After landing at Dublin Airport at 10:00 AM, you will clear customs and collect your rental car to begin your adventure heading north. Enjoy a scenic drive toward the border, making a brief stop in the historic town of Drogheda to stretch your legs and view the impressive medieval St. Laurence's Gate.
Continue your journey across the border into County Down, where the majestic Mourne Mountains sweep down to the sea. Spend the mid-afternoon exploring the enchanted trails and gothic bridges of [Tollymore Forest Park](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/tollymore-forest-park) before settling into the charming seaside town of Newcastle at the foot of Slieve Donard.
Wind down your first day with a hearty dinner at The Percy French, a cozy tavern-style restaurant famous for its local seafood and warm atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful sunset stroll along the Newcastle Promenade, taking in the crisp sea air and the rhythmic sounds of the Irish Sea against the shore before retiring for the night.
After a final look at the Mourne Mountains, drive north into the heart of the city to explore the legendary Titanic Quarter, starting at the world-leading Titanic Belfast museum situated on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard. Spend your morning immersed in the interactive galleries before stepping outside to walk the [Maritime Mile](https://maritimemile.com) and board the SS Nomadic, the beautifully restored tender ship that served the ill-fated liner.
For a deeper look into the city's identity, join a renowned Black Taxi Tour to hear firsthand stories while visiting the Political Murals and adding your own message to the Peace Walls. Conclude your afternoon by admiring the grand dome of Belfast City Hall and strolling through the historic Cathedral Quarter to see the impressive [St. Anne's Cathedral](https://www.google.com/search?q=St.+Anne%27s+Cathedral+Ireland+and+Northern+Ireland.+land+in+dublin+May+4th+2026+at+10+am.+leave+dublin+at+noon+on+may+13th.+want+to+start+by+traveling+north++official+site).
As the sun sets, retreat to the historic Crown Liquor Saloon to enjoy a drink within its intricately carved mahogany snugs and stained-glass windows. Afterward, savor a contemporary Northern Irish feast at James St. in the vibrant Linen Quarter before viewing the illuminated facade of the legendary Grand Opera House.
Depart Belfast early to begin your journey along the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, often cited as one of the world's most scenic drives. Your first stop is the peaceful village of Glenarm to wander through the lush [Glenarm Castle Walled Garden](https://glenarmcastle.com/walled-garden/) before venturing into [Glenariff Forest Park](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/glenariff-forest-park) to hike the Waterfall Walk and witness the cascading Ess-na-Larach Waterfall.
Continue your scenic drive through the glens toward the historic village of Cushendun to explore the wind-sculpted Cushendun Caves, known for their rugged beauty and cinematic history. Afterward, take a short detour inland to walk beneath the haunting, intertwined branches of the iconic Dark Hedges before returning to the coast to admire the turquoise waters and sea stacks at Ballintoy Harbour.
Arrive in the vibrant seaside town of Portrush and head to the bustling harbor area for a world-class seafood dinner at the renowned Ramore Wine Bar. Afterward, catch the final glow of twilight with a scenic walk along the dramatic limestone cliffs of Whiterocks Beach before winding down with a drink by the traditional peat fire at the historic Harbour Bar.
Begin your morning with a short drive to the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway, where you can hike across the geometric basalt columns and witness the legendary 'Organ' pipes carved into the cliffside. Afterward, explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of [Dunluce Castle](https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/dunluce-castle-p675011), a medieval stronghold that sits dramatically on the edge of a sheer sea cliff overlooking the churning North Channel.
Head inland to the village of Bushmills for a guided tour and tasting at the Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Afterward, continue your coastal exploration west to the Downhill Demesne to witness the iconic Mussenden Temple, a stunning circular library perched precariously on a 120-foot cliff overlooking the vast Benone Strand.
Spend your evening enjoying a sophisticated dinner at The Elephant Rock, where local seasonal ingredients are served with stunning views of the Atlantic. Afterward, head to Kiwi's Brew Bar to sample a diverse selection of regional craft ales in a lively setting, or take a peaceful twilight walk along the Portrush Peninsula to see the lighthouse beams sweeping across the horizon.
Bid farewell to the coast as you drive into the historic city of Derry to begin a walking tour atop the 17th-century Derry's City Walls, which offer panoramic views of the city's unique architecture and history. Afterward, step inside the neo-Gothic Guildhall to admire its magnificent stained-glass windows before exploring the rich local heritage and maritime exhibits housed within the nearby [Tower Museum](https://towermuseumcollections.com).
After exploring the city center, head to The Bogside to witness the powerful history depicted in the People's Gallery Murals and stand before the iconic Free Derry Corner. Later, cross the border into County Donegal to ascend the prehistoric stone ringfort of Grianan of Aileach, which offers breathtaking panoramic vistas over the sparkling waters of Lough Swilly and the surrounding hills.
As night falls, stroll across the illuminated Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square for a unique dining experience at the Walled City Brewery, where you can pair locally crafted beers with gourmet seasonal dishes. Afterward, venture to the lively Waterloo Street to soak in the atmosphere at Peadar O'Donnell's, a legendary pub renowned for its nightly traditional Irish music sessions and festive local charm. End your night with a quiet moment at The Diamond, watching the moonlight reflect off the historic architecture and statues at the city's central heart.
Leave the walls of Derry behind and drive west into the rugged heart of County Donegal to explore the vast wilderness of Glenveagh National Park. Take a guided tour of the 19th-century Glenveagh Castle nestled on the shores of Lough Veagh before wandering through the park's vibrant and exotic gardens.
