Are you looking for a way to explore the Emerald Isle with your family without overdoing it? Check out this Shannon to Dublin itinerary! This three-day guide will make sure that no sight goes unseen when exploring Ireland from Shannon to Dublin!
Visitors to Ireland often fall into the trap of trying to cram as much as possible into their itinerary. This inevitably results in spending more time in a car than out of it.
This 3-day Shannon to Dublin itinerary minimizes time in the car watching Ireland flash past and maximum time out of the car exploring the wonderful attractions and sights that Ireland has to offer.
The itinerary focuses on small towns and rural Ireland, avoiding large cities and chain hotels. It includes a mix of nature-based and historical attractions with additional adventurous activities providing opportunities for outdoor exercise. It also includes some must-do attractions in Ireland.
You’ll be able to squeeze in some of the best experiences these two cities offer – all while staying within your budget. So get ready – we’re off!
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Your Ultimate Guide to a Shannon to Dublin Itinerary
📝 Note that drive times in this Shannon to Dublin itinerary are approximate. The itinerary uses smaller A and B-class roads and country lanes, so you will need to drive slower than usual.
Always allocate extra time to your driving as you will want to make stops along the way to enjoy the views or explore rural towns. Plus, any Ireland road trip will take longer if you get stuck behind a tractor.
Day 1 County Clare
Morning
🚗 Drive from Shannon to The Burren: 45 – 60 minutes
Take a walk in the Burren National Park, one of the largest and most accessible Karst regions in the world.
There are walking trails that range from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Wear sturdy footwear for the uneven terrain (it is not pushchair friendly) and bring snacks and water as there are no facilities in the park.
The Burren is an otherworldly landscape full of interesting formations and shapes, and the National Park is free to enter.
🚗 Drive from The Burren to the Cliffs of Moher: 40 – 60 minutes
The Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most visited locations. The impressive cliffs are 120 meters high and 14 kilometers long.
On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands, the Clare coastline, and the mountains of Connemara.
Visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitors Center and walk the 800-meter-long paths to view the Cliffs. Part of the path is paved and pushchair friendly; the other section is a narrow dirt path.
Spend between 1 – 2 hours here, depending on how much walking you wish to do. The Cliffs are free to enter and view, but there is a fee for parking.
🚗 Drive from the Cliffs of Moher to Lahinch Beach: 15 minutes.
Pick up a picnic to enjoy on Lahinch’s sandy beach. Look out for dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach is free, and there is a fee-paying car park adjacent to it.
Planning a road trip to Europe? Read our 12 Best European Road Trips For Families here!
Afternoon
🚗 Drive to Doolin: 20 mins
Doolin is a charming coastal town and is the gateway to the Aran Islands.
If the weather is bad, seek shelter underground at Doolin Cave which is home to the largest stalactite in Europe.
If the weather is good, enjoy a coastal walk to view Doonagore Castle.
Doolin is known as the home of traditional Irish music, and this is a great opportunity to attend a traditional ‘session.’
A session (session in English) is when a group of individuals gather with their various instruments and play together.
Most pubs in Doolin have daily sessions starting at 8 pm, but some have earlier afternoon and early evening sessions for families.
🚗 Drive to Bunratty: 1 hour.
🏨 Stay at the family-run Bunratty Manor Hotel overlooking Bunratty Castle.
📝 Please note – seeing the majestic Cliffs of Moher is weather dependent, so you may want to adjust the order of today’s itinerary to suit the weather conditions.
🤔 Are you wondering how to find cheap places to stay when traveling? Read our tips on How to Find Cheap Places to Stay When Traveling with Families!
Day 2 County Clare, County Tipperary, and County Laois
Morning
Walk to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: 5 minutes
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is a huge outdoor living history museum. It contains over 30 furnished buildings from Ireland’s past that you enter and explore, and it includes a recreated 19th-century street.
Many of the shops, businesses, and homes have actors dressed in period costumes who will tell you about their lives. There is a woodland fairy trail, a farm, and an adventure playground on site.
The park is also home to Bunratty Castle, one of Ireland’s best-preserved castles.
Entry to the castle is included in your entrance ticket to the Folk Park.
