9 Days In Ireland From Dublin (‘Slow-Trip’ For Those With A Car + Good Fitness)

Planning a 9-day Ireland itinerary can be confusing and stressful… So, I’ve done all of the hard work for you!

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

In a nutshell, this 9-day itinerary:

• 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 my road trip itineraries have been tailored to specific needs.

This road trip is specifically for those of you:

• Start point: In/near Dublin
• Mode of transport: You’ll need a car (if you’re renting a car, read this Irish car rental guide – it’ll save you time and hassle)
• Travel speed: This is a relaxed-paced itinerary
• Fitness levels needed: Good – it includes long walks
• Need a different itinerary? I have many variations of this trip length here

Why trust this guide

I have spent the last 25+ years travelling around Ireland and have dedicated the last 10 to writing what is now The Irish Road Trip Guide.

While the image above will give you a sense of some of the feedback that I receive, this is a tiny drop in the ocean – these hand-crafted itineraries are used by tens of thousands of people every year with nothing but A+ feedback. Cheers!

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

Day 1 is going to be very dependent on the time that you arrive into Dublin. If you need to rent a car, I’d recommend collecting one at Dublin Airport via Discover Cars.

While you won’t need it for the first day in the city, it’ll save you having to go and collect one at a later time.

For this itinerary, I’m going to make an assumption that you’ve landed in the morning and are ready to explore from mid-afternoon.

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)
• The guided walking tour: The local-led Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour immerses you in 1,000 years of history over 2 hours

Stop 1: Lunch

There are 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 (EST. 1887) just off of Grafton Street is hard to bate!

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 2: Trinity College

Now you’re all fuelled up, it’s time to head to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, arguably the most famous cultural attraction in Dublin.

If you can, I’d 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 3: The Ha’penny Bridge (via Temple Bar)

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 seven-minute walk from the Trinity Gates, 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 my 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 my favourites across the water.

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

Stop 4: Dublin Castle

Next on the itinerary is Dublin Castle. Nestled in the city centre, the castle dates back to the 13th century and was the seat of the English for over 700 years.

Today, it’s an important government complex and the site of Presidential Inaugurations and key State events. The castle is around 10 minutes from the Ha’penny Bridge on foot.

There’s no admission fee to explore the grounds, but if you want to have a look inside you’ll need to purchase tickets for either a self-guided tour or a guided tour.

Guided tours include access to the State Apartments, Exhibitions, Chapel Royal, and the Mediaeval Undercroft. Self-guided tours include access to the State Apartments and Exhibitions only. 

Tickets for guided tours can be purchased on the day of your visit at the ticket booth.

Stop 5: Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral dates back to the early 11th century when it was founded under Sigtrygg Silkbeard, a Norse King of Dublin. It was rebuilt later in stone, largely thanks to the first Anglo-Norman archbishop, John Cumin, in the late 12th century. 

The cathedral is only a 4-minute walk from Dublin Castle and a really interesting place to visit. Some highlights are the restored crypt houses, Strongbow’s tomb, and the Treasures of Christ Church exhibition. 

You can grab a ticket online here –  these include an audio guide that comes in several languages, with three themes to choose from – ‘Power and Politics’, ‘Music and Spirituality’, and ‘Christ Church and the City’.

Self-guided tours with an audio guide usually last around one hour. 

Stop 6: The Guinness Storehouse

You’re a 20-minute walk from Guinness Storehouse. It’s at St. James’s Gate, the home of Guinness, and there are several tours available. 

I’d 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 whilst taking in the views of the Gravity Bar. 

Stop 7: Dinner, drinks and live music

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

Dinner recommendations

There are some outstanding restaurants in Dublin, with something to tickle most tastebuds.

• My go-to for steak: Hawksmoor (incredible interior, exceptional steak and sublime service)
• My go-to for seafood: SOLE (simply spectacular)

Live music and trad bars

Although I’ve a detailed Dublin pubs guide, my go-tos are Bowes, Kehoes and Neary’s.

