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11-Day Scenic Ireland Loop: Dublin → Killarney (Ring of Kerry & Kerry Cliffs) → Cliffs of Moher → Galway → Donegal (Murder Hole Beach)

Viewed by 177 travelers

Day 1: Arrival Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on October 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Bewley's Grafton Street

Classic Dublin café on Grafton Street; good coffee and pastries to start your day. Bewley's usually opens around 8:00am but check seasonal hours.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Trinity College — Book of Kells

See the medieval Book of Kells and the beautiful Long Room; a short must-see cultural stop. Visitor centre typically open 9:30am–5:00pm; book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
EUR17, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk — Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty

Explore the castle grounds and the Chester Beatty collection for a quick cultural overview of Dublin. Castle visitor areas usually open 9:45am–5:30pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — The Woollen Mills

Riverside bistro near Ha'penny Bridge serving modern Irish dishes; great for a hearty lunch before more sightseeing. Kitchen tends to serve lunch from 12:00pm.
EUR18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Guinness Storehouse

Interactive tour through Ireland's most famous export, ending with a pint and panoramic city views; open roughly 9:30am–5:00pm (last entry varies).
EUR26, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — The Church Café Bar & Restaurant

Unique dining spot in a converted church with traditional and modern Irish dishes; good atmosphere for your first night. Kitchen open into the evening (check booking availability).
EUR28, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening Stroll — Temple Bar / River Liffey

Wander the lively Temple Bar area or along the river for music and atmosphere; nightlife hours vary by venue.
EUR0, 1h0m

Day 2: To Killarney

Dublin → Killarney, Ireland on October 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or Keogh's Café

Quick breakfast before catching the train; many cafés near Heuston open early. Confirm opening times with your hotel.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:50am

Train — Dublin Heuston to Killarney

Scenic intercity rail from Heuston station to Killarney takes about 3.5–4 hours; book advance fares and seats. Typical trains depart morning and arrive around midday.
EUR35, 4h0m

12:45pm

Lunch — Bricín Restaurant (Killarney)

Traditional Irish menu with local ingredients; great spot near the town centre after arrival.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Torc Waterfall walk

Short, scenic walk within Killarney National Park to the waterfall and viewpoints. Always open; allow time for photography and a short hike.
EUR0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Muckross House & Gardens

Victorian mansion set in Killarney National Park with exhibits and gardens; the house and entry typically open 10:00am–5:00pm (check seasonal times).
EUR8, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — The Laurels or Quinlan's

Local favourites offering fresh Irish fare and seafood in a relaxed setting — book for peak times. Check individual restaurant hours; many open evenings until 9:30–10:00pm.
EUR28, 1h30m

Day 3: Ring of Kerry

Killarney, Ireland on October 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or local café

Fuel up early; full-day Ring of Kerry outings start in the morning. Hotel breakfasts commonly available from 7:00–8:00am.
EUR12, 0h30m

8:30am

Full-day Ring of Kerry tour (coach or self-drive)

Drive or take a guided coach around the Iveragh Peninsula; highlights include Moll's Gap, Ladies View and Kenmare, with many photo stops. Coach tours typically depart 8:30–9:00am and last ~8–9 hours; self-drive gives flexibility.
EUR40, 9h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Kenmare or scenic stop

Stop in a village for pub lunch or grab a packed lunch to maximize scenic stops along the loop; villages often serve midday meals 12:00–14:00.
EUR15, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Killarney — Relax

After the loop, unwind in town or stroll around Killarney National Park before dinner; many outdoor sights are accessible after daylight if timing allows.
EUR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — The Porterhouse or local seafood pub

Enjoy a celebratory dinner after a big day of sightseeing; reserve a table especially on weekends.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Kerry Cliffs → Clare

Killarney → Kerry Cliffs → Doolin (County Clare), Ireland on October 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel

Early breakfast for a coastal morning stop; confirm checkout time if moving hotels.
EUR12, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit — Kerry Cliffs (Portmagee area)

Wild cliff viewpoint with dramatic Atlantic vistas popular for photos and short hikes; natural site open year-round—watch for wind and cliff-edge safety. Allow 1–2 hours for walking and photos.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch — The Moorings / local pub in Portmagee

Seaside pub options with fresh seafood and local fare; pubs typically serve lunch from 12:00pm but some open earlier.
EUR18, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive toward Doolin (Cliffs of Moher area)

Scenic drive north along the Wild Atlantic Way; expect ~3–3.5 hours driving with stops (plan fuel and short breaks).
EUR0, 3h30m

4:30pm

Check-in — Doolin

Settle into a Doolin guesthouse; this village is famous for traditional music and is a convenient base for the Cliffs of Moher.
EUR0, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Gus O'Connor's Pub (Doolin)

Historic pub with hearty Irish dishes and live music in the evenings — great for an authentic local night out.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher → Galway

Doolin → Cliffs of Moher → Galway, Ireland on October 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Doolin Café

Light breakfast in Doolin before heading to the Cliffs; cafés typically open from 8:00–9:00am.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Cliffs of Moher — Visitor Centre

Walk the cliff trails for iconic Atlantic views; the visitor centre has exhibitions and runways to viewpoints—visitor centre hours often approx 9:00am–5:00pm in autumn, but check current seasonal times.
EUR10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Cliffs Café or Doolin

Casual lunch before driving to Galway; consider clam chowder or a seafood sandwich typical of the area.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Galway

Scenic 1.5–2 hour drive to Galway; plan for a relaxed arrival allowing for stops along the coast.
EUR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in & Stroll — Galway Latin Quarter

Explore the vibrant Latin Quarter, Spanish Arch and street performers — a compact, walkable city center with evening energy.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Ard Bia at Nimmos

