Since you've arrived this morning, take a relaxed start with a gentle stroll through St. Stephen's Green, enjoying the park's spring blooms and duck ponds, then wander up Grafton Street to watch street performers and pop into the cozy Bewley's Café for a late-morning coffee and scone. Continue to the nearby National Gallery of Ireland for a short highlight tour-its compact collection is perfect for a first taste of Irish art without tiring after travel.
Head toward the historic heart of the city for a relaxed exploration of Christ Church Cathedral, then follow the medieval lanes to discover the atmospheric Dublin Castle Gardens and the atmospheric exhibits in the Chester Beatty Library for an easy, culture-rich few hours. As the afternoon light softens, enjoy a riverside stroll along the Liffey Quays, pause for a pint or an early dinner at a welcoming gastropub like The Woollen Mills, and soak in the gentle hum of Dublin as you prepare for an evening of live music.
As twilight falls, head to Molly Malone Statue and then make your way to Merrion Square to enjoy the Georgian terraces lit up and a peaceful bench sit overlooking the park. Finish with lively local flavor at The Long Hall for a classic pint and live traditional music, or if you prefer a quieter end, reserve a table at Fade Street Social for a relaxed tasting menu and Irish craft cocktails.
Begin your day with a guided tour of Trinity College Dublin, where you can linger over the medieval atmosphere and see the historic Old Library before joining a short viewing of the Book of Kells; arrive early to avoid queues. From there, stroll through the elegant squares to Molesworth Street for a hearty Irish breakfast at Keoghs Café, then walk along the River Liffey to visit the contemporary exhibits at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which offers immersive stories that connect nicely to yesterday's introduction to Dublin.
After your morning at Trinity and EPIC, cross the Liffey to explore the literary and shopping quarter around Grafton Street Arcade, popping into independent bookshops like Hodges Figgis and the elegant The Little Museum of Dublin for a compact, story-rich stop. Continue with a hands-on tasting and tour at the Guinness Storehouse (late-afternoon tours are quieter), then descend to the Gravity Bar for panoramic city views before wandering into Temple Bar Square to sample craft whiskeys at The Palace Bar and catch street musicians as the neighborhood gently livens toward evening.
As night falls, wander toward the south bank for a relaxed dinner at The Winding Stair, where river views pair with modern Irish fare, then slip into the atmospheric book-lined bar at Davy Byrne's for an evening aperitif in a spot beloved by Joyce. Finish with a leisurely stroll across the illuminated Ha'penny Bridge to soak in the city lights and, if you fancy one last musical stop, catch trad sessions at the cozy O'Donoghue's Pub for an authentic Dublin nightcap.
Set out early from Dublin and enjoy a scenic drive north, stopping for a light breakfast and coffee at The Old Mill Tea Rooms in Drogheda before crossing into Northern Ireland; the rolling countryside eases you into the coastal landscape. Upon arrival on the Causeway Coast, stretch your legs with the cliff-top Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre walk (follow the signed trails for dramatic viewpoints) and descend to explore the iconic hexagonal columns up close, listening to the guided stories of legends and geology at the site.
After exploring the Causeway columns, head east along the coast to the dramatic rope-bridge approach at Carrick-a-Rede for a brisk cliff-top walk and the heart-thumping crossing with views of Rathlin Island. Continue to the picturesque harbor village of Ballintoy to wander the stone piers and enjoy fresh seafood at The Nook or a warm café, then pause at the nearby coastal viewpoint at Whitepark Bay to watch the light shift across golden sands before returning toward your evening stop.
As the sun lowers, head to Bushmills Village for a relaxed evening-wander the cobbled streets, browse local craft shops, and settle in at The Bushmills Inn for a fireside dinner featuring local lamb or seafood. After dinner, enjoy a twilight tasting at the nearby Old Bushmills Distillery (check for evening tour availability) or, if you prefer a coastal walk, take a short drive to Dunluce Head to watch the cliffs glow in the fading light before returning to your accommodation.
Begin with a coastal drive from your base toward Ballycastle Harbour, where a fresh-sea breezed breakfast at Lina's Café sets you up for the day; afterward follow the cliff-top Ballintoy to Whitepark Bay trail for superb sea vistas and quiet birdwatching. Continue to the rugged headland at Dunseverick Castle for a short exploratory walk among ruins and basalt formations, then pause at the scenic layby at Binevenagh Viewpoint for sweeping panoramas over the Causeway coast before descending toward lunchtime in Ballycastle.
