Itinerary ● Highlights of Ireland in 1 Month.
From the charming capital to far-flung fringes of the Atlantic Coast, discover why Ireland has been immortalised in countless forms of art and literature for thousands of years.
Traverse every nook and cranny of this mystifying island, as you squeeze every last drop of culture, history, and Guinness possible; whilst sharing the tremendous company of locals.
📚 Resources.
Planning your unforgettable adventure to Ireland is easy with the Interactive Price Guide.
💰 28-day itinerary from £1,310 per person.
Dublin ● 3 nights.
Kick-start your Irish adventure by unravelling the cultural delights of Ireland’s legendary capital — Dublin. This wonderful city has flourished as a hub for creativity and innovation over the centuries, etching itself into the cultural landscape with globally poignant contributions to countless industries. Immerse yourself in Dublin and uncover a city steeped in rich history and delightful traditions.
The Liffey River wedges itself between the north and south banks of the city, effectively splitting Dublin in half. Take a stroll across the City Quay promenade, where numerous charming footbridges carry pedestrians from one side of the Liffey to the other. With picturesque townhouses in a rainbow of colours, this is one of the prettiest spots in town.
Perhaps Dublin’s most famous export presents itself in the form of the iconic pint of Guinness. This rich, jet-black elixir is enjoyed throughout the world, and yet the quality of a locally poured pint of Guinness is truly unparalleled. A visit to the Guinness Storehouse is a necessity, offering guided tours that recount the history of an Irish institution.
🍀 Luck be on your side with the Interactive Map. Open to reveal the treasures of Dublin’s fair city.
💰 Dorms from £16.00 per night.
💰 Dorms from £18.00 per night.
After you acquire the taste for Irish stout, head out to tackle more of the sights. On the outskirts of Dublin, make time to explore expansive Phoenix Park (📷) — a popular green space where wildlife roam free, and locals stroll on sunny afternoons.
Another highlight is the prison-turned-museum at Kilmainham Gaol (📷). This huge complex has a pertinent past, with historic ties to some of the most important events in the history of Ireland.
Guided tours of the site outline the brutal persecution of those who opposed British rule. A visit to Kilmainham is a sombre yet crucial visit when in Dublin; standing as a relic to a bygone era of oppression, and testament to the fortitude of Irish people.
Enchanting cobblestone streets converge on the centuries old tavern The Temple Bar (📷) — from which the surrounding area coined its name. One of the oldest bars in Dublin, this pub was established in 1599, though the pristine coat of red paint may fool you.
Aside from the bar itself, there are other fantastic spots nearby that entice wandering intrigue with joyous traditional Irish folk music. Close by, you will also find ragged rock venues and lavish nightclubs.
🎵 Dublin’s live music scene is among the best in the world — a joyous occasion is never far away!
Wexford ● 1 night.
Located 2 hours to the south of Dublin, the quaint coastal town of Wexford serves as an excellent overnight stay before continuing onwards. A detour to the ancient monastic site at Glendalough is definitely worth your time. This site casts a view into the inception of medieval times, with structures dating way back to the 6th century.
Once settled, wander across the colourful harbour-front and admire the fishermen docking their boats after a hard day’s work. The Irish National Heritage Museum is located a short 10-minute drive from town, as is the picture-postcard Curracloe Beach (📷) — the perfect place to unwind.
Waterford ● 1 night.
About an hour’s drive to the east, another stellar example of Ireland’s picturesque towns is found. A riverside gem, Waterford is actually the oldest city in Ireland; with its vibrant colourful townhouses aligning the quayside.
Although there are interesting museums such as the Museum of Treasures and House of Waterford Crystal, an overnight stay affords respite, as you mirror the pace of this breezy city.
💡 On the road between Waterford and Kilkenny, a very short 15 minute detour to Jerpoint Abbey is worth it.
Kilkenny ● 2 nights.
A short drive of under one hour brings you to this enchanting medieval town. Relatively small, Kilkenny condenses much of cultural and historical significance within its parameters. Crossed by charming pedestrian lanes, locals flaunt their craft wares, pottery and jewellery in the centre of town.
The imposing Kilkenny Castle straddles the west bank of the River Nore, and is one of the most visited castles in all of Ireland for good reason. Close by, St. Canice’s Cathedral presents a striking Gothic exterior, concealing the best viewpoint of Kilkenny. Ascend the round tower to grasp the perfect panoramic photo across this lovely town.
We recommend spending 2 days here; the additional time in the area means you can enjoy a comfortable day trip to the jaw-dropping Rock of Cashel (📷). Located an hour outside of Kilkenny, it may be the crown jewel of Irish castles.
