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8-Day Ireland Road Trip: 3 Days in Dublin + Galway & Cork Highlights

Viewed by 132 travelers

Day 1: Discover Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on April 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bewley's Grafton Street Cafe

Historic cafe on Grafton Street serving classic Irish breakfast and excellent pastries; a lively Dublin start. Check opening hours as they can vary on weekends.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30AM

Trinity College & The Book of Kells

Visit Ireland's oldest university and the Old Library to see the illuminated Book of Kells and the Long Room; best to book tickets in advance. Typical opening from 9:30AM but check seasonal times.
EUR16, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

Riverside eatery offering modern Irish dishes made with local ingredients — hearty and central for sightseeing breaks.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30PM

Dublin Castle

Explore the state apartments, medieval undercroft, and gardens to learn about centuries of Irish history; check guided-tour times as they vary.
EUR8, 1h30m

3:30PM

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Ireland’s largest cathedral with impressive architecture and historical exhibits; often open until late afternoon — verify seasonal closing times.
EUR8, 1h0m

5:00PM

Dinner at The Church Cafe Bar

Dine in a restored 18th-century church offering traditional and contemporary Irish dishes in a unique setting.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Museums & Parks

Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts

Charming bakery known for generous breakfasts and excellent baked goods — arrive early to avoid queues.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30AM

National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

Home to Ireland’s prehistoric and medieval treasures; admission is free but check special exhibition charges and opening hours.
Free, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fumbally

Beloved local cafe focusing on seasonal, organic ingredients and fresh, healthy plates — casual and flavorful.
EUR18, 1h0m

1:30PM

Kilmainham Gaol

Guided tour of the historic prison that played a key role in Ireland’s independence story; book tickets in advance as tours sell out and check tour start times.
EUR8, 2h0m

3:30PM

Phoenix Park stroll

One of Europe’s largest urban parks with wide avenues, deer and the exterior of Áras an Uachtaráin — ideal for a late afternoon walk.
Free, 1h30m

5:00PM

Dinner at The Vintage Kitchen

Cozy spot offering refined, seasonal Irish cooking in a relaxed setting — reservations recommended.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Dublin Specialties

Dublin, Ireland on April 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brother Hubbard

Popular cafe with Middle Eastern-influenced breakfast plates and great coffee — good for a relaxed start.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30AM

Guinness Storehouse

Interactive exhibition about Ireland's iconic stout, finishing with panoramic views and a pint in the Gravity Bar; opens typically at 9:30AM but pre-booking is advised.
EUR28, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at The Stag's Head

Historic Victorian pub serving classic Irish pub food — a lively lunch stop in the city center.
EUR18, 1h0m

1:30PM

Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour

Tasting-led tour through the history and craft of Irish whiskey; book in advance and check tour start times.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:30PM

Grafton Street & Temple Bar walk

Stroll the pedestrian shopping street and cross to Temple Bar for street music, galleries and boutique shops — free unless you buy souvenirs or music.
Free, 1h30m

5:00PM

Dinner at Fade Street Social

Modern Irish dining with a menu focused on local producers and lively atmosphere; reservations recommended for dinner service.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: To Galway

Dublin to Galway, Ireland on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bakehouse

Quick, fresh pastries and coffee to fuel the drive west; open early for travelers.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Galway

Scenic road trip across the Irish midlands to Galway — expect around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic; plan stops if desired.
Free, 2h30m

11:30AM

Check-in & settle in Galway

Arrive, check into your accommodation and take a short break before exploring the compact city center.
Free, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Quay Street Kitchen

Casual spot serving seasonal dishes with local produce — great for a light, satisfying meal after the drive.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00PM

Eyre Square & Latin Quarter

Explore Galway’s lively heart with shops, street performers and cafes — a great orientation walk.
Free, 1h0m

3:30PM

Galway Cathedral

Beautiful 20th-century cathedral with impressive stained glass and architecture; check visiting hours before arrival.
Free, 1h30m

5:00PM

Dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmo's

Atmospheric, waterside restaurant offering creative local dishes — excellent for a memorable first night in Galway.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 5: Galway Coast

Galway, Ireland on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Druid Lane Café

Cozy neighborhood cafe serving locally roasted coffee and hearty breakfast plates — a local favorite.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30AM

Salthill Promenade

Seafront walk with expansive views of Galway Bay and the Burren/Connemara on clear days — great for fresh-air strolling.
Free, 2h0m

11:30AM

Spanish Arch & Galway City Museum

Historic quay area with a small museum detailing local history; the Arch is a photogenic part of Galway's harbor.
Free, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Galway Bay Brewery

Relaxed brewery pub serving local beers and tasty comfort food — great for sampling local brews.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:30PM

Galway Arts Centre & local galleries

Browse contemporary Irish art, exhibitions and occasional live events in the city’s arts quarter.
Free, 1h30m

5:00PM

Dinner at The Nook

Small, friendly restaurant focusing on seasonal, home-cooked style dishes — perfect for a relaxed evening.
EUR24, 1h30m
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Day 6: To Cork

Galway to Cork, Ireland on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee House

Grab a fresh pastry and coffee before the drive south; a convenient spot near city center.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Cork

Scenic drive from Galway to Cork takes roughly 2.5–3 hours; leave early to maximize afternoon exploring time.
Free, 2h30m

11:30AM

Arrival & check-in in Cork

Settle into your Cork accommodation and prepare to explore the city’s culinary scene.
Free, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch near Elizabeth Fort

Casual lunch at a café by Elizabeth Fort offering simple, local dishes and historic views.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00PM

English Market

Historic covered market packed with local producers, cheeses, meats and artisan foods — great for tasting and shopping; check vendor hours.
Free, 1h30m

4:00PM

Cork City Gaol

Atmospheric former prison with immersive exhibits about 19th- and 20th-century Cork life; tours typically run into late afternoon.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Café Paradiso

Elegant vegetarian-focused restaurant celebrated for creative dishes and fine service — book ahead for dinner.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 7: Cork & Surrounds

Cork, Ireland on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Farmgate Cafe

Breakfast located at the English Market with a menu that highlights local produce; a lovely market-view start to the day.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30AM

Blarney Castle

Visit the famous castle to kiss the Blarney Stone and explore the extensive gardens; castle opens around 9:30AM but check seasonal times and allow time for walks.
EUR18, 3h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at The Real Olive Company

Light Mediterranean-style lunch with quality small plates and deli products — good for a relaxed midday break.
EUR15, 1h30m

2:00PM

Fota Wildlife Park

Open-air park with free-roaming animals and family-friendly walking trails — check opening times and allow a few hours for roaming the grounds.
EUR18, 3h0m

5:00PM

Dinner at The SpitJack

Casual, flavorful spot known for rotisserie meats and hearty plates — great local atmosphere for a final Cork evening.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Dublin

Cork to Dublin, Ireland on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The English Market's Café

Grab local pastries and coffee for the road — an easy and delicious start before the drive north.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive back to Dublin

Return drive of approximately 3 hours; plan for a rest stop mid-route and expect variable traffic near Dublin.
Free, 3h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at The Greenhouse (Dublin)

Michelin-starred restaurant known for refined tasting menus showcasing Irish produce — reservations required and menus may change.
EUR50, 2h0m

2:00PM

Dublin Zoo (Phoenix Park)

Large, award-winning zoo with diverse habitats and conservation programs — check entry times and book tickets online to avoid queues.
EUR20, 3h0m

5:00PM

Dinner at Chapter One

End the trip with a fine-dining experience offering modern Irish cuisine in an elegant setting — reservations and dress code recommended.
EUR65, 2h0m
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