7 Days in Ireland with a Private Driver: A Relaxed First-Trip Itinerary

One week is enough to see the best of Ireland if you resist the temptation to see all of it. This itinerary covers Dublin, the west coast and Kerry, with no more than one long journey on any day. It is written for first-time visitors, especially from the USA, who would rather look at the scenery than drive through it.

Day 1: Land in Dublin and take it easy

Most flights from North America land in the morning. Your chauffeur meets you in the arrivals hall and takes you straight to your hotel. Keep the first day light: a walk, an early dinner and a proper night's sleep. See Dublin Airport to the city centre for prices, and our arrival guide for US travellers.

Day 2: Dublin, or a day trip close to the city

Spend the day in Dublin, or head out on a short trip. Two popular choices are Glendalough and Powerscourt in the Wicklow Mountains, and Newgrange in the Boyne Valley, older than the pyramids of Giza.

Day 3: Dublin to Galway

Galway is about 213 km from Dublin Airport, around 2 hours 15 minutes by car, so you arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon in the Latin Quarter. Our Dublin to Galway transfer guide has the details.

Day 4: Connemara

West of Galway, Connemara is lakes, bog and mountains, with Kylemore Abbey as the classic stop. With a private driver you can stop wherever the view is good, which in Connemara is often. See also our Connemara guide.

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher and the Burren on the way south

Instead of a straight drive from Galway to Kerry, travel south through County Clare. Stop at the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, then continue to Killarney for the night. This is the longest day of the week, so start early, particularly in autumn and winter when the days are short.

Day 6: Kerry

Use Killarney as your base. Choose between the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, or simply spend the day in Killarney National Park. Our Killarney guide covers the town.

Day 7: Back towards Dublin

Killarney is about 313 km from Dublin Airport, around 3 hours 40 minutes. Break the journey at the Rock of Cashel or in Kilkenny, and stay near the airport or in Dublin for your last night. If your flight home is in the morning, staying close to the airport makes the last day much calmer.

Why a private driver suits this route

• Nobody has to drive on the left on narrow rural roads, or after an overnight flight.
• The price is fixed before you travel and charged per vehicle, so families and groups share the cost.
• Luggage stays in the car between stops, so you can stop for lunch or a view without worrying about it.
• Mercedes V-Class vehicles take up to 6 or 7 passengers with luggage; child seats are available on request.

Not sure whether a car is the better choice? Read our comparison of a private transfer, a taxi and a rental car.

Plan your week

Single transfers can be priced instantly on Check Price & Book. For a full week with several stops, send us your dates and hotels and we will put together a plan and a fixed quote for the whole trip.