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Complete 12-Day Itinerary for Exploring Ireland: Ancient Castles and Scenic Coastlines

Viewed by 78 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on October 13, 2025

10:00AM

Dublin Castle

Explore the historic Dublin Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and has been at the center of the history and evolution of the city.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:30PM

Breakfast at The Queen of Tarts

Indulge in a hearty Irish breakfast at The Queen of Tarts, famous for its homemade pastries and warm atmosphere. Open from 9:00AM.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Trinity College and The Book of Kells

Visit Trinity College to see The Book of Kells, an ornately illustrated manuscript, and stroll through the beautiful Long Room of the library.
EUR16, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Woollen Mills

Enjoy traditional Irish fare in a relaxed setting at The Woollen Mills, with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. It's open till 10:00PM.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Dublin Exploration

Dublin, Ireland on October 14, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bewley's Grafton Street Cafe

Start your day at Bewley’s for an Irish breakfast and delicious coffee in a historic cafe. Open from 8:30AM.
EUR18, 1 hour

10:30AM

Guinness Storehouse

Visit the iconic Guinness Storehouse to learn about the history of Ireland's most famous beer, concluding with a pint at the Gravity Bar with stunning views of Dublin.
EUR25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Brazen Head

Enjoy lunch at Ireland's oldest pub, The Brazen Head, serving hearty Irish dishes. It’s open 12:00PM to 10:00PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Visit the majestic St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ireland’s largest cathedral, and learn about its history and stunning architecture.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Vintage Kitchen

Dine at The Vintage Kitchen, known for its delicious locally-sourced menu and cozy atmosphere. Open till 9:00PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Kilkenny Day Trip

Kilkenny, Ireland on October 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hatch & Sons

Catch a leisurely breakfast at Hatch & Sons, known for their delicious and fresh local ingredients. Opens at 8:00AM.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kilkenny

Take a train from Dublin to Kilkenny (1.5 hours travel time) and enjoy the scenic route.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Kilkenny Castle

Explore Kilkenny Castle, a stunning historic site with beautiful gardens and rich history.
EUR8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matt The Millers

Enjoy locals’ favorites for lunch at Matt The Millers, known for its welcoming atmosphere and great food. Open from 12:00PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Smithwick's Experience

Discover the history of Smithwick's Ale and enjoy a beer tasting at this engaging brewery tour.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Left Bank

Wrap up your day with dinner at The Left Bank, where you can enjoy modern Irish cuisine in a trendy setting. They close at 10:00PM.
EUR25, 2 hours

8:00PM

Return to Dublin

After organizing your day, catch the last train back to Dublin.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cork Bound

Cork, Ireland on October 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Farmgate Cafe

Enjoy breakfast at Farmgate Cafe located in the English Market, offering locally sourced produce and a great atmosphere. Opens at 8:00AM.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Cork

Catch a bus or train to Cork - a journey of about 3 hours.
EUR20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The English Market

Explore the vibrant food stalls at The English Market and grab a quick bite from one of the local vendors.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Cork City Gaol

Visit the historic Cork City Gaol, known for its rich history and stunning architecture.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Café Paradiso

Savor a delicious vegetarian dinner at Café Paradiso, acclaimed for its innovative dishes. Reservations recommended. Open till 10:00PM.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Adventure in Killarney

Killarney, Ireland on October 17, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Lane Cafe

Start your day with a fresh coffee and a selection of pastries at The Lane Cafe. Opens at 7:00AM.
EUR8, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Killarney

Catch a bus from Cork to Killarney (about 1.5 hours).
EUR12, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Killarney National Park

Explore Killarney National Park with its stunning landscapes, walking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Porterhouse

Enjoy lunch at The Porterhouse, known for its craft beers and classic pub food. Open till 9:00PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Muckross House

Visit the historic Muckross House and its gardens, offering a glimpse into Victorian life. Entry fee includes access to the gardens.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Bianconi Inn

Indulge in a delightful dinner at The Bianconi Inn, known for its warm service and local dishes. Open until 9:30PM.
EUR28, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry, Ireland on October 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Lake Hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Lake Hotel, with stunning views of the lake. Breakfast is served until 10:00AM.
EUR15, 1 hour

8:30AM

Start the Ring of Kerry Tour

Embark on a full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland.
EUR50, 8 hours

5:00PM

Return from tour and Dinner

After a day filled with breathtaking views, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant or at a local pub.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Dingle Peninsula