County Cork ● 3 nights.
Hop back in your trusty rental car for a scenic 2 hour drive to the city of Cork. At the turn of the 20th century, the city undertook a fundamental role in the advent of Ireland’s independence.
Modern day Cork continues to influence the trajectory of Irish culture to this day. As the second largest city in the country, expect unravel the duality of Ireland in all its glory. Well-preserved history is abundant here, alongside thriving cultural centres and a lively nightlife scene.
The most revered sight in County Cork is located a brief 30 minute drive from town, continuing to draw in visitors with its fabled tales of magical mysteries.
The ruins of Blarney Castle (📷) are shrouded in equally enchanting forestry, and house the infamous Blarney Stone — a slab of rock that promises ‘the gift of the gab’ to those who lean back and plant a kiss on its stony surface.
Set aside a half day to explore the idyllic seaside town of Cobh (📷) — nestled on the south of Cork Harbour’s Grand Island looking out to the Celtic Sea. Constructed during the late 19th century, the towering neo-Gothic masterpiece of St Colman's Cathedral dominates the skyline of Cobh, looming over a dainty rainbow row of historic townhouses.
Make the most of your car hire by completing one of the most incredible action-packed day-trips on the Emerald Isle, using Cork as a base. Areas of astounding natural beauty are scattered across the island’s rugged southern coast, such as the heralded Inchydoney Beach and the dramatic cliffs backdropping the Baltimore Beacon (📷) on far south-west fringes.
Stop for a quick bite to eat in the quaint town of Kinslae (📷), before continuing on to explore the impressive star fort and nearby megalithic Drombeg Stone Circle.
Killarney ● 3 nights.
Hustle and bustle feels far away in the idyllic countryside haven of Killarney. This small town has long been a tourist magnet thanks to lavish natural beauty. Many sights — including the town itself — are nestled within Killarney National Park; an expansive landscape with loughs and fairy-tale bridges.
Standing guard over picturesque Lake Leane, the fortified Ross Castle (📷) is every bit as pleasing to the eye as it was an effective stronghold. Settle down on the opposing shores of Lake Leane for the perfect picnic spot, casting a glance across shimmering waters to this elegant castle.
Seize the opportunity to set eyes upon Torc Waterfall; possibly Ireland’s finest. Here, serene water cascades down a steep multi-tier drop of over 80 feet, shrouded in the forest.
A full day trip that is an absolute essential when staying in Killarney is to drive the Ring of Kerry. This ring-road is often lauded as one of the most stunning scenic roads on Earth. Another incredible experience awaits those who take a pilgrimage to the UNESCO Site of Great Skellig (📷).
Follow the Ring of Kerry road for just over an hour before taking the N70 slip-road towards the small coastal town of Portmagee. It is here that most tours bound for Great Skellig will depart. Skellig Michael Cruises offer landing and non-landing cruises from €35.00.
Turning heads after serving as a prominent filming location for the new Star Wars franchise, demand for these tours is higher than ever, so book as far in advance as possible. An allotment of just 12 foot passengers per day are permitted to climb the 640 fragmented rocky steps to the top of this rugged island, therefore flexibility on dates is essential.
Atop the island, a ruined monastery and ‘hive houses’ can be explored, with plenty of time to admire the mind-blowing panoramic views. On return to Killarney, take the slightly longer route back to traverse the gorgeous southern portion of the Ring of Kerry and complete the circuit.
Dingle ● 2 nights.
Dingle Town lends its name to the peninsula upon which it is sits. Jutting out to greet the Atlantic, the tip of the peninsula marks the westernmost point of mainland Ireland. Off the coast, the mystical beauty of Great Blasket Island entices tourists to make an arduous journey across choppy waters.
Here, one of the most picturesque beaches in the whole country can be found. Coumeenoole Beach is a mere 30-minute drive from Dingle, a place where you can easily fritter away an afternoon taking in the staggering scenery.
Now uninhabited, Great Blasket Island (📷) was once home to several families. Relentlessly battered by storms and cresting waves from the Atlantic Ocean, settlers were forced to re-locate due to the harsh weather.
However, in the summer the island is profoundly beautiful. Stroll along its scenic sandy beach, peek over at crumbling traditional homes and distant verdant hills.
Tours are operated via local specialists, with fares running from €60.00 for a 6 hour endeavour departing the central harbour of Dingle.
Now uninhabited, Great Blasket Island was once home to several families who settled here, only to be forced to re-locate due to the harsh weather that the island receives during winter when the island is relentlessly battered by storms and cresting waves from the Atlantic Ocean.
