Planning a trip to Ireland can feel overwhelming. With so many breathtaking locations, hidden gems, and winding roads to explore, where do you even start? That's exactly why we created two free trip planning tools to help you design your perfect Irish adventure in minutes.
Whether you're dreaming of coastal drives along the Wild Atlantic Way, exploring ancient castles, or discovering cosy village pubs, our Itinerary Planner and Route Planner will help you map out an unforgettable journey through the Emerald Isle.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to use both tools step-by-step, so you can start planning your Irish road trip with confidence.
Why Use Our Trip Planning Tools?
Before we dive into the tutorials, let's talk about what makes these tools special:
Authentic Local Experiences: Every suggestion comes from locals who know and love Ireland. We don't just show you the tourist hotspots—we reveal the hidden gems that make Ireland truly magical.
Optimised for Road Trips: Ireland is best explored by car, and our tools are specifically designed for rental car journeys. We consider driving times, scenic routes, and practical stopping points.
Personalised to Your Interests: Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a nature lover, or all of the above, our tools tailor recommendations to match what excites you most.
Completely Free: No hidden costs, no sign-ups required. Just honest help from your Irish cousins.
Tool #1: The Itinerary Planner
The Itinerary Planner is perfect when you know your dates and locations but need help filling in the details. It creates a personalised day-by-day itinerary based on your preferences, interests, and budget.
Watch the Itinerary Planner Tutorial
How to Use the Itinerary Planner: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Select Your Car Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Start by choosing where you'll collect your rental car and where you'll return it. Most visitors pick up at Dublin or Shannon Airport, but you can choose any location in Ireland.
As soon as you select your locations, you'll see a visual preview of your route at the top of the form—showing you the path from your starting point to your destination.
Important Note: You can select the same location for pickup and drop-off (creating a loop) or choose different locations (a one-way journey). One-way rentals give you more flexibility but may incur additional fees from rental companies.
Step 2: Add Waypoints with "Via" (Optional but Recommended!)
Here's where the magic happens. Click the "+ Via" button to add stops between your pickup and drop-off locations.
For example, if you're driving from Dublin to Cork, you might add "Kilkenny" as a waypoint. This tells our planner that you want to explore Kilkenny during your journey, and we'll build your itinerary around this route.
Pro Tip: Think about key places you definitely want to visit and add them as waypoints. This ensures your itinerary includes these must-see locations. You can add multiple waypoints to create your ideal route.
The visual route preview at the top updates in real-time, showing you: Dublin → Kilkenny → Cork (or whatever route you've chosen).
Step 3: Choose Your Group Size
Select your travel party type from the dropdown menu. The tool offers pre-set options like:
- Solo traveler
- Couple's Getaway
- Family trip
- Small group
- Large group
This helps us recommend accommodations, restaurants, and activities that perfectly suit your group dynamic.
Whether you're planning a romantic escape for two, a family adventure, or a friends' road trip, we'll tailor the itinerary to match your group's needs.
Step 4: Set Your Budget Range
Choose your per-person daily budget from the dropdown menu. Be honest here—Ireland has options for every budget level, from backpacker-friendly hostels to luxury castle hotels.
Your budget helps us recommend:
- Accommodation options
- Restaurant and pub suggestions
- Activity costs
- Whether to include paid attractions or focus on free experiences
Step 5: Select Your Interests
This is where the magic happens. Tick all the boxes that appeal to you:
- Heritage & Culture: Ancient castles, historic sites, museums, and Irish traditions
- Nature & Scenic Drives: Coastal routes, mountain passes, national parks, and stunning viewpoints
- Food, Drink & Pubs: Traditional Irish cuisine, local breweries, cosy pubs, and food experiences
- Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, water sports, cycling, and active pursuits
- Arts, Crafts & Shopping: Local artisans, craft shops, galleries, and markets
- Entertainment & Nightlife: Live music, theatre, festivals, and evening entertainment
Pro Tip: Don't be shy about selecting multiple interests! The most memorable Irish trips blend different experiences—a morning hike followed by an afternoon in a traditional pub, for example.
Step 6: Add Special Requests
Use the special requests box to tell us about:
- Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
- Accessibility needs
- Specific places you must visit
- Things you want to avoid
- Special occasions (honeymoon, anniversary, birthday)
- Travelling with elderly relatives or young children
The more detail you provide, the better we can personalise your itinerary.
Step 7: Craft Your Itinerary
Click the big green "Craft My Itinerary! ☘️" button and let us work our magic. Within moments, you'll receive a detailed day-by-day plan filled with authentic Irish experiences and practical suggestions.
What You'll Receive
Your personalised itinerary will include:
- Daily route suggestions with driving times
- Recommended stops and attractions
- Hidden gems only locals know about
- Accommodation suggestions
- Restaurant and pub recommendations
- Practical tips for each location
- Alternative options if plans change
Tool #2: The Route Planner
The Route Planner is your visual trip mapping tool. It's perfect for understanding distances, planning scenic routes, and seeing your journey laid out on an interactive map.
