional way of life. Inis Mór, the largest island, features the spectacular Iron Age fort of Dún Aonghasa perched dramatically on clifftops. Stone walls create a patchwork landscape where Irish culture and language thrive.

Recommended Activities:

• Walk the Cliffs of Moher coastal path at sunset
• Attend a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle
• Cycle around Inis Mór island
• Visit Dún Aonghasa prehistoric fort
• Learn about traditional Irish farming and fishing methods

Days 12-13: Connemara’s Wild Beauty (Willowbrook Glamping)

Connemara National Park encompasses Ireland’s wildest landscapes of bog, heath, and mountains. Your horseback riding adventure through this pristine wilderness offers an authentic way to experience the region’s raw beauty.

The romantic Kylemore Abbey sits reflected in a serene lake, surrounded by mountains and Victorian walled gardens. This neo-Gothic castle turned Benedictine monastery tells stories of love, loss, and resilience.

The Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery contains one of Europe’s largest collections of Stone Age tombs, predating Stonehenge by 700 years. These ancient burial sites connect you to Ireland’s earliest inhabitants.

Recommended Activities:

• Horseback riding through Connemara’s mountains and bogs
• Boat trip on Killary Fjord, Ireland’s only true fjord
• Photography workshop capturing Connemara’s dramatic light
• Visit Kylemore Abbey’s restored Victorian gardens
• Explore Connemara’s traditional fishing villages

Days 14-15: Northern Ireland’s Dramatic Coast (Sperrin View Glamping)

Historic Derry/Londonderry offers a fascinating walking tour along its complete 17th-century city walls, the only remaining walled city in Ireland. The Peace Bridge and Bloody Sunday Memorial provide powerful insights into Northern Ireland’s complex history.

The Causeway Coastal Route ranks among the world’s most spectacular coastal drives. The legendary Giant’s Causeway showcases nature’s geometric artistry with its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity.

Recommended Activities:

• Walk the complete circuit of Derry’s historic city walls
• Take a political tour to understand Northern Ireland’s history
• Photography tour of the Giant’s Causeway at golden hour
• Visit the interactive Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience
• Explore Dunluce Castle ruins perched on dramatic cliffs

Days 16-18: Belfast to Dublin Journey (Belfast & Dublin Outskirts)

Belfast pulses with energy, from the historic Titanic Quarter to the vibrant Cathedral Quarter. The city’s transformation from industrial powerhouse to cultural hub creates a fascinating urban exploration.

Brú na Bóinne contains Europe’s most important Neolithic sites, including the magnificent passage tomb of Newgrange, older than the pyramids. The winter solstice illumination chamber represents ancient Ireland’s astronomical sophistication.

Glenariff Forest Park in the Antrim Glens offers spectacular waterfall walks through Ireland’s “Queen of the Glens.”

Recommended Activities:

• Titanic Belfast museum and shipyard tour
• Political taxi tour of Belfast’s murals and peace walls
• Guided tour inside Newgrange passage tomb
• Waterfall walk in Glenariff Forest Park
• Black taxi tour of Belfast’s historic neighborhoods

Day 18: Dublin’s Cultural Finale

Ireland’s capital city Dublin blends literary heritage, medieval history, and contemporary culture. From Trinity College’s Book of Kells to Temple Bar’s traditional music sessions, Dublin encapsulates the Irish spirit.

Recommended Activities:

• Book of Kells exhibition at Trinity College Library
• Guinness Storehouse experience with city views
• Literary pub crawl following Joyce, Wilde, and Shaw
• Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral tours
• Traditional Irish music session in Temple Bar

Accommodation Highlights

Your journey includes unique stays from glamping under starry skies at Black Dog Farm and Willowbrook Glamping to the authentic Rainbow Hostel in Doolin, where traditional music sessions create unforgettable evenings. Sperrin View Glamping offers luxury accommodation with panoramic mountain views.

Essential Travel Tips

• Book Skellig Islands tours in advance (weather dependent)
• Pack layers for Ireland’s changeable weather
• Download traditional Irish music playlists for scenic drives
• Allow extra time for spontaneous discoveries and local recommendations
• Consider purchasing a Heritage Card for castle and monument entries

This 18-day Irish adventure promises memories to last a lifetime, from the tranquil monastic valley of Glendalough to dramatic Atlantic coastlines, ancient Celtic mysteries to medieval castles, and vibrant cultural experiences. Each day reveals new facets of Ireland’s magical character, creating an authentic connection to the Emerald Isle’s timeless beauty and warm-hearted people.