10-Day Ultimate Dublin and Ireland Road Trip: Explore Culture, Nature & History

Day 1: Arrival & Dublin city

Dublin, Ireland on August 5, 2025

10:00am

Arrive at Dublin Airport

Land in Dublin and transfer to your centrally located hotel like The Westbury, ideally positioned near Trinity College and Grafton Street.
EUR0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Queen of Tarts

Enjoy traditional Irish lunch and delicious homemade desserts at this charming café open 9am-6pm.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Trinity College and Book of Kells

Tour the historic college and view the famous illuminated manuscript open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR16, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through St. Stephen's Green

Relax in this iconic park, enjoying gardens and ponds in the heart of Dublin, open from dawn until dusk.
Free, 45m

5:00pm

Visit Guinness Storehouse

Explore Ireland’s most famous brewery and enjoy panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar; open daily 9:30am-7pm.
EUR26, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Woollen Mills

Indulge in contemporary Irish dishes with riverside views, open till 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic Kilkenny

Kilkenny, Ireland on August 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fallon & Byrne, Dublin

Start your day with artisan coffee and fresh pastries open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive Dublin to Kilkenny

Scenic two-hour drive south to Kilkenny, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant arts scene.
EUR0, 2h

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Langtons

Historic pub with great Irish comfort food, open 12-9pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Kilkenny Castle

Tour this impressive 12th-century castle and its beautiful gardens, open 9am-5pm.
EUR15, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Medieval Mile Museum

Discover Kilkenny’s rich medieval past through fascinating exhibits, open 10am-5pm.
EUR8, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zuni Restaurant

Enjoy seasonal and locally sourced dishes in a cozy medieval setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Killarney Nature

Killarney, Ireland on August 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Woollen Mills Kilkenny

Start with hearty breakfast options featuring local ingredients.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Kilkenny to Killarney

Enjoy a picturesque 3-hour drive southwest through the Irish countryside to Killarney.
EUR0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Laurels Pub

Traditional Irish meals in a lively pub atmosphere, open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Killarney National Park

Hike or bike scenic trails through waterfalls, lakes, and ancient woodlands open dawn to dusk.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Muckross House and Gardens

Tour the Victorian mansion and explore beautiful gardens, open 9am-6pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rozzers Restaurant

Refined dining with a focus on local produce, open until 9:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Dingle Peninsula Adventure

Dingle, Ireland on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Laurels, Killarney

Fuel up with classic Irish breakfast.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Killarney to Dingle

Short 1.5-hour scenic drive to the charming coastal town of Dingle.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Dingle Boat Tour

Take a 1.5-hour boat tour to see marine wildlife including dolphins, open daily with multiple departures.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Out Of The Blue

Fresh seafood served in a cozy fish shop and restaurant, open 12pm-4pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Slea Head Drive

Drive the stunning Slea Head loop for spectacular coastal views and ancient sites.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Chart House

Popular spot offering seafood and Irish favorites, open until 9pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Limerick & Culture

Limerick, Ireland on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Dingle at Bean in Dingle

Enjoy coffee and homemade scones before heading out.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Dingle to Limerick

2-hour drive northeast to Limerick, exploring the city’s rich culture and history.
EUR0, 2h

11:30am

Visit King John's Castle

Explore this 13th-century fortress overlooking the River Shannon, open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR14, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Locke Bar

Enjoy traditional Irish fare with a lively atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Walk along the River Shannon and visit Hunt Museum

View fine and decorative arts in a historic setting, open 10am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The French Table

Treat to gourmet French-Irish fusion cuisine, reservation recommended.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Galway Vibrance

Galway, Ireland on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Locke Bar, Limerick

Start with a hearty breakfast before heading west.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Limerick to Galway

A pleasant 2-hour drive north-west to Galway Bay, a lively artsy city.
EUR0, 2h

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmos

Relax with Irish Mediterranean-inspired dishes near the Spanish Arch, open 12pm-4pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll through Galway City and Shop the Latin Quarter

Explore colorful shops, street performers, and historic sites in this vibrant area.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Galway Cathedral

Admire this impressive early 20th-century cathedral and its stained glass, open until 6pm.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kai Café and Restaurant

Known for farm-to-table dining with locally sourced ingredients, open until 9pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Connemara & Cliffs

Connemara, Ireland on August 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kai Café

Fuel up with fresh and healthy options before a long day trip.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Connemara National Park

An hour drive west to Connemara, known for rugged mountains and bogs.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Hike Diamond Hill Trail

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Connemara and the Atlantic, park open dawn to dusk.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at a nearby café like Connemara Tea Company

Savor local soups and baked goods in a cozy setting.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Cliffs of Moher

A scenic 1.5-hour drive south to one of Ireland's most famous natural landmarks.
EUR8, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience

Walk along the stunning cliffs and enjoy the visitor center exhibitions, open 9am-7pm.
EUR8, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Galway for dinner

Drive back (1.5 hours) and relax with dinner at The Seafood Bar @ Kirwan's Lane known for fresh catches, open till 9pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Relax in Galway

Galway, Ireland on August 12, 2025

9:00am

Brunch at The Dough Bros

Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas and brunch options, open from 9am.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Galway City Museum and Spanish Arch

Learn about local history through interactive exhibits in an 18th-century building, open 10am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Afternoon shopping and walking around Eyre Square

Explore central city shops and street music for a true Galway vibe.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Coffee at Coffeewerk + Press

Artisan coffee in a relaxed, artsy ambiance - perfect for a break.
EUR5, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at McDonagh's for fish and chips

Local favorite for casual dining with fresh seafood, open till late.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 9: Return to Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Galway Market

Grab fresh pastries and coffee from local vendors, open 8am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Galway to Dublin

A comfortable 2.5 hour drive east back to the capital.
EUR0, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Hairy Lemon

Charming pub known for hearty Irish dishes, open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Historic prison with insightful tours about Ireland’s fight for independence, open 10am-5pm.
EUR9, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll in Phoenix Park

One of Europe’s largest city parks, perfect to unwind and possibly spot deer.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Farewell dinner at Chapter One

Dine at Dublin’s Michelin-starred restaurant with exquisite local cuisine, reservation required.
EUR70, 2h
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Day 10: Departure Day

Dublin, Ireland on August 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Westbury

Enjoy your final Irish breakfast with views over Grafton Street.
EUR20, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Dublin Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight, allowing 2 hours for check-in.
EUR0, 1h
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