Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

14-Day Ireland Itinerary: Dublin, Galway & Dingle by Public Transport (Feb 28–Mar 13, 2026)

Day 1 · Sat, Feb 28
Dublin

Arrival in Dublin & easy recovery day

Morning:

After a likely late arrival, ease into Ireland with a gentle stroll and breakfast at Queen of Tarts (savory quiche or a scone with Irish butter), then head to the peaceful green of St Stephen's Green for people-watching and a short circuit around the pond to stretch your legs. Finish the morning with a calm visit to the nearby [National Gallery of Ireland](https://www.nationalgallery.ie) to enjoy a few galleries (free entry) - a quiet cultural hit that keeps the day relaxed while setting up deeper Dublin exploration tomorrow.

Afternoon:

Walk from St Stephen's Green toward the River Liffey and pause for a relaxed lunch of fresh seafood or hearty Irish stew at The Woollen Mills, a light-filled spot with views across the river. Afterward, amble along the quays to the historic area around Ha'penny Bridge, pop into the independent bookshop Hodges Figgis for a browse, and finish with a gentle, restorative visit to Merrion Square Park to watch local life and admire the Georgian townhouses.

Evening:

As dusk falls, unwind with a relaxed dinner at The Brazen Head, Ireland's oldest pub, where you can sample a comforting bowl of Irish stew or fresh fish while listening to low-key live traditional music. Afterward, take a gentle riverside stroll along the illuminated quays toward Samuel Beckett Bridge, then finish the night with a nightcap and cozy conversation at the atmospheric Victorian bar The Long Hall to soak up Dublin's warm pub culture without overdoing it.

Day 2 · Sun, Mar 1
Dublin

Explore Dublin highlights by foot and public transit

Morning:

Start with a hearty Irish breakfast at Bewley's Grafton Street Café, then wander north through the elegant Georgian streets to explore the literary history at [Dublin Writers Museum](https://www.google.com/search?q=Dublin+Writers+Museum+Ireland%2C+2+weeks+using+public+transportation%2C+covering+galway%2C+dingle+and+flying+in%2Fout+of+dublin+official+site) for a compact immersion in Ireland's great authors. From there, hop on the LUAS or a short bus to Kilmainham Gaol for a guided tour that vividly brings modern Irish history to life, finishing the morning with a restorative coffee at the nearby Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) café before lunch.

Afternoon:

After a morning of museums and history, take the LUAS or a short bus to the bustling east side and enjoy a seafood or modern Irish lunch at Chapter One (book ahead for a window table). Then wander through the elegant Georgian enclave of Powerscourt Townhouse Centre for boutique shopping and coffee, cross to the River Liffey to explore the interactive exhibits at [EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum](https://epicchq.com), and finish with a breezy riverside stroll to the striking modern silhouette of Samuel Beckett Bridge to watch boats and city life unfold as daylight softens.

Evening:

As twilight deepens, head to The Cobblestone in Smithfield for an authentic, down-to-earth traditional music session-grab a pint and settle in to watch local musicians trade tunes. After music, wander toward the nearby Jameson Distillery Bow St. for an evening tasting or guided tour (book ahead) to learn about Irish whiskey craftsmanship, then finish with a relaxed late dinner of modern Irish comfort food at The Winding Stair, overlooking the River Liffey for a cinematic end to a full day.

Day 3 · Mon, Mar 2
Galway

Train to Galway; afternoon city walk and food

Morning:

Catch the morning intercity train from Dublin Heuston to Galway and enjoy countryside views en route, then arrive and drop bags at your accommodation before heading out for breakfast at Ard Bia at Nimmos where you can sample locally sourced soda bread and smoked salmon. Afterward, stroll the compact Latin Quarter to browse crafts at Galway Market (seasonal stalls) and pause at Spanish Arch to watch riverlife and learn about Galway's maritime past before a mid-morning coffee at the riverside The Quay Street Kitchen.

Afternoon:

After a relaxed morning in the Latin Quarter, spend the afternoon wandering the charming streets toward Eyre Square, then follow bustling Shop Street to discover street performers and independent craft shops before pausing for a light seafood lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant & Takeaway. Continue with a gentle coastal walk along the promenade to Salthill Pier for fresh sea air and the chance to watch locals jump the wall, then warm up with coffee and homemade pastries at the cozy Coffeewerk + Press back in town while soaking up the friendly Galway atmosphere.

