Ireland West Coast: 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Ireland

A week of selected west-coast stops from Galway to Killarney, focusing on Connemara, Clare and Dingle rather than the entire Wild Atlantic Way.

Suggested season: May–September

Driving estimates exclude stops, traffic and ferry waits. Pins represent town/area centres; use the daily map links for navigation.

Day 1: Galway

Walk the Latin Quarter and waterfront. Choose a small venue for live music and leave the car outside the centre.

0–0.5 hours driving · Overnight: Galway

Google Maps

Day 2: Galway → Clifden

Take short stops through Connemara. After a walk in Clifden, visit Sky Road viewpoints if weather permits.

1.5–2.5 hours driving · Overnight: Clifden

Google Maps

Day 3: Clifden → Galway → Doolin

Head south via Galway and take a short walk around the Burren. Stay in Doolin and leave the cliffs for tomorrow.

3–4 hours driving · Overnight: Doolin

Google Maps

Day 4: Doolin

Use only open, marked walking areas at the Cliffs of Moher. Explore Doolin afterwards; sea trips depend on weather.

0.5–1 hours driving · Overnight: Doolin

Google Maps

Day 5: Doolin → Dingle

Take the main-road route to Dingle without depending on a ferry. Follow the longer drive with a harbour walk and seafood meal.

3.5–4.5 hours driving · Overnight: Dingle

Google Maps

Day 6: Dingle

Explore coastal and village stops around Slea Head. Follow local directions and be patient around larger vehicles on narrow roads.

1.5–2.5 hours driving · Overnight: Dingle

Google Maps

Day 7: Dingle → Killarney

Drive to Killarney and choose an easy walk around Muckross. Add another night for the Ring of Kerry rather than rushing it today.

1.5–2.5 hours driving · Overnight: End of itinerary

Google Maps

Before you drive

Expect slow driving on narrow coastal roads. Postpone cliff walks in storms or fog; airport transfers are not included.

Official destination information

Estimated budget for two

Illustrative October 2026 planning allowances, not live prices or quotes. Two adults, one rental car, a shared mid-range room and 6 nights. Flights, visas, insurance upgrades, deposits and one-way rental fees excluded. Peak season and major activities may exceed these amounts.

Room per night: 110–190 EUR
Car per day: 45–90 EUR
Food for two per day: 55–95 EUR
Fuel for the trip: 100–170 EUR
Visits, parking and toll allowance: 80–180 EUR

Total range including 10% reserve: 1694–3064 EUR

Midpoint estimate / per person: 2383 / 1191.5 EUR

Hours, fees and access may change; check official links before travelling.