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10-Day Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Donegal, Derry & Belfast (Mar 8–17, 2026)

Viewed by 93 travelers
Day 1 · Sun, Mar 8
Dublin

Arrive in Dublin and first explorations

Morning:

Since you'll likely be arriving today and it's already early morning local time, ease into Dublin with a relaxed late-morning stroll through St. Stephen's Green, enjoying the Victorian parkland and lakeside benches before coffee; follow that with a visit to the nearby [Little Museum of Dublin](https://www.littlemuseum.ie/visit/tickets/) to get a charming, compact introduction to the city's 20th-century life. Afterward, pop into Shelbourne Hotel's tea room or a nearby café for a light Irish brunch, then wander down to the elegant Georgian terraces of Merrion Square to admire the architecture and Oscar Wilde's statue.

Afternoon:

As the day warms into afternoon, head to Trinity College to stroll the cobbled campus and queue for a quick look at the luminous Book of Kells (tickets timed-book ahead if you can), then climb the elegant campanile for campus views. Afterward, wander through the nearby cobbled lanes to Grafton Street for lively street performers, pop into a traditional pub like The Stag's Head for an early pint or hearty stew, and finish with a peaceful riverside walk along the Liffey Boardwalk toward the historic bridges as the light softens.

Evening:

As twilight falls, wander the atmospheric streets of Temple Bar to soak up live traditional music and lively pub culture-stop in for a session at The Temple Bar Pub or a quieter set at The Cobblestone for authentic Irish tunes. Afterward, take a short stroll along the illuminated River Liffey bridges to Ha'penny Bridge for photos, then enjoy a late dinner of modern Irish fare at The Woollen Mills or seafood at Fish Shop before an easy return to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow's longer day.

Day 2 · Mon, Mar 9
Dublin

Dublin full day: Trinity, Temple Bar, and Guinness

Morning:

Start your morning with a hearty Irish breakfast at Queen of Tarts before joining a guided tour of the atmospheric Kilmainham Gaol to learn about Ireland's struggle for independence and admire the stark Victorian architecture. Afterward, stroll through the leafy surrounds of Phoenix Park, keep an eye out for the wild deer, and stop at the elegant Farmleigh House for a quick look at its historic rooms and riverside gardens.

Afternoon:

After your morning at Kilmainham and Phoenix Park, wander into the cultural heart of Dublin with a visit to [National Gallery of Ireland](https://www.google.com/search?q=National+Gallery+of+Ireland+I+would+like+to+go+to+Ireland+I+want+to+see+LondonDerry%2C+donnygole%2C+atrium%2C+Kerry%2C+cork%2C+Dublin%2C+Belfast%0A%0A%0A%0A+official+site) to admire works by Yeats, Caravaggio and Irish masters, then cross to Merrion Square Park to relax by Oscar Wilde's statue and watch local life unfold. Continue with a behind-the-scenes tour at the [Guinness Storehouse](https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/tickets), enjoy a pint in the Gravity Bar with panoramic city views, and finish the afternoon with a stroll through the elegant Georgian streets toward [St. Patrick's Cathedral](https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/visiting/) for late-afternoon light and history.

Evening:

As evening settles, take a twilight stroll through St. Patrick's Cathedral Gardens then head to Davy Byrne's Pub for a classic Dublin supper of steak and Guinness pie while soaking up friendly local atmosphere. After dinner, catch an intimate traditional-music session at O'Donoghue's or enjoy craft cocktails and small plates at the stylish Pygmalion before finishing the night with a riverside walk past the lit facades of Custom House Quay.

Day 3 · Tue, Mar 10
Cork

Travel to Cork and explore the city

Morning:

Arrive in Cork and begin with a coffee and pastry at Farmgate Café inside the lively English Market, then wander the stalls to sample local cheeses, smoked salmon and black pudding. From there, stroll along the scenic River Lee to the charming Shandon district, climb the Shandon Bells & Tower for sweeping city views, and pop into the small but evocative St. Anne's Church to admire its famous clock faces and hear the bells.

