Ireland has so much to offer. I could write a post a week for the rest of the year and still not cover a fraction of the beauty this country has to offer. However, I remain enthusiastic about Ireland and any time ANYONE mentions they’re visiting, I want to make sure they know all the best options. Local cafes, seasonal ingredients, and authentic experiences are the best when traveling, so I’ve written a few posts about it and this will be one more. If you want to read more about places to visit in Ireland, I have a category of all my previous posts. I actually have a blog devoted to moving to Ireland and life in Cork, though it has gotten a bit dusty the past few years.
Visiting Dublin, Galway, and Belfast
I’ve created a week-long Irish itinerary driving to Dublin, Galway, and Belfast. I try to balance details with freedom, because sometimes the best parts of an adventure find you and aren’t planned. Especially on a road trip, which is a great way to explore the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and historic landmarks of Ireland. Did you know my own honeymoon was a road trip through Ireland? This wasn’t the itinerary, but maybe I’ll write it up someday and add it to my collection of Irish travel posts. There is some overlap in destinations with my other posts, especially the Ultimate 7-day Self-guided Tour of Ireland, so check that post out too in case you prefer other attractions in Dublin or Galway to those mentioned here.
Day 1: Dublin
The four places suggested for today are listed in order of walking from one to the other. Remember, the best way to power through jet-lag is to stay hydrated, change your socks (at the very least) after the flight to feel refreshed, and eat at regular meal times so your body stays fuelled.
- Visit the Guinness Storehouse. Here, you can learn about the history of Ireland’s most famous beer and enjoy a pint with stunning views of the city from the Gravity Bar.
- Stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland. It has been a place of worship for over 800 years. It’s a stunning example of Gothic architecture and is filled with beautiful stained-glass windows.
- Be sure to take a lunch break. In this area of Dublin, there are many options for food, but some of the tastiest spots are: Silk Road Cafe (look online for their afternoon tea or Wednesday dinner option), l’Gueuleton, Chez Max, or The Bull & Castle.
- Explore Dublin Castle and its beautiful gardens, which date back to the 13th century. It was the seat of British rule in Ireland for over 700 years. Today, it’s a major tourist attraction with tours of the state apartments and gardens available.
- Walk around the colorful streets of Temple Bar, Dublin’s famous cultural quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife, live music, and traditional pubs. It’s a great place to enjoy a pint and soak up the lively atmosphere. You’re also close to St Stephen’s Green, though you’ll visit that tomorrow.
- For dinner, find a less touristy spot in Temple Bar or a few blocks off the beaten path. My recommendations for dinner in this area of Dublin are: Balfe’s, Winding Stair Restaurant & Bookshop, Gallagher’s Boxty House, The Seafood Cafe, Wagamama, Saba (I took a cooking class here once), or Monty’s of Katmandu.
Day 2: Dublin
Another big day of walking in downtown Dublin. Just remember, even jet lag isn’t an excuse to drink bad coffee. Look for local or Irish roasters and skip Starbucks, it’s good for your soul.
- Take a guided tour of Trinity College, founded in 1592. The highlight of a visit to Trinity is the Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated manuscript created by Celtic monks in the 9th century.
- For lunch before or after the museum, nearby tasty options include: Etto, Zakura, KC Peaches, or Tang. If the weather is lovely, you can get take-away lunch from KC Peaches and go across the street to picnic in St. Stephen’s Green park. If you decide to have a wander and graze, walk north across the river to the Moore Street Market (11a-5p). If you want to have breakfast in town, go to Bewley’s.
- The National Museum of Ireland has three locations in Dublin (and one in Co Mayo) and is home to a vast collection of artifacts that showcase Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
• Archaeology: This museum is located on Kildare Street in Dublin and is dedicated to Irish archaeology and history. It features a variety of exhibits, including the Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch, and the Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition.
• Natural History: This museum is located on Merrion Street in Dublin and is home to a variety of specimens, including mammals, birds, insects, and marine life. The museum’s most famous exhibit is the skeleton of a giant Irish deer.
