South Ireland Road Trip: A leisurely week from Dublin to Dingle

The first stop on your South Ireland road trip is a city small in size but huge in personality. Dublin wears its history on its sleeve yet retains a youthful energy.

The 18th-century masterpieces of Merrion Square, medieval castles, and Norman cathedrals find perfect complement in the city’s cheeky charm, where the Millennium Spire is also referred to as “the stiffy by the Liffey” — which says it all, really.

Dive into Ireland’s past at the National Museum, while literature lovers should visit the homes of Yeats, Wilde, and Beckett. Check out the performers on Grafton Street — and get an obligatory pic with Molly Malone.

Take a tour of the iconic Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield. Sample local produce at Temple Bar’s weekend markets — and stay on for the evening partying. Or catch a show at the prestigious Abbey Theatre then tap along to some traditional folk music in a cosy waterfront pub.

Locals refer to Cork as “the real capital of Ireland”. Head on to the next stop on your South Ireland road trip to see if they’re right.

This is a down-to-earth and welcoming city with no airs and graces despite the sophisticated Georgian terraces of its city centre.

Full of spirit, Cork is rapidly sprucing itself up — hence all those artisan coffee bars calling out to the secret hipster inside you. But there’s also plenty of tradition. By which we mean pubs. Lots of them.

Wander the city centre, set on an island in the River Lee. Check out the English market with its vaulted ceilings and array of local produce. Enjoy a pint of Murphey’s or Beamish, the city’s own version of stout.

Indulge your inner hoarder at The Village Hall, a treasure trove of vintage clothing, records, and knick-knacks. And in the evening, there’s the Cork Opera House. But if arias leave you cold, don’t panic — it also hosts stand-up comedy.

Next on this South Ireland road trip, join part of the epic and iconic Wild Atlantic Way heading on to Dingle. The Dingle Peninsula is the Irish mainland’s most westerly point.

This ancient landscape is home to prehistoric forts and beehive huts, early Christian chapels, haunting holy wells, and some seriously spectacular beaches. Vast sandy shores pounded by Atlantic waves alternate with picturesque coves. And then, looming over it all, the majestic Mount Brandon.

This part of your South Ireland itinerary is all about nature. The Slea Head Drive takes in some of Ireland’s most bewitching scenery as it winds along the rocky coast. Or there’s Connor Pass, Ireland’s highest mountain pass — if you can handle its twists and turns, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views.

Surfers and windsurfers should head to Castlegregory and Inch while swimmers will enjoy the calmer waters of Ventry and Smerwick Harbour. And look out for Fungie, a bottlenose dolphin who has been living in Dingle harbour since 1985.

The final destination on your South Ireland road trip is the largest lake on Ireland’s River Shannon.

Lough Derg is home to a scenic drive of the same name. It is a spectacular 78-mile journey hugging the shores of the lake, through picturesque villages like Mountshannon, where you might spot White Tailed Eagles, to places like Portumna Forest and its castle.

Don’t miss out on the villages of Tipperary on the lake’s eastern shores, and the most dramatic stretch, around Portroe and Garrykennedy. Sound like fun?

Begin with the lake itself, where you can canoe, waterski, kayak, paddle boarding, and even go diving. Venture across the waters to Inis Cealtra — Irish for ‘Holy Island’ - a pilgrimage site with ghostly ruins.

Hike along the East Clare Way, or climb — or attempt to climb — Tountinna, the highest point on the Arra mountains. Then head to the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most impressive historic sites, where ancient ruins perch on a rocky outcrop — a true trip through time.