Planning an 8-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 8-day itinerary:
- Starts and ends in Belfast City
- 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
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 Belfast City
- 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
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: Discovering Belfast City: Northern Ireland’s Capital
It’s day one, so welcome to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and the start point of your epic 8-day tour of Ireland!
For today, we’re going to assume that you’ve arrived in the city in the early afternoon, giving you ample time to grab lunch and take in a couple of attractions.
First of all, you’ll probably want to check into your accommodation. You’ll be spending two nights in Belfast, and there are plenty of great hotels and guest houses to choose from. Below, we’ve listed some of our top choices for every budget.
Our Belfast accommodation recommendations
- Budget: Vagabonds Hostel(in the city centre with top reviews) and Amica Guesthouse (short bus/drive from city centre with great reviews)
- Mid-range: Ten Square Hotel and Maldron Hotel Belfast City (both are super central with exceptional reviews)
- Luxury: The Fitzwilliam and The Merchant (both gorgeous, high-end hotels at the heart of the action)
Stop 1: Getting from the airport to the city
With accommodation booked, you’ll need to know the best way into the city from the airport.
That all depends on which airport you’re flying to. George Best Belfast City Airport is much closer, but also much smaller, and typically only handles domestic flights from the UK and Ireland.
Belfast International Airport (BFS), is approximately 20 miles from Belfast city centre and handles both international and domestic flights.
Here are your options for both.
Getting from the airport to the city
Getting to Belfast from the city airport using public transport is quick, easy, and affordable. We’ve outlined three options below.
Option 1: Bus
The Airport Express 600 Service operates from right outside the main doors of the airport to the Europa Bus Terminal in Belfast. It operates every 30 minutes, 7 days a week and takes around 10 minutes to get to the city centre. You can buy the ticket from the driver or at the tourist information desk at the airport, and they cost £2.60 (€3.00) one way.
The bus is definitely the cheapest and most convenient option, but you may need an additional mode of transport to get you to your accommodation.
Option 2: Train
There is a NI Railways train (line 1) that will take you from the airport’s Sydenham train station to the city every hour. It’s a very quick 10 to 20-minute journey depending on the station you jump off at, and is reasonably priced. The train terminates at Great Victoria Street Station, which is very central, or you can jump off earlier at Lanyon Place (Belfast Central Station), close to St. George’s Market and the town centre.
However, wait times can be long, and you’ll need to walk 15 minutes to get to the station. Like the bus, you may still need an additional mode of transport to get you to your accommodation.
Option 3: Taxi
You can hire a taxi at the airport to take you to the city. It takes around 10 minutes and costs around £38 depending on where you’re going exactly. Unlike the other options, you can get straight to your accommodation, so if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, it could be worth the extra cost.
From Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Getting to Belfast from the international airport using public transport is also easy and affordable. By far the best option is the Airport Express.
The Airport Express
The Airport Express 300/300a Service operates from right outside the main doors of the airport and goes to the Europa Bus Terminal in the centre of Belfast. It operates every 15 to 20 minutes or so, 7 days a week and takes around 45 minutes to get to the city centre.
You can buy the ticket onboard from the driver, at the airport from the Translink Ticket Vending Machine, or from the Visit Belfast information desk. Tickets cost £8 (€10.00) one way.
Stop 1: Lunch
You’ll probably have a mighty hunger after all that travelling. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of stunning places to eat out, especially in the city centre. So, first things first, head to the heart of town. Once you’re there, you’ll find no end of cafes, restaurants, and pubs that are sure to satisfy your hunger.
Almost any good pub will do traditional Irish fayre, so if you’re looking for gorgeous soda bread, seafood, stews, and much more, you’ll have plenty of choices. Burger fans should definitely check out Bunsen on Hill Street. With a small, carefully curated menu, you can’t go wrong. Blu is another great choice, with a sleek and modern menu that caters to everyone, although for us, it’s hard to resist the steaks!
Stop 2: Crumlin Road Gaol
After a good feed, it’s time to take in some local attractions. Crumlin Road Gaol is a leisurely 16-minute walk away from the city centre. The self-guided tour takes you on a 70-minute journey through the tunnels and corridors that make up the 150-year-old prison. Complete with information boards and videos, you’ll get to see various parts of the old gaol, including the holding cells, execution chamber, and the prison graveyard.
Stop 3: Belfast Black Cab Tour
The Belfast Black Cab tour offers an incredible experience that shouldn’t be missed. Each of the tour guides lived through the Troubles, lending real-life experience to the tours. You’ll pass through various parts of Belfast that you might not feel comfortable visiting by yourself. All the while, your guide will regale you with stories and first-hand accounts of the history behind each place.
You’ll also see a lot of fantastic murals and other sights, like the iconic Belfast Peace Wall. It’s a great way to learn more about Belfast’s long, rich, and sometimes sad history. Tours depart from Jurys Inn on Victoria Road, which is about a 23-minute walk from Crumlin Road Gaol.
Stop 4: Dinner, drinks and live music
At the end of the Black Cab Tour, you’ll be dropped off back in the Cathedral Quarter, in the heart of the city.
