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4 Days In Ireland From Rosslare (‘Slow-Trip’ For Those Using Public Transport + Good Fitness)

4 Days In Ireland From Rosslare (‘Slow-Trip’ For Those Using Public Transport + Good Fitness)

Planning a 4-day Ireland itinerary can be a pain in the backside… So, we’ve done all of the hard work for you!

We’ve spent 25+ years travelling around Ireland and the itinerary below leans on that experience and the many mistakes we made along the way!

In a nutshell, this 4-day itinerary:

  • Starts and ends in Rosslare
  • Has been meticulously planned
  • Has an hour-by-hour itinerary for each day to save you time/hassle
  • Follows logical routes that take you to hidden gems, tourist favourites and great pubs and restaurants

Who this itinerary will suit

Who this itinerary will suit

Now, before you scroll down, take 10 seconds to look at the graphic above – each of our road trip itineraries have been tailored to specific needs.

This road trip is specifically for those of you:

  • Starting in/near Rosslare
  • Using public transport and organised tours
  • Looking to explore at a slow pace
  • With a good level of fitness (i.e. it includes long walks and hikes)
  • Remember, we have hundreds of different itineraries here if this one doesn’t suit you

An overview of this itinerary

map holder image

The map above gives you a very high-level overview of where this route will take you.

It uses several bases (e.g. Cork for 3 nights) and provides you with day-long road trips you can head off on, so you avoid having to change accommodation constantly.

Now, I’ll stop rambling on – here’s a day-by-day insight into each of the days below!

Day 1: Arrive in Rosslare and head to Wexford Town

Wexford Town

Photos via Shutterstock

It’s day one and welcome to Ireland! Today, you’ve arrived into Rosslare via the ferry and will be making your way to Wexford Town, where you will be spending one night!

We’re going to assume you’ve arrived in the country just a little before lunch, so we’ve planned an afternoon’s worth of activities for you.

Recommended accommodation in Wexford Town

Stop 1: Rosslare Europort Train Station

Rosslare

Photo left: Google Maps. Others: Shutterstock

The train station is just a five-minute walk from the harbour. There are four trains a day leaving this station.

We are assuming that you are going to make the 12:55 train. But, If you don’t make this, don’t worry, there are also buses that leave from Kelly’s Hotel and that take you into the town.

Stop 2: Arrive in Wexford and head for lunch

Simon Lambert and Sons

Photos via Simon Lambert and Sons on FB

Assuming you made the train, you should arrive in Wexford at 13:18. It’s a quick train trip, so pay extra attention, so you don’t miss your stop!

We normally call into Simon Lambert and Sons whenever we’re in town. Their lunch menu has some cracking burgers (we’re partial to the bacon and cheese or the vegan burger), as well as some salads and wraps.

Stop 3: Grab a coffee and explore the town’s Viking roots

Wexford Arts Centre

Photos via D’lush Cafe on FB

When you finish lunch, it’s time for a bit of a ramble. If you fancy a coffee (or a baked treat!), head for D’lush Cafe over in Wexford Arts Centre.

Wexford Town was, in fact, founded by the Vikings way back in 800 AD. It wasn’t until 1169 that the Normans took hold of the town. 

The Vikings established Wexford Town as it was the perfect location for them to raid from, as it sits right at the mouth of the River Slaney.

As today is your first day in Ireland after travelling, it’s going to be a handy one – tomorrow, you’ll take a guided tour of the town where you’ll be treated to a full insight into the town’s interesting past.

Stop 4: Westgate Heritage Tower and Selskar Abbey

Selskar Abbey

Photos via Shutterstock

The Westgate Heritage Tower is the last of six towers that used to stand in the defensive Medieval walls that surrounded Wexford Town.

Confusingly, the Westgate Heritage Tower is not the original Westgate Tower and it was actually part of the Selskar Abbey grounds (its original name being the Selskar Gate). So, contrary to popular belief, the gate did not give street access to the town but to the abbey itself (this is probably the reason it’s still standing today, unlike the other towers which were demolished to allow for increasing traffic).

Right next to the tower, you’ll find the Westgate Heritage Centre, where you’ll get a glimpse into what the rooms inside a Norman fortification would have looked like.

