Create YOUR Perfect Ireland Itinerary

As you begin planning your perfect Ireland itinerary you're going to receive a lot of well-meaning advice of ‘must see' sites to visit.

And while this is often good advice it may not really fit your ideal Ireland vacation.

Or maybe you read a few ‘Best Things in Ireland' lists and are struggling to figure out how to fit them all into your trip.
Sad fact: you probably can't.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page to listen.

Creating Your Perfect Ireland Itinerary

O'Brien's Tower atop the Cliffs of Moher. Ireland travel tips — Many people consider the Cliffs of Moher a ‘must see' spot in Ireland.

Step 1: Choose What to See & Do

Let's begin with those ‘must see' lists.

In p odcast episode 195 I covered Ireland's most popular tourist sites, based on numbers from 2024.

Thise tops sites don't change much from year to year, and it gives you a very good idea of where most tourists visit.

Dublin for the Book of Kells & Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, and the lively Temple Bar area.
The Wicklow Mountains or Rock of Cashel as they make their way to County Cork to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.
Then on to neighboring Kerry to explore Killarney National Park, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula.
Then up the southwestern part of the Wild Atlantic Way to County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher, with a possible side trip to the Aran Islands from Doolin or Galway.
Then they cross back to Dublin to catch their flight home.

Also in episode 195 I offered alternates to those popular sites; spots where you could have a similar experience but with a smaller crowd, so if you want to get off the main tourist trail, check that out.

rental car and too much luggage — The face you make when the luggage doesn't fit in your rental car

Step 2: Learn From My Mistakes

I have made every mistake that can be made in my 20+ years of visiting Ireland.

I went through these in podcast episode 104.

From too much driving and too many accommodations to rental car blunders and madness at Dublin Airport.

When you have a chance just give that a listen. It also includes advice for 3 experiences to have in Ireland that you can find all over the country.

Step 3: How to Plan Your Itinerary

In po dcast episode 114 I shared 10 steps to plan your itinerary (and not ruin your vacation).

I begin with a map of Ireland and mark every location on my ‘must see' list.

After checking groupings (as mentioned in those top spots above) and drive times, I begin to narrow down the list based on how often I want to change accommodation, how much I really want to drive each day, and my vacation goals (relaxing, exploring, or ‘see it all').

Then I redo my map.

It usually takes a couple of map updates before I have an itinerary that I am happy with.

Click through to the full podcast article to get all 10 steps.

Step 4: Plan Ahead to Save Money

Ireland can be an expensive place to visit but you can find a deal if you know where to look.

In podcast episode 117 I shared tips to help you save money on your Ireland vacation.

I cover everything from saving money on flights, car rental and accommodations to attractions, dining, and even shopping.

Once you have your itinerary outlined – or before you make your final decisions- be sure to visit that podcast article to find savings for your trip.

3 More Handy Ways to Plan Your Ireland Vacation

Download one of my free Ireland itineraries! Whether you use it for inspiration or follow it exactly, you'll have a terrific vacation.
Purchase the ‘My Ireland Vacation Planner & Journal'. It features an entire section – 11 pages – devoted to itinerary planning, including worksheets and maps.
remove– Visit irelandfamilyvacations.com/Irelandplanner to purchase. Use code PODCAST10 to save 10%
Let my experience guide you! Have a look at my vacation coaching and custom itinerary creation options to see which is the best fit for your needs and let's arrange a time to chat!

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 132

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Jody Halsted

Jody Halsted is the charismatic host behind the popular Traveling in Ireland Podcast and the Ireland Family Vacations website. With a deep passion for Ireland and an infectious enthusiasm for sharing its wonders, Jody has become a trusted voice in the realm of Irish travel.

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Follow These 4 Tips to Create Your Perfect Ireland Itinerary