Evening:

As the evening unfolds, enjoy a relaxed dinner of modern Irish small plates at Aniar Restaurant, known for its seasonally driven tasting menu that highlights Connemara ingredients (book ahead). After dinner, take a short riverside stroll to catch live music in an intimate setting at Tigh Neachtain, then finish with a nightcap and people-watching on the lit terrace of The Front Door Pub to soak up Galway's convivial nocturnal atmosphere.

Day 4 · Tue, Mar 3
Galway / Connemara

Connemara day trip via public bus; scenic viewpoints

Morning:

Board the early Bus Éireann or a local shuttle toward Connemara and disembark at Clifden for a brisk breakfast at Mitchell's Restaurant before setting out. From there take the short local hop to Sky Road for panoramic coastal views and a photo stop, then continue to the hauntingly beautiful Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden to walk the shore, explore the gardens and visit the atmospheric abbey visitor centre.

Afternoon:

After morning highlights, take the local bus toward the wild heart of Connemara and alight at Letterfrack for a cozy lunch at Tigh Chonchúir (hearty local fare). In the afternoon, stroll the boardwalk through Ballynahinch Estate to admire peaty rivers and mountain reflections, then catch the bus onward to the dramatic shoreline at Rosses Point for sunset light on rugged rocks before returning to Galway with plenty of photos and fresh sea air.

Evening:

As daylight softens, settle into a relaxed seafood dinner at Eddie's Seafood in a nearby village to taste the day's fresh catch with a glass of local ale, then wander the harbour to watch boats bobbing in the amber light. After dinner, join a short, guided dusk walk to Diamond Hill's lower viewpoints for a dramatic panoramic look back over the Connemara bogs and coastline, finishing the night with a cosy pint and live trad at An Teach Beag before the return bus to Galway.

Day 5 · Wed, Mar 4
Galway

Galway markets, museums, and coastal strolls

Morning:

Begin with a lively local breakfast at McCambridge's of Galway sampling brown soda bread and a strong coffee, then wander across to the bright, artisan stalls of Kenny's Corner Market to browse handmade crafts and fresh local produce. From there, dive into Galway's creative side with a morning at the compact [Galway City Museum](https://www.galwaycitymuseum.ie) to learn about the city's maritime past and archaeology, finishing with a refreshing walk along the quieter stretch of Promenade Road toward the scenic Salthill waterfront to watch the tide and locals exercising the promenade.

Afternoon:

Wander east from the Promenade to the arty Galway Arts Centre for changing exhibitions and a late-morning/early-afternoon coffee in their calm café, then continue to the hands-on Galway Atlantaquaria for a compact introduction to local marine life and tactile displays that highlight the Atlantic coast. Finish with a leisurely cliffside stroll to Blackrock Diving Tower and the adjoining Blackrock Beach-watch locals take the plunge, snap photos of the dramatic shoreline, and warm up afterward with chowder or seafood at the nearby Sea Road Café before evening plans.

Evening:

As dusk falls, head to The Salt House for a relaxed dinner of locally landed fish and a pint while watching the harbour lights come alive, then wander the nearby quay toward Spanish Parade to enjoy street performers and the evening buzz. Afterward, soak in Galway's music scene with a cozy trad session at Rooney's Corner House or a contemporary gig at Roisin Dubh, finishing with a late stroll along the moonlit stretch of Salthill Promenade to hear waves and end the day on a peaceful note.

Day 6 · Thu, Mar 5
Dingle

Travel from Galway to Dingle by bus with scenic stops

Morning:

Board an early Bus Éireann or private coach toward County Kerry and break the journey with a stretch and coffee at Loughrea Community Café (a friendly local stop) before continuing south; take the short hop to Killarney and stroll through Killarney National Park to see the lush woodlands and Muckross House from a distance, then grab a takeaway sandwich at The Shire Bar & Café. Rejoin the bus via the scenic route through macgillycuddy's Reeks foothills, alighting later at Castlegregory for a bracing coastal walk along Banna Strand to watch seabirds and the Atlantic swell before the final leg into Dingle, arriving ready to explore the town that afternoon.

Afternoon:

Arrive in Dingle and orient yourself with a leisurely stroll along Dingle Harbour, watching fishing boats and possibly local seals before warming up with a late lunch of freshly caught seafood at Out of the Blue. After eating, wander the colorful Main Street to browse artisan shops and stop for a pint and trad tunes (or a friendly chat with locals) at Páidí Ó Sé's Bar, then climb the short pathway to Ventry Beach for golden sand and sunset views that herald the start of your Dingle adventures.

