At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Ireland was so amazing! We loved every bit of it, so we thought we’d share with you our detailed itinerary, because if you aren’t planning on going, you should add it to your list ;)
PLANNING:
We spent 7 nights in Ireland total. To be honest we could have stayed more, but if you’re going to be doing a big loop like we did, I’d suggest at least 7 nights. We started in Dublin (we could also have flown into Belfast, but for us the flights were all expensive) went straight north and around the west coast and flew out of Cork, which was almost a complete circle around the island. If you were going to fly in and out of Dublin, it would be a little longer of a drive if you were doing a complete loop. So you’ll have to determine how much time you have, what you want to see, and where you are flying in and out of.
PACKING:
One thing you’re really going to want to pay attention to before leaving, and even plan around before you book your flights and hotels, is weather. We just happened to get there during the best weather. It was pretty much sunny our entire stay. Even the Irish were mentioning to us how lucky we were. It was still windy and chilly at times, but we had very little rain. The weather in Ireland being what it is, you’re going to want to pack lots of sweaters, jeans, good shoes for walking/hiking, and a shell for rain. We actually just bought 2 really cheap umbrellas there because they were really inexpensive so we didn’t want to worry about taking up space if we didn't end up needing them. I won’t go into too much detail on other items we packed because most of that will go into my newly update “traveling with children” post that I’m working on.
GETTING AROUND:
Whenever we can, and whenever it makes sense, we get rental cars. Ireland is the perfect place to get a rental car... in fact I really don't know how the trip would happen if you didn't have one since you are road tripping so much. We always rent with Avis because as a preferred member you are in and out so quickly which is super nice. (I hate when it takes forever and I am chasing Atticus forever while waiting in line etc.) Just remember 1) Lots of the cars here are manual, so if you can’t drive a stick, be specific when making a reservation and ask for an automatic and 2) You’re going to be driving on the left side of the road! This can seem so scary at first, but it just takes a little getting used to (even though David did all the driving.) Also, remember that Diesel is the cheaper option in lots of Europe, but just make sure that you’re pumping the right gas as most are diesel.
STOPS: (Where we Stayed, what we did, what we ate)
We were originally only planning on staying in Ireland 5 nights, but we had to change our trip a bit so we ended up adding Northern Ireland to the itinerary. Unfortunately we didn’t have a ton of time to plan for it because it was kind of a last minute change in our plans. So we stayed at a little inexpensive bed and breakfast in Castlerock. It’s about 3 hour drive north from Dublin, so definitely not a quick trip, but a great drive. Don’t feel like you need to stop at every quaint field full of sheep because you’re going to see plenty of them.
The town is adorable and the beach is so pretty. This is the beach I took these sunset photos on from this post. Honestly, the B&B wasn’t anything special, but the location was so great. From there we were able to get to Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and the dark hedges pretty easily. All within about a 30 minute drive. But the drive is so gorgeous. It’s all along what’s called the Causeway Costal Route, so time in the car isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Castlerock is a pretty small town, so there wasn't much in terms of food. Because we were in a small cottage, we just stocked up with essentials at a local super market. During the days when we were out went to Portrush, a nearby town, and they had some great restaurants and pubs. Definitely go to Ramore Wine bar and get the chilli chips!
CONG:
Also a long drive, but so worth it! You’re going to be doing a lot of driving on this trip.
We stayed at Ashford Castle if you remember this post, here. There was so much to do. Our favorites were the horseback ride and the picnic which you can arrange through the concierge. They have a picnic menu and we were just able to chose our location on the castle grounds, and just show up to the most perfect picnic with an incredible castle view. They even have a school of falconry, which we would have loved to do if Atticus was a little older. They also have archery, fly fishing, boat rides, and tons more. For the most part we ate at the castle. The breakfast was incredible and they had the freshest and tastiest croissants I have ever had. We also ate in Cong, Try the Hungry Monk Cafe on Abbey Street in town. It’s a local favorite.
