Ireland is often called the "Green" or "Emerald Isle," and you'll understand the origin of this name as soon as you leave bustling Dublin and head into the countryside. Thanks to the oceanic climate, there is sufficient rainfall throughout the year and small temperature fluctuations without significant extremes, which means the entire island is covered with lush green vegetation year-round.
The view of endless green meadows, which in higher altitudes are replaced by misty moors, is truly a feast for the eyes, but not only for them - while traveling along the narrow, winding roads of the Irish countryside that cut into the surrounding grassy slopes, you can observe the ubiquitous grazing sheep, which from a distance look like white beads scattered across the surrounding pastures. The grassy meadows and pastures then sharply transition into dramatic vertical cliffs on the west coast, sculpted over many years by the crashing waves of the wild Atlantic. The icing on the cake are the mountainous national parks, whose already beautiful foundation of green pastures and peat bogs has been further shaped by the receding glacier.
The island, with its dramatic coastline and roads that follow the coast with cliffs and hidden beaches, is an ideal destination for road trips and photography enthusiasts. On the way through the green interior, you will also come across many mysterious Celtic monasteries with cemeteries and typical Celtic crosses, where you can feel the mystery of the local druids. And because the country is a renowned producer of quality whiskey and beer, you should definitely not miss a visit to one of the many distilleries or breweries and then sit in one of the beautiful Irish pubs with live music performed by friendly and proud locals. If you plan your visit on the day of the most important holiday, St. Patrick's Day, you will experience something incredible.
Ireland is simply a completely unique country that is somewhat outside the usual European standards, and a visit will be an experience you will not soon forget. So, follow in the footsteps of this itinerary to uncover the secrets of Celtic ancestors on the green island of leprechauns, shamrocks, and fine whiskey.
Practical information about the country and traveling in Ireland can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! For a smooth entry to some attractions without waiting in line, it is good to book a ticket in advance, ideally even before the trip. Details are given directly in the itinerary.
Your arrival day is primarily for getting acquainted with Ireland and tuning into its unique atmosphere. The program for this day is intentionally flexible, and you can adjust it to the time of your arrival.
If you arrive early and have enough time, you can already be inspired by the program of the 7th day of the itinerary and visit some of the listed places according to your own choice. If you arrive later, we recommend heading straight to your accommodation and leaving the discovery of Dublin for the 7th day. Alternatively, on the day of departure, if you still have time for a short visit to the city before flying home. The itinerary is primarily focused on exploring the Irish nature and countryside, which is why Dublin is included mainly as an arrival and departure destination. Moving part of the program to these days is therefore very practical.
Hello! Welcome to Ireland. Upon arrival, pick up your car and head to the nearby center of Dublin, perhaps experiencing for the first time the unusual left-hand driving for most of the world, which you will soon get used to. First, head to your accommodation, where I recommend leaving the car in the parking lot and getting around the city on foot or by public transport. Most of the interesting places are located in the city center and can be reached on foot.
You'll head out first thing in the morning to see the first examples of typical Irish scenery, specifically to Wicklow National Park, which is only about half an hour's drive from Dublin. This glacier-carved upland covered with lakes and surrounding moorlands is a wonderful example of the local brooding landscape and offers beautiful treks through forests, heaths, past lakes and waterfalls, and more or less steep hills. At the center of it all stands a magnificent Celtic monastery, whose mysterious atmosphere, underscored by the surrounding dramatic landscape, is sure to leave a great impression on you. After you have sufficiently enjoyed the natural and spiritual beauty of the place, you will head to the pleasant historical town of Kilkenny, where you can spend a relaxing evening strolling through the cobbled streets of the center and end a successful day by drinking local beer in one of the many Irish pubs.
On the way from Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains, you can take a short detour and visit the beautiful Powerscourt House (here) - a country estate with a beautiful garden near the town of Enniskery. Details about his visit can be studied here.
Just a little further you will find one of the largest Irish waterfalls, Powerscourt Waterfall, beautifully accessible by a paved road. Location of the waterfall here. You can find details about his visit here.
Whether you've taken a detour to Powerscourt House or are heading straight to the mountains, you should definitely arrive via the Military Road leading from Dublin through the Sally Gap pass (location here ) offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding hills covered with peat bogs. From Sally Gap, continue south on Military road towards Laragh.
Another short detour will offer you a beautiful view of Lough Tay Lake, also known as Guinness Lake, thanks to the dark color of the surface contrasting with the white beaches resembling a glass of Guinness beer. The viewpoint overlooking the lake is right next to the parking lot, so it's worth taking this short detour. Location here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?q=Lough%20Tay&source=osm&id=6750804&ds=2&x=-6.2637000&y=53.1062214&z=16
This beautiful highland, covered with forests, lakes, and moorlands, declared a national park, begins right on the southern outskirts of Dublin. Despite not being a very high mountain range, you will find plenty of beautiful panoramic views here. In addition to walks through the local contemplative landscape, the drive through the park itself is interesting, with many interesting stops and views along the way. Due to its proximity to Dublin, it is a popular recreational destination offering hiking opportunities thanks to many marked trails leading around lakes and across hilly moorlands.
The best starting point is the village of Glendalough, located in a glacial valley with a famous Celtic monastery (see next place), from where many hiking trails lead.
The village in the middle of Wicklow National Park, located in a glacial valley, is an ideal starting point for treks through the countryside. There is a park information center and, above all, one of the oldest Celtic monasteries in the country, famous for its mysterious and spiritual atmosphere in harmony with the surrounding beautiful landscape. If fog falls on the monastery and the surrounding moorland (which is not unusual here), the atmosphere of the place is frighteningly gloomy.
The main goals of visiting the monastery with the adjacent cemetery covered with Celtic crosses should include the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the Round Tower or the Church of St. Kevin. The monastery complex is connected to the hiking trails by a bridge over the Glenealo River, after crossing which you can continue along the marked route towards the lakes to the west. Details about the monastery here.
You can find a suggestion for a nice route leading through interesting places here. During this route you will see the main attractions of the national park such as Glendalough Monastery, the Lower and Upper Lakes, views from the slopes covered with peat bogs, a waterfall or the old ruins of the Miners Village.
You can plan routes and viewpoints, or get more information about the national park here.
visitor center opening hours: 09:30 – 18:00 (mid-March - mid-October), the rest of the year until 17:00
monastery opening hours: during daylight hours
TIP: When using paid parking in front of the visitor center, you have free entry to the center
TIP: You can save on parking by using one of the car parks in the nearby village of Laragh, where you can park for free
On the way to Kilkenny, enjoy the last beautiful views of the Wicklow Mountains, including this pass.
A pleasant town dominated by the local castle with its extensive garden and the beautiful St. Canice's Cathedral. The city center, with its promenade along the River Nore and intricate network of streets lined with stone houses, offers a pleasant evening stroll, ideally rounded off with a visit to one of the Irish pubs, serving the local red ale Smithwick's from the local brewery. You can walk the famous Medieval Mile, which connects the main historical monuments (the area between the cathedral and the castle).
castle opening hours: 09:30 - 17:00 (October - March), 09:15 - 17:30 (April - September), last entry 30 min before
garden opening hours: depending on the season approx. 8:30 - 19:00, details here
TIP: Leave your car at the hotel and walk into town (or use public transport), avoiding the hassle of finding and paying for parking
Today will be dedicated to exploring the wild west coast. First, climb the rocky hill from which the main historical landmark of Ireland sternly looks down – the ruins of a castle and a Celtic monastery telling the legend of St. Patrick. After you have fully enjoyed the spiritual atmosphere of the place, drive through the Irish countryside to the wild coast, where you can enjoy dramatic views of the endless Atlantic, whose surf has shaped the steep cliffs and rugged bays. Take a walk along one of the many coastal paths leading along the edge of the cliff and discover one of the hidden beaches. Although the local sea is not very suitable for swimming, the beautiful views and the sound of the roaring surf create a wonderful impression, and especially photography enthusiasts will feel like they are in paradise.
One of the main cultural monuments and historical sites of the whole country is visible from afar. These ruins of a medieval castle with a monastery and surrounding cemetery stand on a rocky hill in the middle of an extensive plain, emphasizing the majesty of the place. On the hill you can admire especially these interesting buildings: Circular tower, Cormac's Chapel, Gothic Cathedral and, of course, the ubiquitous Celtic crosses with engravings. The place is associated with the legend of the local patron - St. Patrick.
More info here.
opening hours: 09:00 – 17:30 (17/3 - 15/10), 09:00 – 16:30 (16/10 - 16/3)
TIP: If you want to avoid paid parking, the nearby town of Cashel offers many free parking spaces (e.g. street parking or at St. Dominic's Abbey). However, it is better to watch out for signs informing about a possible ban or restriction of parking
The real road trip is just beginning. First, drive through the flat inland full of green meadows and pastures, and later, as you approach the west coast, the landscape will begin to rise dramatically.
I recommend not using the motorway via Cork, but taking the local roads through the town of Mallow. This way you will avoid paying motorway tolls, but mainly you will drive through more beautiful countryside with the possibility to stop and get out almost anytime.
After about a two-hour drive west, you will arrive in the true rural landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula, with its very rugged landscape formed by unusually high mountains for this country, exceeding 1,000 meters above sea level, and especially a beautiful, rugged coastline that transitions into green meadows and pastures. The coast is followed by the famous Ring of Kerry, which offers incredible scenery and is an ideal place for a classic road trip. Along the way, on the sometimes very narrow and winding road, you will have breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean. However, it would be a shame to just drive through it. Along the way, you can stop at many viewpoints and take shorter or longer walks along the paths leading along the coastal cliffs and to hidden natural beaches. Interesting stops are listed as other places.
A picturesque village with characteristic brightly colored houses.
Another of the towns along the way offers particularly interesting surroundings with hiking trails along the coast and beaches (e.g., Derrynane Beach). Derrynane Bay is also interesting, offering a small peninsula, beaches, and the ruins of Derrynane Abbey.
The beautiful sandy beach offers views of the raging ocean and surrounding cliffs covered in lush greenery. You will find several historical monuments in the area. Everything falls under the protected area of Derrynane National Historic Park.
You can combine relaxing on the beach with a visit to the nearby abbey ruins located on a small island surrounded by bays with beaches.
Opening hours: NONSTOP, but you can only get here during low tide
A pleasant village located directly on the coast with a beach and a statue of Charlie Chaplin.
Perhaps the most beautiful section of the Ring of Kerry follows its side road called the Skelling Ring, which runs along the westernmost tip of the Iveragh Peninsula. Here you can admire beautiful cliffs and dramatic ocean views.
The town located on the Skelling Ring road offers the beautiful long sandy Ballinskelligs Beach with views of the castle ruins of the same name and hiking trails leading across the cliffs on the southwestern tip just outside the town.
A short path leads to the tip of the cliff, which offers a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean and, in good weather, also of the remote island of Skellig Michael with a monastery inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is hardly a better place to end the day watching the sunset.
Opening hours: 09:30 – 21:00
Start your day on the wild west coast with a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The route then turns inland from the coast, where the cliff landscape sculpted by the blue ocean is replaced by a glacial mountain landscape. Drive along a narrow mountain road winding through pastures, heaths and lakes surrounded by mountain ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramas of what many consider the most beautiful part of Ireland. In the nearby national park, you can then take one of the many hiking trails that will lead you to the shores of lakes, waterfalls, forests or the remains of Celtic buildings. At the end of the day, return to the coast and enjoy another of the many photogenic views from the cliffs overlooking the ocean during a road trip along the westernmost peninsula of Ireland.
Before you finally complete the Ring of Kerry, take at least a moment to stop at one of the rest areas along the coast and enjoy the view or a walk along the coast. A nice place is, for example, a small parking area with a view of the opposite sandy peninsula with Rossbeigh beach, which you can then drive to. With good visibility, you will also see the Dingle Peninsula - one of your next destinations.
In the opinion of (not only) the itinerary author, one of the most beautiful parts of the island. The narrow road leading around the western edge of Killarney National Park will take you through a beautiful landscape formed by a glacier. On the way, you will be surrounded first by vast pastures with sheep scattered on the grassy slopes like scattered white beads. In higher altitudes, you will then pass through a beautiful glacial valley with surrounding mountains covered with moorland and several glacial lakes. It would be a shame to just drive through the road, so take advantage of several parking options and take a walk through this beautiful landscape.
This beautiful stone bridge is a popular stop for cars, cyclists, and hikers. Together with the surrounding landscape, it creates a wonderful composition for photographs.
Another place with beautiful views of the surrounding green mountain ridges and valleys. Compared to the Gap of Dunloe, this pass is more accessible and is located at the intersection of two wide roads. It also has facilities in the form of a large car park and a cafe with a shop, toilets and the possibility of buying souvenirs. You can also stretch your legs on some of the trails.
One of the most beautiful viewpoints is located in the Killarney National Park and offers a view of all three main lakes (Upper, Middle and Lower) and the mountain valleys that surround them. You will also find small facilities in the form of a café and toilets (on the opposite side of the road).
A nice waterfall, about 20 meters high, easily accessible by a short (but steep) path from the main road with a parking lot.
From the parking lot, you can also take a circular trip around the lake - the route here. You can also start the route from another place.
A beautiful national park with excellent accessibility offers a combination of picturesque landscapes with mountain peaks that divide glacial valleys with many lakes, and historical monuments in the form of monastery ruins and noble estates. Everyone will find something to enjoy in the national park - hiking enthusiasts will appreciate one of the many marked trails along the lakes, while cyclists will love the rugged landscape with many passes accessible by a quality asphalt road. Moreover, most of the nicest places are accessible by car, so even avid drivers won't be disappointed.