Evening:

After settling into Dingle, wander to An Chuirt Hotel's rooftop terrace or nearby Murphy's Bar & Restaurant for a relaxed seafood supper while watching harbour lights. Later, join a short guided dusk walk to Dingle Head for panoramic views of the bay and coastline, then finish the night with traditional music and a pint at the lively Foxy John's Bar to soak up local conversation and songs.

Day 7 · Fri, Mar 6
Dingle Peninsula

Slea Head Drive and Dingle Peninsula by local bus/tours

Morning:

Catch an early local bus or join a small-group coastal minibus to reach the western spine of the peninsula, beginning with a brisk cliff-top walk at Dún Chaoin (Dunquin) Pier to watch dramatic Atlantic surf and the iconic three-pier breakwater; follow this with a short stroll to the ancient beehive huts at Ceann Sleibhe (Slea Head Cliffs) for panoramic views of the Blasket Islands. Pause mid-morning for hot tea and homemade scones at The Dingle Skelligs Hotel café or a nearby village tea-room, then visit the atmospheric monastic site of Gallarus Oratory to experience the simple stone architecture and coastal winds that shaped island life.

Afternoon:

After the morning cliffs and Gallarus, hop a local bus or join a small-group minibus to visit Ventry Harbour for a relaxed beach walk and the chance to spot seals and shorebirds, then continue to Ballyferriter to explore the Dingle Famine Cottage and learn about rural life through its evocative exhibits. Finish the afternoon with a scenic stop at Ceann an Chopa (Slea Head viewpoint)'s lesser-trodden lookout for wide Atlantic panoramas and late-afternoon light, followed by a warming cup of tea and homemade cake at An Chistin Beo in Ballyferriter before evening music back in Dingle town.

Evening:

As twilight falls, settle into a seafood supper at The Chart House in Dunmore East (or a similar harbour-side restaurant in the Dingle area) to savor locally caught monkfish or crab while watching boats bob in the fading light. After dinner, take a short evening stroll to Lough Hyne's shoreline for tranquil reflections and birdlife at dusk, then return to town for lively traditional music and a pint at Hussey's Bar, where locals and visitors mingle late into the night.

Day 8 · Sat, Mar 7
Dingle

Dingle town, boat trip to see Fungie/sea life (season permitting)

Morning:

Begin with a seaworthy start at [Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium](https://www.dingle-oceanworld.ie) for a close-up introduction to local marine species, then stroll to Boatstrand to meet your skipper and board a small RIB for a coastal wildlife cruise (season permitting) that looks for dolphins, seals, and seabirds. After the cruise, warm up with a late-morning brunch of smoked mackerel and brown soda bread at The Chart House Café while watching fishing boats come and go from the harbour, keeping the easy pace set by your previous Peninsula days.

Afternoon:

After your seaside cruise, wander the colorful shops of Main Street, stopping for artisan chocolate or wool goods at Dingle Crystal and local pottery at Billings; then enjoy a leisurely seafood chowder at Murphy's Ice Cream & Café while watching harbour life. Follow with a gentle walk to Beehive Huts (local interpretation site) on the town's outskirts for a short taste of early Christian history, or join a guided shore-based birdwatching walk from Dingle Pier to spot cormorants and oystercatchers as the afternoon light softens.

Evening:

After the day's sea air, settle into a relaxed dinner at The Fish Box, where you can enjoy fresh grilled hake or crab claws while watching the harbour lights. Follow dinner with a twilight stroll to Ventry Pier to listen to the waves and watch seabirds settle, then finish the night with live traditional music and a friendly pint at Dick Mack's, a cozy spot steeped in local character.

Day 9 · Sun, Mar 8
Dingle

Leisure day in Dingle: beaches, pubs, and local culture

Morning:

Wake slowly with a seaside breakfast at Bean in Dingle sampling their porridge or a toasted sourdough while watching the harbour wake up, then take a peaceful coastal walk along Ballydavid Bay to enjoy golden sand, tidal pools and distant views of the Blaskets. Mid-morning, join a short local workshop at Dingle Pottery to try your hand at clay or pop into The Kerry Woollen Mills for a hands-on look at Irish knitwear-perfect gentle activities after several days of sightseeing and a nice lead-in to an easy afternoon of pub-sitting and harbor-watching.