CLIFFS OF MOHER:
After Cong we had our longest drive which we broke up with 2 stops. Non stop it would have been about 5 hours. Once again, such a gorgeous drive, but 5 hours in a car is 5 hours in a car, so you might as well take advantage of the beautiful countryside.
We first stopped at the Cliffs of Moher which is about a 2 and a half hour drive from Cong. You have to go there! If you saw David’s Instagram, you caught a glimpse of the magnitude of the cliffs. They’re awe inspiring, almost like the grand canyon. The cliffs themselves are free to walk and explore, but they do charge per person for parking. I was so worried at first because of Atticus and the cliffs. I kept having reoccuring dreams of me holding Rosie and Atticus running towards the edge of the cliffs - it was horrible!!! So I actually bought a leash to keep him corralled ;) Fortunately we didn’t have to use it because they had brick walls, not just fences, so that was a huge relief. Although you can walk along the cliffs without a wall and even sit on the edge if you're crazy enough.
KILLARNEY:
From there it was about a 2.5 hour drive to Killarney. There is the most quintessential castle there and an adorable mainstream with a place called Murphy’s Ice-cream. You’ll want to go there. They have a few specialties that are unlike any ice cream I’ve ever had! There are 3 locations in Ireland and we managed to stop at 2 of them on our trip.
DINGLE:
We actually didn’t stay on the Dingle Peninsula, but we could have. And if you're planning on spending a lot of time there, you might wan to. We were just wanting to explore and drive so we weren’t too worried about actually staying on the peninsula. We stayed in County Kerry. We actually stayed at a little cottage in County Kerry for a night, but we woke up to no water. It was so nice being in a little Irish, thatched roof cottage that had a water well, but with no water we had to move. David found the cutest little bed and breakfast called Kells Bay House and Gardens. They had a delicious Thai restaurant, but other than a little postoffice/shop, there wasn’t much for food so we mostly ate in the nearest city, Cahersiveen.
We were about an hour drive away from Dingle but the drive is incredible and probably my favorite drive of the trip. We stopped at Rahinnane castle and Ferriter’s castle. We walked around Dingle and spent a few hours at the Dingle Ocean Aquarium. It was so much fun, Atticus was in heaven! He just ran from exhibit to exhibit screaming his lungs off loving all the fish, sharks, otters and all the other animals. We were so impressed with how great the aquarium is. We’re firm believers in dedicating time for kids activities when traveling with young children, otherwise they’re just along for the ride, so this was so much fun. We then ate at the Boat Yard Restaurant & Bar in dingle. We didn't take a lot photos (or any really) on this portion of the trip. We like to have days set aside sans camera.
We had one final drive from Kerry to Cork which is where we flew out of. It was about a 2 and a half hour drive, but we stopped in Killarney to see Ross Castle and get Murphy’s on the way out;)
Here's a list of places we wanted to see but weren't able to:
Skelig Islands - The boat tours are shut down until May:/ But they are these twin islands with jagged cliffs and a walkway winding to the top where there is a Monastery. David said that the final scene of Star Wars the Force Awakens was filmed there(Don't judge I haven't seen it yet)
Aran Islands - Inishmore
Kylemore Abbey - We pretty much had to chose between Kylemore and Ashford, and we decided to go with Ashford, but if we had more time we would have done both. It just would have taken us a little out of our path.
Galway - Yet another adorable town that we would have loved to visit, but also would have taken us out of the way. If you're going to do either Kylemore or Galway, do both because they are in the same region.
Where are the pictures taken where you guys are on all the rocks??
I would love to visit that area !
Love all of your insights and photos!! My husband and I are going to Ireland next June and will road trip but also hope to settle down for a few days in a town with charming streets, good restaurants/pubs and some shopping. Any suggestions on where we should spend that time?
Love all of your pictures and family! My husband and I hope to go to Ireland for a baby moon and this itinerary was just what we were looking for! Thanks Amber! 🙂
Hey Amber! I’m wondering what child harness you got… I’m trying to pick one out right now for our 20 month old for our trip to Disneyland , but having a hard time finding one I like…. Thanks!