Spend at least 3 hours exploring Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Afternoon
🚗 Drive from Bunratty to Lough Derg in Co. Tipperary: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Ireland is a land of loughs (lakes), and Lough Derg is the third biggest lough in Ireland.
Spend a couple of hours with a picnic and strolling around Lough Derg at Nenagh or hire a kayak and enjoy a paddle on the lake.
🚗 Drive Lough Derg to Dunamase: 50 minutes.
If you have time, take a detour en route to Birr, an attractive town that is home to the impressive Birr Castle Demesne (estate). The estate features award-winning gardens, a science center, and a fantastic adventure playground.
🏨 Stay near Dunamase at the rural, family-owned Inch House.
Day 3 County Laois, County Wicklow, and Dublin
Morning
Start early to explore the free-to-enter Rock of Dunamase, a few minutes away by car. This rocky outcrop towers 46 meters above the surrounding countryside and is the ruins of Dunamase Castle.
🚗 Drive to Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains: 1 hr.
Allocate longer for this drive as you will want to stop to admire the views during your drive. Recommended viewpoints include the 80-meter-high Glenmacnass Waterfall and Lough Tay, affectionately known as Guinness Lake due to its shape and color.
Spend a couple of hours exploring Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most popular attractions.
Glendalough is a set of 6th-century monastic ruins. See the ruins of churches and priest houses, the iconic Celtic crosses in the graveyard, and one of the most photographed images in Ireland, the 30-meter-high St Kevin’s Tower.
Enjoy lakeside walks on pathways and pushchair-friendly wooden boardwalks.
Glendalough is free to visit, but there is a fee to enter the visitors center and a fee to park.
Afternoon
Glendalough to Dublin: 1 ¼ hour (traffic dependent)
End your 3-day Shannon to Dublin itinerary exploring the city of Dublin. Wander around the cobbled streets of Temple Bar and visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College.
Visit Dublin Zoo and the playgrounds in Phoenix Park or learn about the history of the city at Dublinia.
🏨 Stay in the historic Gresham Hotel on one of the city’s most famous streets in the heart of Dublin.
Need Help Planning Your Itinerary?
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FAQ: Shannon to Dublin Itinerary
Is there a train between Shannon and Dublin?
Yes, there is a train service that runs between Shannon and Dublin. The journey takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes by train. The trip is operated by Irish Rail and departs from Shannon Station, located near the airport.
Is it better to fly into Shannon or Dublin?
It Depends on where you’re coming from and what your needs are. If you travel from the United States, flying into Dublin, Ireland’s main international airport, is typically better. Dublin Airport offers more direct flight options from the U.S. and a more excellent selection of airlines, making it easier to find the best deals. However, Shannon Airport may be more convenient if you are flying from Europe since it offers more direct flights between European cities.
How many days is enough for Dublin?
It depends. If you’re looking for a leisurely trip with lots of sightseeing and activities, you may need more than 3 days to explore around Dublin, from historical sites and museums to parks and pubs. You’d need at least a week to get the whole experience.
How far is Shannon from Dublin?
Shannon is located in County Clare in the west of Ireland, about 117 miles from Dublin.
Is Shannon Ireland worth visiting?
Yes, Shannon Ireland is worth visiting. Shannon is located in the southwest of Ireland and offers beautiful scenery and plenty of adventures for families and visitors. There are also numerous historical sites like Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and Adare Heritage Village to explore, with plenty of shops and the best restaurants to enjoy. Plus, nearby attractions like the Cliffs of Moher.
Final Thoughts: Shannon to Dublin Itinerary-Your 3-Day Guide
Our 3-Day Shannon to Dublin Itinerary is an inspiring and fantastic introduction to the Emerald Isle. Hopefully, you’ve gained insight and inspiration about this route’s amazing sights.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip now, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Start with exploring the Cliffs of Moher on Day 1, jump into County Clare on Day 2, and then wrap things up with history and charm in Dublin on Day 3.
You won’t regret it! After this journey, your love for Ireland will be unmeasurable.
And who knows? You’ll be back soon for another tour of the Emerald Isle! 🙂
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Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.