Ireland on a Dime: A Car-Free Adventure for Two

Cliffs of Moher

Our journey to Ireland began with a flight into Shannon, where we spent our first night at the charming Bunratty Manor. Nestled near the famous Bunratty Castle, it was the perfect start to our adventure. Early the next morning, we took a taxi to the Cliffs of Moher and arrived before the crowds, allowing us to take in the stunning, windswept views in peace. Afterward, we made a quick stop in the cozy village of Doolin for a pint at a local pub before catching a bus to Galway, where we checked into the centrally located Skeffington Hotel.

Connemara

From Galway, we joined a full-day guided tour that took us through the breathtaking Connemara region. Highlights included the fairytale-like Kylemore Abbey, the peaceful Killary Harbour, the ruins of Cong Abbey, and the scenic beauty of Loch Na Fooey. The following morning, we boarded a train east toward Dublin, stopping in Athlone for a brief look around the town and a riverside stroll. Upon arrival in Dublin, we used public transport to reach our hotel, the Premier Inn Dublin City Centre. That evening, we were treated to a high-energy performance of Celtic Nights, a fantastic show filled with traditional music and Irish dancing.

Kylemoore Abbey

Our full day in Dublin was packed with sightseeing. We walked across the city to visit Trinity College and view the famous Book of Kells, followed by a tour of Dublin Castle and the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Later, we made our way to the Guinness Storehouse, where we learned about Ireland’s most iconic drink and enjoyed panoramic views from the Gravity Bar. Wanting to see even more of the island, we booked another bus tour. This time headed north to Northern Ireland.

Giants Causeway

That day, we explored the otherworldly Giant’s Causeway, the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle, and the eerie beauty of the Dark Hedges. We ended the day with a visit to Belfast’s Titanic Museum, a modern and moving tribute to the ship’s legacy. The next morning, we concluded our whirlwind adventure with a bus ride to the airport, grateful for the unforgettable experience. Despite traveling without a car, we saw so much of Ireland—north to south, city to coast—all on a budget and at our own pace.

Dark Hedges

Glendalough

Titanic Museum (Belfast)

Doolin

• If able, buy Leap cards ahead of time. You can use these for buses and trains throughout Ireland.

• If you do not want to buy a SIM card or international plan, Google Maps will still work. I researched ahead of time and saved key places to my favorites, which would still show up anywhere I was in Ireland. I was able to use the map to walk to each destination I needed.

For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Ireland page.