7-Day Southern Ireland Adventure: Historic Castles, Stunning Coastlines, and Charming Villages

Day 1: Cork Urban Exploration

Cork, Ireland on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Liberty Grill

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Liberty Grill, known for its excellent traditional Irish breakfasts and friendly atmosphere. Open 8am–4pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit English Market

Explore the historic English Market, a vibrant indoor food market offering local cheeses, meats, and artisan goods since 1788.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Cork City Gaol

Tour the atmospheric 19th-century prison featuring interactive exhibits on Ireland’s penal history. Open 9:30am–5pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Market Lane

Enjoy a contemporary Irish lunch with fresh local ingredients at Market Lane near the English Market. Open 12pm–3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Fitzgerald Park and Cork Public Museum

Relax in Fitzgerald Park and visit the nearby Cork Public Museum to learn about local history and culture. Museum open 10am–5pm.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral

Admire this stunning Gothic revival cathedral with impressive stained glass and intricate stone carvings. Open 9am–5pm.
Free, 45m

3:30pm

Walk along the River Lee

Quiet riverside walk through the heart of Cork with views of historic bridges and cityscape.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Oliver Plunkett

Enjoy dinner at this cozy pub serving classic Irish dishes and local craft beers. Open daily from 5pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Killarney and National Park

Killarney, Ireland on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Killarney Coffee Co.

Grab freshly brewed coffee and pastries at this popular local café. Open from 7am.
EUR10, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Killarney National Park

Travel west to Killarney National Park, Ireland's first national park known for lakes, woods, and mountains.
EUR10 parking, 30m

9:00am

Muckross House & Gardens

Tour the beautiful 19th-century mansion and stroll through the well-kept traditional gardens. Open 9am–5pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

10:45am

Torc Waterfall Walk

Take an easy trail to the picturesque Torc Waterfall, surrounded by lush forest.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kate Kearney’s Cottage

Enjoy traditional Irish fare in a rustic pub setting near the park entrance. Open 12pm–4pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Jaunting Car Tour

Experience a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through the National Park, great for views of lakes and wildlife. Tours run until 5pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ross Castle

Explore this 15th-century castle with guided tours explaining its history and architecture. Open 9am–6pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Laurels Pub

Dine in this intimate local pub offering hearty Irish meals and live traditional music most evenings.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Scenic Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry Loop, Ireland on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a full Irish breakfast to start your day of sightseeing around the Ring of Kerry.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive Ring of Kerry

Embark on the scenic 179km loop visiting highlights like Ladies View, Kells Bay Gardens, and Derrynane Beach.
Free, 6h0m with stops

12:00pm

Lunch stop at Killorglin

Stop in Killorglin town for lunch at The Lime Tree Restaurant, serving fresh local dishes. Open 12pm–3pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Killarney

Complete the loop back to Killarney to rest and relax after a full day of driving and sightseeing.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bricín Restaurant

Savor traditional Irish dishes with a modern twist in a warm ambiance close to Killarney town center. Open until 9:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Dingle Peninsula & Town

Dingle, Ireland on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Murphy’s Pub

Enjoy a classic Irish breakfast in the welcoming atmosphere of one of Dingle’s oldest pubs. Open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Dingle via Slea Head

Take the scenic route along the Slea Head Drive, witnessing dramatic coastal views and rugged cliffs.
Free, 2h0m with stops

10:00am

Visit Gallarus Oratory

Explore this well-preserved early Christian stone church dating back to the 7th or 8th century. Open 9am–6pm.
Free, 30m

11:00am

Dingle Town exploration

Wander the colorful streets filled with artisan shops, galleries, and traditional music venues.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Chart House

Dine on fresh seafood and local specialties overlooking Dingle Harbour. Open 12pm–3pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat tour to Fungie the Dolphin

Take a boat trip to spot the famous resident dolphin Fungie and enjoy stunning views of Dingle Bay. Tours run until 5pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Dingle Beach

Unwind on the golden sandy beach, perfect for a peaceful stroll or photography.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Out of the Blue

Experience award-winning, fresh seafood served in this intimate and highly rated restaurant. Booking recommended. Open from 6pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Waterford History & Crystal

Waterford, Ireland on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Granary Café

Enjoy organic and freshly prepared breakfast near Waterford city center. Open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Waterford

Travel east to Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland famous for its Viking history and crystal ware.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Waterford Crystal Factory Tour

Take a fascinating guided tour showing the craftsmanship behind Waterford Crystal. Open 9:30am–5pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Bodega

Enjoy a casual meal with local ingredients in a welcoming bistro close to the waterfront. Lunch 12pm–3pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Reginald’s Tower & Viking Triangle

Explore Reginald’s Tower, a historic Viking fort, then stroll around the Viking Triangle area with museums and heritage sites. Open 10am–5pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the Waterford Greenway

Enjoy a scenic riverside walk along the Waterford Greenway trail, ideal for relaxing after the city tour.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Momo Restaurant

Try contemporary Irish dishes with a focus on local and seasonal produce. Open until 9:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kilkenny Medieval Charm

Kilkenny, Ireland on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café La Coco

Start your day with fresh coffee and tasty breakfast options in Kilkenny’s cozy café. Open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Kilkenny

Travel northeast to the medieval city of Kilkenny, famous for its castle and well-preserved heritage.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Tour Kilkenny Castle

Visit this iconic 12th-century castle with impressive interiors and beautiful parklands. Open 9:30am–5:30pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kyteler's Inn

Dine in a historic medieval tavern serving traditional Irish dishes with a lively atmosphere. Open 12pm–3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Medieval Mile

Stroll the Medieval Mile, exploring historic streets, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and the Black Abbey.
EUR5 for Cathedral entry, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Smithwick’s Experience

Discover the history and brewing process of Ireland’s oldest ale at this interactive tour. Open 10am–6pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Zuni Restaurant

Enjoy modern Irish cuisine paired with fine wines in an elegant setting. Open until 9:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Return and Departure

Cork, Ireland on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Gusto

Final breakfast with Italian flair and Irish ingredients to savor before leaving. Open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive back to Cork

Return from Kilkenny to Cork for onward travel or flight departures, approximately 2 hours.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Last-minute shopping or sightseeing

Spend remaining time exploring any missed Cork landmarks or shopping before departure.
Varies, 2h0m
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