Ireland in 7 Days: Ultimate Road Trip Guide with Highlights & Travel Tips
- jorismachholz
- Jun 30
- 7 min read
Do you love road trips and dream of an unforgettable adventure? Then a road trip through Ireland is just what you need — especially in the off-season! I traveled with a friend in a camper van from Blacksheep Van, and we circled the entire island in just 7 days. Starting in Northern Ireland, we continued along the Wild Atlantic Way from north to south, passing through sleepy little towns, idyllic peninsulas, and remote fjords.
The weather was mild, the viewpoints were empty, and the prices were unbeatable — the perfect conditions to enjoy Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes far away from the crowds.
Table of Contents
Why Go on a Road Trip Through Ireland?
Experience the Magic of the Emerald Isle
Benefits of Traveling in the Off-Season
The Perfect Time to Visit: October in Ireland
Mild Weather and Fewer Tourists
Great Prices and a Stress-Free Experience
Traveling by Camper Van: The Ultimate Freedom
Why a Camper Van is Perfect for a Road Trip
Flexibility and Independence on the Road
The Wild Atlantic Way: A Journey Along Ireland’s Spectacular Coast
Highlights from North to South
Natural Wonders and Scenic Viewpoints
The Itinerary: 7 Days Around Ireland
The Rugged North
Coastal Marvels and Hidden Gems
The Picturesque South and Return
Tips for the Perfect Ireland Road Trip
What to Pack
Best Campsites and Overnight Spots Along the Route
Costs: What the Trip Actually Costs
Conclusion: Why a Road Trip Through Ireland Should Be Your Next Adventure
Why Ireland?
When you think of Ireland, you probably picture shamrocks, leprechauns, Guinness, and Kerrygold, right? So why travel to this country? Because Ireland has so much more to offer! Big Hollywood productions know this too — Game of Thrones fans from all over the world travel to Northern Ireland to visit some of the show’s most iconic filming locations, including Winterfell Castle.
Or head to the opposite side of the island: the stunning Cliffs of Moher, featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Discover the true magic of the Emerald Isle — ideally during the off-season. That’s when you’ll benefit from unbeatable prices on accommodation and get to enjoy famous sights without the usual crowds.
Best Time to Travel
October is one of the best months to explore Ireland stress-free. Prices for accommodation, rental cars, and activities tend to drop, while the weather remains mild. You'll be able to visit the top attractions without being surrounded by hordes of tourists — a true win for slow, meaningful travel.
Road Tripping in a Camper Van
A camper van is the perfect way to explore Ireland! While wild camping isn’t officially allowed, it’s tolerated in most places. Alternatively, you can always ask local residents if they’re okay with you spending the night in your van — Irish hospitality is famous for a reason.
That said, there are plenty of well-maintained campsites scattered all around the island. Several helpful apps show you where to find official campsites and designated overnight parking spots, so you’ll always know where it’s legal (and safe) to stay the night.
A camper van gives you the freedom to travel comfortably without depending on expensive hotels or B&Bs — two birds with one stone. Several rental companies are based right at Dublin Airport, making the start of your trip super convenient.
We rented our van from Blacksheep Van, a French company with great service. The station manager even gave us insider tips on scenic spots worth visiting — and recommended that we drive counterclockwise around the island, which turned out to be a fantastic idea.
Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland’s Spectacular Coastline
The Wild Atlantic Way takes you right along Ireland’s breathtaking Atlantic coastline. Along the route, you'll pass through national parks, rugged mountains and valleys, scenic fjords, and tranquil lakes.
To fully experience everything this route has to offer, you’d ideally want to plan more than just one week. Since we were short on time, we skipped a few peninsulas and didn’t stop at every single viewpoint.
But the stunning coastal scenery keeps you curious — every winding turn makes you wonder what hidden gem lies just around the next bend.
Route 7 Days road trip Ireland
Driving Through Ireland: Take It Slow and Enjoy the Ride
Ireland may not be a large country, and you can cross from one side of the island to the other in just a few hours. But driving along the coastal roads is a whole different story — it’s slower than cruising on the motorway. So make sure to allow for extra time when following the scenic route.
You’ll likely want to take a few detours to visit special sights, and don’t be surprised if a couple of sheep block your way now and then. So take it slow, be cautious — and enjoy the charm of the journey.
On our first two days, we drove through Northern Ireland, heading towards the area around Sligo. Game of Thrones fans will love this part of the route! There are even guided tours that take you to some of the show’s most iconic filming locations.