Thank you so much for the detailed itinerary! It is giving me a great start to planning my trip, as I am going in October! Also, I cannot drive a manual, so that is very tip to keep in mind! I may have not been able to even leave the airport!!
Of course!! I am so glad you found it to be helpful 🙂 You will love it there!!
Amber, your pictures are just beautiful!! I live here in Ireland about 30 minutes away from the giants causeway, it is one of my favourite places:) The sea air is so refreshing. I would have loved to meet you, you have been my favourite blogger/youtuber for years! You should come back some day, my friends and I have lots of good tips on cute places to eat and stay:)
Thank you so much!! I am so happy you liked the post 🙂 We had such an amazing time there!! It will forever be one of my favorite places. And I would love to meet you and your friends!! I am sure we will be back in the future!! xoxo
Amber,
I absolutely love this post! I’ve been having some serious wanderlust lately, and want to plan trips to so many places at once, and this post really helps!! I know you mentioned at one point that you’ll be putting up a “traveling with the family” post soon, could you also do a post about how you pack for these long trips?? Like the essentials or how you plan your outfits? I hope to travel this much with my family in the future, but even right now traveling solo I bring waaaaaaaay to much stuff (!) so I wondered what kind of tips you had for packing light/smart!! Thanks 🙂
Katie
Hi!! Thank you so much!! So glad you liked it 🙂 And I love that suggestion, thanks!! We will definitely be putting out some good tips so stay tuned for it!! And I hear ya!! It is so hard to pack light but I always bring pieces I can layer and wear more than once! xo
LOVE your blog!! Such gorgeous photos. I’m going to Ireland/ London in 2 weeks – any ideas?! We can’t decide if we should do Cliffs of Moher or Giant’s Causway. Unfortunately, we only have time for one. What would you recommend?
Thank you Emily!! So glad you liked the post 🙂 And I would definitely go to Giant’s Causway!!
I love this. We honeymooned in Ireland and road tripped around the land in 11 days. It was magical. We are heading back soon with the kids! xo
Emily
http://www.emilyalder.com
Incredible! Now I want to visit Ireland!
You totally should!! 🙂
Beautiful pictures! You probably get this question a lot but what camera did you use on your trip?
xx
Thanks so much!! We use a canon 5d mark iii.
So cool! I was in Iceland a few months ago, and they have VERY similar hexagonal rock formations there as well. If you loved Ireland, I bet you would love Iceland as well — and a lot of times you can book it as a stopover on your way to continental Europe! After seeing these pics, Ireland is next for me! Thanks for posting this itinerary!!
Wow!! That is so cool!! What an adventure 🙂 We definitely want to go to Iceland someday!! I hear it is amazing!
I already knew I’d be obsessed with Ireland but you made it seem better than ever. Glad you had a great time. Thanks for sharing!!
http://www.maryandtharon.com
Of course!! Thanks for reading!
Ireland looks surreal! So many beautiful photos! <3
xx
ALINA ERMILOVA | BLOG
It is a dream!! We loved it!
So great to hear about your trip! We just got back from a 10 day trip to Ireland yesterday!! We almost called and told our families to send our stuff because we wanted to stay! Our trip was pretty much the opposite of yours, haha! We flew into Dublin and then drove completely across the country to a little town called Adare. I would suggest the Adare Manor villas if you are staying with children. Our villa had 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full living area, kitchen, and yard. I think you guys would do great there with the kids. We made that our home base for 8 days and spent the last two days in Wicklow (just south of Dublin) and flew out of Dublin back to JFK. Adare was an awesome little town with two castles to explore! Not very touristy (which we loved). We ended up hitting a lot of awesome places while we were there!! A few of our favorites were the Ring of Kerry. the Dingle Peninsula, Aran Islands (Inishmore) (from the ferry we got an awesome view of the Cliffs of Mohr), Wicklow Mountains, and the Rock of Cashel. We hired a local to take us on our tour of the Dingle Peninsula and it is actually one of his daughter’s who runs Murphy’s Ice Cream shops! Small world? Kind of! I agree though, there isn’t one part of that country that we didn’t love…even the really narrow country roads. I wanted to take a baby lamb home with me they were so cute!! Thank you for sharing your post, loved it.
