Allow roughly 15–20 hours door-to-door from Oklahoma City or Tulsa to Dublin Airport, including connections, security, immigration, and baggage collection. After landing, do not rush straight into collecting a rental car: Dublin driving is tiring after an overnight journey, and parking in the center is inconvenient. Take Dublin Express or a taxi into central Dublin instead—budget about €10–15 per person by bus or €30–40 by taxi, depending on traffic—and leave the rental car for the driving portion of the trip after a proper rest.
Once you have checked in and had a little time to reset, walk to Trinity College on College Green for the Book of Kells exhibition, allowing about 1½ hours. Timed admission should be booked in advance; do not rely on walk-up availability, especially during the busy spring travel season. The visit includes the richly illuminated manuscript and the atmospheric Long Room, while the surrounding cobbled campus makes an easy, low-effort first introduction to Dublin. From the city center, it is walkable from most hotels; otherwise, a short taxi ride is more practical than navigating buses with luggage.
Continue on foot through the center to Temple Bar for a casual early dinner, roughly 5–10 minutes from Trinity College. This is the liveliest and most tourist-oriented part of Dublin, so choose a straightforward restaurant rather than committing to the first pub you see; allow about €20–35 per person for a casual meal, with drinks extra. Keep the evening deliberately light after the long flight—this is a good night for an early meal and a short wander rather than a full pub crawl.
After dinner, walk down to the River Liffey and cross Ha’penny Bridge, an easy 20-minute landmark stop with good evening views toward the quays. It is especially pleasant once the lights come on, but watch your footing on the bridge’s narrow walkway and keep valuables secure in the busy Temple Bar area. Return to the hotel afterward and sleep early; save Dublin’s longer sightseeing day for tomorrow.
Start around 9:30 a.m. at Dublin Castle on Castle Street, allowing about 90 minutes for the State Apartments and medieval undercroft. In May, the complex commonly opens from around 9:45 a.m., but hours and access can vary with official events, so check the castle’s calendar before setting out. It is easiest to walk from central Dublin; from Trinity College or Temple Bar, allow roughly 10–15 minutes. Paid admission is generally in the €8–€12 range, with guided-tour availability depending on the day.
Walk through the castle gardens to Chester Beatty, where an hour is enough for the illuminated manuscripts, Asian art, and changing displays. Entry is usually free, though donations are welcome; the museum often opens later in the morning, so this is a good place to slow down rather than rush. Continue on foot toward St Patrick’s Cathedral—about 15 minutes through The Liberties—and aim for early afternoon. Allow an hour inside, and check the service and event schedule in advance because worship may restrict tourist access; admission is typically around €10–€12.
Stay in The Liberties for a relaxed food stop rather than backtracking into the busier city center. Look for a well-reviewed café or gastropub along Thomas Street or Clanbrassil Street, budgeting approximately €15–€30 per person for lunch. Give yourself an hour here, particularly if you want a proper hot meal before the afternoon’s timed attraction. From the cathedral area, Guinness Storehouse at St James’s Gate is about a 15-minute walk; a taxi is worthwhile if the weather turns wet, while buses on the Thomas Street corridor are practical but slower in traffic.
Book Guinness Storehouse for roughly 3:30–4:00 p.m. and allow about two hours for the brewery story, tasting experiences, and the Gravity Bar views across Dublin. Timed admission is essential and prices commonly fall around €20–€30 depending on date and package; do not rely on same-day entry during a busy period. Afterward, leave the storehouse on foot or take a short taxi into the city center for dinner. Keep the evening unplanned—this first full day is more enjoyable with a leisurely meal and a stroll through Dame Street or along the River Liffey than with another major sight.
Collect the rental car after breakfast and allow extra time for paperwork, the vehicle walk-around, and getting comfortable driving on the left. The M9 from Dublin to Kilkenny takes about 1½–2 hours in normal traffic; with collection and a short stop, reaching the city around 11:00 is realistic. Use a city-centre car park rather than trying to drive through the compact medieval core—Market Yard Car Park is particularly convenient for the castle and Medieval Mile.
Begin at Kilkenny Castle, where the restored rooms and formal riverside grounds make a good first introduction to the city. Allow roughly 90 minutes, and check the official opening schedule before setting out because tour access and hours can vary. From the castle, walk across John’s Bridge and along Rose Inn Street into the historic centre for lunch; Petronella on John Street is a reliable choice for a relaxed meal, while The Fig Tree Café is handy for lighter fare. Budget about €15–25 per person for lunch.
