After arriving and clearing customs, start gently with a stroll through St. Stephen's Green, enjoying the landscaped paths and Victorian bandstand, then pop into Bewley's Grafton Street Café for a warming coffee and a slice of Irish soda bread. Continue to the nearby National Library of Ireland to glimpse original manuscripts and literary exhibits-an easy, culture-rich morning that eases you into Dublin's rhythm before checking into your hotel and resting for the afternoon.
After a restful check-in, wander over to the leafy avenues of Merrion Square to admire the colorful Georgian façades and the Oscar Wilde statue, then duck into the nearby National Gallery of Ireland for a relaxed hour among European and Irish masterpieces. As twilight approaches, enjoy an early dinner at Chapter One or a cozy pint with small plates at The Stag's Head, soaking in warm conversation and live music to ease jet lag and set a friendly Dublin tone for the days ahead.
As night falls, head to Temple Bar for the quintessential Dublin atmosphere-wander its cobbled lanes, browse artisan shops, and settle in at The Temple Bar Pub for traditional music and a pint. If you prefer a quieter evening, enjoy a riverside walk along the Liffey Quays before a relaxed dinner at The Woollen Mills, where modern Irish dishes and views of the illuminated Ha'penny Bridge round out your first night in the city.
Start your day with a brisk walk and panoramic views from Dublin Castle's Dubh Linn Gardens, then join a guided tour through the castle's state apartments to trace Dublin's medieval and Georgian past. After the tour, wander to Christ Church Cathedral to admire its Romanesque crypt and vaulted nave, and stop for a mid-morning coffee and scone at the atmospheric Queen of Tarts nearby before continuing your exploration into the heart of the city.
After a morning at Dublin Castle and Christ Church, head west to the literary quarter: browse first editions and Irish poetry at Hodges Figgis on Dawson Street, then take a guided tour of the nearby Little Museum of Dublin to hear lively stories of 20th-century city life. Wind down with a languid late-afternoon session at The Church Café Bar & Restaurant, where you can enjoy tea or a craft beer beneath stained glass and stonework before an early evening pub crawl in the nearby Temple Bar and Grafton Street areas.
As dusk settles, follow a literary thread with an evening at Davy Byrnes for a classic Irish meal where James Joyce fans can soak in novel-inspired atmosphere, then stroll to Dublin Writers Museum's nearby exterior and neighborhood to feel the city's literary pulse. Finish with live music and a pint at O'Donoghue's, enjoying a traditional session that ties together your day's history and cultural discoveries while leaving time for a relaxing late-night walk along the illuminated River Liffey.
Catch an early train or guided minibus from Dublin to Wicklow and begin with a peaceful walk through the terraced paths of Powerscourt Gardens, stopping at the Japanese gardens and the cascading waterfall for photos. From there, drive up into the Wicklow Mountains for short hikes and sweeping views at Lough Tay (the Guinness Lake) and a warming coffee break at The Wicklow Heather Café before continuing deeper into the glaciated valleys.
After exploring the mountains, drive southeast to the charming seaside village of Bray for a stroll along the promenade and a slice at The Harbour Bar & Kitchen, then take the cliff walk from Bray to Greystones-a two-hour coastal path with dramatic views and benches for a peaceful pause. Finish with a visit to the atmospheric Powerscourt Waterfall picnic area (different from the gardens) or the historic Avoca Handweavers outlet in nearby Avoca to shop for woolens and sample warm baked goods before heading back to Dublin with coastal light fading behind you.
As daylight softens, unwind with seafood and seaside views in Greystones Harbour, then stroll the old pier to watch fishing boats return and the sky turn amber. After dinner, stop at the cozy Seafront Bistro for a dessert and coffee before returning to Dublin, with a late-evening detour to the elevated viewpoint at Bray Head to see the coastline lit up and reflect on a day of gardens, mountains, and sea.
Begin with a focused morning at the scholarly Trinity College Library, where you can join a timed visit to see the atmospheric Long Room and the illuminated Book of Kells, then linger in the campus courtyards as students hurry to lectures. From there, walk to the nearby National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology on Kildare Street to explore medieval treasures, bog bodies, and Viking artifacts-an immersive pair of stops that deepen your sense of Ireland's literary and historical roots before a relaxed mid-morning coffee at the museum café.
After the scholarly morning, cross into the Castle Quarter for a leisurely afternoon exploring the specialized collections at the Irish Film Institute for a short screening or exhibition on Irish cinema, then head to the nearby National Photographic Archive to browse evocative historic images that trace Dublin's changing streetscapes. Finish with a contemplative visit to the intimate Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)-enjoy a guided exhibit on Joyce and Heaney and relax over tea in the museum café while plotting an evening literary pub crawl that builds on your morning discoveries.
