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 Ireland Adventure: Dublin, Day Trips, Galway Ferry & Countryside

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.

0EUR, 1h

8:00am

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts

Start your day at this delightful cafe with fresh pastries and classic Irish breakfast options. Open 8am-6pm.

EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Trinity College Tour and Book of Kells

Tour one of Ireland’s most historic universities and see the exquisite illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells.

EUR20, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

Modern Irish cuisine in a relaxed setting by the Ha'penny Bridge. Open from 11:30am.

EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Dublin Castle

Explore historic Palace and State Apartments, open 9:45am-5:45pm.

EUR12, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk along River Liffey & Temple Bar

Explore the vibrant neighborhood with galleries and shops.

0EUR, 1h

5:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Return to Beresford Hotel to relax before dinner.

0EUR, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Woollen Mills

Enjoy locally sourced dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

EUR30, 1h30m

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Day 2: Day Trip Outside Dublin

Near Dublin, Ireland on August 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for the day trip.

Included, 30m

8:30am

Day Trip to Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough

Explore Ireland’s ‘Garden of Ireland’ with scenic mountains, lakes, and the monastic ruins at Glendalough. Full-day tours depart early morning and return late afternoon.

EUR65, 8h

5:00pm

Return to Dublin

Arrive back at the hotel to rest after a day of nature and history.

Included in tour, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Church Cafe Bar & Restaurant

Dine in a beautifully restored church with authentic Irish dishes. Open 5pm onwards.

EUR30, 1h30m

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Day 3: Iconic Dublin Day

Dublin, Ireland on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Keogh's Cafe

Enjoy fresh produce and baked goods at this charming cafe. Open 7:30am onwards.

EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kilmainham Gaol

Tour this important site in Irish history, open 9:30am-5pm. Book tickets online in advance.

EUR9, 1h30m

11:30am

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Experience Ireland’s famous brewery, ending with panoramic views and a pint at the Gravity Bar. Open 9am-7pm.

EUR25, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Church Cafe Bar & Restaurant

Relax with Irish comfort food in an atmospheric setting. Open from 12pm.

EUR25, 1h

2:45pm

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology

Explore Celtic treasures and Irish artifacts. Open 10am-5pm.

Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

St. Stephen’s Green Park Stroll

Enjoy a peaceful walk in this beautiful city park.

Free, 1h

6:00pm

Return to hotel

Rest and prepare for dinner.

0EUR, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Pig’s Ear

Indulge in modern Irish cuisine crafted from local ingredients. Open from 5pm.

EUR35, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Dublin

Day 4: Culture & Literature

Dublin, Ireland on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hatch & Sons

Classic Irish breakfast in a cozy cafe. Open 8am-5pm.

EUR15, 1h

9:30am

National Gallery of Ireland

Explore Irish and European art with free admission. Opens at 10am, arrive around opening.

Free, 1h30m

11:30am

James Joyce Centre

Delve into the life and works of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Open 10am-5pm.

EUR8, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gallagher's Boxty House

Enjoy traditional Irish potato pancakes in charming setting. Open 12pm-10pm.

EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Walking tour visiting historic pubs tied to authors like Joyce and Yeats. Tours typically start in early afternoon. EUR18.

EUR18, 2h

4:30pm

Shopping on Grafton Street

Browse boutiques and enjoy street performances.

Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to hotel

Prepare for dinner.

0EUR, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fade Street Social

Contemporary Irish eats in trendy ambiance. Reservations recommended.

EUR40, 1h30m

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Day 5: Travel to Galway

Dublin to Galway, Ireland on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a full breakfast before departure.

Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel Dublin to Galway

Take a direct bus or train (approx 2.5-3 hours).

EUR25, 3h

1:00pm

Check in & Lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmos

Settle into your Galway hotel then enjoy lunch near the Spanish Arch offering organic Irish dishes. Open 12pm-9pm.

EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Galway City Center

Walk through the vibrant Latin Quarter and local shops.

Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Oscar's Seafood Bistro

Savor freshly caught seafood in a relaxed bistro. Open 5pm-10pm.

EUR35, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Dublin to Galway

Day 6: 10-hour Ferry Tour

Galway, Ireland on August 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast before your long ferry tour.

EUR10, 30m

9:00am

10-hour Ferry Tour

Full day ferry cruise exploring Galway Bay, Aran Islands, and surrounding scenic coastlines. Bring sun protection and snacks. Tour returns late afternoon/early evening.

EUR90, 10h

7:30pm

Dinner at An Púcán

Relax with traditional Irish dishes and live music after a long day. Open late.

EUR25, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Galway

Day 7: Connemara Day Trip

Galway, Ireland on August 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a savory breakfast to prepare for the day.

Included, 30m

8:00am

Guided Full-Day Connemara Tour

Discover lakes, mountains, and quaint towns like Clifden with stunning scenery. Includes stops and guided hikes. Duration approx 8 hours.

EUR60, 8h

4:30pm

Return to Galway

Relax after your active day in the scenic countryside.

Included in tour, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kai Restaurant

A small, award-winning restaurant specializing in seasonal, organic Irish cuisine. Reservations strongly advised.

EUR40, 1h30m

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Day 8: Galway Area & Travel to Dublin

Galway to Dublin, Ireland on August 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Town Hall Cafe

Relax with creative breakfast dishes before your last day in Galway. Open 8am-4pm.

EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Galway City Museum

Learn about local history and culture by the Spanish Arch. Open 10am-5pm.

Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore Eyre Square & Shop

Last chance to enjoy local shops and the central square of Galway.

Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmos

Enjoy a farewell lunch beside the River Corrib with Irish flavors.

EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Travel back to Dublin

Take late afternoon bus or train back to Dublin (approx 3 hours).

EUR25, 3h

5:30pm

Check in at Dublin Hotel

Get settled in your Dublin hotel for your last night.

N/A, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Winding Stair

Enjoy your last dinner with great Irish fare and Liffey views in a cozy setting.

EUR35, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Galway to Dublin

Day 9: Departure Day

Dublin, Ireland on August 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before heading to the airport.

Included, 30m

8:00am

Transport to Dublin Airport

Allow ample time for check-in and security.

EUR15, 45m

10:30am

Flight Departure

Conclude your memorable Irish vacation with your outbound flight.

N/A, N/A

Find Hotels in Dublin

Step 1 Outline Preview:

10-Day Ireland Adventure: Dublin, Day Trips, Galway Ferry & Countryside

Day 1: Dublin Highlights

6:30am

8:00am

10:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:30pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Day Trip Outside Dublin

7:30am

8:30am

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Iconic Dublin Day

8:00am

9:30am

11:30am

1:30pm

2:45pm

4:30pm

6:00pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Culture & Literature

8:30am

9:30am

11:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:30pm

6:00pm

7:30pm

Day 5: Travel to Galway

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

6:00pm

Day 6: 10-hour Ferry Tour

7:00am

9:00am

7:30pm

Day 7: Connemara Day Trip

7:30am

8:00am

4:30pm

7:00pm

Day 8: Galway Area & Travel to Dublin

8:00am

9:30am

11:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:30pm

7:00pm

Day 9: Departure Day

7:00am

8:00am

10:30am

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