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7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide For The South

Last Updated February 28, 2024 William Tang

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This 7 day Ireland itinerary guide is broken into three main parts – trip planning decision points, the comprehensive breakdown of each day, and my personal planning tips.  This is meant to be super comprehensive and is everything I would have wanted to know when I planned this South Ireland road trip, along with what to see in 7 days.

Ireland is a place where legends, epics, and science fiction become reality.  Ireland is a breathtaking ancient landscape, rolling green hills and craggy sharp rock. Ireland is céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes).

Read more about Ireland

  • Things you have to see and do on your Ireland roadtrip
  • Must-read Ireland travel guide
  • 6 of the Best Things to do in Galway

TOP TIPS FOR IRELAND

  • Our favorite spot – You’ll discover this as you go through the itinerary but if I had to pick, I’d say it was our day at Skellig Michael , not only as a Star Wars nerd, but our timing in being able to see the puffins in droves.  Truly a special day.
  • Renting a car – An important part to a road trip is obviously a car. Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and book with Discover Cars for the best deals.
  • Flights – International flights are never cheap, but with the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature you can find the best deals.
  • Insurance – This is a must for a road trip! Check out the best travel insurance .
  • Hottest deals – Bookmark our frequently updated travel deals page .

Here's what we're covering:

Recommended travel time

Areas to focus, best time to go, packing essentials, where to stay, flying into ireland, air transat, interactive map, day 1 – a peek inside the ancient east, day 2 – from castles to kissing to a ring called kerry, day 3 – magic on skellig michael, day 4 – a day in killarney, day 5 – coastal adventures on dingle peninsula, day 6 – mighty cliffs and the burren, day 7 – clash of gaelic sport and dublin delight, itinerary flexibility and changes, frequently asked questions, travel resources for your next trip, ireland road trip planning.

downtown dingle streets in 7 day southern ireland itinerary road trip

Planning a South Ireland road trip isn’t hard.  There’s a few things to consider as you put everything together before you start planning.

For more details make sure to read everything you need to know when you plan a trip to Ireland .

There’s three scenarios here: 1) You have limited vacation days, 2) you found a flight deal with specific dates, or 3) there’s flexibility.

If it’s #1 or #2, you already know your answer but if it’s #3, things become intriguing.  It’s in part dictated by your decision on how much you’d like to see and the pace at which you travel.

Our week in Ireland wasn’t enough to see everything we wanted in the south but was the perfect amount to see the highlights.  I’d say Ireland in 7 days is a bare minimum and your itinerary will be decently packed.  Any less, you’ll have to focus on less regions or drive aggressively which isn’t recommended.

Two weeks is the perfect amount whether you decide to deep dive in a specific area or see the whole island.  For the sake of keeping this guide focused, let’s say you only have 7 days to work with.

A week in the Emerald Isle is certainly not enough but if you’ve got limited time like we did, you’ll have to make a pretty critical decision.  Do you focus on the North, South, or the whole island?  Do you want to take it slow or hit up as much as you can? 

The island of Ireland is divided into two parts.  The majority of the land is covered by the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland) and the other sixth is Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom to the northeast.

One of the most recognizable places of Ireland is Giant’s Causeway and it’s the reason you’ll want to come to this part of the island.  The unusual basalt pillars are incredibly unique and will boggle your mind.  In the north, it’s cities like Belfast and Derry which present the most compelling and fascinating political history if you’re interested in learning about that and the complicated past around Ireland’s independence.  There is plenty to see here and it’s just as beautiful as the southern part of the island.

Other highlights include:

  • Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
  • Dark Hedges
  • Donegal – There’s a reason why this region was picked as ‘Coolest Place on the Planet for 2017’ by  National Geographic Traveler

7 day ireland itinerary focused on the southern parts and what to see

There is no official “southern Ireland” borderline but we’re labeling that as everywhere below the line connecting Galway to Dublin.

Southern Ireland is dramatically different in terrain and sights than the north.  The south is where you’ll find a majority of the larger cities of Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick.

Our main reason for doing a South Ireland road trip is to experience the Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael, Dingle and explore castles and ancient ruins.

The full loop

The island itself isn’t that large (area wise, it is in fact smaller than Iceland) and doing a loop is certainly possible in 7 days.  It’s an ambitious schedule but definitely possible.

Ultimately we chose to do the south because we had done Northern Ireland on a separate short stopover trip and wanted to see a different side to Ireland.

The summer months are short and in the winter most things in the country are shut down.  As a result, it kind of makes it simple in terms of when to plan your trip.

July and August are the peak of high season; school is out and you contend with the large hoards of tourists, both domestic and international.  On average these months have a high of 20C.

Spring and fall are going to be a bit temperamental but, if you’re okay with rain, you’ll find awesome flight deals and cheaper hotels.  Expect the temperatures to be colder though with highs of 15C.

temperature chart for ireland throughout the year for when is the best time to go

The sweet spot, however, has to be June .  It’s during the summer solstice with the longest days of the year and it’s the start of high season.  You get the best of amazing weather and smaller crowd sizes.  It was incredible that there was enough light to sightsee until 10PM.

Packing for a South Ireland road trip shouldn’t be too hard as you’ll be staying at B&B’s and hotels all the way through.

Since you’ll have access to a car you don’t have to pack ultra-light.  You will want to rent the smallest car possible though, which means minimal trunk space.

Waterproof – You’re not going to skip every spot you have on your itinerary because of rain.  This means that you’ll have to brave the elements.  Have rain gear with you in case you need it.

GPS – If you have a data plan, using your smartphone for GPS will be your first choice so you can leverage any traffic information to take the most optimal route.  If not, a stand-alone unit will work just as well. Don’t assume your car will have GPS built in.  Before your trip, make sure you save areas offline on Google Maps and Save/Star all your destinations.  Google Maps will work offline (minus traffic adjustments).

Money – Ireland is part of the EU and as such, Euro is the currency.  Cash or credit is widely accepted.  If you’re from Canada, make sure you have the right credit card to either minimize on foreign exchange fees or maximize points.

Always cool – In the summer, it tops out in the low 20Cs.  Evenings drop down to the 10Cs or lower so pack accordingly.  I had a light Quiksilver hoodie always ready to go in the car in case things got chilly.

Other gear that I recommend for a trip to Ireland .

Slieve Elva B&B Bedroom in 7 day ireland itinerary road trip

After deciding the focus area of your trip and having a rough idea of the spots you want to see, the next step is figuring out where to stay.

The best part about Ireland is the hospitality and it’s a big reason we had such a great time.  The scenery blew our minds, but those conversations with the owners of the B&Bs and hotel staff made for a lasting impression.

B&B’s:   You’ll only find hotels in the big cities. In the country-side you’re going to rely on family owned B&B accommodations.  Each one is unique and the best part is the delicious breakfast included.

Hotels:   In the bigger cities you’ll have the option to stay at a hotel.  We quite enjoyed our big rooms, luxurious beds, and room cleaning when we had the opportunity.  Not to say we didn’t have that at the B&Bs, but it was nice to go into a hotel knowing the level of service and quality that you’d expect.

Glamping:   When I found out about Galway Glamping with Mongolian yurts, I knew we had to try it.  You get an experience that gets you into the charming countryside setting while not sacrificing the comforts of a hot shower, kitchen, and lounge rooms.  Similar to B&Bs, the hosts are just as accommodating, friendly, and helpful.

Places we stayed across Ireland in 7 days:

  • Kilkenny – Newlands Lodge
  • Portmagee – Skellig View White Room Airbnb
  • Killarney – The Lake Hotel
  • Dingle – An Portán
  • Lisdoonvarna (near Doolin) – Slieve Elva B&B
  • Galway – Galway Glamping
  • Dublin – The Croke Park Hotel

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Tips and Advice:

  • Be careful about check-in times.  Typically there are very specific time slots where they expect you to come in.  If you aren’t able to, make sure you reach out to them beforehand, give the owners an estimate of when you’ll arrive, and get approval.
  • When glamping, make sure to ask what facilities are available so you come prepared.  In Galway Glamping’s case, they did not provide towels so we had to bring our own travel towel .

AirTransat Plane in Dublin

The main international airport is Dublin (DUB) but there are also airports in Shannon (SNN), Belfast (BFS), Cork (ORK), and Knock in West Ireland (NOC).

Coming from Canada, Dublin will be your primary access point into Ireland.  Our choice airline is Air Transat .  We flew economy and were greeted with great leg room, a solid entertainment system, excellent service and amazing food.

Direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Quebec, and Vancouver to Dublin.

LOOK FOR CHEAP FLIGHTS

If you’re coming from another part of Europe, you have even more airports open to you.

  • Kerry Airport : Served by flights from Dublin, Manchester, London-Luton, London-Stansted and Frankfurt.
  • Waterford Airport:  Served by flights from London-Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bordeaux, Lorient.
  • Galway Airport:  Served by flights from Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradfort, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton.
  • Donegal Airport
  • Sligo Airport
  • George Best Belfast City Airport
  • City of Derry Airport

These options allow you to get creative with your itinerary.  For instance, instead of doing a round trip journey in and out of Dublin, you could start in Dublin on the East side of the island to Shannon on the West.

Table of Contents

THE 7 DAY IRELAND ITINERARY

With the basics covered, the next step is to plan your day by day Ireland itinerary.

This high level outline shows everything we did across the 7 day road trip including sights, restaurants we tried, where we stayed, and invaluable insight we learned through adventure and misadventure.

This is meant to be a guideline because everyone’s situation will be different.  That said, if you’re looking for a baseline to start from, this guide is probably the best out there.  Sign up to become an insider and get access to the downloadable spreadsheet.

Glendalough Monastic City

If you’re coming from North America, you’ll most likely be taking a red-eye flight, flying out in the evening and arriving the next morning.  This means you may be too tired to hit the ground running.  For us, we tried to sleep through the flight so that we’d have enough energy to last the first day.

Upon landing in Dublin and out of the airport by 1PM, we made an explicit decision to hit the road right away.  There’s more details in the driving section but since I knew driving in Dublin was going to be a headache, it seemed more logical to finish there, return the car in the city and then rely on local transportation.

After picking up our rental car from Europcar we found our way to Glendalough in the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains region.  Glendalough Monastic City ruins were very impressive and almost fairytale-like with the Round Tower, Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, the high crosses in the graveyard, and the priest’s house.  Make sure not to miss the walk up to the Upper Lake which has a postcard worthy view.  It’s roughly a 30 minute walk each way.

We then drove to the city of Kilkenny, our final destination of the day.  We arrived too late to do the Kilkenny Castle tour but there was plenty to see walking around the grounds, including the massive green park on one side and the rose garden on the other.

After dinner, we treated ourselves to Murphy’s Ice Cream.   Our favorite flavor has to be their Dingle Sea Salt, try it!

If we had more time:

Smithwick’s Experience – Smithwick’s ended up being our beloved beer for the trip and would have loved to have done this tour.  They also had an evening experience that sounded fun.

what to see in ireland in 7 days - itinerary road trip map day 1

PETRONELLA RESTAURANT & CAFE

Quaint restaurant down a small alleyway in Kilkenny that serves excellent European dishes that span Irish to Italian.  Ordered the Baked Goatsbridge trout and Pappardelle pasta and both were very good.  Loved the decor here as well.  Best part was when the manager, Frank, came out to greet all the customers to see how everything was.

TripAdvisor

newlands lodge b&b kilkenny - where to stay in ireland in 7 days

NEWLANDS LODGE

Just outside of Kilkenny, this B&B is a lovely property that will exceed all expectations whether it comes to the spacious rooms that are impeccably clean, friendly service from owners Mairead and Jimmy, and delicious all-inclusive breakfast.

Booking.com

Tips and Tricks:

  • Car rental and driving tips – See everything you need to know to plan a trip to Ireland . We found our car rental via Discover Cars .
  • Parking at Glendalough – We parked at the first parking lot we saw which turned out to be the Glendalough Hotel.  The parking was “free” and we weren’t ticketed although I’d say in high season it may not be as easy as it was for us.
  • Glendalough Monastic City – no admission required
  • Relieve and hydrate – The walk to the Upper Lake is long and there isn’t much cover at the main site so either use the visitor center or Glendalough Hotel for the bathroom facilities.
  • Kells Priory – This is an off-the-beaten-path spot that would be worth considering in your itinerary.  Read more about it here .

will kissing the blarney stone in ireland itinerary

With a full stomach from our Irish breakfast, we hopped into our car and made our way to the Rock of Cashel .  

On a green hill with banded limestone, ancient fortifications create a ring around the Gothic cathedral, round tower, and chapel.  We were able to walk through the open, yet remarkably intact, ruins while also enjoying the rolling countryside of Tipperary.

Next stop was the famed Blarney Castle just outside of Cork.  The grounds of Blarney Castle and Gardens are huge and require a half day to fully explore everything.  We walked straight to the castle tower to line up to kiss a stone famed for giving the gift of eloquence.  

Wrapping up at Blarney Castle, we rushed through Killarney and connected to the Ring of Kerry to start our counter-clockwise rotation.  

The scenery at this point dramatically changed from tree lined country roads to coastal cliffs and crashing waves.  This is where you’ll appreciate having your own car .

After a few impromptu stops along the way, we made our final stop of the night at Kells Bay House & Gardens .  Here, we had a lovely and surprisingly authentic Thai meal at their in-house Sala Thai Restaurant.

We had the Summer Solstice on our side and there was still a ton of light out after dinner.  This made navigating the road to Portmagee and over to our Airbnb much easier.  Sadly, we had to skip pretty much everything along the way along this part of the Ring of Kerry except a quick stop at a gas station to pick up breakfast and snack items for the next day.

  • Cork – It would’ve been nice to explore Cork and their English Market and visit the Cobh Heritage Centre.
  • Blarney Gardens – I would have loved to have spent more time doing the various walks around the Poison Garden, Fern Garden, Arboretum, and the endless other garden walks that explore the mystical and magical landscapes.
  • Killorglin – This is the first town we passed by along the Ring of Kerry.  We zipped right through but I would have loved to have stopped here even for a few minutes to get a feel for a small town like this one.
  • Cahirciveen – This is home to the Ballycarbery Castle and the Old Barracks which is built in the Schloss style.  Legend says they mixed up plans for this and a building designed for somewhere in Punjab, India.

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 2 - what to see in ireland in 7 days

SALA THAI RESTAURANT

This is the in-house restaurant as part of the Kells Bay House property.  As someone that’s had a lot of Thai food, I have to say that the curries, noodles, and skewers we had were all very good and very authentic.  The only knock I’d have on this place is the service.  Our order took way too long to get to the table and only after following up did they realize that they missed our order completely and had to make it from scratch at that point.

dublin cork galway trip

SKELLIG VIEW WHITE ROOM AIRBNB

A no frills kind of Airbnb that I booked pretty early on because I was worried that the town of Portmagee would sell out.  Our host, Marie, was very accommodating of our late check-in request and I appreciated the free passes to Kerry Cliffs.  The room was just the right size and in relatively clean condition.  Wifi included as well.

