8-Day Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: From Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way

Day 1: Dublin City Exploration

Dublin, Ireland on April 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with freshly baked pastries and Irish coffee at this charming bakery nearby central Dublin. Opens from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Experience Ireland’s oldest university and view the stunning illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells. Opens 9:30am to 5pm.
EUR16, 1h30m

12:00pm

Stroll through St Stephen’s Green Park

Relax in this beautiful historic park in the heart of Dublin, perfect for a short break before lunch.
Free, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

Savour traditional Irish dishes made from local ingredients in a lively ambiance, open from 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Discover the story of Ireland’s iconic beer with interactive exhibits, ending with a pint at the Gravity Bar. Open until 7pm.
EUR26, 2h

5:00pm

Temple Bar Area Walk

Take a stroll through this vibrant cultural quarter full of pubs, street performers, and shops.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Brazen Head

Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine in Ireland’s oldest pub, renowned for its atmosphere and history. Open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Galway Coastal Drive

Galway, Ireland on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ard Bia at Nimmo’s

Sample organic and locally sourced Irish breakfast near the Galway waterfront. Opens from 8am.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Galway (approx 2.5 hours from Dublin)

Enjoy scenic views on the route west towards the vibrant city of Galway.
Fuel approx EUR30, 2h30m

12:00pm

Explore Galway City Centre

Walk around Eyre Square, visit local shops, and admire street art in the Latin Quarter.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at McDonagh’s Fish & Chips

Taste some of the best traditional fish and chips which Galway is famous for. Open until 3pm.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum

Learn about Galway’s history and heritage with nearby picturesque harbor views. Museum open until 5pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along Salthill Promenade

Enjoy fresh sea air and stunning views of Galway Bay, perfect for a relaxing early evening stroll.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at the Quay Street Kitchen

Relish seasonal Irish dishes in a cosy setting in Galway’s bustling restaurant district. Open until 9pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Burren

County Clare, Ireland on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Galway City Hotel

Grab a hearty breakfast before setting off on a day trip to the cliffs. Usually served from 7am.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Cliffs of Moher (approx 1.5 hours)

Travel southwest towards one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Fuel approx EUR20, 1h30m

10:00am

Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre

Explore panoramic views of the cliffs, walking trails, and interactive exhibits. Visitor centre open 9am to 7pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Roadford Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes just a short drive from the cliffs. Open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Drive through The Burren National Park

Discover unique limestone landscapes and rare flora on this scenic drive with opportunities to stop and walk.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Continue to Dingle Peninsula (approx 2 hours)

Drive towards Dingle for stunning coastal views and charming village life.
Fuel approx EUR20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Out of the Blue, Dingle

This popular seafood restaurant is renowned for fresh, locally caught fish and shellfish. Open until 9:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Dingle Peninsula Highlights

Dingle, Ireland on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bean in Dingle

Start your day with excellent coffee and fresh pastries in this local café open from 7am.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Slea Head Drive

Take the scenic coastal drive on the Dingle Peninsula with breathtaking views and historical sites along the route.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Chart House

Dine on locally sourced meats and seafood right on Dingle’s waterfront. Open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR28, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium

Explore marine life native to the Atlantic coast. Open 10am to 5pm.
EUR16, 1h30m

4:30pm

Leisurely walk around Dingle town

Browse local craft shops and enjoy traditional music sessions in the pubs.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Global Village

Enjoy a mix of traditional and modern dishes with a focus on fresh Irish ingredients. Open until 9:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Killarney National Park

Killarney, Ireland on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Murphy’s Bar, Dingle

Grab a quick Irish breakfast in a friendly traditional pub before heading out.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Killarney (approx 1.5 hours)

Travel south for stunning scenery in Killarney National Park.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h30m

10:00am

Killarney National Park guided walk

Join a guided walk around lakes and waterfalls; the park is open all day.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Laurels

Traditional Irish cuisine served in a warm atmosphere in Killarney town center. Open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Muckross House & Gardens

Explore this 19th-century mansion and beautifully kept gardens. Open 9am to 6pm.
EUR12, 2h

5:00pm

Relax in Killarney town

Enjoy browsing local shops or relaxing in a café.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bricin Restaurant

Taste award-winning traditional Irish dishes in this atmospheric setting. Open until 9:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cork City & Blarney Castle

Cork, Ireland on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Fumbally Café, Killarney

Enjoy freshly made breakfast focussing on quality local ingredients. Opens 8am.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Blarney Castle near Cork (approx 1.5 hours)

Journey east to visit the famous historic castle.
Fuel approx EUR20, 1h30m

10:00am

Blarney Castle and Gardens

Climb the castle to kiss the Blarney Stone and explore extensive gardens. Open 9am to 5pm.
EUR18, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Farmgate Café, Cork

Delight in farm-to-table dining in the heart of Cork City Market. Open until 3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Cork City Centre

Visit English Market, Cork City Gaol, and St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral.
Free (some sites may have entry fees), 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Market Lane Restaurant

Enjoy locally sourced modern Irish produce in a vibrant city setting. Open until 9:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Kilkenny Medieval Charm

Kilkenny, Ireland on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café du Monde, Cork

Relax with a French-style breakfast before the drive to Kilkenny. Opens 8am.
EUR14, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kilkenny (approx 2 hours)

Head northeast towards the medieval city of Kilkenny.
Fuel approx EUR20, 2h

10:30am

Visit Kilkenny Castle

Explore the beautifully restored castle and extensive grounds. Open 9:30am to 5pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Left Bank

Enjoy contemporary Irish cuisine with great local produce. Open until 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Walk the Medieval Mile

Discover Kilkenny’s winding streets, medieval churches, and craft shops.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Rothe House and Garden

Learn about Kilkenny’s history through this restored merchant’s townhouse. Open 9:30am to 5pm.
EUR6, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zuni Restaurant

End your day with contemporary dishes inspired by Irish ingredients. Open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Kilkenny

Enjoy a comfortable breakfast before departure. Served from 7am.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Drive back to Dublin (approx 1.5 hours)

Return to the capital city preparing for departure or further exploration.
Fuel approx EUR20, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin

Tour this historic former prison and learn about Ireland’s struggle for independence. Open 9am to 6pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Winding Stair

Enjoy modern Irish food overlooking the River Liffey. Open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Last-minute shopping on Grafton Street

Explore Dublin’s premier shopping district with street performances and boutique stores.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Relax in Merrion Square Park

Take a final stroll in this Georgian-era park filled with statues and gardens.
Free, 30m
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