Ireland European Vacation – April 4‑9, 2026

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Dublin

Morning: Depart Atlanta on Delta Airlines and arrive at Dublin Airport after a comfortable trans‑Atlantic flight. Transfer to the Hilton Dublin via the Airlink Express bus and settle into your family‑friendly room.

Afternoon: After a quick refresh, enjoy a gentle walk through St. Stephen’s Green and let the kids play in the park’s playground. Stop for a light lunch at a nearby café.

Evening: Dine at the hotel’s restaurant, then take a short evening stroll along the River Liffey to admire the illuminated cityscape.

Day 2: Museums, LEGO & Cultural Highlights

Morning: Visit the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, where interactive exhibits make Irish history fun for all ages. Allocate time for a family treasure‑hunt activity offered by the museum.

Afternoon: Head to the LEGO Store at Dundrum Town Centre for a playful break, then explore the historic Trinity College Library and view the Book of Kells.

Evening: Enjoy a family‑friendly dinner in the vibrant Temple Bar district, followed by a traditional music session that welcomes all ages.

Day 3: Guided Bus Day Trip to Kilkenny

Morning: Board a guided day‑trip bus to Kilkenny and tour the majestic Kilkenny Castle with its beautiful gardens. Continue to the impressive St. Canice’s Cathedral for a quick climb up the round tower.

Afternoon: Wander the medieval streets of Kilkenny’s “Medieval Mile,” stopping at craft shops and the historic Black Abbey. A short lunch at a local eatery offers a taste of regional cuisine.

Evening: Return to Dublin, relax with a light dinner at the hotel, and enjoy a quiet evening in the comfortable lounge.

Day 4: Train to Galway & Coastal Exploration

Morning: Take a scenic Irish Rail service to Galway and check into the Hilton Galway. The train ride provides beautiful countryside views perfect for family photos.

Afternoon: Stroll along the Salthill Promenade, letting the kids splash in the sea breezes, then visit the striking Galway Cathedral with its colorful stained glass.

Evening: Savor dinner at a family‑friendly restaurant on Quay Street, followed by a relaxed walk along the harbor to watch the sunset.

Day 5: Connemara Outdoor Adventure

Morning: Join a guided bus tour to Connemara National Park for an easy family hike on the Diamond Hill trail, offering panoramic views of lakes and mountains.

Afternoon: Continue to the picturesque Kylemore Abbey, where you can explore the Victorian walled garden and learn about its history through a short audio guide.

Evening: Return to Galway for a relaxed dinner and a brief live‑music session at a local pub that welcomes families.

Day 6: Departure

Morning: Take a final leisurely walk through the colorful streets of Galway and pick up souvenirs at the Galway Market.

Afternoon: Catch the Irish Rail service back to Dublin Airport, allowing plenty of time for check‑in and security before your Delta flight home.

Evening: Arrive back in Atlanta, concluding a memorable Irish adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Delta round‑trip flight Atlanta‑Dublin: 12 hrs total travel time, $1,200 per adult, $900 per child
• Hilton Dublin (3 nights, family suite): 3 hrs check‑in/out, $250/night = $750 total
• Hilton Galway (2 nights, family suite): 2 hrs check‑in/out, $240/night = $480 total
• Airlink Express bus (airport‑hotel‑airport): 30 min each way, $10 per adult, $5 per child
• Irish Rail Dublin‑Galway round‑trip: 5 hrs total, $35 per adult, $20 per child
• Guided day‑trip bus to Kilkenny: 8 hrs, $70 per adult, $45 per child
• Guided bus to Connemara & Kylemore Abbey: 10 hrs, $80 per adult, $55 per child
• National Museum of Ireland (free entry, optional donation $5 per family)
• LEGO Store (shopping budget): $100
• Trinity College Library entry: $12 per adult, $6 per child
• Kilkenny Castle entry: $15 per adult, $8 per child
• St. Canice’s Cathedral (tower climb): $10 per adult, $5 per child
• Connemara National Park (parking & guide): $20 total
• Kylemore Abbey entry: $12 per adult, $7 per child
• Meals (average $30 per adult, $20 per child per day): $350 total
• Total Estimated Cost: $5,970

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day trip to Belfast to see the Titanic Belfast museum and the historic City Hall, or extend your stay in Galway to explore the Aran Islands. To shorten the itinerary, you could combine the Kilkenny and Connemara tours into a single day‑trip bus option, or replace the Connemara hike with a gentler walk in the nearby Burren for less travel time.