Afternoon:

Head to Conor Pass Viewpoint for a short, scenic bus ride and gentle cliffside photos, then descend to enjoy a relaxed lunch of crab sandwiches and chowder at Out of the Blue overlooking the harbour. Later, wander the quieter lanes to discover local crafts at Siopa Ceoil and sample small-batch ice cream and artisan sweets at Murphy's Ice Cream (town branch) before settling on a sunny bench at Ferry View Park to watch boats and chat with locals.

Evening:

As dusk settles, enjoy a relaxed seafood-focused supper at The Boatyard, savoring locally landed crab and monkfish while watching the harbour lights reflect on the water. After dinner, take a gentle moonlit stroll up to The Pubs of Green Street for a crawl between atmospheric spots - finish with live traditional tunes and a friendly chat over a pint at The Marina Bar, then end the night with a peaceful shoreline sit at Ventry Head to listen to the surf and stars.

Day 10 · Mon, Mar 9
En route to Dublin / Midway town

Return travel toward Dublin; overnight stop en route if desired

Morning:

Board an early bus toward Dublin but plan a scenic mid-route stop for a stretch and coffee at The Lake Hotel Coffee Shop beside Lough Corrib (or a similar lakeside café depending on your chosen route), then take a short lakeside walk to breathe in the calm water views and watch local anglers. Continue by coach to a charming midway town-pause for a light brunch of brown soda bread and smoked salmon at The Courthouse Café in Athlone (if routing allows) and stroll to the riverside Athlone Castle grounds for a quick photo stop and a dose of Irish riverside history before resuming your journey to Dublin.

Afternoon:

Break your return journey with a relaxed stop in Kilbeggan, visiting the charming Kilbeggan Distillery & Visitor Centre for a guided tasting and history tour, then stroll the nearby canal towpath for fresh air and riverside views. Continue to the market town of Tullamore for a hearty lunch at My Place, browse local crafts at Tullamore Farmers Market (if open), and finish the afternoon with a gentle visit to Charleville Forest Park for a short woodland walk before continuing east toward Dublin or settling in for an overnight stay.

Evening:

Arrive at a pleasant midway stop and settle into a cosy dinner at The Old Thatch Restaurant, enjoying regional lamb or seafood with a local craft beer, then take a short post-meal stroll along the riverside to Market Square to watch evening life and pick up artisan treats for tomorrow. Finish the night with a relaxed pub session at The Red Lantern, where you can hear local tunes and chat with residents-an easy, atmospheric transition back toward Dublin before your final travel day.

Day 11 · Tue, Mar 10
Dublin

Arrive in Dublin; light sightseeing or day trips by train/bus

Morning:

Ease back into Dublin with breakfast at The Fumbally, savoring seasonal produce and a strong coffee before catching the DART from Connolly Station for a short coastal hop to Howth; stroll the cliff path to the historic Howth Castle viewpoint and watch fishing boats come and go. Return to the city in time for a relaxed late-morning visit to [Marsh's Library](https://www.marshlibrary.ie) for candlelit-book charm and then a gentle wander through nearby St. Michan's Churchyard, where the calm atmosphere and old stonework provide a quiet counterpoint to earlier coastal air.

Afternoon:

Catch a short DART or commuter train to Bray for a fresh-air cliff walk along the Bray to Greystones Coastal Path, stopping for fish-and-chips or a warming soup at The Harbour Bar in Greystones before returning. Back in the city, explore the atmospheric maritime displays at Christ Church Cathedral's crypt and then relax with an afternoon pint and plate of grazing cheeses at the historic Gravediggers Pub, easing into Dublin pace while keeping tomorrow's longer day trips in mind.

Evening:

After a day of light sightseeing or a short day trip, enjoy a relaxed Dublin evening by sampling contemporary Irish cuisine at Forest & Marcy (book ahead for a flavours-forward tasting menu) then wander to the nearby waterside for a gentle post-dinner stroll along the illuminated quays. Finish with a nightcap and an intimate live-music set at The Stag's Head or a low-key craft-beer tasting at The Black Sheep to soak up local atmosphere before turning in.