This magnificent aristocratic residence, built in the picturesque countryside on the shore of Muckross Lake, offers beautiful gardens, an arboretum, and farms in addition to the interior of the main building itself.
Opening hours: depending on the season, you can find them here
More information can be found here
From Muckross House, you can take an easy circular trip along a flat route around the lake. The route is here
A beautiful historical site in the midst of untamed nature is this ruin of an old monastery, which was burned down and rebuilt several times in its turbulent history. Today, the remains of a roofless building stand here with a large courtyard with old trees, where you can admire ancient stone carvings.
Opening hours: NONSTOP
More information can be found here
A long sandy beach on a peninsula resembling a thumb. It offers beautiful views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
Another of the beautiful peninsulas in the west, Dingle, again offers a scenic drive along the road that follows the coast, where you can admire the cliffs carved by the waves of the Atlantic and stroll along one of the deserted natural beaches. A bonus is the picturesque villages and historical monuments in the form of monastery ruins and various excavations. The most beautiful section is the Slea Head Drive, which follows the westernmost promontory of the peninsula and offers beautiful views from the cliffs. It starts behind the port town of Dingle, the colorful main center of the peninsula.
A small historical fortress ruin on top of a rocky cliff offering breathtaking ocean views.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:00
Details here
Slea Head - a small rest area on the southernmost tip of the peninsula offers beautiful views from the cliffs of the ocean and the opposite Blasket Island. You will find a small pilgrimage site here in the form of a statue of Jesus Christ on the cross and the Virgin Mary.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland offers stunning natural scenery. However, swimming is not recommended due to the turbulent and cold water with currents. Enjoy sitting on the fine sand overlooking the endless ocean accompanied by the sound of waves and the roar of crashing surf.
Not far from the beach, you'll find a small headland where you'll find yourself at the westernmost tip of not only the peninsula, but all of Ireland. You'll be surrounded by cliffs and you'll only see the ocean with small islands in front of you, the main one being the nearby Blasket Island. The parking lot for this headland and the beach is shared. Admission to the headland is officially free, only a symbolic 1 EURO is voluntarily paid as support when entering the Dunmore Head loop trail (approx. 2.5 km, elevation gain 200 m).
A beautiful stone church whose purpose is debated - was it a church, a burial chapel, or perhaps a pilgrim's shelter?
Opening hours of the information center: 10:00 - 18:00 (February - March), 9:00 - 20:00 (April - September), 11:00 - 16:00 (October - November)
NOTE: Access to the church via the public road from the small parking lot in the south is NONSTOP
More information can be found here
TIP: Admission is only charged if you use the official visitor center with parking to the west of the church. However, you can use the public road from the parking lot to the south of the church and then you do not pay admission. The location is here.
In the morning, you will board a ferry that will take you across the bay to explore the wild and beautiful west coast. Walk along endless trails through a lush green meadow to the very edge of the cliffs and gaze at the endless blue surface of the ocean from the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher - symbols of the island. Continue through the karst landscape of the Burren plateau, past eroded limestone boulders, to the mysterious Neolithic tomb. You can then spend your days in the wild nature of the west coast in one of the many bars in the beautiful city of Galway, famous for its rich cultural and gastronomic scene and vibrant nightlife, which will serve as an excellent stop to regenerate before further exploring the beauties of the island.
Tarbert ferry port → Killimer ferry terminal:
Frequency - depending on the season, generally runs every 30 minutes in the summer season, and every 1 hour in the winter season.
Journey time - approx. 20 min
Arrival at the terminal - I recommend arriving about 10 minutes before the sailing time for smooth boarding
Timetables for a specific month can be found by clicking on the "Ferry timetable" bar here https://www.shannonferries.com/
NOTE: you can of course also go around the bay on the mainland via Limerick, but you will extend the journey by about 2 hours, plus you will pay a toll for the section of the highway around Limerick and you will also miss out on the experience of a cruise.
The magnificent cliffs rising to a height of approximately 200 meters along the west coast for about 14 kilometers are one of the highlights of your visit to the west coast and all of Ireland. It is a local natural icon. The vertical cliffs rising from the blue surface of the Atlantic offer a magical sight and will surely enchant you. The contrast in the form of the turquoise blue water of the ocean and the gray-colored rocky subsoil of the cliffs, which immediately turn into lush green meadows at the edges of their peaks, creates a beautiful natural palette of colors. Take a walk along the narrow paths leading in the more remote parts of the cliffs away from the visitor center, which offers certain facilities and complements the experience with various exhibitions, but attracts crowds of people, which reduces the experience of this wonderful place. I recommend using the section from the Moher Tower in the south and continuing towards the information center. The views here are truly breathtaking, and in good weather you can see the distant Aran Islands.
visitor center opening hours:
08:00 – 19:00 (March - April, September - October)
08:00 – 21:00 (May - August)
08:00 – 17:00 (November)
Details about the cliffs and visitor center including ticket purchases can be found here
NOTE: outside the opening hours of the visitor center, the cliffs are freely accessible and you can visit them for free including parking. The visit to the cliffs themselves is not charged. The entrance fee covers parking, entrance to the tower and services in the visitor center (WC, information, interactive exhibition, etc.). A bonus is also smaller crowds. If you want to use this option, it is worth considering swapping the order of the visited places and first go through the Burren National Park, which is listed in the itinerary after the Cliffs of Moher. However, swapping the order is less advantageous in terms of travel time, where the difference is approximately 30 minutes and 50 km compared to the order of places listed in the itinerary.
TIP: If you want to use the entrance through the customer center, buy a ticket online in advance and save money
TIP: If you want to avoid the crowds that gather around the information center on the paved sidewalks towards O'Brien's Tower, or approximately 200 meters west of the information center, just walk a little further, where the paved paths end and you get to the natural paths leading along the entire cliffs to the Moher Tower at their southern end. Here you will meet a minimum of people and the views are no less impressive, moreover, thanks to the natural path through the green meadow, more authentic.
TIP: You can completely avoid the crowds and also the unnecessary payment for entry through the information center by parking near the Moher Tower at the southern end of the cliffs in a small parking lot with a fee of 5 EURO, which you throw into the box in cash. The location of the parking lot is here. From the parking lot it is less than 10 minutes walk to the cliffs. In this area you will probably have the cliffs almost to yourself. You can gradually reach the visitor center and further to O'Brien's Tower. I recommend choosing this option.
The limestone landscape on a gently sloping plateau is worth at least a short visit. When walking on the often sharp eroded stones with Neolithic monuments, I definitely recommend quality footwear. On the way to the parking lot at the starting tourist routes through the national park, you can stop in the village of Corofin, where the park's visitor center is located.
A good starting point with a parking lot located directly on several nice marked trails is this place.
To properly experience the landscape of the national park, I recommend taking this route.
This Neolithic tomb, located in the middle of the karst landscape of the Burren limestone plateau, is a place with a magical atmosphere.
The supposed capital of the west coast is one of the most magical and popular cities thanks to its amazing location near the most beautiful natural monuments and a pleasant seaside atmosphere with a rich nightlife. Leave your car parked at the hotel and take an evening stroll through the lively streets of the Latin Quarter. And since Galway is a well-known center of entertainment and culture, you will surely come across lively traditional music in one of the many pubs or even directly on the street. You may also come across real Irish, which is used here in the west more than is usual, e.g. in cosmopolitan Dublin. After a few days spent in the wilderness of the west coast, Galway with its bar scene is a great stop. Before you go out for nightlife, be sure to visit the magnificent Galway Cathedral.
A beautiful stone cathedral with a very tasteful interior, built on the site of a former prison on a small island separated by a water canal.
A lively district and the city's figurative soul, offering a rich bar, cultural, and gastronomic scene. This is where you should head, especially in the evenings. Find a nice pub or bistro offering products from the local sea and, of course, the local pride - beer and whiskey.
You'll say a final goodbye to the untamed landscape of western Ireland's wilderness in the first part of the day with a drive along scenic roads through the dramatic landscape of glacial lakes, mountains and fjords. In Connemara National Park, you'll sweat it out climbing to the top of a mountain to gaze at the beautiful mountain range surrounded by peat bogs and heather. You will walk along wooden walkways surrounded by wetland vegetation and enjoy true Irish nature. Later, you will exchange natural beauty for culture and spirituality in a mysterious monastery. You can end the day with a glass of one of the most famous whiskeys during a tasting in the pleasant town of Tullamore.
!!ATTENTION!! The itinerary includes a tour of the Tullamore whiskey distillery at the end of the day. However, this only takes place until 4 pm. If you are interested in a tour with tasting, due to the busy schedule it will be necessary to either skip some places or shorten the time of their visit so that you do not miss the tasting. Alternatively, take it the next day.
A beautiful photo stop (possibly supplemented by a short trip along the coast if desired) on the way to Connemara National Park can be this freshwater lake surrounded by the Twelve Bens mountain range, which together form an amazing panorama. Right on the N59 road you will find a parking lot with a popular viewpoint, which in addition to the view of the lake surface with mountains in the background also offers the nearby Pine Island. You can reach it after a short path and a bridge.
The beautiful scenic road, perfect for a road trip with views of the wild coastline and restless blue waters of the Atlantic, begins outside the town of Cliffden, which lies in an attractive location on the shore of a narrow fjord. It is definitely worth driving this short route at least, but it is better to occasionally stop at one of the car parks or on the side of the road (always free) and enjoy the views. The road then takes you back to the main route not far from Connemara National Park. The location of Sky Road is here.
The magnificent national park showcases the typical landscape of the island, consisting of lakes, heaths, and peat bogs covering a gently hilly terrain. You will find several trails of varying lengths and difficulties, and I definitely recommend choosing the longest one, which will allow you a very thorough and comfortable exploration of the park. The route is very pleasant, and a large part of it leads along wooden walkways to protect the local flora and fauna. You can reach the summit of Diamond Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the nearby rocky peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the surrounding peatland landscape of the national park. Especially in typical Irish weather (i.e., foggy, rainy weather with wind), the landscape looks mysterious and creates a truly authentic atmosphere typical of the higher altitudes of the island. The summit is easily accessible (although some sections involve climbing over boulders) and can be managed by any moderately trained individual. The unpredictable island weather can be a problem, which can make the journey very unpleasant or even impossible (the itinerary author experienced gusts of wind on the way to the summit that sometimes even knocked him off the path). The entire circuit from the visitor center over Diamond Hill and back is approximately 7 km long and, apart from the climb to the summit, does not contain significantly steep or challenging sections.
Recommended circular route via the Diamond Hill summit here.
Almost in the heart of the national park on the shore of the lake stands this monumental monastery (formerly the residence of a wealthy British politician built in the Victorian style). The building itself and its gardens, nestled in a beautiful wooded environment embraced by the lake and mountains, are very photogenic, but you certainly won't regret visiting the interior. The ticket allows you to tour the beautiful interior rooms with historical artifacts, complemented by an audio-visual guide, a neo-Gothic church with a mausoleum, and a beautiful Victorian garden. Be sure to take a pleasant walk along the promenade by the lake.
More information can be found here.
Opening hours: 9/3 - 27/10 - 10:00 – 18:00, rest of the year 10:00 - 17:00
The journey from Kylemore Abbey towards Clonmacnoise Monastery on the R344 road leads through beautiful scenery and is therefore popular for scenic road trips. First, it follows the coast of Lough Inagh, then winds around the coast of Derryclare Lake (yes, the lake you may have seen at the beginning of the day on the way to Connemara). Along the road, you can stop at several places and enjoy the beautiful views, or take a walk in the adjacent Derryclare Nature Reserve (location here). Parking along the R344 road is free everywhere.
Visit this well-preserved early medieval monastery on the banks of the River Shannon, with its adjacent castle ruins and cemetery. The atmosphere of these places with old Celtic monasteries surrounded by cemeteries with Celtic crosses and tombstones is simply captivating :) It is not just one monastery, but an entire complex comprising many churches, two round towers, and also interior spaces with an exhibition. Services are also held here. The monastery was formerly an important center of education.
More information here.
Opening hours: 6/3 - 31/5 - 10:00 – 18:00, 1/6 - 31/8 9:00 - 18:30, 1/9 - 31/10 - 10:00 – 18:00, November - 10:00 - 17:00
A tough day should be celebrated with a drink, and where better to stop at the end of the day than here - at perhaps the most famous Irish whiskey distillery. At the visitor center, you can purchase one of the many souvenirs related to this spirit - from small mementos with the whiskey logo to various gift packages with bottles of this liquor.
But mainly, you can step behind the scenes of its creation, including a tasting of the drink as part of a guided tour. This includes a detailed and engaging explanation of the whiskey production process with a welcome cup of Irish coffee, a tasting of whiskey straight from the barrel, and a tasting of three whiskey samples included in the price. A bonus (which you have to pay extra for) is the option to mix your own custom drink. The tour lasts approximately 100 minutes and is seriously amazing.
!!ATTENTION!! The distillery is located a bit further from the city center of Tullamore and your accommodation, so it is best reached by car. However, it also includes tasting alcoholic beverages, which, despite the tolerance of a certain level of alcohol in the blood while driving by the Irish authorities, is not ideal in the event of an accident and subsequent dealings with the insurance company. Therefore, consider parking your car in the hotel parking lot or in the city and transferring to the distillery by public transport or taxi.
