From live music and Guinness to wild coastlines and a majestic castles, Ireland has a crazy amount of awesome things to see and do. And because it’s a relatively small island, there’s no better way to explore it all than on a road trip.

So grab your pals, buckle your belts and get ready for some good old craic. Oh and a quick tip, usually the cheapest flights to Ireland are into Ireland West Airport Knock. That’s where this road trip itinerary starts from. But don’t worry, if you’re coming into Dublin or elsewhere, it’s a circularish route so just start at the closest point.

Galway

A bohemian student city on the west coast, you’ll be grand here with just one night because the main reason you’re stopping here for is the pub and music culture. From seriously talented street buskers to endless live sessions all over town, Galway oozes musicality.

Check out Taaffes, The Crane Bar, Tigh Cóilí and An Púcán for a good night. Then grab yourself a big Irish breakfast to set you up the next day.

Wild Atlantic Way

Welcome to the Wild Atlantic way, the most isolated and yet possibly most enchanting part of the Irish countryside. Feral seas shape the steep rugged coastline, creating views you need to see to believe. Make stopping by the Cliffs of Moher a must on your drive this way.

Killarney

A few hours from the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll arrive at the charming town of Killarney. Full to the brim with character and history, this place will quickly become one of your favourite places on your Irish road trip.

And after a visually stunning, but longish driving day you’ll be resting your head here for a couple of nights. Just don’t put your car keys away just yet, tomorrow gets even better.

Ring of Kerry

One of the most scenic drives in the entire world, the Ring of Kerry is travel bucket list goals. A circular route around the verdant landscapes of the Iveragh Peninsula, it can simply be described in one word - epic.

Sections of the route aren’t for the faint hearted, so you’ll need you best driver at the wheel for this part. And it can get seriously windy out there, so hold onto your hats. Literally.

If you have time afterwards, checking out the lush Killarney National Park and accompanying 19th-century lakeside mansion of Muckross House are a good shout. As are a couple of pints of good stout, just for strength obviously.

Blarney Stone

No roadtrip around Ireland would be complete without making a stop off to get blessed with the gift of the gab. So pucker up and get your kisser up close and personal with the famous Blarney Stone.

You’ll be stopping off here on your way over to the home of the Stiffy by the Liffey, Dublin.

Dublin

Needing no introduction, prepare yourself for an intoxicating 48 hours of craic in the capital of Ireland. Dublin is just one of those places that never fails to get under your skin. So book yourself in for 2 nights and see as much as you can.

Be sure to tick off visits to Trinity College, Ha’Penny bridge, Grafton Street, The Hairy Lemon for an Irish stew, Dublin Castle and obviously do not miss the world renowned Temple Bar.

Giant’s Causeway

Up next, we’re dipping up into Northern Ireland and the country’s most unique landscape, the Giant’s Causeway. Dating back 60 million years, thousands of hexagonal-shaped columns protrude from the coastline in mind boggling beautiful formations.

This is a bit of a detour, but don’t worry, the North Sea gale will keep you awake on your drive over to your next stop for the night.

Derry/Londonderry

It’ll likely be quite late by the time you rock up in Derry/Londonderry so treat yourself to a couple of nights rest here. A place of historical significance, one of the first things you’ll notice is the wall surrounding the inner city.

In order to learn about the more recent political events that shaped this part of Ireland, don’t miss the Museum of Free Derry in the bogside District. It’s a moving experience.

The pubs aren’t half bad around these parts either, so stock up on the good stuff while you can.