There are plenty of live music pubs in Dublin, too, like the Celt, the Old Storehouse and Darkey Kelly’s!

For those that don’t fancy the pub

Day 2: Walks on Dublin’s coast

Day 2 takes you away from the city and out to Dublin’s coastline for several bracing strolls and some mighty scenery.

This itinerary will immerse you in a side of Dublin that many visitors to the capital often overlook.

1. Catch a train from Dublin City to Malahide

Malahide is one of the more popular day trips from Dublin, and it’s very straightforward to get to.

Here’s what to do:

• 1: Go to Connolly Station. Buy a ticket for the DART (train)
• 2: Get the DART heading in the direction of Drogheda
• 3: It’s 9 stops to Malahide and it takes around 30 minutes
• Tip: Try sit on the right-hand side of the carriage for glimpses of the sea

2. Malahide Castle and village

When you leave the DART station, take a right and you’ll see the entrance to the grounds of Malahide Castle.

You have the option to join a guided tour of the castle, or you can admire its stunning architecture from a distance.

After exploring the castle, make your way into the town centre. Enjoy a coffee or some breakfast, then stroll down to the Marina for a look around.

If you’re inclined to spend more time here, there are plenty of things to do in Malahide, including the coastal walk to Portmarnock.

3. Take the DART from Malahide to Howth

Howth is accessible from Malahide, although you should be aware there’s no direct train connection; a transfer is necessary.

• 1: Board the DART at Malahide heading towards Bray
• 2: Alight at Howth Junction after three stops
• 3: Switch to platform 2 for your DART connection to Howth

4. Grab a light bite at Howth Market

As you exit the station, Howth Market is directly across the road.

You’ll find a variety of offerings here, from coffee and sweet treats to savoury snacks.

Although small, the market is a perfect spot for a quick stop before you embark on your upcoming walk.

Related read: Have more time to play with? See my guide to 1 day in Dublin or 3 days in Dublin

5. Tackle the Howth Cliff Walk

The Howth Cliff Walk is one of the most scenic walks in Dublin, and it begins right from the village.

• Start/finish: Howth DART station
• Length: 6 km / 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

If cliff walks aren’t to your liking, consider a pleasant stroll along the pier instead.

This walk offers scenic views of Ireland’s Eye and the Church of the Three Sons of Nessan. The journey along the pier takes about 25 minutes.

6. Sample the seafood in Howth village

After a good wander and soaking up those stunning views, it’s time to grab a bite.

As you’ll be right by the sea, you’ve gotta try the local seafood—and there are some excellent restaurants in Howth for a feed!

For a fancy sit-down, head to Aqua.

If you’re in the mood for something quick and classic, swing by Beshoff Bros for fish and chips—just watch out for those cheeky seagulls!

7. A cosy pint

It’s after 16:00 and you’re on your holidays, so it’s time for a tipple.

There are some mighty pubs in Howth. The ones I return to over and over are:

• The Abbey Tavern: A traditional Irish pub with an extensive menu
• McNeills of Howth: A lovely, cosy pub that does great Guinness

8. Get the DART back to the city

There’s a direct DART from Howth to the city centre, which takes just 30 minutes and stops at Connolly Station.

Now, a warning – the area around Connolly is one of the areas to avoid in Dublin City, so don’t hang around here!

If you fancy heading out for a night cap, here’s some recommendations:

• Nearys: A wonderful pub that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time
• Kehoes: A lively, traditional pub that does great Guinness
• The Palace: One of Dublin’s most beautiful pubs (and one of the only pubs in Temple Bar I’d drink in)

Day 3: Wicklow’s Wonders

On day 3, it’s time to put that rental car to use and head out of Dublin. Today, you’ll be exploring Wicklow, also known as the Garden of Ireland. 

