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There’s something special about the Emerald Isle. Captivating by nature, Ireland is a small country with a big personality. From the bustling streets of culture-rich Dublin to miles-upon-miles of rugged coastline, Ireland has a little bit of everything.
Little over 100 years ago, the island of Ireland (Eire in Irish Gaelic) was one country under British rule. It’s independence, finally granted in 1921, came with a caveat. Ireland was to be partitioned.
Our 10 day Ireland itinerary takes you through both Irelands. Starting in the Republic’s cosmopolitan capital, we’ll journey through lush green countryside and towns oozing with Irish charm to reach Belfast. Along the way, you’ll see some of Ireland’s finest scenery, explore its most iconic buildings, sample traditional Irish food and gain an understanding of its unique political history.
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Day 1: Dublin
Our 10 day Ireland itinerary kicks off in its small but mighty capital. Offering over 2,000 years of history to explore, Ireland’s best shopping and a vibrant food and nightlife scene, exploring Dublin in one day involves careful planning. If you are able to add an extra day to the start of your Ireland itinerary, we’ve got plenty of ideas on how to have the ultimate two day Dublin city break.
Morning
Start your day with a hearty bowl of Coddle at Gallagher’s Boxty House. This Irish breakfast staple, a stew of sausages, bacon, potatoes and onion, featured in James Joyce’s 1922 novel Ulysses. Head across the River Liffey to explore Dublin’s most iconic street: O’Connell Street. Tick off its most impressive landmarks – the Dublin Spire and the O’Connell Monument – before visiting the GPO Museum for your first taste of Irish history.
Jump aboard a Dublin city tour bus to cover as much ground as possible during this Ireland itinerary. Once you’ve crossed the river, hop off at Trinity College. Naturally, you have to get a glimpse of the iconic Book of Kells, but leave time for a tour of the college itself too.
Afternoon
Make the Guinness Storehouse your next stop. The home of Irish stout since the 18th century, the storehouse occupies part of the St James’ Gate brewery site. It’s worth booking your slot in advance; every ticket comes with a free pint.
Round off your day in Dublin in beautiful Phoenix Park. Covering an impressive 1750 acres, Phoenix Park is home to Dublin Zoo, the president’s residence and monuments galore.
For a fitting end to the first day of our Ireland itinerary, head to The Nancy Hands, just south of the park, for a traditional Irish dinner. Of course, there’s only one area to hit when darkness falls. Temple Bar is home to Dublin’s most iconic bars and pubs, including the original The Temple Bar.
Day 2: The Wicklow Mountains
Running south along the east coast, the Wicklow Mountains are Ireland’s largest mountain range. A day trip from Dublin into the heart of them offers some of the finest scenery of this Ireland itinerary. The easiest way to reach the mountains and visit two of their finest attractions is to join a guided tour. If you’ve brought, or rented, a car, driving yourself is a great option – just be mindful that the further into the mountains you go, the narrower the roads become.
The first of our Wicklow highlights is Powerscourt House. Ravaged by fire in 1974, the house sat empty for two decades before being restored to the gem you see today. Make sure you leave time to explore the acres of landscaped gardens and take a walk out to 121-meter waterfall, the second tallest in Ireland.
Next, take a drive through rugged Glendalough to the Hermitage Centre. Founded by St Kevin in the 6th century, Glendalough is one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. Pay a visit to St Kevin’s Church and experience solitude like never before as you amble through the serene gardens.
Day 3: Dublin to Waterford
Bidding farewell to Dublin this morning, our Ireland itinerary takes us south to the riverside city of Waterford. There are two equally good routes to take from the capital. The first option hugs the dramatic coastline. If you follow this route, make a stop in Wicklow town for a waterside lunch at Blue Seafood. Whilst you’re there, don’t miss the chance for a tour of Wicklow’s historic gaol.
Alternatively, take the slightly faster inland route, pausing in Kilkenny for a traditional Irish pub lunch at Breathnack’s. During your stop, climb aboard a guided boat tour for the best views of Kilkenny’s Castle which dates back to 1260.
Either way, make your next stop New Ross to visit the Dunbrody, a replica famine ship moored on the River Barrow. The design is based closely on that of the original Dunbrody, built in 1845 to carry emigrants to the new world. In her six years of service as a famine ship, she carried thousands across the Atlantic to begin their new lives.