Afternoon:

After a morning at the English Market and Shandon, spend the afternoon exploring the riverside and cultural corners: take a relaxed walk along the Quays to admire the bridges and shopfronts, then cross to the leafy Fitzgerald Park to visit the decorative Crawford Art Gallery for Irish and European works. Finish with a tasting at Murphy's Brewery Taproom or a craft-beer stop at Franciscan Well Brewery and an early dinner of fresh seafood at the lively Market Lane to carry the day's culinary discoveries forward as you settle into Cork's evening rhythm.

Evening:

As the city lights come up, enjoy a leisurely riverside aperitif at The Oval Bar, then wander through the atmospheric lanes of the Victorian Barrack Street to discover independent boutiques and cosy bookshops. For dinner, savor modern Irish cooking with a focus on local seafood at Liberty Grill, followed by a nightcap and live music at the intimate The Roundy to soak up Cork's friendly evening buzz.

Day 4 · Wed, Mar 11
Kerry (Killarney area)

Killarney and County Kerry highlights

Morning:

Begin with a scenic cycle or jaunting-car ride through Killarney National Park, pausing to admire the ancient oaks and the serene Muckross Lake shoreline before heading to Muckross House & Gardens for a guided look at the Victorian rooms and traditional farmstead. Afterward, drive the short distance to Torc Waterfall for a brisk woodland walk and panoramic views from the Torc Mountain trailhead, finishing with a cozy mid-morning coffee and freshly baked scone at Muckross Tea Rooms to fuel the day's further explorations around the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula.

Afternoon:

Continue your exploration with a scenic drive around Ladies View for sweeping panoramas of the lakes and MacGillycuddy's Reeks, then descend to the charming village of Kenmare to browse artisan shops and sample local smoked fish at a waterside café. Later, take a short coastal detour to the dramatic Sneem harbor for a seaside stroll and finish the afternoon with a relaxed boat trip on Lough Leane from the Ross Castle jetty to spot waterfowl and enjoy the mountains closing in as golden light falls.

Evening:

As dusk deepens, wander the fairy-lit paths around Ross Island for a peaceful lakeside stroll and watch the mountains silhouette against the sky, then take a short drive to the charming village of Lynch's Bar in Beaufort for a warming pint and friendly local conversation. Finish with a candlelit dinner of hearty Kerry lamb and seafood at The Lake Hotel's dining room overlooking Lough Leane, followed by an optional guided night-walk focused on local folklore and stargazing near Torc Mountain's lower trails.

Day 5 · Thu, Mar 12
Kerry

Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula day trip

Morning:

Set out early for a coastal drive toward the Dingle Peninsula, stopping first at Castlegregory Strand for a brisk beach walk and views across Brandon Bay before continuing to the rugged Slea Head Drive, where you can pause at the Gallarus Oratory to admire the amazingly preserved early-Christian stone chapel and learn about monastic life. From there, detour to the clifftop Dunbeg Fort for a short cliffside hike and dramatic Atlantic vistas, then drop into the colourful harbour village of Dingle for a seafood-focused brunch at a waterside café and a chance to spot resident dolphins on a local boat tour later in the day.

Afternoon:

After your Dingle morning, take the scenic drive back toward the Ring with a stop at Ventry Beach for a restorative cliff-top walk and panoramic views across the bay, then continue to the charming village of Annascaul to visit the small but evocative Tom Crean Memorial and learn about the Antarctic explorer's Kerry roots. Finish the afternoon with a gentle hike around the wooded trails of Glenbeigh to reach the dramatic viewpoint at Rossbeigh Strand, where golden sand, distant islands and the Atlantic swell make a perfect late-afternoon photo opportunity and a quiet spot for tea at a local café.

Evening:

As evening falls, pause for a golden-washed coastal walk along Currane Strand before heading to the charming village of Caherdaniel for a relaxed dinner of locally caught fish and clapshot at The Rusty Mackerel (or a similar waterside pub) while watching the tide. After dinner, drive a short way to the atmospheric seaside ruin of Cahergal Ringfort for a twilight stroll and folklore chat, then finish the night with a cozy pint and traditional-music session at O'Neill's Bar back in your nearby village to soak up authentic Kerry hospitality.