There are a few walks on the agenda today, so make sure to bring appropriate clothing and footwear, lots of water and snacks, and a raincoat (just in case!). 

Stop 1: Glendalough Visitor Centre and Monastic City

Park up at the Glendalough Visitor Centre (the Lower Car Park – €4) and plan to spend between 30 – 45 minutes exploring the centre and the ‘Monastic City’. 

The visitor centre is right next to the Monastic City, one of the most important monastic sites in 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!

At the centre, there’s a wonderful exhibition on the history of Glendalough and St. Kevin. There’s also an interesting 15-minute long audio and visual presentation about early Irish Saints and monasteries. 

Now you’ve learned about the site, it’s time to take a 2-minute stroll to the Monastic City next door. Whilst the remains of the city are scattered all across the glen, many of the main ruins and features are within walking distance of the visitor centre. 

These include the Glendalough Round Tower, one of the city’s most well-known landmarks. It stands 33 metres high and dates back almost 1000 years! Other attractions nearby include St. Kevin’s Church and the Glendalough Cathedral ruins. 

Stop 2: The Spinc Walk

The Spinc Walk is one of the finest trails in Glendalough. The Spinc Loop takes you on a 9.5 km ramble with some steep inclines and tricky paths.

There’s some steep climbing and over 600 steps near the start, but after that, it’s a little more relaxed, though there are some tricky downhill sections later.

It’s a moderate to strenuous walk, with a total ascent of 380 metres. Having said that, if you’re in reasonable shape, you should be okay and most people complete the walk in just over 3.5 hours.

Stop 3: Late lunch at the Wicklow Heather

I love stopping by the Wicklow Heather for lunch whenever I’m in Glendalough. The restaurant is in the heart of idyllic Laragh, with a historical interior and some lovely outdoor seating areas.

It’s only a 6-minute drive from the Upper Lake Car Park.

The menu has traditional Irish dishes, like comforting seafood chowder or hearty cottage pies, with an option for vegetarians and vegans.

Stop 4: The Sally Gap Drive (multiple stops)

The glorious Sally Gap Drive is one of Ireland’s finest drives.

Aim for Lough Tay, first. Also known as Guinness Lake, Lough Tay is the jewel in Sally Gap’s crown!

From here, follow the winding road down, over the PS I Love You bridge and around until you reach a car park (on your right). 

From here, very carefully walk around and get an eyeful of Glenmacnass Waterfall before heading on to Glendalough.

If you’re feeling up for a walk, I’ve got two for you to choose from. There’s the Djouce Mountain Walk and the Ballinastoe Woods Walk, both of which range from 2 to 2.5 hours in length.

Stop 5: Back to Dublin for the night

After a long (and hopefully enjoyable!) day of exploring, it’s time to say goodbye to Wicklow and head back to Dublin. 

If you’re still struggling to pick a place/area to stay in the city, see my guide on where to stay in Dublin!

Here are some recommendations for the evening:

• Food: There are some excellent restaurants in Dublin. SOLE and Gallaghers Boxty House are 2 I recommend over and over
• Live music: There are plenty of live music pubs in Dublin. Darkey Kellys, the Old Storehouse and the Celt rarely disappoint
• Historic pubs: From my guide to the best bars in Dublin – Kehoe’s and Neary’s are firm favourites

Day 4: The Historic Boyne Valley

Day 4 is your final day trip from Dublin and it’s the one day of this itinerary that tends to be a stand-out for many (usually as they’re not familiar with the Boyne Valley!).

You’ll see some of Ireland’s most famous historical sites along with hidden gems that’ll delight the history buffs among us.

Stop 1: Newgrange

Newgrange is a fascinating prehistoric monument and the main attraction in the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site. The neolithic passage tomb was built around 3200 BC, making it older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge!

From Dublin City Centre, it’s around a 45-minute drive (depending on traffic). I’d recommend setting out as early as possible to avoid traffic. 

