Below are a list of suggested driving itineraries including driving directions and suggested sights to see for anyone planning a trip between Dublin and any of Galway, Killarney, Cork, Belfast, Derry, or Waterford. The below tours are suggested driving routes for you to follow. They are not guided tours. If you are interested in a guided or bus tour, please see our guided tours of Ireland page.
Dublin – Galway
Distance: 215 Km (133mi)
From Dublin take the M4 until Kinnegad, then M6 to Galway.
Recommended Highlights along the way:
- Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
- Trim Castle, Co. Meath
- Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly
- Athenry Castle, Co. Galway
Dublin – Killarney
Distance: 300Km (185mi)
From Dublin take the N7 to Limerick. From Limerick take the N20 and then the N21 to Castleisland. From Castleisland take the N22 to Killarney.
Recommended Highlights along the way:
- Emo Court, Co. Laois
- Roscrea Heritage Centre, Co. Tipperary
- Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
- Muckross Friary, Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
- Muckross House and Traditional Farms, Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
- Ross Castle, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Dublin – Cork
Distance: 250Km (156mi)
From Dublin take the M7. At Portlaoise take the M8 to Cork.
Recommended Highlights along the way:
- Emo Court, Co. Laois
- Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary
- Cahir Castle, Co. Tipperary
- Swiss Cottage, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Dublin – Belfast
Distance: 164.5Km (102mi)
From Dublin take the M1 for Belfast. When you get to the border continue along the A1. At Hillsborough take the M1 for Belfast.
Recommended Highlights along the way:
- Malahide Castle, Co. Dublin
- Lusk Heritage Centre, Co. Dublin
- Drogheda, Co. Louth
- Monasterboice, Co. Louth
Dublin – Derry
Distance: 228Km (141mi)
From Dublin take the N2 for Derry. When you reach the Border continue along the A5 to Derry.
Recommended Highlights along the way:
- Hill of Tara, Co. Meath
- Monasterboice, Co. Louth
- Ulster-American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Down
Dublin – Waterford
Distance: 154Km (95mi)
From Dublin take the M7/M9 to Waterford, with a short detour along the N10 to Kilkenny.
Recommended Highlights along the way:
- Russborough House, Co. Wicklow
- Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny
- Rothe House, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny