7-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Ireland’s Hidden Gems

Day 1: Discover Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on June 9, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Bewley's Grafton Street Café

Start your morning with a traditional Irish breakfast including fresh soda bread and specialty coffee at this iconic café open from 8am to 7pm.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Trinity College and The Book of Kells

Explore Ireland's oldest university and marvel at the 9th-century illuminated manuscript, The Book of Kells, open daily from 9:30am to 5pm.
EUR16, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

Enjoy modern Irish cuisine in a historic riverside setting, open from 12pm to 9pm, perfect for a hearty and contemporary lunch.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Tour Dublin Castle

Discover centuries of Irish history and architecture at Dublin Castle, open from 9:45am to 5:45pm, with guided tours available.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore the National Gallery of Ireland

Visit a diverse collection of European and Irish art, open until 6pm, ideal for a peaceful afternoon walk.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Winding Stair

Savour traditional Irish dishes with a focus on local ingredients in this charming restaurant overlooking the River Liffey, open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic Kilkenny

Kilkenny, Ireland on June 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café La Coco

Enjoy artisan coffee and homemade pastries in a cosy setting, open from 8am to 5pm, a perfect start before exploring Kilkenny.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Visit Kilkenny Castle

Tour the beautifully restored medieval castle with extensive gardens, open daily from 9am to 5pm. The castle offers insight into Irish history and architecture.
EUR10, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zuni Restaurant

Relish Irish dishes with a modern twist inside a rustic-chic environment, open from 12pm to 9pm, great for midday refreshments.
EUR28, 1h

1:30pm

Walk the Medieval Mile

Explore the heart of Kilkenny through its medieval lanes and historical sites, including St. Canice’s Cathedral, enjoy this self-guided walking tour anytime.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Rothe House and Garden

Discover this unique Tudor merchant’s townhouse museum, showcasing Kilkenny life in the 17th century, open until 5:30pm.
EUR7, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Rinuccini

End your day with fine Italian dining complemented by Irish produce, open until 10:30pm, ideal for a memorable meal.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Waterford and Viking Heritage

Waterford, Ireland on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Revolution Café

A lively spot serving locally sourced breakfasts and artisan coffee, open from 8am to 5pm, perfect for energising your day.
EUR14, 1h

9:30am

Visit Waterford Treasures – Medieval Museum

Explore Waterford’s Viking and medieval past through engaging exhibitions, open from 10am to 5pm.
EUR11, 1h30m

11:30am

Waterford Crystal Factory Tour

See master craftsmen at work creating world-renowned Waterford Crystal, factory tours run from 10am to 4pm.
EUR14, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bodega Restaurant

Enjoy a casual lunch featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients, open from 12pm to 8pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Stroll along the Viking Triangle

Discover the cultural quarter of Waterford with its museums, galleries, and charming streets. Open year-round and free to explore.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Granary Café & Bakery

Relax with hearty fare in a welcoming space, open until 8pm, ideal for a light dinner before heading onwards.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 4: Charming Kinsale

Kinsale, Ireland on June 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Lemon Leaf Café

Known for its fresh and healthy breakfasts, this quaint café opens at 8am and offers a bright start to your day.
EUR13, 1h

10:00am

Walk Fort Charles

Explore this 17th-century coastal fort built to defend Kinsale Harbour, open from 9am until dusk. Great for panoramic harbour views.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Visit Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine

Learn about Kinsale’s wine trade history in this historic castle, open from 10am to 5pm.
EUR7, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fishy Fishy Café

Renowned for delicious fresh seafood, particularly its lobster dishes, open from 12pm to 9pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Harbour Walk and Art Galleries

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the scenic harbour with stops at local art galleries showcasing regional artists, open up to 6pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Black Pig Wine Bar

Experience a lively atmosphere paired with excellent wine selections and tapas-style dishes, open until 10:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Explore Killarney

Killarney, Ireland on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Shire Café

Enjoy a wholesome Irish breakfast with homemade bread in a cosy atmosphere, open from 8am to 4pm.
EUR14, 1h

9:30am

Visit Killarney National Park

Spend your morning exploring scenic trails, waterfalls, and Muckross House gardens, open daily from dawn to dusk.
Free (Muckross House entry EUR12), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cronin’s Restaurant

A traditional Irish restaurant serving hearty meals, open from 12pm to 10pm, great for after a morning hike.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Boat ride on the Lakes of Killarney

Enjoy a peaceful cruise on the lakes offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, boats operate 10am to 5pm.
EUR18, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Ross Castle

Tour the 15th-century castle at the edge of the lake, open from 10am to 6pm, steeped in local legends.
EUR6, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bricín Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Irish dishes in a lively setting, open until 10pm, ideal to wrap up the day’s outdoor activities.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Dingle Peninsula Day

Dingle, Ireland on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Out of the Blue

Famous for fresh seafood breakfasts and friendly service, open from 8am, a unique start to your day in Dingle.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Drive and Walk Slea Head Loop

Take the stunning Slea Head scenic drive with stops for short walks to ancient forts and breathtaking ocean views, accessible all day.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Chart House

Enjoy fresh seafood with panoramic views of Dingle Harbour, open from 12pm to 9pm.
EUR28, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium

Experience marine life exhibits including native species, open from 10am to 6pm.
EUR14, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Dingle Town

Stroll the colourful streets with shops, pubs, and artisan crafts, a lively atmosphere particularly around the harbour area.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Global Village

Highly rated for its diverse menu and cosy ambiance, open until 10pm, perfect for an evening meal in Dingle.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cork City Highlights

Cork, Ireland on June 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café du Quartier

Charming French-style café serving pastries and coffee, open from 8am to 5pm, a great start in Cork.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Visit English Market

Explore the bustling market offering local produce, cheese, meats, and artisan goods, open 8am to 6pm, ideal for food lovers.
Free, 1h

11:15am

Tour Cork City Gaol

Step back in history with this atmospheric 19th-century prison tour, open from 10am to 5pm.
EUR11, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Market Lane

Enjoy seasonal, locally-sourced dishes in a lively atmosphere, open from 12pm to 9pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit University College Cork and Glucksman Gallery

Stroll the grounds and visit the contemporary art gallery, open from 10am to 5pm, free entry.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the River Lee

Relax on scenic riverside paths, perfect for late afternoon leisure before your trip’s end.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Paradiso

Celebrate your trip with gourmet vegetarian cuisine, renowned for its creativity, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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