12-day Road Trip | Ireland's Southeast

Dublin - Dun Laoghaire - Dalkey

Day 1: Welcome to Ireland

Arrive at Dublin airport and collect the hire car, then head for the hotel.  En-route, it's well-worth stopping off in the suburb of Dun Laoghaire for a stroll along the promenade and for something to eat, you can't beat the local fresh seafood. Wild seals live in the harbor, and might pose for a picture.

Settle in at the hotel then head out to explore the beautiful twin coastal districts of Dalkey and Killiney, often compared to Italy's Amalfi Coast thanks to the spectacular cliffs and gently rolling shoreline. As one of Dublin's most affluent areas, it's no surprise that many of the rich and famous have made their home in Dalkey. Look out for some of the big names in music who have settled here, including Bono and The Edge from U2, along with Van Morrison, Chris de Burgh and Enya. Actors including Matt Damon have also lived here in recent years, so you never know who else you might spot.

Dublin

Day 2: Discover the rich tapestry of Dublin City

Explore Dublin's rich history with a visit to iconic Trinity College. While there, call in to the library to see the world famous illustrated gospels, the early Christian Book of Kells. Afterwards, head to St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Kilmainam Jail is a fun visit too.

A guided tour of the Teeling Distillery or a ramble around the Guinness Storehouse brings to life another part of the rich Irish culture. Don’t forget to dive into Temple Bar, with live music all day and most of the night.

Although the hire car is a great way to get around, in the city, a hop-on hop-off bus is highly recommended. Stopping at just about every sight, get on and off as often as you like for the duration of your chosen ticket.

A private half-day walking tour is another great way to get to know the city and can be booked as an extra for this trip.

Powerscourt House & Gardens - Glendalough - Wexford

Day 3: Discover hidden gems to the east

Today brings a journey through the majestic Wicklow Mountains. In early September the purple heather begins to bloom and blanket the mountains in a colorful carpet. Powerscourt House & Gardens is a must-see destination and the first waypoint. Discover beautiful themed gardens, including Italian, Japanese and Rose gardens.

Back on the road, continue into the mountain valley to find another treasure; Glendalough, an early Christian monastery. Stroll through the ruins and picture this once magnificent site, and take a walk between the two lakes where St Kevin founded the monastery.

After the visit, continue through the mountains to reach a warm welcome at your accommodation for the night.

Johnstown Castle - Hook Lighthouse

Day 4: Explore the rugged beauty of Wexford

Today introduces the beautiful region of Wexford. Begin by exploring the gardens of Johnstown Castle, then afterwards visit spectacular Hook Head. Take a guided tour of Hook Lighthouse and/or take a refreshing coastal walk.

For a different way to experience nature here,  Wexford offers wonderful horseback riding. The family-run Anvil Lodge Riding School offers a wide range of opportunities for all skill levels and ages.

New Ross - Waterford - Cork

Day 5: Connections with the New World

Today take the road further south. There is much to explore on the road from Wexford to County Cork. In the morning, drive to New Ross, a town full of street art. Visit the former Kennedy Homestead, the very place from which John F. Kennedy’s ancestors emigrated to the United States. A visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship also comes highly recommended. This replica ship tells the story of thousands of Irish emigrants who departed in search of a better life in the “New World”.

Meanwhile, Waterford is an old Viking town and is the home of the world-famous Crystal. Visit the Factory for a fascinating insight into the heritage and learn how crystal is transformed into the glamorous objects of such renown.

Ardmore is also worth seeing with its early Christian round tower, and for a leisurely break from the road, take a stroll along the beautiful sandy beach at Youghal.

Cork - Cobh

Day 6: Historic cities of Cork and Cobh

In the morning explore Cork City, known as the “Venice” of Ireland. Cork is the Republic of Ireland’s 2nd largest city. Many Corkonians believe that Cork is the “real Capital of Ireland”. The English Market is a great place to mingle with the locals and discover local produce at its finest. It is also worth going to St. Anne's church, climb the spire for the dizzying 360⁰ view, and there may even be a chance to ring the bells.