After lunch, walk along the Medieval Mile to the Medieval Mile Museum inside St Mary’s Church. Its exhibits explain Kilkenny’s medieval guilds, civic life, and local families in about an hour, making the later streets and buildings much easier to appreciate. Continue uphill toward St Canice’s Cathedral on Coach Road, another 10–15 minutes on foot. Allow around an hour there; if the weather is dry and you are comfortable with steep, narrow steps, the Round Tower climb gives one of the best elevated views over the rooftops. Skip the tower in rain or strong wind—the cathedral itself is worthwhile.
Wander back toward the Medieval Mile via Parliament Street and Kieran Street, leaving time to browse the small craft shops and pubs rather than adding another formal visit. Dinner at Kyteler’s Inn is the atmospheric choice for this evening, with historic interiors, traditional Irish dishes, and live music sometimes featured; reserve ahead if possible, especially for a Tuesday in May. Expect approximately €25–45 per person before drinks. Keep the evening unhurried, as tomorrow’s short drive to Waterford is manageable after breakfast.
Leave Kilkenny after breakfast for Waterford via the N9; the drive is usually about 50–60 minutes. Park near the city center—Michael Street Car Park or Apple Market are practical choices—and walk into the compact Viking Triangle. Allow roughly two hours for Waterford Treasures: Viking Triangle, particularly the Medieval Museum and Bishop’s Palace; opening hours and individual museum access can vary, so check the official schedule before setting out. A combined ticket is generally better value than paying separately, with admission commonly in the €10–20 range depending on the museums included.
Continue on foot across Cathedral Square to Reginald’s Tower, allowing about 45 minutes. This small round tower is easy to underestimate, but its displays give useful context to Waterford’s Viking and medieval past; the stairs are narrow, so take your time. For lunch, stay central at McLeary’s on O’Connell Street for a casual café meal, or choose Bodega near the Apple Market if you prefer something more substantial. Allow about 30 minutes to drive to the Waterford side of the Waterford Greenway, depending on your chosen access point.
Spend around two hours walking or cycling a manageable section of the Waterford Greenway rather than attempting the full route. Waterford Greenway Bike Hire and other local operators can arrange bicycles, but reserve ahead—especially for a May afternoon—and confirm the collection point, return time, helmets, and whether an e-bike is worthwhile. Afterward, drive east along the Copper Coast toward Bunmahon Beach, allowing about two hours for the beach, cliff viewpoints, and photo stops. The coastal roads become narrow and winding, so keep the pace unhurried and avoid trying to cover every viewpoint; check tide and weather conditions before walking beyond the beach. Return to central Waterford for dinner, with Everett’s a strong modern Irish choice in the city center; expect approximately €30–50 per person before drinks, and book ahead if visiting on a popular evening.
Leave Waterford after breakfast for Cork via the N25; the drive is usually about 1½ hours, longer with traffic around the city. Aim to arrive around 10:30 a.m. and use a central car park such as Q-Park City Hall or Paul Street Car Park, then continue on foot. The English Market on Grand Parade is a good first stop: allow about an hour to browse the stalls, although opening days and hours can vary, so check ahead. Pick up lunch inside or nearby for roughly €15–25 per person—Farmgate Café, upstairs in the market, is the classic choice, while the surrounding South Mall and Oliver Plunkett Street are handy for a quick coffee.
From the market, drive or take a short taxi to Cork City Gaol on Sunday’s Well; walking uphill takes roughly 25–30 minutes. Allow 1½ hours for the self-guided visit through the former prison cells and exhibits. Timed admission can sell out, particularly in the busier season, so reserve ahead and leave about 15 minutes for parking or the taxi transfer. Afterwards, continue to Shandon Bells at St Anne’s Church in Shandon, around 10 minutes by car or taxi. The bell tower climb takes about 45 minutes and involves narrow stairs, but the views across Cork’s rooftops are worth it; opening hours can change by day, so verify them before setting out.
Collect the car and drive to Kinsale in about 35 minutes, allowing extra time on the approach and for finding a space near the harbor. Spend roughly 1½ hours wandering the colorful waterfront, quays, and side streets around Kinsale Harbour rather than trying to cover every historic site. Finish at Fishy Fishy, where the seafood-focused menu makes a fitting end to the day. Expect approximately €35–60 per person, and book ahead if possible; after dinner, the drive back to Cork takes around 35 minutes, or you can stay in Kinsale if your accommodation is there.