Day 12 · Wed, Mar 11
Dublin + day trip

Day trip option: Wicklow Mountains or Kilkenny via public transport

Morning:

Catch an early commuter train or guided coach from Dublin to County Wicklow and begin with a brisk walk through Glendalough's Upper Lake and the atmospheric monastic ruins at St. Kevin's Church, pausing to climb the gentle loop trail for sweeping valley views. After the hike, warm up with a hearty brunch of Irish brown bread and smoked trout at the cosy Glendalough Visitor Centre café, then take the short local bus to the nearby viewpoint at Lough Tay (the Guinness Lake) for classic blanket-bog panoramas before returning to Dublin in the afternoon.

Afternoon:

If you choose Wicklow, spend the afternoon boarding a local bus to Powerscourt Estate to wander the terraced gardens and visit the charming Powerscourt Waterfall for a woodland walk and scenic picnic spots, then take a short hop to Avoca Kilmacanogue for artisan shopping and a warming tea and scone in their café. If you prefer Kilkenny, arrive by mid-afternoon to explore the medieval heart: tour the ornate rooms and riverside gardens of Kilkenny Castle, then stroll the crafts quarter to watch potters at Design & Crafts Council of Ireland pop-up shops before settling for dinner in a cosy pub with local music.

Evening:

If you chose Wicklow, settle the day with a relaxed dinner at The Glenview Hotel Restaurant near the foothills, then take an after-dusk drive (or scheduled shuttle) to Lugnaquilla viewpoint for dramatic twilight vistas of the valley before returning to Dublin by coach. If you spent the afternoon in Kilkenny, enjoy a leisurely evening wandering the medieval streets, dining on hearty local fare at Zuni Restaurant, and finishing with a quiet post-dinner drink in the atmospheric courtyard of Kyteler's Inn, soaking up the town's candlelit charm before your return train to the city.

Day 13 · Thu, Mar 12
Dublin

Final Dublin sights, shopping, and pre-departure prep

Morning:

Start your last morning with a leisurely breakfast at The Bakehouse on Exchequer, then wander the elegant arcades of George's Street Arcade to pick up artisan gifts and locally made ceramics. Continue with a calm cultural stop at The Little Museum of Dublin for a compact, intimate recap of the city's 20th-century story, and finish by collecting any last-minute keepsakes at Avoca Suffolk Street before returning to your accommodation to pack with time to spare.

Afternoon:

Spend a relaxed afternoon browsing contemporary Irish design at Brown Thomas and the nearby independent boutiques along Drury Street, then pause for a light lunch of smoked salmon on soda bread at the atmospheric Queen of Tarts (Dame Street branch). Afterward, take a short wander to the peaceful greenery and Georgian terraces of Fitzwilliam Square for photos and a final reflection, followed by a visit to The Gaiety Theatre box office to pick up any last-minute show souvenirs or book a final evening performance if time allows.

Evening:

For a relaxed final evening, enjoy a pre-theatre supper at The Church (a converted chapel with lively atmosphere) and sample their modern Irish plates while watching the light fall through stained glass. After dinner, take a short stroll to Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park for a peaceful sunset vista, then return to the city centre for a last taste of live music and friendly conversation at The Stables Bar before packing up for tomorrow's departure.

Day 14 · Fri, Mar 13
Dublin Airport

Departure from Dublin

Morning:

If your flight is mid- to late-morning, enjoy a calm final Irish breakfast at The Woollen Mills Café near the river before taking a short taxi or Airlink bus to the airport with time to spare; this lets you savour a last plate of brown soda bread and smoked salmon without stress. At the airport, immerse in a relaxed send-off by browsing Irish-made gifts at The Loop Duty Free Irish Design and pick up artisan chocolates or a last bottle of whiskey at Bottled Around before checking in and passing through security for your flight home.

Afternoon:

If your flight is later in the day, take a relaxed final stroll through Phoenix Park to see the grazing deer and visit the peaceful People's Garden for a last breath of green before heading to the airport. Stop en route at The Merry Ploughboy for a warm bowl of soup or a toasted sandwich and a final pint of Irish ale, then allow extra time to drop your bag at Dublin Airport Bag Drop and browse Irish craft goods at The Loop Duty Free Irish Design before check-in.

Evening:

If you have a late flight, linger nearby with a relaxed final Dublin supper at The Vintage Kitchen & Bar in nearby Malahide for seasonal Irish dishes and a last glass of Kerry seafood chowder, then take a short stroll through the village to browse independent shops. Return toward the airport with time to spare and, if you'd like one last cultural note before departure, stop at Malahide Castle's walled garden café for a quiet pot of tea or pick up artisan treats at The Little Store to bring home a memorable taste of Ireland.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version