9-Day Irish Exploration: Immersive Culture and Nature in Belfast and Beyond

Day 1: Explore Belfast Highlights

Belfast, Northern Ireland

9:00AM

Titanic Belfast Museum

Start your adventure at the world-class Titanic Belfast museum to discover the history of the Titanic and Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage.
£21, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mourne Seafood Bar

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes in one of Belfast’s best-loved restaurants near the Cathedral Quarter.
£25, 1 hour

2:00PM

St. George’s Market

Explore this lively market offering local crafts, food, and live music on weekends to get a real taste of Belfast life.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Crumlin Road Gaol

Visit the historic Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison that now offers fascinating guided tours about Northern Ireland’s political history.
£13, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Howard Street Restaurant

Savor modern Irish cuisine with local ingredients at this contemporary Belfast eatery.
£35, 2 hours

Day 2: Cultural and Political Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland

9:00AM

Black Taxi Political Tour

Experience an engaging guided tour through Belfast’s political murals, learning about the city's complex history and peace process.
£25, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Ulster Museum

Explore Northern Ireland’s premier museum with exhibitions on art, history, and natural sciences in a spacious setting.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Coppi

Dine at Coppi for Mediterranean-inspired dishes emphasizing local Irish produce in a rustic-chic setting.
£30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Botanic Gardens and Palm House

Relax and stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens and visit the stunning Victorian Palm House greenhouse.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Deanes EIPIC

Treat yourself to Michelin-starred dishes crafted with precision and seasonal Northern Irish ingredients.
£60, 2 hours

Day 3: Nature and History Near Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland

8:00AM

Day trip to Giant’s Causeway

Drive or take a guided tour (approx. 1.5 hours) to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Giant’s Causeway, known for its unique basalt columns formed by volcanic activity.
Guided tours approx. £40; Car parking £6, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Nook, Bushmills

Stop in nearby Bushmills for lunch at The Nook, offering cozy, hearty local dishes with a welcoming ambiance.
£20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Visit the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge nearby for thrilling views and a taste of coastal adventure.
£9, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Belfast and Dinner at Ox

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring innovative Irish cuisine focused on local and seasonal ingredients at Ox restaurant.
£40, 2 hours

Day 4: Medieval Kilkenny

Kilkenny, Ireland

8:30AM

Travel Belfast to Kilkenny

Drive approximately 3.5 hours or take train options with transfers to Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval city full of charm.
Fuel approx £35; Train approx £40, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Visit Kilkenny Castle

Tour the historic Kilkenny Castle and stroll its beautiful grounds and gardens.
€9, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Kyteler's Inn

Enjoy traditional Irish fare in one of Kilkenny’s oldest pubs with medieval ambiance.
€25, 1 hour

3:30PM

St. Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower

Visit the iconic cathedral and climb the Round Tower for panoramic views of the city.
€5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Rinuccini

Dine on creative Mediterranean dishes with Irish influences in an intimate setting.
€40, 2 hours

Day 5: Killarney Lakes & Park

Killarney, Ireland

8:00AM

Drive to Killarney

Depart Kilkenny for Killarney by rental car, approximately 3 hours through scenic countryside.
Fuel approx €25, 3 hours

11:00AM

Explore Killarney National Park

Spend the day exploring lakes, woodlands, and Muckross House within Ireland’s first National Park.
Muckross House entry €9, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at The Laurels Pub

Enjoy traditional Irish dishes with local flavor in a friendly pub environment.
€20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Jaunting Car Ride

Take a classic horse-drawn carriage ride through park trails for a memorable local experience.
€15, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Rozzers Restaurant

Dine on fine local game and seafood in a charming atmosphere.
€45, 2 hours

Day 6: Ring of Kerry Adventure

Killarney, Ireland

8:30AM

Drive the Ring of Kerry

Embark on the scenic Ring of Kerry drive, uncovering coastal views, mountains, and quaint villages.
Car rental cost included previously, 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Kenmare

Stop for a delicious lunch at Packie’s Restaurant with excellent local ingredients.
€25, 1 hour

7:00PM

Return & Dinner at Bricin

End the day with Irish and international fusion cuisine in a warm, local spot.
€40, 2 hours

Day 7: Cliffs of Moher & Galway

Galway, Ireland

7:30AM

Drive to Cliffs of Moher

Early departure to the iconic Cliffs of Moher to enjoy stunning sea views and natural beauty.
Parking £6, Entrance Free, 3 hours

11:00AM

Walk the Cliffs Trail

Explore trails along the cliffs for breathtaking scenery and photo opportunities.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Roadford Restaurant

Relax with local seafood specialties after your walk.
€25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive to Galway

Travel approx. 1.5 hours to lively Galway city on Ireland’s west coast.
Fuel approx €10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Galway

Visit the Latin Quarter, Eyre Square, and enjoy street performances.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ard Bia

Enjoy creative, locally sourced Irish cuisine in a quaint riverside setting.
€40, 2 hours

Day 8: Connemara Wilderness

Connemara National Park, Ireland

8:30AM

Drive to Connemara National Park

A scenic 1-hour drive from Galway takes you to rugged Connemara with remarkable mountain and bog landscapes.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking in Connemara

Choose from several trails showcasing stunning views of the Twelve Bens mountain range.
Free, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Village Restaurant, Letterfrack

Refuel with homemade Irish classics in this warm, friendly village setting.
€20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Kylemore Abbey

Explore the historic Benedictine abbey and its Victorian gardens surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
€15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Galway & Dinner at Kai Café

Savor seasonal dishes with a farm-to-table focus on your last night in Galway.
€50, 2 hours

Day 9: Return to Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

8:00AM

Travel Galway to Dublin

Return by train (approx. 2.5 hours) or car (approx. 2.5 hours) back to Dublin for your final day.
Train approx €25; Fuel approx €30, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Brother Hubbard

Enjoy fresh and vibrant dishes at this popular café in Dublin’s north side.
€20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Experience contemporary art in a striking historic building for a relaxed cultural afternoon.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Grafton Street Shopping

Pick up last-minute souvenirs and enjoy street performances on Dublin’s most famous shopping street.
Varies, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Church Café Bar & Restaurant

Celebrate your Irish adventure with dinner inside a beautifully restored 18th-century church.
€45, 2 hours