Detailed information about the tour can be found here.
Opening hours:
visitor center - MON - SAT 10:00 - 18:00, SUN and holidays 11:00 - 17:00
excursions - MON - SAT: 11:00 - 16:00 every full hour, SUN and holidays - 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00
!!ATTENTION!! In accordance with Irish law, the tour with tasting is possible from 21 years of age.
!!ATTENTION!! I recommend booking the tour in advance online for a specific time
The town famous for one of the most well-known types of whiskey - Tullamore D.E.W. The distillery is, of course, the main reason to visit, but the town center itself, with the Phoenix in its emblem, is worth at least a short visit. Leave your car in the hotel car park and head into town for sightseeing and tasting :)
After a few days spent exploring the beautiful nature of the west, the rest of your time on the island will be devoted mainly to culture, history and entertainment. Start with a full exploration of Ireland's most important archaeological site with magnificent burial mounds older than the pyramids themselves. You can soak up another dose of spiritual atmosphere on your way to Dublin in a mysterious Celtic monastery, where the story of the ancient druids will speak to you through every stone and cross. You will then spend the end of the day in Dublin, where, depending on your time and preferences (with regard to the activities chosen on the arrival and departure day), you will choose another program. There are plenty of options including museums, monuments, a visit to a distillery or brewery with tasting. In the evening I would recommend spending time in the Temple Bar district with a really bustling nightlife and a rich pub scene. The itinerary offers and describes in more detail various interesting places from which you can choose.
I recommend leaving the M6 motorway at junction 3 near Tyrrellspass and continuing on the N52 road to Mullingar. This will avoid a short but paid section of the motorway, and according to the map, it is the fastest route (the Worldee map shows a different route).
The most important archaeological site in Ireland, dating from the Neolithic period, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense importance. It is a complex of almost a hundred different monuments consisting of tombs, mounds and artistic relics in the form of engravings.
Main monuments:
Newgrange - a huge spherical mound with tombs and engravings is older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. It is interesting for its passage oriented so that it is illuminated by rays during the winter solstice
Knowth - another prominent mound hiding many tombs and one of the largest collections of Neolithic art
Dowth - a less visited smaller mound again hides tombs and beautiful engravings. Research is still ongoing here
Visits to these mounds take place with a guide, and you need to buy a ticket in advance for a specific time. More information including booking can be found on the website here.
Entrance and tour: From the car park, first go through the visitor center, where you report and show your ticket. First, you will go through the exhibition in the visitor center for about 30 minutes, then a guide will take care of you and you will move to the mounds by shuttle bus.
Opening hours:
March - April: 09:30 – 16:45, May - August: 09:00 – 17:45, September 9:00 - 17:00, October - January: 9:00 - 16:15
Another of the many beautiful monastery ruins with a magical atmosphere and a cemetery with magnificent Celtic crosses (especially the symbol of the place - the large sandstone cross Muiredach's High Cross decorated with motifs from the Bible and Celtic symbols) lies almost on the way to Dublin and is worth a short visit and a last breath of peace, mystery and spirituality before arriving in the big city.
Opening hours: it is a public place, i.e. probably NON-STOP, but after dark someone may close the entrance gate
A car in the center of Dublin would only be an obstacle, and you would also pay for parking and an unnecessary extra day of rental. So it is more practical to take advantage of the airport's location, which is on the way to the city, and return the car today. Public transport between the airport and the center of Dublin is reliable and relatively fast.
Bus from the airport to the city center:
Bus 16 (Drumcondra → Parnell Square → O’Connell Street)
Bus 41 (Lower Abbey Street → O’Connell Street)
Stop - behind the parking garage (a pedestrian passage leads through it)
Frequency - approx. 10 min
Travel time to the center - approx. 50 min
Ticket - at the vending machine at the stop (cash or card) or exact cash in the vehicle (drop it into the box)
You can find information about bus transport in Dublin here https://www.dublinbus.ie/
NOTE: You can also use the Airlink express 747 and 757, but it costs around 8 EURO and the time savings are not significant (travel time approx. 30 min)
Journey from the center to the distillery:
It is easy to walk (from O’Connell Street it is about 1.5 km to the distillery), or you can take the tram from the city center:
Line: Red line running from east to west
Boarding stop: along the north bank of the River Liffey (e.g. O'Connell - GPO)
Alighting stop: Smithfield
Ticket: a single ticket costs 2 EUR (zone 1), or 2.6 EUR (zones 2 - 8) and you can buy it at each stop (the machine takes cash and card).
Info about tram transport here https://www.luas.ie/
Whether you decide to visit any of the offered (or other) attractions, a good starting point will be the city center. This is undoubtedly the bustling O'Connell Street and Parnell Square. From there, you can continue further.
In Tullamore, you have another unique opportunity to visit the renowned distillery here in Dublin. Although the production of the famous Jameson whiskey has now moved to Cork, in this building, a former production hall, you will find an interactive museum, which you can enter as part of a guided tour. There are several tours to choose from, and you can select and book on the website here. Of course, there is also a tasting.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00
If you don't want to walk, you can use the Red line tram again.
Departure stop: Smithfield
Arrival stop: James
The Irish are a nation of beer drinkers, and especially the dark stout beer Guinness is famous all over the world. Not only lovers of the foamy drink should consider visiting the birthplace of this beer. The brewery grounds are very extensive, but only one of the historical buildings called the Guinness Storehouse, hidden behind the legendary St. James's Gate, is accessible with a cleverly and simply created exhibition that takes you through the entire process of creating this delicious drink Guinness Storehouse on seven floors of the building. You can go through it yourself in peace without a guide. During the tour, you can go through a modern interactive exhibition and learn everything about beer from its production to distribution, and then end your visit with a tasting at the Gravity bar on the top floor overlooking the city.
TIP: avoid queues by buying your ticket online in advance for a specific time. You can book tickets here
!!ATTENTION!! During the visit, you will not get to the production areas as is usual with brewery visits. The Guinness Storehouse is more of a modern museum against the backdrop of a historic building
opening hours: MON – FRI: 10:00 -17:00, SAT: 9:30 - 18:00, SUN: 9:30 - 17:00
Art lovers can combine a visit to the brewery with the nearby Museum of Modern Art, which is located in the building of the former Royal Hospital Kilmainham from the 17th century. Here you will find the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country. Plus, admission is free. More here https://imma.ie/
Opening hours: MON closed, TUE – SUN: approx. 10:00 – 17:30
This historical complex of buildings once served as the seat of British rule and a defensive fortress. The buildings, constructed for various purposes and in different styles, appear somewhat disjointed, but today the castle complex has become one of the city's symbols and a major tourist destination. During the tour, you can admire the monumental State Apartments, which still host important state visits and are the site of inaugurations, the Royal Chapel, and adjacent museums.
Opening hours: 09:45 – 17:45 (last entry 17:15)
Avoid the queues by purchasing online in advance for a specific time. More here
On the way, you can stop at the Molly Malone statue.
The area of the university complex Trinity College, which is the oldest university in the country and is modeled after the world-famous universities of Oxford and Cambridge, is sought after not only by students but also by lovers of history and culture, especially thanks to the famous writings - Book of Kells - hidden in the Old Library. The university was attended by, among others, important Irish natives and artists Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. In addition to the Old Library with the Book of Kells, the parliamentary square and the Campanile bell tower standing on the site of the former monastery are also destinations for visits.
Book of Kells:
A world-famous manuscript containing beautifully illustrated gospels from the New Testament created by Celtic monks in the 9th century is admired especially for its beautiful handwriting, mysterious Celtic signs and colors. A visit to the Old Library and a tour of the writing is the main reason for visiting the university complex.
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Avoid queues by buying online in advance for a specific time. More here
Near the university are two of the buildings of the Irish National Museum complex (it is divided into several separate buildings, with the buildings near the university in Kirdale and Merrion streets being among the most important). In them you will find sections dedicated to archeology and the Natural History Museum. Another building located in the former Collins Barracks near the Jameson Distillery exhibits works of art. All buildings can be visited for free. More here https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/home
opening hours: TUE – SAT: 10:00 – 17:00, SUN – MON: 13:00 – 17:00
I definitely recommend ending your day (and, depending on the time of your flight tomorrow, perhaps your entire stay) right here - in the busiest district full of traditional Irish pubs, bars, cafes, and shops on the south bank of the River Liffey. The choice of establishments here is incredibly wide, and you can visit several in one evening. You might experience live music in one of the establishments or directly on the street. You can try, for example, the symbol of the district and indeed the whole city - The Temple Bar Pub. You won't miss the legendary red establishment on the corner of Temple Bar and Temple Lane (here).
!!ATTENTION!! Although the Irish know how to have a good time, a large number of establishments close before midnight.
Officially the Liffey Bridge, today nicknamed the Ha'Penny by locals (short for "Half Penny" after the toll previously charged for its use), is the most popular footbridge over the River Liffey, leading from the lively Temple Bar district to the north bank of the river. It is the most used footbridge over the river and a popular photo subject.
Today is reserved for the flight home, so it's time to say goodbye to this quirky country. Depending on your departure time and your preference, you can use any time to visit more of the many interesting places that Dublin offers and that you didn't manage to see yesterday or on the day of arrival.
Other places worth visiting include the cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick - the patron saint of the country, or a walk through the green heart of Dublin - Saint Stephen's Green Park. Shopping enthusiasts can head straight from the park to the adjacent shopping center.
If you have a really late departure time, the Temple Bar district in the city center offers an ideal opportunity to spend your last evening in the wonderful atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs with local people and live music, and will serve as a great place to say goodbye to this beautiful island.
The most popular city park is located in the heart of the city and is built in a traditional Victorian style. In addition to green areas suitable for picnics, you will find a lake, a waterfall, flower beds, bridges and shady avenues. The place is also popular with local runners and other athletes.
In the adjacent shopping center built in the spirit of Victorian architecture with a characteristic glass roof, you can visit one of the many restaurants and cafes, or go shopping. You will find shops of world-famous fashion brands and traditional Irish boutiques. More information can be found here https://stephensgreen.com/
opening hours: MON - WED, FRI - SAT: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM, THU: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM, SUN: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The main city cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint of the country, who, according to legend, baptized the local inhabitants here. During the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, the surrounding streets are filled with crowds of green-clad Irish people and are full of parades and processions with allegorical floats. Beer and whiskey flow freely from the early afternoon hours. More information about the cathedral can be found here.
Opening hours: vary depending on the day of the week, info here
bus from the center to the airport: bus 16, bus 41
stop - e.g. on busy streets like O'Connell Street and Parnell Square
frequency - approx. 10 min
travel time to the airport - approx. 50 min
ticket - exact cash in the vehicle (put it in the box)
Remember to be at the airport at least 2/3 hours before departure.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent flight, you have enough space for a final recap of your Irish adventure.
Although Ireland is not yet one of the main tourist destinations and is still somewhat in the shadow of famous European destinations, a visit to this island country will certainly be an experience you will not soon forget.
The unique landscape of evergreen meadows and pastures covered with lush vegetation contrasts with the vertical cliffs rising hundreds of meters above the blue surface of the turbulent Atlantic, creating wonderful scenery and rewarding targets for your cameras. The narrow paved roads winding through the beautiful rural landscape of the west coast are perfect for a classic road trip, and left-hand traffic adds the necessary dose of adrenaline. The pensive atmosphere of the landscape with heaths and low hills hidden under a misty haze is underlined by mysterious temples with Celtic crosses telling the story of ancient druids.
Constant (though often rainy) weather without significant fluctuations throughout the year, proud inhabitants singing traditional Celtic songs in cozy pubs over a pint of Guinness, and delicious whiskey from local distilleries are just a few of the reasons to visit this beautiful and proud land of Leprechauns.
So Slán, sons and daughters of St. Patrick!!
Ireland is often called the "Green" or "Emerald Isle," and you'll understand the origin of this name as soon as you leave bustling Dublin and head into the countryside. Thanks to the oceanic climate, there is sufficient rainfall throughout the year and small temperature fluctuations without significant extremes, which means the entire island is covered with lush green vegetation year-round.
The view of endless green meadows, which in higher altitudes are replaced by misty moors, is truly a feast for the eyes, but not only for them - while traveling along the narrow, winding roads of the Irish countryside that cut into the surrounding grassy slopes, you can observe the ubiquitous grazing sheep, which from a distance look like white beads scattered across the surrounding pastures. The grassy meadows and pastures then sharply transition into dramatic vertical cliffs on the west coast, sculpted over many years by the crashing waves of the wild Atlantic. The icing on the cake are the mountainous national parks, whose already beautiful foundation of green pastures and peat bogs has been further shaped by the receding glacier.
The island, with its dramatic coastline and roads that follow the coast with cliffs and hidden beaches, is an ideal destination for road trips and photography enthusiasts. On the way through the green interior, you will also come across many mysterious Celtic monasteries with cemeteries and typical Celtic crosses, where you can feel the mystery of the local druids. And because the country is a renowned producer of quality whiskey and beer, you should definitely not miss a visit to one of the many distilleries or breweries and then sit in one of the beautiful Irish pubs with live music performed by friendly and proud locals. If you plan your visit on the day of the most important holiday, St. Patrick's Day, you will experience something incredible.
Ireland is simply a completely unique country that is somewhat outside the usual European standards, and a visit will be an experience you will not soon forget. So, follow in the footsteps of this itinerary to uncover the secrets of Celtic ancestors on the green island of leprechauns, shamrocks, and fine whiskey.