You’ll find tons of options for food, drink, entertainment, and plenty of live music here, so whether you go back to your accommodation to freshen up first or head straight out is up to you.
Our Belfast food recommendations
There’s some outstanding restaurants in Belfast City. First up, Deanes is a Belfast institution and a must-visit while you’re in the city. There are three venues to choose from, each focusing on something different; Deanes Meat Locker, Deanes Love Fish, and Deanes at Queens.
Whichever you choose, you’re in for a fine feed. EDO is another favourite of ours, a stunning tapas and cocktail bar with incredible sharing platters.
Or, for a fancy first meal in Ireland, head to The Ginger Bistro, near the Belfast Opera House. Their menu is out of this world, though that’s no surprise when you consider it was voted the best restaurant in Northern Ireland.
Our Belfast pub recommendations
There are countless incredible pubs and bars in Belfast for a tasty after-dinner tipple. Check out traditional options like the unmistakable Bittles Bar, with its stunning range of local beer and Irish whisky.
The Duke of York is another old-school boozer, walls adorned with knick-knacks from yesteryear and serving up a fine pint of Guinness.
Finally, we couldn’t forget Madden’s Bar, a cosy, traditional pub complete with a roaring wood-burning stove and a friendly atmosphere. Somewhat overlooked, it’s a hidden gem, beloved by those in the know!
Traditional musicians from across Ireland come to play at Kelly’s Cellars every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Other fantastic options for music include Fibber Magees, another charmingly old-fashioned pub with a lively atmosphere, and the John Hewitt.
Day 2: The Causeway Coast
After a fantastic first day enjoying the sights of the city, it’s time to hit the road and check out the incredible Causeway Coastal Route.
There are a bunch of tours to choose from, including ones that bring you to the Game of Thrones locations. We’ve picked this one that just does a full-day trip to the Giants Causeway while taking in a clatter of attractions along the way.
Grab a bit of breakfast beforehand. We’d heartily recommend the Lamppost Cafe on Newtownards Road for a slap-up cooked Irish breakfast—they also have a cooked vegan breakfast. Alternatively, check out the Grapevine in the Cathedral Quarter for porridge, bagels, baps, and breakfast burritos.
Stop 1: Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle is one of the most well-known and best-preserved castles in Ireland. It’s just 25 minutes from Belfast City Centre, making it an ideal first stop on your way to the Causeway Coast. While you won’t be going in for the tour, you’ll get plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings and get some photos.
Dating back to the 12th Century, this epic fortress boasts huge walls that protect it from the sea, plus a number of mighty towers. It’s been the site of countless battles over the years and it’s no surprise that it’s home to a ghost.
Stop 2: Cushendun Caves
The coast road is absolutely stunning between Carrickfergus Castle and your next stop, Cushendun Caves, with sights like the epic Black Arch along the way.
Formed over hundreds of millions of years, these days, the caves are most famous for appearing in the Game of Thrones series. The caves formed the backdrop for the Stormlands and were the setting for a couple of important scenes from the series in season 2 and again in season 8. This explains why you’ll find plenty of GoT fans heading out to explore this spot.
While the place is incredibly impressive to explore, it’s not an overly large area and most people only spend about 15-20 minutes getting around them. It’s also completely free to visit, which makes it a nice stop on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Stop 3: Carnlough
The charming village of Carnlough is a top place to visit, and it’s located at the foothills of Glencloy. One of the 9 Glens of Antrim, it’s famed for its beautiful harbour, from which small fishing vessels and pleasure boats set out to sea.
The harbour was another Game of Thrones filming location and was used in several scenes in the show. If time allows, it’s worth strolling through the village and enjoying the gorgeous views from the waterfront.
Stop 4: Ballintoy for Lunch
The quirky Ballintoy Harbour is one of the more well-trodden stop-offs on the Causeway Coastal Route. Based in the picturesque village of the same name, Ballintoy Harbour is home to everything from sea stacks and rocky islands to amazing cliff tops and more. Of course, there’s a Ballintoy Harbour Game of Thrones link too! It was one of several filming locations and was used for the exterior Pyke shots and to stand in as the Iron Islands.
For lunch, you’ll be heading to the Fullerton Arms where you’ll find a stunning menu that takes in a range of fresh seafood dishes, as well as steaks, pasta, burgers, pies, and much more. Whenever we visit, the Strangford Rope Mussels served with Irish wheaten bread are a must, available in a variety of sauces.
Stop 5: Giants Causeway
The legendary landscape of the Giants Causeway boasts more than 40,000 basalt pillars, jutting proudly out from the sea. In Irish folklore, the path was used by the hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill to get to Scotland, where he fought an enemy giant.
It was formed more than 60 million years ago and has been studied by geologists for more than 300 years, making it one of the most important and unique nature reserves on earth. You’ll spend some time climbing over the ancient stones, while your guide regales you with the myths and legends that surround this world-famous attraction.