You can book your Newgrange Tour + Exhibition tickets here, pre-booking is essential. Please note, that you cannot go to the monuments directly. You must start at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. The Newgrange Tour is roughly one hour long. 

Stop 2: Monasterboice

Monasterboice is a 25-minute drive from Newgrange. The ruins date back to the late 5th century and were founded by Saint Buithe.

The Christian settlement was an important centre of religion and learning in the area up until 1142 when the Mellifont Abbey was founded. 

Highlights of the settlement are the 28-metre round tower, two church ruins, and the magnificent 10th-century high crosses – the Muiredach’s Cross and the West Cross (the tallest in Ireland).

I’d recommend spending around 30 minutes here. 

Stop 3: Hill of Slane

The Hill of Slane is an incredibly important site, and a possible location for where St. Patrick lit the Paschal Candle, which represented Christianity coming to Ireland.

The site is home to 16th-century Franciscan Monastery ruins, built on top of an older monastery founded by St. Erc, one of St. Patrick’s followers. 

It’s a 15-minute drive from Monasterboice, and I’d recommend spending between 30 minutes to an hour here depending on how much you want to explore. 

Stop 4: Lunch in Trim and Trim Castle

Trim Castle is Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman fortification. It’s very impressive with an imposing presence and it’s a handy 35-minute drive from the last stop.

The Castle dates back to the 12th century and took Hugh de Lacy and his successors 30 years to complete. 

It’s free to visit the castle grounds, but a guided tour of the keep costs €5 (adult), €4 (senior), €3 (student/child), and €13 (family).

The tour is well worth it, especially for any Braveheart fans, as parts of the movie were filmed there!

The castle is open daily between 10am and 5pm. We’d recommend at least 30 minutes to one hour here. It’s a 30-minute drive from the Hill of Slane. 

For lunch, check out StockHouse Restaurant or Rosemary Bistro. 

Stop 5: Bective Abbey

The next stop is Bective Abbey, a 10-minute drive away. It was founded in 1147 for the Cistercian Order and became a significant monastic settlement.

The ruins you can see today mostly date back to the 13th and 15th centuries, with a chapter house, a church, and a cloister. 

The ruins have been used several times in Hollywood movies. Most recently, in The Last Duel, which came out in 2020.

The abbey is free to visit with a designated car park. Give yourself around 30 minutes here. 

Stop 6: Hill of Tara

The last stop of the day is the Hill of Tara. It’s a 12-minute drive from Bective Abbey and we’d say 30-45 minutes is a good amount of time to spend here. 

The Hill of Tara has been in use since the late Stone Age, but it’s known best as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, with all old Irish roads leading to the site!

The site is shrouded in myth, and the story of Conn of the Hundred Battles tells the tale of how the High Kings of Ireland came to be. 

It’s free to visit, with a free 25-minute Audio Visual Show at the visitor centre (in the church), and free guided tours scheduled every day. The centre is open between 10am and 5pm year-round, but the site is open 24/7. 

Stop 7: Back to Dublin for the night

From the Hill of Tara, it’s a 50-minute drive back to Dublin City Centre (depending on traffic).

Our dinner recommendations

If you’re looking for something close by, Spitalfields is a stone’s throw from the Teeling’s Distillery. 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.

Live music and trad bars

Although I’ve a detailed Dublin pubs guide, my go-tos are Bowes, Kehoes and Neary’s.

There are plenty of live music pubs in Dublin, too, like the Celt, the Old Storehouse and Darkey Kelly’s!

Day 5: The Drive to Galway (Via Athlone)

Today’s schedule gives you the freedom of choice – you can follow the route outlined on the map above or you can pick and choose stops along the way.

I’ll outline some of them below but feel free to chop and choose as you please.

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)

Stop 1: Athlone Castle 

Athlone Castle is in the centre of Athlone on the banks of the River Shannon. There are two public car parks around the castle, as well as plenty of street parking if these get full (see parking here and here on Google Maps).