We only made a short stop at the Dark Hedges — a mystical, tunnel-like avenue of beech trees. Definitely a must-see! From there, we continued to one of the most famous natural wonders in the region: the Giant’s Causeway. A fascinating stop that’s well worth your time!
Giant’s Causeway: A Natural Wonder Worth Visiting
Things get a bit more touristy here — expect to pay around £10 for parking at the visitor center. From there, you can choose between two different walking routes to reach the famous basalt columns.
But trust me: it’s absolutely worth it!
Letting the Coast Lead the Way
From Sligo onward, we officially joined the Wild Atlantic Way, which is clearly marked by the iconic brown road signs — easy to follow and hard to miss. And if you do miss a sign? Just stick close to the coast and you’ll be fine!
We let the journey guide us, starting each day without a fixed destination. It’s a wonderfully relaxed way to travel.
Now and then, we checked what was nearby in terms of sights — and we were never disappointed. You’ll spot countless churches, castles, and farmhouses, all set in Ireland’s stunning, picture-perfect scenery.
A Local Tip: Achill Island and a Night to Remember
A friendly local in Northern Ireland recommended we check out Achill Island — a rugged peninsula known for its larger mountains that rise noticeably above the surrounding landscape.
Though intrigued, we decided to skip the detour as it was already getting late. Instead, we found a quiet spot in a nearby suburb to spend the night — and it ended up being our only true wild camping experience on the entire trip.
Like a few other van travelers, we settled into a wind-sheltered bay, cooked dinner, and went for an evening walk along the sea, just in time to catch a stunning sunset.
But what made the night truly special was what came next: Northern lights were expected. A rare phenomenon — and even rarer over Ireland. We couldn’t believe our luck!
More Highlights Along the West Coast:
Cliffs of Moher – iconic, dramatic, and absolutely worth the visit
Dingle Peninsula – a scenic gem and the westernmost point of Ireland
Killarney National Park – lush landscapes, waterfalls, and wild beauty
Heading South – and Back to Dublin
By now, we had almost reached the southern tip of Ireland. From here, we left the coast behind and slowly made our way back toward Dublin. We made one last stop near Cork, where we spent the evening in a cozy local pub called Muskerry Arms and Bar.
To our surprise, the pub was celebrating its 40th anniversary that night — complete with live music, free snacks, and a raffle. The atmosphere was warm and cheerful, and everyone was in a great mood. It felt like the perfect ending to our journey.
The next morning, we visited the historic Woollen Mill nearby. In addition to classic Irish souvenirs, you can find a wide range of locally made wool clothing — and even kit yourself out head to toe in Made in Ireland knits.
Our final day wasn’t particularly eventful — mostly motorway driving back to the camper van rental. In the evening, we wrapped up the trip in Dublin, though we didn’t have much time left for sightseeing. To really enjoy the capital, we’d recommend adding a few extra days.
Tips for Your Ireland Road Trip – What to Pack
Ireland’s weather changes quickly — one minute you’ll be basking in sunshine, the next you’ll get caught in heavy rain and strong wind. Pack layers that you can easily put on and take off, and be prepared for all conditions:
Waterproof jacket
Sturdy shoes
Beanie and/or scarf
Sunglasses
Digital camera / drone
And don’t miss the local pubs — many feature authentic live Irish music that adds a lot to the experience.
Trip Costs (Per Person, Based on Two Travelers)
Flight (booked early with Aer Lingus): approx. €80
Van rental: approx. €105 per day
Camping site: about €15 per person/night
Diesel: approx. €230 total
Groceries: supermarket prices are similar to Germany — some items more, some less. We cooked a lot ourselves, which saved us quite a bit. Restaurant prices tend to be a little higher than in Germany.
Example prices:
Beer in a pub (pint ~0.5L): €6–8
Coffee to go: €3.50
Entry to Cliffs of Moher: €12 per person
Sandwich at a café or restaurant: €8
Total cost for one week: approx. €850 per person (based on 2 travelers)
Conclusion: Why Ireland Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List
To wrap things up, I can only say this: Ireland truly stole my heart. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, we also got a glimpse of the Irish spirit — laid-back, warm, and wonderfully grounded.
Maybe that’s the greatest souvenir of all: a gentle reminder to enjoy life more and not take everything too seriously.
Have you been to Ireland?
Share your experiences with the community in the comments!
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See you,
Joris
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