From Westgate Tower, it’s less than a 200-metre walk to Selskar Abbey. The abbey (which is now in ruin) dates back to the 1100s, although there is evidence the site was home to a Christian site that may have pre-dated the arrival of the Vikings.

Although the abbey is relatively far from the river today, when it was built, it would have overlooked the River Slaney, as the land past Redmond Square had not yet been reclaimed! Some historians even suggest that the abbey’s name ‘Selskar’ is derived from the old Norse phrase “seal skar”, which means seal rock – named after an outcrop in the (then) nearby river.

Stop 5: Dinner, drinks and live music 

The Sky and The Ground

Photos via The Sky and The Ground on FB

If you didn’t stop by your hotel already, we recommend stopping by to check in and freshen up before dinner. That way, you don’t have to lug all your stuff around!

Our Wexford Town food recommendations

For dinner, we recommend checking out Cistin Eile, La Cote, or Simon Lambert and Sons (they have a different menu for dinner).

Cistin Eile serves beautifully plated modern Irish dishes, with choices like beetroot and mushroom toast with local goat’s cheese and slow-cooked beef (this is a customer favourite).

La Cote is our top choice when it comes to seafood. They have a mouth-watering tasting menu as well as an a la carte menu featuring fishes such as citrus cured sea trout.

Simon Lambert and Sons’ dinner menu is still laden with comfort food. We recommend the smoke BBQ plates if you’re feeling hungry, otherwise, the fish tacos are great!

Our Wexford Town pub recommendations

For your first night, we suggest popping into The Sky and The Ground (a quirky historic pub with a great selection of craft beers and a large beer garden) or Mary’s Bar (a traditional pub) for post-dinner drinks.

If you’re in the mood for music tonight, stick around The Sky and Ground or pop into T Morris. Wexford Town is also home to the National Opera House, which would make for an interesting night!

Day 2: The trip to Dublin

Dublin City

Photos via Shutterstock

On day 2 of your 4 days in Ireland, you’re waving goodbye to Wexford and hopping on a train to get to lively Dublin where you’ll be spending tw0 fun-filled nights!

Before you set off, get yourself some breakfast from your accommodation before you check out, or if you’d prefer to find somewhere in Wexford Town, we suggest stopping by Cream Cafe for a hearty-cooked breakfast.

Recommended accommodation in Dublin

Getting around Dublin + money savers

  • Time savers: If you want to avoid walking where possible, it’s worth getting a ticket for the Hop On Hop Off Bus around Dublin. It goes to or near all of the main sites on this itinerary plus plenty more.
  • Money saver: If you’re visiting the ‘main’ Dublin attractions, the Dublin Pass can save you €€€ (here’s how)

Stop 1: Wexford (O Hannaran) Train Station

Wexford Train Station

Photos via Google Maps and Irish Rail

After you’ve eaten, walk over to the train station and hop on the train from Wexford (O Hanrahan) to Dublin Connolly.

We’d recommend that you book your train tickets online in advance.

Stop 2: Dublin Connolly

Dublin Connolly

Photo left and bottom right: Google Maps. Other: Shutterstock

The journey takes around 2.5 hours, and you’ll find yourself getting off in the heart of Dublin, close to all of the city’s major attractions.

There’s taxis outside or, if you’re staying close by, you can always stroll. Just a note – the area around Connolly tends to have some dodgy characters hanging around it, so be vigilant of your belongings.

Stop 3: Trinity College

Trinity College

Photos via Shutterstock

Your first official stop of the day in Dublin is Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, arguably the most famous cultural attraction in Dublin.

If you can, we highly recommend pre-booking your tickets online, as the queues can get really long (bordering on ridiculous!). This fast-track ticket allows you to dodge the queue and gets you into Dublin Castle, too! 

Spend around one hour seeing the Book of Kells, walking around the exhibit, and taking in the beauty of the Old Library. After that, give yourself another 20 minutes or so to walk around the university campus.

Stop 4: Lunch

Neary's Pub

Photos © Tourism Ireland

There’s plenty of great restaurants in Dublin that serve up a delicious lunch, but if you fancy a tasty bite in a lovely old-world-style pub, Neary’s just off of Grafton Street is hard to bate!

From the Trinity Gates, it’s only a six-minute walk up Grafton Street.

They serve simple dishes (like soups and sandwiches) that are packed with flavour and great value for money. Alternatively, Sprout and Co. on Dawson St. is also a great choice.

