Ireland rewards slow travel. Ancient monasteries rise from misty fields, sea cliffs catch the Atlantic light, and towns brim with live music and warm conversation. This 16-day loop from Shannon balances scenic drives, museum-rich cities, and nights in cozy B&Bs—set to a romantic rhythm with time for photo stops, cafés, and traditional pubs.

History is everywhere: from medieval giants like Trim and Kilkenny Castles to Derry’s intact 17th-century walls and Titanic heritage in Belfast. Nature dazzles along the Burren, Connemara’s bog and mountain folds, and the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. Add in a few whiskey tastings—Bushmills, Kilbeggan, and Killarney Distilling—for a spirited sampling of Ireland’s craftsmanship.

Practical notes: You’ll drive on the left with many rural roads narrow and scenic—keep daily stints under four hours (outlined below). The Republic uses euros; Northern Ireland uses British pounds. Book distillery and popular sites ahead in September. If you’d like to compare flight or rail alternatives at any point, check Omio for Europe flights and Omio trains.

Ennis (County Clare)

Days 1–2: Shannon arrival, The Burren & Cliffs of Moher

Touch down at Shannon and ease into Ireland with a short drive to Ennis—an amiable market town with lively trad music and quick access to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher. Wander colorful lanes, visit the Clare Museum, and settle into a family-run B&B.

• Top sights: Cliffs of Moher viewpoints, Burren National Park (limestone pavements, wildflowers), Poulnabrone Dolmen, and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.
• Scenic drive: The coastal loop via Doolin and Black Head to Ballyvaughan frames Atlantic views and lunar-like Burren landscapes.
• Food & drink: - Brogan’s Bar (Irish comfort plates, lively evenings). - Knox’s Pub (trad tunes and hearty mains). - Monks Ballyvaughan (seafood with bay views). - Gus O’Connor’s Pub, Doolin (a classic for music).

Where to stay: Search intimate B&Bs and small hotels in Ennis on VRBO or Hotels.com.

Arrival tips: Shannon Airport to Ennis is ~25 minutes by car. Prefer a guided first evening? Consider local tours and banquets below.

• Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle (evening feast with music; 2.5 hours)

  

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• Knappogue Castle Medieval Banquet (a historic, candlelit evening outside Quin)

  

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• Shannon Walking Tour with Local Storyteller (1–2 hours; folklore, airport-to-cottage route)

  

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• Award-Winning Goat Cheese Tasting (St. Tola, Ennistymon)

  

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Optional upgrade if you’d like to skip driving one day: a private Cliffs of Moher & Burren outing from Dromoland Castle (near Shannon).

Book on Viator

Next leg: Ennis to Galway is ~1.5 hours via the coast with Burren stops. If not driving, buses run ~2 hours; compare on Omio buses.

Galway

Days 3–4: City vibes & Connemara

Galway’s medieval lanes overflow with street music, cafés, and Atlantic air. Visit the Galway City Museum, stroll the Spanish Arch, then savor fresh seafood before a sunset promenade in Salthill.

• Top sights: Galway City Museum, Latin Quarter, Salthill Prom, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.
• Day trip: Connemara via Sky Road (Clifden) and Kylemore Abbey—moors, lakes, and mountains perfect for photography.
• Cafés & meals: - Coffeewerk + Press (third-wave coffee with design finds). - McDonagh’s (classic fish and chips). - Ard Bia at Nimmos (seasonal Irish plates by the Corrib). - Kai (creative, local-produce menus; book ahead). - The Crane Bar (trad music upstairs).

Stay local: Compare small hotels and apartments on VRBO or Hotels.com.

Next leg: Galway to Westport ~1.5 hours via the scenic N59 and Mallaranny Bay. Rail is ~1h35 from Galway to Westport (often via Athlone), ~€15–25; see Omio trains.

Westport

Day 5: Clew Bay, Achill Island

Base in postcard-pretty Westport, laid out in Georgian grace along the Carrowbeg River. If the weather’s smiling, drive Achill’s Atlantic Drive—sea cliffs, Keem Bay’s amphitheater beach, and windswept sheep tracks.