Check rates

TIPS AND TRICKS

  • Rock of Cashel – Parking is right up the narrow road right at the base of the hill.  It’s an automated parking system where you pay the machine when you’re leaving.  This parking costs 4.50 EUR.  To save money you could park in town and walk up.  Entrance is 8 EUR per person.
  • Blarney Castle  – Be ready for lines to kiss the Blarney Stone.  If you’re not in a rush, I recommend doing the other parts of the garden, waiting for the line to subside and then doing the castle itself.
  • Blarney Gardens –   Entrance is 14 EUR per person booked online.

Will wielding a Sith lightsaber at Skellig Michael in 7 day Ireland itinerary

Thinking about what to see in Ireland in 7 days, this is my #1 must-do.  The entire pilgrimage experience of zipping across the North Atlantic to discover that the white tipped Little Skellig was in fact covered by white gannets and adorable puffins that made Skellig Michael their home.  Then following in the ancient footsteps of Luke Skywalker and Rey up to the monastery itself was pure magic.

The 2.5 hours we had on the island seemed like a lot initially but once we started climbing the steps and exploring the beehive huts of the monastery, time passed quickly.

Back on the mainland and after lunch, we explored the lesser-known Valentia Island.  We wouldn’t have known about this part of the Ring of Kerry if it wasn’t for incredible photos I had seen from this area.  With the higher vantage points of Geokaun Mountain (5 EUR per car) and the slate quarry behind Valentia Lighthouse (5 EUR per person), the scenery was as close to postcard perfect as it gets.

We then continued along our ring road journey by joining up with the Skellig Ring where we stopped by Kerry Cliffs (4 EUR per person) which is an impressive view of the jagged edged rocky coast.  It’s at the edge of the peninsula where the land rises and then sharply drops into the ocean.

The driving adventure continued along until rejoining the main Ring of Kerry.  Due to time, we couldn’t stop in the towns along the way.  From Waterville and onwards, it was straight driving.  Since we weren’t close to the coast there wasn’t much to stop and see.

At Molls Gap , we took a quick break before descending into Killarney National Park with sunlight starting to wane.  We were able to make quick stops at Ladies View where you can see where the glaciers carved through the valley before the opening into Killarney itself.

It was late by the time we checked into The Lake Hotel so no restaurants were open.  We hopped downstairs to the Devil’s Punchbowl Bar , grabbed a pint and ordered a sandwich.

  • Waterville, Sneem, Caherdaniel, and Kenmare – It would’ve been nice to take our time through these idyllic coastal towns but I feel the trade off of spending more time on Valentia Island and the Skellig Ring was worth it.

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 3

THE BRIDGE BAR

With barely any time to snack on Skellig Michael, we were famished by the time we arrived back in Portmagee.  Right along the main street is this nice little local restaurant which gets all the Skellig tourists.  Their fish and chips definitely hit the spot.

The Lake Hotel Suite

THE LAKE HOTEL

A historic hotel that is full of character but doesn’t show its age.  The rooms here are incredibly spacious and comfortable.  Breakfast as part of the B&B package was of the highest quality and the perfect charge-up for the day.  Location wise, it can’t be beat either being practically on Killarney National Park Grounds with that amazing view of the old castle ruins at the footsteps of Lough Leane.

  • Booking:  You must book at least 4-5 months in advance in order to guarantee a spot for a specific date.  If you haven’t, don’t fret because cancellations happen all the time.
  • Casey’s Tours to Skellig Island
  • Skellig Michael Cruises
  • The Skelligs – Force Awakens Boat Trip – Leaves from Ballinskelligs which is a totally different pier from Portmagee
  • Skellig Boat
  • Skellig Walker Cruises
  • Skellig Michael Voyage
  • The Skelligs Tour – Departs from Caherdaniel
  • Skellig Experience Visitor Centre also has a page for boat tours here .
  • Weather:  If the weather is poor for the boats, they’ll cancel the trip.  That’s why Skelligs Rocks ensured we called the morning of to confirm whether the trip would be a go or not.  There’s not much you can do here other than perhaps planning 2 days in the Ring of Kerry area so that if one day doesn’t work, you can reorganize things so you can have a second day to attempt a trip out.
  • Boat ride:   With the speed of the boat, you’re not going to get that rocky, nausea inducing feeling that folks sensitive to being on the water get.  That being said, the water does get choppy especially on the way out which is why you have to wear the waterproof gear provided by the boat.  For those that get sea sick easily, they do offer medicine on board prior to leaving the pier if you need it but nobody on our boat ride had issues.  Make sure you tuck your camera away once the boat is out in open water because you will get very wet especially if you sit near the back.  The captain was also nice enough to provide big zip-loc bags in case.
  • Difficulty:   There are two main sets of steps to the Monastery but I would say it’s relatively easy.  The first set slowly winds up with some natural spots for breaks.  The steps are wide enough to allow people to pass.  The second set of steps are more steep but if you take your time, you’ll make it up with no issues.  Compared to the Inca Trail where altitude was in effect , this felt very easy since it only required short spurts of energy.
  • Tour:  Make sure you stick around for the educational talk given by one of the rangers when you get to the Monastery.  I don’t think there’s a fixed schedule but I could be wrong.  It felt like it was every hour.
  • Valentia Lighthouse  – Admission to here was 5 EUR per person but didn’t think it was worth it.  The lighthouse and the small museum weren’t too interesting and the views weren’t anything special.  What was a nice view was in fact from the slate quarry which is visible when you look back inland from the lighthouse.  From here you get sweeping views of the lighthouse and the sprawling peninsula fingers that meet here.
  • Skellig Ring – The Skelligs are in view for most of the drive around here and was honestly more of a joy to drive through compared to the Ring of Kerry because the large coaches don’t come here.  There weren’t designated stops per say but it was a joy to find pullovers to see the villages below.
  • Ring of Kerry –  I would recommend driving counter-clockwise which is the official designated route for all the coach buses.   I’d much rather be stuck behind one and feel comfortable that opposing traffic will have to yield and when the opportunity arises to pass.  The driving section will cover this in more detail but I’ll say two things. 1) The speed limit is way too high so don’t feel pressured to drive that fast and 2) As scary as everyone made driving the ring sound, it wasn’t that bad because you’re never at a cliff’s edge and there are usually tiny pull offs for oncoming cars.

The view into Killarney National Park from Ladies View

After a hearty breakfast at The Lake Hotel , we ventured about the hotel grounds.  The hotel backs right into the largest lake of the national park and as part of that, there’s also the ruins of The McCarthy Mór Castle.

You’ll need a full day exploring Killarney National Park because it’s huge.  For us, we wanted to hit up the main sights.  We were able to see Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and Ross Castle.  I was probably most impressed with the Abbey and its courtyard that must’ve inspired Tolkien.

Wanting to spend time in the town of Dingle, we hit the road right after we finished at the castle.  The drive through the southern coast of the peninsula was amazing with views of the water as you winded through.  The Ring of Kerry side was always visible across the water and we made quite a few stops along the way.

We quite enjoyed our time in Dingle as we were able to take a relaxing stroll along the main streets of town, popping into the small shops that were painted in a variety of colors.   After dinner, we also made sure we tried a few more flavors at Murphy’s Ice Cream.

  • Killarney National Park – I would’ve loved to have done a few hikes in the park.  I was also sad that we weren’t able to take the boat across from Ross Castle to the Meeting of the Waters and Old Weird Bridge.
  • Gap of Dunloe – This was part of the plans but had to be cut.  There’s an awesome hike there that takes around 2 hours with breathtaking views of the lake, a heritage cottage, and the surrounding mountains.
  • Killarney City – If there’s one city we completely skipped because of time, it was Killarney.  It’s supposed to be a charming city with great food options like Quinlan’s Seafood Bar and Lane Cafe Bar.

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 4

OUT OF THE BLUE

If you love seafood, this is your spot.  The seafood chowder is out of this world.  The fish is all locally caught and fresh and it comes through in the two dishes we had – sea bass and pollock were probably the best of the entire trip.

An Portán B&B in Dunquin, Dingle, Ireland

This is one of the few B&Bs located on the western part of Dingle Peninsula which is the perfect spot to launch into the main sights along Slea Head Drive and the ferry out to the Blasket Islands.  The owners, Rónán and Geraldine are warm and friendly hosts that also serve up delicious breakfast.  The rooms are spacious, clean, and even come furnished with a rocking chair.

Will In Front of Wild Atlantic Way Sign in Dingle during 7 day southern ireland itinerary

Starting in Dunquin, which is where our B&B was located, was a bit of a blessing and a curse because it allowed us to jump right into Dunquin Harbour and The Blasket Centre but since driving counter to traffic is highly inadvisable as we were told, we had to cut across the mountain in order to drive on Slea Head Drive in the clockwise direction.

When it comes to Slea Head Drive , there really wasn’t a specific sight that you’re looking for.  It’s very much a look out into the ocean as you’re driving around.

We were told that the Famine Cottages are a tourist trap so we skipped that.  There are also beehive huts along the way but because as we had done Skellig Michael, we passed as well.  Cross at Slea Head is a good spot for a quick stop where you’ll see great views of the Blasket Islands.  From there, you can see Coumeenoole Beach .  The beach is a good spot for a picnic and there’s a nice hike to the peninsula’s edge.

We continued around the peninsula with stops at Clogher Head, which is more or less another beach, and the Louis Mulcahy Pottery studio (good for a bathroom break and quick peek).

We drove back into town for another quick stop before detouring north to cross Conor Pass.  At the peak, there’s a carpark where we stopped briefly to check out the magnificent sights here.  You can see the coast in the distance, farms at the valley floor, along with lakes and cliffs.

This is when the heavy driving started as we had to wind up Northeast towards Limerick before turning Northwest.  Along the way, we stopped in the city of Ennis where it started pouring but we ducked into Cruises Pub for dinner.

  • Gallarus Oratory – This was on our itinerary for the drive around Dingle but because we didn’t have enough time, I quickly flew the drone and continued along our way.
  • Quaint small towns of Dingle – Our B&B hosts recommended that we stop by Ballydavid but short on time, we had to skip them.
  • Blasket Islands – This is a full day kind of event but if you had a couple of days in the area, we recommend getting a ferry over to the Great Blasket Island to create your own eco adventure.

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 5

CRUISES PUB

This spot was a bit of a happy accident for us.  Originally we wanted to eat at The Cloister Restaurant & Bar but they weren’t taken anyone without reservations.  This pub was full of energy when we stepped in with a Gaelic football match televised with live Irish music.  There was a good selection of local beer here on top of comfort Irish bar food.  The Guinness meat pie and bangers and mash were perfect.

Slieve Elva B&B Room

SLIEVE ELVA B&B

Just outside the town of Lisdoonvarna is this amazing B&B which features cosy guest rooms which are both spacious, clean, and modernly renovated.  What makes any stay special is the hospitality of the owners Kris and Ireen who will go out way to make you feel at home.  Their breakfast is marvelous and you will love their personal touch of home made bread and jams.  On top of that, each room gets Ireen’s homemade biscuits.  This would be my B&B of choice for anyone want to visit Cliffs of Moher or The Burren in County Clare.

7 day ireland itinerary dingle driving direction suggestion

  • Driving in Dingle – Having done the drive myself, I can confidently say that you do not want to drive counter-clockwise.  Slea Head Drive is designated as a two way road but some parts along the coast are only wide enough for one car.
  • Tarbert to Killimer Ferry – Instead of driving through Limerick as we ended up doing, there’s an alternative route that involves a ferry from Tarbert and goes across to Killimer.  We were originally going to do this but it didn’t save us any time so we just kept on driving.  However, if you plan it well or just have a more flexible schedule, check the schedule beforehand and this’ll be a great way to cut down driving time.  It costs 19 EUR per car or 17.10 if you book online .

visiting cliffs of moher on day 5 or 7 in ireland

We started off by crossing through the countryside before dropping to the coast.  Where there were rolling valleys before, large forested areas popped up and the ground burst with streams of sharp jagged limestone.

The Cliffs of Moher were staggeringly impressive with its continuous sheer drop of 214 meters that winds out as far as the eye can see.  Where the vistas truly opened up was beyond the fences of the maintained park.  There, I only dared to walk to the death-defying edges a few times before following the ridge line down to the most northern point.   We ended up spending quite a bit of time here.

Our next stop was Burren Smokehouse .  What we learned was that the Smokehouse itself is just a store and next to it on the same street is the Storehouse.  We grabbed a sample platter to eat one of our few lunches on the trip.  It was so good that after lunch we picked up a few for home.  The tricky part was figuring out how to keep it refrigerated the remainder of the trip.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in Burren National Park , followed by a quick walk around the portal tomb, Poulnabrone .  The Burren region is out of this world.  Even though we didn’t get to do a full hike in this geopark, it shows the power of glaciers that carved through and left behind limestone pavement with fissures created by rainwater dissolution.  The end result is something that is so dramatically different from anywhere else in Ireland.

We closed out the day in Galway , my favorite city in Ireland.  We didn’t get to stay there long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core, making it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners and get a full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with an eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cozy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

Pedestrian Streets of Galway

We closed out the day in Galway which has got to be my favorite city in Ireland.  It’s not like we even got to stay there that long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core which made it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners where they gave us the full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cosy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

  • I put together an article about top things to do in Galway .  Head over there for more ideas.
  • Ballyvaughan Fairy Fort – A hidden spot in The Burren, this ring fort is said to be on the road up to Poulnabrone, just opposite the left hand turn into the Ailwee Caves. Access is restricted but it’s supposedly easy to walk in.
  • Ballyvaughan – Pretty thatched cottages, nice crafts shops, and restaurants.
  • Aran Islands – The easiest way to get there is by catching a ferry from Doolin.  I’d recommend staying overnight at a minimum.  There are 3 islands in the chain but the most interesting is Inis Mór which features the cliff tops prehistoric ring forts.  A ton to see and explore here.
  • Burren National Park – I’m still a bit disappointed in the hike we attempted here.  With a little better planning, I would’ve picked a better marked hike.
  • Aillwee Cave/Pollnagollum  – Pollnagollum is a secret spot but if you know where to look, you can find the cave that inspired Lord of the Rings’ character, Gollum.  Entrance to the longest cave in Ireland, the more accessible way is through Aillwee Cave which is open to the public.  The best way to see it is to join up with a local caving tour ( Back West Adventures ).

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 6

THE BURREN STOREHOUSE

Everyone raved about The Burren Smokehouse and their restaurant (Storehouse next door) and it sure didn’t disappoint.  After our morning at the Cliffs of Moher, we made our way over here for a quick bite.  While they have a ton of other great menu items such as their pizza, what we really wanted to try was a sampling of their smoked fish. Luckily they have the Smokehouse Platter which has 6 of their products.  Two of us shared one plate and it was just right for a half lunch.  There’s often live music playing here as well.

Galway Glamping Mongolian Yurt

GALWAY GLAMPING

The most unique accommodations of our Ireland itinerary.  Who would’ve thought we’d be able to stay in a Mongolian yurt in the middle of the Irish countryside.  What used to be an estate in ruins, the grounds have now been converted to this eclectic mix of yurts, axe-throwing, group games, party rooms, and other funky rooms.  What makes it glamping is that all rooms are furnished and powered while also including super clean bathroom, kitchen, and lounging facilities next door.