Day 6 · Fri, Mar 13
En route (West to North Ireland)

Travel north to Limerick/Galway en route to Donegal region

Morning:

Leave Kerry at a relaxed pace and head north with a coffee stop and bakery treats at The Little Milk House in Tarbert before catching the scenic Shannon Ferry, then stretch your legs with a riverside walk along King John's Castle esplanade in Limerick to admire the medieval skyline and Shannon views. Continue up the west coast calling into The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience for dramatic Atlantic vistas and a short cliff-top walk, then descend to Galway for a lunchtime wander through Eyre Square and a browse of Galway's lively craft stalls to feel the city's bohemian energy as you push on toward Donegal later in the day.

Afternoon:

Continue north with a scenic stop in Cong Village to wander the tree-lined lanes, visit the evocative ruins of Ashford Castle's lakeside grounds and try a short kayak or e-bike rental on Lough Corrib for fresh perspective on the countryside. Later, detour through the verdant landscapes of Westport for a late-afternoon stroll along Westport Harbour, sample artisanal chocolates at Clew Bay-area cafés, and enjoy a harbourfront seafood plate before pushing on toward Donegal as the light softens.

Evening:

Wind down the long drive with a peaceful coastal detour to Salthill Promenade for an invigorating cliff-top walk and sea-spray views, then warm up with seafood chowder and a pint at the cozy Black Cat bistro overlooking Galway Bay. Finish the night in the charming village of Carrowmore (or a nearby B&B) with a short twilight stroll through local lanes and an informal chat with hosts about tomorrow's route into Donegal, ensuring a relaxed start for the next day.

Day 7 · Sat, Mar 14
Londonderry (Derry)

Explore Londonderry (Derry) and nearby sights

Morning:

Begin with a brisk walk along the historic Derry City Walls, pausing at the Bishop's Gate and the evocative reliefs that tell the city's story before descending to explore the atmospheric Bogside murals on a guided community tour to learn about local history and contemporary culture. After the mural walk, warm up with a hearty brunch and artisan coffee at Benedicts on Carlisle Road, then cross the River Foyle for a calming riverside amble to the contemporary Tower Museum to see the fascinating Armada and local archaeology exhibits.

Afternoon:

After a mural-filled morning, drive out to the windswept beauty of Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne for cliff-top views of Donegal Bay and a short walk along the dramatic coastal headland; pause for a tea and scone at the visitor centre. Continue with a peaceful ferry crossing or riverside drive to Hezlett House in Castlerock to glimpse a preserved 17th-century thatched cottage and its herb garden, then finish the afternoon with a stroll along Castlerock Strand watching surfers and seabirds as the light softens toward evening.

Evening:

As dusk falls, take a riverside stroll along the restored Foyleside Waterfront Walk toward the lively Bishop Street Courtyard, where you can sample local craft beers and small plates at Walled City Brewery Taproom while watching the city lights reflect on the River Foyle. After dinner, catch a performance or live folk session at the intimate The Playhouse Derry or linger over a whisky tasting at [Walsh's Distillery & Tasting Room](https://walshdistillery.com/), then finish the night with a peaceful view of the illuminated Peace Bridge from the east bank before returning to your accommodation.

Day 8 · Sun, Mar 15
County Donegal

Visit Donegal (including Dunfanaghy/Donnygall/Donnygole areas)

Morning:

Wake to sea air with a brisk coastal walk along Portnablagh Beach, then head to the nearby seaside village of Dunfanaghy for a coffee and scone at The Village Kitchen before browsing local crafts. Continue with a guided dune-walk and birdwatching session at Knockalla Strand & Dún Briste viewpoint, followed by a short drive to Glengesh Pass for a photo stop and a gentle riverside ramble to immerse yourself in the wild Donegal uplands as you push on toward Derry later in the day.

Afternoon:

After your morning dune-walk, drive toward the rugged north coast for a late-afternoon exploration of Horn Head-follow the clifftop trail for dramatic Atlantic vistas and seabird colonies, then stop at the nearby Portnoo/Downings viewpoint for panoramic photo opportunities. Finish with a warming seafood chowder and local craft beer at The OarHouse in Downings before a gentle shoreline stroll along Rosapenna Strand as the light softens, keeping the day's wild Donegal tone as you head toward Derry tomorrow.