Thanks so much for reading Lisa!! And wow!! No way?! So glad you got to experience beautiful Ireland too!! Thanks for sharing your itinerary!! I loved seeing what you all did! Sounds like you had a great time!! I will definitely keep Adare on our list, if we ever go back!! Thanks again!! 🙂
Thank you so much for this amazing post! I am planning a trip to Ireland in the fall and this will be incredibly helpful!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Yay! So glad you liked it!! I hope it was helpful 🙂
The whole Ireland visit sounds wonderful! –Hanna Lei
It was a dream!! One of our favorite places yet!
Love thisssss! What a gorgeous place!! xo
http://www.pamelayaquelin.blogspot.com
Thanks Pam!! It was pretty amazing there! 🙂
Hi Amber & family,
I recently came across your blog a few months ago and I just wanted to tell you how inspiring you are- you seem like a cool big sister to me. I’m 23 and I want to start a blog but I don’t know where to begin. Every time I begin to tell family or friends I never receive any positive feedback. What is your best advice?
Thanks! XO
Hi Beck!! Thank you so much for the sweet comment!! That means so much to me 🙂 I am so happy you look to me for inspiration! I will give you some of my tips! Can you message me on Barefoot Blonde Facebook page? Thanks!! xo
Aran Islands and Galway are beautiful! Galway was rated the friendliest city in the world, and it definitely shows when you go there 🙂 http://www.chasingbelle.com
Ahh I am so sad we didn’t get a chance to see everything!!! 🙁 That just means we need to go back haha!
looks like so much fun! i’ve actually been to the edge of the cliffs… it’s an experience to say the least, haha! and murphy’s ice cream is so good!
Yes!! Gorgeous huh?? We loved it there!!
Beautiful pictures!! So random, but in one of the pictures of atticus wrapped in a blanket it looks like his name is printed all over it…i LOVE it. Where did you get that? Thank u in advance!!
Thanks so much Lindsay!! And it is from http://www.theknitstudio.com.au/ 🙂
What a sweet post. It’s such a blessing that you all are able to show your kids sights like this at such a young age. Memories that will truly last a lifetime!
xx Kathryn
http://www.chicandshimmer.com
Thank you so much!! You are too kind!! I appreciate the comment 🙂
I could get lost in your blog! Gorgeous pictures! your family is beautiful!
Oh you are too sweet!! Thanks for reading!! xo
This makes me so proud to be Irish, it’s lovely seeing our little country featured online! especially some of it’s best bits. I’m going to attempt that rope bridge this Summer, i just hope the weather holds out for us x
http://www.sheintheknow.co.uk
Amazing, amazing, amazing! Wanna go there one day ♥ Your pics are so beautfiul! Thanks for these tips!
Meet My Lovely World
You definitely should add it to your “must see” list!!! It was amazing!
Really adore your images! Stunning family! Just wanted to ask , what camera lens does your husband use? xo Aisha
Wow! This itinerary is so helpful. I wish one day I can go visit Ireland with my family. The places you went are so beautiful, and so fun to visit places that are unique and that are shown on tv.
xo
Carolina | http://www.dearbabymj.com
I’ve been hoping to make it over to Ireland so thank you for sharing all of these helpful tips!
http://dreamofadventures.blogspot.com/
Amber my goodness you would have had an absolute heart attack taking Atticus to the Skelligs! I did it several years ago and it is incredibly beautiful but so steep! I used to live in Ireland and still pine for the place, your posts make me swoon!
Love your photos Amber! David’s video is definitely the coolest way to capture the Cliffs of Moher!! My mom is from Cork and practically my whole family lives there so I have been many times- if you ever go again you must go visit Blarney Castle! The whole grounds of the Castle are amazing, there is a Blarney House, beautiful gardens, and even a fairy glade! Also I highly recommend driving the Ring of Kerry, it’s spectacular! Sadly I have not been to Ashford Castle, your pictures have convinced me to go next time I’m there! Hope you’re having a great time in Russia!
