11-Day Ireland Cultural Immersion Itinerary

• Day 1: Dublin - Start your cultural immersion by taking a stroll around the Dublin Castle, then head to the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the rich history of Ireland's iconic drink. Finally, end your day at the Temple Bar Pub, one of Dublin's oldest pubs.
• Day 2: Kilkenny - Take a day trip to Kilkenny, where you can visit the Kilkenny Castle, explore the beautiful gardens of Woodstock House, and visit the famous Smithwick's Brewery. In the evening, enjoy traditional Irish music at the Kyteler's Inn.
• Day 3: Cork - Explore the historic Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone for good luck. Then, visit the Crawford Art Gallery to discover Ireland's art scene and immerse yourself in culture. End your day by savoring delicious Irish cuisine at Ballymaloe House.
• Day 4: Ring of Kerry - Drive along the famous Ring of Kerry, a scenic route that winds around the coast of southwestern Ireland. Make sure to stop at the Muckross House and Gardens and take a picturesque hike to Torq Waterfall.
• Day 5: County Clare - Visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher and witness one of Ireland's most stunning natural wonders. Later, stop at the Bunratty Castle and experience an authentic medieval banquet in the castle's grand hall.
• Day 6: Galway - Explore the colorful city of Galway, known for its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Visit the Eyre Square, then head to the Galway City Museum to learn about the city's history. Finish your day at the Café Linnalla for a taste of locally-produced artisan ice cream.
• Day 7: Connemara - Drive through the scenic Connemara region and visit the Kylemore Abbey, a stunning 19th-century mansion surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. Then, take a boat tour around the peaceful Killary Harbour.
• Day 8: Northern Ireland - Take a day trip to Northern Ireland and visit the Giant's Causeway, a natural wonder made up of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Then, head to Belfast and experience the city's rich history at the Titanic Belfast Museum.
• Day 9: Dingle Peninsula - Take a scenic drive around the Dingle Peninsula, admiring the breathtaking cliffs and sandy beaches. Stop at the picturesque Slea Head and visit the ancient stone fort of Dunbeg.
• Day 10: Waterford - Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to learn about the famous Irish crystal and witness artisans at work. Then, explore the charming city of Waterford and visit the Medieval Museum.
• Day 11: Wicklow - Explore the peaceful countryside of County Wicklow, also known as the "Garden of Ireland". Take a hike through the Wicklow Mountains National Park, visit the historic Powerscourt Estate, and end your trip with a stroll around the peaceful Glendalough Monastic Site.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Dublin Castle (2 hours, €10)
• Guinness Storehouse (2 hours, €25)
• Temple Bar Pub (2 hours, €20)
• Kilkenny Castle (2 hours, €8)
• Woodstock House (1 hour, free)
• Smithwick's Brewery (2 hours, €15)
• Kyteler's Inn (2 hours, €40)
• Blarney Castle (2 hours, €18)
• Crawford Art Gallery (2 hours, free)
• Ballymaloe House (2 hours, €50)
• Muckross House and Garden (2 hours, €9)
• Torq Waterfall (1 hour, free)
• Cliffs of Moher (2 hours, €8)
• Bunratty Castle (2 hours, €70)
• Eyre Square (1 hour, free)
• Galway City Museum (2 hours, free)
• Café Linnalla (1 hour, €10)
• Kylemore Abbey (2 hours, €13)
• Killary Harbour boat tour (2 hours, €35)
• Giant's Causeway (2 hours, £12.50)
• Titanic Belfast Museum (2 hours, £19)
• Slea Head (1 hour, free)
• Dunbeg (1 hour, €4)
• Waterford Crystal Factory (2 hours, €15)
• Medieval Museum (2 hours, €7)
• Wicklow Mountains National Park (3 hours, free)
• Powerscourt Estate (2 hours, €12.50)
• Glendalough Monastic Site (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: €441.50 / £388.50

Transportation:

It is recommended to rent a car for the duration of the trip for easy accessibility to all destinations on this itinerary. Car rental can range from €25-€35 per day depending on type of vehicle and the rental company. Public transportation is available in major cities but is not recommended for day trips or visiting rural areas. Estimated fuel costs for the full 11-day trip are around €150-€200.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider adding a trip to the Aran Islands or spending more time in Belfast to learn about the city's political history. If you have less time, consider cutting out the Northern Ireland day trip or skipping some destinations in the Ring of Kerry. Keep in mind that some attractions have limited hours or may be closed on certain days, so it's best to double-check hours of operation prior to visiting.

Airports:

Upon arrival, international travelers will most likely land at Dublin Airport (DUB), which is located 10 km north of Dublin city center. Alternatively, Shannon Airport (SNN) is another option for those traveling from the United States. It is located in County Clare, close to the city of Limerick, and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Dublin. From either airport, visitors can rent a car or take public transportation to their first destination on the itinerary.