7-Day Ultimate Ireland Itinerary: Discover Dublin, Cork, and Galway

Day 1: Historic Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts

Start your day with delicious homemade pastries and hearty breakfast options in a cozy cafe setting.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Explore Ireland’s oldest university and see the stunning illuminated manuscript at the library’s Long Room.
EUR16, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk through St. Stephen’s Green

Enjoy a peaceful stroll in this beautifully maintained Victorian park in central Dublin.
Free, 45m

12:15pm

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

Savor classic Irish dishes with a modern twist in a lively restaurant near the Ha’penny Bridge.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Guinness Storehouse

Tour the iconic brewery, learn about Guinness history, and enjoy panoramic views from the Gravity Bar.
EUR28, 2h

3:45pm

Explore Dublin Castle

Discover the fascinating history of this medieval castle complex and its gardens.
EUR13, 1h15m

5:15pm

Relax at Temple Bar district

Experience Dublin’s vibrant nightlife atmosphere with pubs, street performances, and live music.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Church Bar & Restaurant

Dine in a converted church with a menu offering modern Irish cuisine and a lively ambiance.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Culture & Museums

Dublin, Ireland on May 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brother Hubbard North

Enjoy fresh artisan coffee and wholesome breakfast options in a bright café setting.
EUR15, 1h

9:45am

Visit the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

See Ireland’s prehistoric and medieval artifacts including the famous Tara Brooch and bog bodies.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Kilmainham Gaol

Take a guided tour of this historic former prison crucial to Irish history and independence.
EUR9, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Fumbally

Taste fresh, locally sourced dishes in a laid-back, artsy atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

2:15pm

Visit the Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Learn about Jameson whiskey production with a tasting session included.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the River Liffey and visit the Ha'penny Bridge

Enjoy scenic riverside views and take photos of the iconic pedestrian bridge.
Free, 45m

5:00pm

Visit Merrion Square Park and Oscar Wilde Statue

Relax in the colorful Georgian park celebrating Dublin’s literary heritage.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chapter One Restaurant

Experience fine dining with contemporary Irish cuisine, awarded with a Michelin star.
EUR75, 2h

Day 3: Day Trip & Departure

Dublin to Cork, Ireland on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Quick breakfast to start your travel day comfortably energized.
EUR10, 30m

8:00am

Travel from Dublin to Cork by train

Enjoy a scenic 2.5-3 hour train journey from Dublin Heuston Station to Cork Kent Station.
EUR30, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Market Lane, Cork

Taste local Irish flavors at this popular restaurant near the English Market.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Explore the English Market

Visit one of Europe’s oldest covered markets, offering fresh produce and artisan foods.
Free, 1h

2:15pm

Visit Cork City Gaol

Tour the historic former prison featuring interactive exhibits on Irish history.
EUR10, 1h

3:30pm

Walk along the River Lee and Fitzgerald Park

Take a relaxing stroll by the river and enjoy the botanical gardens in the park.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Check in to hotel

Settle into your accommodation in Cork city center.
Varies, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at The Farmgate Café

Enjoy classic Irish dishes sourced from local farms in a cozy setting.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 4: Cork & Coastal Gems

Cork, Ireland on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Gusto

Fuel your day with great coffee and freshly baked pastries near the city center.
EUR12, 45m

9:30am

Drive to Blarney Castle

Visit the famous castle and gardens, and don’t forget to kiss the Blarney Stone for luck.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Garden Room Café, Blarney

Enjoy light meals and refreshments with views of the castle grounds.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Cork and visit the Crawford Art Gallery

Explore Irish and European paintings and sculptures in this free public gallery.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Walk through Elizabeth Fort

Discover the 17th-century star-shaped fort offering great city views.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Relax at a café or explore local shops

Unwind with a coffee or shop for souvenirs in Cork’s charming streets.
Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Paradiso

Enjoy innovative vegetarian cuisine acclaimed throughout Ireland.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 5: Scenic Exploration

Cork, Ireland on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The River Lee Hotel

Elegant breakfast with riverside views to start the day.
EUR20, 1h

9:00am

Day trip to Kinsale

Explore this colorful seaside town with artisan shops, historic sites, and the Charles Fort.
Transport approx EUR10 ROUND TRIP, 6h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fishy Fishy Café, Kinsale

Savor fresh seafood in this popular local restaurant famed for its dishes.
EUR35, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Cork and rest

Relax back at your hotel or explore the evening atmosphere in Cork.
Varies, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at The Crane Lane

Enjoy hearty Irish fare with live traditional music in a vibrant bar setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 6: Travel to Galway

Cork to Galway, Ireland on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple and quick to prepare for the journey ahead.
EUR10, 30m

8:00am

Travel from Cork to Galway by train

Approximate 3-hour scenic journey connecting two gorgeous Irish cities.
EUR35, 3h

11:30am

Check in and lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmo’s

Taste creative local and international dishes in a cozy harbor setting.
EUR30, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Galway City Center

Walk through Shop Street, see the Spanish Arch, and visit Galway Cathedral.
Free, 2h

3:15pm

Visit Galway City Museum

Discover Galway’s history and culture with free exhibits on local heritage.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Stroll along Salthill Promenade

Relax by the sea with scenic views and fresh air along the waterfront promenade.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kai Café and Restaurant

Enjoy farm-to-table contemporary Irish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 7: Galway Relaxation & Departure

Galway, Ireland on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Dough Bros

Start with some of the best wood-fired pizza breakfasts in town.
EUR15, 1h

9:45am

Day trip to Connemara National Park

Explore the stunning natural landscapes with walking trails and mountain views.
Car rental approx EUR50/day, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Twelve Hotel in Barna

Relax with modern Irish dishes after a morning of hiking in nearby Barna village.
EUR35, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Galway and late afternoon leisure

Last chance for shopping or exploring before departure.
Varies, N/A

6:00pm

Dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmo’s

Enjoy a final meal of fine Irish cuisine in a charming riverside atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m