• Highlights: Westport House (history meets gardens), Great Western Greenway segments, Croagh Patrick views from Murrisk.
• Eats: - The Pantry & Corkscrew (local ingredients, intimate). - An Port Mór (seafood and game; reservations recommended). - The Helm (casual dockside plates in Westport Quay).

Stay near the center for easy strolls: VRBO or Hotels.com.

Next leg: Westport to Donegal Town ~2 hours via Ballycroy National Park. Buses run ~3–3.5 hours; check Omio buses.

Donegal Town

Day 6: Castles & coasts

Donegal Town clusters around a 15th-century castle and the quay. If time and weather allow, detour to Slieve League cliffs (spectacular and less crowded than Moher)—it’s a longer outing but unforgettable.

• Top picks: Donegal Castle, craft shopping at Magee, Drumcliffe (Yeats’ grave) if you routed via Sligo.
• Dining: - Quay West (seafood, estuary views). - Olde Castle Bar & Red Hugh’s (hearty Irish fare beside the castle).

Sleep central to minimize driving: VRBO or Hotels.com.

Next leg: Donegal Town to Derry/Londonderry ~1.5 hours. Bus options ~2–2.5 hours; use Omio.

Derry / Londonderry

Day 7: Walled city stories

Derry’s intact 17th-century walls, Peace Bridge, and revitalized quays tell Ireland’s complex story with grace. Walk the ramparts, then visit the Tower Museum for maritime and city history.

• Don’t miss: Guildhall’s stained glass, the Museum of Free Derry for modern history context.
• Eats & sips: - Walled City Brewery (gastropub with house brews). - Pyke ’N’ Pommes (riverside street food favorite). - The Sooty Olive (modern Irish plates).

Stay within the walls or riverside: VRBO or Hotels.com.

Next leg: Derry to the Antrim Coast (Bushmills/Ballycastle) ~1–1.5 hours. Trains/buses via Coleraine ~1.5–2 hours; see Omio trains.

Bushmills & The Antrim Coast

Days 8–9: Giant’s Causeway, cliff paths, and whiskey

Base in Bushmills or Ballycastle for the Causeway Coastal Route. Hexagonal basalt at the Giant’s Causeway, the ruined drama of Dunluce Castle, and cliff-top trails make two days fly by.

• Top sights: Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO), Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Ballintoy Harbour, Dark Hedges (quick photo stop).
• Distillery: Old Bushmills Distillery—tour, tasting flight, and a wee shop for limited releases.
• Food: - Tartine at The Distillers Arms (refined local menus). - Bushmills Inn Restaurant (firelit dining, classic Irish). - Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Ballycastle (exceptional sourdough and pastries).

Find B&Bs set among stone cottages: VRBO or Hotels.com.

Next leg: Bushmills to Belfast via the Causeway Coast ~2–2.5 hours (more with stops). Trains from Coleraine to Belfast are ~1.2–1.5 hours; check Omio.

Belfast

Days 10–11: Titanic heritage & modern culture

Belfast pairs shipbuilding grit with a flourishing food scene. Start at Titanic Belfast and the preserved Thompson Dry Dock, then stroll the Cathedral Quarter’s street art and lively pubs.

• Must-sees: Titanic Belfast, Ulster Museum (free, excellent for art and history), City Hall tour, street art trails.
• Whiskey: Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock (tours in the historic pumphouse). Consider Hinch Distillery (County Down) if you’d like a countryside tasting detour.
• Where to eat: - The Muddlers Club (creative tasting menus; book ahead). - OX Belfast (Michelin-starred, seasonal). - Ginger Bistro (modern Irish comfort). - Established Coffee (top-notch espresso and bakes). - Crown Liquor Saloon (Victorian bar for a pre-dinner pint).

Stay central for walking: VRBO or Hotels.com.

Next leg: Belfast to Trim (Boyne Valley) ~2 hours via the A1/M1 (currency shifts back to euros). Public transport via Newry/Drogheda ~2.5–3.5 hours; browse Omio buses.

Trim (Boyne Valley)

Days 12–13: Castles, kings, and passage tombs

Trim is medieval Ireland at full scale: Trim Castle’s curtain walls dominate the River Boyne. Nearby lie the Neolithic wonders of Brú na Bóinne—Newgrange and Knowth—older than Stonehenge and the pyramids.

