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8-Day Ultimate Ireland Tour: From Dublin to Galway and Beyond

Viewed by 113 travelers

Day 1: Dublin Discovery

Dublin, Ireland on May 14, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring Irish scones and coffee at this charming bakery open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Trinity College and Book of Kells

Explore Ireland’s oldest university and marvel at the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells. Open 9:30am–5pm.
EUR16, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at The Brazen Head

Enjoy classic Irish fare in Ireland’s oldest pub, established in 1198. Open from 11:30am.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Visit the iconic Guinness brewery to learn the brewing process and enjoy panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar. Open 9:30am–7pm.
EUR26, 2h

3:30pm

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Tour this grand Gothic cathedral, the largest in Ireland, open 9:30am–5pm.
EUR8, 45m

4:30pm

Explore Temple Bar

Wander the lively cultural quarter filled with street performers, shops, and pubs to get a feel of Irish city life.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Church Cafe Bar & Restaurant

Dine in a beautifully restored church with traditional Irish dishes, open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Wicklow & Glendalough

Wicklow, Ireland on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts Dublin

Grab a quick breakfast before heading out, open from 8am.
EUR12, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Glendalough

Travel south to the Wicklow Mountains, roughly 1 hour from Dublin, famous for scenic beauty and monastic ruins.
Fuel costs, 1h

10:15am

Glendalough Monastic Site Hike

Explore ancient monastic ruins and stunning lakeside trails, open during daylight hours.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wicklow Heather Restaurant

Enjoy hearty Irish dishes close to Glendalough, open 12pm–3pm weekdays.
EUR22, 1h

2:00pm

Powerscourt Gardens

Visit these exquisite gardens and waterfalls near Wicklow Village, open 10am–6pm.
EUR9, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Kilkenny

Continue to Kilkenny City, about 1.5 hours away for an evening arrival.
Fuel costs, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyteler’s Inn

Dine in a historic medieval inn offering traditional Irish cuisine, open until 10pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 3: Kilkenny Culture

Kilkenny, Ireland on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Fig Tree Cafe

Locally loved spot serving organic breakfasts and coffee, open from 8am.
EUR15, 45m

9:30am

Kilkenny Castle

Tour the impressive 12th-century castle and beautiful gardens, open 9am–5pm.
EUR13, 2h

11:45am

Medieval Mile Museum

Explore the rich medieval history of Kilkenny with interactive exhibits, opens at 10am and closes 5pm.
EUR8, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zuni Restaurant

Enjoy a refined lunch with locally sourced ingredients in the heart of Kilkenny, open 12pm–3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Smithwick's Experience

Join a guided tour and tasting at the historic brewery, open 11am–5pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk along the River Nore

Relax with an easy stroll along the scenic river paths near the castle.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Rinuccini

Savor Italian-inspired dishes with an Irish twist, open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic Castles & Cork

Rock of Cashel / Cork, Ireland on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kilkenny Hotel

Enjoy a full Irish breakfast before departure, served from 7am.
EUR15, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Rock of Cashel

Travel southwest to the historic Rock of Cashel, about 1 hour 15 minutes drive.
Fuel costs, 1h15m

9:45am

Rock of Cashel Tour

Explore one of Ireland’s most spectacular ancient sites with medieval buildings. Open 9am–7pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:30am

Drive to Cork City

Proceed to Cork City, approximately 1 hour from Cashel.
Fuel costs, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at The Farmgate Cafe

Taste regional specialties in Cork’s English Market, open weekdays 9am–5:30pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Cork City Walking Tour

Discover highlights including St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral and Elizabeth Fort. Self-guided and free.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Crawford Art Gallery

Explore Irish and European art collections, open 10am–5pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Market Lane

Contemporary Irish cuisine in Cork’s city center, open till 9:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Coastal Charm & Blarney

Kinsale / Blarney, Ireland on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cork hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast before heading out, served from 7am.
EUR15, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Kinsale

Travel 30 minutes to the charming harbor town known for colorful streets and seafood.
Fuel costs, 30m

9:45am

Explore Kinsale Town

Stroll the picturesque streets and visit Desmond Castle, open 10am–5pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

11:45am

Lunch at Fishy Fishy Cafe

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties in Kinsale, open 12pm–3pm weekdays.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Drive to Blarney Castle

Head 20 minutes back toward Cork to visit the famous Blarney Castle and its gardens, open 9am–5pm.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Blarney Castle Visit

Climb the castle to kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence and explore the gardens.
Included, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Cork

Drive back for overnight stay in Cork city.
Fuel costs, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Cork Tavern

Relax with Irish pub favorites and a cozy atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 6: Killarney & Ring of Kerry

Killarney, Ireland on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Cork hotel

Early breakfast to start a full day tour, open from 7am.
EUR12, 30m

7:30am

Drive to Killarney

Travel approx 1.5 hours to Killarney, gateway to picturesque Ring of Kerry.
Fuel costs, 1h30m

9:30am

Killarney National Park

Begin with a visit to the park; take a short hike or jaunting car ride, open year-round daylight hours.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Ross Castle

Guided tour of 15th-century castle by the lake, open 10am–5pm.
EUR7, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at The Laurels Pub

Traditional Irish pub food in Killarney town center, open 12pm–3pm weekdays.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive

Enjoy stunning coastal and mountain views along this famous 179 km route; allow 4-5 hours with stops.
Fuel costs, 4h30m

6:00pm

Return to Killarney

Rest and freshen up after the long drive.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Murphy’s Bar

Classic Irish dishes and live music, open till 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cliffs of Moher & Galway

Cliffs of Moher / Galway, Ireland on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Killarney hotel

Start early with breakfast before journey north, served from 7am.
EUR12, 30m

7:30am

Drive to Cliffs of Moher

Travel about 3 hours to one of Ireland’s most famous natural landmarks.
Fuel costs, 3h

10:30am

Visit Cliffs of Moher

Enjoy breathtaking sea views and walking trails; visitor center open 9am–7pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Cliffs View Restaurant

Relax with fresh seafood and local dishes close to the cliffs, open 11am–3pm.
EUR22, 1h

1:45pm

Drive to Galway

Scenic 1.5-hour drive to vibrant Galway city for afternoon exploring.
Fuel costs, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Galway City

Walk the Latin Quarter, see Eyre Square and the Spanish Arch with lively streets and shops.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmos

Cozy restaurant offering creative Irish cuisine, open until 9pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Dublin

Galway to Dublin, Ireland on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Galway hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure, served from 7am.
EUR12, 45m

9:00am

Drive back to Dublin

Journey back to Dublin, approx. 2.5 hours drive by car.
Fuel costs, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

Traditional and modern Irish cuisine near the River Liffey, open 12pm–3pm weekdays.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology

Free entry museum featuring Irish archaeological treasures, open 11am–5pm.
Free, 2h

3:45pm

Last minute shopping at Grafton Street

Experience Dublin’s premier shopping street, full of shops and street artists.
Free to browse, 1h

5:00pm

Departure Preparations

Prepare for onward journey or relax at the hotel.
Free, Flexible
Find Hotels in Galway to Dublin
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