10-Day East and South Ireland Exploration: Dublin, Wicklow, Waterford & Cork Journey

Day 1: Arrival & Dublin Highlights

Dublin, Ireland on August 5, 2025

10:00am

Arrive at Dublin Airport

Transfer to The Shelbourne Hotel, located centrally near St. Stephen’s Green, perfect for your Dublin stay.
EUR0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

Enjoy a modern Irish lunch with views of the River Liffey, open 12pm-10pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Trinity College and Book of Kells

Explore historic Trinity College to see the illuminated manuscript, open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR16, 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll Grafton Street & St. Stephen’s Green

Explore the lively shopping street and relax in the beautiful park nearby, open until dusk.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Discover Irish history at this iconic former prison, open 10am-5pm.
EUR9, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Vintage Kitchen

Enjoy elegant Irish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, open until 9:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough

County Wicklow, Ireland on August 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts, Dublin

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and coffee, open 9am-6pm.
EUR12, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Dublin to Glendalough

A scenic 1-hour drive southeast to the monastic site in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
EUR0, 1h

9:30am

Explore Glendalough Monastic Site

Visit ancient ruins and enjoy lakeside walks surrounded by stunning nature, site open dawn to dusk.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Hiking in Wicklow Mountains National Park

Take a moderate hike on trails like the Spinc for panoramic views of the mountains and lakes.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Wicklow Heather Restaurant

Enjoy fresh regional dishes and warm hospitality in Laragh, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Drive back to Dublin

Return to your hotel in Dublin to relax and refresh.
EUR0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fallon & Byrne

Indulge in creative Irish dishes made with local ingredients, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Kilkenny’s Medieval Charm

Kilkenny, Ireland on August 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Woollen Mills, Dublin

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of Irish favorites.
EUR12, 1h

8:30am

Drive Dublin to Kilkenny

A 1.5-hour scenic drive south to Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval city.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Kilkenny Castle

Tour the restored castle and beautiful parklands, open 9am-5pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zuni Restaurant

Savor creative Irish cuisine in a historic setting, open 12pm-9pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Medieval Mile Museum & Smithwick’s Experience

Delve into Kilkenny’s medieval history and enjoy a brewery tour, museums open 10am-5pm.
EUR20, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in at Pembroke Kilkenny Hotel

Relax at your comfortable hotel close to the city's attractions.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Rinuccini

Enjoy Italian-influenced dining in Kilkenny, open until 9:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Waterford and Ancient Coastline

Waterford, Ireland on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the drive south.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Drive Kilkenny to Waterford

A 1-hour drive to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city.
EUR0, 1h

10:00am

Visit Waterford Crystal Factory

Take a guided tour to see exquisite crystal craftsmanship, open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR12, 1h

11:30am

Walk the Viking Triangle

Explore medieval streets filled with history, shops, and museums.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Momo Restaurant & Wine Bar

Enjoy modern Irish dishes with locally sourced ingredients.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Tramore Beach

Relax at the beautiful sandy beach 15-minutes from Waterford.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Head to Cork

Drive for about 1.5 hours to Cork city, your next base.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Check-in at Hayfield Manor, Cork

Settle at this elegant hotel offering luxury and comfort.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Market Lane

Experience contemporary Irish flavors with a warm atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cork & Blarney Castle

Cork, Ireland on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Liberty St. Café, Cork

Charming café offering excellent coffee and fresh pastries.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Blarney Castle

Explore this iconic castle and kiss the Blarney Stone, open 9am-6pm.
EUR18, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The English Market, Cork

Enjoy diverse local and international food from historic market vendors.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Walk around Cork City

Visit Shandon Bells, Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral and enjoy lively streets.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Fitzgerald Park

Beautiful park along the River Lee ideal for a peaceful walk.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Paradiso

Upscale vegetarian restaurant with exquisite Irish produce, open until 9pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cobh and Historic Coast

Cobh, Ireland on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your day trip.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Drive Cork to Cobh

Short 30-minute drive to the scenic harbor town, once the Titanic’s last stop.
EUR0, 30m

9:45am

Visit Titanic Experience Cobh

Interactive museum dedicated to Cobh’s Titanic link and local history, open 10am-5pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore St. Colman’s Cathedral

Visit the impressive cathedral dominating the town’s skyline.
Free, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Quay Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with water views, open for lunch 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Walk waterfront and Spike Island (optional)

Take a ferry to this historic island fortress for a 1.5-hour tour; ferry runs 11am-4pm.
EUR25, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Cork and relax

Drive back and enjoy downtime at your hotel.
EUR0, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Cornstore

Laid-back restaurant known for great steaks and seafood.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cahir Castle & Rock of Cashel

County Tipperary, Ireland on August 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a scenic day exploring south-east Ireland.
EUR12, 1h

8:30am

Drive Cork to Cahir Castle

Approximately 1-hour drive northeast to one of Ireland’s largest castles.
EUR0, 1h

9:45am

Tour Cahir Castle

Explore the well-preserved medieval fortress and grounds, open 9am-5pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

11:30am

Drive to Rock of Cashel

Short 30-minute scenic drive to the historic site and spectacular ruins.
EUR0, 30m

12:00pm

Visit Rock of Cashel

Explore the iconic medieval fortress and cathedral, open 9am-7pm.
EUR10, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Cashel Palace Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy upscale dining in a grand former hotel setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:30pm

Drive back to Dublin

Enjoy approximately 2.5-hour drive north to your Dublin hotel.
EUR0, 2h30m

6:30pm

Check-in at The Shelbourne Hotel

Rest up and prepare for your final full day in Dublin.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Greenhouse

Michelin-starred restaurant offering elegant modern Irish cuisine.
EUR75, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Explore Dublin’s Cultural Gems

Dublin, Ireland on August 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Shelbourne

Delight in a classic Irish breakfast at your hotel.
EUR20, 1h

10:00am

Visit National Gallery of Ireland

Explore Ireland’s premier art collection, open 9:15am-5:30pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Brother Hubbard

Enjoy Middle Eastern influenced dishes in a trendy café, open 9am-5pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Tour Guinness Storehouse

Experience Ireland’s iconic stout brewery and enjoy panoramic city views, open 9:30am-7pm.
EUR26, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along the River Liffey and visit Ha’penny Bridge

Iconic pedestrian bridge and riverside stroll near Temple Bar area.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fade Street Social

Vibrant spot offering modern Irish tapas, open till 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Day Trip to Howth

Howth, Ireland on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Woollen Mills

Enjoy freshly baked goods before your coastal excursion.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Train from Dublin to Howth

19-minute scenic train ride to charming seaside village.
EUR6, 30m

9:30am

Walk the Howth Cliff Path Loop

Take in beautiful views of the Irish Sea and Dublin Bay, ideal for nature lovers, open dawn to dusk.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Oar House Fish Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with waterfront views, open 12pm-9pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Howth Castle and Pirate Adventure Park

Family-friendly garden and historical site, open for visits in afternoon hours.
EUR8, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return train to Dublin

Travel back and enjoy your last evening in the city.
EUR6, 30m

7:30pm

Farewell dinner at Chapter One

Dublin’s Michelin starred restaurant offering superb Irish cuisine, reservation recommended.
EUR75, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure Day

Dublin, Ireland on August 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final Irish breakfast at The Shelbourne.
EUR20, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Dublin Airport

Allow two hours for check-in and departure for your flight.
EUR0, 1h
View Hotel Availability