After a seaside lunch in Ballycastle, follow the coastal road toward Portbradden for a gentle stroll around the harbour and to peek into local craft shops; then drive on to Whitehead to ride the restored Whitehead Promenade Railway or walk the cliff-top promenade for panoramic sea views. Finish the afternoon with a visit to the atmospheric The Gobbins visitor centre (book ahead for guided cliff-path tours) and pause for tea and scones at the cozy The Harbour Café in Ballygally before heading to your evening stop.
As daylight softens, drive toward Portrush for a stroll along the lively promenade and catch the sunset from the headland near East Strand, then pop into The Harbour Bar for seafood small plates and a local craft beer. After dinner, head to The Old Inn Inn (a traditional pub in nearby Portstewart) for live music and a friendly local atmosphere, or enjoy a quieter nightcap with harbour views at The Quay Bistro before returning to your accommodation.
Start with a brisk walk along the historic Derry City Walls, stopping to admire the seven original gates and panoramic views over the River Foyle, then pop into the nearby Tower Museum to explore interactive exhibits on the city's maritime and military past. Afterward, stroll through the regenerated Ebrington Square for coffee and people-watching at The Pavilion Café, and join a short guided mural walk in the Bogside to hear the moving stories behind the street art before you set off southward toward Dublin.
After exploring the walls and murals, take a scenic drive south with a lunchtime stop at The Sooty Olive for hearty sandwiches before visiting the peaceful St. Columb's Cathedral to admire its stained glass and tranquil graveyard. Continue with a reflective walk along the riverside to Craigavon Bridge for photo views, then call into the engaging Tower Museum's neighbors at The Gasyard Centre (local craft shops and cafés) before setting off on the comfortable drive toward Dublin, pausing at Belcoo Riverside Picnic Area for fresh-air stretching and landscape views en route.
As the day winds down, head to St. Augustine's Church for a moment of calm and then cross the river to enjoy dinner with river views at The Walled City Brewery, sampling local ales and elevated pub fare. After dinner, pause for a contemplative twilight walk along the modern Peace Bridge to watch lights reflect on the Foyle, then finish with a nightcap and live acoustic music at Peaky Blinders Bar & Grill before beginning the drive south toward Dublin.
Ease into the morning with a relaxed visit to the literary-themed Marsh's Library, where candlelit nooks and rare volumes set a perfect tone before heading to nearby Pearse Lyons Distillery for a mid-morning whiskey tour and tasting in a converted church. Finish with a peaceful stroll through the formal gardens of St. Anne's Park, enjoying riverside paths and local birdlife before a café lunch at the park-adjacent Shoreline Café to refuel for an afternoon of city sights.
Spend a cultured afternoon exploring Kilmainham Gaol with a guided tour that brings Ireland's modern history to life, then walk across to the nearby Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) to view contemporary Irish and international exhibitions in a peaceful Georgian setting. Finish with a late-afternoon stop at The Cobblestone in Smithfield for award-winning traditional music and a pint, enjoying an authentic local pub atmosphere before evening plans.
As twilight falls, wander the atmospheric grounds of Malahide Castle for an evening tour or a peaceful garden stroll before dining nearby at The Grill at The Royal Hotel for modern Irish dishes. After dinner, return to the city centre for creative cocktails and live jazz at The Vintage Cocktail Club, then cap the night with a whiskey-paired tasting flight at the intimate J.J. Smyth's Bar, enjoying a relaxed local vibe that bridges your museum-filled day and the lively pub culture you've been exploring.
For a calm final morning, wander the leafy lanes of Merrion Square Park and pop into the intimate National Library of Ireland for a quick browse of rotating exhibitions and literary displays. Follow with a late brunch at the nearby Chapter One Café for refined Irish pastries and coffee, then take a short taxi to Malahide Village for a gentle harbour walk if your schedule allows-perfect for stretching your legs before departure.
For a relaxed final afternoon, wander the vibrant food stalls and artisan stands at George's Street Arcade, sampling local cheeses and a warming bowl from a vendor before settling at Bradley's on the Green for a leisurely late lunch with seasonal Irish dishes. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful riverside walk to Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, rent a bicycle if you like, and cycle past the grazing deer toward Áras an Uachtaráin for a last taste of Dublin green space before you head to the airport or train station.