Book Directly

Directions to get free parking at Cliffs of Moher

  • What the entry ticket is actually for – The entry ticket is only to get into the mass lot across the street.  Once you’re parked, all you do is cross the street and that’s it.  This kind of makes sense because there’s no way to police the cliffs to the north and the south.  Anyone can walk in.  They just bank on everyone driving.  You do have to get in the same line as everyone regardless if you purchase your ticket online ahead of time.
  • How to get in for free – There’s a farmer that has land right next to the most northerly edge of the cliffs who is apparently super cool with people parking along the road as long as his car can still drive through.  The photo below is the spot that you should be looking for.  If you’re coming from the north, you’ll see this before the mass parking lot.  You can use either side as you can see.
  • Best time to go – If I were to do it again, I’d definitely plan to go after 4PM.  During the middle of the day, there are way too many tourist buses and the sun is right above you which creates incredibly harsh shadows.  I’ve seen the photos and sunsets are epic here.
  • Best spots for photos – To get that postcard perfect shot, you need to leave the official bounds of the tourist site (there are signs that let you know).  We couldn’t do both ends but chose to hike to the northern edge which gives a full view of the pinnacle and a long depth of cliffs front to back.
  • Burren National Park – This park is unique because there aren’t any specific boundaries and isn’t run like a national park that we’re used to.  That’s why the visitor center is in the nearby town of Corofin.  We didn’t go there and just plotted a route to the park via Google Maps.  In retrospect it wasn’t a good idea because I had no clue where the hike trails were.  At the Gortlecka Crossroads, we saw a bunch of cars parked here so we did as well.  Thing is, there’s only one board here that indicated there was a trail here.  We tried to follow it but eventually got side tracked by a gate opening that we thought was the right way.  Long story short, we gave up and turned back.  Either we are terrible at hiking or the trails are just poorly marked.  Lesson learned:  Get a trail map from the visitor center first.
  • Tunnel toll – When driving up to Galway, we hit an unexpected toll since there’s a tunnel you have to go through.  This is an unattended machine so you have to make sure you have enough coins for this.  The toll is 1.90 EUR.
  • Galway parking – You’re probably not going to find free parking here.  We circled around for a bit to see if we could get free parking to no avail.  In the end, we found a paid lot.

rainy evening in front of temple bar in dublin ireland with umbrella

On our last full day in Ireland we started early.  We had an exciting morning planned with Clash Gaelic Games and we needed to travel East to get there.  While that sounds daunting, it was mostly on the motorway (highway) and took about 2 hours.

Neil and Gareth from Clash Gaelic Games in southern ireland in 7 days

One thing you need to understand about Ireland is that while European football is popular, it pales in comparison to the Gaelic sports.  Gaelic Football and Hurley are the top two sports in the country and what better way to end off the trip than to get to learn how to play these two sports.  I had found out about Clash Gaelic Games through my research and I thought it was such a fun way to learn about culture while burning a few calories and making a fool of ourselves.  

After our mini workout, we had to get into the city, check into our hotel, cab over to Kilmainham Gaol prison, then make it late to Trinity College’s Old Library to see the Book of Kells .  We were able to stroll the streets and get some retail therapy at the hyper cheap Penny’s following.

With one night to make it count, we had dinner at L. Mulligan Grocer and spent the rest of the night drinking Guinness and listening to live Irish music at The Temple Bar .

  • Dublin  – I would have liked to have seen St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Green, done more shopping, tried more restaurants, and drank a little harder.
  • Pubs – The Temple Bar is the most popular one in the city but there are so many other good ones including The Dame Tavern and The Brazen Head.
  • Guinness – While we weren’t big fans at the beginning, this famous stout grew on us throughout the trip.  The Guinness Storehouse is in Dublin and would be a fun place to visit for any lover of this beer. You can get advance tickets here .
  • Newgrange – While technically not in Dublin, north of the city is a large and ancient burial site built of stone and architectured to only let light into the ritual chamber at sunrise on Winter Solstice.
  • Howth – This is a village north of Dublin and near Portmarnock.  Located on a bulbous peninsula and featuring sweeping coastal views, it includes a superb food and crafts market.  It’s a place that gives you a flavor of everything we saw on the west coast without driving too far from Dublin.
  • Malahide Castle & Gardens – While I’m sure this would’ve been impressive, we couldn’t fit this in with how long Clash went.  I wasn’t too sad in this case though since we had seen Blarney Castle & Gardens and I imagine it would be somewhat similar.

southern ireland itinerary road trip map day 7

L. MULLIGAN GROCER

It’s a peculiar name for sure and it’s a bit far from the city centre but well worth it for the wide range of craft beers on tap and menu items.  We tried a most interesting watermelon wheat beer which tasted like…you guessed it…watermelon!  Our Moules Frites and Free Range Chicken Kiev were most excellent.

The Croke Park Hotel in Dublin

THE CROKE PARK HOTEL

This Doyle Collection hotel is located right next door to the famed Croke Park stadium where all the biggest Gaelic sport matches are held.  This signature hotel in the Dublin is a contemporary hotel that is big on comforts.  Their mattresses are heavenly with velvety duvets, there’s good table space to work, comfy furniture to relax, and the marbled bathrooms.  If you get the packing that includes breakfast, you’ll be treated to a wide buffet selection including honey straight from the honeycomb and my favourite, the croissants, which were delightful.  The staff was incredibly friendly and lastly, parking is included for free.  It’s the perfect hotel to launch your Dublin adventures from.

  • Clash Gaelic Games  – While it was a bit of a specialized session with just the two of us, if you’re traveling with a big group of friends or if you’re a family, this is a great way to stay active and honestly try something you’d never be able to do anywhere else.
  • Driving in Dublin – Everyone said “don’t do it” and they were right.  The core is a mess especially with the construction going on.  You do not want to drive in the city.  Taking a cab or local transit is the way to go so make sure you either return the car rental, wait to rent the car later, or your hotel has free parking.
  • Uber – I experienced the most peculiar thing with Uber in Dublin.  There were numerous times when I’d order a cab and while it was on its way, they could cancel the ride.  I couldn’t understand why this kept happening until I realized that all the Uber drivers were regular cabbies essentially.  Every cab had Uber and another local app running on their phones and so they had to allegiance to any one of them and if they found a more convenient ride along the way, they’d take it.  On top of that, Uber also doesn’t display prices because it’s all standard meters.  At the end of the day, just understand that hailing a cab or ordering an Uber is no different.  In Dublin, I’d say hailing is just easier if you’re in a busy area because you won’t get canceled on.
  • Kilmainham Goal is 8 EUR per person (plus booking fees online) and Book of Kells is 10 to 13 EUR depending on peak or off-peak hours per person.

Trips never go as planned.  This one was no different.  For the most part though, nothing dramatically changed where we had to restructure things around.  This trip was one where I simply packed too much in and had to make the call to fast forward if time was running low.

sunset in kilkenny in 7 day ireland itinerary

Here’s a little insight into why I feel that our plans deviated to help in your own planning:

  • Not starting the day early enough – We could’ve fit more in if we hit the road after breakfast by 8AM instead of 9 or 10AM on most days.
  • Taking too long in each spot – Between photos, videos, drone, and eyes, we spent more time than we had planned for.
  • Driving time according to GPS is inaccurate – If you drove by Ireland’s ridiculously high speed limit and didn’t stop, sure, but the reality is that you’ll be making stops to take photos of the views and you’ll be slowing down around all corners and when there’s opposing traffic.
  • Skipping meals – This is more of what happened as a result of a packed schedule.  Since we always had breakfast included by our B&Bs or hotels, lunch was the first thing to go out the window.
  • Unexpected stops – You can’t plan for these but we stopped along the Ring of Kerry to help a couple with their flat tire which put us behind.  Alternatively, I didn’t have much planned for Dingle but we got a long list of suggestions from the B&B, so we ended up spending more time there before driving out of the peninsula.
  • Losing track of time – As much as it was a massive advantage to have incredibly long days (usable light up until 10PM), it was also easy to just keep going.  As a result, there were a few times where we got to our dinner spot too late and had to make alternate plans.

So there you have it, the itinerary guide for a south Ireland road trip.  It was an ambitious trip for sure, but we only covered a small portion of everything Ireland has to offer.

Hopefully you’ll be able to use this as a starting point for your trip planning and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

No, as long as you have a valid driver’s license you do not need an international one. A valid driver’s license allows you to rent a car as well. Note that there are different age requirements in Ireland when it comes to renting a car, be sure to look into that if concerned.

The amount of days really depends on what parts of Ireland you’d like to see and if you’d like to take your time seeing them all or not. You’ll need to decide if you want to do the north part, the south or the full loop. In our case, 7 days was barely enough to tour southern Ireland, but to do the full loop we would recommend more.

The best month to travel Ireland is June. There’s not as much rainfall during this month and the days are longer due to summer solstice, therefore you get more time to do and see more.

What you should read next

  • A Week in Ireland – Enchanting Castles, Wild Coastline, and Star Wars
  • 10 Must-See and Do Things For Any Road Trip in Ireland
  • Ireland Road Trip Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know
  • Why You Absolutely Must Do A Road Trip Around Ireland In Photos

7 Day Ireland Itinerary - Ultimate Road Trip Guide for the South Story

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature .

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

park sleep fly airport parking discount code

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway

4.6 out of 5 stars

a woman walking along the street in the temple bar neighborhood of dublin ireland

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Waste no time getting to the core of Irish culture.

Luck of the Irish? We prefer to call it charm. Filled with trademark emerald landscapes, loaded with intriguing history, and burnished by its people’s sparkling wit, the island nation of Ireland has dazzled visitors time and again. On this tour, you’ll roam its leading cities, savoring pub culture and diving into the country’s past. And we couldn’t forget about its natural wonders: You’ll see all the heavy hitters, from the rocky Burren to the Cliffs of Moher, over the course of one magical week—and if you aren’t quite ready to stow your carry-ons, tack on an extra couple of days in London.

Special departures of this itinerary

St. Patrick's Day

Your tour package includes

  • 6 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 6 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 5 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Temple Bar district
  • Cobh Heritage Centre
  • Blarney Castle

dublin cork galway trip

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

dublin cork galway trip

Board your overnight flight to Dublin today.

Fáilte! (Pronounced “FALL-cha,” this expression means “welcome” in Irish, and you might hear it a fair bit over the next few days.) Head to your hotel and settle in, then get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers over a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine. 

Settled by the Gaels and disputed over centuries by the Vikings and Anglo-Normans, Dublin traces its history back more than 1,300 years. Today, you’ll peel back some of the Irish capital’s layers on a comprehensive tour, led by a local expert.

  • Stop in Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in any European capital city. First established as a royal hunting ground by government decree in 1662, this 1,750-acre greenspace today houses Áras an Uachtaráin—the presidential residence.
  • Pass by St. James’s Gate Brewery, the legendary 260-year-old brewery behind Guinness dry stout. More than 50 million barrels ship out of the plant each year, making it the world’s most prolific producer of stout-style beers.
  • Walk through Old Dublin, then step into St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the country’s largest church. Founded in 1191, it serves as the national cathedral for the Church of Ireland, and its arresting Gothic architecture befits a building of its stature.
  • Traverse Dublin’s city center, passing 17th-century St. Stephen’s Green as you go. Afterward, take some time to admire the Georgian architecture of Merrion Square. Another gardened area in the heart of Dublin, it’s been called home by some of Ireland’s foremost writers—Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats among them.
  • See the dignified facade of Trinity College—Ireland’s oldest university.

Fill your afternoon with an excursion out into County Wicklow and pay a visit to gorgeous Glendalough, the well-preserved ruins of a once-influential abbey. Or, if you’d prefer some free time, head down to the shores of the River Liffey and breathe in the ambiance of the lively Temple Bar district.

dublin cork galway trip

Glendalough

From $55 per person

Make your way to Ireland’s largest region: County Cork. Sprawling across 2,900 square miles of the country’s southern reaches, it lays claim to a number of tourist attractions. Today, you’ll visit one. 

  • From Dublin, head southwest to Cobh, a seaport town of roughly 14,000 on the other side of massive Cork Harbor. Here, you’ll enter the Cobh Heritage Centre: Learn about Irish life, emigration, and maritime tradition over the centuries. (Did you know that Cobh was the Titanic ’s final port of call before its doomed maiden voyage?) 

Later, chart a course for Cork—Ireland’s second city, hugging both shores of the River Lee—and settle into your hotel. Enjoy some free time, then sit down with your group for an included dinner, served with beer or wine. 

Now one of Ireland’s most famous tourist sites, Blarney Castle was first built in 1210, then rebuilt in 1446 as a stronghold of the local MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty. Today, you’ll set out into the Irish countryside and visit this famed fortress, completing a popular quest in the process: planting a peck on the Blarney Stone. Originally added as a defensive structure, this slab of limestone supposedly grants all who kiss it “the gift of gab.” Stretch out over the parapet and give it a smooch—then let us know how you feel! 

Cap your day with an evening excursion to the historic town of Kinsale and enjoy walking winding streets and tucking into a traditional Irish meal. Feeling some alone time? Spend the night in or take some free moments to explore the neighborhood around your hotel.  

dublin cork galway trip

An Evening in Kinsale

From $109 per person

Board your bus and roll north to County Galway, a beautiful lake-dotted region with a backstory to match. Before arriving in Galway proper, stop to enjoy some of the best views in all the Emerald Isle. 

  • Redefine “taking the scenic route” with a quick detour into County Clare and a walk along the mesmerizing Cliffs of Moher. (Sheer crags stretching into the distance, crashing waves below—you know this one!) 
  • Drive on through the Burren. Distinct from the lush greens that typify the rest of the Irish landscape, greys dominate this limestone plateau, punctuated by bursts of wildflowers. Botanists will surely delight in this journey: More than 70% of Ireland’s flower species grow here. 

Arrive in Galway, then let your Tour Director take the lead on a walking tour of the city’s highlights.  

  • Stroll past a trio of Galwegian icons: Lynch’s Castle, a castle-turned-bank that dates to the 16th century; the rustic home of “Ireland's most prestigious theatre (troupe),” the Druid Theatre Company; and John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, a popular greenspace better known to locals (and the world) as Eyre Square. 
  • Get a grasp of Galway’s Norman history by viewing its medieval walls—12th-century fortifications that once encircled the city—and the Spanish Arch. First erected in 1584 as an extension of Galway’s protective walls, its name alludes to the Spaniards who moored their ships and lived in the area. 
  • Peruse authentic Claddagh (said “CLA-da”) rings in a local shop. Steeped in legend and symbolism, these pieces of jewelry have been produced in their current guise—two hands clasping a crowned heart—since at least 1700 and are inextricably linked to Galway. 

For architecture and vistas plucked out of a fantasy novel, you’ll want to come along on our visit to Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park. If you’d rather get to know Galway a bit better, spend a free day taking The Long Walk through the seaside neighborhood of Claddagh, or see where your feet take you. (The city was named the European Capital of Culture in 2020—there’s plenty to do!) 

Later, celebrate your trip with your group during a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine. 

dublin cork galway trip

Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park

From $89 per person

Transfer to Dublin’s airport for your flight home, or continue to Europe’s most popular tourist destination on your trip’s extension. Can you guess where that is? 

