Dublin & Southwest Ireland 8-Day Trip Itinerary

Hotel Check-in

Arrive at The Aloft Dublin City, check into your accommodation, and settle in.

Take some time to freshen up before heading out to explore.

The Aloft is centrally located, making it easy to access many of Dublin's attractions by foot or public transport.

Little Museum of Dublin

Visit this award-winning museum for a warm welcome to Dublin.

Enjoy a famous 29-minute guided tour celebrating Irish storytelling and history.

This museum offers a delightful and concise overview of Dublin's history. Booking in advance is recommended as tours are popular.

St Stephen's Green Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful Victorian park, St Stephen's Green, located at the top of Grafton Street.

A perfect spot to relax and people-watch.

This serene park is an oasis in the city center, ideal for a peaceful break.

Dinner in City Centre

Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the many restaurants in Dublin's vibrant city center.

Consider options around Grafton Street or George's Street Arcade.

Dublin offers a wide range of culinary experiences, from traditional Irish pubs to modern international cuisine. Ask hotel staff for local recommendations.

Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Explore this bleak old jail, notorious for its harsh treatment of prisoners and its significant role in Irish nationalism and history.

One of Dublin's most important historical sites. Tickets sell out quickly, so book well in advance. Getting there by bus (e.g., 69 or 79 from Aston Quay) is easy.

Lunch in Smithfield

Grab lunch in the lively Smithfield area, known for its mix of traditional pubs and modern eateries, conveniently located near the Jameson Distillery.

Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour

Embark on an interactive and engaging tour of the historic Jameson Distillery, learning about the whiskey-making process and enjoying a tasting.

A popular and fun experience. Tours run frequently, but booking online in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred time.

Explore Temple Bar

Wander through the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district, known for its vibrant arts scene, pubs, and cultural institutions. Enjoy the atmosphere.

While popular, the area can be quite touristy. Enjoy a walk through and save your main dinner or drinks for other areas for a more authentic experience.

Dinner on Capel Street

Discover the diverse culinary scene on Capel Street, recently pedestrianized and offering a fantastic array of international and local restaurants.

Dublin Castle Exploration

Visit Dublin Castle, a complex of buildings that has been at the heart of Irish history for centuries.

Explore its various eras and functions.

Explore the State Apartments, Chapel Royal, and the Undercroft. Guided tours available, or self-guided for flexibility.

Chester Beatty Library

Discover exquisite manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, and decorative arts from across the world, all housed within the stunning Chester Beatty Library.

Free admission. A beautiful museum recognized as European Museum of the Year. Located within Dublin Castle grounds.

Lunch near Dublin Castle

Grab lunch at a cafe or restaurant in the vicinity of Dublin Castle, offering quick and tasty options.

St Patrick's Cathedral Visit

Explore the stunning interior and grounds of St Patrick's Cathedral, a place of worship for over 800 years and steeped in history.

Ireland's largest cathedral, with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Located a short walk from Dublin Castle.

Dinner on the Northside

Enjoy a final dinner on Dublin's north side, perhaps near your hotel, before your journey to the southwest tomorrow.

Check-out from Aloft Dublin

Check out from your Dublin hotel and prepare for your journey to Killarney.

Confirm check-out time. You'll be taking a train or bus to Killarney. Pre-booking tickets is highly recommended.

Travel Dublin to Killarney

Take a comfortable train or bus journey from Dublin to Killarney, a picturesque town in County Kerry and your base for exploring the southwest.

Irish Rail (train) or Bus Éireann/Dublin Coach are reliable options. The train offers scenic views and can be more comfortable. Journey time is approx. 3.5-4 hours.

Check-in to Killarney Hotel

Arrive in Killarney, check into your accommodation, and settle in.

Lunch in Killarney Town

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Killarney town, choosing from traditional pubs or charming cafes.

Killarney Town Stroll & Shopping

Explore the vibrant streets of Killarney, browse local craft shops, and soak in the lively atmosphere of this popular tourist town.

Dinner in Killarney

Enjoy a lovely dinner in Killarney.

The town has many excellent restaurants, from traditional Irish to contemporary cuisine.

Ring of Kerry Full Day Tour

Embark on a breathtaking journey along the world-famous Ring of Kerry.

Witness stunning coastal scenery, charming villages, and ancient historical sites.

This is a full-day tour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. Tours often include stops at charming villages and viewpoints. You can book a coach tour or hire a private driver for more flexibility.

Dinner in Killarney

After a long day of touring, enjoy a relaxed dinner back in Killarney.

Perhaps try a traditional pub with live music.

Travel to Blarney Castle

Journey from Killarney to the legendary Blarney Castle.

Blarney Castle is approximately 1.5-2 hours drive from Killarney. Consider an early start to beat the crowds, especially if you want to kiss the Blarney Stone.

Blarney Castle & Gardens

Visit the historic Blarney Castle, kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the gift of gab, and explore the beautiful gardens and grounds.

Kissing the Blarney Stone involves climbing many steps and leaning backwards, which may not be suitable for everyone. The gardens are extensive and beautiful.

Lunch in Blarney Village

Enjoy lunch in Blarney Village before heading back towards Killarney.

Muckross House & Gardens

Explore the magnificent Muckross House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion, and wander through its stunning gardens and surrounding Killarney National Park.

Located within Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens are a beautiful example of a Victorian mansion. Entry to the gardens is free, house tours are paid.

Dinner in Killarney

Enjoy another evening of delicious food and hospitality in Killarney.

Cliffs of Moher & Burren Day Tour

Embark on a full-day guided tour to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's most visited natural attraction.

Experience the dramatic coastal scenery and explore the unique lunar-like landscape of the Burren region. Tours usually include comfort stops and opportunities for lunch.

This is a very long day, approximately 3-4 hours drive each way to the Cliffs of Moher from Killarney. Many tours combine it with stops in the Burren and Galway. Book in advance.

Farewell Dinner in Killarney

Enjoy a final dinner in Killarney, reflecting on your incredible week in Ireland.

You might look for a place with live traditional music.

Check-out from Killarney Hotel

Check out from your Killarney accommodation.

Confirm check-out time with your hotel. Allow ample time for travel back to Dublin Airport, typically 4-5 hours by train/bus.

Travel Killarney to Dublin Airport

Embark on your return journey from Killarney to Dublin Airport, allowing plenty of time for travel and airport procedures.

Book train or bus tickets well in advance. Consider direct services to Dublin Airport if available, or transfer at Dublin Heuston (for train) or Busáras (for bus) to an airport link.

Departure from Dublin Airport

Arrive at Dublin Airport for check-in and your flight departure, concluding your wonderful trip to Ireland.