Stop 6: Dunluce Castle
Your next stop is the legendary Dunluce Castle. It’s a fantastic place to wander around, taking in the castle ruins and getting some nice photos. The castle dates back to the 1500s and is rich in history. Of course, there are several legends, most notably the Dunluce Banshee, whose wails and screams are said to haunt the Northeast Tower. It’s another top spot for Game of Thrones fans, too—the castle served as the Greyjoy fortress on the Iron Isles.
Stop 7: The Dark Hedges
Your final stop before heading back to Belfast is the epic Dark Hedges. It’s here that you’ll find an avenue lined with 150 beech trees that has delighted photographers, painters and directors for many a year.
Once again, there’s a big aul Dark Hedges Game of Thrones link! If you’re a fan of the insanely successful HBO series, then you’ll probably recognise the Dark Hedges as ‘The Kings Road’. The avenue features in Season 2, Episode 1: ‘On the King’ s Road’. The Dark Hedges were featured during a scene where Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing.
The hedges date to 1755 and were planted alongside the road running up to Gracehill House in an attempt to make the road up to the estate more formidable. Looks like it worked! Grab some photos, look out for the spooky Grey Lady, and then it’s back on the coach to Belfast for dinner and drinks.
Stop 8: Back to Belfast for the night
Taking a more direct route back will have you in Belfast in about an hour and 30 minutes or so.
You’ll find tons of options for food, drink, entertainment, and plenty of live music here, so whether you go back to your accommodation to freshen up first or head straight out is up to you.
Our Belfast food recommendations
There’s some outstanding restaurants in Belfast City. First up, Deanes is a Belfast institution and a must-visit while you’re in the city. There are three venues to choose from, each focusing on something different; Deanes Meat Locker, Deanes Love Fish, and Deanes at Queens.
Whichever you choose, you’re in for a fine feed. EDO is another favourite of ours, a stunning tapas and cocktail bar with incredible sharing platters.
Or, for a fancy meal, head to The Ginger Bistro, near the Belfast Opera House. Their menu is out of this world, though that’s no surprise when you consider it was voted the best restaurant in Northern Ireland.
Our Belfast pub recommendations
There are countless incredible pubs and bars in Belfast for a tasty after-dinner tipple. Check out traditional options like the unmistakable Bittles Bar, with its stunning range of local beer and Irish whisky.
The Duke of York is another old-school boozer, walls adorned with knick-knacks from yesteryear and serving up a fine pint of Guinness.
Finally, we couldn’t forget Madden’s Bar, a cosy, traditional pub complete with a roaring wood-burning stove and a friendly atmosphere. Somewhat overlooked, it’s a hidden gem, beloved by those in the know!
Traditional musicians from across Ireland come to play at Kelly’s Cellars every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Other fantastic options for music include Fibber Magees, another charmingly old-fashioned pub with a lively atmosphere, and the John Hewitt.
Day 3: The trip to Dublin
Next stop, Dublin City! We’ll be taking the train to the vibrant and historic Dublin City, where we’ll be spending two nights.
Before you catch your train, enjoy a decent breakfast at your accommodation, or check out one of the cafes from yesterday. Alternatively, you’ll find shops at the train station if you want to buy something to go.
Recommended accommodation in Dublin
- Budget: Abigail’s Hostel (Temple Bar), Jacobs Inn (central hostel) and the Generator Hostel (short walk from the city)
- Mid-range: Dublin Skylon Hotel (just outside the city), Wren Urban Nest (Temple Bar) and the Harding Hotel (very central)
- Luxury: The Merrion (St. Stephen’s Green – very central) and The Westin (just off Grafton Street)
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: Belfast Lanyon Place Train Station
After a good feed, it’s straight to the train station. Lanyon Place is just a short walk from the Cathedral Quarter, or you can take a cab there from your accommodation.
There are multiple trains to Dublin every day, more or less every four hours or so, and the journey will typically take just over two hours, passing through some gorgeous scenery.
Stop 2: Dublin Connolly Train Station
Welcome to Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland! From Connolly Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Trinity College or 20 minutes to Temple Bar. You can also take a bus, which will generally take around 15 minutes or so. Look for bus routes 14, 15, 27, and 151, though there are probably more to be fair. You can also hop on the Luas Red Line, the station is just around the corner.
Alternatively, head to your accommodation, drop your things off and head into town once you’ve settled in.
Stop 3: Trinity College
When you’re ready, head straight for 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
There’s plenty of great restaurants in Dublin, but for lunch we suggest you head to Neary’s. It’s just up the road from Trinity College, along the bustling Grafton Street.
This old-school pub is a classic and it serves up a range of simple lunch options, like sandwiches, soup, toasties, and Carlingford Oysters, all washed down with a tasty pint of Guinness.
Affordable and delicious, we can’t recommend it highly enough. Sprout and Co on Dawson Street is another good shout for a quick, light lunch that tastes great and is close to Trinity College.
Stop 5: The Ha’penny Bridge (via Temple Bar)
The Ha’penny Bridge is an iconic sight in Dublin and crossing it is a must. From Neary’s, it’s about a ten-minute walk that passes through the vibrant Temple Bar area.