Please note: Some airport transfers may leave very early in the morning to accommodate return flights.

Fly to England this morning and get comfortable at your London hotel. (If you fancy some exploration, ask your Tour Director for recommendations.) 

Few places have influenced world history like London has: This city of roughly 8.8 million people boasts close to 2,000 years of history and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites; serves as a global financial hub; and is the most-visited place in all of Europe. Today, you’ll explore the landmarks of England’s cosmopolitan capital on a guided sightseeing tour.  

  • Pass grand Trafalgar Square—named in honor of the Royal Navy’s decisive triumph over Napoleon Bonaparte’s fleet—and Baroque St. Paul’s Cathedral. Perched atop Ludgate Hill, at the highest point in London’s historic center, this Anglican church is recognizable by its soaring dome. 
  • See Westminster Abbey, the Gothic church that has hosted 40 coronations and 16 royal weddings since 1066. A further 18 English, Scottish, and British monarchs were laid to rest within, further cementing Westminster’s place in London lore. 
  • Spot the Elizabeth Tower (the Palace of Westminster’s clock tower, better known as Big Ben); the 440-foot-tall London Eye observation wheel; Tower Bridge, with its stone handiwork and turquoise accents; and the notorious Tower of London. 
  • Stop by Buckingham Palace, the official residence and administrative headquarters of King Charles III. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Changing of the Guard. 

Bask in a getaway of royal proportions on this afternoon’s excursion to Windsor Castle. Alternatively, hang back and spend some free time in London. If you need a recommendation, the British Museum’s millions of priceless antiquities are all just a half-hour’s walk from Buckingham Palace. 

dublin cork galway trip

Windsor Castle

From $125 per person

Add the excursion to Stonehenge and Salisbury to your itinerary. (It’s a truly monumental way to spend a day.) Or, have a day to yourself in London, and maybe visit a stadium or two: Wembley, Twickenham, and dozens more call the city home. 

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink with your group and celebrate a trip well-spent. 

dublin cork galway trip

Stonehenge & Salisbury

From $149 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

Had a lovely trip to Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Third week in February seems to be best time to go. School has finished their break and fewer tourists around. We had side excursions that were easy to get to and not congested. We were all treated well by the locals. Layer up so you can be ready for an...

Beverly, Thank you for sharing your delightful ex...

Darcey, Thank you so much for your review! We are...

Traveler photos

dublin cork galway trip

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Maldron Hotel Parnell Square

This charming hotel is located in Parnell Square in the Dublin city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant and lounge, bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll ...

Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel

This country-house hotel is located near the Glashaboy River in County Cork. Guests enjoy a restaurant, manicured gardens, and lounge. Nearby you’ll f...

Maldron Sandy Road

This comfortable hotel is located near the center of Galway. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a hotel bar, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Galway Sh...

Crowne Plaza London – King’s Cross

This upscale hotel is located in London, steps away from the St Pancras railway station. Guests enjoy on-site restaurants, the leisure club, and a fit...

  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
  • Find out more about flights
  • In order to enter Ireland (and the United Kingdom on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
  • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
  • There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
  • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code IRL.
  • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Dublin (or London on the tour extension).
  • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
  • When you arrive in Dublin, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This is a moderate physical activity-level tour. You can expect casual walks and plenty of time to explore throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

  • Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
  • Most transportation by motor coach
  • Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

  • Travelers should be prepared to walk 2 miles per day- this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
  • Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
  • While visiting Blarney Castle, travelers have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone. In order to kiss the Blarney Stone, travelers must climb 128 very steep, narrow stairs.
  • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
  • Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.

Climate Considerations

  • Travelers can expect cool, cloudy, and rainy days throughout the year, with occasional heatwaves in the summer months (June-September).

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

  • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
  • This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
  • Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
  • If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
  • Most transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. Private motor coaches have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
  • A flight from Dublin to London is included in the price of the tour extension.
  • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
  • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches, and on-tour flight for those on the London extension.
  • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
  • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights. Please note that your included on-tour flight for the London extension may have more restrictive baggage limits.
  • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
  • Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
  • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
  • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
  • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
  • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
  • We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
  • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
  • We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
  • Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
  • Accommodations are typically three and four star hotels.
  • All accommodations include a private bathroom.
  • Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
  • Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
  • Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
  • Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
  • Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
  • We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
  • Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
  • Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
  • We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
  • Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
  • Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
  • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov .
  • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
  • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
  • Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please contact our customer experience team as we may be able to provide alternative solutions to best suit your needs. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
  • The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
  • This tour includes 3 dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
  • Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
  • Irish pubs serve up hearty lunches, such as the traditional stew of bacon and boiled cabbage. Soda bread is delicious, very filling, and served with many meals. Nibble a scone at afternoon tea, with a pat of high-quality butter from County Kerry. Guinness stout is an international sensation, but locals might favor Murphy's, depending on where you are.
  • Dublin has seen something of a culinary revolution, and the city now boasts an impressive array of new restaurants offering exciting cuisine with continental Europe, Asian, and even American influences.
  • For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods in London for the ultimate in English tradition.
  • Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine.
  • At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
  • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
  • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
  • Tips can only be paid in cash.
  • If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
  • The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
  • You will use the euro in Ireland (and the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom on the tour extension).
  • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
  • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
  • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
  • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
  • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
  • Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
  • To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
  • Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
  • There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
  • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
  • Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
  • The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
  • One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
  • Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
  • This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
  • As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
  • The United Kingdom and Ireland are on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
  • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.
  • When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer
  • Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend
  • Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language
  • When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind
  • EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle
  • Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.
  • Environment: When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.

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dublin cork galway trip

4.7 out of 5 stars

dublin cork galway trip

Routes and Trips Travel Guide with Maps and Photos

Road trip in ireland: dublin to galway, moher and cork.

Posted by: Liisa Nygård

In this post I’ll show you our road trip in Ireland, from Dublin to Galway Doolin Cave, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick and Cork. I will give you my best tips for planning a self drive trip around the emerald isle. You will also get our itinerary map. 

Me and three of my friends spent a week driving around in the beautiful, green landscape of Ireland. We flew to the capital of Ireland, Dublin and our  Ireland road trip could start.

– Guest post by Emma Nygård –

The Cliffs of Moher, Road trip in Ireland

Road trip in Ireland: the Cliffs of Moher

Ireland is a country that is known for both its beautiful green landscape and its unique culture.

The green country has a oceanic climate, which means that both the summers and winters are quite mild. The rainfall in Ireland is abundant. We were lucky with the weather on our trip to Ireland. It rained only once during our stay, and that was only a shower.

Pubs and Irish folk music pops into your head anytime you think of Ireland. My friends and I are all fans of Irish music, so we spent a lot of time on our trip exploring Irish pubs listening to Irish troubadours. The Irish pub culture is definitely something worth exploring while in Ireland!

Road Trip in Ireland on the Map

Our Ireland road trip map

This is our Ireland road trip itinerary on the map. We made a loop trip from Dublin and started west towards Galway. After the West Coast we returned via Limerick and Cork.

Many of our expectations about Ireland and its people were met. The landscapes really are that green in Ireland, and the cliffs really are that steep. The pubs really do have troubadours that play Irish music and the Irish people really do have an unique dialect.

Road Trip in Ireland: the Itinerary

Nights 1-3: dublin.

A major part of international flights to Ireland fly to the capital of Ireland, Dublin. That is also where we landed in the beginning of September 2014.

We had pre-ordered a rental car via Internet before the trip. It is easy to find different car rental companies located nearby Dublin airport.

Our road trip in Ireland was a week long, we spent our three first days in Dublin. We noticed that it is a lot cheaper to rent a car for a full week than just for five days, so we did rent a car for the full week. This is worth taking notice of, many car rental companies offer week-long “value” deals, so if you’re thinking about just renting a car for 5 or 6 days also do a search for a full week as it is often cheaper than the 5 or 6 days. It might be best to leave the car at the hotel while visiting the bigger cities. It saves the trouble of finding your way around and finding a parking spot.

dublin cork galway trip

Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin

What to See in Dublin

Dublin is a lively city with a lot of sights to see. Since we wanted to experience the culture in Dublin, we didn’t focus that much on sightseeing. We walked around in Dublin and explored a big part of the city by random.

One of the things we did in Dublin was a visit to the Guinness Storehouse as Guinness is one of Ireland’s most famous export products. The Guinness Storehouse is located quite close to the city center. It took us about half an hour to walk there from O’Connell Street, which is kind of the main street of Dublin.

We explored all off Guinness’s history and how the world famous stout is made. We also got a chance to learn how to tap our own pint of Guinness. It is actually more complicated than I first thought! The Guinness Storehouse is definitely worth a visit while in Dublin.

Temple Bar, Dublin

Ireland road trip: Temple Bar, Dublin

Like many other tourists, we also visited the area of Temple Bar. Temple bar is a nice area full of Irish pubs in the city centre of Dublin. There were a lot of people in the pubs even though it was a Wednesday.

The prices in Temple Bar are quite high compared to other areas. Temple Bar is a nice enough place with it’s traditional tunes and crowded pubs, but at the same time it doesn’t really offer you a genuine Irish feeling. It’s very touristy and unless your image of Irish culture is tipsy middle-aged american men with a “Kiss me I’m Irish t-shirt” then don’t waste too much time there.

More about Dublin, Ireland:  Self-Guided Dublin Walking Tour: Dublin’s Top Sights

Nights 3-4: Galway

After our stay in Dublin we headed off to Galway on the west coast of Ireland. Halfway from Dublin to Galway, there is a small town called Kilbeggan . We stopped there to have lunch and visit Kilbeggans whiskey distillery. Kilbeggan, where whiskey has been distilled since 1757, is the oldest whiskey distillery in Ireland.

On our stop at Kilbeggan we got to learn how whiskey is made and at the end of the tour we got a chance to taste some of the whiskeys. Even though I’m not a friend of Whiskey, I still enjoyed the tour very much. Kilbeggan is located by the River Brosna, the scenery is gorgeous and you get a different sense of Irish authenticity than you get in say Temple Bar.

dublin cork galway trip

Kilbeggan, Ireland

We only spent one night in Galway, so unfortunately we didn’t have so much time to explore Galway. The city is quite small with a few sights worth visiting such as the Galway Cathedral and the Spanish Arch.

Right in the city center there is a very nice and lively pedestrian street with small shops, restaurants and pubs. We had a great time strolling down the street.

Galway, Road trip in Ireland

Walking in Galway

Nights 4-5: Limerick

After our one night stay in Galway we continued our road trip in Ireland. We drove south on the Wild Atlantic Way towards Limerick. This is when we noticed that it is indeed very good to have a car when exploring Ireland. It is possible to get around with public transport as well, but with the car we were able to adjust our route and timetable in any way we pleased.

We drove the whole day in these scenic landscapes of the coast. We made frequent stops in tiny villages and just enjoyed the stunning scenery. There is a lot to explore on the coastline of Ireland, and in order to get the most out of it, it is good to plan where to stop in advance. Enjoying the old castles, caves, steep cliffs, beautiful villages and much more made the day go by very quickly. Two definite must-do’s when and if you decide to make a similar journey:

Cliffs of Moher, Road trip in Ireland

Road trip in Ireland: Cliffs of Moher

1. Cliffs of Moher

Admiring the scenes at Cliffs of Moher is an absolute dream. The rocks and the huge waves crashing in over 200 meters below your feet is an image i will cherish forever.

There are few places on earth that capture natures beauty as good as this one! If you go to Ireland, visit the West Coast and Cliffs of Moher!

Doolin cave

The fantastic Doolin Cave

2. Doolin Cave

The Irish West Coast is home to many caves due to the amount of limestone in the ground. As we were driving, we figured we’d stop at one of them and boy was it magical!

The place we visited is called Doolin Cave and we were lucky to have a tour group just heading down to the cave as we walked in to the reception. It costs under 20 euros to go down into the cave with a guided group. You walk down over 10 flights of stairs (with that said it’s not wheelchair accessible) after which you’re given hard-hats before entering the actual cave.

The cave itself is quite narrow at some points and you might bump your head in the ceiling. After a while of walking in the cave we reached a room where the tour-guide turned off all lighting. The purpose of this was to give each one an idea of just how pitch-black it is down there without lighting. When he flicked on the lights again everyones jaw dropped. Hanging before our eyes was the longest free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. With a length of a whopping 7.3 metres it really is a breath-taking sight!

The tour-guide was an older gentleman and one of the nicest fellows you’ll meet, he knew everything about the cave and was keen to answer any questions you had. If you go to Ireland, visit Doolin Cave!

dublin cork galway trip

Driving on the Irish West Coast

In the evening we were exhausted, and it was good that we had booked a hotel in Limerick for the night. There would have been even more to see along the coastline but unfortunately we didn’t have time for it all.

If you’re looking to really see the West Coast in detail you should reserve at least a couple of days for it. We didn’t have the time for it though so when dawn broke we woke up in a sunny Limerick.

There was a big festival going on in the city, so we spent the day walking around Limerick just watching people have fun and enjoy the sunny weather. The festival was about a huge granny, yes you read that correctly granny as in grandmother, she waddled through the streets assisted by a big crane. It seemed a bit strange at first glance but people really seemed to enjoy it, and come to think of it now she was actually pretty funny!

Limerick, Road trip in Ireland

View of Limerick

Nights 5-7: Cork

From Limerick we drove south towards Cork. On the way to Cork we stopped by at the historical Blarney Castle. Blarney Castle has a stone, the Blarney Stone, that is believed to give you the gift of gab if you kiss it, the Irish certainly have that so there might be something to it. Other people (apart from us) who have kissed the stone include Mick Jagger, Winston Churchill and The Simpsons (well not actually but they did in a show).

Although we went to Blarney Castle mostly to kiss the stone, we were surprised over how much else there is to see in the surroundings of Blarney Castle. There are beautiful grounds to walk around in, a poison garden and much more! I’m glad we made a stop in Blarney Castle.

dublin cork galway trip

Blarney Castle, Cork

Pub Crawling in Cork

In Cork we met my friend, who showed us around the city. In the evening we got to take part in a pub crawl, and we all had a ball! We stayed in Cork for two nights, so we had time to get to know the city.

The beautiful town of Cork is full of colorful houses surrounding the river that floats trough the town. Cork is a town that never sleeps, it’s widely popular among students which means that there are loads of things going on, regardless of what time of the day it is.

Cork, Ireland

Me and my friend in Cork, Ireland

On the last day of our  road trip in Ireland we had planned to drive the whole way from Cork to Dublin airport. To make the trip seem shorter, we made a stop at Rock of Cashel , a historical site located between Cork and Dublin. We did a very reasonably priced guided tour in and around the castle.

As it was in Doolin Cave it was at Rock of Cashel, the tour-guide was phenomenal. He had a rich Irish brogue, a great sense of humor and superb knowledge of the castle and its surroundings. This beautiful place really was an ideal place to end our journey in Ireland.

dublin cork galway trip

Rock of Cashel

Tips for a Road Trip in Ireland

I would definitely say that it is a great idea to explore Ireland by car. Although Dublin is a beautiful city you will miss a big part of Ireland if you don’t visit other parts of the country.

