A 6-Day shoestring Budget Itinerary to discover Ireland

  1. Day 1: Dublin
    0 min (0 miles) from where you stay

    Start discovering Dublin with Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland established in 1592 where you'll find the Book of Kells. Stroll around St. Stephen's Green Park or Phoenix Park and end your day by visiting Temple Bar district, famous for its traditional Irish pubs and nightclubs.

  2. Day 2: Wicklow Mountains National Park
    1h 30 min (31 miles) from Dublin

    Head to Wicklow Mountains National Park, known for its beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and forests. Visit Glendalough, an ancient monastic site, and take a hike to witness the breathtaking views.

  3. Day 3: Galway - Cliffs of Moher
    2h 10min (129 miles) from Wicklow Mountains National Park

    Start the day in the charming city of Galway, also called the "Cultural Heart of Ireland." Explore the colorful streets and see the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral, and Eyre Square. Later on, drive down to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

  4. Day 4: Ring of Kerry - Killarney National Park
    2h 35min (155 miles) from Cliffs of Moher

    Drive around the Ring of Kerry, a scenic route, and make stops at Muckross House and Ross Castle at Killarney National Park where you can take a boat ride or a hike through the trails.

  5. Day 5: Cork
    1h 30min (50 miles) from Killarney National Park

    Start your day in Cork by visiting the English Market or the famous Blarney Castle and kissing the Blarney Stone. Later, walk around the historic district, Shandon and enjoy a pint of Murphy's or Beamish in one of the local pubs.

  6. Day 6: Waterford - Kilkenny
    2h 30min (97 miles) from Cork

    Start in Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland dating to Viking times, and visit the Waterford Crystal factory. Then, head to the medieval city of Kilkenny with its charming lanes, castle, and gardens.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Trinity College (2 hours, Free admission)
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park (4 hours, Free admission)
  • Galway Cathedral (1 hour, Free admission)
  • Cliffs of Moher (3 hours, €8 per person)
  • Ring of Kerry (5 hours, Free)
  • Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle (1 hour, €16 per person)
  • Waterford Crystal factory tour (1 hour, €13 per person)
  • Kilkenny Castle and Gardens (2 hours, €8 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €45 per person

Useful tips

You can customize this itinerary by adding another day trip to the Aran Islands from Galway or Skellig Michael Island in County Kerry, a UNESCO-recognized site. If you have less time to spare, you can skip Cork or Wicklow Mountains National Park, and if you have more time, add a day trip to the historical town of Kinsale or the Titanic Experience Museum in Belfast.

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