As you pass through Temple Bar, you’ll see why this is the nightlife capital of Dublin, with endless pubs and clubs lining the streets.
The bridge itself is a quaint little footbridge over the River Liffey. In the old days, you’d have to pay a toll of half a penny to cross, hence the name.
If you fancy a coffee after your walk, head to Vice Coffee Inc, just over the bridge for a superb brew. You’ll also find tons of shops and pubs to enjoy on either side of the bridge.
Stop 6: Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral (a 9-minute stroll from the castle) is another of Dublin’s top attractions and dating back more than 1,000 years, it’s pretty much as old as the city itself!
Steeped in history, it was originally founded by Viking king Sitruic Silkenbeard, but it’s come a long way since those early days (you can grab a ticket online here).
After admiring the stunning architecture from the outside, you can take a self-guided audio tour inside the cathedral.
Along the way, you’ll discover Strongbow’s grave and explore the crypts, which are home to a wealth of artefacts and exhibits, with such treasures as the mummified cat chasing a mummified rat inside an organ pipe.
Listen out for the record-breaking bells of Christ Church, and if you’re really lucky, you might catch the choir in action.
Stop 7: Guinness Storehouse
Next up is another iconic Dublin attraction, the Guinness Storehouse. It’s a bit of a walk from the cathedral, around 17 minutes or so. However, you can easily take the bus to cut out the bulk of the walk. Head round the corner to High Street Stop 1937 and jump on any bus that’ll drop you at Steevens Lane, just ask the driver, but the 13, 27, 77A, 123, G1, and G2 all head that way. From Steevens Lane, it’s just a 4-minute walk to the Guinness Storehouse.
Dublin is the home of Guinness, and this tour of the brewery is a must for anyone with a love for the black stuff. In fact, even if you’re not a fan of beer, this is a fantastic attraction to visit. Book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues. You can do a self-guided tour, but the guided-tour is, in our minds, the better option.
Your knowledgeable guide will tell the iconic story of how Guinness, from its cheeky origins to where it is now, as well as going over the brewing process. Along the way, you’ll hear a number of humorous tales, enjoy some of the brand’s most iconic adverts, and sample the brew at various stages of the process.
To finish, you’ll get a free pint in the fantastic Gravity Bar. Situated on the seventh floor, you’ll enjoy great views over the city as you sink a pint or two.
Stop 8: Dinner, drinks and live music
When you’ve finished at the Guinness Storehouse, you’ll probably be ready for dinner. For our first night in Dublin, we’ve got a few treats lined up.
Our Dublin food recommendations
There’s endless excellent restaurants in Dublin. However, if we had to pick one or two…
The first would be The Bull and Castle – it’s always a good choice and it’s right across the street from the Christ Church Cathedral.
An FX Buckley steakhouse (a Dublin institution), they offer a great range of steaks cooked to perfection, paired with their incredible beef dripping chips.
The Vintage Kitchen is an alternative, but it’s best to book in advance as it’s incredibly popular. A BYOB (bring your own bottle) place, the food is phenomenal, with a small but diverse menu that features classic Irish dishes with a contemporary twist.
Our Dublin pub recommendations
There’s certainly no shortage of great pubs in Dublin. If you’re a fan of old-school pubs, follow our Dublin pub crawl guide – it contains a short route with some of the city’s finest trad bars.
McNeils on Capel Street is an authentic Dublin pub, complete with wood panelling, impromptu folk sessions, and plenty of beers on tap.
The Long Hall is another must-see. Part Victorian time capsule, part vibrant boozer, it enjoys a fantastic atmosphere and is one of the most visually stunning pubs in the city.
You’ll find trad sessions at Pipers Corner every night of the week. O’Donoghues Bar on Merrion Row is another must-visit, with vintage decor and frequent trad sessions. It’s best-known as the home of the Dubliners, who used to play here regularly.
The Celt on Talbot Street is another great choice for live music, and while it’s not always trad, the bands are normally really good.
Day 4: Wicklow’s Wonders
Day 4 takes us into the stunning natural beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, just south of Dublin City. Depending on the time of year, you’ll have different options for seeing Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
During the off-season, St Kevin’s Bus is the best way to visit these places. If you are here during the peak season, take a guided tour like the one we’ve outlined below.
Option 1: St Kevin’s Bus
The St Kevins Bus Service has been operating the Dublin to Glendalough bus since 1927. The bus leaves from St Stephen’s Green North (across from Stephen’s Court in Dublin City Centre) and drops you near the Glendalough Visitor Centre.
Option 2: Wicklow Mountains National Park & Guided Walking Tour
This option includes a fully guided day tour of Wicklow with a guided walk in the Irish countryside. You’ll stop for lunch along the way and take in the magnificent Sally Gap in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, and various film locations before arriving at Glendalough National Park and Monastic site.
We’ll give a brief overview of the various stops along the tour but bear in mind that the actual tour you take may differ, depending on weather, number of guests, and traffic conditions. However, the trip should take around 8 hours. Be sure to check with the provider in advance for full details.