Continue your journey south to experience the awe-inspiring Sliabh Liag cliffs, where you can walk along the edge of some of Europe's highest sea cliffs overlooking the vast Donegal Bay. Afterward, enjoy a detour to the cascading Assaranca Waterfall before stepping back in time at the [Glencolumbkille Folk Village](https://www.glenfolkvillage.com) to explore restored thatched cottages that showcase centuries of rural Irish history.
After checking into your accommodation, head to the heart of the town to enjoy a sophisticated dinner at The Old Castle Bar, where you can savor local Donegal beef within the shadow of the illuminated [Donegal Castle](https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/donegal-castle/). Continue your evening with a short, scenic stroll along the Bank Walk for views of the bay before soaking up the vibrant atmosphere at The Reel Inn, a legendary spot famous for its nightly traditional Irish music sessions.
Leave the rugged Donegal coast behind and journey into the heart of the lakelands to explore the subterranean wonders of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. After navigating the underground rivers and vast limestone caverns, head to the island town of Enniskillen to discover the rich military and local history housed within the fortress walls of [Enniskillen Castle](https://www.enniskillencastle.co.uk).
After your morning history lesson, board a scenic boat cruise across the shimmering waters of Lough Erne to explore the ancient monastic ruins and iconic round tower on Devenish Island. Later, head back to dry land to wander the quiet woodland trails and walled gardens of [Florence Court](https://www.google.com/search?q=Florence+Court+Ireland+and+Northern+Ireland.+land+in+dublin+May+4th+2026+at+10+am.+leave+dublin+at+noon+on+may+13th.+want+to+start+by+traveling+north++official+site), an 18th-century Palladian mansion set against the dramatic backdrop of the Cuilcagh Mountains.
Conclude your day in the lakelands with an exquisite dinner at 28 At The Hollow, where you can savor inventive dishes crafted from seasonal local ingredients in a cozy, vaulted setting. Afterward, soak up the historic atmosphere at Blake's of the Hollow, a renowned Victorian pub where you can admire the intricately carved Game of Thrones Door over a quiet pint. End your night with a gentle walk along the Broadmeadow boardwalk, watching the lights of the town shimmer across the dark waters of Lough Erne.
Bid farewell to Enniskillen as you journey southeast into the prehistoric heart of the Boyne Valley to visit the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. Here, you will step back 5,000 years with a guided tour of Newgrange, an awe-inspiring Neolithic passage tomb renowned for its massive kerbstones and ancient megalithic art.
Continue your exploration of ancient Ireland at the [Hill of Tara](https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/hill-of-tara/), the sacred seat of the High Kings, where you can stand beside the legendary Lia Fáil stone and enjoy panoramic valley views. Afterward, stop in the heritage town of Trim to marvel at the towering ruins of Trim Castle, a massive Anglo-Norman fortress, before making your final approach into Dublin to settle into your city center accommodation.
For your first night back in the capital, enjoy a celebratory dinner at The Winding Stair, a charming restaurant and bookstore overlooking the river. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll across the iconic Ha'penny Bridge to soak in the vibrant street performances and neon lights of the Temple Bar District. Finish the evening with a traditional Irish coffee at The Palace Bar, one of the city's oldest and most beloved Victorian pubs.
Start your penultimate day in Ireland at the historic Trinity College Dublin to marvel at the intricate artistry of the Book of Kells and the towering oak shelves of the Old Library's Long Room. Afterward, take a short stroll to explore the state apartments of Dublin Castle before visiting the medieval [Christ Church Cathedral](https://christchurchcathedral.ie) to discover its ancient Viking-era crypt.
Head to the legendary [Guinness Storehouse](https://www.guinness-storehouse.com) at St. James's Gate to immerse yourself in the history of Ireland's most famous export, concluding with a perfectly poured pint and 360-degree city views at the Gravity Bar. Afterward, wander south to admire the gothic splendor of [St. Patrick's Cathedral](https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie) before enjoying a leisurely stroll through the flower-lined pathways of St. Stephen's Green and the busker-filled atmosphere of Grafton Street.
Celebrate your final full night in Ireland with a memorable dinner at The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant, set within a beautifully restored 18th-century sanctuary. Afterward, enjoy a final pint at The Brazen Head, Ireland's oldest pub, before taking a peaceful twilight stroll along the River Liffey to admire the harp-shaped Samuel Beckett Bridge illuminated against the night sky.
Enjoy a final relaxed Irish breakfast at the iconic Bewley's Grafton Street before taking a quiet stroll through the Georgian beauty of Merrion Square to admire the colorful doorways and the famous Oscar Wilde Statue. To round out your cultural journey, pay a brief visit to the [National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology](https://www.museum.ie/Archaeology) on Kildare Street to marvel at the ancient Tara Brooch and the prehistoric Ardagh Chalice before heading toward the airport for your noon departure.
After completing your check-in at Dublin Airport, take a final opportunity to browse The Loop Duty Free for unique Irish keepsakes or a bottle of premium pot still whiskey. As you board your flight for a noon departure, spend the afternoon relaxing and reflecting on your 10-day odyssey through the emerald landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way and the historic wonders of Northern Ireland.
Upon returning home, spend your evening scrolling through your favorite photos of the geometric Giant's Causeway and the powerful history depicted in the murals of The Bogside. Share a final toast with a bottle of premium pot still whiskey as you reflect on the transformative landscapes and deep-rooted heritage encountered throughout your journey across the Emerald Isle.