Thanks for sharing! Ireland is SO beautiful <3 Love all the pics!
xo Raina
http://www.themamaqueen.com
Of course!! Thank you for reading!! xo
I’m so jealous that both of you guys are willing to plan something intricate for your vacations. I love planning. I think some degree of planning and direction is needed when you travel – especially to foreign countries. But my boyfriend hates it! He literally gets sulky lmao. He says it bums him out. He just likes to go with the flow. For me, I’m all for a level of spontaneity and non-limiting choice of activities but you got to have some direction!
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
So so pretty place! You should come Finland some day ????????
We would love that!!
Looks like such a fun place to explore!! So jealous of your Europe trip!
http://www.kristenskouture.com
I can’t believe how pretty it is there!! I want to go so badly now
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Awesome pictures it looks amazing! Was also after some advice how do you find being a young mum? I’m 24 and had a miscarriage in December and want to try again but also have alot of fear and you seem to have life totally Sussed! And look gorgeous doing it how do you do it? also thank you for your reply regarding your workout program awesome bikini ready guide you follow guttered I can’t get it in Nz ????
Love seeing all your adventures with your beautiful family!
http://www.singlegirlsanonymous.com
I am in love with this landscape! This is such a detailed itinerary – I love love it. Thank you for taking the time to write all of this for us! PS: those sunnies are adorable xx
http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog
Thanks for sharing your itinerary! Your trip sounds so amazing.
stay styled,
Lindsey
Ig: stay_styled
BLOG: http://staystyledblog.com/
Thank you for the details!! I’m so excited to plan a trip, and it really seems like a road trip is the way to go if you want to see multiple places. Lovely photos – just a stunning place! And I love that you set aside days/activities for the kiddos, and non-camera days. Makes it even more special for you and your family 🙂 xoxo
Precious! Where oh where is Rosie’s cute bunting onesie from?
We head to Ireland in July with our little guy… right around Atticus’ age (I swear they look like brothers, ha!). We are only visiting Dublin, bummed to miss all these amazing places! I guess we will have to go back soon 🙂 save travels!
Thank you so much for sharing your itinerary! I am itching to plan a trip now to Ireland.
Xoxo,
Nicolette
http://www.fashionworthknowing.com
Amazing! I love being able to see the itinerary! Do you have any tips for traveling light and how to travel cheaper? In your YouTube Q and A you were talking about being able to travel cheaper without kids and I’d love to find out some of your tips for how to travel relatively inexpensively!!
This post is great and so informative! I don’t plan to go to Ireland any time soon but I’m bookmarking for reference because I want to do all the things you did. Thanks for sharing! I feel like I could actually plan a trip to Ireland without feeling totally clueless.
Amazing pictures! I’m just thinking: it’s gonna be amazing for Atticus and little Rosie to have all these pictures to look at on your blog! Such a nice diary and picturebook!
xx
http://www.thefashionplaybook.de
This is so great! I was planning a London birthday with a stop in Ireland. I may reverse that seeing your posts and reading this. Thanks so much for the tips. I am so happy you had an amazing time.
Thanks Michelle!! Glad it was helpful 🙂 I am so happy you are planning on going yay!! You will love it!
Wow. How incredible! So much awesome and useful information. Thank you both for all of this! Sounds so incredible and I definitely want to add it to my list of places to visit! 😀
Thanks so much!! I love hearing that feedback 🙂
I have never traveled abroad but you have pretty much convinced me to go to Ireland now! Haha. These pictures are breathtaking and it sounds like there is more than enough to explore!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Definitely add it on your list!! You won’t regret it 🙂 Thanks for reading Morgan!!
EEK! This makes me want to go to Ireland so bad now! Thanks for all the deets!
You totally should!! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I’ve always wanted to visit Irelnad. The pictures are beautiful.! Can you tell me where Rosie’s dusty rose beanie is from?