Practical information about the country and traveling in Ireland can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! For a smooth entry to some attractions without waiting in line, it is good to book a ticket in advance, ideally even before the trip. Details are given directly in the itinerary.
Your arrival day is primarily for getting acquainted with Ireland and tuning into its unique atmosphere. The program for this day is intentionally flexible, and you can adjust it to the time of your arrival.
If you arrive early and have enough time, you can already be inspired by the program of the 7th day of the itinerary and visit some of the listed places according to your own choice. If you arrive later, we recommend heading straight to your accommodation and leaving the discovery of Dublin for the 7th day. Alternatively, on the day of departure, if you still have time for a short visit to the city before flying home. The itinerary is primarily focused on exploring the Irish nature and countryside, which is why Dublin is included mainly as an arrival and departure destination. Moving part of the program to these days is therefore very practical.
Hello! Welcome to Ireland. Upon arrival, pick up your car and head to the nearby center of Dublin, perhaps experiencing for the first time the unusual left-hand driving for most of the world, which you will soon get used to. First, head to your accommodation, where I recommend leaving the car in the parking lot and getting around the city on foot or by public transport. Most of the interesting places are located in the city center and can be reached on foot.
You'll head out first thing in the morning to see the first examples of typical Irish scenery, specifically to Wicklow National Park, which is only about half an hour's drive from Dublin. This glacier-carved upland covered with lakes and surrounding moorlands is a wonderful example of the local brooding landscape and offers beautiful treks through forests, heaths, past lakes and waterfalls, and more or less steep hills. At the center of it all stands a magnificent Celtic monastery, whose mysterious atmosphere, underscored by the surrounding dramatic landscape, is sure to leave a great impression on you. After you have sufficiently enjoyed the natural and spiritual beauty of the place, you will head to the pleasant historical town of Kilkenny, where you can spend a relaxing evening strolling through the cobbled streets of the center and end a successful day by drinking local beer in one of the many Irish pubs.
On the way from Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains, you can take a short detour and visit the beautiful Powerscourt House (here) - a country estate with a beautiful garden near the town of Enniskery. Details about his visit can be studied here.
Just a little further you will find one of the largest Irish waterfalls, Powerscourt Waterfall, beautifully accessible by a paved road. Location of the waterfall here. You can find details about his visit here.
Whether you've taken a detour to Powerscourt House or are heading straight to the mountains, you should definitely arrive via the Military Road leading from Dublin through the Sally Gap pass (location here ) offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding hills covered with peat bogs. From Sally Gap, continue south on Military road towards Laragh.
Another short detour will offer you a beautiful view of Lough Tay Lake, also known as Guinness Lake, thanks to the dark color of the surface contrasting with the white beaches resembling a glass of Guinness beer. The viewpoint overlooking the lake is right next to the parking lot, so it's worth taking this short detour. Location here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?q=Lough%20Tay&source=osm&id=6750804&ds=2&x=-6.2637000&y=53.1062214&z=16
This beautiful highland, covered with forests, lakes, and moorlands, declared a national park, begins right on the southern outskirts of Dublin. Despite not being a very high mountain range, you will find plenty of beautiful panoramic views here. In addition to walks through the local contemplative landscape, the drive through the park itself is interesting, with many interesting stops and views along the way. Due to its proximity to Dublin, it is a popular recreational destination offering hiking opportunities thanks to many marked trails leading around lakes and across hilly moorlands.
The best starting point is the village of Glendalough, located in a glacial valley with a famous Celtic monastery (see next place), from where many hiking trails lead.
The village in the middle of Wicklow National Park, located in a glacial valley, is an ideal starting point for treks through the countryside. There is a park information center and, above all, one of the oldest Celtic monasteries in the country, famous for its mysterious and spiritual atmosphere in harmony with the surrounding beautiful landscape. If fog falls on the monastery and the surrounding moorland (which is not unusual here), the atmosphere of the place is frighteningly gloomy.
The main goals of visiting the monastery with the adjacent cemetery covered with Celtic crosses should include the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the Round Tower or the Church of St. Kevin. The monastery complex is connected to the hiking trails by a bridge over the Glenealo River, after crossing which you can continue along the marked route towards the lakes to the west. Details about the monastery here.
You can find a suggestion for a nice route leading through interesting places here. During this route you will see the main attractions of the national park such as Glendalough Monastery, the Lower and Upper Lakes, views from the slopes covered with peat bogs, a waterfall or the old ruins of the Miners Village.
You can plan routes and viewpoints, or get more information about the national park here.
visitor center opening hours: 09:30 – 18:00 (mid-March - mid-October), the rest of the year until 17:00
monastery opening hours: during daylight hours
TIP: When using paid parking in front of the visitor center, you have free entry to the center
TIP: You can save on parking by using one of the car parks in the nearby village of Laragh, where you can park for free
On the way to Kilkenny, enjoy the last beautiful views of the Wicklow Mountains, including this pass.
A pleasant town dominated by the local castle with its extensive garden and the beautiful St. Canice's Cathedral. The city center, with its promenade along the River Nore and intricate network of streets lined with stone houses, offers a pleasant evening stroll, ideally rounded off with a visit to one of the Irish pubs, serving the local red ale Smithwick's from the local brewery. You can walk the famous Medieval Mile, which connects the main historical monuments (the area between the cathedral and the castle).
castle opening hours: 09:30 - 17:00 (October - March), 09:15 - 17:30 (April - September), last entry 30 min before
garden opening hours: depending on the season approx. 8:30 - 19:00, details here
TIP: Leave your car at the hotel and walk into town (or use public transport), avoiding the hassle of finding and paying for parking
Today will be dedicated to exploring the wild west coast. First, climb the rocky hill from which the main historical landmark of Ireland sternly looks down – the ruins of a castle and a Celtic monastery telling the legend of St. Patrick. After you have fully enjoyed the spiritual atmosphere of the place, drive through the Irish countryside to the wild coast, where you can enjoy dramatic views of the endless Atlantic, whose surf has shaped the steep cliffs and rugged bays. Take a walk along one of the many coastal paths leading along the edge of the cliff and discover one of the hidden beaches. Although the local sea is not very suitable for swimming, the beautiful views and the sound of the roaring surf create a wonderful impression, and especially photography enthusiasts will feel like they are in paradise.
One of the main cultural monuments and historical sites of the whole country is visible from afar. These ruins of a medieval castle with a monastery and surrounding cemetery stand on a rocky hill in the middle of an extensive plain, emphasizing the majesty of the place. On the hill you can admire especially these interesting buildings: Circular tower, Cormac's Chapel, Gothic Cathedral and, of course, the ubiquitous Celtic crosses with engravings. The place is associated with the legend of the local patron - St. Patrick.
More info here.
opening hours: 09:00 – 17:30 (17/3 - 15/10), 09:00 – 16:30 (16/10 - 16/3)
TIP: If you want to avoid paid parking, the nearby town of Cashel offers many free parking spaces (e.g. street parking or at St. Dominic's Abbey). However, it is better to watch out for signs informing about a possible ban or restriction of parking
The real road trip is just beginning. First, drive through the flat inland full of green meadows and pastures, and later, as you approach the west coast, the landscape will begin to rise dramatically.
I recommend not using the motorway via Cork, but taking the local roads through the town of Mallow. This way you will avoid paying motorway tolls, but mainly you will drive through more beautiful countryside with the possibility to stop and get out almost anytime.
After about a two-hour drive west, you will arrive in the true rural landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula, with its very rugged landscape formed by unusually high mountains for this country, exceeding 1,000 meters above sea level, and especially a beautiful, rugged coastline that transitions into green meadows and pastures. The coast is followed by the famous Ring of Kerry, which offers incredible scenery and is an ideal place for a classic road trip. Along the way, on the sometimes very narrow and winding road, you will have breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean. However, it would be a shame to just drive through it. Along the way, you can stop at many viewpoints and take shorter or longer walks along the paths leading along the coastal cliffs and to hidden natural beaches. Interesting stops are listed as other places.
A picturesque village with characteristic brightly colored houses.
Another of the towns along the way offers particularly interesting surroundings with hiking trails along the coast and beaches (e.g., Derrynane Beach). Derrynane Bay is also interesting, offering a small peninsula, beaches, and the ruins of Derrynane Abbey.
The beautiful sandy beach offers views of the raging ocean and surrounding cliffs covered in lush greenery. You will find several historical monuments in the area. Everything falls under the protected area of Derrynane National Historic Park.
You can combine relaxing on the beach with a visit to the nearby abbey ruins located on a small island surrounded by bays with beaches.
Opening hours: NONSTOP, but you can only get here during low tide
A pleasant village located directly on the coast with a beach and a statue of Charlie Chaplin.
Perhaps the most beautiful section of the Ring of Kerry follows its side road called the Skelling Ring, which runs along the westernmost tip of the Iveragh Peninsula. Here you can admire beautiful cliffs and dramatic ocean views.
The town located on the Skelling Ring road offers the beautiful long sandy Ballinskelligs Beach with views of the castle ruins of the same name and hiking trails leading across the cliffs on the southwestern tip just outside the town.
A short path leads to the tip of the cliff, which offers a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean and, in good weather, also of the remote island of Skellig Michael with a monastery inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is hardly a better place to end the day watching the sunset.
Opening hours: 09:30 – 21:00
Start your day on the wild west coast with a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The route then turns inland from the coast, where the cliff landscape sculpted by the blue ocean is replaced by a glacial mountain landscape. Drive along a narrow mountain road winding through pastures, heaths and lakes surrounded by mountain ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramas of what many consider the most beautiful part of Ireland. In the nearby national park, you can then take one of the many hiking trails that will lead you to the shores of lakes, waterfalls, forests or the remains of Celtic buildings. At the end of the day, return to the coast and enjoy another of the many photogenic views from the cliffs overlooking the ocean during a road trip along the westernmost peninsula of Ireland.
Before you finally complete the Ring of Kerry, take at least a moment to stop at one of the rest areas along the coast and enjoy the view or a walk along the coast. A nice place is, for example, a small parking area with a view of the opposite sandy peninsula with Rossbeigh beach, which you can then drive to. With good visibility, you will also see the Dingle Peninsula - one of your next destinations.
In the opinion of (not only) the itinerary author, one of the most beautiful parts of the island. The narrow road leading around the western edge of Killarney National Park will take you through a beautiful landscape formed by a glacier. On the way, you will be surrounded first by vast pastures with sheep scattered on the grassy slopes like scattered white beads. In higher altitudes, you will then pass through a beautiful glacial valley with surrounding mountains covered with moorland and several glacial lakes. It would be a shame to just drive through the road, so take advantage of several parking options and take a walk through this beautiful landscape.
This beautiful stone bridge is a popular stop for cars, cyclists, and hikers. Together with the surrounding landscape, it creates a wonderful composition for photographs.
Another place with beautiful views of the surrounding green mountain ridges and valleys. Compared to the Gap of Dunloe, this pass is more accessible and is located at the intersection of two wide roads. It also has facilities in the form of a large car park and a cafe with a shop, toilets and the possibility of buying souvenirs. You can also stretch your legs on some of the trails.
One of the most beautiful viewpoints is located in the Killarney National Park and offers a view of all three main lakes (Upper, Middle and Lower) and the mountain valleys that surround them. You will also find small facilities in the form of a café and toilets (on the opposite side of the road).
A nice waterfall, about 20 meters high, easily accessible by a short (but steep) path from the main road with a parking lot.
From the parking lot, you can also take a circular trip around the lake - the route here. You can also start the route from another place.
A beautiful national park with excellent accessibility offers a combination of picturesque landscapes with mountain peaks that divide glacial valleys with many lakes, and historical monuments in the form of monastery ruins and noble estates. Everyone will find something to enjoy in the national park - hiking enthusiasts will appreciate one of the many marked trails along the lakes, while cyclists will love the rugged landscape with many passes accessible by a quality asphalt road. Moreover, most of the nicest places are accessible by car, so even avid drivers won't be disappointed.
This magnificent aristocratic residence, built in the picturesque countryside on the shore of Muckross Lake, offers beautiful gardens, an arboretum, and farms in addition to the interior of the main building itself.
Opening hours: depending on the season, you can find them here
More information can be found here
From Muckross House, you can take an easy circular trip along a flat route around the lake. The route is here
A beautiful historical site in the midst of untamed nature is this ruin of an old monastery, which was burned down and rebuilt several times in its turbulent history. Today, the remains of a roofless building stand here with a large courtyard with old trees, where you can admire ancient stone carvings.
Opening hours: NONSTOP
More information can be found here
A long sandy beach on a peninsula resembling a thumb. It offers beautiful views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
Another of the beautiful peninsulas in the west, Dingle, again offers a scenic drive along the road that follows the coast, where you can admire the cliffs carved by the waves of the Atlantic and stroll along one of the deserted natural beaches. A bonus is the picturesque villages and historical monuments in the form of monastery ruins and various excavations. The most beautiful section is the Slea Head Drive, which follows the westernmost promontory of the peninsula and offers beautiful views from the cliffs. It starts behind the port town of Dingle, the colorful main center of the peninsula.
A small historical fortress ruin on top of a rocky cliff offering breathtaking ocean views.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:00
Details here
Slea Head - a small rest area on the southernmost tip of the peninsula offers beautiful views from the cliffs of the ocean and the opposite Blasket Island. You will find a small pilgrimage site here in the form of a statue of Jesus Christ on the cross and the Virgin Mary.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland offers stunning natural scenery. However, swimming is not recommended due to the turbulent and cold water with currents. Enjoy sitting on the fine sand overlooking the endless ocean accompanied by the sound of waves and the roar of crashing surf.
