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10-Day Ultimate Ireland Itinerary: Dublin to Galway and Back

Viewed by 106 travelers

Day 1: Dublin Highlights

Dublin, Ireland on August 20, 2025

6:30am

Arrival at Dublin Airport

Arrive early morning and transfer to Beresford Hotel to check in and drop off luggage for a fresh start to your day.
0EUR, 1h

8:00am

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts

Enjoy a charming breakfast in one of Dublin's best-loved cafes famous for their fresh pastries and hearty Irish breakfasts. Open 8am-6pm.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Trinity College Tour and Book of Kells

Tour the historic Trinity College campus and see the famous Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating back to 800 AD. The visitor center opens at 9am.
EUR20, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

A great spot near the Ha'penny Bridge serving modern Irish dishes with fresh, local ingredients. Open from 11:30am.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Dublin Castle

Explore the historic Dublin Castle complex and its State Apartments, learning about the city's past. Castle opens 9:45am to 5:45pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll along the River Liffey & Temple Bar Area

Walk along the scenic River Liffey and explore the vibrant Temple Bar district filled with shops, art galleries, and street performers.
0EUR, 1h

5:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Return to Beresford Hotel to rest and freshen up for dinner.
0EUR, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Woollen Mills

Enjoy a relaxed dinner offering traditional Irish cuisine with a modern twist in a warm environment. Reservations recommended.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Keogh's Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast focusing on fresh produce and homemade baked goods. Open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Take the iconic Guinness Storehouse tour to learn about Ireland’s most famous beer and enjoy panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar. Opens 9am.
EUR25, 2h

11:30am

Visit Kilmainham Gaol

Explore this historic former prison with guided tours detailing Ireland’s struggle for independence. Open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR9, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Church Cafe Bar & Restaurant

Have lunch in this unique setting of a restored church providing hearty Irish dishes and great atmosphere. Open from 12pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology

Visit this well-curated museum showcasing Ireland’s rich archaeological heritage including Celtic treasures. Open 10am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at St. Stephen’s Green

Enjoy a peaceful walk or a rest in this beautiful central park with lovely gardens and a lake. Open all day.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Return to hotel

Rest before evening activities.
0EUR, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Pig’s Ear

Dine on tasty modern Irish cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Open from 5pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Dublin Museums & Literary Walk

Dublin, Ireland on August 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hatch & Sons

Enjoy a cozy breakfast spot known for Irish specialties and great coffee. Open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

National Gallery of Ireland

Discover a wide collection of European and Irish art in a beautiful classical building. Open 10am-5:30pm, arrive a little later for opening.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

James Joyce Centre

Explore Ireland’s literary heritage focusing on James Joyce’s life and work. Opens 10am-5pm.
EUR8, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gallagher's Boxty House

Taste traditional Irish boxty pancakes filled with a variety of delicious options in the historic Temple Bar area. Open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Walking tour - Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Join a guided walking tour that visits historic pubs and celebrates Dublin’s literary greats. Tours run multiple times daily, check schedule.
EUR18, 2h

4:30pm

Free time for shopping or explore Grafton Street

Explore Dublin’s premier shopping street lined with boutiques, street performers, and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Return to hotel

Rest and freshen up.
0EUR, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Fade Street Social

Enjoy a contemporary twist on Irish cuisine in a lively and stylish setting. Open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Last Day Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Two Pups Coffee

Grab excellent coffee and tasty light breakfast options in a trendy cafe. Open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Interactive museum exploring the history of Irish emigration and global diaspora. Open 10am-5:45pm, arrive close to opening time.
EUR16, 1h30m

11:30am

Chester Beatty Library

Explore an extraordinary collection of manuscripts, prints, and art from around the world. Open 10am-5pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Bank on College Green

Enjoy classic Irish dishes in a grand old bank building turned restaurant. Open from 12pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Visit the largest cathedral in Ireland with stunning gothic architecture and rich history. Open 9:30am to 5:30pm.
EUR8, 1h

3:30pm

Relax in Merrion Square Park

Take a leisure walk or rest in this scenic Georgian garden park with statues and flowerbeds.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and pack

Prepare for travel next day to Galway.
0EUR, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chapter One

Indulge in gourmet Irish fine dining awarded with a Michelin star, reservations essential. Open from 6pm.
EUR80, 2h
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Day 5: Travel to Galway

Dublin to Galway, Ireland on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Beresford Hotel before check-out.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel by bus/train to Galway

Take a direct bus or train from Dublin to Galway; travel time approx 2.5-3 hours.
EUR25, 3h

1:00pm

Check in at Galway hotel

Settle into your accommodation in Galway and get ready to explore.
N/A, 30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmos

Dine at this popular spot near the Spanish Arch serving organic and Irish dishes. Open 12pm-9pm.
EUR25, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Galway City Center

Walk the lively streets, see the Latin Quarter, shop local crafts, and absorb Galway’s bohemian atmosphere.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Oscar's Seafood Bistro

Savor fresh seafood dishes at one of Galway’s best-loved restaurants. Open from 5pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Galway Ferry Tour

Galway, Ireland on August 25, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Grab a quick breakfast before your morning ferry tour.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Ferry Tour

Enjoy a scenic ferry tour departing from Galway, exploring the bay and islands. Duration approx 3 hours.
EUR40, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Seafood Bar @ Kirwan’s Lane

Post-tour enjoy fresh oysters and local seafood specialties at this charming spot. Open 12pm-9pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Galway Cathedral & Claddagh

Tour the striking Galway Cathedral and walk the historic Claddagh area.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at Salthill Promenade

Take a stroll or enjoy a coffee with ocean views along Galway’s popular seaside promenade.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to hotel and rest

Rest after the busy day and prepare for evening plans.
0EUR, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at An Púcán

Relax with traditional Irish music and hearty Irish dishes in a lively pub atmosphere. Open until late.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Explore Connemara Day Trip

Galway, Ireland on August 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before the Connemara day trip.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Day trip to Connemara National Park

Explore stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the picturesque village of Clifden. Organized tours or rental car recommended.
EUR50 (tour), 8h

4:00pm

Return to Galway

Travel back to Galway, rest after a long day.
Included in tour, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kai Restaurant

Dine in a small, award-winning restaurant focusing on seasonal, organic food. Reservations advised. Open 5:30pm to 9pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Leisure in Galway & Return

Galway to Dublin, Ireland on August 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Town Hall Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with creative menu options. Open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Galway City Museum

Discover Galway’s history and culture at this engaging museum near the Spanish Arch. Open 10am - 5pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Cathedral and Eyre Square stroll

Enjoy a last walk around Galway’s iconic spots before departure.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmos

Have a farewell lunch enjoying local flavors by the river.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Travel back to Dublin

Return by bus or train to Dublin for your last night. Travel time approx 2.5-3 hours.
EUR25, 3h

5:30pm

Check in at Dublin Hotel

Check in, freshen up and relax.
N/A, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Winding Stair

Enjoy your final night dinner with stunning views over the Liffey in a cozy, literary-themed restaurant.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Departure Day

Dublin, Ireland on August 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before heading to airport.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Transport to Dublin Airport

Leave hotel to allow sufficient time for international flight procedures.
EUR15, 45m

10:30am

Flight Departure

Fly out of Dublin Airport concluding your memorable trip.
N/A, N/A
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