Spend a relaxed final evening with a riverside dinner at The Woollen Mills Bistro, where classic Irish dishes are served beside views of the Liffey, then cross to nearby Sam's Bar & Grill for a digestif and people-watching on the quays. After dinner, take a moonlit stroll along the lesser-known Shelbourne Park Walk toward the Georgian terraces, pausing for a final pint and live acoustic set at the cozy Peadar Kearney's to soak up one last slice of Dublin atmosphere before heading to your accommodation or the airport.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| St. Stephen's Green | Free |
| Grafton Street (street performers) | Free |
| Bewley's Café (coffee & scone) | €8 |
| National Gallery of Ireland | Free |
| Christ Church Cathedral | €8 |
| Dublin Castle Gardens | Free |
| Chester Beatty Library | Free |
| Liffey Quays (riverside stroll) | Free |
| The Woollen Mills (meal) | €25 |
| Molly Malone Statue | Free |
| Merrion Square | Free |
| The Long Hall (drink / music) | €8 |
| Fade Street Social (dinner) | €45 |
| Trinity College Dublin & Old Library (including Book of Kells) | €20 |
| Keoghs Café (breakfast) | €12 |
| EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum | €15 |
| Hodges Figgis (bookshop) | Free |
| The Little Museum of Dublin | €10 |
| Guinness Storehouse (tour & Gravity Bar) | €28 |
| The Palace Bar (drink) | €8 |
| The Winding Stair (dinner) | €35 |
| Davy Byrne's (aperitif/snack) | €12 |
| Ha'penny Bridge (walk) | Free |
| O'Donoghue's Pub (live trad session) | €8 |
| Drive from Dublin to Giant's Causeway (fuel & tolls per person estimate) | €35 |
| The Old Mill Tea Rooms (coffee & light breakfast) | €7 |
| Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre (visitor centre & guided trails) | £16 |
| Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (entry) | £10 |
| Ballintoy (harbour walk) | Free |
| The Nook (seafood lunch) | £20 |
| Whitepark Bay (viewpoint / beach) | Free |
| Bushmills Village (dinner) | £30 |
| Old Bushmills Distillery (tour & tasting) | £18 |
| Dunluce Head (coastal walk / viewpoint) | Free |
| Lina's Café (breakfast in Ballycastle) | £8 |
| Ballintoy to Whitepark Bay trail (walk) | Free |
| Dunseverick Castle (ruins / walk) | Free |
| Binevenagh Viewpoint | Free |
| Ballycastle lunch (mid-range) | £18 |
| Portbradden (harbour stroll) | Free |
| Whitehead Promenade Railway (heritage ride) | £7 |
| The Gobbins (guided cliff-path tour) | £20 |
| The Harbour Café (tea & scones) | £6 |
| Portrush promenade / East Strand (walk) | Free |
| The Harbour Bar (seafood & beer) | £20 |
| The Old Inn Inn (pub, live music) | £8 |
| Derry City Walls (walk) | Free |
| Tower Museum (entry) | £6 |
| Ebrington Square / The Pavilion Café | £6 |
| Bogside mural guided walk | £10 |
| The Sooty Olive (lunch) | £12 |
| St. Columb's Cathedral | Free |
| Gasyard Centre (crafts / cafés) | Free |
| Belcoo Riverside Picnic Area | Free |
| St. Augustine's Church (visit) | Free |
| The Walled City Brewery (dinner & ale) | £25 |
| Peace Bridge (walk) | Free |
| Peaky Blinders Bar & Grill (nightcap / live music) | £10 |
| Marsh's Library | €6 |
| Pearse Lyons Distillery (tour & tasting) | €25 |
| St. Anne's Park (walk) | Free |
| Shoreline Café (café lunch) | €12 |
| Kilmainham Gaol (guided tour) | €9 |
| Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) | Free |
| The Cobblestone (drink, trad music) | €8 |
| Malahide Castle (entrance/gardens) | €10 |
| The Grill at The Royal Hotel (dinner) | €30 |
| The Vintage Cocktail Club (cocktails) | €15 |
| J.J. Smyth's Bar (whiskey flight) | €20 |
| National Library of Ireland (exhibitions) | Free |
| Chapter One Café (brunch) | €18 |
| Malahide Village harbour walk | Free |
| George's Street Arcade (food stalls) | €10 |
| Bradley's on the Green (late lunch) | €18 |
| Phoenix Park Visitor Centre / bike rental estimate | €8 |
| Áras an Uachtaráin (view from outside) | Free |
| The Woollen Mills Bistro (riverside dinner) | €30 |
| Sam's Bar & Grill (digestif) | €8 |
| Peadar Kearney's (final pint / live acoustic) | €8 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €1,054 |