The Ultimate September Road Trip Around Ireland

The Best Ireland Road Trip Route for September

September is an especially lovely time for an Ireland road trip. The peak summer crowds have started to ease, the days are still reasonably long and there’s something wonderfully cosy about exploring Irish towns as summer begins to fade.

If there’s one thing we recommend for seeing the very best of Ireland, it’s taking to the road. While public transport can get you from A to B, having your own car means you can explore Ireland at your own pace, stop take in the breath taking views and discover a few hidden gems along the way.

The Route at a Glance

Dublin → Belfast → Galway → Cliffs of Moher → Dingle → Ring of Kerry → Kinsale → Blarney → Dublin

Dublin – Culture, Craic & History

Start your September road trip around Ireland in Dublin. If you're visiting between 5th and 20th of September, it the perfect time to catch a show the Dublin Fringe Festival, showcasing theatre, comedy, dance, music and immersive experiences across the city.

Spend a day soaking up Dublin's rich history, from the Book of Kells and GPO Museum to Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol. Then do as the locals do and settle into a cosy Irish pub for a pint of Guinness, Irish stew, soda bread and some live music.

For a more authentic pub experience, try The Cobblestone, The Stag's Head, O'Donoghue's or The Gravediggers. Temple Bar is worth seeing, of course, but there's plenty more to Dublin's pub scene than one colourful street.

Belfast – Titanic & Fantasy TV Experiences 

Next head to Belfast. Explore the city's fascinating maritime history at Titanic Belfast before heading to the Game of Thrones studio tour, where fans can step into the world of Westeros and see costumes and sets from the hit series.

Galway – Music, Pubs & Coastal Views

Make your way west to Galway, one of Ireland's best-loved cities. Wander through Eyre Square, explore the colourful Latin Quarter and stop by the historic Spanish Arch before settling into one of the city's many traditional pubs.

If you're visiting on 18th September, don't miss Culture Night Galway, a celebration of culture, creativity and the arts with events taking place throughout the city.

From Galway, make your way to the unforgettable Cliffs of Moher for some of Ireland's most iconic coastal scenery.

Dingle – Food Festival, Wildlife & Atlantic Views

Continue south towards Dingle, where colourful streets, traditional pubs and spectacular coastal scenery await. September is a brilliant time to explore the area, with opportunities for whale watching, delicious local food and breathtaking Atlantic sunsets.

Take your time here. Dingle is the kind of place where getting nowhere quickly is half the fun.

The Ring of Kerry Ireland at Its Wildest

Next, take on the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland's most scenic driving routes. Expect dramatic mountains, turquoise waters, charming villages and plenty of places to pull over and admire the view. Keep the camera handy; you'll be stopping a lot.

Kinsale, Blarney & Back to Dublin

Finish your road trip in colourful Kinsale, famous for its harbour, historic streets and excellent food. Then make your way to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone before heading back to Dublin.

And there you have it, the ultimate Ireland road trip itinerary. From buzzing cities and historic landmarks to rugged coastlines, traditional pubs and spectacular scenery, September is the perfect time to slow down, explore and experience Ireland like a local.

Just remember: leave plenty of room in the itinerary for spontaneous stops. The best Irish adventures rarely happen exactly according to plan.