Leave Cork after breakfast, ideally around 8:00–8:30 a.m., for Killarney via the N22 through Macroom. The drive normally takes 1½–2 hours, but allow extra time for narrow stretches, slow agricultural traffic, and getting settled with the car. Pick up sandwiches, water, and snacks in Cork or Killarney before entering Killarney National Park; food options become limited once you are on the N71. Park at Muckross House and Gardens, where the house, exhibitions, and formal gardens make a comfortable late-morning stop of about two hours. Check the official opening schedule and house-tour availability in advance; admission is typically in the €10–15 range, with gardens and grounds access handled separately or as part of combination tickets.
From Muckross House, drive a few minutes west on the N71 to Torc Waterfall. The short woodland path is steep in places but manageable, and 45 minutes is enough for the waterfall and a little time among the mossy trees. Parking is limited and fills quickly, so avoid lingering if the lot is busy. Continue south on the N71 toward Ladies View, allowing roughly 20–25 minutes; the viewpoint has one of the best broad panoramas of the lakes and mountains, with a café nearby if you need a hot drink. Another 15–20 minutes brings you to Moll’s Gap, where the road climbs into more rugged mountain scenery. These stops are intentionally brief—take care on the winding road and pull fully off the carriageway at viewpoints rather than stopping along the bends.
Return to Killarney from Moll’s Gap via the N71, usually about 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. After checking in, leave the car parked and walk into town for dinner at The Laurels Pub on Main Street, a welcoming traditional choice for Irish dishes and a relaxed pint. Budget approximately €25–40 per person, and consider booking ahead for dinner because Friday evenings can be busy. Killarney’s center is compact, so you can finish with an easy wander around the streets and pubs rather than attempting another drive after dark.
Leave Killarney after breakfast, ideally around 8:00–8:30 a.m., for Dingle via the N22 and N86. The drive is roughly 1½ hours, but allow longer for narrow roads and photo stops if the weather is clear. In Dingle, use the main town car parks near the waterfront rather than trying to leave the car on the narrow central streets; arriving early makes the rest of the day much easier. Begin at Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium beside the harbor, allowing about 1½ hours. It is a particularly useful first stop in changeable weather, and opening hours and admission prices should be checked ahead for your May date.
From the aquarium, walk along Dingle Harbour and the Dingle Marina toward the town center, a pleasant 10–15 minutes depending on stops. Give yourself about 45 minutes to browse the independent shops and waterfront businesses, without trying to fit in another formal attraction. For lunch, choose something casual such as Murphy’s Ice Cream on Strand Street for a small treat, or pick up a sandwich locally before setting out; the peninsula is much easier when you are not relying on finding a table at the next viewpoint.
Drive the Slea Head Drive loop clockwise, allowing around three hours including stops. The road is narrow and can be slow when coaches or farm traffic appear, so take the designated passing places and do not hurry around the coastal bends. Pause at Dunquin Pier and the surrounding viewpoints, where the views toward the Blasket Islands are superb in clear weather. Continue to Gallarus Oratory later in the afternoon, allowing about 45 minutes for the distinctive dry-stone structure and its short approach. The visitor facilities and access arrangements can vary seasonally, so check the official site before relying on a particular tour or admission setup.
Return to Dingle for dinner at Out of the Blue on the harbor, one of the town’s best choices for seafood. Expect roughly €35–60 per person, depending on what is available that evening; advance booking is strongly recommended, especially on a Saturday. After dinner, leave the car parked and take a short walk along the waterfront—Dingle is at its most enjoyable when you stop treating it as a string of viewpoints and simply linger among the pubs, boats, and shopfronts.
Leave Dingle around 7:00–7:30 a.m. with coffee and breakfast to go. The drive via the N86 and N69, followed by the Shannon Estuary Ferry, takes roughly three to three and a half hours once you include the ferry, loading time, and the slower roads around Clare. Check the ferry timetable before leaving; sailings can be affected by weather, and missing one can disrupt the day. At Cliffs of Moher, use the official visitor parking rather than trying to leave the car on the roadside. Allow about two hours for the main paths and viewpoints, with a waterproof layer even in May—wind and low cloud can arrive quickly. Admission and parking arrangements may require advance booking, so check the official site before departure.