Stop 1: Sally Gap
From the pickup point, you’ll be heading to Glendalough in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains via the Sally Gap, a wonderful, remote wilderness in the shape of a crossroads.
From Sally Gap, you can enjoy a number of sights from the road, including the mighty Lough Tay, better known as the Guinness Lake, and Glenmacnass Waterfall, a beautiful 80-metre cascade that tumbles down the mossy rocks into the river below.
Stop 2: Glendalough Monastic City
Your first stop will be the magnificent Glendalough Monastic City. It’s a superb place to take a walk around and discover the various ruins, many of which are many hundreds of years old. Founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century, it’s home to ancient round towers, churches, and tombs, as well as an extensive graveyard.
Stop 3: The Lakes at Glendalough
There are two stunning lakes at Glendalough, the smaller Lower Lake, and the larger Upper Lake. There are plenty of nice walks in the area that see you ambling along the edge of both lakes, taking in the rugged, natural beauty of the area.
Your guide will most likely take you on one of the shorter, easier-going routes in the park, where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery and fresh air. You’ll also find places to eat at Glendalough Upper Car Park, right on the shores of the Upper Lake.
Stop 4: Powerscourt House and Gardens
Our next stop is a 35-minute coach ride away to the breathtaking Powerscourt House and Gardens. The Powerscourt Estate gardens are some of the most beautiful in Ireland and cover an incredible 47 acres of land. You can wander through the formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and secret hollows. The gardens were designed from 1731 onwards, with various sections worth exploring.
The grand house overlooks Sugarloaf Mountain and has been voted as one of the top houses and mansions worldwide by Lonely Planet. You can take a tour through the house and also enjoy some bespoke shopping with stores such as Design Loft, Global Village and Avoca Stores located inside.
Admission costs €11.50 for an adult, €9.00 for seniors, €8.50 for students, and €5.00 for children, or you can purchase a family ticket for €26.00. There’s a lot to take in here, so it’s worth allowing at least two hours for your visit.
Stop 5: Back to Dublin for the night
After enjoying the stunning scenery of the Wicklow Mountains, it’s time to head back to Dublin for the night, for dinner, drinks, and maybe a little music.
Our Dublin food recommendations
There’s endless excellent restaurants in Dublin. However, if we had to pick one or two…
The first would be The Bull and Castle – it’s always a good choice and it’s right across the street from the Christ Church Cathedral.
An FX Buckley steakhouse (a Dublin institution), they offer a great range of steaks cooked to perfection, paired with their incredible beef dripping chips.
The Vintage Kitchen is an alternative, but it’s best to book in advance as it’s incredibly popular. A BYOB (bring your own bottle) place, the food is phenomenal, with a small but diverse menu that features classic Irish dishes with a contemporary twist.
Our Dublin pub recommendations
There’s certainly no shortage of great pubs in Dublin. If you’re a fan of old-school pubs, follow our Dublin pub crawl guide – it contains a short route with some of the city’s finest trad bars.
McNeils on Capel Street is an authentic Dublin pub, complete with wood panelling, impromptu folk sessions, and plenty of beers on tap.
The Long Hall is another must-see. Part Victorian time capsule, part vibrant boozer, it enjoys a fantastic atmosphere and is one of the most visually stunning pubs in the city.
You’ll find trad sessions at Pipers Corner every night of the week. O’Donoghues Bar on Merrion Row is another must-visit, with vintage decor and frequent trad sessions. It’s best-known as the home of the Dubliners, who used to play here regularly.
The Celt on Talbot Street is another great choice for live music, and while it’s not always trad, the bands are normally really good.
Day 5: The trip to Galway
Day 5 sees us heading to Galway, which will be our base for the next two days.
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at your accommodation, or head to one of the many cafes in town if time allows.
When you’re ready, hit the road, but make sure you’ve you’re accommodation booked well in advance.
Recommended accommodation in Galway
- Budget: Feeney’s Audubon Lodge (in Salthill outside of the city by the sea) and Corrib View Guesthouse (a 45-minute walk from Eyre Square)
- Mid-range: Balcony House B&B (10-minute walk from Eyre Square) and Ash Grove House (gorgeous guesthouse near Galway Cathedral)
- Luxury: The G Hotel (luxury hotel in the city) and Glenlo Abbey (one of Ireland’s top hotels – 15-minute drive from the city)
Today you are taking the train from Dublin to Galway, below is an overview of that trip
Stop 1: Heuston Station
The train to Galway departs from Heuston, you can take a taxi here, walk or take the Luas Red line, which has a stop right out front. The trip to Galway takes about 2.5 hours.
There are shops inside the station where you can grab snacks for the train and breakfast. We recommend buying food for the train instead of waiting to buy something on the train.
Stop 2: Galway Ceannt Station
Welcome to Galway! The train station is located in the centre of Galway so, depending on your accommodation, you shouldn’t have to walk too far.
From here, we recommend you go drop off your bags before setting off to explore the city.
Stop 3: Check in, get lunch and decide between walking or the bus
When you land in Galway, head to your accommodation, get checked in and head for lunch.