Evening:

As the sun drops, head to Ards Forest Park for a golden walk through woodlands and along secluded coves, then pause at the Ards Beach viewpoint to watch the light fade over Horn Head and the Atlantic. Afterward, dine on fresh local seafood and Donegal lamb at The Strand Hotel's Harbour Restaurant in Portsalon, followed by a peaceful nightcap at The Olde Castle Bar in nearby Carrigart while listening for local stories and the distant surf.

Day 9 · Mon, Mar 16
Belfast

Belfast: city sights and Titanic Quarter

Morning:

Begin with a hearty breakfast at St. George's Market sampling local artisan produce and chatting with stallholders, then walk to the nearby Albert Memorial Clock for photos and a short guided history talk about Victorian Belfast. Continue with a visit to the innovative [Ulster Museum](https://www.nmni.com/our-museums/ulster-museum) to see archaeology and modern Irish art, followed by a peaceful wander through the adjacent Botanic Gardens, where the striking Palm House offers a warm, glass-roofed respite before an early lunchtime in the Queen's Quarter.

Afternoon:

After your Botanic Gardens morning, head to St. George's Market for a lively browse of local crafts and a casual seafood lunch from the artisan stalls, then take the short taxi or Glider ride to the docklands to explore the interactive galleries at [Titanic Belfast](https://www.google.com/search?q=Titanic+Belfast+I+would+like+to+go+to+Ireland+I+want+to+see+LondonDerry%2C+donnygole%2C+atrium%2C+Kerry%2C+cork%2C+Dublin%2C+Belfast%0A%0A%0A%0A+official+site), including the shipyard tour route and the slipways where the ship was built. Finish the afternoon with a guided walk through the revitalised Harbour Estate to see contemporary murals and public art, then relax with panoramic waterfront views and a craft beer tasting at The MAC's nearby café-bar (or a riverside seat at The Ark) as the light softens over the River Lagan.

Evening:

As twilight settles, savor a seasonal tasting menu and local craft beers at Deanes EIPIC or the more relaxed Howard Street for a refined Belfast dinner, then stroll the illuminated waterfront to the striking SS Nomadic for a peaceful riverside photo-op. Finish the night with inventive cocktails and live jazz at The Dirty Onion's upstairs bar or a theatrical gig at The Limelight, keeping the energy of your Titanic Quarter afternoon while sampling Belfast's lively evening scene.

Day 10 · Tue, Mar 17
Dublin

Return to Dublin and final departure

Morning:

After your drive back from Belfast, enjoy a relaxed final morning wandering the elegant Georgian streets around Mountjoy Square, stopping for a restorative coffee and pastry at Kaph; then visit the intimate [Irish Jewish Museum](https://www.jewishmuseum.ie/) for a quieter slice of Dublin's multicultural past. Finish with a peaceful riverside stroll along the lesser-known Royal Canal Towpath toward the city centre, where you can pause at The Cake Café for a last taste of Irish baking before heading to the airport.

Afternoon:

Spend a relaxed final afternoon exploring the creative heart of Dublin by wandering the colorful lanes of Smithfield, popping into the contemporary exhibitions at The Cobblestone Gallery and sampling craft roasts at 3FE Coffee. Continue with a calming riverside stroll along the Royal Canal Greenway toward the regenerated Dublin Docklands, pause for a light seafood lunch at Fish Shop or seasonal small plates at M&S Woollen Mills, then collect any last-minute souvenirs at the independent design stalls in George's Street Arcade before heading to the airport.

Evening:

For a relaxed final evening, wander the restored quays to the vibrant Grand Canal Dock and enjoy small plates and a harbour-side pint at BrewDog Grand Canal while watching the water reflect the city lights. Afterward, take a short taxi to the intimate Powerscourt Townhouse Centre for last-minute gifts and a comforting tea at Bewley's Tea Room before a tranquil riverside stroll along the illuminated Grand Canal back toward your hotel, allowing time to collect luggage and head to the airport.

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