Not far from the beach, you'll find a small headland where you'll find yourself at the westernmost tip of not only the peninsula, but all of Ireland. You'll be surrounded by cliffs and you'll only see the ocean with small islands in front of you, the main one being the nearby Blasket Island. The parking lot for this headland and the beach is shared. Admission to the headland is officially free, only a symbolic 1 EURO is voluntarily paid as support when entering the Dunmore Head loop trail (approx. 2.5 km, elevation gain 200 m).
A beautiful stone church whose purpose is debated - was it a church, a burial chapel, or perhaps a pilgrim's shelter?
Opening hours of the information center: 10:00 - 18:00 (February - March), 9:00 - 20:00 (April - September), 11:00 - 16:00 (October - November)
NOTE: Access to the church via the public road from the small parking lot in the south is NONSTOP
More information can be found here
TIP: Admission is only charged if you use the official visitor center with parking to the west of the church. However, you can use the public road from the parking lot to the south of the church and then you do not pay admission. The location is here.
In the morning, you will board a ferry that will take you across the bay to explore the wild and beautiful west coast. Walk along endless trails through a lush green meadow to the very edge of the cliffs and gaze at the endless blue surface of the ocean from the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher - symbols of the island. Continue through the karst landscape of the Burren plateau, past eroded limestone boulders, to the mysterious Neolithic tomb. You can then spend your days in the wild nature of the west coast in one of the many bars in the beautiful city of Galway, famous for its rich cultural and gastronomic scene and vibrant nightlife, which will serve as an excellent stop to regenerate before further exploring the beauties of the island.
Tarbert ferry port → Killimer ferry terminal:
Frequency - depending on the season, generally runs every 30 minutes in the summer season, and every 1 hour in the winter season.
Journey time - approx. 20 min
Arrival at the terminal - I recommend arriving about 10 minutes before the sailing time for smooth boarding
Timetables for a specific month can be found by clicking on the "Ferry timetable" bar here https://www.shannonferries.com/
NOTE: you can of course also go around the bay on the mainland via Limerick, but you will extend the journey by about 2 hours, plus you will pay a toll for the section of the highway around Limerick and you will also miss out on the experience of a cruise.
The magnificent cliffs rising to a height of approximately 200 meters along the west coast for about 14 kilometers are one of the highlights of your visit to the west coast and all of Ireland. It is a local natural icon. The vertical cliffs rising from the blue surface of the Atlantic offer a magical sight and will surely enchant you. The contrast in the form of the turquoise blue water of the ocean and the gray-colored rocky subsoil of the cliffs, which immediately turn into lush green meadows at the edges of their peaks, creates a beautiful natural palette of colors. Take a walk along the narrow paths leading in the more remote parts of the cliffs away from the visitor center, which offers certain facilities and complements the experience with various exhibitions, but attracts crowds of people, which reduces the experience of this wonderful place. I recommend using the section from the Moher Tower in the south and continuing towards the information center. The views here are truly breathtaking, and in good weather you can see the distant Aran Islands.
visitor center opening hours:
08:00 – 19:00 (March - April, September - October)
08:00 – 21:00 (May - August)
08:00 – 17:00 (November)
Details about the cliffs and visitor center including ticket purchases can be found here
NOTE: outside the opening hours of the visitor center, the cliffs are freely accessible and you can visit them for free including parking. The visit to the cliffs themselves is not charged. The entrance fee covers parking, entrance to the tower and services in the visitor center (WC, information, interactive exhibition, etc.). A bonus is also smaller crowds. If you want to use this option, it is worth considering swapping the order of the visited places and first go through the Burren National Park, which is listed in the itinerary after the Cliffs of Moher. However, swapping the order is less advantageous in terms of travel time, where the difference is approximately 30 minutes and 50 km compared to the order of places listed in the itinerary.
TIP: If you want to use the entrance through the customer center, buy a ticket online in advance and save money
TIP: If you want to avoid the crowds that gather around the information center on the paved sidewalks towards O'Brien's Tower, or approximately 200 meters west of the information center, just walk a little further, where the paved paths end and you get to the natural paths leading along the entire cliffs to the Moher Tower at their southern end. Here you will meet a minimum of people and the views are no less impressive, moreover, thanks to the natural path through the green meadow, more authentic.
TIP: You can completely avoid the crowds and also the unnecessary payment for entry through the information center by parking near the Moher Tower at the southern end of the cliffs in a small parking lot with a fee of 5 EURO, which you throw into the box in cash. The location of the parking lot is here. From the parking lot it is less than 10 minutes walk to the cliffs. In this area you will probably have the cliffs almost to yourself. You can gradually reach the visitor center and further to O'Brien's Tower. I recommend choosing this option.
The limestone landscape on a gently sloping plateau is worth at least a short visit. When walking on the often sharp eroded stones with Neolithic monuments, I definitely recommend quality footwear. On the way to the parking lot at the starting tourist routes through the national park, you can stop in the village of Corofin, where the park's visitor center is located.
A good starting point with a parking lot located directly on several nice marked trails is this place.
To properly experience the landscape of the national park, I recommend taking this route.
This Neolithic tomb, located in the middle of the karst landscape of the Burren limestone plateau, is a place with a magical atmosphere.
The supposed capital of the west coast is one of the most magical and popular cities thanks to its amazing location near the most beautiful natural monuments and a pleasant seaside atmosphere with a rich nightlife. Leave your car parked at the hotel and take an evening stroll through the lively streets of the Latin Quarter. And since Galway is a well-known center of entertainment and culture, you will surely come across lively traditional music in one of the many pubs or even directly on the street. You may also come across real Irish, which is used here in the west more than is usual, e.g. in cosmopolitan Dublin. After a few days spent in the wilderness of the west coast, Galway with its bar scene is a great stop. Before you go out for nightlife, be sure to visit the magnificent Galway Cathedral.
A beautiful stone cathedral with a very tasteful interior, built on the site of a former prison on a small island separated by a water canal.
A lively district and the city's figurative soul, offering a rich bar, cultural, and gastronomic scene. This is where you should head, especially in the evenings. Find a nice pub or bistro offering products from the local sea and, of course, the local pride - beer and whiskey.
You'll say a final goodbye to the untamed landscape of western Ireland's wilderness in the first part of the day with a drive along scenic roads through the dramatic landscape of glacial lakes, mountains and fjords. In Connemara National Park, you'll sweat it out climbing to the top of a mountain to gaze at the beautiful mountain range surrounded by peat bogs and heather. You will walk along wooden walkways surrounded by wetland vegetation and enjoy true Irish nature. Later, you will exchange natural beauty for culture and spirituality in a mysterious monastery. You can end the day with a glass of one of the most famous whiskeys during a tasting in the pleasant town of Tullamore.
!!ATTENTION!! The itinerary includes a tour of the Tullamore whiskey distillery at the end of the day. However, this only takes place until 4 pm. If you are interested in a tour with tasting, due to the busy schedule it will be necessary to either skip some places or shorten the time of their visit so that you do not miss the tasting. Alternatively, take it the next day.
A beautiful photo stop (possibly supplemented by a short trip along the coast if desired) on the way to Connemara National Park can be this freshwater lake surrounded by the Twelve Bens mountain range, which together form an amazing panorama. Right on the N59 road you will find a parking lot with a popular viewpoint, which in addition to the view of the lake surface with mountains in the background also offers the nearby Pine Island. You can reach it after a short path and a bridge.
The beautiful scenic road, perfect for a road trip with views of the wild coastline and restless blue waters of the Atlantic, begins outside the town of Cliffden, which lies in an attractive location on the shore of a narrow fjord. It is definitely worth driving this short route at least, but it is better to occasionally stop at one of the car parks or on the side of the road (always free) and enjoy the views. The road then takes you back to the main route not far from Connemara National Park. The location of Sky Road is here.
The magnificent national park showcases the typical landscape of the island, consisting of lakes, heaths, and peat bogs covering a gently hilly terrain. You will find several trails of varying lengths and difficulties, and I definitely recommend choosing the longest one, which will allow you a very thorough and comfortable exploration of the park. The route is very pleasant, and a large part of it leads along wooden walkways to protect the local flora and fauna. You can reach the summit of Diamond Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the nearby rocky peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the surrounding peatland landscape of the national park. Especially in typical Irish weather (i.e., foggy, rainy weather with wind), the landscape looks mysterious and creates a truly authentic atmosphere typical of the higher altitudes of the island. The summit is easily accessible (although some sections involve climbing over boulders) and can be managed by any moderately trained individual. The unpredictable island weather can be a problem, which can make the journey very unpleasant or even impossible (the itinerary author experienced gusts of wind on the way to the summit that sometimes even knocked him off the path). The entire circuit from the visitor center over Diamond Hill and back is approximately 7 km long and, apart from the climb to the summit, does not contain significantly steep or challenging sections.
Recommended circular route via the Diamond Hill summit here.
Almost in the heart of the national park on the shore of the lake stands this monumental monastery (formerly the residence of a wealthy British politician built in the Victorian style). The building itself and its gardens, nestled in a beautiful wooded environment embraced by the lake and mountains, are very photogenic, but you certainly won't regret visiting the interior. The ticket allows you to tour the beautiful interior rooms with historical artifacts, complemented by an audio-visual guide, a neo-Gothic church with a mausoleum, and a beautiful Victorian garden. Be sure to take a pleasant walk along the promenade by the lake.
More information can be found here.
Opening hours: 9/3 - 27/10 - 10:00 – 18:00, rest of the year 10:00 - 17:00
The journey from Kylemore Abbey towards Clonmacnoise Monastery on the R344 road leads through beautiful scenery and is therefore popular for scenic road trips. First, it follows the coast of Lough Inagh, then winds around the coast of Derryclare Lake (yes, the lake you may have seen at the beginning of the day on the way to Connemara). Along the road, you can stop at several places and enjoy the beautiful views, or take a walk in the adjacent Derryclare Nature Reserve (location here). Parking along the R344 road is free everywhere.
Visit this well-preserved early medieval monastery on the banks of the River Shannon, with its adjacent castle ruins and cemetery. The atmosphere of these places with old Celtic monasteries surrounded by cemeteries with Celtic crosses and tombstones is simply captivating :) It is not just one monastery, but an entire complex comprising many churches, two round towers, and also interior spaces with an exhibition. Services are also held here. The monastery was formerly an important center of education.
More information here.
Opening hours: 6/3 - 31/5 - 10:00 – 18:00, 1/6 - 31/8 9:00 - 18:30, 1/9 - 31/10 - 10:00 – 18:00, November - 10:00 - 17:00
A tough day should be celebrated with a drink, and where better to stop at the end of the day than here - at perhaps the most famous Irish whiskey distillery. At the visitor center, you can purchase one of the many souvenirs related to this spirit - from small mementos with the whiskey logo to various gift packages with bottles of this liquor.
But mainly, you can step behind the scenes of its creation, including a tasting of the drink as part of a guided tour. This includes a detailed and engaging explanation of the whiskey production process with a welcome cup of Irish coffee, a tasting of whiskey straight from the barrel, and a tasting of three whiskey samples included in the price. A bonus (which you have to pay extra for) is the option to mix your own custom drink. The tour lasts approximately 100 minutes and is seriously amazing.
!!ATTENTION!! The distillery is located a bit further from the city center of Tullamore and your accommodation, so it is best reached by car. However, it also includes tasting alcoholic beverages, which, despite the tolerance of a certain level of alcohol in the blood while driving by the Irish authorities, is not ideal in the event of an accident and subsequent dealings with the insurance company. Therefore, consider parking your car in the hotel parking lot or in the city and transferring to the distillery by public transport or taxi.
Detailed information about the tour can be found here.
Opening hours:
visitor center - MON - SAT 10:00 - 18:00, SUN and holidays 11:00 - 17:00
excursions - MON - SAT: 11:00 - 16:00 every full hour, SUN and holidays - 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00
!!ATTENTION!! In accordance with Irish law, the tour with tasting is possible from 21 years of age.
!!ATTENTION!! I recommend booking the tour in advance online for a specific time
The town famous for one of the most well-known types of whiskey - Tullamore D.E.W. The distillery is, of course, the main reason to visit, but the town center itself, with the Phoenix in its emblem, is worth at least a short visit. Leave your car in the hotel car park and head into town for sightseeing and tasting :)
After a few days spent exploring the beautiful nature of the west, the rest of your time on the island will be devoted mainly to culture, history and entertainment. Start with a full exploration of Ireland's most important archaeological site with magnificent burial mounds older than the pyramids themselves. You can soak up another dose of spiritual atmosphere on your way to Dublin in a mysterious Celtic monastery, where the story of the ancient druids will speak to you through every stone and cross. You will then spend the end of the day in Dublin, where, depending on your time and preferences (with regard to the activities chosen on the arrival and departure day), you will choose another program. There are plenty of options including museums, monuments, a visit to a distillery or brewery with tasting. In the evening I would recommend spending time in the Temple Bar district with a really bustling nightlife and a rich pub scene. The itinerary offers and describes in more detail various interesting places from which you can choose.
I recommend leaving the M6 motorway at junction 3 near Tyrrellspass and continuing on the N52 road to Mullingar. This will avoid a short but paid section of the motorway, and according to the map, it is the fastest route (the Worldee map shows a different route).
