Ireland: A 10-Day Itinerary

Ireland, known as Éire in Gaelic, offers countless treats for visitors, from rolling green pastures and dramatic coastline, to grand castles and boutique hotels. The country’s biggest draw, however, is its people. Warm and welcoming, the Irish joie de vivre and hospitality ensure you will be utterly charmed. Impossibly picturesque, you need a good 10 days to see most of the Emerald Isle. I recommend starting in Dublin, then renting a car and circling the country counter-clockwise and returning back to fly home.

When to Go

May and June tend to be the sunniest months, while July and August are typically the warmest. That said, it rains in Ireland – a lot. Drizzle to downpours are common in any season so be prepared. While airfare and hotel rates are lowest in winter, the weather can be miserable and many B+B’s, restaurants and pubs in smaller towns are closed.

Getting There

• I rarely mention airline quality, but sadly Aer Lingus is one of the worst airlines I have encountered as far as cleanliness, comfort and service (the smell of airplane blood pudding just before landing does not start a trip off well), but they are safe and many times the best deal around

• Another option is fly into London and take a low-cost carrier to Dublin

• Many flights land in Shannon in the southwest, ideal if you wanted to start with small towns and end in (and fly out of) Dublin

• Bear in mind if you rent a car at one airport and return it at another you may be subject to an additional charge

Getting Around

• This small island, roughly the size of Indiana, is best navigated with a car if you don’t mind driving on the left-hand side of the road

• If you need an automatic be sure to reserve a few weeks in advance. Ireland (like most of Europe) is short on automatics and it may take a few days to bring one from another location

• Though compact, Ireland isn’t navigated as quickly as you’d think, with windy country roads adding hours onto estimated drive times

• If you are based in Dublin and taking overnight or daytrips, the train is a good option as well

• There are airports situated in the more remote corners, and most flights from Dublin are no more than an hour, but the countryside and all Ireland has to offer is best experienced on land

• So get yourself a good map, keep a sense of humor and enjoy the view along the way