The west coast is amazing, and I wish that we could have had more days to explore that part of Ireland. I would also have liked to drive to the most southwestern point of Ireland, since there is a big national park there with supposedly amazing landscapes.

 Castles, Cliffs and Green Landscapes

However I still think that we got to see a big part of Ireland, and got to experience many different sides of the country. We saw the green landscapes, the castles, cliffs, caves and rocks of the west coast, and we also experienced the rich culture of Ireland by visiting pubs and restaurants in both small towns and big cities.

My friends and I at the Cliffs of Moher, Road trip in Ireland

Road trip in Ireland, the travellers

When planning the itinerary for a road trip in Ireland, it is important to reserve enough time. There are so many places that you can stop at, and driving the tiny roads is slower than expected. Also note that if you don’t mention separately that you would like an automatic gearbox in your car you will most likely get a manual one.

Even more important than that, Ireland is one of the countries that still has left-hand traffic! This takes some time getting used to, but you’d be surprised how quickly you get accustomed to it though.

The route we made for our road trip in Ireland is just an example of a trip and you should make your own route, one that suits you. There are many similar journeys offered by travel agencies. You can get great ideas of where to go by inspecting what routes the travel agencies offer.

I’d be happy to answer any questions about planning a road trip in Ireland, or any other trip to Ireland. ‘Til next time  Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral  my friends…

-Emma Nygård

Other Routes and Trips Posts on Ireland Travel

  • What to see in Dublin:  Self-Guided Dublin Walking Tour: Dublin Top Sights
  • Maybe you want to make a day trip by bus from Dublin? Check out my post Giants Causeway Day Trip from Dublin
  • Or rent a car and head to the Wicklow Mountains?  Wicklow Mountains Scenic Drive from Dublin

I’m planning a trip to Ireland and would love to hear your suggestions. I have a week. Planning to do a road trip starting and ending in Dublin.

Hi I would suggest what this post is about or alternatively Galway, Burren, cliffs of Moher, down to Killarney and Ringof Kerry and then straight back to Dublin.

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The Irish Road Trip

10 Days In Ireland: 56 Different Itineraries To Choose From

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

10 Days In Ireland: 56 Different Itineraries To Choose From

Yes, we have  56  different 10-day Ireland itinerary guides for you to choose from…

Why 56 you ask?!

The reason for this is that we’ve covered  every  (we hope…) possible want or need you could have.

Each of our 10-day guides:

  • Has been meticulously planned
  • Follows logical routes we’re confident you’ll love
  • Has a detailed hour-by-hour itinerary
  • Makes planning a trip to Ireland easy

Table of Contents

In the guide below, you can pick a 10-day Ireland itinerary based on:

10 days in Ireland itinerary

Please take 15 seconds to read the graphic above as it’ll help you pick the most suitable Ireland itinerary down below!

As you can see, we have 10-day Ireland itinerary guides that cover every angle we could think of.

All you need to do to find your perfect itinerary is read the section below  carefully .

How to browse our Ireland in 10 days itineraries

The handiest way to browse our itineraries is to select, from the list below, where you’re starting your road trip from/near.

We’ve used the main entry points to Ireland for those of you flying in or arriving by ferry.

Simply click one of the start points below and you’ll be taken to 10 days in Ireland itineraries that start at that location:

10 days in Ireland from Dublin

An overview of this itinerary

Click here to see a high-resolution map

If you’re looking to explore Ireland in 10 days and you’re starting from County Dublin, this section is for you.

There are two sections below, split depending on how you plan on getting around Ireland .

As we explained in this graphic , ‘Fast Trips’ are for those of you looking to see/do as much as possible and who don’t  mind moving hotel regularly and ‘Slow Trips’ are ones where you’ll move accommodation as little as possible.

For those of you with a car

  • A 10-day slow trip for those with good fitness
  • A 10-day slow trip for those with low fitness
  • A 10-day fast trip for those with good fitness
  • A 10-day fast trip for those with low fitness

For those of you using public transport

An overview of the route from dublin.

Trinity College

Photos via Shutterstock

If you’re starting your 10-day Ireland itinerary in Dublin, the route above is hard to beat.

Although it varies slightly depending on how you’re getting around Ireland, both the car rental and the public transport itineraries take in many of Ireland’s top sights.

Over the course of your 10 days in Ireland you’ll:

  • Explore the many things to do in Dublin
  • Explore the Clare Coast, including Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher
  • Take a day trip to Wicklow, Meath and Louth
  • See Galway City, Connemara and Cong
  • Tackle the Ring of Kerry Drive and explore the Dingle Peninsula

10 days in Ireland from Shannon

Who this itinerary will suit

If you’re looking for a 10-day Ireland itinerary that kicks off in Shannon, this section should tickle your fancy.

We’ve split up the different itineraries to ones for those of you using a car and ones for those of you that aren’t.

As we mentioned in this graphic , our fast 10 days in Ireland itineraries are for those of you looking to explore as much as possible and who don’t  mind moving about a lot.

Our slow itineraries are ones where you’ll move accommodation as little as is physically possible.

An overview of the route from Shannon

Limerick City walks

A lot of people start their 10 day Ireland itinerary from Shannon due to the convenience of flying into Shannon Airport.

One of the benefits of starting from here is that you’re kicking off your 10 days in Ireland a stone’s throw from some of the country’s most popular attractions

If you follow our route from Shannon, you’ll:

  • Explore Connemara National Park
  • See the mighty Inis Mor Island
  • Visit Bunratty Castle before heading into the ancient Limerick City
  • See Killarney National Park and it’s many attractions
  • Visit Blarney Castle and tackle the many things to do in Cobh

Ireland itinerary 10 days from Belfast

An overview of this itinerary

Another great way to tackle Ireland in 10 days is to fly/get the ferry into Belfast and take it from there.

Belfast is a great starting point for a road trip as you can explore the Antrim Coast before continuing on to Derry and Donegal.

Like we explain in this graphic , we split up our itineraries below into two sections – 1 section is for those using a car and the other is for those that aren’t.

An overview of the route from Belfast

Dunluce Castle

This 10-day Ireland itinerary is one of my favourites in this guide as it takes in some of the most scenic parts of the country.

You’ll kick things off by spinning along the Antrim Coast, with a whole host of stops to choose from along the way.

If you follow our route from Belfast, you’ll:

  • Explore the Causeway Coastal Route
  • Tackle some of the best things to do in Belfast
  • See the best of the Boyne Valley
  • Spin around a good chunk of the Wild Atlantic Way

10 days in Ireland from Rosslare

An overview of this itinerary

If you’re spending 10 days in Ireland and you’re arriving into the ferry terminal at Rosslare, we’ve plenty of itineraries ready for you.

Now, as was the case with the ones above, we’ve split them into 2; 1 section is for those of you with a car and another for those of you using public transport.

If you’re wondering what ‘Fast Trips’ and ‘Slow Trips’ are, refer to this graphic at the top of the guide.

An overview of the route from Wexford

Charles Fort

Now, this 10-day Ireland itinerary varies a lot  depending on whether or not you’re getting around in a car.

The public transport around some of the more remote parts of Wexford, in particular, are what causes there to be such a contrast in the different itineraries.

If you follow our route from Wexford, you’ll:

  • See the glorious Hook Peninsula
  • Ramble around the town of Kinsale
  • Tackle some of the best things to do in Killarney
  • Explore the mighty Dingle Peninsula

10 days in Ireland from Cork

An overview of this itinerary

Our 10-day Ireland itinerary guides that kick off in Cork take in some of the best that Ireland has to offer.

You can choose (or opt out of) some magnificent walking trails, soak up spectacular scenery and step back in time at heritage sites.

These are some of our more popular 10 days in Ireland itineraries. As usual, we’ve split them up for those of you with a car and for those of you without one.

An overview of the route from Cork

Cork Gaol

Photo left: The Irish Road Trip. Others: Shutterstock

Cork is a great starting point for a road trip. At the start of the trip, you can spend a bit of time in the city before moving into the wilds of West Cork.

Our itineraries from Cork then take you around the coast, into Kerry and up towards Limerick before heading to Dublin and back to Cork.

If you follow our route from Cork, you’ll see:

  • The beautiful Beara Peninsula
  • Wild West Cork
  • The Ring of Kerry
  • A chunk of Limerick, Tipperary and Clare

Ireland in 10 days from Knock

An overview of this itinerary

Although there likely won’t be a huge number of people looking for a 10-day Ireland itinerary that starts in Knock, we felt it important to include it as a start-point.

I can safely say that the public transport road trips from Knock were  very  tricky to research and map out, however, it was worth it.

Below, you can pick a 10 days in Ireland itinerary kicking off in Mayo based on trip speed, your fitness and how you’ll get around (we explain how to browse the itineraries in this graphic ).

An overview of the route from Knock

Strandhill

If your 10-day Ireland itinerary kicks off in Knock, you’re in luck – Mayo is home to an endless number of adventure opportunities.

Now, the public transport itineraries vs the car itineraries vary a fair bit due to the lack of buses and trains in places, but both versions pack a punch.

If you follow our route from Knock, you’ll:

  • Explore Achill Island
  • Tackle some of the best things to do in Galway
  • See some of the finest beaches in Ireland
  • Spend time in Sligo and plenty more

10 days in Ireland from Donegal

An overview of this itinerary

The last of our 10-day Ireland itinerary guides kicks off in Donegal.

This was by far the hardest one to map out for public transport, and as a result, the itineraries vary a lot.

As always, we’ve split the different itineraries up into sections for those of you with a car and for those without.

An overview of the route from Donegal

Horn Head

The route from Donegal for those of you driving is a peach. You’ll see parts of the county that rarely make it into tourist guidebooks and you’ll see many of Donegal’s historic sites.

You’ll then move into Sligo before heading to Mayo, Galway and beyond. For those of you using public transport, the route is  very  different due to Donegal’s poor public transport.

If you follow our route from Donegal, you’ll:

  • Explore some of the best things to do in Donegal
  • Soak up some of Sligo’s finest views
  • See the Connemara coast

FAQs about exploring Ireland in 10 days

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is 10 days in Ireland enough?’ to ‘What route should I follow?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is 10 days in Ireland too long?

No. If anything, it’s no where near enough. Although Ireland is small in comparison to the likes of the US, there’s endless things to see and do scattered right the way across the island. 10 days will only scratch the surface.

What to do in Ireland for 10 days?

This will depend on whether you want a a busy or an easy 10 day Ireland itinerary. You could see a lot of Ireland in 10 days, but you’d be driving constantly. You’re best off following one of our itineraries in this guide.

Where to spend 10 days in Ireland?

Again, this depends on you and what you want to see and do. If you follow our route from Dublin, Belfast or Shannon in this guide, you won’t go wrong.

dublin cork galway trip

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 34 years and has spent most of the last 10 years creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Beth O'Hara

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

From one O'Hara to another, just saying a quick thanks for the helpful site and information for Ireland! We are planning our (belated) honeymoon (thanks COVID)!

Dublin, Cork and Galway: exploring three Irish cities in three days

Go on a whistle-stop tour of the Emerald Isle

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Quay Street in Galway city, Ireland

“Dublin, Cork and Galway in three days – in winter – are you serious?” responded the man working in the car hire kiosk at Dublin Airport after hearing my forthcoming travel plans.

A weekend in Dublin: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Incredulous as he was, a 72-hour tour of these iconic (but not particularly close-by) Irish cities did indeed loom ahead of me. But, much to my relief, my whistle-stop trip amounted to three heavenly – albeit fairly rushed – days.

An entire long weekend (and more) could easily be devoted to Ireland’s capital and largest city – but in my 24-hour window I managed to squeeze in an impressive amount. Central Dublin is easily reached from the airport by train, bus or car (although parking is a nightmare), which means you can start soaking up the sights shortly after stepping off the plane.

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Where to stay

I stayed at The Dean Dublin , a 51-bed modern boutique hotel, which was the first of its kind in Ireland when it opened its doors in 2014. Located smack bang in the city centre, a stone’s throw from St Stephen’s Green, the hotel has a Soho House feel with its dark interiors, bold colours and buzzy lobby/bar area. Attention-grabbing works by artists adorn the Instagram-worthy communal areas and suites, my favourite being an original Tracey Emin neon sign which hovers over the reception desk reading “I fell in love here”.

A small outdoor swimming pool, which you currently have to reserve a spot for in advance, is heated to Jacuzzi levels of warmth and provided some great late-afternoon entertainment – thanks mainly to the old-school style phone at the side of it through which guests can order cocktails.

Adjacent to the pool is a swanky boutique gym which runs high-intensity cardio classes that are free for guests, and features a modern sauna and steam room.

Outside of The Dean’s amenities, Dublin is packed with attractions. For any Normal People fans, a stroll around Trinity College Dublin is essential. I enjoyed pretending to be a student as I mingled around the campus and perused the university gift shop, umming and ahhing over the purchase of an exorbitantly priced Trinity College hoodie.

A tour of the Guinness Storehouse – pretty much Disneyland for stout lovers – is another must. There’s no doubt that this is an incredibly touristy experience (I think there must be a rule dictating at least three stag dos’ attendance at any one time) but it’s still a highly educational one.

Learning about the entire Guinness-making process, from hop-growing to fermentation to marketing, was fascinating – plus the Guinness-themed gift shop is pretty fun. I recommend visiting in the late afternoon, to time the end of your (unguided) tour with sunset as the panoramic view from the Storehouse’s rooftop bar is unparalleled.

The Irish claim that Guinness tastes better in Ireland and as I sipped a pint overlooking twinkling Dublin stretching as far as my eyes could reach, I couldn’t help but agree.

Food and drink

Dublin is famous for its food scene and 24 hours is certainly not enough time to explore the best of its gastronomic offerings. That said, I did have two delightful meals: brunch at Sophie’s Rooftop and Terrace , on the top floor of The Dean, and dinner at Doolally , an Indian restaurant just around the corner from the hotel.

With 360-degree views of Dublin and a gorgeous central bar, Sophie’s is a great spot for a traditional full Irish breakfast – plus a mimosa or two. Doolally, on the other hand, offers authentic and delicious Indian dishes like paneer and corn saag, bhindi masala and tandoori prawns (my stand-out order).

It would be remiss to not visit an Irish pub while in Dublin and there are countless ones to choose from. I enjoyed a pint of bitters from Devitts Pub , round the corner from The Dean, which claims to serve the best Guinness in the capital. This is also a good spot for homemade traditional Irish food like seafood chowder, and beef and Guinness stew.

Next stop was Cork, via an hour or so in Tipperary to break up the journey and check out Cahir Castle . Ireland boasts around 3,000 castles but the 13th century Cahir is one of the largest and best preserved, making it a perfect mid-way stop. Opening times vary throughout the year, with entry costing around £5 per adult.

If driving from Dublin to Cork, I recommend leaving the former in the afternoon, to time your arrival in Ireland’s second-largest city with sunset. Because the roughly three-hour journey takes you from east to west of the country, watching the sun descend over Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes is a truly magical experience.

The Dean also has a branch in Cork, which opened in December 2020 – a brave decision during the pandemic. Designed by Irish firm Wilson Architecture, the striking seven-storey structure forms part of a relatively new development of Cork’s Horgan’s Quay and overlooks the River Lee.

