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13 Day Plan

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

Posted by
3295 posts

Are you asking or reporting? More info please so we know what you are looking for.

Posted by
3295 posts

Bumping your post up since we were posting at the same time. Hopefully someone with baby-travel experience can review your itinerary.

The Burren landscape is not to be missed. You should be able to route through it with stops for a closer look.

If you used Google Maps for drive times, add about 25% more time. Some roads are narrow and curvy.

Do you know know that you can go through US immigration at DUB? Just add a bit more time. Carrie’s trip report has how-to info. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-ireland-may-2025-my-trip-report
Slainte!

Posted by
2633 posts

How old is your child? I'm not sure how child friendly some of this itienerary is - eg Guinness storehouse, Shed Distillery... Also how the child will cope with the two days of the Galway Oyser festival?

What are they like at travelling long distances on what may be narrow and winding roads? I think some of your driving times are possible optimistic. Driving in Ireland can be very slow and it takes much longer to cover the distance than you might expect. have you included time for necessary stops in these times?