Ireland Travel Itinerary for 12 Days
Travelers: 2
Trip Length: 12 Days
Budget: $13,500
Mode of Transportation: Rent a Car
Accommodation Preferences: Hotel, Bed & Breakfast in city centers, beachfront, waterfront, countryside
Activity Interests: Castles, Palaces, Ancient & Historical Sites, Beaches, Waterfalls, Local Festivals, Traditional Markets, City Tours, Architectural Landmarks, Museums, Waterford Crystal
Weather Preference: Cool
Daily Activity Level: 5-7 hours
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Day 1: Arrival in Dublin
Accommodation: City Center Hotel
- Morning:
- Arrive at Dublin International Airport
- Pick up rental car
- Check-in at hotel in the city center
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at a traditional Irish pub
- Explore Trinity College & Book of Kells
- Stroll at St. Stephen’s Green
- Evening:
- Dinner at The Woollen Mills
Day 2: Dublin City Exploration
Accommodation: City Center Hotel
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit Dublin Castle and Chester Beatty Library
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at The Brazen Head (Ireland’s oldest pub)
- Visit Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse
- Evening:
- Traditional Irish dinner at The Church Café
Day 3: Dublin to Kilkenny
Accommodation: Hotel in Kilkenny
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Kilkenny (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Afternoon:
- Check-in at the hotel
- Visit Kilkenny Castle and Gardens
- Walk around Medieval Mile Museum
- Evening:
- Dinner at Kyteler’s Inn
Day 4: Explore Kilkenny
Accommodation: Hotel in Kilkenny
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at Café la Coco
- Explore Rothe House and Garden
- Evening:
- Dinner at Zuni Restaurant
Day 5: Waterford and Waterford Crystal
Accommodation: Waterfront B&B in Waterford
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Waterford (approx. 1 hour)
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at Bodega Restaurant
- Visit House of Waterford Crystal
- Evening:
- Dinner at The Olive Tree Restaurant
Day 6: Cork and Blarney Castle
Accommodation: Countryside B&B near Cork
- Morning:
- Breakfast at B&B
- Drive to Cork (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at Market Lane
- Visit Blarney Castle and Gardens (Kissing the Blarney Stone)
- Evening:
- Dinner at The English Market
Day 7: Killarney National Park
Accommodation: Countryside B&B near Killarney
- Morning:
- Breakfast at B&B
- Drive to Killarney (approx. 1 hour)
- Afternoon:
- Explore Killarney National Park
- Visit Muckross House and Gardens
- Evening:
- Dinner at The Laurels Pub & Restaurant
Day 8: Ring of Kerry
Accommodation: Countryside B&B near Killarney
- Morning:
- Breakfast at B&B
- Start the scenic Ring of Kerry Drive
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at Smugglers Café in Sneem
- Visit Ladies View and Torc Waterfall
- Evening:
- Dinner at Kate Kearney’s Cottage
Day 9: Galway City and Salthill Promenade
Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel in Galway
- Morning:
- Breakfast at B&B
- Drive to Galway (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Afternoon:
- Check-in at Hotel
- Take a walk along Salthill Promenade
- Evening:
- Dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmo’s
Day 10: Cliffs of Moher
Accommodation: Countryside B&B near Cliffs of Moher
- Morning:
- Breakfast at Hotel
- Drive to Cliffs of Moher (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at The Ivy Cottage
- Explore Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience
- Evening:
- Dinner at Vaughans Anchor Inn
Day 11: Connemara National Park
Accommodation: Countryside B&B near Westport
- Morning:
- Breakfast at B&B
- Drive to Connemara National Park (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Afternoon:
- Explore Connemara National Park
- Visit Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
- Evening:
- Drive to Westport (approx. 1 hour)
- Dinner at An Port Mór
Day 12: Departure from Dublin
- Morning:
- Breakfast at B&B
- Drive back to Dublin (approx. 3 hours)
- Afternoon:
- Last-minute shopping at Grafton Street
- Drop off rental car
- Evening:
- Depart from Dublin International Airport
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Additional Tips:
- Packing: Layers for cool weather, waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, travel adapters, camera with extra batteries
- Customs: Tipping is typically around 10% in restaurants. Pubs generally do not expect tips.
- Driving: Left-hand driving and roundabouts are common, stay alert.
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#IrelandAdventure #ExploreIreland #IrishRoadTrip #CelticJourney #DiscoverIreland