The Ultimate 10-Day Ireland Honeymoon Itinerary (Luxury Edition)

Ireland is designed for romance.

It is a country of roaring fires, dramatic cliffs, cozy pubs, and hotels that feel like they were ripped from the pages of a fairytale. It is the perfect antidote to the stress of wedding planning.

However, a honeymoon is not a standard vacation. You don't want to be waking up at 6:00 AM to catch a tour bus. You don't want to be arguing about navigation on a rainy roundabout in Limerick. And you certainly don't want to spend your first night as a married couple in a hotel that looked "okay" online but smells like damp wool in reality.

This itinerary is built for pace, privacy, and luxury.

We have slowed down the standard route to ensure you have time to actually enjoy the suite you paid for. It covers the highlights—Dublin, the West, and the South—but connects them with high-end experiences rather than just driving.

This is our recommended route. To see other VIP options, check our master Luxury Ireland Travel Guide or compare hotels in our 10 Best Luxury Castle Hotels ranking).

Day 1-2: The Soft Landing (Dublin)

Fly into Dublin Airport (DUB). Don't rent a car yet. You don't need one in the city, and driving in Dublin traffic is a mood killer.

Where to Stay

• The Shelbourne: The "Grand Dame" of Dublin hotels. It overlooks St. Stephen’s Green and has a historic, buzzing atmosphere.
• The Merrion: If you prefer quiet, understated luxury. It feels like staying in a Georgian townhouse (because it is).

The Itinerary

• Day 1: Land and take a Private Airport Transfer to your hotel. Drop the bags and walk to Grafton Street. Have a casual pint at Kehoe's (a real Victorian pub) to settle in. In the evening, book a table at Chapter One (2 Michelin Stars) for a celebratory dinner.
• Day 2: Sleep in. In the afternoon, avoid the crowded museums. Instead, hire a Private City Guide for a "Hidden Dublin" w
• Walking tour. They can show you the romantic spots, the secret gardens, and the best places to buy an Aran sweater that isn't a tourist trap.
• Evening: Enjoy cocktails at The Sidecar Bar in The Westbury. It’s 1930s glam and incredibly romantic.

Day 3-4: The Fairytale (Mayo & Galway)

Pick up your rental car (or meet your Chauffeur) and head West.

The Drive

Drive across the midlands (2.5 hours) to Cong, County Mayo.

Where to Stay

• Ashford Castle: This is non-negotiable for a luxury honeymoon. It is the gold standard.

The Itinerary

• Day 3: Check into Ashford. Book a "Lake View" room. Spend the afternoon doing the Hawk Walk (School of Falconry). Walking through the woods with a hawk landing on your arm is an experience you will talk about for years.
• Day 4: Take the short drive south to Galway City. Walk the Latin Quarter, listen to the buskers on Shop Street, and buy a Claddagh Ring (the Irish symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship) at Thomas Dillon’s, the original maker.
• Dining: Back at Ashford, dine in the George V Dining Room. Jackets are required for men. It is old-school glamour at its finest.

Day 5-7: The Kingdom (Kerry & Killarney)

Head south through the rugged Burren landscape to County Kerry.

The Drive

Stop at the Cliffs of Moher.

• Honeymoon Tip: Skip the main visitor center crowds. Hire a Cliff Hiking Guide to take you to the private "Hag's Head" entrance. You can get photos on the cliffs without 500 other people in the background.

Where to Stay

• The Europe Hotel & Resort: Located right on the lakes of Killarney. It has arguably the best spa in the country.
• Park Hotel Kenmare: For a more traditional, intimate 5-star experience.

The Itinerary

• Day 5: Arrive and head straight to the ESPA at The Europe. Book the "Couples Suite" for a treatment and spend hours in the outdoor vitality pool watching the mist over the mountains. (See our guide to The Best Luxury Spa Hotels in Ireland for more spa ideas).
• Day 6: The Ring of Kerry.
  • The Upgrade: Don't drive this yourself. It’s narrow and stressful. Hire a Private Driver-Guide for the day. You can sit in the back, hold hands, and drink Irish coffee while they navigate the cliff edges.
• Day 7: The Gap of Dunloe. Take a traditional Jaunting Car (horse and carriage) through the black valley. It is touristy, yes, but undeniably romantic.

Day 8-9: The Gourmet Coast (Cork)

Drive south over the mountains to Kenmare and into West Cork. This is the food capital of Ireland.

Where to Stay

• Castlemartyr Resort: A mix of a 17th-century manor and luxury resort.
• Ballymaloe House: The birthplace of modern Irish food. Rustic, country-house luxury.

The Itinerary

• Day 8: Visit Kinsale, the most colorful town in Ireland.
  • The Activity: Book a Food Tour. Walk from café to café tasting local cheeses, oysters, and chocolates.
  • The Photo: Walk to the Old Head of Kinsale lighthouse for the most dramatic coastal photo of the trip.
• Day 9: Relaxation. This is your last full day. If you stayed at Castlemartyr, enjoy the grounds. If you want one last adventure, book a Private Boat Charter in Cork Harbour to see the coastline from the water.

Day 10: The Departure

Drive back to Dublin (2.5 hours) or fly out of Shannon if your flights allow.

• Top Tip: If you have a late flight, stop at Kildare Village for luxury outlet shopping (Gucci, Prada, etc.) on the way to Dublin Airport.

Honeymoon Logistics: How to Upgrade the Experience

A honeymoon requires different planning than a standard vacation. Here are three ways to elevate the trip.

1. Capture the Memories (Professionally)

You will take a thousand selfies, but they won't do the scenery justice.

• The Idea: Hire a Vacation Photographer for a 2-hour shoot.
• Where: The Cliffs of Moher or the grounds of Ashford Castle.
• Why: You get magazine-quality photos of your honeymoon that you can frame for your new home. It’s the best souvenir you can buy.

2. The "No-Argument" Transport

We mentioned it above, but it bears repeating: Driving in Ireland can be stressful.

• The Reality: Navigating narrow roads on the "wrong" side of the car is a test of any marriage. The navigator shouts directions; the driver hits a curb.
• The Solution: Consider hiring a Private Chauffeur for the touring days (Day 4-7). You enjoy the view; they handle the stress.
• Read More: Is it worth the money? Read our honest breakdown: Is a Private Chauffeur Worth It? The Luxury Transport Guide.

3. The "Table for Two" Strategy

Ireland’s food scene is exploding. The best restaurants book out months in advance.

• The Fix: Don't wait until you arrive. If you want to eat at Chapter One (Dublin), The Oak Room (Adare), or Bastion (Kinsale), you need to book 3-4 months out.
• Read More: Plan your meals with our Foodie’s Guide to Michelin Star Ireland.

Start Planning Your Romantic Escape

Don't let logistics ruin the romance. Whether you need a driver to handle the roads or a photographer to capture the magic, find the local experts who specialize in luxury travel.

Find Honeymoon Specialists, Drivers & Photographers →