Watch the Route Planner Tutorial
How to Use the Route Planner: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Enter Your Starting Point
In the "From" field, type your starting location. This could be:
- An airport (Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, Cork Airport)
- A city (Dublin, Galway, Killarney)
- A specific town or village
- Your accommodation address
The tool will auto-suggest locations as you type.
Step 2: Enter Your Destination
In the "To" field, enter where you want to finish your journey. Again, this can be any location in Ireland.
Planning Tip: If you're doing a circular route (returning to where you started), you can use the same location for both fields or add waypoints to create a loop.
Step 3: Add Waypoints (Optional)
This is where the Route Planner really shines. Click "+ Waypoint" to add stops along your route.
For example, if you're driving from Dublin to Cork, you might add:
- Kilkenny (medieval city)
- Cashel (historic Rock of Cashel)
- Blarney (Blarney Castle)
You can add multiple waypoints to create the perfect route that hits all your must-see locations.
Pro Tip: Don't try to cram too much into one day. Irish roads are scenic but slower than motorways. A general rule is to allow 1 hour of driving for every 50-70 km, plus time for stops.
Step 4: View Your Route
Click "Plan Route" and watch as your journey appears on the interactive map. You'll see:
- The complete route drawn on the map
- Major roads and motorways you'll take
- Towns and cities along the way
- Geographic features like coastlines and mountains
Step 5: Switch Between Map Views
Toggle between "Map" and "Satellite" views to see:
- Map View: Clear road networks, town names, and route information
- Satellite View: Actual terrain, coastlines, green spaces, and geographic features
The satellite view is particularly useful for coastal routes and scenic drives.
Step 6: Adjust Your Route
Don't like what you see? Simply:
- Remove waypoints by clicking the "X" next to them
- Add different waypoints
- Change your start or end location
- Replan your route
The tool is completely flexible—play around until you create the perfect journey.
Advanced Route Planning Options
Click "Options" to access additional settings like:
- Avoiding motorways (for more scenic routes)
- Avoiding toll roads
- Preferred route types
These options help you customize your journey based on your driving preferences and budget.
Using Both Tools Together: The Ultimate Planning Strategy
Here's how to get the most out of both tools:
Strategy 1: Route First, Then Itinerary
- Use the Route Planner to visualize your journey and understand distances
- Add waypoints for places you definitely want to visit
- Once you have your route mapped, use the Itinerary Planner to fill in the details with specific daily activities, accommodation, and dining suggestions
Strategy 2: Itinerary First, Then Route
- Use the Itinerary Planner to get personalized day-by-day suggestions based on your interests
- Take note of the recommended locations
- Use the Route Planner to visualize the journey and see if the flow makes sense
- Adjust your itinerary if needed based on actual driving distances
Strategy 3: The Flexible Approach
- Start with a rough idea in the Route Planner
- Get detailed suggestions from the Itinerary Planner
- Go back to the Route Planner to refine your route based on new discoveries
- Keep both plans handy during your trip for flexibility
Common Questions About Our Planning Tools
Can I save my itinerary or route?
Yes! Both tools allow you to save or print your results. We recommend saving a PDF of your itinerary and taking screenshots of your planned route.
What if I want to change my plans during the trip?
That's the beauty of a road trip! Our tools give you a framework, but you're free to deviate. We actually encourage spontaneity—some of the best Irish experiences happen when you follow a random signpost to a hidden beach or stumble into a village festival.
Do I need to book my car rental through you?
Not at all, though we'd love to help if you'd like assistance. These tools are completely free regardless of where you rent your car. However, if you do need a rental, we offer excellent rates and personalised service.
Can I use these tools for Northern Ireland too?
Absolutely! Both tools work for the entire island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. Just enter Belfast, Giant's Causeway, or any Northern Irish location as you would any other destination.
What if I'm not renting a car?
While these tools are optimized for road trips, the Itinerary Planner still works brilliantly for public transport or organized tour travelers. It will suggest activities and experiences based on your interests, though some hidden gems may be harder to reach without a car.
Are the suggestions really from locals?
Yes! We're a family-run Irish business, and every recommendation comes from our personal knowledge, local connections, and years of helping visitors explore Ireland. We only suggest places we'd genuinely take our own family and friends.
Ready to Start Planning?
Now that you know how to use both tools, it's time to start planning your Irish adventure!
Start with the Itinerary Planner if you want detailed day-by-day suggestions tailored to your interests.
Start with the Route Planner if you want to visualize your journey and map out your route.
Or better yet—use both together for the most comprehensive trip plan possible.
Need More Help?
Planning a trip to Ireland should be exciting, not stressful. If you have questions, want personalized advice, or need help with car rentals and accommodations, we're here to help.
Contact your Irish cousins:
- Visit our main website
- Email us for personalized assistance
- Call us to discuss your trip plans
We love helping visitors discover the real Ireland—the one beyond the guidebooks. From the best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher without crowds, to which village pubs serve the finest seafood chowder, to secret beaches where you might see seals, we know this island like the back of our hands.
Safe travels, and we can't wait to welcome you to Ireland!
Sláinte,
Cousin Malachy ☘️