9 Days In Ireland From Rosslare (‘Slow-Trip’ For Those Using Public Transport + Low Fitness)
Planning a 9-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 9-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
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 low level of fitness (i.e. it avoids 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: Arrive in Rosslare and head to Dublin
It’s day one and welcome to Ireland! Today, you’ve arrived into Rosslare via the ferry and will be making your way to Dublin, 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 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: Rosslare Europort Train Station
The train station is just a five-minute walk from the harbour. There are four trains a day leaving this station.
Stop 2: Dublin Connolly
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
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
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)
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
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
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 2: Mighty Meath and Louth
On day 2 of the 9 days in Ireland itinerary, you’ll be heading out to County Meath to explore the Boyne River Valley, known for its archaeological sites.
It’s another jam-packed day, so make sure to have a hearty breakfast and pack some snacks in case you get peckish on the road.
Today’s 10-hour organised day trip leaves from the same spot, near the Molly Malone statue. There aren’t too many breakfast options open this early, so once again, we recommend Keoghs Cafe as they open at 6am.
Keep reading below for an overview of the tour, but please 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.
Stop 1: Hill of Uisneach
The Hill of Uisneach is an ancient ceremonial site that’s home to numerous monuments and earthen artefacts.
It’s an interesting spot that’s steeped in folklore, and according to Irish mythology, the hill is the centre of Ireland and where everything began!
At the site, you’ll find a conjoined ringfort, arguably the most important monument on the hill, a monument known as St Patrick’s Bed (stood at the highest point on the hill), and the Stone of the Divisions, a group of stones said to mark the exact centre of Ireland.
Stop 2: Fore Abbey
Fore Abbey is the ruin of a Benedictine Abbey founded by St. Feichin in the 7th century. The ruins are in good condition with several features that are still visible to this day, including St. Feichin’s Church which was built in 900 AD.
The abbey is known for its legendary “Seven Wonders of Fore”. These are the monastery in the bog; the water that flows uphill; the tree that has three branches; the mill without a race; the water that doesn’t boil (in St. Fechin’s holy well); the anchorite in a cell; and the lintel-stone raised by St. Fechin’s prayers.
Aside from the wonders, Fore Abbey is also well known for the Fore Crosses, 18 crosses that are spread out over 10km.
Stop 3: Loughcrew Passage Tombs
The Loughcrew Passage Tombs, or Loughcrew Cairns, are a group of neolithic passage tombs that date back to 3000 BC.
Cairn T is the largest of the tombs and can be seen from many miles away. It contains magnificent examples of neolithic art and is perfectly aligned to the sunrise during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
Like Fore Abbey, this site is also entangled in folklore. According to local legend. The huge throne-like boulder (nicknamed the Hag’s Chair) on the Cairn’s north side, was the seat of an old witch!
Please note that the walk up to the cairns is very steep and may prove difficult for those with low levels of fitness.
Stop 4: Trim Castle
Trim Castle is Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman fortification. It’s very impressive with an imposing presence that’ll catch your eye from afar as you approach the town.
The Castle dates back to the 12th century and took Hugh de Lacy and his successors 30 years to complete.
The tour of Trim Castle is well worth it, especially for any Braveheart fans, as parts of the movie were filmed there!
If you have time, take a stroll out to the large tower ruins on the hill past the castle (you can’t miss them). You’ll get a great view of the castle from afar from this point.
Stop 5: The Hill of Tara
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.
Stop 6: 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 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: The trip to Galway
Today you’re heading to colourful Galway, where you’ll be spending two nights!
If you haven’t found anywhere to stay yet, here are our top budget, mid-range, and luxury picks for Galway:
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 city)
Stop 1: Heuston Station
The train from Dublin to Galway departs from Heuston. There are several ways to get there, you can take a taxi, walk, or take the Luas Red line, which has a stop right out of the front.
The trip to Galway takes about 2.5 hours. There are plenty of shops inside the station where you can grab snacks for the train and get some breakfast. There are better options in the station, so 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. From here we recommend you go drop off your bags before setting off to explore the city on foot.