Aim to arrive in Waterford mid-afternoon to give you time to visit the House of Waterford, one of Ireland’s most famous glass manufacturers. The makers of iconic Waterford Crystal for almost 80 years, their glassware is displayed in buildings including Westminster Abbey and the Kennedy Center.
Waterford is home to some of Ireland’s finest Italian restaurants so, this evening, take a break from Irish fayre and head to Emiliano’s. Their woodfired pizzas are fabulous, but their steaks and gorgonzola chicken are the highlights. If you fancy escaping the city, take a taxi out to the Saratoga, a lively Irish bar with views across the Barrow Estuary.
Day 4: Waterford to Cork
Today, our Ireland itinerary follows the south coast to Ireland’s third largest city, Cork. Before leaving Waterford, though, take a walking tour through the city’s history to learn about its Viking past. Round off your time here with a visit to the quirky Irish Wake Museum where you’ll uncover superstitions and traditions surrounding the afterlife.
Heading west, pause in seaside Dungarvan for fish and chips from andchips. The lovechild of Irish TV chef Eunice Power, for a change from the usual cod and haddock, try ling. Before reaching Cork, take a detour to Cobh.
Once one of Ireland’s major port towns, it was from here that the RMS Titanic set sail for its fateful voyage to New York on 11th April 1912. Delve deep into the ship’s history and the impact its sinking had on the town with a walking tour around the Titanic Trail. Finish up at the Titanic Experience which occupies the former White Star Line booking office.
Arriving in Cork, join a history-themed walking tour to get your bearings before heading to St Patrick’s Distillery to try your hand at bottling your own Irish whiskey. It would be rude to leave without sampling a dram or two. Spend your evening at Franciscan Well Brewpub. This beautiful medieval vaulted pub has all their own craft brews on tap; they go down a treat alongside their homemade pizzas.
Day 5: The Ring of Kerry
The fifth day of our Ireland itinerary requires an early start. But it’s well worth it. Today’s destination is somewhere that’s on all of our bucket lists, and a highlight of every Ireland itinerary. Head north to Kenmare to embark on a trip around the 179km Iveragh Peninsula. If you’re not driving, day trips around the Ring are available from Cork.
Travel tip: From Kenmare, follow the N70 around the Ring in a clockwise direction. Large vehicles always travel counter-clockwise, so this way, you won’t get stuck behind any tour buses. Plus, you’ll end up in Killarney, our base for the night.
Once you’re on the road, you need no guide. Just drive and enjoy the natural beauty at every turn. If your eyes need a break from the views, make a stop at Derrynane House, once home to Daniel O’Connell, the man who lent O’Connell Street his name. Pause for lunch in Waterville. The waterfront terrace at Dooley’s Seafood & Steakhouse is the perfect place to sample the local catch.
This afternoon, make a stop in Portmagee to visit the Skellig Experience to learn about the life of Skelig monks. Continuing around the northern edge of the Ring, stop off at the Kerry Bog Village Museum to discover what life was like here in the 19th century.
Arriving in Killarney late afternoon, take a ride in a traditional jaunting car to see Ross Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral. This evening, head to O’Connors for an authentic Irish menu with plenty of craic thrown in for good measure.
Day 6: Killarney to Galway
Pushing northwards, our Ireland itinerary takes us to Mallow with its 16th century castle, before passing Limerick. Leaving the highways behind, follow the winding routes towards the wild Atlantic coastline. After a late lunch stop at The Edge in Lahinch, you’ll reach the dramatic Cliffs of Moher.
Running for 8 miles and reaching heights of 214m, the views from the clifftop stretch as far as Galway Bay and Connemara. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see right back to Kerry, where we were yesterday on our Ireland itinerary. Before you leave, pay a visit to the fascinating geology exhibition in the visitor centre, and whatever you do, don’t pass on a slice of homemade cake from the restaurant upstairs.
Continuing through the rugged scenery of The Burren, make one final stop at Aillwee Caves before reaching Galway. Spend your evening ambling around the Latin Quarter before heading to Oscar’s for dinner.
After feasting on local seafood, discover the dark side of Galway with an after dark history tour. Round off the day with a Guinness and live music The Dail Bar.
Day 7: Galway to Donegal
Before leaving Galway behind for the northernmost reaches of the Republic, spend your morning exploring Galway Cathedral. Our Lady Assumed into Heaven at St Nicholas was only completed in 1965, making it one of Europe’s newest.