Thanks so much Amy!! And yes of course!! It is from Ladida Kids 🙂
Wow – so dreamy! My husband and I can’t wait to go to Ireland someday. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
xo E
http://www.adamanderica.com
IG: native_nomad
Of course!! I know you and your husband will love it whenever you go 🙂
AMAZING photos!!! Beautiful family!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Thank you Elise!! xo
This is my dream vacation! Thank you for all the advice, it will be so helpful when I start planning the trip (=
I hope you can go someday!!! It is a dreamy place for sure 🙂
So beautiful there!
http://www.tusksandtails.com
It really is!! 🙂
I love the images, and this trip is so pretty! It’s quite shocking that I live kind of round the corner (London, England) and haven’t visited Ireland yet, and only Scotland and Wales! x
http://www.whiitelist.com
Thank you so much Simi!! Glad you liked the post 🙂 You should totally go!
It all sounds amazing!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I’ll definitely have to come back to this when I finally get my Europe trip haha
Of course!! Thank you for reading the post 🙂
Thank you for all the fun details, and don’t you hate those kind of dreams! I get them too about my little one and I probably would have bought the leash as well. 😉 You are such a good momma.
You’re so welcome!! Thanks for reading Jenna!! And I know right?! They are the worst ahh!
Love the photos! Thanks for sharing everything you did while in Ireland, that will be so helpful when i make a trip there some day not to far off! Love the pigtail braids, you look so cute!!
Xoxox,
http://www.darlingindenim.com
Thank you Lauren!! I am so glad it was helpful!! xo
oh this is perfect!!!
XO JNESS
: JenessaSheffield.com
Thanks for reading!! I appreciate it 🙂
God, your photos are so pretty! Your kids are going to love looking at all these one day.
coralandslate.com
You are too nice!! Thank you Kate 🙂
Definitely adding this to places to go! Great pictures!!!
Yes please!!! And thank you!
Hi Amber! Your babies are going to be so well traveled and thankful for all these amazing photos you have of them! You all are the best!!!
Terrell in OKC
Thank you so much!! They really are great little travelers, and it will be fun to look back at these memories 🙂 Thanks for the comment!! xo
You guys always look like the happiest people on the planet. ???? Love watching you!!!
Wow thank you!! That is the best compliment 🙂
Doing the loop sounds like an amazing road trip! Never thought to do Ireland like that. My son loves the car/road trips so it would be great for him! Thanks for sharing!
It really was a great plan for us!! Thanks for reading Sarah!! 🙂
Im not normally afraid of heights but those pics on that bridge made me go wow! LOL!
Me too!! I was a little nervous 😉
Glad you had a lovely time in Ireland. We are travelling in Loch Lomond and Edinburgh at the moment and feel super tired with a two year old. Every night we need a mini cry out to settle him to sleep and constantly chasing him in restaurants when we are out eating. It would be most helpful if you have any tips on these x
Thanks so much!! We absolutely loved it!! And oh yes! Those mini cry outs are definitely necessary haha! I will be doing a post soon with more traveling tips!! Stay tuned 🙂
Sounds like an amazing trip! That bridge looks so scary!!
Renee | Lose The Road
Thanks Renee!! It was 🙂 And I know huh?? I was so nervous!
Thanks for all of these tips! I miss Ireland… I was able to go to Dublin, Cork, and further south. I haven’t been to the cliffs of moher though — theyre on my bucket list!
x Sarah
http://www.bohochiccafe.com
Of course!! Glad you liked the post.
Ireland is such a beautiful place!
xo
http://www.cherry-mag.com
It really is!! 🙂
I am Indian and African. and my husband is of Irish decent. Also, my brother lives in Dublin, whom we visit every year. In the summers growing up in Florida, I would go visit my brother for a few months, and it’s those moments I will always remember. It’s often not the first country people think of in Europe, but for me it is absolutely the most memorable and special. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post!
XO,
Lauren Ashley | brownpaperdoll.com
How fun!! So awesome you get to visit, I can see why it holds a special place in your heart 🙂 I should be getting tips from you!!
I’ve heard so many amazing things about Ireland! Looks so beautiful! <3
BlondieInTheCity.com
Yes! It was amazing!! Thanks for reading the post!