By now, you must be hungry. There are heaps of brilliant places for lunch in Galway, but if you don’t want the hassle of finding somewhere to eat, we’ve got a few suggestions!
We recommend Blakes Bar (traditional pub grub), Zappis (authentic Italian cuisine), or Tigh Neachtain (Irish and international cuisine).
Now, Galway is a very walkable city, but if it’s raining or if you fancy getting dropped to the ‘main’ attractions the hop-on/hop-off bus tour is well worth buying.
Regardless of which option you choose, here are some of our favourite sites in Galway City (we’ve listed them in a logical way for you to walk between them).
Stop 4: Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral is wonderfully impressive both inside and out. It’s arguably the jewel in the Galway City skyline and you’ll cop it from many places as you stroll around the city.
Interestingly enough, it’s not as old as it looks, and construction on the building was only completed in 1965, earning it the title of ‘the last great stone cathedral to be constructed in Europe’.
The cathedral is free to enter, but visitors are asked for a donation of €2 to help with the building’s upkeep.
Stop 5: Quay Street and the Latin Quarter
Galway’s colourful streets are an absolute joy the ramble along regardless of the time of year.
If you’re walking from the cathedral, you’re a short stroll away from the Latin Quarter and Quay Street where you can have a nosey around.
These streets are alive with the buzz from tourists and locals alike.
Stop 6: The Hall of the Red Earl
One of our favourite places to visit in Galway (especially if it’s raining!) is the Hall of the Red Earl.
The Hall of the Red Earl is one of Galway’s most interesting sites. The ruins date back to the 13th century, with ties to the founding of Galway and the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family.
It was the first municipal building in the city, used for collecting taxes, hosting banquets, and sentencing criminals.
The Hall of the Red Earl was lost as the city grew until 1997, when the ruins were unearthed by archaeologists on behalf of the Office of the Public Works.
Today, you can walk amongst the ruins, view the artefacts, and learn about the hall’s history from the informative displays.
Stop 7: Galway City Museum
The Galway City Museum is just a stone’s throw from the Spanish Arch. It’s one of the best places to learn about Galway’s history, culture, and archaeology, with collections telling the story of prehistoric Galway all the way through to 19th and 20th-century Galway!
The museum has three floors and seven long-term exhibitions, including The Wild Atlantic – Sea Science, and an exhibition on Pádraic Ó Conaire.
It’s free to visit, although donations are always appreciated.
Stop 8: Spanish Arch and the Long Walk
The Spanish Arch is a must-see Galway attraction, dating back to Medieval times. The large stone arch is located on the outskirts of the city centre, overlooking the Claddagh (shore).
It originally housed soldiers who were keeping watch on the city’s Medieval walls. Its nickname is thought to come from the city’s merchant trade with the Spanish, whose ships would often be docked in the area!
From the Spanish Arch, you can take a short stroll alongside the water to what’s known as The Long Walk. You’ll likely have seen pictures of it (it’s a line of colourful buildings right on the water).
Stop 9: Dinner, drinks and live music
You’ve had a busy aul day today, so it’s time to kick back and chill with food and, if you fancy, a drink and some live music.
Galway is a lively city regardless of the time of year. Here’s some spots worth checking out:
Our dinner recommendations
For dinner, we’ve got a few stellar recommendations: Ard Bia, The Quay Street Kitchen, and Dela. Ard Bia is absolutely fantastic, but you need to book in advance for dinner.
The restaurant has a quirky interior and serves beautifully presented modern dishes.
The Quay Street Kitchen has a great selection of vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes, and Dela has modern Irish cuisine on the menu.
Live music and trad bars
There’s some mighty pubs in Galway. After dinner, head out for drinks at either Tigh Neachtain or The Crane. Both are traditional pubs with a great atmosphere.
Trad music is an integral part of the city, with heaps of options to choose from. Our favourite spots are Crane Bar (mentioned above) and Tigh Chóilí.
Day 6: The Clare coast
Today’s tour takes us out of County Galway, around Galway Bay, and into the gorgeous County Clare, an area famed for its stunning natural beauty.
The road itself is an attraction, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a clatter of gorgeous hills, rivers, lakes, and mountains, not to mention the beautiful and ever-present Galway bay.
Today’s tour meets at 9:30 am outside of Kinlay Hostel on Eyre Square. Grab some breakfast at your accommodation or head to Pascal Coffee House or Gaslight Brasserie for a tasty bite before the tour departs.
This 8-hour coach tour leaves Galway at 9:30 am, though it’s best to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Normally, you’ll arrive back in Galway between 17:30 and 18:00, after a superb day of sightseeing.
Let’s take a look at some of the main stops along the way, but as always, bear in mind your specific tour may differ.
Stop 1: Dunguaire Castle
The stunning Dunguaire Castle sits on a spit of land jutting out into Galway Bay and has a long history stretching back to mediaeval times. Built in 1520 by the prominent O’Hynes Clan family as a simple tower house with fortified walls, it’s stunningly beautiful from the outside.
