Stunning Road Trip
Through Ireland
When it is time to pick up your rental car and hit the road, the drive from Dublin to Donegal is about three and a half hours straight through. However, I highly suggest making a stop at the Newgrange World Heritage Site in County Meath, which is about an hour outside of Dublin and right on your route. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs and tour fascinating neolithic tombs that are actually older than the pyramids.
Start your Irish adventure with a two-night stay in Dublin, where I recommend basing your family at the moderately priced yet stylish Hyatt Centric The Liberties. Dublin is incredibly walkable and transit-friendly, so you can easily spend your first days exploring Trinity College and Dublin Castle without needing a car right away. Keep things relaxed as you adjust to the time change, and be sure to find a cozy local pub for dinner or even sneak in a whimsical ghost tour to round out your evening.
For your two night stay in Donegal, I will secure a comfortable, moderately priced hotel, like Radisson Blu Hotel Letterkenny, so you can relax after a day of exploring the rugged countryside. During your time here, you absolutely must take a trip to the Glencolmcille Folk Village. It features six small thatched cottages showcasing different eras of Irish history from the 17th century onwards, offering a fascinating look at how people lived hundreds of years ago.
Next, you will head south for a two night stay in Galway, keeping an eye out for stunning roadside ruins like Parke's Castle along the drive. I can recommend a fantastic, moderately priced hotel near the city center so you can easily enjoy Galway's famous nightlife or upgrade your trip with a stay at Ashford Castle. Take the daytime to relax or visit historic sites like Ashford Castle, and then spend your evenings experiencing the vibrant local pubs and fantastic local fare.
Continue your journey with a two-night stay in Cork, where The Montenotte Hotel offers chic design, warm Irish hospitality, and stunning city views. From here, you can easily take a day trip to explore the quaint nearby towns of Kinsale and Cobh. Both towns offer fantastic boutique shopping, delicious food, and great harbor views, and Cobh even hosts the fascinating Titanic Experience for a unique look into the past.
As you make your way down from Galway toward Cork, make sure to build in time for two iconic Irish bucket list stops. Start early with a ninety minute drive south from Galway to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, where you can take in sweeping Atlantic ocean views and stunning coastal landscapes. After soaking in the coastal sights, head toward County Cork with a stop at Blarney Castle to wander its lush estate gardens and step into centuries of local lore. While driving between these major highlights takes around three hours, taking the day at your family's own pace lets you soak in the scenery, and maybe even spot a few unexpected roadside ruins along the way.
Wrap up your road trip by driving back to Dublin from Cork for one final overnight stay before your flight home. On your way back, I highly recommend stopping off to explore the historic Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. It is a breathtaking ruin and the perfect historical send off to an unforgettable, stress-free family vacation.