They have a range of hearty salad bowls, with good options for vegetarians and vegans.

Stop 5: The Ha’Penny Bridge (via Temple Bar)

Ha’penny Bridge

Photos via Shutterstock

The Ha’penny Bridge (officially named the Liffey Bridge) dates back to 1816 and was the first pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey!

It’s a 10-minute walk from Grafton Street, but feel free to take your time as you make your way through the lively streets of Temple Bar

Now, Temple Bar can be a bit of a tourist trap. If you fancy a pint, here are several pubs in Temple Bar worth trying (the Palace is our go-to).

If you feel like an afternoon coffee, there are some great cafes in the Temple Bar area or on the other side of the river. Joe’s Coffee and Vice Coffee are two of our favourites across the water.

They’re both just a short stroll from the north side of the Ha’penny Bridge. 

Stop 6: Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse

Photos © Diageo via Ireland’s Content Pool

From the bridge, it’s a 17-minute stroll to the Guinness Storehouse. It’s at St. James’s Gate, the home of Guinness, and there are several tours available. 

We recommend the Guinness Storehouse Experience, a self-guided tour that takes roughly 90 minutes.

You’ll learn about Guinness’ history, its ingredients, and get to enjoy a pint of Guinness and one other Guinness beer (for ages 18+) whilst taking in the views of the Gravity Bar. 

Stop 7: Dinner, drinks and live music

Pubs in Dublin

Different trad bars in Dublin. © Tourism Ireland

If you haven’t already checked into your accommodation, you may want to do so now before heading out for dinner, drinks, and music.

By now, you must be getting hungry. Dublin has heaps of options for dinner, but we’ve got a couple of suggestions for you!

Our dinner recommendations

If you’re looking for something close by, Spitalfields is a short walk from the cathedral. It’s a little bit pricey, but the atmosphere is great and the food is top-notch!

However, Spitalfields is 16+ only, so it’s not suitable for young families. Otherwise, check out The Bull and Castle across the street from Christ Church Cathedral.

Their menu has F.X. Buckley Steaks (renowned in Dublin), plus a great selection of local craft beers. The restaurant can get booked out pretty quickly, but you can always eat in the bar upstairs, which also has steak on the menu. 

Live music and trad bars

If you want a taste of what Dublin’s best pubs are, see our detailed Dublin pubs guide. If you’re solely looking for places that do exceptional Guinness, see our guide to Dublin’s best pints.

If you fancy a bit of live music, there’s plenty on offer. Pipers Corner on Marlborough St. has some great tunes, with live music from 9pm every Tuesday to Saturday, and from 8pm on Sunday.

The inside has more of a modern feel, but you’ll be guaranteed authentic Irish music.  

For the full experience, O’Donoghues Bar on Merrion Row has live music every night of the week. It’s about as traditional as Irish pubs get, with a brilliant atmosphere.

The Celt is another fantastic pub with live music every night from 9pm, although it’s not always traditional.

Day 3: Wicklow’s Wonders

Lough Tay

Photos via Shutterstock

Today, you’ll be exploring Wicklow, the country just south of Dublin, also known as the Garden of Ireland.

You’ve got a big day ahead of you, so make sure to grab a hearty breakfast before you head off on your bus tour.

The tour leaves near the Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street, so if you’d rather eat out, we recommend heading to Keoghs Cafe (just around the corner from the statue) for breakfast and a coffee. 

Getting to Wicklow option 1: A guided day trip

This 8-hour day trip includes a fully-guided day tour of Wicklow’s best sights and includes a visit to Powerscourt Gardens (you’ll need to pay into the gardens separately)!

You’ll be driven along the Sally Gap, see iconic film locations used in P.S. I Love You, Brave Heart, and Vikings, and explore an ancient 6th-century settlement. 

There are two options for this tour, so make sure to choose the option with the Powerscourt Garden visit as this is the more easy-going choice. 

We’ll take you through the stops below, but note that 1, you may not always physically stop at all of these sights and 2, these tours are subject to change, so always check with the provider in advance. 

Getting to Wicklow option 2: St. Kevin’s Bus

We definitely think a guided tour is the best way to explore Wicklow without a car, but if you can’t book onto the tour above, we suggest using St. Kevin’s Bus to get to Glendalough. 

