Scenic & Cultural Road Trip Through Ireland: Donegal, Galway, Dingle, Killarney, Youghal, and Dublin

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Donegal, Ireland on July 23, 2025

7:00am

Drive Inniskeen to Donegal (via Republic of Ireland roads)

Start early morning to drive to Donegal from Inniskeen, staying within the Republic of Ireland. Approximate drive time is around 4.5 to 5 hours covering ~300km. Route suggestion: Via N2, N3, N28, N14, and N56 avoiding Northern Ireland border crossings.

0, 5h0m

12:00pm

Charge Mercedes EQB at Donegal Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Top up your electric vehicle at the Donegal Town public charging point located near the town center (approx. 50 kW chargers), costing roughly QAR 50 (~17 EUR) for a full charge to ensure driving comfort over next days.

50, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Aroma Coffee shop and Mini Bakery

Enjoy a light, freshly baked lunch and coffee here. They are open 8am-4pm, serving great locally made sandwiches and pastries which is perfect for a quick stop.

70, 1h0m

2:00pm

Check-in at An Chuirt Hotel, Gweedore

Check-in around 3-4pm. Relax and freshen up before starting afternoon activities.

1185, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Glenveagh Castle and Gardens

Explore the stunning Glenveagh Castle & National Park which is open till 6pm. Entry ticket costs approximately QAR 160 (~55 EUR) per person. Enjoy the castle’s gardens and picturesque setting.

320, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sean Og Bar and Restaurant

Cozy pub serving hearty Irish dishes and seafood. Great atmosphere and local flavors; ideal for your first evening meal in Donegal.

150, 1h30m

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Day 2: Donegal Highlights

Donegal, Ireland on July 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Olde Glen Bar

Enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast here from 8am onwards. A hearty start to fuel your day's adventure.

120, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Sliabh Liag Cliffs

Drive about 1 hour to the cliffs, offering one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Entry is free. Ideal for scenic hiking and breathtaking views. Car parking available close to the visitor center.

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12:30pm

Lunch at The Rusty Mackerel, Carrigart

Enjoy freshly caught seafood and local specialties in this popular coastal spot open 12pm-3pm. Located near Donegal and easily accessible by short drive.

150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Horse Riding at Carrigart Riding Stables

Pre-book a 1-hour guided ride through the scenic countryside. Approx. cost QAR 220 (~75 EUR) per person and suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. Booking is recommended.

440, 1h15m

3:30pm

Visit Donegal Castle

Return to Donegal town to visit the famous castle (open 10am–5pm). Entry is approx QAR 60 (~20 EUR) per person. Discover local history and architecture.

120, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Poisoned Glen

A peaceful and beautiful scenic valley ideal for leisure walks and photography. Free entry and no charges for parking.

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7:00pm

Dinner at Leo's Tavern

Enjoy live traditional Irish music and dinner at this iconic spot in Meenaleck, a short drive from Gweedore. Book ahead for weekend nights to get a good table.

180, 2h0m

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Day 3: Drive to Galway & Explore

Galway, Ireland on July 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Teac Jack Glassagh

Light breakfast at this cozy tearoom near Gweedore from 8am. Fresh coffee and pastries to kick off a driving day.

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8:00am

Depart Donegal for Galway via M6

Drive approximately 4.5 hours south taking the N56 and M6 route avoiding Northern Ireland. Suggest one charging stop midway around Athlone EV charger (approx. charging cost QAR 50).

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1:00pm

Lunch near Athlone or En route

Stop briefly for lunch at a convenient spot such as The Feckin Fox in Athlone, offering casual Irish fare. Open 11am-3pm.

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3:00pm

Arrival & Check-in at The Lane Boutique Residence, Galway

Settle into your accommodation and relax until afternoon exploration.

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4:00pm

Take a walk at Eyre Square & Quay Street

Enjoy strolling through Galway's vibrant city center. Free and open all day, great to soak local culture and street music.

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5:30pm

Visit Galway Cathedral

Architecturally beautiful and peaceful. Open until 7pm. Free entry.