As dusk falls, take a short walk to The Church Bar & Restaurant (distinct from earlier mentions) for dinner beneath restored stained glass and gentle live music, then continue to The Cobblestone in Smithfield for an authentic traditional-music session where locals play fiddles and tin whistle into the night. Finish with a reflective nightcap on the terrace of Marker Hotel's Rooftop Bar overlooking the illuminated modern skyline and the silhouette of the castle quarter, tying your museum- and literature-rich day to a relaxed, contemporary Dublin evening.
Set out early by train or guided coach and arrive in Galway for a brisk stroll along the Salthill Promenade, breathing in Atlantic air and enjoying panoramic views of Galway Bay, then warm up with hearty breakfast fare at The G Hotel's café or a local favorite, Dela Restaurant, where fresh seafood and Irish farmhouse eggs set the tone. After breakfast, wander the colorful streets of Shop Street to watch buskers and browse artisan shops, then join a small-group walking tour that visits Eyre Square, the medieval Spanish Arch, and tucked-away artisan studios for a taste of West Coast life before heading west toward the Cliffs or continuing your day in Galway city.
After a morning in Galway, take a scenic drive or coach west to the coastal village of Doolin, where you can enjoy fresh crab sandwiches at Gus O'Connor's Pub and watch local musicians tune up for an evening session; from here, join a guided boat cruise that departs from Doolin Pier to view the Cliffs of Moher from sea level for dramatic, up-close perspectives and seabird colonies. If you prefer to stay on land, walk the clifftop at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, explore the interpretive centre's multimedia exhibits, and pause at the quieter viewpoint near Hag's Head for photography before heading back toward Galway with a stop at Liscannor for a café break and pottery shopping.
After a day on the coast, unwind in Doolin Village with a seafood supper at Roadford Restaurant, then wander to Murphy's Bar to catch an informal trad session where locals and visiting musicians trade reels and songs. If you return to Galway town, finish the night with a harbor-side stroll past Spanish Arch to the atmospheric Tigh Neachtain for a nightcap and relaxed conversation, reflecting on the day's dramatic cliffs and Atlantic light.
Begin with a leisurely breakfast at Cornucopia on Wicklow Street, then browse independent Irish designers and vintage finds along George's Street Arcade-perfect for picking up last-minute gifts and unique textiles. From there, stroll through the leafy cafés of Ranelagh Village to visit boutique shops like The Cake Café for a sweet pause and the artisan bookstore Books Upstairs, ending the morning with a calming riverside walk at Grand Canal Dock to watch the city hum before your afternoon explorations.
Wander the elegant arcades of Powerscourt Centre to browse Irish craft stalls and contemporary fashion boutiques, then head to nearby Grafton Street Market for local food vendors and artisanal treats to sample. Continue with a contemplative visit to the refurbished Jameson Distillery Bow St. for an afternoon tasting and guided tour that traces Irish whiskey craft, finishing with a relaxed riverside coffee at The Marker Hotel's ground-floor café while you plan a memorable farewell dinner.
As twilight falls, head to Howth Harbour for a fresh seafood dinner at Aqua Restaurant or the family-run Beshoff Bros, then stroll the cliff path toward Howth Head to watch fishing boats and the sun set over Dublin Bay. After returning to the city centre, finish your night with a celebratory pint and live trad at The Long Hall on George's Street, or choose an elegant final evening at The Vintage Cocktail Club for inventive drinks and a relaxed farewell to Dublin.
On your final morning, savor an easy Irish breakfast at Keoghs Café near the airport transfer point, then take a calm riverside stroll through Phoenix Park-if time allows, glimpse the deer and the Wellington Monument for one last touch of green before you head to the terminal. Finish with a quick stop at Aviva Stadium's nearby fan shop or the airport-level Dublin Airport Plaza for any last-minute Irish chocolate or woolen gifts before checking in and starting the journey home.
After checking out, take a gentle final wander through St. Anne's Park for a breath of fresh air and a last look at winding paths and rose beds, then call in at The Pepper Pot Café in nearby Malahide Castle Green for a late brunch of fresh scones and strong Irish tea. With luggage sorted, allow time for a relaxed transfer via the AirCoach or a private car from Malahide Road toward Dublin Airport, stopping briefly at The Aer Lingus Store in the terminal for any last-minute Irish treats before boarding for Newark.
Before your evening departure, enjoy a relaxed final meal at The Winding Stair, where classic Irish fare and views of the River Liffey make for a memorable last supper; linger over dessert and a final cup of Irish coffee. If time allows, take a short taxi to George's Dock for a peaceful riverside promenade and one last look at the city lights, then head to Dublin Airport's Terminal 2 Arrivals Road for a stress-free check-in and a final browse through Kilkenny Shop for any last-minute crafts or Irish keepsakes before boarding.