To truly experience the beauty of this fortress, head off on a self-guided tour of Dunguaire Castle. The grounds are lovely and the interior is fitted with period furniture and plaques that’ll take you through the castle’s past.
Stop 2: Corcomroe Abbey
Next, you’ll drop by the incredible Corcomroe Abbey, a stately 13th-century Cistercian monastery surrounded by beautiful countryside. While it now sits in ruins, the walls and towers have been incredibly well-preserved, and it’s a truly humbling experience to wander among the ancient stones.
Stop 3: The Burren
The Burren is a vast area of more than 250 sq km that stretches out as far as the Aran Islands. Famed for its craggy landscape made up of huge slabs of limestone known as Karst, it’s a wonder to behold. The Burren actually translates to ‘a rocky place’, and the limestone pavements are a testament to this.
While the area is famed for its rocks, there’s an abundance of vegetation that manages to survive in the area, including wildflowers, herbs, grasses, and more. In fact, cattle and livestock have managed to survive and indeed thrive on the nutritious grasses grown in the Burren for centuries.
You’ll spend a good part of your tour driving through this epic landscape, so have your camera ready to catch the action!
Stop 4: Doolin Pier
Doolin is a vibrant little village. The pier is best known for being the departure point for ferries heading to the Aran Isles and the Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy a ramble around the village, taking in the various craft shops, and photos at the pier, before heading for lunch at the Hotel Doolin.
Stop 5: Lunch at Hotel Doolin
You’ll get an hour and a half to enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Hotel Doolin’s Fitzpatrick’s Bar. This is a lovely traditional pub with a crackling fire and an extensive menu, packed full of Irish classics and modern dishes alike. There’s plenty of fish, shellfish, lamb, beef, and chicken on the menu, but also lots of veggie and vegan options. Don’t miss the seafood chowder and soda bread!
Stop 6: The Cliffs of Moher
The highlight of the tour is a guided walk atop the mighty Cliffs of Moher. Standing 214 metres above the sea, you’ll get amazing views over Galway Bay as the waves smash the rocks below you. You’ll enjoy a couple of hours here, with plenty of opportunities to walk along the cliff tops and the surrounding countryside, enjoying some of the best views in Ireland.
Stop 7: Lisdoonvarna
Lisdoonvarna is a charming and peaceful spa town and an excellent example of life in rural Ireland. However, that all changes during the famous annual Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, the largest in Europe. Each September, it attracts around 40,000 hopeful singletons in search of true love.
The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival takes over the bars, pubs, hotels and streets of Lisdoonvarna and takes place throughout the month of September. The festival boasts an impressive line-up of live music and dancing both midweek and at weekends.
If you’re visiting outside of September, chances are you’ll just drive by and hear the story of the festival.
Stop 8: Back to Galway
After another drive through breathtaking countryside, you’ll normally be back in the middle of Galway by 18:00, just in time for dinner, drinks, and entertainment.
Our dinner recommendations
For dinner, we’ve got a few stellar recommendations: Ard Bia, The Quay Street Kitchen, and Dela. Ard Bia is absolutely fantastic, but you need to book in advance for dinner.
The restaurant has a quirky interior and serves beautifully presented modern dishes.
The Quay Street Kitchen has a great selection of vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes, and Dela has modern Irish cuisine on the menu.
Live music and trad bars
There’s some mighty pubs in Galway. After dinner, head out for drinks at either Tigh Neachtain or The Crane. Both are traditional pubs with a great atmosphere.
Trad music is an integral part of the city, with heaps of options to choose from. Our favourite spots are Crane Bar (mentioned above) and Tigh Chóilí.
Day 7: The trip back to Dublin
This is your last full day in Ireland before flying home tomorrow. We have to double back on ourselves and head back to Dublin before making to return journey to Belfast the following day.
Grab breakfast at your accommodation, or head to Dela for a special treat. They do a range of breakfast and brunch classics, including a traditional full Irish fry, veggie breakfast options, and plenty of egg dishes.
However, the breakfast burger, complete with black pudding, is a must! If you have time to get down there before your train, you won’t regret it!
Recommended accommodation in Dublin
- Budget: Abigail’s Hostel (Temple Bar), Jacobs Inn (central hostel) and the Generator Hostel (short walk from the city)
- Mid-range: Dublin Skylon Hotel (just outside the city), Wren Urban Nest (Temple Bar) and the Harding Hotel (very central)
- Luxury: The Merrion (St. Stephen’s Green – very central) and The Westin (just off Grafton Street)
Stop 1: Galway Ceannt
We’ll be getting the train from Galway to Dublin from Ceannt Railway Station, where you’ll find direct trains to Dublin running all day. If you do decide to treat yourself to breakfast at Dela, it’s just over a 10-minute walk to the station. Otherwise, the station is well-connected by public transport. The journey time is normally around two hours and twenty minutes or so.
Stop 2: Dublin Heuston
Welcome back to Dublin! From Dublin Heuston you can easily grab a cab to your accommodation, though you might find a bus route that’ll get you where you need to be. Meanwhile, the LUAS Red Line runs through the station, heading into the city centre and beyond.