The Dean Cork ’s 114 stylish rooms and suites feature everything you could ever want from a boutique hotel – think gorgeous freestanding copper bathtubs, smart TVs which you can hook up to your steaming accounts, swish record players and open-style mini-bars with all the essentials.

Like The Dean Dublin, promoting and supporting the work of talented local artists is a core value of the Cork hotel, with the walls covered with more than 400 pieces of striking Irish art. Again, a neon sign hangs over the reception area – this one created by Irish artist Domino Whisker, reading: “non stop beauty”.

This hotel also has a swimming pool – a slightly larger, less Jacuzzi-like indoor one – and an adjacent phone designed for ordering some pool-side cocktails. Two ropes hang directly over the pool for practising pull-ups – or posing for a highly Instagrammable photoshoot. There’s also a decent-sized sauna and a steam room, and down the corridor is a high-spec gym which offers a similar range of toning and cardio classes.

The winner of the 2022 Council of Europe Museum Prize is located in Cork – and it’s well worth a visit. Nano Nagle Place celebrates the inspiring story of Nano Nagle, a Roman Catholic who enabled the learning of thousands of Irish schoolchildren who were denied access to an education in the 1700s. As well as an interesting museum, the sprawling complex – a calming oasis in the heart of Cork’s city centre – features two shops, pretty walled gardens, a deli and the actual site where Nano Nagle is buried.

It sounds counterintuitive, being in Ireland, but a visit to Cork’s historic English Market is also a must. The market has been trading since 1788, making it one of Europe’s oldest of its kind, and it offers an incredible range of local produce for browsing and sampling.

I had a fantastic lunch at Farmgate Café , which sources ingredients directly from the English Market, which it overlooks. The Irish lambs’ stew with Ladysbridge jacket potatoes was particularly tasty – and the door-stopper of a bread and butter pudding was a hearty, delicious dessert that I still can’t believe I managed to finish.

The Dean Cork also features a Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant & Bar on its sixth floor, offering 360-degree views of the river and city skyline. When I visited on a Monday night, the place was buzzing with birthday celebrations, creating a fun, party atmosphere. The cocktails were exceptional, especially the Rated-R , which is made with Absolut mango vodka and lychee liqueur and finished off with a scorched meringue topping.

It’s a roughly three-hour drive from Cork to Galway, a stunning city on Ireland’s western coast that’s famous for its vibrant music scene, internationally recognised university and being the subject of a hit – and slightly controversial – Ed Sheeran song. Galway is also known for its inconsistent weather and during my short stay I experienced an entire medley of seasons, from torrential rain to beautiful sunshine.

I stayed at The Dean Galway , which only opened its doors in April 2022 but already feels like a well oiled joint. The 100-bed property – Galway’s first design-led boutique hotel – is a short walk from the town centre and 3km from Salthill, the seaside area.

Rooms here are bright and comfortable, with playful interiors and bold artwork making them feel distinctively Dean-like. As with Dublin and Cork, The Dean Galway has a heated swimming pool (this one is large and outdoors) and a top-of-the-range gym, sauna and steam room, all of which are free to access for hotel guests.

A day is definitely not enough time to fully explore Galway, but a good way to see a lot of a city in a short space of time is by electric bicycle. I highly recommend a guided electric bike tour led by Galway-born Martín Lally, who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the city’s past and present.

Stops included the University of Galway (and the oak tree planted in 2015 by then-Prince Charles after his historic meeting with Sinn Féin), the National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden, Galway Bay and Menlo Castle. Lally provided electric bike helmets, which meant that in spite of Galway’s excessive windiness, the other participants and I could ask questions and hear his explanations while on the move.

Galway was described by National Geographic as the “beating heart of Ireland’s culinary scene” and after just a few hours in the city, I could clearly see why. Practically every street features a cosy looking pub, and restaurants serving traditional Irish fare – specifically fresh seafood – are everywhere. I loved The Seafood Bar @ Kirwan’s , where a speciality is mussels with a blue cheese and bacon cream sauce (sounds odd but trust me, it worked).

I also ate in Elephant & Castle , a low-key, New York-style restaurant on the ground floor of The Dean Galway. Named after the Underground station in south London, the eatery is one of two Irish branches of a small chain which originated in lower Manhattan in 1973. Elephant & Castle is best known for its decadent chicken wings – which come with celery sticks and tangy blue cheese dressing – but its menu also features steaks, burgers, salads and spaghetti.

The Dean also has a speakeasy-style bar on its ground floor called Peg’s (formerly Hogan’s Bar), which often hosts live music nights.

How to get to Ireland

Flights from London to Dublin Airport can start from as little as £9.99 (without luggage). I flew home from Shannon Airport which is very close to the city of Limerick, but just an hour and a quarter’s drive from Galway. Aer Lingus, British Airways and Ryanair all offer flights from Shannon to London.

For a more environmentally-friendly trip, you can catch a ferry from Holyhead in Anglesey, Wales, to Dublin, which can take between 2hrs 15mins and 3hrs 15mins, depending on the operator. Prices vary but can start from around £35 for one way.

The verdict

Although I wouldn’t necessarily recommend squeezing in so much in such a short period, if you have more time on your hands, exploring Dublin, Cork and Galway in three days is certainly doable. I returned from Ireland thoroughly exhausted – but already excited to return to each city in the future.

Kate Samuelson was a guest of The Dean hotel group. Room rates at The Dean in Dublin, Cork and Galway all start from €150 (£133) per room per night; thedean.ie

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Kate Samuelson is the newsletter editor, global. She is also a regular guest on award-winning podcast The Week Unwrapped, where she often brings stories with a women’s rights angle. Kate’s career as a journalist began on the MailOnline graduate training scheme, which involved stints as a reporter at the South West News Service’s office in Cambridge and the Liverpool Echo. She moved from MailOnline to Time magazine’s satellite office in London, where she covered current affairs and culture for both the print mag and website. Before joining The Week, Kate worked as the senior stories and content gathering specialist at the global women’s charity ActionAid UK, where she led the planning and delivery of all content gathering trips, from Bangladesh to Brazil. She is passionate about women’s rights and using her skills as a journalist to highlight underrepresented communities.

Alongside her staff roles, Kate has written for various magazines and newspapers including Stylist, Metro.co.uk, The Guardian and the i news site. She is also the founder and editor of Cheapskate London, an award-winning weekly newsletter that curates the best free events with the aim of making the capital more accessible.

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Essence of Ireland: Dublin & Galway

dublin cork galway trip

Itinerary Details

FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: The perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle, this itinerary introduces you to the very best of Ireland, all while allowing you to savor local specialties and relax in first-class accommodations. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher and so much more on this essential Ireland trip.

Essence of Ireland: Dublin & Galway

This 10-day first-class, private-guided tour hits all the highlights of the Emerald Isle. Staying first in bustling Dublin and then friendly Galway, you will enjoy city tours, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, Belfast, and sweeping views off the Cliffs of Moher.

Your first two days are spent exploring Dublin. Visit the sites of your choice with your included “Hop on Hop Off” tour bus pass. You can get off at any of the stops as you choose or stay on as an informative guide points out famous sites and tells you about Irish history. Some popular stops are Trinity College to see the Book of Kells or the Dublin Zoo. You may also take advantage of your included admission to Epic Ireland, an interactive exhibit detailing Ireland”s history. Of course, no beer lover's visit to Dublin would be complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse to sample some of the famous brew.

Leaving Dublin, spend a day in the north visiting Belfast where you can choose between the famous black taxi tour of the city or a visit to the Titanic museum. After departing Belfast you will head to the Giant’s Causeway and spend time learning about this unique and stunning natural feature. The next day is spent exploring the food scene in Dublin, followed by a day at leisure to experience the city in your own way or take advantage of any optional excursions.

Cross over to Galway on the stunning west coast. Galway is famous for its friendly people and lively music scene. You will explore the food scene and sample some of Ireland’s best whiskey while you’re here. You will also enjoy a day visiting the remarkable Cliffs of Moher.

Return to Dublin on your final day for your onward travels.

Itinerary View Trip Map

Arrive to dublin.

Welcome to Dublin! Upon arriving at the airport, track down your bags and enjoy a relaxing ride via private vehicle into the city centre to your hotel for the next few days. After checking into your room, explore the city with admissions to both the Hop On and Off Bus and Epic Ireland. 

The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour allows you to experience all the history and culture of Dublin in one visit. There are two routes on the tour, the Original route is 1 hour 45 minutes long with 26 stops conveniently located close to Dublin's most popular attractions. You can hop-off at any time to go visit attractions like Dublin Zoo, the Guinness Storehouse or The Book of Kells in Trinity College. Your guide will point out all the most famous landmarks and points of interest along the way, showing you where famous Dubliners like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett (among others) lived and spent their time.

The second route is through Dublin's Docklands, and takes 45 minutes with 9 stops including The Jeanie Johnston Famine Memorial ship, The Bord Gais Energy Theatre and The National Convention Centre. You can also hop-off at Stop 7 to take a Dublin Bay Cruise. Buses start at 9am daily, and arrive at each stop every 10-15 minutes. You'll enjoy live commentary from our Failte Ireland trained drivers, all native Dubliners who will charm and entertain you.

Epic Ireland is the dramatic 21st Century visitor experience showcasing the unique journey of the Irish people around the world through the ages, centrally located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 CHQ building. Through 21 remarkable galleries, using cuttingedge interactive technologies, visitors explore the many tales of migration, the forces that have driven it, and the impact that it has had on the world. This is the authentic and epic story of 10 million journeys and the roots of 70 million people, told with memorable style and passion. Epic Ireland is a "must see" visit in any tour of Dublin and Ireland. It is located at the heart of Dublin, at Custom House Quay on the River Liffey, the original departure point for so many of Ireland's emigrants.

star

Riu Plaza The Gresham Hotel

The Gresham Hotel is the best known of all the hotels in Dublin City. Situated in the heart of the City, the hotel is located on O'Connell Street and is just a short walk from Croke Park, Temple Bar, the IFSC and the new Convention …

The Gresham Hotel is the best known of all the hotels in Dublin City. Situated in the heart of the City, the hotel is located on O'Connell Street and is just a short walk from Croke Park, Temple Bar, the IFSC and the new Convention Centre Dublin (CCD). The hotel is close to the shopping districts of the city making it the ideal Dublin City Centre Hotel for your business or leisure needs. The extension to the LUAS Red Line makes it easy for you to travel to the Three Arena Dublin and Convention Centre Dublin.

  • 24 Hour Reception
  • Business Centre
  • Conference Facilities
  • Gym/Fitness Centre
  • Housekeeping Service
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Restaurant(s)

More Details

Preferred Hotel

Guinness Storehouse and Merry Ploughboys Traditional Night

Today is yours to discover with admission to  The Guinness Brewery, Europe's largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Visitors will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness - the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion. The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries. Once the tour has finished, the guest is invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy their pint of Guinness. Regular demonstrations on the art of pulling a pint of Guinness also take place in the Storehouse. 

Following your tour, enjoy the rest of the day until your evening, when it's time to head to  The Merry Ploughboy Pub and its "Merry Ploughboys Traditional Night", a highly entertaining night of Irish music, song and Irish dancing. From start to finish, this is a show based on a living traditional culture and fantastic interaction between performers and the audience. First enjoy the banquet from our restaurant and then be entertained by the Merry Ploughboys Irish music band. This is followed by a specially commissioned show from all Ireland and world champion Irish dancers.

Belfast City and the Giant's Causeway ex Dublin

The tour departs Dublin at 7:00am from the Starbucks Cafe on Dame Street and will pass through the Boyne Valley, home to the five-thousand-year-old Hill of Tara. You will have a dedicated tour guide who will tell you the many stories and historical events which have occurred in this area of Meath over the centuries. The tour will then cross the border into the north of Ireland and arrive in Belfast city at approximately 9:30am. You can choose to enjoy the world-famous Black Taxi Tour of Belfast where your local guide will talk you through the highs and lows of Belfast's fascinating political history. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the Belfast Titanic quarter and the state-of-the-art Titanic Visitor Experience.

The tour will then depart Belfast at approximately 11:50am. On the way to the Giant's Causeway, you will see the Dunluce Castle and pass spectacular scenery including the village of Bushmills. You will arrive at the Giant's Causeway at 1:20pm where you will be spending two hours. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch (not included).

At 3:25pm, you will continue your day trip to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge close to Ballintoy, arriving at 3:40pm. Please note that the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is currently closed for public tours. Until further notice, you will visit the Dark Hedges in lieu of Carrick-a-Rede. You will arrive back in Dublin at approximately 8:30pm.

Day at Leisure

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Wicklow and Glendalough Day Tour

Departing Dublin this morning, the tour takes you first to a new and unique attraction, Beyond The Trees. Here, enjoy the Treetop Walk and viewing tower at Avondale, affording incredible views of the Wicklow countryside. For an additional fee (paid locally), you can even slide down the tower. Then, continue on to Monastic Glendalough. The monastery at Glendalough was founded in the 6th century, but most of the buildings there today date from the late 10th century to the 12th century. The round tower and the Cathedral are particularly impressive. Here, you'll have 90 minutes to explore and take in the stunning scenery and surrounding lakes. Next, you'll take the short trip to Hollywood, what is known as "The Original Hollywood". Here, you'll have time for a photo stop of Wicklow's version of the Hollywood sign before the tour takes you to a working sheep farm. At the farm, meet the local farmer who will give you a glimpse of rural life in Ireland. Then, you'll be treated to a sheepdog demonstration before returning to Dublin this evening.

Dublin to Galway

Enjoy one last Dublin breakfast before packing up and heading to Galway for the second half of your trip! Upon arrival to Galway, check into your next hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. 

The Hardiman Hotel

Standing proudly on the famous Eyre Square since 1852, The Hardiman Hotel offers generous hospitality with a familiar, easy charm that makes guests feel right at home. For over a century and a half, this Grand Old Lady has played host to many notable guests …

Standing proudly on the famous Eyre Square since 1852, The Hardiman Hotel offers generous hospitality with a familiar, easy charm that makes guests feel right at home. For over a century and a half, this Grand Old Lady has played host to many notable guests and countless special occasions. Now it's your turn to be part of this long tradition. The Hardiman is a flawless combination of Victorian grace and opulent luxury. Located right in the heart of Galway City, just a one-minute walk from the main transport hubs. Whether you are joining us for pleasure, or are here on business, the beating heart of our city is right on your doorstep. Perfectly positioned - Within strolling distance of all the best amenities that Galway has to offer. From bars and theatres to restaurants and historical sights, you’re right in the centre of Galway's bohemian social scene. The Hardiman is the perfect base to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Discover the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands and the wild beauty of Connemara.

  • Baggage storage
  • Breakfast Room
  • Currency Exchange
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Fax/Photocopying
  • Fitness Centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Room Service

The Cliffs of Moher and Burren Tours from Galway

Spend the day at one of Ireland's must see attractions.Taking you along Galway Bay, your first stop is at the fishing village of Kinvara to see Dunguaire Castle and into The Burren - home to 75% of Ireland's native flora and location of numerous ancient monuments many of which you visit including the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort- home of little men with green hats and orange beards!