• Decorative Arts and History: This museum is located at Collins Barracks in Dublin and features exhibits on Irish decorative arts, history, and military history. It houses a wide range of artifacts, including furniture, silverware, and ceramics, as well as military equipment and vehicles.
- Stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful park in the heart of the city. The park has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was a common land used for grazing animals. It was later transformed into a formal garden in the 19th century and has since become a popular public park. The park’s layout was designed in the Victorian era and features formal gardens, walking paths, and a lake.
- For dinner, you can walk to one of the spots suggested for Day 1 or one of the lunch options mentioned above – or return to your accommodations and order dinner via Deliveroo so you can cosy up in your PJs and rest your feet.
Day 3: Dublin
Today, the goal is to enjoy history and nature.
- Visit the Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that played a key role in Ireland’s struggle for independence. Many of Ireland’s most famous political prisoners were held here, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.
- For lunch today, if you want to stay close to these two attractions look at Urban 8, Broyage Bar & Bistro, or La Dolce Vita. There is also a Kilmainham Gaol Cafe. Alternatively, plan your day for lunch to take place within Phoenix Park where there is Phoenix Park Victorian Tea Rooms.
- Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed public park in Europe with 1,750 acres of land and is home to the Dublin Zoo, Áras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the Irish President, his wife, and their beloved dogs), and the Wellington Monument. You could walk or rent a bike to avail of the park’s many walking and cycling paths that allow visitors to explore the beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, such as wild deer and over 30 species of birds.
- For dinner, order dinner via Deliveroo so you can get packed for your trip to Galway tomorrow.
Day 4: Drive to Galway
Drive (or take a train) to Galway. Along the way, there are several towns of note that if you’re looking for a place to stop or take a break from the drive. I mean, they aren’t all going to have a Junction 14, but if the charm of an Irish village is what you want then these are good ones:
- Athlone: Located roughly halfway between Dublin and Galway, Athlone is a charming town on the banks of the River Shannon. It’s known for its historic castle, picturesque marina, and lively pub scene, including Sean’s Bar which is Ireland’s oldest pub and dates back to 900AD. Athlone also has several museums and art galleries worth visiting.
- Junction 16: It does what it says on the box. Quick food, toilets, and road trip snacks.
- Lignum: Lignum is an elegant meal in East Galway. It is on R350 at H62 H798 and quite close to Junction 16.
- Tullamore: The town is home to the Tullamore Dew distillery, which offers guided tours and tastings to those 18+. Tullamore also has a beautiful canal system that’s perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride. Decide who is designated driver when you pull into the Tullamore parking lot. For a quick bite to eat in Tullamore or Mullingar, there is an Eddie Rockets in each place which is a retro-style diner known for burger & fries classics.
- Mullingar: Mullingar is a bustling market town with a rich history and plenty of cultural attractions. Highlights include the Mullingar Arts Centre, the historic Belvedere House and Gardens, and the Hill of Uisneach, an ancient ceremonial site that dates back over 5,000 years.
- Clonmacnoise: If you’re interested in Ireland’s early Christian history, a stop at Clonmacnoise is a must. This monastic site was founded in the 6th century and includes several impressive ruins, including a round tower and a cathedral. Clonmacnoise is located on the banks of the River Shannon, making it a scenic place to stop and stretch your legs.
Day 4: Enjoy Galway:
- Explore its charming streets, filled with colorful buildings and unique shops.
- Visit the Galway Cathedral and admire its stunning stained-glass windows.
- Take a walk along the Salthill Promenade and enjoy the beautiful views of Galway Bay.
- Dining in Galway is a treat. Galway Tourism has a helpful map of restaurants. Some of my personal recommendations include: The Dough Bros for pizza, Ard Bia at Nimmo’s for dinner, Dela for brunch, The Lighthouse Vegetarian Cafe for meat-free lunch, and Kai for a Bib-awarded seasonal and local menu.
Day 5: Galway
Nature is the most beautiful attraction in Ireland.