Dingle, Ireland on October 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Dingle Pier

Start your day at The Dingle Pier with a taste of local seafood and breakfast specialties. Opens at 8:00AM.
EUR15, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Dingle Peninsula

Enjoy the scenic ride to Dingle Peninsula (about 1 hour), where stunning landscapes await.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Slea Head Drive

Experience the breathtaking views along the Slea Head Drive, stopping at notable points for stunning photographs.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Dingle Pub

Enjoy a hearty Irish lunch at The Dingle Pub, known for its live music and good food. Open till 10:00PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Fungi Dolphin Boat Tour

Take a boat tour to meet Fungi, the famous dolphin known for entertaining visitors in Dingle Bay.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Out of the Blue

Dine at Out of the Blue, providing the best of fresh seafood caught that day. Reservation recommended. Open until 9:00PM.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 8: Galway Charm

Galway, Ireland on October 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Secret Garden

Start your morning with a delightful breakfast at The Secret Garden, known for their homemade pastries and delightful coffee. Opens at 8:00AM.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Galway

Catch a morning bus to Galway (about 2.5 hours).
EUR15, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Pie Maker

Enjoy a comforting lunch at The Pie Maker, celebrated for its delicious handmade pies. Open until 10:00PM.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Galway Cathedral

Visit the majestic Galway Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Quay Street

Stroll through lively Quay Street, filled with shops, restaurants, and pubs, showcasing the vibrant local culture.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Quay Street Kitchen

Dine at The Quay Street Kitchen, holding a variety of delicious dishes in a cozy and vibrant space. Open until 10:00PM.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 9: Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland on October 21, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Cottage Café

Start your day at The Cottage Café, with a simple breakfast menu and local friendly service. Opens at 8:00AM.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Cliffs of Moher

Take a bus to the Cliffs of Moher (about 1.5 hours).
EUR20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Cliffs of Moher

Witness the breathtaking views from the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most famous landmarks.
EUR10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cliffs View Café

Enjoy a meal with a view at The Cliffs View Café, serving up delicious comfort food. Open until 5:00PM.
EUR15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Galway

After enjoying the cliffs, return to Galway by bus (1.5 hours).
EUR20, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at An Púcán

Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at An Púcán, known for its cozy atmosphere and hearty dishes. Open until 10:00PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Limerick Discoveries

Limerick, Ireland on October 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The River Café

Savor a fresh breakfast at The River Café with riverside views. Open from 8:00AM.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Limerick

Take a train to Limerick (1.5 hours).
EUR15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

King John's Castle

Visit King John's Castle, a perfectly preserved medieval fortress offering stunning views and engaging exhibits.
EUR10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Cornstore

Enjoy lunch at The Cornstore, known for its locally sourced dishes and relaxed setting. Open until 4:00PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

The Hunt Museum

Discover art and artifacts spanning centuries at The Hunt Museum in Limerick, rich in culture and history. Entry is free.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Locke Bar

End your day with dinner at The Locke Bar, serving traditional Irish dishes in a pub setting. Open until 11:00PM.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 11: Discover Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland on October 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Morning Star

Start your day with a traditional Irish breakfast at The Morning Star, a charming pub-style eatery. Opens at 8:00AM.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Belfast

Take a bus or train to Belfast (about 2 hours).
EUR20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Titanic Belfast

Visit the Titanic Belfast museum, an impressive tribute to the city's maritime heritage and the famous ship.
EUR20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at St. George's Market

Discover a variety of food stalls offering local and international fare at St. George's Market.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Belfast City Hall

Explore Belfast City Hall, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Crown Liquor Saloon

Dine at The Crown, a beautifully restored Victorian pub famous for its unique decor and atmosphere. Open until 10:00PM.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 12: Return to Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on October 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Woollen Mills

Enjoy a final breakfast at The Woollen Mills for a taste of hearty breakfast classics. Open from 8:00AM.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Dublin Zoo

Spend your last morning at Dublin Zoo, known for its wide array of animals and beautiful habitats. Opens at 9:30AM.
EUR20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Free Time

Enjoy a last stroll through Dublin's streets, picking up any last-minute souvenirs or visiting any missed sights.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Church Cafe

Have your final meal at The Church Café, offering a unique dining experience inside a beautifully restored church. Open until 4:00PM.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Departure

Ensure you arrive at the airport in time for your departure flight, reflecting on an incredible journey through Ireland.
Free, N/A
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