• Top sights: Trim Castle (guided tours climb the keep), Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre for Newgrange/Knowth (pre-book timed entry), Hill of Tara.
• Whiskey: Kilbeggan Distillery (c.1757) is ~35 minutes away—museum-style tour, working stills, and tastings that trace Irish whiskey’s roots.
• Food: - StockHouse (Irish steaks, seafood; reliable favorite). - Brogan’s of Trim (pub fare and pints). - CoffeeWorks (espresso, light bites).

Sleep by the river or in-town B&Bs: VRBO or Hotels.com.

Next leg: Trim to Kilkenny ~2 hours. Without a car, bus/train combos via Dublin ~3–4 hours; see Omio.

Kilkenny

Day 14: Cats, crafts, and a castle

Kilkenny’s “Marble City” weaves lanes between a grand castle and the Medieval Mile. Explore Rothe House & Garden and the cathedral tower before a pint in a stone-walled pub.

• Highlights: Kilkenny Castle, Medieval Mile Museum, Smithwick’s Experience (beer history), Rothe House, St. Canice’s round tower climb.
• Dining: - Zuni (modern Irish with polish). - Ristorante Rinuccini (Italian classics beside the castle). - Kyteler’s Inn (historic pub with live music).

Stay walkable in the old town: VRBO or Hotels.com.

Next leg: Kilkenny to Killarney ~3–3.5 hours; consider stops at the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle. Bus/train via Limerick Junction ~4–5 hours; search Omio trains.

Killarney

Day 15: National park romance

Killarney’s lakes and mountains are made for a finale: jaunting-car clip-clop in the park, waterfalls at Torc, and golden light on Lough Leane. Muckross House and Ross Castle offer layered history amid lush greens.

• Top picks: Muckross House & Gardens, Ross Castle boat rides, Torc Waterfall, the Gap of Dunloe (walk, bike, or jaunting-car + boat combo).
• Whiskey option: Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co. for a tour and tasting. If you fancy a coastal spin, Dingle town and its small-batch distillery are ~1 hour each way.
• Food: - Bricín (boxty and Irish classics; warm, intimate). - Quinlan’s (fresh, local seafood). - Murphy Brownes (steaks, comfort dishes). - JM Reidy’s (multi-room pub, cocktails, and live music).

Stay close to the park gates or town center: VRBO or Hotels.com.

Final leg: Killarney to Shannon Airport ~2–2.5 hours. For pre-flight night alternatives closer to SNN, look to Ennis or Bunratty via the links above.

Logistics, driving times, and budget tips

Daily driving caps and scenic routes

• All planned legs are ~1–3.5 hours: Ennis→Galway (1.5h), Galway→Westport (1.5h), Westport→Donegal (2h), Donegal→Derry (1.5h), Derry→Bushmills (1–1.5h), Bushmills→Belfast (2–2.5h), Belfast→Trim (2h), Trim→Kilkenny (2h), Kilkenny→Killarney (3–3.5h), Killarney→Shannon (2–2.5h).
• Most days include scenic detours: Burren Coast, Sky Road, Achill Atlantic Drive, Causeway Coast, and Killarney National Park roads.

Keeping costs down (mid-range, romantic stays)

• Target B&Bs/guesthouses with breakfast included; book 3–4 months out for September.
• Dine main at lunch (set menus), share starters, and seek pubs with nightly music for atmosphere without splurge.
• Mix paid admissions (castles, museums) with free outdoor highlights (cliff walks, national parks).

Optional transfers and rail/bus checks

• Though you’re self-driving, you can price Europe flights or rail alternatives anytime on Omio flights and Omio trains; buses on Omio buses.
• Prefer a story-led start near Shannon? The Viator experiences in County Clare above are excellent value and time-efficient for your first days.

In sixteen days you’ll circle from Shannon to the Wild Atlantic Way and on to Northern Ireland’s basalt coast, then back south through Ireland’s ancient east to Killarney’s lakes. Balanced drives, rich history, and a few well-placed whiskey tastings make this a romantic journey you’ll remember long after the last trad tune fades.