How many days do you need in Ireland?

This itinerary covers 9 days in Ireland, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Ireland?

Plan your perfect 9 days trip to Ireland. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

10-Day Ultimate Ireland Itinerary: Dublin, Galway, and Scenic Day Trips

Day 1: Dublin Arrival & Explore

Dublin, Ireland on August 20, 2025

6:30am

Arrival at Dublin Airport

Arrive early morning and transfer to your accommodation at the Beresford Hotel, centrally located and ideal for exploring Dublin.

EUR0, 1h

8:00am

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts

Start your day with traditional Irish breakfast and homemade pastries at this popular cozy cafe open from 8am.

EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Trinity College and the Book of Kells Tour

Take the scheduled guided tour of Trinity College’s historic campus and view the famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells. Opens at 9:30am.

EUR16, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

Enjoy modern Irish cuisine in a charming historic setting along the River Liffey; open from 11:30am.

EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Day Trip to Howth Village

Take a short 30-minute train ride from Dublin to the seaside fishing village of Howth. Enjoy scenic cliff walks, local seafood, and beautiful harbor views.

EUR10, 4h

5:30pm

Return to Dublin

Head back to the city to relax and refresh at your hotel.

EUR0, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Church Café Bar & Restaurant

Unique dining experience in a renovated church offering Irish dishes and live music. Open until 11pm.

EUR30, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Dublin

Day 2: Dublin City Tour

Dublin, Ireland on August 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brother Hubbard

Enjoy specialty coffees and fresh breakfast options at this trendy café open from 8am.

EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Discover the history and brewing process of Ireland’s iconic beer at the Guinness Storehouse. Opens at 9:30am.

EUR26, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Brazen Head

The oldest pub in Ireland offering classic Irish dishes in a historic atmosphere. Open from 11:30am.

EUR22, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kilmainham Gaol

Explore this former prison now a museum offering deep insight into Irish history. Guided tours available, opening at 9:30am.

EUR9, 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll through Phoenix Park

Relax and walk through one of Europe’s largest urban parks, including a potential visit to Dublin Zoo. Open 9am to 6pm.

EUR0 – Entry, EUR20 for zoo, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Fade Street Social

Try contemporary Irish dishes and vibrant cocktails in a stylish setting. Open until 11pm.

EUR35, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Dublin

Day 3: Dublin & Departure to Dublin Night

Dublin, Ireland on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Two Pups Coffee

Enjoy excellent coffee and light breakfast options in this hip coffee shop from 8am.

EUR12, 1h

9:30am

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology

Explore Ireland's rich archaeological heritage including gold artifacts and Viking exhibits; opens at 9:30am.

EUR0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Viking Restaurant

Dine on hearty Irish fare at this quaint pub known for seafood and traditional dishes. Open from 11:30am.

EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Day Trip to Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains

Join an afternoon bus tour to visit the scenic Wicklow Mountains and the monastic ruins of Glendalough, a nature and history highlight just under 2 hours from Dublin.

EUR50, 4h

6:00pm

Return to Dublin

Relax at your hotel or city center.

EUR0, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chapter One

Experience Michelin-starred fine dining serving modern Irish cuisine; reservations recommended. Open until 10pm.

EUR75, 2h

Find Hotels in Dublin

Day 4: Dublin Culture & Night

Dublin, Ireland on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hatch & Sons

Traditional Irish breakfast with a modern twist in a cozy atmosphere near Trinity College; opens at 8am.

EUR18, 1h

10:00am

Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty Library

Tour the historic Dublin Castle grounds followed by a visit to the Chester Beatty Library with its rare manuscripts and art. Castle open at 9:45am.

EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Winding Stair

Enjoy Irish comfort food overlooking the River Liffey in one of Dublin’s most charming restaurants; opens at 12pm.

EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping and Leisure on Grafton Street

Explore Dublin’s premier shopping street for souvenirs, street performers, and local crafts.

EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Pub Crawl in Temple Bar

Experience Dublin nightlife with a guided or self-led pub crawl in the iconic Temple Bar district. Pubs usually open from early afternoon till late.

EUR0, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner at Gallagher’s Boxty House

Specializing in traditional boxty (Irish potato pancakes) and hearty fare in lively settings; open till 10pm.

EUR25, 1h

Find Hotels in Dublin

Day 5: Travel Dublin to Galway

Galway, Ireland on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Fumbally

Healthy and flavorful breakfast options before your travel; open from 8am.

EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Depart Dublin to Galway by Train or Bus

Travel about 2.5-3 hours west to the vibrant city of Galway, known for its arts and coastal charm.

EUR25, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmo’s

Enjoy locally sourced organic dishes in a cozy café near the Spanish Arch; open from noon.

EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Walking tour of Galway City

Explore the Latin Quarter, colorful streets, and Galway Cathedral to get acquainted with this lively city.

EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at your Galway accommodation

Rest and prepare for the next day's long ferry tour.

EUR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at McDonagh’s Seafood House

Famous for fresh fish and chips, a perfect introduction to Galway’s seafood culture; open till 10:30pm.

EUR22, 1h

Find Hotels in Galway

Day 6: Galway Ferry Tour

Galway, Ireland on August 25, 2025

7:30am

Light Breakfast at Kokoro Galway

Grab a quick healthy breakfast and coffee before your early ferry departure; opens at 7am.

EUR12, 30m

9:00am

Aran Islands Ferry Tour

Embark on your scheduled 10-hour ferry tour exploring the scenic Aran Islands, known for rugged landscapes, traditional Irish culture, and stunning vistas.

Included, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner at An Púcán

After returning, enjoy hearty Irish-cooked meals and live music at this popular pub; open until late.

EUR25, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Galway

Day 7: Explore Connemara

Galway, Ireland on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cava Bodega

Enjoy artisanal coffee and fresh breakfast dishes; open at 8am.

EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Day Trip to Connemara National Park

Explore hiking trails, mountains, and stunning scenery in the wild Connemara region about a 1-hour drive from Galway.

EUR8, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Kylemore Abbey Café

Light lunch within the picturesque Kylemore Abbey estate, open till 4pm.

EUR20, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Tour the historic abbey and beautiful gardens, open until 6pm.

EUR15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Galway

Travel back to the city to relax.

EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Oscar’s Seafood Bistro

Enjoy fresh Galway Bay seafood in a contemporary setting; open till 10pm.

EUR30, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Galway

Day 8: Galway and Surroundings

Galway, Ireland on August 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Galleon Restaurant

Irish breakfast in a cozy setting popular with locals; opens at 8am.

EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Salthill Promenade and Leisureland

Walk along the scenic beachfront promenade and enjoy casual seaside attractions like Leisureland; open all day.

EUR0 – free walk, EUR12 for pools, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Aniar Restaurant

Indulge in Michelin-starred dining focusing on local, seasonal Irish ingredients; reservations recommended. Open from 12pm.

EUR70, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Galway City Museum

Learn more about Galway’s history and heritage; open 10am to 5pm.

EUR0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Free Time for Shopping & Cafés

Enjoy casual shopping in the Latin Quarter or relaxing in local cafés.

EUR0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ard Rí Restaurant

Contemporary Irish dining with a warm ambiance; open until 9:30pm.

EUR30, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Galway

Day 9: Return to Dublin & Departure

Dublin, Ireland on August 28, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Quinn’s Bakery Galway

Grab pastries and coffee early before departure; opens at 6am.

EUR10, 30m

7:00am

Travel from Galway to Dublin

Take the early train or bus to Dublin to allow ample time before your flight.

EUR25, 3h

10:30am

Arrival and Transfer to Dublin Airport

Head directly to Dublin Airport for check-in and security for your 11:45am flight departure.

EUR0, 1h15m

11:45am

Flight Departs from Dublin

Depart Ireland with wonderful memories.

EUR0

Find Hotels in Dublin

Step 1 Outline Preview:

10-Day Ultimate Ireland Itinerary: Dublin, Galway, and Scenic Day Trips

Day 1: Dublin Arrival & Explore

6:30am

8:00am

10:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

5:30pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Dublin City Tour

8:30am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

Day 3: Dublin & Departure to Dublin Night

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

6:00pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Dublin Culture & Night

8:30am

10:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

8:30pm

Day 5: Travel Dublin to Galway

7:30am

9:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 6: Galway Ferry Tour

7:30am

9:00am

7:00pm

Day 7: Explore Connemara

8:00am

9:00am

2:30pm

4:00pm

6:00pm

7:30pm

Day 8: Galway and Surroundings

8:30am

9:30am

12:00pm

2:00pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

Day 9: Return to Dublin & Departure

6:30am

7:00am

10:30am

11:45am

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