The most important archaeological site in Ireland, dating from the Neolithic period, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense importance. It is a complex of almost a hundred different monuments consisting of tombs, mounds and artistic relics in the form of engravings.
Main monuments:
Newgrange - a huge spherical mound with tombs and engravings is older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. It is interesting for its passage oriented so that it is illuminated by rays during the winter solstice
Knowth - another prominent mound hiding many tombs and one of the largest collections of Neolithic art
Dowth - a less visited smaller mound again hides tombs and beautiful engravings. Research is still ongoing here
Visits to these mounds take place with a guide, and you need to buy a ticket in advance for a specific time. More information including booking can be found on the website here.
Entrance and tour: From the car park, first go through the visitor center, where you report and show your ticket. First, you will go through the exhibition in the visitor center for about 30 minutes, then a guide will take care of you and you will move to the mounds by shuttle bus.
Opening hours:
March - April: 09:30 – 16:45, May - August: 09:00 – 17:45, September 9:00 - 17:00, October - January: 9:00 - 16:15
Another of the many beautiful monastery ruins with a magical atmosphere and a cemetery with magnificent Celtic crosses (especially the symbol of the place - the large sandstone cross Muiredach's High Cross decorated with motifs from the Bible and Celtic symbols) lies almost on the way to Dublin and is worth a short visit and a last breath of peace, mystery and spirituality before arriving in the big city.
Opening hours: it is a public place, i.e. probably NON-STOP, but after dark someone may close the entrance gate
A car in the center of Dublin would only be an obstacle, and you would also pay for parking and an unnecessary extra day of rental. So it is more practical to take advantage of the airport's location, which is on the way to the city, and return the car today. Public transport between the airport and the center of Dublin is reliable and relatively fast.
Bus from the airport to the city center:
Bus 16 (Drumcondra → Parnell Square → O’Connell Street)
Bus 41 (Lower Abbey Street → O’Connell Street)
Stop - behind the parking garage (a pedestrian passage leads through it)
Frequency - approx. 10 min
Travel time to the center - approx. 50 min
Ticket - at the vending machine at the stop (cash or card) or exact cash in the vehicle (drop it into the box)
You can find information about bus transport in Dublin here https://www.dublinbus.ie/
NOTE: You can also use the Airlink express 747 and 757, but it costs around 8 EURO and the time savings are not significant (travel time approx. 30 min)
Journey from the center to the distillery:
It is easy to walk (from O’Connell Street it is about 1.5 km to the distillery), or you can take the tram from the city center:
Line: Red line running from east to west
Boarding stop: along the north bank of the River Liffey (e.g. O'Connell - GPO)
Alighting stop: Smithfield
Ticket: a single ticket costs 2 EUR (zone 1), or 2.6 EUR (zones 2 - 8) and you can buy it at each stop (the machine takes cash and card).
Info about tram transport here https://www.luas.ie/
Whether you decide to visit any of the offered (or other) attractions, a good starting point will be the city center. This is undoubtedly the bustling O'Connell Street and Parnell Square. From there, you can continue further.
In Tullamore, you have another unique opportunity to visit the renowned distillery here in Dublin. Although the production of the famous Jameson whiskey has now moved to Cork, in this building, a former production hall, you will find an interactive museum, which you can enter as part of a guided tour. There are several tours to choose from, and you can select and book on the website here. Of course, there is also a tasting.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00
If you don't want to walk, you can use the Red line tram again.
Departure stop: Smithfield
Arrival stop: James
The Irish are a nation of beer drinkers, and especially the dark stout beer Guinness is famous all over the world. Not only lovers of the foamy drink should consider visiting the birthplace of this beer. The brewery grounds are very extensive, but only one of the historical buildings called the Guinness Storehouse, hidden behind the legendary St. James's Gate, is accessible with a cleverly and simply created exhibition that takes you through the entire process of creating this delicious drink Guinness Storehouse on seven floors of the building. You can go through it yourself in peace without a guide. During the tour, you can go through a modern interactive exhibition and learn everything about beer from its production to distribution, and then end your visit with a tasting at the Gravity bar on the top floor overlooking the city.
TIP: avoid queues by buying your ticket online in advance for a specific time. You can book tickets here
!!ATTENTION!! During the visit, you will not get to the production areas as is usual with brewery visits. The Guinness Storehouse is more of a modern museum against the backdrop of a historic building
opening hours: MON – FRI: 10:00 -17:00, SAT: 9:30 - 18:00, SUN: 9:30 - 17:00
Art lovers can combine a visit to the brewery with the nearby Museum of Modern Art, which is located in the building of the former Royal Hospital Kilmainham from the 17th century. Here you will find the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country. Plus, admission is free. More here https://imma.ie/
Opening hours: MON closed, TUE – SUN: approx. 10:00 – 17:30
This historical complex of buildings once served as the seat of British rule and a defensive fortress. The buildings, constructed for various purposes and in different styles, appear somewhat disjointed, but today the castle complex has become one of the city's symbols and a major tourist destination. During the tour, you can admire the monumental State Apartments, which still host important state visits and are the site of inaugurations, the Royal Chapel, and adjacent museums.
Opening hours: 09:45 – 17:45 (last entry 17:15)
Avoid the queues by purchasing online in advance for a specific time. More here
On the way, you can stop at the Molly Malone statue.
The area of the university complex Trinity College, which is the oldest university in the country and is modeled after the world-famous universities of Oxford and Cambridge, is sought after not only by students but also by lovers of history and culture, especially thanks to the famous writings - Book of Kells - hidden in the Old Library. The university was attended by, among others, important Irish natives and artists Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. In addition to the Old Library with the Book of Kells, the parliamentary square and the Campanile bell tower standing on the site of the former monastery are also destinations for visits.
Book of Kells:
A world-famous manuscript containing beautifully illustrated gospels from the New Testament created by Celtic monks in the 9th century is admired especially for its beautiful handwriting, mysterious Celtic signs and colors. A visit to the Old Library and a tour of the writing is the main reason for visiting the university complex.
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Avoid queues by buying online in advance for a specific time. More here
Near the university are two of the buildings of the Irish National Museum complex (it is divided into several separate buildings, with the buildings near the university in Kirdale and Merrion streets being among the most important). In them you will find sections dedicated to archeology and the Natural History Museum. Another building located in the former Collins Barracks near the Jameson Distillery exhibits works of art. All buildings can be visited for free. More here https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/home
opening hours: TUE – SAT: 10:00 – 17:00, SUN – MON: 13:00 – 17:00
I definitely recommend ending your day (and, depending on the time of your flight tomorrow, perhaps your entire stay) right here - in the busiest district full of traditional Irish pubs, bars, cafes, and shops on the south bank of the River Liffey. The choice of establishments here is incredibly wide, and you can visit several in one evening. You might experience live music in one of the establishments or directly on the street. You can try, for example, the symbol of the district and indeed the whole city - The Temple Bar Pub. You won't miss the legendary red establishment on the corner of Temple Bar and Temple Lane (here).
!!ATTENTION!! Although the Irish know how to have a good time, a large number of establishments close before midnight.
Officially the Liffey Bridge, today nicknamed the Ha'Penny by locals (short for "Half Penny" after the toll previously charged for its use), is the most popular footbridge over the River Liffey, leading from the lively Temple Bar district to the north bank of the river. It is the most used footbridge over the river and a popular photo subject.
Today is reserved for the flight home, so it's time to say goodbye to this quirky country. Depending on your departure time and your preference, you can use any time to visit more of the many interesting places that Dublin offers and that you didn't manage to see yesterday or on the day of arrival.
Other places worth visiting include the cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick - the patron saint of the country, or a walk through the green heart of Dublin - Saint Stephen's Green Park. Shopping enthusiasts can head straight from the park to the adjacent shopping center.
If you have a really late departure time, the Temple Bar district in the city center offers an ideal opportunity to spend your last evening in the wonderful atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs with local people and live music, and will serve as a great place to say goodbye to this beautiful island.
The most popular city park is located in the heart of the city and is built in a traditional Victorian style. In addition to green areas suitable for picnics, you will find a lake, a waterfall, flower beds, bridges and shady avenues. The place is also popular with local runners and other athletes.
In the adjacent shopping center built in the spirit of Victorian architecture with a characteristic glass roof, you can visit one of the many restaurants and cafes, or go shopping. You will find shops of world-famous fashion brands and traditional Irish boutiques. More information can be found here https://stephensgreen.com/
opening hours: MON - WED, FRI - SAT: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM, THU: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM, SUN: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The main city cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint of the country, who, according to legend, baptized the local inhabitants here. During the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, the surrounding streets are filled with crowds of green-clad Irish people and are full of parades and processions with allegorical floats. Beer and whiskey flow freely from the early afternoon hours. More information about the cathedral can be found here.
Opening hours: vary depending on the day of the week, info here
bus from the center to the airport: bus 16, bus 41
stop - e.g. on busy streets like O'Connell Street and Parnell Square
frequency - approx. 10 min
travel time to the airport - approx. 50 min
ticket - exact cash in the vehicle (put it in the box)
Remember to be at the airport at least 2/3 hours before departure.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent flight, you have enough space for a final recap of your Irish adventure.
Although Ireland is not yet one of the main tourist destinations and is still somewhat in the shadow of famous European destinations, a visit to this island country will certainly be an experience you will not soon forget.
The unique landscape of evergreen meadows and pastures covered with lush vegetation contrasts with the vertical cliffs rising hundreds of meters above the blue surface of the turbulent Atlantic, creating wonderful scenery and rewarding targets for your cameras. The narrow paved roads winding through the beautiful rural landscape of the west coast are perfect for a classic road trip, and left-hand traffic adds the necessary dose of adrenaline. The pensive atmosphere of the landscape with heaths and low hills hidden under a misty haze is underlined by mysterious temples with Celtic crosses telling the story of ancient druids.
Constant (though often rainy) weather without significant fluctuations throughout the year, proud inhabitants singing traditional Celtic songs in cozy pubs over a pint of Guinness, and delicious whiskey from local distilleries are just a few of the reasons to visit this beautiful and proud land of Leprechauns.
So Slán, sons and daughters of St. Patrick!!
itinerary by Jakub
Ireland is often called the "Green" or "Emerald Isle," and you'll understand the origin of this name as soon as you leave bustling Dublin and head into the countryside. Thanks to the oceanic climate, there is sufficient rainfall throughout the year and small temperature fluctuations without significant extremes, which means the entire island is covered with lush green vegetation year-round.
The view of endless green meadows, which in higher altitudes are replaced by misty moors, is truly a feast for the eyes, but not only for them - while traveling along the narrow, winding roads of the Irish countryside that cut into the surrounding grassy slopes, you can observe the ubiquitous grazing sheep, which from a distance look like white beads scattered across the surrounding pastures. The grassy meadows and pastures then sharply transition into dramatic vertical cliffs on the west coast, sculpted over many years by the crashing waves of the wild Atlantic. The icing on the cake are the mountainous national parks, whose already beautiful foundation of green pastures and peat bogs has been further shaped by the receding glacier.
The island, with its dramatic coastline and roads that follow the coast with cliffs and hidden beaches, is an ideal destination for road trips and photography enthusiasts. On the way through the green interior, you will also come across many mysterious Celtic monasteries with cemeteries and typical Celtic crosses, where you can feel the mystery of the local druids. And because the country is a renowned producer of quality whiskey and beer, you should definitely not miss a visit to one of the many distilleries or breweries and then sit in one of the beautiful Irish pubs with live music performed by friendly and proud locals. If you plan your visit on the day of the most important holiday, St. Patrick's Day, you will experience something incredible.
Ireland is simply a completely unique country that is somewhat outside the usual European standards, and a visit will be an experience you will not soon forget. So, follow in the footsteps of this itinerary to uncover the secrets of Celtic ancestors on the green island of leprechauns, shamrocks, and fine whiskey.
Practical information about the country and traveling in Ireland can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! For a smooth entry to some attractions without waiting in line, it is good to book a ticket in advance, ideally even before the trip. Details are given directly in the itinerary.
Your arrival day is primarily for getting acquainted with Ireland and tuning into its unique atmosphere. The program for this day is intentionally flexible, and you can adjust it to the time of your arrival.
If you arrive early and have enough time, you can already be inspired by the program of the 7th day of the itinerary and visit some of the listed places according to your own choice. If you arrive later, we recommend heading straight to your accommodation and leaving the discovery of Dublin for the 7th day. Alternatively, on the day of departure, if you still have time for a short visit to the city before flying home. The itinerary is primarily focused on exploring the Irish nature and countryside, which is why Dublin is included mainly as an arrival and departure destination. Moving part of the program to these days is therefore very practical.
Hello! Welcome to Ireland. Upon arrival, pick up your car and head to the nearby center of Dublin, perhaps experiencing for the first time the unusual left-hand driving for most of the world, which you will soon get used to. First, head to your accommodation, where I recommend leaving the car in the parking lot and getting around the city on foot or by public transport. Most of the interesting places are located in the city center and can be reached on foot.
You'll head out first thing in the morning to see the first examples of typical Irish scenery, specifically to Wicklow National Park, which is only about half an hour's drive from Dublin. This glacier-carved upland covered with lakes and surrounding moorlands is a wonderful example of the local brooding landscape and offers beautiful treks through forests, heaths, past lakes and waterfalls, and more or less steep hills. At the center of it all stands a magnificent Celtic monastery, whose mysterious atmosphere, underscored by the surrounding dramatic landscape, is sure to leave a great impression on you. After you have sufficiently enjoyed the natural and spiritual beauty of the place, you will head to the pleasant historical town of Kilkenny, where you can spend a relaxing evening strolling through the cobbled streets of the center and end a successful day by drinking local beer in one of the many Irish pubs.