The stone castle is in great condition and dates back to the 13th century. It was in a key strategic position for defending the Athlone river crossing and played an important part in the infamous Siege of Athlone.

The visitor centre is full of information about the castle’s history, with eight exhibitions.

Stop 2: Sean’s Bar

Sean’s Bar is right next to the castle and just a one-minute walk away.

The pub is a must-visit when in Athlone, as it’s officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest pub in Ireland (and possibly the world!). 

It dates back to 900 AD when it was opened by a man named Luain Mac Luighdeach. Inside, it’s a treasure trove of history, plus, they serve a fantastic pint of Guinness.

Stop 3: Lunch

By now, you must be hungry, so it’s time to find somewhere for a bite to eat. My favourite places for lunch in Athlone are The Left Bank Bistro (modern Mediterranean and Asian) and Beans and Leaves (all-day-breakfast and Irish cuisine).

However, the Corner House Bistro (gourmet sandwiches and international cuisine) is also well worth considering.

Stop 4: Explore Galway City

From Athlone, Galway City is a one hour drive. The city can be very heavy traffic wise, so keep that in mind.

After checking into your accommodation, it’s time to decide how you’ll get around. You have three options:

• Option 1: Follow my self guided Galway City walking tour (above)
• Option 2: Take the Galway hop-on/hop-off bus (handy if it’s raining)
• Option 3: Take this guided walking tour or the excellent Dark History Walking tour

Stop 6: 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:

Dinner recommendations

There are some outstanding restaurants in Galway, with something to tickle most tastebuds.

• My go-tos: Dela (outstanding Irish food) and Ard Bia at Nimmos (beautifully presented dishes that never fail to delight)
• Casual spots: The Dough Bros (Galway’s best pizza) and McDonagh’s (mighty fish and chips)

Live music and trad bars

You’ve some tough decisions to make when it comes to the Pubs in Galway as there’s some fine choice!

In the map above, you’ll find my go-tos.

For those that don’t fancy the pub

Skip the pub crawl and enjoy a lively night at Ireland’s #1 music and dance show in nearby Salthill.

It features performers from Riverdance and The Chieftains and it promises a great alternative to the pub.

Day 6: Connemara and Cong

On day 6, you’ll be heading to one of Ireland’s most scenic regions – Connemara, as well as Cong in Mayo – a picturesque village with a star-studded past. 

There’s quite a bit to see and do today, so make sure to wake up with plenty of time so you can fit everything in! Bring a good pair of walking shoes and plenty of water as there’s also a challenging walk on the agenda. 

Grab breakfast at your accommodation, or alternatively, check out Jungle Cafe – a really unique spot and if you’re in Galway in the summer, sitting on the tropical patio is a must!

Stop 1: Scenic drive from Galway City to Clifden

So, you’re going to follow a good chunk of the map above, however, you’re going to turn right before the Pine Island Viewpoint and head for Diamond Hill.

It’s around a 1.5-hour drive from the city to Diamond Hill, but all 2 hours for stops, just to be safe.

Stop 2: Diamond Hill

Here’s an overview of the route:

• Ennis (40-min drive): Wander the narrow streets of this medieval town and visit the 13th-century Ennis Friary
• Bunratty Castle (25-min drive): Explore this impressive 15th-century tower house and its folk park
• Limerick (20-min drive): Lunch and King John’s Castle – a massive riverside fortress with interactive exhibits tracing 800 years of history, from Viking raids to sieges
• Rock of Cashel (1-hour-and-10-min drive): Hilltop site with 12th-century cathedral and round tower; once the seat of the Kings of Munster
• Rock of Dunamase (50-min drive): 9th-century castle ruins with glorious views across County Laois
• Salins for dinner (35-min drive): Canal-side town with cosy pubs and great places to eat
• Dublin (40-min drive): For your final night before departing