Stop 3: Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is a short, 20-minute walk from Heuston. Built back in 1796 and initially known as the ‘new gaol’ in order to differentiate it from the dungeon it was replacing, the Kilmainham Gaol museum is a fascinating place to explore.
Over the course of its life as a working prison, it housed many a notable name while also playing witness to the executions of several leaders of the 1916 Rising.
On the tour, you’ll be immersed in a part of Ireland’s history that many of those who visit the island tend to miss. This is well worth doing but please book tickets in advance as it’s very popular.
Stop 4: Irish National War Memorial Gardens
The Irish National War Memorial Gardens are just under a 15-minute walk from Kilmainham Gaol and they’re the perfect place to suck down a bit of fresh air.
The gardens are dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who gave their lives in the Great War (1914 to 1918). The gardens are beautifully landscaped and were designed by the memorialist Sir Edwin Lutyens.
They’re free to enter and a great spot for a pre-lunch stroll.
Stop 5: Lunch at The Brazen Head
Our next stop is lunch. Now, as this is an inactive itinerary, we’d recommend that you get a taxi to our next stop. We’re recommending that you take the 8-minute drive (it’s a 40-minute walk) to the Brazen Head – the oldest pub in Dublin.
The pub oozes old-world charm, with flagstone and hardwood floors, wood panelling, gigantic fireplaces, and plenty of cosy nooks and crannies.
It’s a popular spot, and you’ll find an array of beers on tap, as well as various spirits and wines on offer. For food, the menu offers a host of Irish classics, like beef and Guinness stew, as well as veggie options and some great seafood. Enjoy the food, soak up the atmosphere, and line your stomach for our next stop.
Stop 6: Jameson Distillery
The Jameson Distillery on Bow St. is the most popular of the many whiskey distilleries in Dublin.
It’s just a 7-minute walk from the Brazen Head and while it no longer produces whiskey (that’s reserved for the Midleton Distillery in Cork), the Bow St distillery offers a fantastic visitor centre with loads to discover and enjoy.
There are several different Jameson Distillery tours on offer, from the standard Bow St Experience to a Whiskey Cocktail-making masterclass (buy your ticket in advance here).
Stop 7: Dinner, drinks and live music
Once you’ve finished enjoying the various exhibitions and displays at the museum, it’s time to head into town one last time and enjoy your last evening in Ireland.
Our Dublin food recommendations
There’s endless excellent restaurants in Dublin. However, if we had to pick one or two…
The first would be The Bull and Castle – it’s always a good choice and it’s right across the street from the Christ Church Cathedral.
An FX Buckley steakhouse (a Dublin institution), they offer a great range of steaks cooked to perfection, paired with their incredible beef dripping chips.
The Vintage Kitchen is an alternative, but it’s best to book in advance as it’s incredibly popular. A BYOB (bring your own bottle) place, the food is phenomenal, with a small but diverse menu that features classic Irish dishes with a contemporary twist.
Our Dublin pub recommendations
There’s certainly no shortage of great pubs in Dublin. If you’re a fan of old-school pubs, follow our Dublin pub crawl guide – it contains a short route with some of the city’s finest trad bars.
McNeils on Capel Street is an authentic Dublin pub, complete with wood panelling, impromptu folk sessions, and plenty of beers on tap.
The Long Hall is another must-see. Part Victorian time capsule, part vibrant boozer, it enjoys a fantastic atmosphere and is one of the most visually stunning pubs in the city.
You’ll find trad sessions at Pipers Corner every night of the week. O’Donoghues Bar on Merrion Row is another must-visit, with vintage decor and frequent trad sessions. It’s best-known as the home of the Dubliners, who used to play here regularly.
The Celt on Talbot Street is another great choice for live music, and while it’s not always trad, the bands are normally really good.
Day 8: The trip to Belfast and home
Today’s the day you fly home and leave Ireland behind. You can ignore this section if you’re flying home from Dublin Airport, but if you have a flight booked from Belfast, read on.
You’ve two options for getting back to Belfast from Dublin. While we recommend the bus, we’ll outline both options below. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Ideally, you’ll have an afternoon or evening flight booked.
Option 1: Bus
If you choose to travel by bus, you’ll need to take two. One that’ll leave you in Belfast, and one that takes you to either George Best Belfast City Airport, or Belfast International Airport. Aircoach provides a range of frequent services to Belfast from Dublin City.
This service departs from Dublin O’Connell Street Station and drops you off at Belfast Glengall Street Station, just around the corner from Europa Bus Centre. From here, you can take either the Translink 600 Airport Express directly to George Best Belfast City Airport or the Translink 300 Airport Express to Belfast International Airport.
Option 2: Train
The train from Dublin to Belfast is only really worth using if you’re flying out from George Best Belfast City Airport. It departs from Dublin Connolly Station and takes you all the way to Belfast Lanyon Train Station in about two hours. From there, you can take another train to Sydenham Station, a 15-minute walk from the airport terminal.
And that’s a wrap on this road trip
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!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.