Ireland 8-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive & Car Pick-up

Arrive at Dublin Airport (DUB), pick up your pre-booked rental car, and drive to your hotel in central Dublin.

Check-in and settle in.

Grafton Street Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Grafton Street, Dublin's premier shopping street, known for its buskers and vibrant atmosphere.

Explore St. Stephen's Green nearby.

Plenty of cafes for a quick coffee break.

Dublin Traditional Pub Tour

Experience local brews and learn Irish history while stepping inside four traditional Dublin pubs off the tourist trail.

This activity is only suitable for those aged 18 and over.

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology

Explore Ireland's rich archaeological heritage, home to over two million artifacts, including gold hoards, Viking treasures, and Celtic art.

Admission is free. Check for any temporary exhibitions. It's a short walk from Grafton Street.

Lunch in Temple Bar

Grab lunch in the lively Temple Bar district.

While known for its pubs, there are also many eateries offering various cuisines.

Can be a bit touristy, but offers a wide range of food options.

Experience Glasnevin - National Cemetery

Discover the stories of 1.

5 million people preserved at Ireland's largest burial place, featuring epic monuments and a beautifully restored Victorian cemetery.

Consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the history. Drive your rental car or take public transport (bus).

Dinner in Dublin

Enjoy dinner at one of Dublin's many excellent restaurants, from modern Irish cuisine to international options.

Consider booking a table, especially on a Monday evening.

Dublin LGBTQ Pride Historical and Cultural Walking Tour

Stroll through Dublin's streets and explore incredible figures of Ireland's Queer History, from revolutionaries to civil rights agitators.

A unique perspective on Irish history and culture.

Free Time in Dublin

Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure.

Options include visiting Dublin Castle, exploring the Liberties district, or souvenir shopping.

Dublin Castle often requires pre-booking for tours of the State Apartments and Chapel Royal.

Traditional Irish Dinner

Savor classic Irish dishes like stew, boxty, or fish and chips at a cozy traditional pub or restaurant.

Many pubs offer early bird menus for good value.

Drive to Wicklow Mountains

Begin your self-drive journey south from Dublin towards the picturesque Wicklow Mountains National Park, often called the 'Garden of Ireland'.

The drive offers increasingly beautiful scenery as you leave the city. Use GPS for directions.

Explore Glendalough

Visit the historic monastic site of Glendalough, founded by St.

Kevin in the 6th century. Explore the round tower, churches, and scenic lakes.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking. There are various trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.

Lunch in Wicklow

Enjoy lunch at a local cafe or pub in the Glendalough area or nearby village like Laragh.

Drive through Sally Gap

Take a scenic drive through the breathtaking Sally Gap, offering panoramic views of the peat-covered mountains, moorland, and lakes.

There are many stunning viewpoints to stop for photos. The roads can be narrow in places; drive carefully.

Return to Dublin

Drive back to your accommodation in Dublin after a day of exploring the natural beauty of Wicklow.

Relax & Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Dublin, perhaps at a restaurant you spotted earlier in the week.

Check-out from Dublin Hotel

Check out from your Dublin accommodation, load your car, and begin your journey south.

Drive to Waterford

Embark on a scenic self-drive journey from Dublin to County Waterford, located in Ireland's Ancient East.

The drive is mostly on motorways, offering a smooth journey. Stop for coffee along the way if needed.

Lunch in Dunmore East

Enjoy lunch in the picturesque fishing village of Dunmore East, known for its charming harbor and seafood.

Many pubs and restaurants offer fresh seafood options.

Dunmore East Sea Safari to Hook Lighthouse

Take a breathtaking guided boat tour of the Waterford and Wexford Coastline, seeing Hook Lighthouse from the sea and hearing tales of Vikings and smugglers.

Dress warmly and be prepared for potential sea spray. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Explore Dunmore East

Wander through the village, enjoy the views from the cliffs, or relax by the harbor.

It's a charming place to unwind.

Dinner in Waterford

Enjoy dinner in Waterford city or a nearby village, known for its culinary scene and historic Viking Quarter.

Classic Ring of Kerry Tour

Embark on a private motor tour along the world-renowned Ring of Kerry, part of the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in stunning coastal scenery and charming villages.

This private tour allows for flexibility. Ensure you have comfortable shoes for any photo stops.

Hotel Check-in & Unwind

Check into your accommodation in Killarney, a perfect base for exploring County Kerry, and take some time to relax.

Pub Dinner & Live Trad Music

Enjoy a delicious traditional Irish dinner followed by an evening of live traditional music in one of Killarney's lively pubs.

Many pubs in Killarney offer excellent food and live music sessions, especially on a Friday evening. Popular spots include The Laurel's or O'Connor's Traditional Pub. No booking usually required for pub sessions.

Scenic Drive to Cliffs

Embark on a beautiful drive north from Killarney towards the dramatic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, traversing a scenic part of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Cliffs of Moher Visit

Stand in awe of the iconic Cliffs of Moher, a natural spectacle rising majestically from the Atlantic. Explore the visitor centre and well-maintained walking paths.

It can be windy, so dress in layers. Book your tickets online in advance to save time and ensure entry, especially during weekend visits.

Drive to Galway City

Continue your scenic drive further north along the Wild Atlantic Way to reach the vibrant and artistic city of Galway, known as the 'City of Tribes'.

Hotel Check-in & Stroll

Check into your Galway accommodation.

Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll to explore Eyre Square and the atmospheric Latin Quarter with its narrow streets and vibrant shops.

Galway is very walkable; once you've parked your car, you won't need it much within the city centre.

Dinner & Galway Pub Scene

Savor a delightful dinner in one of Galway's acclaimed restaurants, then immerse yourself in the city's renowned pub culture with an evening of live traditional music.

The Latin Quarter is particularly lively on a Saturday night. Recommended pubs for trad music include Tigh Neachtain, The Quays Bar, or An Púcán. Make dinner reservations, especially for a Saturday.

Leisurely Galway Morning

Enjoy a final authentic Irish breakfast and a leisurely morning walk along the Spanish Arch or Salthill Promenade, soaking in the last moments of Galway's coastal charm.

Use this time to pick up any last-minute souvenirs or enjoy a final coffee with a view.

Drive to Knock Airport

Begin your journey to Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) for your connecting flight.

Return your rental car upon arrival.

Flight NOC to Dublin

Board your internal flight from Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) back to Dublin Airport (DUB), which will serve as a connection for your international departure.

This flight includes one stop. The arrival time in Dublin allows for onward international connections. The airport is small and easy to navigate.