Continue north through the Burren, allowing about an hour for a short, marked walk or viewpoint rather than attempting a longer trail today. The limestone landscape is easy to underestimate: paths can be uneven, and exposed sections are unpleasant in strong wind or rain. Then drive to Doolin, where a relaxed hour works well for browsing the small shops and taking a light meal at McDermott’s Bar or Oar Restaurant; budget roughly €15–30 per person. Doolin is compact, but parking fills quickly on busy days, so use the village car parks and walk rather than trying to move the car between stops.
From Doolin, allow about 1½ hours to reach Galway via the N67, with extra time for traffic approaching the city. Check in, leave the car parked, and walk toward the Spanish Arch for an hour at Galway City Museum. It is a compact, useful introduction to the city and a good weather-proof stop; opening hours vary by season, so verify the Sunday schedule before relying on it. For dinner, walk into the Latin Quarter to The King’s Head, a lively, historic pub with substantial Irish dishes and a relaxed atmosphere; expect approximately €25–40 per person. Make a reservation if possible, especially for an early evening table, and keep the rest of the night unstructured for a stroll along the River Corrib or the nearby lanes.
Leave Galway around 8:00 a.m., after filling the tank and picking up coffee and something portable for breakfast. The N59 toward Kylemore Abbey takes about 1½ hours in clear conditions, but allow longer for narrow sections, cyclists, and photo stops around Lough Corrib and Killary Harbour. Kylemore’s car park is free and close to the entrance; arriving near opening time gives you a calmer visit before tour groups arrive.
Spend about two hours at Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden. The abbey’s lakeside setting is the main attraction, while the restored garden and woodland paths make the visit feel more substantial than a quick photograph stop. Admission is typically around €15–€18 per adult, with seasonal opening hours; check the official calendar before leaving Galway, especially because some interior areas or shuttle services can vary. Have an early lunch at the on-site Tea House, or keep it light so you have time for the national park.
Drive a few minutes farther to Connemara National Park at Letterfrack, where the visitor centre and trailhead provide a natural break from the car. Allow roughly two hours, choosing a short marked route according to the weather: the lower woodland paths are the sensible option in wind or rain, while the Diamond Hill trails offer the best views in clear conditions but require more time and sturdy footwear. There is no admission charge, though parking can become busy on pleasant days. Carry water and a rain layer—Connemara weather can change quickly even when the coast looks bright.
Continue toward Leenane and stop at a safe pull-in overlooking Killary Fjord for about 30 minutes. This is a scenic pause rather than a formal attraction, so avoid stopping on the carriageway and expect limited facilities. From there, the drive to Westport takes roughly 45 minutes. Park near the center and spend an hour walking around The Octagon, down Bridge Street, and along the tree-lined Mall beside the Carrowbeg River. The Georgian streets are particularly pleasant in the late afternoon, when cafés and shopfronts give the town a relaxed, lived-in feel.
Have dinner at An Port Mór, a short walk from the central streets. It is a good fit after a full driving day, with modern Irish cooking and local seafood rather than a formal fine-dining atmosphere. Budget approximately €35–€55 per person before drinks, and reserve ahead if possible; evening tables can be limited. Afterward, keep the rest of the night easy—Westport is compact enough to return to your accommodation on foot, and tomorrow’s route toward Sligo is another long driving day.
Leave Westport by about 7:30 a.m. for Sligo, following the N5 toward Castlebar and then the N4. The drive itself is roughly two hours, but today’s full route—including Carrowmore, Strandhill, Glencar Waterfall, and onward to Donegal Town—is a long one, so start with fuel, coffee, and a packed snack. In Sligo, park centrally and keep the car there while walking the town later; for the first stop, continue south toward Knocknarea and allow about an hour at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. The stone circles and passage tombs are spread across open, often windy ground, so wear proper shoes and expect uneven paths; admission is generally modest, but seasonal opening hours should be checked before setting out.
Drive roughly 15 minutes to Strandhill Beach for an hour of fresh air and a look around the lively surf village. The beach is best treated as a coastal stroll rather than a lengthy swim—Atlantic conditions can be rough—and Shells Café is a convenient place for coffee or something quick if you did not bring lunch. Return toward Sligo and spend about an hour at the Yeats Building on Douglas Hyde Bridge, a compact literary center with exhibitions on W. B. Yeats and the region’s artistic heritage; check the day’s opening hours, as cultural venues can keep shorter hours outside peak season. From town, drive east for around 30 minutes to Glencar Waterfall in County Leitrim. The short wooded walk from the car park takes about 10–15 minutes each way, and the falls are usually most atmospheric after rain. Keep this stop brief—the final drive to Donegal Town takes about an hour on winding roads, with limited services once you leave the main towns.