The next stop on our Ireland itinerary is a place of pilgrimages for Catholics from far and wide. Knock Shrine sits of the sight of a purported apparition. On 21st August 1879, a villager by the name of Mary Byrne was walking home with a friend when she saw three figures appear in front of her. She rushed to tell her parents and soon after, the whole village gathered. They saw, so they claim, Mary, Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist.
Plan to arrive in Donegal around mid-afternoon in order to visit Donegal Castle. Having been built in the 15th century as home to the chief of the O’Donnell clan, it was once said to be the strongest castle in Ireland.
This evening, escape the town for a sunset kayak adventure on Dunleway Lake. Back in Donegal, if this Ireland itinerary is giving you an overload of Irish cuisine, head to Chandpur for dinner. Their Indian Railway Curry is truly first class.
Day 8: Donegal to Londonderry
Day 8 of our Ireland itinerary takes us across an international border. Blink and you’ll miss it, there are no passport or custom checks. The Irish border may seem insignificant to travelers, but its history is anything but.
Londonderry is a city of two names: Londonderry is the official name, whereas Derry finds its roots in the original old Irish name. During the Troubles (the conflict in Northern Ireland between the late 1960s and 1998), debate over the city’s name ignited. Unionists, those who favored the partition of Ireland, used the name Londonderry, whilst Nationalists, who favored a united, independent Ireland, used Derry.
For an overview of Londonderry’s complex and turbulent history, I strongly urge all guests to join a Troubles-themed walking tour. You’ll learn about the events of Bloody Sunday and the Battle of Bogside, plus see how “Free Derry” came to be anything but free.
Fans of the hit, and frankly hilarious, sitcom Derry Girls won’t want to miss this locations tour before taking a walk along the historic city walls to the Siege Museum. Take a stroll across the Peace Bridge before settling into Badgers Bar for dinner. Aside from the famous Derry Girls mural on the wall, their roast beef will stick in your mind forever.
After dark, you’ll want to make your way to Peadar O’Donnell’s for the ultimate Irish pub experience. Think Guinness on tap, lots of political stickers and a joyous live band.
Day 9: The Causeway Coast
Journeying between two of Ireland’s most important cities, our Ireland itinerary takes you along the country’s most famous coastline. Head first for the ruins of Dunluce Castle before paying a visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery. The oldest distillery in the world, Bushmills have been distilling since 1608.
Just outside Bushmills, you’ll find yourself at one of the most impressive spots on this Ireland itinerary. The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains around 40,000 basalt columns. If you want the boring story, the causeway is the result of a volcanic eruption.
The slightly more fun, and definitively believable alternative has its root in Irish folklore. It is said that a local giant, Finn MacCool built the causeway in order to reach the middle of the Irish Sea to fight a Scottish giant called Benandonner. There is a similar basalt causeway on the Scottish side on the Isle of Staffa. What more proof is needed?
Before heading into Belfast, make one last stop at Carrick-a-Rede. Just along the coast from the Causeway, the cliffs are connected by a rope bridge suspended 100 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. If you haven’t got a head for heights, you might want to visit The Dark Hedges of Game of Thrones fame instead.
Day 10: Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland certainly has a troubled past. A maritime hub once fraught with political and religious tensions, 21st century Belfast is almost unrecognizable. Kick start the final day of your Ireland itinerary with an open top bus tour of the city’s top landmarks. It’s well worth hopping off at Stormont, Northern Ireland’s parliament to take a guided tour.
Stop by The Crown Liquor Saloon, a gas lamp-lit bar opened in the 1820s, for lunch before journeying deep into West Belfast.
If there’s only one tour you do on this Ireland itinerary, it has to be the guided Black Cab tour of the Falls and Shankill, two of Belfast’s most divided areas. During the Troubles, over 20 miles of peace walls were built to fend off clashes between the Protestant and Catholic communities on either side. Since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 brought fighting in Belfast (almost) to an end, it was proposed that the peace walls be torn down by 2023. Whilst a handful were, most still remain.
From one piece of gritty Belfast history to another, our Ireland itinerary leads us to a tragedy which spelt the end for more than 1,500 people. Having stood in its final port of call in Cobh, make a visit to the place it was built. Titanic Belfast sits on the site of Harland & Wolff’s drawing offices, where RMS Titanic was designed.
For the final dinner of your Ireland itinerary, head to Mourne Seafood Bar. Round off your evening taking in the views from The Observatory at the Grand Central Hotel.
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