Cork is a charming, vibrant city, with many great cafes, restaurants and pubs to explore; pick one with a table by a window or outside for some people-watching.

In the afternoon take the short drive to Cobh. It is small but dramatic location; Titanic sailed for the last time from Cobh Harbour. Visit the Titanic museum, and explore the history of migrants at the Emigration Museum, housed in a lovely former Victorian Railway Station.

Kinsale - Timoleague - Inchydoney

Day 7: Kinsale and the coast

Today is a day to satisfy everyone's tastes, beginning in Kinsale.  Known as Ireland’s capital of fine cuisine, numerous eateries guarantee a special culinary experience. From fine dining to everyday pub grub — Kinsale has it all. Besides the many opportunities to eat, Kinsale offers lots of variety of local arts and crafts, with numerous small stores offering fantastic local products.

For history buffs, a visit to Charles Fort is well worth it. Built in the late 1600s, its design was focused on repelling attacks from the sea, it turned out to be a stroll in the park to storm the fortress from the landward side.

Setting out on the beautiful coastal drive, stop at the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse, stroll the sand dunes at Harbour View beach, visit Timoleague Abbey and have lunch in the seaside village of Courtmacsherry. End the day with a stroll along stunning Inchydoney Beach.

Baltimore - Mizen Head

Day 8: Breathtaking Mizen Head

Start the day with a trip down to Baltimore Harbor. From there, join “Whale Watch West Cork” on one of their sea safaris. The four-hour tour is a fascinating insight into the marine life around the Irish shores. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, warm clothes, drink and food.

In the afternoon, head south on the Mizen peninsula. Mizen Head is officially the most southerly point of Ireland. Even the drive along the breathtaking peninsula is worthwhile. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the scenery along this magnificent peninsula, and for the wild at heart, stop off at one of the many outstanding beaches for a refreshing swim.

Macroom - Killarney

Day 9: Travel into the magical Kingdom

Journey from the Republic of Cork into the Kingdom of Kerry with its rolling emerald hills and valleys. En route, stop off to discover Macroom Castle, once owned by William Penn, whose son founded the state of Pennsylvania. Then it’s back on the road to the magical Kingdom. Killarney is a wonderful place set within a National Park. In the afternoon visit stunning Ross Castle, ancestal home of the Clan O' Donaghue, perched on the edge of Lough Leane.

Muckross House & Gardens - Waterville - Sneem

Day 10: Ring of Kerry scenic drive

Ireland’s most famous ring-road, the Ring of Kerry is a 110-mile panorama drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. Although the road can be a little bit crowded during the peak season, it is a bucket list journey. Start the day early with a visit to Muckross House & Gardens in Killarney, then join the Ring of Kerry a little later in the day. Allow about 90 minutes for the visit of Muckross to avoid most of the Ring of Kerry tour buses.

Start the Ring of Kerry from Killarney, by driving via Killorglin. From there, follow the signs along the coast. Highlights of this scenic drive are the ancient ring forts of Cahersiveen (Leacanabuaile and Cahergal), Waterville for lunch (following in the footsteps of Charlie Chaplin), then Coomakesta Viewpoint, Sneem, and Ladies View.

Blarney - Kildare

Day 11: Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone

Blarney Castle is now in ruins, but well worth a visit to explore the main building and magnificent gardens, once surrounded by a magnificent fortress. Find the winding paths of the Witches Garden, the giant ferns and even the Poison garden; braver visitors like to climb the spiral stair. The spacious interior of Blarney Castle is impressivel; get a glimpse of what life must have been like here in the Middle Ages.

The Blarney Stone waits here. Discover the legend that lies behind this ritual, and kiss the stone to see if the promise will come true...

Dublin Airport

Day 12: Farewell - Slán Abhaile

Time to say farewell. Make your way to Dublin airport, return your hire car and start the journey home.