Arrive in Donegal Town around early evening and go straight to The Olde Castle Bar & Restaurant on Castle Street, where a hearty dinner is a welcome finish after the long day. Allow roughly 1½ hours and budget about €25–40 per person; booking ahead is sensible, particularly if arriving on a busy evening. If you still have energy afterward, take a short walk around the town center and the nearby riverfront, but save a longer exploration of Donegal for tomorrow.
Leave Donegal Town early—around 7:30 a.m.—for Donegal Castle, allowing about an hour for the restored riverside stronghold. The castle generally opens later in the morning, so check the official schedule before setting out; if the doors are not open yet, enjoy the grounds and riverside views first. Parking near the town center is straightforward, but leave promptly afterward: Slieve League Cliffs are roughly 1½ hours away via Killybegs, with slow, winding sections and limited fuel options.
Aim to reach Slieve League Cliffs by late morning. The approach road and car park can become busy, and the visitor shuttle may operate seasonally, so follow local signage rather than driving beyond permitted areas. Allow about 2½ hours including the drive, shuttle, viewpoints, and a cautious walk; the cliffs are exceptionally exposed, and strong wind or rain can make the upper trails unsafe. Afterward, continue toward Glengesh Pass via Ardara and Glenties. This is a scenic mountain crossing rather than a quick shortcut—allow about 30 minutes for the pass itself, pull into signed viewpoints only, and expect narrow roads, blind bends, sheep, and occasional oncoming traffic.
Continue to Glenveagh National Park for the final major stop, allowing roughly two hours. From the visitor center, the castle and gardens are reached by a pleasant walk or, when operating, the park shuttle; check the day’s shuttle timing because the service is seasonal and can finish before the grounds close. The castle gardens are the best use of limited time, with shelter and quieter paths than the more exposed cliff stops. Have a snack and refill water before leaving—the park is remote and café service may be limited late in the day.
After Glenveagh National Park, begin the long drive to Dublin via the N15 and M3, allowing 3½–4½ hours plus a fuel and comfort stop. This is a demanding finish after a full day, so consider dropping either the castle-garden visit or one of the longer walks if weather or road conditions slow you down. If returning the car at Dublin Airport, allow extra time for refueling, inspection, shuttle transfer, and locating the correct rental-return area; if returning it in the city, confirm the depot’s closing time and overnight-drop procedure in advance. Expect approximately €45–70 for fuel and tolls, and stay near the airport if the next morning’s flight is early.
Allow 3–4 hours door-to-door from your Dublin accommodation to the departure gate: check out, reach Dublin Airport, return the rental car if it has not already been dropped off, and complete bag drop, security, and U.S. preclearance. For a transatlantic flight, aim to be at the airport around 3 hours before departure, and follow your airline’s instructions if they require more time. From central Dublin, a taxi usually takes 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic; Aircoach or Dublin Express can take longer and are less convenient with heavy luggage. If returning the car, follow the rental company’s signs for the return area, photograph the fuel level and vehicle condition, and allow time for the shuttle or walk to the terminal.
Use Dublin Airport’s public-side cafés for a final coffee and snack, allowing roughly 30–45 minutes only if queues and baggage formalities are moving smoothly. Keep passports, boarding passes, liquids, and any items needed for U.S. preclearance easily accessible. Do not cut this stop close: security lines can build quickly, and U.S. preclearance adds another stage before reaching the departure area. Once through, refill your water bottle, check the screens for the correct gate, and head directly toward the preclearance area rather than lingering in the retail concourse.
After U.S. preclearance, the flight operates much like a domestic arrival in the United States, but you still need to allow for the full airport process before boarding. Keep your phone charged and retain any rental-car receipt or fuel documentation until the final charge is settled. For the journey back to Oklahoma, expect a long travel day with at least one connection unless your airline itinerary states otherwise; the true door-to-door time includes boarding, the transatlantic flight, connection time, and the final transfer from your U.S. arrival airport.
No packing list attached yet.