Stopping also at Kilfenora to see the famous Celtic Crosses (Irish High Crosses), you will make your way to the coastal village of Doolin for your lunch stop before visiting the 200-metre high, 8kms long Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands and take your time to soak up the natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. (minimum 1.5 hour stop- FREE admission to Cliffs!) You return via the Coast Road with views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, making a short stop to walk on the lunar like landscape of the Burren and take in sights such as Leprechaun Head before returning to Galway shortly after 6:00pm

Galway Food Tours (Shared Tour)

Enjoy a taste of Ireland today on a 2 hour culinary walking tour of the city. It gives a great overview of it's passionate people and beautiful produce which combine to make Galway one of Ireland's gourmet jewels. During the tour you will get to experience a taste from artisan producers, cheese makers, creative beer projects, artisan chocolatiers, traditional family run businesses to young entrepreneurs with devotion and commitment to showcase the best of Irish produce.

With experienced & local guides, giving you the insights to their favorite places and treasured ingredients.

Treat yourself! Bring little piece of Galway home with you.

The Whiskey Trail Experience - Galway

Spend the day at exploring at your leisure before enjoying a true Irish experience -  Irish Whiskey in the company of friendly local people. An Irish pub is a perfect place to relax, meet new people, and experience what it truly means to be Irish with a whiskey in hand. "Let the music of whiskey falling into a glass be an agreeable interlude". Galway is steeped in history, art and culture which provides the perfect setting to share a drink.

Enjoy one last breakfast before grabbing your bags and heading to the airport for your flight home!

Other Information

Departures:, price includes:.

  • Private arrival and departure transfers
  • 5 nights in first-class accommodations in Dublin
  • 4 nights in first-class accommodations in Galway
  • 2-day hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass
  • Admission to EPIC Ireland
  • Admission to the Guinness Storehouse
  • Admission to Merry Ploughboys Traditional Night including dinner
  • Shared Belfast City and the Giant's Causeway tour (max 50 guests)
  • Shared Wicklow and Glendalough tour (max 50 guests)
  • Private train station transfers in Dublin
  • Shared tour of the Cliffs of Moher and Burren (max 50 guests)
  • Small group Galway food tour including 3 tastings (max 20 guests)
  • Private-guided The Whiskey Trail Experience including up to 6 tastings
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Rail tickets
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees if applicable

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

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Cork vs Galway

Cork or Galway: Which Should You Choose in 2024?

dublin cork galway trip

Heading to Ireland and trying to choose between Galway or Cork? You’re in the right place.

Both, Cork and Galway are touristy cities, and two of the four main cities in Ireland (which also include Dublin and Limerick.) They’re both very walkable, and you don’t need a car for either – at least not in the downtown core. You will love just strolling around, taking in the scenery of the historic buildings and the setting of these Irish cities.

They both have a strong feel of Irish cultural heritage, have medieval buildings, and things to do both in outside of the city – full day or half day trips.

dublin cork galway trip

I am an Ireland fanatic, have travelled all through the whole country and can offer you insight on both, Cork and Galway.

If you’re wondering which one to spend your time in – Cork or Galway- then we’re going to break it down for you here. Let’s go through the highlights of Cork and Galway, and the pros and cons of each, so you can determine which one is best for your trip.

Cork vs Galway: What are they Known For?

Here is what you need to know about the ‘essence’ of each city- what makes them unique from other cities in Ireland?

What is special about Cork?

Cork has one of the oldest food markets in the world, and also, interestingly, one of the oldest yacht clubs in the world. It was founded by the Vikings circa 922, and also has rich medieval history

What is special about Galway?

Galway is the festival capital of Ireland and there are hundreds of festivals held there every year. Galway as a city was founded in the 13th century , but it has the remains of the building from the 1100s

Cork vs Galway: Population and Size

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, after Dublin and before Limerick . Galway is the 4th largest city.

Cork’s population in 2023 was 223,657. Galway’s population is 84,572. So, if you’re looking to visit a smaller city, then Galway would be the one for you.

However, you’re the kind of person who likes a big city with more to do – then I think you’d be happier in Cork.

dublin cork galway trip

Cork vs Galway: Things to Do

There are a few really cool things to do in both cities, check out the most popular tourist attractions below

Things to Do in Cork

-The English Market, a food market which has been running since 1788 . This is one of the oldest markets in Europe, and is perfect for foodies

– Fitzgerald Park , an 18-acre Victorian park established in 1902 in the city centre of Cork. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll

– Blackrock Castle , a 15th century castle just 2 km (1.2 miles) from the Cork city centre

– Cork Butter Museum , which shows you about Ireland’s history of butter production, and how it became the biggest exporter of butter in the world

-Beautiful medieval churches Cork City Gaol , St. Finn Barre’s Cathedral , and St. Anne’s Church

Things to do in Galway

-Visit the Spanish Arch , a 16th century arch that is the extention of a Normal wall built in the 1200s

-Take a stroll through Quay Street and hang out in the Latin Quarter

-There are plenty of day trips with an hour or two of Galway; such as Oranmore Castle , The Burren , the village of Cong, taking a ferry to the Aran Islands , or Connemarra National Park . -Stay nearby in a castle hotel (there are a handful of them within an hour or two from Galway city)

-Visit abandoned castles , there are dozens of them in the outskirts of Galway city

dublin cork galway trip

Cork or Galway: Conclusion

Since Cork is a larger city, there’s more to do directly in the city centre. You could easily spend three days in Cork , and it has some excellent day trips as well. I did not list the day trips in Cork above because the list of things to do would have been too long for Cork. But here are some ideas:

  • a full day trip along Ireland’s southern coast
  • a day trip to The Ring of Kerry (the most beautiful place in Ireland, in my opinion)

Ring of Kerry

Between the two cities, I found centre of Galway to be the ‘prettier’ one to look at, and take pictures of. I could not stop taking pictures. However, everything you want to see in Galway is within walking distance and you could probably see it within a day .

If you are looking for somewhere to spend 3 nights in, then I think you would need to consider day trips outside of Galway as well during that time, because there isn’t enough right in the city of Galway to spend three days seeing.

Cliffs of Moher

However, the day trips possibilities outside Galway are excellent. The village of Cong is very quaint, with its 1000s year old ruins, Connemarra National Park , Aran Islands and The Burren are all incredible. For more info, read about if Galway is worth a visit.

Also, in Galway, you’re a bit closer to the Cliffs of Moher which makes it easier to see them with less crowds, such as at sunset.

If it were up to me? Having been to both, Cork and Galway (but spent more time in Galway) I would probably choose Cork , because of all the interesting things there are to see and do right in the city. I didn’t have enough time for all of them last time and wish I’d had more time in Cork.

So if you’re short on time, I’d probably stick to Cork, but I think that you cannot go wrong with either option.

Cork

Places to Stay in Cork city centre

  • Budget: Yugo Amni’s House
  • Mid-range: The Metropole Hotel
  • Luxury: Jury’s Inn Cork

Places to Stay in Galway city centre

  • Budget: S noozles Galway City Centre
  • Mid-range: The Western Hotel
  • Luxury: Jury’s Inn Galway

Cork vs Galway: Safety and Places to Avoid

Both Cork and Galway are safe cities for tourists. As a tourist, you would be spending most of your time in the downtown area of these cities, where any crime would be very rare.

Neither Cork or Galway are the most ‘dangerous’ cities in Ireland. ( Limerick is known for being statistically the most dangerous city in Ireland. )

Cork vs Galway: Which is more family-friendly?

Ireland is generally a family-friendly place to travel through. I travelled to both Cork and Galway with my 3 (almost 4) year old, and she enjoyed both cities. She enjoyed listening to the music of the buskers, which are common in both cities in the summertime.

Since both cities are walkable and car-free in some areas, I found them both to be great places to walk around as a family. We didn’t use a stroller, but you could use a stroller in the downtown core of either city.

dublin cork galway trip

Cork has Fitzgerald Park, the English Market, and the Butter Museum which I think would all be fun with kids of all ages. I think Cork has a bit more in the way of things to do with kids.

But in terms of safety, and welcoming for families? Both Cork and Galway are family-friendly cities.

Location of Cork vs Galway

Part of making the decision between Cork and Galway is looking at their location, and where else you’re planning to visit on your Irish itinerary.

Galway is much closer to the Wild Atlantic Way, Cliffs of Moher, Northern Ireland and so if you’re planning to visit these then it makes sense to add Galway to your trip.

If you’re planning to spend some time on the Ring of Kerry (in my opinion, the most beautiful place in Ireland!) then Cork makes an easy stop from there, if you’re driving back to Dublin from Kerry.

Cork vs Galway

It might be worth noting that both cities – Cork and Galway – are similar in distance from Dublin. Galway is a 2 hour and 15 minute drive, and Cork is just half an hour longer – 2 hours and 45 minutes.

They’re also both similarly close to Limerick. Galway is an hour and 15 minutes away from Galway, whereas Cork is an hour and 29 minutes.

Ultimately Cork is further than the two other desirable Irish cities (Limerick and Dublin) than Galway is, but not by much.

Shopping in Cork vs Galway

If you’re the kind of person who loves to buy souvenirs, then you will love the different options for souvenirs from Ireland . They embody the country’s unique folklore, heritage, and farming industry and there are many special items that you can only get in Ireland.

If you want to shop, and are deciding between Cork or Galway, then I’ll say this: Cork is larger and has more stores. However, there are some specific souvenirs that are much easier to find in Galway, because of its location being on the Wild Atlantc Way.

irish candy

Cork vs Galway: FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions about visiting Cork or Galway.

Is Cork near Galway?

It would take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Cork to Galway, and that doesn’t include stopping at any toll stations. Both of them are near the famous scenic coastal road, the Wild Atlantic Way.

Is Cork Ireland worth visiting?

Yes, Cork is well worth a visit. It is one of the Irish cities founded by the Vikings (along with Limerick, Dublin among others.) It has a walkable downtown, a food market open daily that has been running since the 1700s, a famous park, and a castle and some great day trips.

Is it better to go to Galway or Cork?

Both cities, Cork and Galway, are great for tourists. They both have a lot of history, buskers (live street music) in the summertime, great food, and things to do. Cork is a larger city, so there are more things to do to keep you busy for a few days. Galway is smaller and quainter.

Cork

Cork or Galway: Final Thoughts

You can’t go wrong with Cork or Galway. They’re both amazing cities with rich history.

Galway is small and compact, and almost everything you’d want to see in the city centre is within walking distance. However, if you want to spend a few days in Galway, then you would need to be willing to take day trips, because many of the nearby attractions aren’t right in the city itself – they’re up to 1-2 hours away. You don’t necessarily need a car, there are many tours you can book right out of Galway.

Cork, on the other hand, is a larger city. It doesn’t have the same ‘small, quaint feel’ in the downtown core as Galway, but there are a lot of exciting and unique things to do in the city and nearby.

Ultimately, whichever city you choose, I don’t think you’ll regret your decision.

dublin cork galway trip

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Dublin - Galway by Train

❮ dublin - galway by train.

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Price Guidance

This 6 night sample itinerary includes:.

  • Flight into and out of Dublin
  • Hotel for 2 nights in Dublin
  • Train from Dublin and Galway
  • Hotel for 3 nights in Galway
  • Train from Galway and Dublin
  • Hotel for 1 night in Dublin

This vacation package will take you between two gorgeous cities in Ireland . Discover Dublin (rich in cultural and literary history, and today boasts thriving modern amenities alongside quaint, old pubs on tree lined streets) and Galway (known, believe it or not, for its stunning beaches and flourishing traditional Irish culture; music, theater and art. You will visit the exquisite Connemara and Kylemore Abbey ). Get back to Dublin for one last stay, before returning home. Travel between these cities by very convenient train rides which allow you an opportunity to observe the lovely country side. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Please contact us for any special arrangements such as more than three rooms and partial stays.

Change cabin, booking without flight, returning to a different city/airport, Reorder city, or design your own Itinerary

Flexible Itinerary

dublin cork galway trip

Ireland, `the Emerald Isle`, offers some of the most beautiful landscapes and views in the entire world, from castles in ruins in verdant valleys to rocky cliffsides overlooking the Atlantic. It is a country that is fiercely proud of its native language and culture, and venturing outside the major cities, you will be able to view a more rural experience. This is most popularly achieved by driving the 111-mile Ring of Kerry in the western part of the country, or visiting the charming Gaeltacht where Irish is only spoken. But definitely do not discount the cities, home to charm, history, and great landmarks, such as the cosmpolitan capital of Dublin, and large cities such as Limerick and Cork.

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The package rates displayed are your total price per person based on Double Occupancy and your Arrival Date and Number of Nights selected. You can change details after selecting your travel date.

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  • Dublin and Cork by Train from $1,246
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  • Dublin - Glasgow - Edinburgh - London from $1,608

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Trip Summary

dublin cork galway trip

With over 1000 years of history Dublin has experienced many changes, particularly in the last decade. European Union membership and increased prosperity have transformed Dublin into a multicultural city with a thriving economy, ranking it among the top tourist destinations in Europe. An hour walk from the top of Grafton Street, across the Liffey, up O'Connell Street, and farther into north Dublin is a walk through time and, also a glimpse of some of the pieces that must eventually fit together. Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, Temple Bar, St. Stephen's Green and the National Museums and so much more!

dublin cork galway trip

Galway City , the largest city in County Galway, is known as the `city of the tribes` and is a thriving, bohemian, cultural city on the western coast of Ireland. It is a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches and long winding promenade and has a buzzing cosmopolitan city center. The city is a joy to explore with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colorful shop facades and busy café/bar culture. The city is renowned for its thriving Irish theatre, arts, music and culture scene and Galway plays host to a number of internationally renowned festivals throughout the year. Eyre Square and the imposing Galway Cathedral are but two of Galway`s best-known sights. Further afield from Galway City, you will find Kylemore Abbey, Ashford Castle, the Aran Islands and Connemara National Park. Explore the region across Galway Bay, Lynch Castle, Galway City Museum, the National Aquarium, Salthill beach, Spanish Arch, festivals like the annual Galway Arts Festival and much more!

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dublin cork galway trip

DUBLIN TO GALWAY TRAIN

Dublin - galway train: time, map & tickets cost.

dublin cork galway trip

Dublin to Galway Train Timetable

Departure & arrival stations:.

Heuston Station ↔​ Ceannt Station

Departing from

Heuston Station

Heuston, Heuston Station, St John's Rd W, Saint James' (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin, Ireland

Arriving at

Ceannt Railway Station

Station Rd, Galway, Ireland

FAQ: Train to Galway From Dublin

Book train tickets from dublin to galway, want to see more of ireland.

Would you like to experience an Irelands train journey? Choose your perfect ticket from different routes today!

Belfast to Dublin Train

Dublin to belfast train, dublin to galway train, galway to dublin train, cork to dublin train, dublin to limerick train.

  • Rugby Weekly
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dublin cork galway trip

Kilkenny, Clare, Cork and Galway name sides for weekend hurling league ties

KILKENNY HAVE NAMED TJ Reid and Paddy Deegan in the half-forward line for Sunday’s Division 1 hurling league trip to Ennis to face Clare.