On the way from Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains, you can take a short detour and visit the beautiful Powerscourt House (here) - a country estate with a beautiful garden near the town of Enniskery. Details about his visit can be studied here.
Just a little further you will find one of the largest Irish waterfalls, Powerscourt Waterfall, beautifully accessible by a paved road. Location of the waterfall here. You can find details about his visit here.
Whether you've taken a detour to Powerscourt House or are heading straight to the mountains, you should definitely arrive via the Military Road leading from Dublin through the Sally Gap pass (location here ) offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding hills covered with peat bogs. From Sally Gap, continue south on Military road towards Laragh.
Another short detour will offer you a beautiful view of Lough Tay Lake, also known as Guinness Lake, thanks to the dark color of the surface contrasting with the white beaches resembling a glass of Guinness beer. The viewpoint overlooking the lake is right next to the parking lot, so it's worth taking this short detour. Location here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?q=Lough%20Tay&source=osm&id=6750804&ds=2&x=-6.2637000&y=53.1062214&z=16
This beautiful highland, covered with forests, lakes, and moorlands, declared a national park, begins right on the southern outskirts of Dublin. Despite not being a very high mountain range, you will find plenty of beautiful panoramic views here. In addition to walks through the local contemplative landscape, the drive through the park itself is interesting, with many interesting stops and views along the way. Due to its proximity to Dublin, it is a popular recreational destination offering hiking opportunities thanks to many marked trails leading around lakes and across hilly moorlands.
The best starting point is the village of Glendalough, located in a glacial valley with a famous Celtic monastery (see next place), from where many hiking trails lead.
The village in the middle of Wicklow National Park, located in a glacial valley, is an ideal starting point for treks through the countryside. There is a park information center and, above all, one of the oldest Celtic monasteries in the country, famous for its mysterious and spiritual atmosphere in harmony with the surrounding beautiful landscape. If fog falls on the monastery and the surrounding moorland (which is not unusual here), the atmosphere of the place is frighteningly gloomy.
The main goals of visiting the monastery with the adjacent cemetery covered with Celtic crosses should include the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the Round Tower or the Church of St. Kevin. The monastery complex is connected to the hiking trails by a bridge over the Glenealo River, after crossing which you can continue along the marked route towards the lakes to the west. Details about the monastery here.
You can find a suggestion for a nice route leading through interesting places here. During this route you will see the main attractions of the national park such as Glendalough Monastery, the Lower and Upper Lakes, views from the slopes covered with peat bogs, a waterfall or the old ruins of the Miners Village.
You can plan routes and viewpoints, or get more information about the national park here.
visitor center opening hours: 09:30 – 18:00 (mid-March - mid-October), the rest of the year until 17:00
monastery opening hours: during daylight hours
TIP: When using paid parking in front of the visitor center, you have free entry to the center
TIP: You can save on parking by using one of the car parks in the nearby village of Laragh, where you can park for free
On the way to Kilkenny, enjoy the last beautiful views of the Wicklow Mountains, including this pass.
A pleasant town dominated by the local castle with its extensive garden and the beautiful St. Canice's Cathedral. The city center, with its promenade along the River Nore and intricate network of streets lined with stone houses, offers a pleasant evening stroll, ideally rounded off with a visit to one of the Irish pubs, serving the local red ale Smithwick's from the local brewery. You can walk the famous Medieval Mile, which connects the main historical monuments (the area between the cathedral and the castle).
castle opening hours: 09:30 - 17:00 (October - March), 09:15 - 17:30 (April - September), last entry 30 min before
garden opening hours: depending on the season approx. 8:30 - 19:00, details here
TIP: Leave your car at the hotel and walk into town (or use public transport), avoiding the hassle of finding and paying for parking
Today will be dedicated to exploring the wild west coast. First, climb the rocky hill from which the main historical landmark of Ireland sternly looks down – the ruins of a castle and a Celtic monastery telling the legend of St. Patrick. After you have fully enjoyed the spiritual atmosphere of the place, drive through the Irish countryside to the wild coast, where you can enjoy dramatic views of the endless Atlantic, whose surf has shaped the steep cliffs and rugged bays. Take a walk along one of the many coastal paths leading along the edge of the cliff and discover one of the hidden beaches. Although the local sea is not very suitable for swimming, the beautiful views and the sound of the roaring surf create a wonderful impression, and especially photography enthusiasts will feel like they are in paradise.
One of the main cultural monuments and historical sites of the whole country is visible from afar. These ruins of a medieval castle with a monastery and surrounding cemetery stand on a rocky hill in the middle of an extensive plain, emphasizing the majesty of the place. On the hill you can admire especially these interesting buildings: Circular tower, Cormac's Chapel, Gothic Cathedral and, of course, the ubiquitous Celtic crosses with engravings. The place is associated with the legend of the local patron - St. Patrick.
More info here.
opening hours: 09:00 – 17:30 (17/3 - 15/10), 09:00 – 16:30 (16/10 - 16/3)
TIP: If you want to avoid paid parking, the nearby town of Cashel offers many free parking spaces (e.g. street parking or at St. Dominic's Abbey). However, it is better to watch out for signs informing about a possible ban or restriction of parking
The real road trip is just beginning. First, drive through the flat inland full of green meadows and pastures, and later, as you approach the west coast, the landscape will begin to rise dramatically.
I recommend not using the motorway via Cork, but taking the local roads through the town of Mallow. This way you will avoid paying motorway tolls, but mainly you will drive through more beautiful countryside with the possibility to stop and get out almost anytime.
After about a two-hour drive west, you will arrive in the true rural landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula, with its very rugged landscape formed by unusually high mountains for this country, exceeding 1,000 meters above sea level, and especially a beautiful, rugged coastline that transitions into green meadows and pastures. The coast is followed by the famous Ring of Kerry, which offers incredible scenery and is an ideal place for a classic road trip. Along the way, on the sometimes very narrow and winding road, you will have breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean. However, it would be a shame to just drive through it. Along the way, you can stop at many viewpoints and take shorter or longer walks along the paths leading along the coastal cliffs and to hidden natural beaches. Interesting stops are listed as other places.
A picturesque village with characteristic brightly colored houses.
Another of the towns along the way offers particularly interesting surroundings with hiking trails along the coast and beaches (e.g., Derrynane Beach). Derrynane Bay is also interesting, offering a small peninsula, beaches, and the ruins of Derrynane Abbey.
The beautiful sandy beach offers views of the raging ocean and surrounding cliffs covered in lush greenery. You will find several historical monuments in the area. Everything falls under the protected area of Derrynane National Historic Park.
You can combine relaxing on the beach with a visit to the nearby abbey ruins located on a small island surrounded by bays with beaches.
Opening hours: NONSTOP, but you can only get here during low tide
A pleasant village located directly on the coast with a beach and a statue of Charlie Chaplin.
Perhaps the most beautiful section of the Ring of Kerry follows its side road called the Skelling Ring, which runs along the westernmost tip of the Iveragh Peninsula. Here you can admire beautiful cliffs and dramatic ocean views.
The town located on the Skelling Ring road offers the beautiful long sandy Ballinskelligs Beach with views of the castle ruins of the same name and hiking trails leading across the cliffs on the southwestern tip just outside the town.
A short path leads to the tip of the cliff, which offers a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean and, in good weather, also of the remote island of Skellig Michael with a monastery inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is hardly a better place to end the day watching the sunset.
Opening hours: 09:30 – 21:00
Start your day on the wild west coast with a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The route then turns inland from the coast, where the cliff landscape sculpted by the blue ocean is replaced by a glacial mountain landscape. Drive along a narrow mountain road winding through pastures, heaths and lakes surrounded by mountain ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramas of what many consider the most beautiful part of Ireland. In the nearby national park, you can then take one of the many hiking trails that will lead you to the shores of lakes, waterfalls, forests or the remains of Celtic buildings. At the end of the day, return to the coast and enjoy another of the many photogenic views from the cliffs overlooking the ocean during a road trip along the westernmost peninsula of Ireland.
Before you finally complete the Ring of Kerry, take at least a moment to stop at one of the rest areas along the coast and enjoy the view or a walk along the coast. A nice place is, for example, a small parking area with a view of the opposite sandy peninsula with Rossbeigh beach, which you can then drive to. With good visibility, you will also see the Dingle Peninsula - one of your next destinations.
In the opinion of (not only) the itinerary author, one of the most beautiful parts of the island. The narrow road leading around the western edge of Killarney National Park will take you through a beautiful landscape formed by a glacier. On the way, you will be surrounded first by vast pastures with sheep scattered on the grassy slopes like scattered white beads. In higher altitudes, you will then pass through a beautiful glacial valley with surrounding mountains covered with moorland and several glacial lakes. It would be a shame to just drive through the road, so take advantage of several parking options and take a walk through this beautiful landscape.
This beautiful stone bridge is a popular stop for cars, cyclists, and hikers. Together with the surrounding landscape, it creates a wonderful composition for photographs.
Another place with beautiful views of the surrounding green mountain ridges and valleys. Compared to the Gap of Dunloe, this pass is more accessible and is located at the intersection of two wide roads. It also has facilities in the form of a large car park and a cafe with a shop, toilets and the possibility of buying souvenirs. You can also stretch your legs on some of the trails.
One of the most beautiful viewpoints is located in the Killarney National Park and offers a view of all three main lakes (Upper, Middle and Lower) and the mountain valleys that surround them. You will also find small facilities in the form of a café and toilets (on the opposite side of the road).
A nice waterfall, about 20 meters high, easily accessible by a short (but steep) path from the main road with a parking lot.
From the parking lot, you can also take a circular trip around the lake - the route here. You can also start the route from another place.
A beautiful national park with excellent accessibility offers a combination of picturesque landscapes with mountain peaks that divide glacial valleys with many lakes, and historical monuments in the form of monastery ruins and noble estates. Everyone will find something to enjoy in the national park - hiking enthusiasts will appreciate one of the many marked trails along the lakes, while cyclists will love the rugged landscape with many passes accessible by a quality asphalt road. Moreover, most of the nicest places are accessible by car, so even avid drivers won't be disappointed.
This magnificent aristocratic residence, built in the picturesque countryside on the shore of Muckross Lake, offers beautiful gardens, an arboretum, and farms in addition to the interior of the main building itself.
Opening hours: depending on the season, you can find them here
More information can be found here
From Muckross House, you can take an easy circular trip along a flat route around the lake. The route is here
A beautiful historical site in the midst of untamed nature is this ruin of an old monastery, which was burned down and rebuilt several times in its turbulent history. Today, the remains of a roofless building stand here with a large courtyard with old trees, where you can admire ancient stone carvings.
Opening hours: NONSTOP
More information can be found here
A long sandy beach on a peninsula resembling a thumb. It offers beautiful views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
Another of the beautiful peninsulas in the west, Dingle, again offers a scenic drive along the road that follows the coast, where you can admire the cliffs carved by the waves of the Atlantic and stroll along one of the deserted natural beaches. A bonus is the picturesque villages and historical monuments in the form of monastery ruins and various excavations. The most beautiful section is the Slea Head Drive, which follows the westernmost promontory of the peninsula and offers beautiful views from the cliffs. It starts behind the port town of Dingle, the colorful main center of the peninsula.
A small historical fortress ruin on top of a rocky cliff offering breathtaking ocean views.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:00
Details here
Slea Head - a small rest area on the southernmost tip of the peninsula offers beautiful views from the cliffs of the ocean and the opposite Blasket Island. You will find a small pilgrimage site here in the form of a statue of Jesus Christ on the cross and the Virgin Mary.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland offers stunning natural scenery. However, swimming is not recommended due to the turbulent and cold water with currents. Enjoy sitting on the fine sand overlooking the endless ocean accompanied by the sound of waves and the roar of crashing surf.
Not far from the beach, you'll find a small headland where you'll find yourself at the westernmost tip of not only the peninsula, but all of Ireland. You'll be surrounded by cliffs and you'll only see the ocean with small islands in front of you, the main one being the nearby Blasket Island. The parking lot for this headland and the beach is shared. Admission to the headland is officially free, only a symbolic 1 EURO is voluntarily paid as support when entering the Dunmore Head loop trail (approx. 2.5 km, elevation gain 200 m).
A beautiful stone church whose purpose is debated - was it a church, a burial chapel, or perhaps a pilgrim's shelter?
Opening hours of the information center: 10:00 - 18:00 (February - March), 9:00 - 20:00 (April - September), 11:00 - 16:00 (October - November)
NOTE: Access to the church via the public road from the small parking lot in the south is NONSTOP
More information can be found here
TIP: Admission is only charged if you use the official visitor center with parking to the west of the church. However, you can use the public road from the parking lot to the south of the church and then you do not pay admission. The location is here.
In the morning, you will board a ferry that will take you across the bay to explore the wild and beautiful west coast. Walk along endless trails through a lush green meadow to the very edge of the cliffs and gaze at the endless blue surface of the ocean from the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher - symbols of the island. Continue through the karst landscape of the Burren plateau, past eroded limestone boulders, to the mysterious Neolithic tomb. You can then spend your days in the wild nature of the west coast in one of the many bars in the beautiful city of Galway, famous for its rich cultural and gastronomic scene and vibrant nightlife, which will serve as an excellent stop to regenerate before further exploring the beauties of the island.