- Stop at the Burren National Park to see its unique limestone landscape. The Burren’s most striking feature is its extensive limestone pavement. This unique landscape is a result of thousands of years of erosion and glaciation, which has exposed the bare rock and created an almost lunar-like terrain. It is one of the few places in Europe where Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean plants grow side-by-side. It is home to a diverse range of plants and flowers, including many rare and endangered species. The Burren is also home to a variety of animal species, including birds, insects, and mammals. It is particularly important for its bat populations, with 17 of the 19 species found in Ireland present in the Burren.
- Take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks. The cliffs are made up of layers of shale and sandstone that have been shaped over millions of years by erosion from the sea and weather. They are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Visitors can often see these birds nesting and flying along the cliffs.You can take a boat tour which allows you to see the cliffs from sea level rising 700 feet above and offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline. The views are particularly stunning at sunset, when the cliffs are bathed in golden light. The cliffs have been an important site for human settlement for thousands of years, and there are a number of historical and cultural attractions in the area, such as O’Brien’s Tower, a 19th-century observation tower, and the nearby village of Doolin, which is famous for its traditional music.
- Visit the charming village of Doolin and enjoy some traditional Irish music at one of its pubs.
Day 6: Driving from Galway to Belfast
It is not just the destination, but also the journey. As you’ll soon learn, all roads lead to Dublin. To go to Belfast efficiently, you go back the route you used on Day 4. If you drive along the coast of diagonally across, it takes an additional 90 minutes, but you get to enjoy different scenery. Belfast has a rich history, but along the way if you are driving and able to stop be sure to visit if you’re enjoying even a bit of the Antrim Coast Road:
- Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous natural attractions in Northern Ireland. This stunning geological formation consists of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns that were formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a suspension bridge spans a 20-meter-deep chasm, connecting the mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island. It is a popular spot for thrill-seekers and provides stunning views of the coast.
- Dunluce Castle‘s dramatic ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the sea is one of the most iconic images of County Antrim. It was built in the 13th century and has a fascinating history.
- Bushmills Distillery, which is the oldest licensed distillery in the world and produces some of the finest whiskey in Ireland. Visitors can take a tour of the distillery and learn about the history of whiskey-making in Ireland.
- Rathlin Island is a rugged and unspoiled island is located just off the coast of County Antrim and is a haven for wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and dolphins. Visitors can take a ferry from Ballycastle to explore the island’s beautiful landscapes and historic sites.
Day 7: Belfast
Though the history with The Troubles is always part of a visit to Belfast, you can choose which elements to focus on among these suggestions.
- The Titanic Belfast museum.
- The murals of the Shankill and Falls Road areas.
- Visit the beautiful Belfast City Hall and its surrounding gardens.
- Enjoy a meal at St. George’s Market, a historic market with a wide variety of food stalls.
- Visit the Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison that is now a museum and tourist attraction.
- Take a Black Taxi tour of the city’s murals and learn about Belfast’s troubled past.
- Visit the Ulster Museum and see its impressive collection of art, history, and science exhibits.
And be sure to balance the history with the present. Belfast has a vibrant nightlife and culinary scene. Here are some restaurant recommendations:
Day 8: Dublin
- Return to Dublin for a visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, located in Dublin’s Docklands, which covers the history of the Irish diaspora and emigration to other countries. One of my fave farm to table breakfast spots in Dublin is across the river from EPIC, it’s called As One. Take a break for a slow breakfast or lunch there because jet lag is about adjusting your meal schedule as much as your sleep.
- Enjoy a final night out in Dublin, perhaps taking in a play or show at one of the city’s many theaters.
More Irish Travel Posts
If you enjoyed this week-long Irish itinerary driving to Dublin, Galway, and Belfast and want to read more of my posts about traveling within Ireland, here are some of the most popular ones:
11 Places to See When You Visit Cork City
Ultimate 7-day Self-guided Tour of Ireland
Over 40 places to brunch in Cork City every day of the week
Honoring Kindred Spirits in Midleton
Top 9 Things to See & Do in Dingle, Ireland
6 Hikes on the Dingle Peninsula to Explore
Hand-dyed and Artisan Yarn Sources in Ireland and Northern Ireland
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Kinsale, Co. Cork
Thank you for the post. This will be an exciting adventure.
Hope your trip was wonderful, Mellody!