Reid and Deegan are selected in an attack that also features Adrian Mullen and Eoin Cody. Kilkenny have shaken up their starting side from the win over Offaly last time out with goalkeeper Eoin Murphy and defender Huw Lawlor some of the other key figures that have returned.

Eamonn Fuody is named to start in goal for Clare, while notable defensive additions are Paul Flanagan, Conor Cleary and Diarmuid Ryan. The attacking trio of David Reidy, Peter Duggan and Mark Rodgers are all handed starting spots as well.

peter-duggan

Cork’s team announcement for their trip to Tullamore to play Offaly sees Niall O’Leary and the Downey brothers, Eoin and Rob, all starting in defence, in the changes from the win over Waterford last time out.

Luke Meade comes in at midfield, while the inclusions in attack are Declan Dalton, back after injury, and Blackrock’s Alan Connolly. Darragh Fitzgibbon and Tim O’Mahony are notable inclusions on the bench.

Offaly have named Oisin Kelly  in their full-forward line to start alongside Eoghan Cahill and Adam Screeney, for the game at Glenisk O’Connor Park.

jack-grealish

Dublin bring Eddie Gibbons into goal for the game in Pearse Stadium, which sees manager Micheál Donoghue face his native Galway in Salthill. Galway make just the one change from their comfortable win last time out over Antrim, as Jack Grealish comes into the defence for Darren Morrissey.

1. Eoin Murphy (Glenmore)

2. Mikey Butler (O’Loughlin Gaels), 3. Huw Lawlor (O’Loughlin Gaels), 4. Tommy Walsh (Tullaroan)

5. David Blanchfield (Bennettsbridge), 6. Richie Reid (Shamrocks Ballyhale), 7. Shane Murphy (Glenmore)

8. Darragh Corcoran (Shamrocks Ballyhale) , 9. Mikey Carey (Young Irelands)

10. Adrian Mullen (Shamrocks Ballyhale), 11. TJ Reid (Shamrocks Ballyhale), 12. Paddy Deegan (O’Loughlin Gaels – captain)

13. Cian Kenny (James Stephens), 14. Eoin Cody (Shamrocks Ballyhale), 15. Harry Shine (Dicksboro)

1. Eamonn Foudy (Inagh-Kilnamona)

2. Paul Flanagan (Ballyea), 3. Conor Cleary (Kilmaley), 4. Adam Hogan (Feakle)

5. Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe), 6. John Conlon (Clonlara), 7. Conor Leen (Corofin)

8. Cian Galvin (Clarecastle), 9. Daithi Lohan (Wolfe Tones)

10. David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona), 11. David Reidy (Éire Óg Ennis), 12. Peter Duggan (Clooney-Quin)

13. Mark Rodgers (Scariff), 14. Aidan McCarthy (Inagh-Kilnamona), 15. Keith Smyth (Killanena)

1. Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig)

2. Niall O’Leary  (Castlelyons), 3. Damien Cahalane (St Finbarr’s), 4. Eoin Downey (Glen Rovers

5. Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neills), 6. Ciaran Joyce (Castlemartyr – captain), 7. Rob Downey (Glen Rovers)

8. Brian Roche (Bride Rovers), 9. Luke Meade (Newcestown),

10. Declan Dalton (Fr O’Neills), 11. Conor Lehane (Midleton), 12. Seamus Harnedy (St Ita’s)

13. Jack O’Connor (Sarsfields), 14. Alan Connolly (Blackrock), 15. Shane Barrett (Blarney)

1. Mark Troy (Durrow)

2. Jack Clancy (Belmont), 3. Ben Conneely (St Rynagh’s), 4. Sam Bourke (Durrow)

5. Jason Sampson (Shinrone – captain), 6.  David King (Coolderry), 7. Killian Sampson (Shinrone)

8. Cathal King (Carrig & Riverstown), 9. David Nally (Belmont)

10. Dan Ravenhill (Durrow), 11. Eimhin Kelly (Lusmagh), 12. Charlie Mitchell (Kilcormac-Killoughey)

13. Eoghan Cahill (Birr), 14. Oisin Kelly (Belmont), 15. Adam Screeney (Kilcormac-Killoughey)

1. Darach Fahy (Ardrahan)

2. Jack Grealish (Gort), 3. Fintan Burke (St Thomas), 4. Pádraic Mannion (Ahascragh-Fohenagh)

5. Adrian Tuohy (Beagh), 6. Cianan Fahy (Ardrahan), 7. Daithí Burke (Turloughmore)

8. David Burke (St Thomas), 9. Seán Linnane (Turloughmore)

10. Gavin Lee (Clarinbridge), 11. Tom Monaghan (Craughwell), 12. Conor Cooney (St Thomas’)

13. Evan Niland (Clarinbridge), 14. Conor Whelan (Kinvara – captain), 15. Jason Flynn (Tommy Larkins)

1. Eddie Gibbons (Kilmacud Crokes)

2. James Madden (Ballyboden St-Enda’s), 3. Paddy Smyth (Clontarf), 4. John Bellew (Lucan Sarsfields)

5. Conor Donohoe (Erins Isle), 6. Chris Crummey (Lucan Sarsfields), 7. Daire Gray (Whitehall Colmcille)

8. Conor Burke (St Vincent’s), 9. Seán Gallagher (Naomh Barróg)

10. Ronan Hayes (Kilmacud Crokes), 11. Donal Burke (Na Fianna), 12. Brian Hayes (Kilmacud Crokes)

13. Danny Sutcliffe (St Judes), 14. Cian O’Sullivan (St Brigid’s), 15. Seán Currie (Na Fianna)

dublin cork galway trip

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Returning to college? Here are funding options to help cover the costs of your postgrad or MBA

Research your funding options well before starting your application for postgraduate studies.

dublin cork galway trip

Thinking about a postgraduate course? Scholarships, grants, bursaries, loans and personal savings can all contribute to your funding plan. Photograph: Eric Luke

Education can often be a costly endeavour. For those in post-secondary school, there are college fees, living expenses and accommodation expenses, all of which costs often obscene amounts.

For those pursuing a postgraduate course or MBA , however, these sums are often eye-watering. But there are routes and schemes available to individuals who would like to obtain an MBA but for whom finances could be a potential barrier.

One of the State’s best-known financial support schemes is the Student Universal Support Ireland (Susi) programme.

There are eligibility criteria for the system, with some students qualifying for the flat-rate fee contribution of €3,500, while others who qualify for the special rate for disadvantaged students, they could have their tuition fees paid and essential field trips, up to a total of €6,270.

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What are the benefits of a postgraduate degree?

What are the benefits of a postgraduate degree?

Prospective students can check their eligibility on the Susi website .

Postgraduate students who are in employment can also benefit from tax relief. The maximum value that can be awarded through the scheme is €7,000 per person, per course, per academic year.

It is not means tested, meaning any Irish postgraduate student can apply.

Springboard

A relatively new entrant in the higher education market, Springboard provides free higher education courses for people who are unemployed or self-employed and would like to return to the workplace.

Employed individuals can also apply for a Springboard course, but they must pay a 10 per cent contribution towards fees. There is a range of part-time courses for certificates to master’s degree levels, with most courses being part-time and one year in duration.

Trinity College

Although there are nationwide supports available, there are also university-specific financial aids.

Trinity , for example, offers scholarships and specific-funded projects for research across all disciplines, normally covering tuition fees and providing a stipend.

Trinity Business School offers scholarships of up to €10,000 per student undertaking a master’s programme . The social impact scholarships (also valued at €10,000) are available for candidates who have experience at an NGO, charity or social organisation.

There are also a variety of MBA scholarships available awarded on a first come, first served basis. Candidates who have excelled in their professional or personal achievements can be awarded up to €10,000, though amounts may vary.

Dublin City University

DCU operates a 10 per cent reduced master’s programme fees scheme for its alumni, and it applies to both full-time and part-time programmes. Students do not have to apply for the scheme and the university will contact eligible individuals.

There are scholarships available for members of the Gaelic Players’ Association. The DCU faculty of engineering and computing has one scholarship available under this scheme, valued at €3,000. DCU business school also offers two scholarships for full-time master’s programmes or the executive MBA, which covers the full fees of the selected programme. dcu.ie/postgrad-funding

Technological University Dublin

TU Dublin graduates, including those of its previous institutes (DIT, IT Tallaght and IT Blanchardstown), can avail of a 10 per cent discount on all graduate business school courses, except those funded by external bodies.

Supported by The Maria Wallace Foundation, the university has announced a scholarship for the MSc in Fashion Buying and Management course, covering fees and an allowance for living expenses.

The successful candidate for the scholarship must be someone with “exceptional potential to succeed” but would only be in a financial position to complete the MSc programme with the support of the scholarship.

University of Galway

There are several postgraduate scholarships available at the university , including its sanctuary scholarship programme, which is open to asylum seekers, refugees, vulnerable immigrant groups and Irish Travellers.

The Hardiman PhD Scholarships are available for those pursuing research, and are fully funded for four years, with a stipend of €18,500 per year plus fees.

The taught master’s scholarship scheme awards €1,500 to any person with a first-class honours degree who has been accepted on a full-time postgraduate programme at the university.

Among the college’s MBA offerings are the McGinty Scholarships, which are available each year to support two women – one physician and one allied healthcare professional in the MBA programme.

University College Cork

UCC offers an array of scholarships across various departments, including the Amneal pharmaceutical scholarship for those applying for the MSc research in pharmaceutics, which is valued at €23,700.

The O’Connor scholarship is a €10,000 award available for one postgraduate student per year, in any discipline. However, to be eligible the individual must have been born in Ireland and must have a parent whose surname was O’Connor at birth.

Postgraduate students undertaking research programmes may be supported by research grants held by individual supervisors. Inquiries should be directed to individual supervisors in the first instance, according to the college.

University of Limerick

Each faculty has a selection of scholarships and fee awards, with varying closing dates and requirements.

The faculty of science and engineering is offering 10 taught postgraduate fee waiver scholarships to the value of €2,000 for the 2023/2024 academic year.

Only EU applicants who have applied online for entry into a full-time taught postgraduate programme by June 16th, 2023, will be considered.

A series of partial scholarships through the Limerick and Shannon Chambers of Commerce and 30 per cent Club are available for UL ’s executive MBA programme.

Southeast Technological University

SETU Waterford provides five annual scholarships through their business school with scholarships available for the Master of Business Studies, the MSc in Digital Marketing and the Executive MBA programme as well as Master’s by Research (considered on a case-by-case basis).

Two annual scholarships have also been agreed with the Department of Sport and Exercise Science. The Carlow campus also provides two annual postgraduate scholarships.

Atlantic Technological University

ATU offers academic, sports and cultural scholarships across its campuses in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal.

ATU Donegal’s partnership with the Gaelic Players’ Association provides for up to four fully-funded, postgraduate places for male and female members of the GPA who wish to study there.

The value of each scholarship is up to €5,750 for one year only and will be delivered through a full or partial fee waiver where necessary.

The college also offers the 1916 bursary, which is to encourage participation and success by students who are most socio-economically disadvantaged and who are from groups most underrepresented in higher education.

Maynooth University

Maynooth University provides scholarships of €2,000 to support full-time taught master’s study and are open to EU and non-EU citizens as well as to Maynooth and non-Maynooth graduates.

A 2.1 final honours undergraduate degree result or equivalent is the minimum requirement to apply, with a closing date of June 30th, 2024.

The Department of Anthropology at Maynooth University offers a bursary to the value of €2,000 to its master’s programme for a student who is specifically interested in the area of material culture.

Irish Research Council

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is an established national initiative, funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and managed by the council.

The value of the scholarship will be up to a maximum of €28,000 annually in any approved year and will consist of: a stipend of €19,000 per year; a contribution to fees up to a maximum of €5,750 per year; and eligible direct research expenses of €3,250 per year.

North/South postgraduate scholarships

The aim of the Universities Ireland North/South scholarship scheme is to encourage outstanding students from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to cross the Border to undertake postgraduate study and experience life in the other Irish jurisdiction.

This year, Universities Ireland will offer four scholarships, each worth €15,000. The history bursaries support students undertaking postgraduate study on a topic relating to the 1912-1923 period in Ireland, the decade of the first World War and the division of the island into the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland.

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Shauna Bowers

Shauna Bowers

Shauna Bowers is a reporter for The Irish Times

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UK and Irish local authorities come together to work on place branding

Local authorities from Ireland and the UK gather in Dublin on 12 March 2024 in an event organised by British Embassy Dublin to discuss the topic of ‘place branding’.

dublin cork galway trip

From left to right: His Majesty's Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste and CEO of Dublin City Council, Richard Shakespeare. Credit: Gareth Chaney

On 12 March 2024, sixteen local authorities from Ireland and the UK will gather in Dublin to discuss the important topic of ‘place branding’ and how the associated techniques and strategies can be applied to the economic, political and cultural development of cities and regions. The event, hosted by Dublin City Council in collaboration with the British Embassy and Connected Places Catapult, will identify the strengths and potential benefits of branding places. Participants will engage in workshops and discussions to share best practice on how to make their regions better places in which to live, work, and invest.  

This will be the 12th time the ‘Joining the Dots’ programme will meet and the second time in the city of Dublin. ‘Joining the Dots’ is a programme that promotes economic development in UK and Irish regions through the sharing of best practices by local policy experts. The aim being to identify common challenges, and then explore solutions and opportunities for growth. Beginning in 2018 the event has been hosted in over 10 different locations throughout the UK and Ireland, including Cork, Birmingham, Galway, Manchester, Liverpool and Belfast. This time around 16 Local authorities, 8 from the UK and 8 from Ireland will gather in Dublin. 

Last night, proceedings were kicked off with an event at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse, which itself is a symbol of how branding and regeneration can bring a new lease of life to an area. Gathered guests soaked in the night view across Dublin while hearing from the British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston and Daithí de Róiste, Lord Mayor of Dublin. 

 Speaking about the latest joining the Dots event, the British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston said:   

‘Joining the Dots’ is a fantastic vehicle that promotes economic links and opportunities between regions of the UK and Ireland, helping to identify opportunities to connect businesses, researchers and academia to promote UK–Irish economic growth. Previous ‘Joining the Dots’ events have delved into important issues ranging from advanced manufacturing to inclusive innovation and last October we celebrated its 5th birthday in Cork with an excellent event on the retrofit of housing. I am delighted that the programme has returned to Dublin this week to host a masterclass on ‘Place Branding’. Over the course of this visit, UK and Irish participants will engage in workshops and discussions to share best practice on how to make their destinations better places in which to live, work, and invest.

 Daithí de Róiste, Lord Mayor of Dublin, added:

I am delighted to be supporting the Joining the Dots initiative. Bringing together local authorities from across Ireland and the UK to network and share ideas will not only promote economic development but will build closer UK-Irish relationships and understanding.

Alex Cousins, Business Director at Connected Places Catapult added: 

I’m incredibly proud that through the ‘Joining the Dots’ programme we are able to bring together local authorities and the private sector to accelerate innovation and foster economic ties between UK and Ireland. Dublin is a fantastic city in which to hold our latest session where we’re focusing on the hot topic of place branding and examining the economic, cultural and political benefits that it can deliver.

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