However, in the summer months, this place is a profoundly beautiful. Stroll along its scenic sandy beach, peek over at crumbling traditional homes and distant verdant hills. Tours operate via local specialists, with fares running from €60.00 for a 6-hour endeavour, departing from central harbour in Dingle.
Limerick ● 1 night.
An exciting crossroads of past and future, Limerick is home to one of the best universities in Ireland, which flaunts a state of the art, avant-garde campus building in the city. At the same time, relics of Limerick’s past remain in the centre of town, with the spell-binding King John’s Castle resting upon the banks of the River Shannon.
The rugged Cliffs of Moher (📷) are located about an hour north-west of Limerick and are an absolute must for any Ireland itinerary. Whether you join a guided tour or take it upon yourself to make the journey, the dramatic landscape is sure to be a definite highlight of your time in Limerick.
Galway ● 3 nights.
Make haste for Galway! Enticed by colourful townhouses, vibrant nightlife, and folk music roots, this lovely city is a popular destination amongst tourists and natives alike.
Explore the quaint lanes of the lively Latin Quarter (📷), where retained portions of the historic city walls are lined with stone-clad cafés and bars, each with captivating charm.
Located 40 minutes west of Galway, the tiny port town of Rossaveal operates tours to Inishmore (📷) — a beautiful isolated island in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The fare for a return ferry from Rossaveal is around €25.00 — well worth the price of admission if only for the pre-historic stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, which clings to the edge of a jagged cliff edge at a vertigo-inducing 100 metres. The island is also home to the peaceful Kilmurvey Beach.
💰 Dorms from £22.00 per night.
💰 Dorms from £28.00 per night.
Connemara National Park ● 2 nights.
A valiant return to the crisp countryside of rural Ireland, Connemara National Park is diverse and serene. There is much to explore here: avid hikers will rejoice at the mountainous terrain, whilst tranquil forests and grassland occupy lower lying regions for leisurely walkers.
Inheriting the grounds of an opulent castle, the gorgeous Kylemore Abbey (📷) is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. A functioning monastery housing practising Benedictine Nuns, the estate shares its charming walled garden with the public during the summer months.
A trip to the spellbinding seaside town of Roundstone (📷) is highly recommended for those staying in Connemara for a couple of days. A sleepy fishing village with adorable harbour-front homes, the pleasant 45 minute drive rewards with a true hidden gem of the Irish Atlantic coast.
On the edge of Roundstone, Dog’s Bay is one of the absolute best beaches in Ireland, with its fine pale white sand and gorgeous secluded surroundings.
Sligo ● 2 nights.
The beautiful scenery of the Irish countryside serves as a constant visual stimulus throughout your upcoming 2½ hour drive through delightful landscapes.
The town of Sligo has proven itself as a favourite getaway for Irish people holidaying within the country due to vast beaches and tranquil nature.
Venture outside of town to uncover some truly spellbinding spots of natural beauty. Glencar Waterfall is an enchanting cascade burrowed within lush vegetation near the northern shore of the lake from which it gleams its name.
Not too far from here, the imposing Benbulben (📷) is a towering rock-formation left behind from the ice age, and is easily one of the most formidable landmarks in the area.
County Donegal ● 3 nights.
Donegal Country is verdant and mystifying. An abundance of wild waterfalls and expansive sandy beaches lie in far flung corners of the coast, awaiting the discovery of intrepid adventurers.
Drive north of Sligo for roughly one hour to reach the main hub of Donegal County — Donegal Town. The town itself is very small and relaxed, although the interesting Donegal Castle located within its limits.
West of town, spend the day exploring the finest gems this stretch of coast has to offer. Magical Assaranca Waterfall evokes landscapes conjured up in fairy-tales, paired with the adjacent Maghera Beach (📷) and its caves, this is easily among the best double bills in Ireland. To the south, the Silver Strand (📷) is a sandy beach nestled in a horse-shoe bay hugging the tip of the peninsula.
An overnight stay in the north of Donegal County is highly recommended in order to be able to fully enjoy its staggering landscapes. Frequently referenced as perhaps the best hidden beach in all of Ireland, the reasons why become immediately apparent to those who set eyes on Murder Hole Beach.
Park your car in the rural village of Melmore to continue your journey by foot across steep dunes and grassy knolls to relish in the perfect seclusion of this awe-inspiring place.
Other gems to be found in the surrounding area include Glenevin Waterfall, which plummets from its elevated rockface into the babbling brook at its base. Also make sure to stop by the expansive sands of Portsalon Beach (📷), which sprawls across the coast. Another beach that has received accolades for its sheer beauty, you don’t want to miss out.