Take a look here for an in-depth guide. This should really be your Plan B as the guided tour includes the Sally Gap Drive, which is fantastic!

Stop 1: The Sally Gap Drive

Sally Gap Drive

Photos via Shutterstock

OK, this isn’t really a stop. The Sally Gap is a famous crossroad on the Old Military Road through the Wicklow Mountains. The road was built in the early 1800s following the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

It’s a beautiful drive, with spectacular views of the mountains and blanket bog. One of the most notable attractions in this area is Lough Tay (AKA Guinness Lake). 

Another is Glenmacnass Waterfall. However, the mountain views and the narrow roads that you drive along are what’ll really make this corner of Ireland a place that you won’t forget.

Stop 2: Glendalough Monastic City

Glendalough Round Tower

Photos via Shutterstock

The Monastic City was one of the most important monastic sites in this part of the country. The city was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and went on to become one of Europe’s most famous religious sites!

Right next to the settlement, there’s a visitor centre where you can enjoy the exhibits and learn more about the site and what made it so important.

After you’re all clued up, walk the 2 minutes to the monastic site and admire the Glendalough Round Tower, Cathedral, and St. Kevin’s Church. 

Stop 3: The Lakes at Glendalough

upper lake Glendalough

Photos via Shutterstock

Along the way, you’ll be passing by Glendalough Upper Lake and Lower Lake. Carved out by a melting glacier long ago, the upper lake is spectacular, nestled between trees and mountains.

It’s home to St. Kevin’s Bed, a small cave where St. Kevin lived as a hermit for several years before he founded the monastic city. 

The lower lake is the smaller of the two, but equal in beauty, with gorgeous views of the mountains and forest. 

Stop 4: Powerscourt Gardens

Powerscourt House

Photos by Chris Hill via Failte Ireland

The Powerscourt Gardens are filled with grandeur and were voted by National Geographic as one of the world’s Top Ten Gardens!

The 47-acre Powerscourt Gardens are managed by a team of five gardeners, who tend to the Walled Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden, and more. 

The grounds are filled with ornamental lakes, formal gardens, and statues, making them perfect for a leisurely stroll!

Stop 5: Back to Dublin for the evening

Pubs in Dublin

Different trad bars in Dublin. © Tourism Ireland

After a long day of sightseeing, you’ll be heading back to the city. 

Our dinner recommendations

If you’re looking for something close by, Spitalfields is a short walk from the cathedral. It’s a little bit pricey, but the atmosphere is great, and the food is top-notch!

However, Spitalfields is 16+ only, so it’s not suitable for young families. Otherwise, check out The Bull and Castle across the street from Christ Church Cathedral.

Their menu has F.X. Buckley Steaks (renowned in Dublin), plus a great selection of local craft beers. The restaurant can get booked out pretty quickly, but you can always eat in the bar upstairs, which also has steak on the menu. 

Live music and trad bars

If you want a taste of what Dublin’s best pubs are, see our detailed Dublin pubs guide. If you’re solely looking for places that do exceptional Guinness, see our guide to Dublin’s best pints.

If you fancy a bit of live music, there’s plenty on offer. Pipers Corner on Marlborough St. has some great tunes, with live music from 9pm every Tuesday to Saturday, and from 8pm on Sunday.

The inside has more of a modern feel, but you’ll be guaranteed authentic Irish music.  

For the full experience, O’Donoghues Bar on Merrion Row has live music every night of the week. It’s about as traditional as Irish pubs get, with a brilliant atmosphere.

The Celt is another fantastic pub with live music every night from 9pm, although it’s not always traditional.

Day 4: The trip to back to Rosslare

Rosslare

Photo left: Google Maps. Others: Shutterstock

Today we head to Rosslare so that you can catch the ferry and head home!

Get some breakfast before you check out of your accommodation, or find somewhere nearby to eat.

The best way to get from Dublin back to Rosslare is by train. There are multiple trains a day from Dublin Connoly to Rosslare Europort. Make sure to check train schedules and buy your tickets in advance. The trip takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. 

And that’s a wrap on this road trip

slea head loop

Photos via Shutterstock

We hope you found the above road trip guide useful. If you have any questions, ask in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help.

Or, if you’d like to browse our other Irish Road Trip itineraries, visit our Road Trip Hub – cheers!

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