Discover Ireland's Wild West and Ancient East: A 7-Day Road Trip

Itinerary 1: Cork, Kerry, Limerick & Clare

Explore Ireland's Southwest: Castles, Cliffs, and Coastal Charm

Ready to hit the road and uncover Ireland's magic? With CARHIRE.ie, you're in the driver's seat of freedom, flexibility, and full-on adventure. From medieval castles to cliff-top views, this 7-day Irish road trip through Limerick, Clare, Kerry, and Cork is the ultimate journey for heritage lovers, nature chasers, and seafood fans alike.

Ireland's southwest is where ancient history, wild Atlantic landscapes, and warm hospitality meet - a dream destination for curious minds and adventurous spirits.

This itinerary is tailor-made for history lovers, scenic road trippers, foodies, and nature seekers alike. So buckle up, turn up the trad music, and get ready to discover Ireland's soul in its southwest.

Day 1: Arrive & explore Limerick

Start your journey with a smooth arrival at Shannon Airport and a hassle-free car collection with CARHIRE.ie. It's just a short drive to Limerick.

Attractions

• Visit King John's Castle and the cobbled streets of the Medieval Quarter transport you back in time.

• Visit St. Mary's Cathedral

Budget-Friendly Dining Option:

• Tuck into traditional fare with a view of the River Shannon, then enjoy live Irish music at The Locke Bar to get into the spirit of things.

Day 2: Bunratty Castle, The Burren, and Cliffs of Moher

Uncover Ireland's ancient past and dramatic natural beauty on a day filled with castles, limestone landscapes, and breathtaking coastal views.

Attractions

• Begin at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park for a dose of medieval life.

• Head into the extraordinary limestone landscape of The Burren.

• Next up: the iconic Cliffs of Moher - stand in awe as the Atlantic Ocean crashes below.

Dining Option:

• Treat yourself to a top-notch dinner at Freddy's or The French Table

Day 3: Ferries, Villages & Dingle Delights

Take a scenic ferry ride across the Shannon Estuary and dive into Kerry's rich heritage with a visit to Tralee and Killarney National Park.

Attractions

• Today kicks off with the scenic Tarbert-Killimer ferry - a 20-minute shortcut with epic estuary views.

• Stop off in Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, for a stroll and a bite in a thatched-roof cafe.

• Pop into the Kerry County Museum in Tralee before heading out along the Dingle Peninsula.

Budget-Friendly Dining Option:

• Round out your day with fresh seafood and toe-tapping trad in one of Dingle's beloved pubs.

Car Hire Highlight

• A car allows you to explore at your pace and take the scenic Tarbert-Killimer ferry.

Day 4: Jaunting Through Killarney

From a jaunting car ride through parkland to fresh seafood and storytelling in Dingle, today blends nature, culture, and coastal flair.

Attractions

• Time to slow things down and soak up nature in Killarney National Park.

• Take a tour of the stately Muckross House

• Hop aboard a traditional jaunting car

• Explore the grounds of Ross Castle

Budget-Friendly Dining Option:

• A relaxed evening and cosy meal in Killarney

Car Hire Highlight

• A car allows you to explore Killarney National Park and nearby attractions effortlessly.

Day 5: Ring of Kerry

Strap in for one of the world's most scenic drives - the Ring of Kerry is 180km of pure magic.

Attractions

• Take in iconic spots like Ladies View

• Explore coastal towns such as Kenmare and Sneem

• Drop by the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre

Budget-Friendly Dining Option:

• End your day with a hearty Irish dinner and, if you're lucky, a fireside story or two.

Car Hire Highlight

• Experience the charm of route at your own pace, thanks to the convenience of a rental car.

Day 6: Kiss the Stone & Discover Cork

Step into Cork's storied past with a visit to Blarney Castle and the lively English Market before soaking up the city's vibrant charm.

Attractions

• Visit Blarney Castle, pucker up for the Blarney Stone and enjoy a wander through the castle gardens.

• In Cork City, graze your way through the English Market

• Marvel at St. Fin Barre's Cathedral

Day 7: Cork Exploration and Departure

Cap off your trip with a deep dive into Irish emigration history in Cobh before heading back to Shannon.

Attractions

• Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre to learn about Irish emigration and the Titanic's final port of call.

• Drive back to Shannon Airport with a full camera roll and even fuller heart.

🚗 Need the perfect car for your Irish road trip?

CARHIRE.ie offers unbeatable value, hassle-free bookings, and free amendments. Whether you're going coastal, countryside, or castle-hopping - we've got the keys to your perfect trip. Book now and unlock your Irish adventure!.

Grab the keys from CARHIRE.ie and start your Irish adventure today.

👉 [Explore Cork, Kerry, Limerick & Clare Itinerary 1]

👉 [Discover Dublin, Wicklow, Galway, and Mayo Itinerary 2]