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6:30pm

Dinner at Moroe's Tavern

Enjoy traditional Irish pub dining with live music on select nights. Open from 4pm till late. No advance booking needed but recommended for weekends.

160, 1h30m

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Day 4: Galway & Countryside

Galway, Ireland on July 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Dough Bros

Highly rated artisan pizzas for breakfast option or try other specialties. Open from 8am onwards.

120, 1h0m

9:30am

Day Trip to Kylemore Abbey

About 1 hour drive to this stunning gothic abbey with beautiful gardens and lakes. Entry approx QAR 170 (~60 EUR) pp. Tickets recommended online.

340, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmos

Charming café near Abbey serving delicious local dishes. Open from 12pm-4pm.

160, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk around Salthill Promenade

Relax on the seaside walk, free and scenic, a nice way to unwind after lunch.

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4:00pm

Visit The Crane Bar for an evening pint and live music

Traditional Irish music spot, perfect to unwind. Usually open from 3pm. No entry fee but expect to spend on drinks.

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6:30pm

Dinner at Kai Restaurant

Contemporary Irish fine dining with focus on regional ingredients. Booking recommended. Open until 9pm.

400, 2h0m

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Day 5: To Dingle & First Sights

Dingle, Ireland on July 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Lane Boutique Residence or nearby cafe

Enjoy a quick breakfast before the drive to Dingle.

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7:45am

Drive from Galway to Dingle

Approximate 3.5-hour drive via M18 and N86 scenic routes. Consider charging stop near Tralee at public chargers (cost ~QAR 50).

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12:00pm

Lunch near Tralee or Dingle

Stop for lunch at Out of the Blue in Dingle – a famous seafood restaurant open 12pm–9pm, highly recommended for fresh catches.

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1:30pm

Check-in at Dingle Banners Hotel

Settle into your accommodation with breakfast included.

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3:00pm

Visit Dingle Distillery

Tours and tastings available (price approx QAR 120 pp). Booking advised. Close at 6pm.

240, 1h0m

4:30pm

Walk around Dingle Town & Bookstore

Explore shops including Dingle Bookstore and local artisan stores.

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6:00pm

Dinner at An Droichead Beag or Ashes Restaurant and Bar

Both offer quality dining with local cuisine and friendly atmospheres. Booking recommended.

180, 2h0m

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Day 6: Explore Dingle Peninsula

Dingle, Ireland on July 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy included breakfast before a day touring nearby sites.

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9:00am

Slea Head Drive and Gallarus Oratory

A scenic 2-hour drive visiting Gallarus Oratory (free entry) and stunning Slea Head views. Time for photo stops and short walks.

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12:00pm

Lunch at Dick Mack's Pub

Experience classic pub food and live traditional music. Open 12pm-11pm.

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1:30pm

Conor Pass Drive and Hiking

Drive the spectacular Conor Pass road (An Chonair) and stop for short hikes offering panoramic views.

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4:30pm

Murphy's Ice Cream

Local artisan ice cream shop in Dingle town, a great way to cool down and enjoy unique flavors.

50, 30m

5:00pm

Relax and stroll the town

Free time to enjoy the pubs or local shops at leisure.

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7:00pm

Dinner at Land to Sea Restaurant

Highly rated for Irish seafood and cozy atmosphere. Booking recommended.

220, 2h0m

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Day 7: Dingle to Killarney

Killarney, Ireland on July 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Dingle Banners Hotel

Enjoy breakfast included before departure.

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9:30am

Drive from Dingle to Killarney

Approx 1 hour’s drive via N86 and N71, with opportunities for charging at Killarney town EV stations costing approx QAR 50.

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11:00am

Check-in at The Birches Killarney

Settle into accommodation. Check-in from 3pm but luggage storage available earlier.

1503, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Quinlan and Cooke Boutique Hotel & QC’s Seafood Restaurant

Well-known for fresh seafood and quality dining, open 12pm-9pm. Reservation recommended.

180, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Muckross House & Gardens

Explore the historic manor house and beautiful grounds. Entry approx QAR 130 pp, open till 5pm.

