Castles, Cliffs & Coasts: A 10-day Irish Roadtrip Adventure

Touching down in Dublin after a smooth, nonstop overnight flight from Dallas, the Irish adventure began immediately. After picking up our rental car and checking into a fantastic local neighborhood Airbnb, we were instantly greeted by that legendary Irish hospitality—our host warmly invited us straight to his family birthday party across the street! Though we spent our first evening fighting off jet lag with a casual walk to a local convenience store and restaurant, being in a completely walkable neighborhood set the perfect tone for the trip.

The next few days were a whirlwind of Dublin’s rich history and iconic sights. We spent hours wandering the stunning architecture of Trinity College, marveling at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. You can’t visit Dublin without touring the historic Dublin Castle and, of course, the legendary Guinness Storehouse. Learning how the famous stout is crafted before enjoying a pristine pint at the Gravity Lookout Bar—with panoramic views of the city—is an absolute rite of passage. We capped off our urban exploration with a trip to the Dublin Zoo and a dinner at the historic Leo Burdock for some traditional fish and chips, where we traced the names of all the celebrities who have eaten there before us.

On day four, we headed north for an epic day trip along the Causeway Coast, and the atmosphere did not disappoint. Dunluce Castle was an absolute vibe—perched right on the cliffside, wrapped in a gloomy, misty fog, and surrounded by brilliant shades of green. We braved the walk across the beautiful Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge before heading to the Giant’s Causeway. I am still not over the sheer geological phenomenon of those interlocking basalt columns. On our way back south, we made a stop in Ballymoney to see the famous Dark Hedges—the iconic Game of Thrones filming location where ancient trees hauntingly canopy the road. After a massive day of exploring, we made it back to Dublin just in time for a quick, comforting dinner and milkshakes at Embassy Grill.

We balanced out the rugged north the following day with a visit to Malahide Castle, exploring its pristine, sprawling grounds and taking a guided tour before lunch. From there, we drove over to the coastal town of Howth. It is a stunning, utterly picturesque seaside escape that feels exactly like stepping into a cozy Hallmark movie.
Leaving Dublin behind, we headed west to County Clare, where the driving itself became a core memory. Navigating the famously tiny Irish roads is an experience all its own—you will find yourself passing oncoming cars with inches between your mirrors and the ancient stone walls, occasionally getting caught in local traffic jams caused by herds of sheep! After a thrilling drive (and losing one rental car hubcap along the way), we stopped at the Birds of Prey Centre for an incredible flight show before heading to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Standing on the edge of those massive drop-offs is entirely humbling. We spent the night in the colorful, welcoming town of Doolin, staying at a cozy B&B and eating local fare.

The next morning, we boarded a ferry to the rugged Aran Islands. Stepping off the boat feels like stepping back in time; we explored the island via horse and buggy, came across a haunting old shipwreck, and witnessed a traditional lifestyle completely distinct from the mainland. The absolute best part of the ferry ride, however, was the journey back: seeing the massive scale of the Cliffs of Moher from the sea offers a completely different, awe-inspiring perspective that you shouldn’t miss.

Our next stop was Galway, a vibrant city bursting with music and character. We wandered the bustling streets and had an incredible dinner at The Dough Bros, followed by a sweet treat my brother and I were dying to try: bubble waffle cone ice cream at Bubble Bee in Eyre Square.

The true pinnacle of the trip happened the next day in Lugglass, where we went on a guided horseback ride through the countryside. Cantering through rolling green hills and splashing through clear streams was a surreal, core-memory experience. We finished our journey by heading back to Dublin for one final, deeply personal milestone. To honor my heritage, I got my first tattoo: the word Neart (meaning strength) written in Ogham, the ancient Celtic script historically found on the stones of the Aran Islands. It was the perfect, permanent capstone to an unforgettable journey.

Rental car insurance is a must: Those beautiful, ancient stone walls lining the narrow country roads are completely unforgiving. As evidenced by our lost hubcap, comprehensive rental insurance is non-negotiable when driving in Ireland.

Embrace the left side: If you plan on renting a car, ensure someone in your party is entirely confident and comfortable driving on the left side of the road and navigating tight roundabouts.

The best view of the cliffs: While walking along the top of the Cliffs of Moher is spectacular, booking the ferry to the Aran Islands gives you a spectacular two-for-one deal, allowing you to view the scale of the cliffs from the water on your way back.

Pack for all weather: Mist, wind, rain, and sunshine can all happen within the same two-hour window—especially on the coast. Layers and a high-quality waterproof jacket are essential.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Ireland page.