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
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 4: County Clare
Today, you’ll be taking a tour of North Clare. It’s a wonderful corner of the country, with beautiful landscapes and historical sites. It’s home to the Burren National Park and the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most popular natural tourist attractions in the country!
We’re recommending this 8-hour day trip from Galway City as it takes in a good chunk of Clare’s main attractions (and it has excellent reviews).
If you fancy a hearty breakfast, we’d recommend Pascal Coffee House (the pancakes are amazing) or Gaslight Brasserie (great for a full Irish or a breakfast burrito).
Keep reading below for an overview of the tour, but please 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.
Stop 1: Dunguaire Castle
The enchanting Dunguaire Castle sits on the shores of Galway Bay and has an impressive 75-foot tower.
According to legend, if you stand at the front gate and ask a question, you’ll have an answer by the end of the day!
The castle was built in 1520 and belonged to the O’Hynes clan. In 1912, the castle was bought by writer Oliver St. John Gogarty.
During his ownership, he restored the castle and hosted several famous writers, including W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw.
Stop 2: Corcomroe Abbey
Corcomroe Abbey is a late 12th/early 13th-century abbey ruin, tucked away amongst the scenic Burren hills.
The ruins are in great condition and as you pass by, admire its Cistercian architecture set against the backdrop of lush green hills.
Stop 3: The Burren
During the tour, you’ll be driving right through the Burren, a gorgeous landscape characterised by huge limestone plateaus.
The Burren is what is known as a karst landscape, a distinct landform that arises when carbonate rock (such as dolomite, marble, or limestone) is slowly dissolved by water, giving the land its unique shape.
In fact, the Burren is still being shaped by the rain to this day! Karst landscapes have sinkholes, caves, and underground streams, the Burren being no exception, with huge subterranean caverns below its surface.
The Burren is one of the best examples of karst landscapes worldwide, and it has a diverse range of flora and fauna thanks to its varied landscape.
Stop 4: Doolin Pier
You’ll then make a quick stop at Doolin Pier, the main access point to the nearby Aran Islands.
This place tends to be a hive of activity as the two ferry providers shuttle people to and from Inis Mor, Inis Oirr and Inis Meain (you’ll be visiting Inis Mor tomorrow).
Stop 5: Lunch at Hotel Doolin
For lunch, you’ll be heading to Fitz’s Pub and Eatery, which is a part of Hotel Doolin. It’s a cosy traditional pub serving up delicious Irish food.
The Navarin-style Irish lamb stew is a huge hit, as is the sustainable all-white fish chowder. If you’re a beer drinker, make sure to try their in-house Dooliner Beer, a creamy and smooth Irish red ale.
Stop 6: The Cliffs of Moher
Your next stop, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland.
The cliffs are 15 minutes away from Doolin, with breathtaking views of the wild Atlantic, Galway Bay, and the Aran Islands.
There’s a visitor centre on-site, as well as 800 metres of paved walkways with viewing areas, and the historic O’Brien’s Tower.
Stop 7: Lisdoonvarna
Keep your eyes peeled as you pass through Lisdoonvarna, a spa town renowned for its annual matchmaking festival! The festival began in 1857, and today it attracts over 20,000 visitors from all over the globe.
Lisdoonvarna is relatively new for Irish standards (dating back to the early 19th century), but it’s still full of charm, with colourful shop fronts and traditional houses.
Stop 8: Back to Galway for the night
From Lisdoonvarna it’s around one hour and 20 minutes back to Galway, so sit back and relax as you may your way back through the lovely countryside.
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 5: The trip to Cork
Today, you’re hopping on a bus and heading over to Cork, where you’ll be spending two nights.
Before you set off, grab some breakfast from your accommodation or somewhere nearby.
Recommended accommodation in Cork City
- Budget: Sheilas Tourist Hostel (no-fuss hostel near the train station) + Redclyffe Guesthouse (nice and central with great reviews)
- Mid-range: The Metropole (central with superb reviews) and Hotel Isaacs (in the Victorian Quarter – top-notch rooms and reviews)
- Luxury: Imperial Hotel (stunning and very central hotel) and Hayfield Manor (beautiful, boutique, city centre 5-star)
