4 Days Exploring Edinburgh with a Scenic Day Trip plus 2 Days in Dublin Including a Howth Excursion

Day 1: Edinburgh Historic Highlights

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The City Cafe

Enjoy a classic Scottish breakfast at this charming 1950s-style diner, open from 8:00 AM. Try their haggis and tatties for an authentic start to your day.
GBP12, 1h

9:45am

Edinburgh Castle

Explore this iconic fortress with panoramic city views. Open 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, it offers deep insights into Scotland’s history.
GBP19.50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Oink

Savor a delicious pulled pork sandwich from this famous local eatery, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Open 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
GBP8, 1h

1:30pm

Royal Mile Walk

Stroll along the historic Royal Mile, exploring unique shops, street performers, and historic landmarks.
Free, 1h30m

3:15pm

Holyrood Palace

Visit the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, open 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Experience royal chambers and beautiful gardens.
GBP17, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Enjoy a gourmet Scottish dinner in a lavish historic setting near the castle. Reservations recommended.
GBP60, 2h
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Day 2: Day Trip to Stirling

Stirling, Scotland on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Loudons Cafe

Start with great coffee and freshly baked goods; open from 7:30 AM. A popular spot for locals.
GBP10, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Stirling by Train

Catch a direct train from Edinburgh Waverley to Stirling (approx 50 min).
GBP10 (return), 1h

10:00am

Stirling Castle

Tour one of Scotland’s grandest castles, with spectacular views and rich history. Open 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
GBP18, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Smithy

Enjoy traditional Scottish fare in a cozy pub near the castle, open 12:00 PM onwards.
GBP15, 1h

2:00pm

Wallace Monument

Drive or take a short bus ride to the monument honoring William Wallace; climb for striking views. Open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
GBP10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Edinburgh

Leisurely train back to Edinburgh after your historical day trip.
Included, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Henderson’s Vegan

Try creative vegan dishes at this well-loved restaurant, open until 9:00 PM.
GBP20, 1h30m
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Day 3: Art and Nature

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Urban Angel

Enjoy artisanal coffee and fresh pastries in a trendy spot open from 8:00 AM.
GBP12, 1h

9:45am

Scottish National Gallery

Explore Scotland’s fine art collection from Renaissance to modern art. Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Elephant House

Known as the birthplace of Harry Potter, enjoy hearty meals here. Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
GBP15, 1h

1:30pm

Arthur’s Seat Hike

Take a moderate 2-hour hike up Edinburgh’s iconic hill for amazing city views.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Princes Street Gardens

Stroll through these beautiful gardens located below Edinburgh Castle, ideal for unwinding.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom Edinburgh

Savor inventive Indian cuisine in a stylish setting, open until 10:30 PM.
GBP30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Literary and Local Flavors

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brew Lab

Grab specialty coffee and light breakfast, opening at 8:00 AM.
GBP10, 1h

9:30am

Museum of Edinburgh

Discover Edinburgh’s history with engaging exhibits, open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

National Library of Scotland

Visit to see rare Scottish manuscripts and exhibitions, open 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Henderson’s Cafe

Enjoy fresh, healthy vegetarian options in a relaxed environment, open until 3:30 PM.
GBP18, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping and Exploring Grassmarket

Browse quirky shops and enjoy the lively atmosphere in this historic area.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Travel to Dublin by Flight

Evening flight from Edinburgh to Dublin (~1h 15min), check-in around 7:30 PM.
GBP50-80, 2h including airport time

8:30pm

Dinner at The Woollen Mills, Dublin

Enjoy Irish dishes with a modern twist in a cozy setting near the River Liffey. Open until 10:00 PM.
EUR30, 1h
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Day 5: Dublin City Exploration

Dublin, Ireland on June 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bewley’s Grafton Street Cafe

Iconic Dublin cafe serving classic breakfast and coffee, open from 8:00 AM.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Trinity College & Book of Kells

Visit Ireland’s oldest university and marvel at the illuminated ancient manuscript. Open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:30am

Dublin Castle

Explore this historic castle and gardens, open 9:45 AM to 5:45 PM.
EUR12, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at The Church Cafe Bar & Restaurant

Dine in a stunning restored church with varied Irish menu, open 12 PM to 3 PM.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Guinness Storehouse

Experience the story and tasting of Ireland’s famous stout, open 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
EUR26, 2h

5:00pm

Walk Along the River Liffey

Relax with a scenic stroll by the riverbank to enjoy city views and street life.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Woollen Mills

Return for another taste of their acclaimed Irish cuisine, or try local seafood specialties.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Howth Coastal Day Trip

Howth, Ireland on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Fumbally

Start early with healthy and creative breakfast options, open 7:30 AM.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Train to Howth

Take the DART from Dublin to Howth, a scenic seaside town just 30 minutes away.
EUR6 return, 30m

9:15am

Howth Cliff Walk

Hike the beautiful cliff paths offering spectacular sea views and wildlife. Best done in dry weather.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Howth Market

Explore artisan stalls and local crafts in the bustling village market.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Aqua Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with views over Howth Harbour. Open 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Howth Castle Grounds and Deer Park

Explore the historic castle grounds and natural wildlife area, open daylight hours.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Dublin

DART train back to Dublin to rest or enjoy last evening stroll.
Included, 30m

5:00pm

Casual Dinner at The Brazen Head

End your trip at Ireland’s oldest pub with live music and traditional pub fare, open until late.
EUR25, 2h
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