260, 2h0m

4:30pm

Torc Waterfall and Ladies View

Short drives and walks to these dramatic scenic spots in Killarney National Park, free and open access.

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7:00pm

Dinner at Mulcahys

Traditional Irish fare with live music atmosphere. Open from 5pm. Reservations recommended.

160, 1h30m

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Day 8: Killarney to Youghal via Cork

Youghal, Ireland on July 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Birches

Last included breakfast before departure.

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8:30am

Drive from Killarney to Youghal, stopping in Cork

Drive approx 2h40min direct; allowing a 2-3 hour stop in Cork city for sightseeing including English Market, Cork City Gaol, and lunch. Public chargers available in Cork city; approx QAR 50 cost.

50, 5h30m

12:00pm

Visit English Market and Have Lunch at Market Lane, Cork

Famous food market with fresh goods and Market Lane offers excellent farm-to-table dining. Open 11am-3pm. Booking advised.

180, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Cork City Gaol

Historical Victorian prison museum, entry around QAR 50 pp. Open 10am-5pm.

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3:00pm

Continue drive to Youghal

Short 1 hour drive to Youghal for check-in at Ciara’s house.

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4:00pm

Check-in at Ciara’s house

Relax and freshen up for evening plans. Explore Youghal town as time permits.

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7:00pm

Dinner with Ciara’s family at a recommended local restaurant

Book a nice place such as The Bulman Bar or DeBarra's Folk Club for an enjoyable evening meal to thank hosts. Reservation essential.

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Day 9: Explore Youghal & Surroundings

Youghal, Ireland on July 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at local cafe such as The Nook Bar

Casual breakfast open from 8am, good coffee and pastries.

90, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Charles Fort and Youghal Clock gate tower

Historic sites within short drive or taxi from town. Charles Fort entry approx QAR 40 pp. Fort open 9am-6pm.

80, 2h0m

11:30am

Blackwater Boat Tour

Relaxing cruise on River Blackwater showcasing wildlife and landscapes. Cost approx QAR 170 pp. Booking recommended.

340, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ahernes Seafood Restaurant

Local seafood specialties in comfortable setting. Open 12pm-9pm.

180, 1h30m

3:30pm

Fota House and Gardens Visit

Elegant historic house with beautiful gardens; entry approx QAR 90 pp. Open 10am-5pm.

180, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Youghal – Relax or explore local pubs

Evening leisure visiting The Old Imperial or O'Herlihys Kinsale for a drink.

100, 2h0m

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Day 10: Youghal to Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on August 1, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at Youghal local cafe

Enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast before departure.

90, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Youghal to Dublin

Approximate 3-hour drive via M8 and M7, with charging stop near Portlaoise EV Charging Station, approx QAR 50 cost.

50, 4h0m

12:30pm

Arrive at Liz’s house near Phoenix Park, Dublin

Check-in and settle in at friend’s home with free accommodation.

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1:30pm

Lunch at Bewley's Grafton Street Café

Iconic Dublin café serving light lunches and excellent coffee. Open 9am-6pm.

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2:30pm

Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Entry QAR 100 pp. Beautiful historic library and world-famous illuminated manuscript. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended. Open 9:30am-5pm.

200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green

Free leisure walk through these iconic Dublin spots.

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7:00pm

Fancy Dinner at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

Michelin-starred fine dining to thank Liz. Reservations mandatory, open 6:30pm-10pm. Price approx QAR 1000 for two.

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Day 11: Dublin Local Sights

Dublin, Ireland on August 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at il Valentino Bakery and Cafe

Popular bakery with fresh pastries and coffee. Open from 7:30am.

90, 1h0m

9:30am

National Museum of Ireland at Kildare St and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Free entry National Museum. EPIC museum ticket approx QAR 80 pp. Combined cultural day, museums open 10am-5pm.

160, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Avoca Suffolk Street

Casual dining with local ingredients. Open 11am-4pm.

160, 1h0m

2:30pm

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

A fun, interactive walking tour combining literary history with pub visits. Price approx QAR 130 pp. Tours run from afternoon to evening, booking required.

260, 2h0m