Popular, atmospheric restaurant near the Spanish Arch offering creative Irish cuisine; reservations recommended as it fills up fast (opens evenings around 6:00–7:00pm).
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 6: Explore Galway

Galway, Ireland on October 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — The Front Door Café

Popular café in the heart of Galway serving full breakfasts and good coffee; opens around 8:30am (check seasonal hours).
EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Walking tour — Eyre Square, Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum

Self-guided or guided walking tour exploring Galway’s compact city highlights; the museum is usually open 10:00am–5:00pm and is either free or low-cost.
EUR5, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — McDonagh's (seafood)

Galway institution for fish and chips and seafood — quick, tasty and local.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Salthill Promenade & Blackrock

Walk the seaside promenade and enjoy views of the bay; optional cliffwalk and local cafés. Free and open at all times.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner & Music — The King's Head / Tig Coili

Choose a lively pub with traditional Irish music and food for a memorable Galway night out; music nights typically start in the evening (check schedule).
EUR25, 2h0m

Day 7: Connemara Day

Galway → Connemara (Kylemore), Ireland on October 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel

Grab an early breakfast for a full Connemara day; confirm hotel breakfast hours if leaving early.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Kylemore Abbey

Scenic drive into Connemara to visit Kylemore Abbey and Victorian walled garden. Kylemore visitor hours often around 9:30am–5:00pm; check for seasonal variations.
EUR14, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Connemara Tea Rooms / local pub

Relaxed lunch in the Connemara area — hearty options available near major sights.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Sky Road & Clifden drive

Short scenic route offering panoramic bay views near Clifden; great for photos and a gentle afternoon roam. Road open year-round.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Return to Galway — Dinner

Back in Galway for dinner; try a restaurant serving local Galway lamb or seafood. Many restaurants open through the evening; reservations recommended.
EUR28, 1h30m

Day 8: North to Sligo

Galway → Sligo, Ireland on October 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel

Early breakfast before the northbound drive; confirm checkout timing if changing hotels.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Sligo — Benbulben viewpoints

Drive ~2 hours to Sligo and explore Benbulben scenic viewpoints and nearby Glencar Waterfall. Natural sites are open year-round but weather can be changeable.
EUR0, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Hargadon Bros (Sligo)

Classic Sligo café and pub offering traditional lunches; a good base for regional specialties.
EUR18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Continue to Donegal Town

Short afternoon drive to Donegal Town (approx 1–1.5 hours) with time to check into your accommodation and explore the town castle and quays.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — The Olde Castle Bar (Donegal)

Traditional pub with local produce and often live music; a welcoming stop after a day on the road.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 9: Murder Hole Beach

Donegal (north coast), Ireland on October 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or local café

Breakfast before your coastal exploration; check local café opening times if not at your hotel.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit — Murder Hole Beach (Donegal coast)

Secluded, dramatic beach with rock formations and strong surf—great for photography and atmosphere. Beaches are open 24/7 but access may require a rough walk; check tide times and local weather before visiting and note there are typically no lifeguards.
EUR0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — Local pub in Downings or Portsalon

Coastal pubs serving fresh seafood and local dishes; ideal for warming up after a beach walk.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Optional — Fanad Head Lighthouse or Malin Head scenic stop

Visit dramatic headlands and lighthouses along Donegal's coast; some lighthouse sites have seasonal opening hours—check in advance if you want a tour.
EUR7, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Donegal Town restaurant

Return to Donegal Town for dinner and relax after a day of rugged coastal scenery.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 10: Derry / Belfast Stop

Donegal → Derry → Belfast, Ireland / Northern Ireland on October 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel

Early breakfast to begin the drive east toward Derry and Belfast; check-out and departure times with your accommodation.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:30am

Explore Derry — City Walls & Museum

Walk the historic Derry city walls and visit the Museum of Free Derry for recent history context; city wall walks are open all day and museums typically open 10:00am–5:00pm.
EUR5, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Browns Bonds Hill (Derry)

Good quality lunch spot with views over the Foyle — pleasant mid-day stop before heading to Belfast.
EUR18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Optional — Titanic Belfast (Belfast)

If time allows, visit the award-winning Titanic Belfast museum to learn about the ship’s story; open roughly 10:00am–5:00pm but check seasonal times. Allocate ~2 hours.
EUR22, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Belfast (St. George's Market area or Cathedral Quarter)

Enjoy diverse dining options and lively evening spots in Belfast; restaurants and pubs vary in evening hours, many open until 10:00pm or later.
EUR25, 1h30m

10:00pm

Overnight — Near Belfast or begin route back to Dublin

Overnight here to break up the return trip to Dublin (Dublin is ~2 hours from Belfast); plan travel next morning depending on flights/trains.
EUR0, 8h0m

Day 11: Return Dublin

Belfast → Dublin, Ireland on October 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Hotel

Early breakfast and check-out; prepare for the last leg back to Dublin and any departure logistics. Hotel breakfast hours vary.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive or train to Dublin

Travel time from Belfast to Dublin is about 1.75–2.5 hours depending on transport; aim to arrive mid-late morning for last-minute sightseeing or airport connections.
EUR30, 2h30m

11:30am

Lunch & Shopping — Grafton Street / The Woollen Mills

Final lunch in Dublin and time for souvenir shopping on Grafton Street if your schedule allows. Shops typically open from 9:00am and many restaurants serve lunch through the afternoon.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Airport transfer / Departure

Head to Dublin Airport (allow at least 2–3 hours before international flights) or to the train station for onward travel. Time required depends on departure method and airline/check-in times.
EUR0, 2h0m
0
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