Spring 2026 Ireland Adventure – 12‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Dublin Introduction

Morning: Arrive at Dublin Airport and transfer to your city‑centre hotel. Settle in and enjoy a leisurely brunch at a café on Grafton Street.

Afternoon: Take a walking tour of the historic core, visiting Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and strolling through St. Stephen’s Green.

Evening: Dine in the lively Temple Bar district and soak up traditional Irish music in a nearby pub.

Day 2: Dublin Deep‑Dive

Morning: Explore the iconic Guinness Storehouse, learning the brewing process and enjoying a pint at the Gravity Bar with city views.

Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology and wander the historic streets of Dublin’s Georgian quarter.

Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at a farm‑to‑table restaurant in Rathmines and catch a performance at the historic Abbey Theatre.

Day 3: Dublin → Kilkenny

Morning: Pick up a rental car and drive south, stopping at the picturesque town of Maynooth for a coffee break.

Afternoon: Arrive in Kilkenny, check into your inn, and tour the majestic Kilkenny Castle and its beautiful gardens.

Evening: Enjoy a hearty meal at a traditional Irish pub on Kieran Street and explore the medieval streets lit by lanterns.

Day 4: Kilkenny → Waterford

Morning: Visit the historic St. Canice’s Cathedral and climb the round tower for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Drive to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, and explore the Viking Triangle, including Reginald’s Tower and the Medieval Museum.

Evening: Sample locally brewed Waterford Crystal‑branded beers at a waterfront restaurant and stroll along the River Suir.

Day 5: Waterford → Cork (Scenic Coast)

Morning: Depart for Cork, taking the coastal route through the scenic Cobh harbor, famous for the Titanic’s last Irish port of call.

Afternoon: Arrive in Cork, check in, and wander the bustling English Market, sampling artisanal cheese and fresh seafood.

Evening: Dine in the historic Shandon area and hear the iconic bells of St. Anne’s Church.

Day 6: Cork & Blarney

Morning: Short drive to Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence.

Afternoon: Return to Cork for a guided food tour, tasting local specialties like drisheen and Irish stew.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening on the banks of the River Lee, perhaps with a live music session at the Sin É venue.

Day 7: Cork → Killarney

Morning: Travel westward to Killarney, stopping at the historic town of Macroom for a quick coffee.

Afternoon: Check into a lakeside guesthouse and explore Killarney National Park, visiting the stunning Muckross House and Gardens.

Evening: Experience traditional Irish storytelling at a local tavern in the town centre.

Day 8: Ring of Kerry Loop

Morning: Begin the iconic Ring of Kerry drive, stopping at the dramatic viewpoint of Ladies View for breathtaking scenery.

Afternoon: Continue through quaint villages such as Kenmare and Sneem, enjoying coastal vistas and photo opportunities.

Evening: Return to Killarney for a relaxed dinner featuring locally sourced lamb and a glass of Munster cider.

Day 9: Dingle Peninsula

Morning: Head to the Dingle Peninsula, taking the scenic Slea Head Drive with stops at ancient beehive huts and rugged cliffs.

Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Dingle, visiting the famous Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium and sampling fresh Atlantic oysters.

Evening: Enjoy live traditional music in Dingle’s vibrant pubs before driving back to Killarney.

Day 10: Killarney → Galway via Cliffs of Moher

Morning: Depart early for the west coast, stopping at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher for a walk along the edge and breathtaking Atlantic views.

Afternoon: Continue through the unique limestone landscape of the Burren, then arrive in Galway and settle into a boutique hotel.

Evening: Stroll the lively streets of the Latin Quarter, enjoying street performances and dinner at a seafood restaurant.

Day 11: Galway & Connemara

Morning: Take a guided walking tour of Galway’s historic centre, visiting Eyre Square and the bustling **Shop Street**.

Afternoon: Drive into the rugged beauty of Connemara, exploring the fairy‑tale grounds of Kylemore Abbey and the scenic coastal drive.

Evening: Return to Galway for a farewell dinner featuring Galway oysters and a final night of traditional music in a local pub.

Day 12: Departure

Morning: Transfer back to Dublin (or Shannon) Airport, stopping at the historic town of Enniscorthy for a quick coffee if time permits.

Afternoon: Complete check‑in and enjoy any remaining time for last‑minute souvenir shopping at Avondale Shopping Centre.

Evening: Depart Ireland with wonderful memories of your spring adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Trinity College – 2 hrs – €12 (entry)
• Guinness Storehouse – 2 hrs – €25 (entry + pint)
• Kilkenny Castle – 2 hrs – €10 (entry)
• St. Canice’s Cathedral Tower – 1 hr – €5 (tower climb)
• Viking Triangle (Waterford) – 3 hrs – €8 (museum tickets)
• English Market (Cork) – 2 hrs – €15 (food tasting)
• Blarney Castle – 2 hrs – €18 (entry)
• Muckross House & Gardens – 3 hrs – €13 (entry)
• Killarney National Park (self‑guided) – 4 hrs – €0
• Ring of Kerry Drive – 6 hrs – €0 (fuel estimate €20)
• Slea Head Drive – 3 hrs – €0 (fuel estimate €10)
• Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre – 2 hrs – €10 (entry)
• The Burren (self‑guided) – 3 hrs – €0
• Kylemore Abbey – 2 hrs – €8 (entry)
• Galway Latin Quarter (walking tour) – 2 hrs – €12 (guide)
• Traditional music sessions (various pubs) – 3 hrs – €0 (drinks extra)
• Transportation (rental car, fuel, tolls) – 12 days – €350
• Accommodation (mid‑range, 11 nights) – €150 per night – €1,650
• Meals (average €30 per day) – 12 days – €360
• Total Estimated Cost (per person) – €2,458

Tips

If you wish to extend your trip, consider adding a day in the Wild Atlantic Way to explore the remote islands of Aran or the historic town of Clifden. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine Days 9 and 10 by skipping the Dingle Peninsula and heading straight from Killarney to Galway via the Cliffs of Moher, which will still capture Ireland’s iconic coastal scenery while saving travel time.