13-Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
Dates: September 20 – October 2, 2025
Route: Dublin → Dingle → Cliffs of Moher → Doolin → Galway → Lough Key → Dublin
Day 1 – Saturday, Sept 20: Arrive in Dublin
- Land in Dublin at 9:40 AM
- Transfer to city center
- Light walking around Temple Bar, Grafton Street, or St. Stephen’s Green
- Overnight in Dublin
Baby Tip: Use this day for stroller walks and adjusting to the new time zone. Phoenix Park is a great low-key outing.
Day 2 – Sunday, Sept 21: Dublin Day
- Visit Guinness Storehouse
- Optional visits: Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Merrion Square
- Overnight in Dublin
Baby Tip: The Storehouse is stroller-friendly. Go early to avoid crowds. Merrion Square has a lovely playground.
Day 3 – Monday, Sept 22: Dublin to Dingle
- Drive to Dingle (approx. 4.5 hours)
- Optional stop in Adare or Cashel
- Overnight in Dingle
Baby Tip: Time the drive around naps and stop mid-way for a feeding/change break.
Day 4 – Tuesday, Sept 23: Slea Head Drive
- Explore the full Slea Head Loop: Coumeenoole Beach, Dunquin Pier, ancient ruins
- Optional beach stop or short hikes
- Overnight in Dingle
Baby Tip: Use a baby carrier for uneven terrain. Bring layers and snacks.
Day 5 – Wednesday, Sept 24: Dingle to Cliffs of Moher to Doolin
- Drive to Cliffs of Moher (approx. 3.5 hours, option for ferry crossing)
- Visit Cliffs of Moher
- Drive to Doolin (15 minutes)
- Dinner at McDermott’s Pub
- Overnight in Doolin
Baby Tip: The Cliffs are best viewed with a carrier. McDermott’s is baby-friendly if you go early evening.
Day 6 – Thursday, Sept 25: Doolin to Galway
- Drive to Galway (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Explore Salthill Promenade, Eyre Square, and Latin Quarter
- Overnight in Galway
Baby Tip: This is a great day for stroller walks and relaxing cafés.
Day 7 – Friday, Sept 26: Galway Oyster Festival Begins
- Festival warm-up day: street performers, oyster tastings
- Explore local markets
- Overnight in Galway
Baby Tip: Use carrier in crowded areas. Plan park breaks in Eyre Square.
Day 8 – Saturday, Sept 27: Oyster Festival Main Day
- Attend Galway International Oyster Festival (parade, contests, live music)
- Overnight in Galway
Baby Tip: Morning and early afternoon are best for babies. Consider noise protection if needed.
Day 9 – Sunday, Sept 28: Galway to Lough Key
- Drive to Lough Key Forest Park (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Walk forest trails and view McDermott Castle
- Overnight in Carrick-on-Shannon or Boyle
Baby Tip: This park is stroller-friendly and has open space for baby breaks or picnics.
Day 10 – Monday, Sept 29: Shed Distillery to Silverstream to Dublin
- Morning visit to The Shed Distillery (Drumshanbo)
- Stop at Silverstream Priory
- Drive to Dublin (approx. 2.5–3 hours total)
- Overnight in Dublin
Baby Tip: Distillery café is a good rest stop. Time the final leg for nap time.
Day 11 – Tuesday, Sept 30: Dublin
- Visit Kilmainham Gaol, the Irish Emigration Museum, or the Zoo
- Leisurely evening stroll or pub dinner
- Overnight in Dublin
Baby Tip: Kilmainham has limited stroller access. Choose baby-paced indoor or outdoor attractions.
Day 12 – Wednesday, Oct 1: Final Day in Dublin
- Free day for souvenir shopping, park walks, or café hopping
- Pack and prepare for departure
- Overnight in Dublin
Baby Tip: Keep this day light. Merrion Square and St. Stephen’s Green are great for fresh air.
Day 13 – Thursday, Oct 2: Departure
- Drive to Dublin Airport (25 minutes)
- Flight departs at 10:55 AM
**Baby