Tarbert ferry port → Killimer ferry terminal:
Frequency - depending on the season, generally runs every 30 minutes in the summer season, and every 1 hour in the winter season.
Journey time - approx. 20 min
Arrival at the terminal - I recommend arriving about 10 minutes before the sailing time for smooth boarding
Timetables for a specific month can be found by clicking on the "Ferry timetable" bar here https://www.shannonferries.com/
NOTE: you can of course also go around the bay on the mainland via Limerick, but you will extend the journey by about 2 hours, plus you will pay a toll for the section of the highway around Limerick and you will also miss out on the experience of a cruise.
The magnificent cliffs rising to a height of approximately 200 meters along the west coast for about 14 kilometers are one of the highlights of your visit to the west coast and all of Ireland. It is a local natural icon. The vertical cliffs rising from the blue surface of the Atlantic offer a magical sight and will surely enchant you. The contrast in the form of the turquoise blue water of the ocean and the gray-colored rocky subsoil of the cliffs, which immediately turn into lush green meadows at the edges of their peaks, creates a beautiful natural palette of colors. Take a walk along the narrow paths leading in the more remote parts of the cliffs away from the visitor center, which offers certain facilities and complements the experience with various exhibitions, but attracts crowds of people, which reduces the experience of this wonderful place. I recommend using the section from the Moher Tower in the south and continuing towards the information center. The views here are truly breathtaking, and in good weather you can see the distant Aran Islands.
visitor center opening hours:
08:00 – 19:00 (March - April, September - October)
08:00 – 21:00 (May - August)
08:00 – 17:00 (November)
Details about the cliffs and visitor center including ticket purchases can be found here
NOTE: outside the opening hours of the visitor center, the cliffs are freely accessible and you can visit them for free including parking. The visit to the cliffs themselves is not charged. The entrance fee covers parking, entrance to the tower and services in the visitor center (WC, information, interactive exhibition, etc.). A bonus is also smaller crowds. If you want to use this option, it is worth considering swapping the order of the visited places and first go through the Burren National Park, which is listed in the itinerary after the Cliffs of Moher. However, swapping the order is less advantageous in terms of travel time, where the difference is approximately 30 minutes and 50 km compared to the order of places listed in the itinerary.
TIP: If you want to use the entrance through the customer center, buy a ticket online in advance and save money
TIP: If you want to avoid the crowds that gather around the information center on the paved sidewalks towards O'Brien's Tower, or approximately 200 meters west of the information center, just walk a little further, where the paved paths end and you get to the natural paths leading along the entire cliffs to the Moher Tower at their southern end. Here you will meet a minimum of people and the views are no less impressive, moreover, thanks to the natural path through the green meadow, more authentic.
TIP: You can completely avoid the crowds and also the unnecessary payment for entry through the information center by parking near the Moher Tower at the southern end of the cliffs in a small parking lot with a fee of 5 EURO, which you throw into the box in cash. The location of the parking lot is here. From the parking lot it is less than 10 minutes walk to the cliffs. In this area you will probably have the cliffs almost to yourself. You can gradually reach the visitor center and further to O'Brien's Tower. I recommend choosing this option.
The limestone landscape on a gently sloping plateau is worth at least a short visit. When walking on the often sharp eroded stones with Neolithic monuments, I definitely recommend quality footwear. On the way to the parking lot at the starting tourist routes through the national park, you can stop in the village of Corofin, where the park's visitor center is located.
A good starting point with a parking lot located directly on several nice marked trails is this place.
To properly experience the landscape of the national park, I recommend taking this route.
This Neolithic tomb, located in the middle of the karst landscape of the Burren limestone plateau, is a place with a magical atmosphere.
The supposed capital of the west coast is one of the most magical and popular cities thanks to its amazing location near the most beautiful natural monuments and a pleasant seaside atmosphere with a rich nightlife. Leave your car parked at the hotel and take an evening stroll through the lively streets of the Latin Quarter. And since Galway is a well-known center of entertainment and culture, you will surely come across lively traditional music in one of the many pubs or even directly on the street. You may also come across real Irish, which is used here in the west more than is usual, e.g. in cosmopolitan Dublin. After a few days spent in the wilderness of the west coast, Galway with its bar scene is a great stop. Before you go out for nightlife, be sure to visit the magnificent Galway Cathedral.
A beautiful stone cathedral with a very tasteful interior, built on the site of a former prison on a small island separated by a water canal.
A lively district and the city's figurative soul, offering a rich bar, cultural, and gastronomic scene. This is where you should head, especially in the evenings. Find a nice pub or bistro offering products from the local sea and, of course, the local pride - beer and whiskey.
You'll say a final goodbye to the untamed landscape of western Ireland's wilderness in the first part of the day with a drive along scenic roads through the dramatic landscape of glacial lakes, mountains and fjords. In Connemara National Park, you'll sweat it out climbing to the top of a mountain to gaze at the beautiful mountain range surrounded by peat bogs and heather. You will walk along wooden walkways surrounded by wetland vegetation and enjoy true Irish nature. Later, you will exchange natural beauty for culture and spirituality in a mysterious monastery. You can end the day with a glass of one of the most famous whiskeys during a tasting in the pleasant town of Tullamore.
!!ATTENTION!! The itinerary includes a tour of the Tullamore whiskey distillery at the end of the day. However, this only takes place until 4 pm. If you are interested in a tour with tasting, due to the busy schedule it will be necessary to either skip some places or shorten the time of their visit so that you do not miss the tasting. Alternatively, take it the next day.
A beautiful photo stop (possibly supplemented by a short trip along the coast if desired) on the way to Connemara National Park can be this freshwater lake surrounded by the Twelve Bens mountain range, which together form an amazing panorama. Right on the N59 road you will find a parking lot with a popular viewpoint, which in addition to the view of the lake surface with mountains in the background also offers the nearby Pine Island. You can reach it after a short path and a bridge.
The beautiful scenic road, perfect for a road trip with views of the wild coastline and restless blue waters of the Atlantic, begins outside the town of Cliffden, which lies in an attractive location on the shore of a narrow fjord. It is definitely worth driving this short route at least, but it is better to occasionally stop at one of the car parks or on the side of the road (always free) and enjoy the views. The road then takes you back to the main route not far from Connemara National Park. The location of Sky Road is here.
The magnificent national park showcases the typical landscape of the island, consisting of lakes, heaths, and peat bogs covering a gently hilly terrain. You will find several trails of varying lengths and difficulties, and I definitely recommend choosing the longest one, which will allow you a very thorough and comfortable exploration of the park. The route is very pleasant, and a large part of it leads along wooden walkways to protect the local flora and fauna. You can reach the summit of Diamond Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the nearby rocky peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the surrounding peatland landscape of the national park. Especially in typical Irish weather (i.e., foggy, rainy weather with wind), the landscape looks mysterious and creates a truly authentic atmosphere typical of the higher altitudes of the island. The summit is easily accessible (although some sections involve climbing over boulders) and can be managed by any moderately trained individual. The unpredictable island weather can be a problem, which can make the journey very unpleasant or even impossible (the itinerary author experienced gusts of wind on the way to the summit that sometimes even knocked him off the path). The entire circuit from the visitor center over Diamond Hill and back is approximately 7 km long and, apart from the climb to the summit, does not contain significantly steep or challenging sections.
Recommended circular route via the Diamond Hill summit here.
Almost in the heart of the national park on the shore of the lake stands this monumental monastery (formerly the residence of a wealthy British politician built in the Victorian style). The building itself and its gardens, nestled in a beautiful wooded environment embraced by the lake and mountains, are very photogenic, but you certainly won't regret visiting the interior. The ticket allows you to tour the beautiful interior rooms with historical artifacts, complemented by an audio-visual guide, a neo-Gothic church with a mausoleum, and a beautiful Victorian garden. Be sure to take a pleasant walk along the promenade by the lake.
More information can be found here.
Opening hours: 9/3 - 27/10 - 10:00 – 18:00, rest of the year 10:00 - 17:00
The journey from Kylemore Abbey towards Clonmacnoise Monastery on the R344 road leads through beautiful scenery and is therefore popular for scenic road trips. First, it follows the coast of Lough Inagh, then winds around the coast of Derryclare Lake (yes, the lake you may have seen at the beginning of the day on the way to Connemara). Along the road, you can stop at several places and enjoy the beautiful views, or take a walk in the adjacent Derryclare Nature Reserve (location here). Parking along the R344 road is free everywhere.
Visit this well-preserved early medieval monastery on the banks of the River Shannon, with its adjacent castle ruins and cemetery. The atmosphere of these places with old Celtic monasteries surrounded by cemeteries with Celtic crosses and tombstones is simply captivating :) It is not just one monastery, but an entire complex comprising many churches, two round towers, and also interior spaces with an exhibition. Services are also held here. The monastery was formerly an important center of education.
More information here.
Opening hours: 6/3 - 31/5 - 10:00 – 18:00, 1/6 - 31/8 9:00 - 18:30, 1/9 - 31/10 - 10:00 – 18:00, November - 10:00 - 17:00
A tough day should be celebrated with a drink, and where better to stop at the end of the day than here - at perhaps the most famous Irish whiskey distillery. At the visitor center, you can purchase one of the many souvenirs related to this spirit - from small mementos with the whiskey logo to various gift packages with bottles of this liquor.
But mainly, you can step behind the scenes of its creation, including a tasting of the drink as part of a guided tour. This includes a detailed and engaging explanation of the whiskey production process with a welcome cup of Irish coffee, a tasting of whiskey straight from the barrel, and a tasting of three whiskey samples included in the price. A bonus (which you have to pay extra for) is the option to mix your own custom drink. The tour lasts approximately 100 minutes and is seriously amazing.
!!ATTENTION!! The distillery is located a bit further from the city center of Tullamore and your accommodation, so it is best reached by car. However, it also includes tasting alcoholic beverages, which, despite the tolerance of a certain level of alcohol in the blood while driving by the Irish authorities, is not ideal in the event of an accident and subsequent dealings with the insurance company. Therefore, consider parking your car in the hotel parking lot or in the city and transferring to the distillery by public transport or taxi.
Detailed information about the tour can be found here.
Opening hours:
visitor center - MON - SAT 10:00 - 18:00, SUN and holidays 11:00 - 17:00
excursions - MON - SAT: 11:00 - 16:00 every full hour, SUN and holidays - 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00
!!ATTENTION!! In accordance with Irish law, the tour with tasting is possible from 21 years of age.
!!ATTENTION!! I recommend booking the tour in advance online for a specific time
The town famous for one of the most well-known types of whiskey - Tullamore D.E.W. The distillery is, of course, the main reason to visit, but the town center itself, with the Phoenix in its emblem, is worth at least a short visit. Leave your car in the hotel car park and head into town for sightseeing and tasting :)
After a few days spent exploring the beautiful nature of the west, the rest of your time on the island will be devoted mainly to culture, history and entertainment. Start with a full exploration of Ireland's most important archaeological site with magnificent burial mounds older than the pyramids themselves. You can soak up another dose of spiritual atmosphere on your way to Dublin in a mysterious Celtic monastery, where the story of the ancient druids will speak to you through every stone and cross. You will then spend the end of the day in Dublin, where, depending on your time and preferences (with regard to the activities chosen on the arrival and departure day), you will choose another program. There are plenty of options including museums, monuments, a visit to a distillery or brewery with tasting. In the evening I would recommend spending time in the Temple Bar district with a really bustling nightlife and a rich pub scene. The itinerary offers and describes in more detail various interesting places from which you can choose.
I recommend leaving the M6 motorway at junction 3 near Tyrrellspass and continuing on the N52 road to Mullingar. This will avoid a short but paid section of the motorway, and according to the map, it is the fastest route (the Worldee map shows a different route).
The most important archaeological site in Ireland, dating from the Neolithic period, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense importance. It is a complex of almost a hundred different monuments consisting of tombs, mounds and artistic relics in the form of engravings.
Main monuments:
Newgrange - a huge spherical mound with tombs and engravings is older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. It is interesting for its passage oriented so that it is illuminated by rays during the winter solstice
Knowth - another prominent mound hiding many tombs and one of the largest collections of Neolithic art
Dowth - a less visited smaller mound again hides tombs and beautiful engravings. Research is still ongoing here
Visits to these mounds take place with a guide, and you need to buy a ticket in advance for a specific time. More information including booking can be found on the website here.
Entrance and tour: From the car park, first go through the visitor center, where you report and show your ticket. First, you will go through the exhibition in the visitor center for about 30 minutes, then a guide will take care of you and you will move to the mounds by shuttle bus.
Opening hours:
March - April: 09:30 – 16:45, May - August: 09:00 – 17:45, September 9:00 - 17:00, October - January: 9:00 - 16:15
Another of the many beautiful monastery ruins with a magical atmosphere and a cemetery with magnificent Celtic crosses (especially the symbol of the place - the large sandstone cross Muiredach's High Cross decorated with motifs from the Bible and Celtic symbols) lies almost on the way to Dublin and is worth a short visit and a last breath of peace, mystery and spirituality before arriving in the big city.
Opening hours: it is a public place, i.e. probably NON-STOP, but after dark someone may close the entrance gate
A car in the center of Dublin would only be an obstacle, and you would also pay for parking and an unnecessary extra day of rental. So it is more practical to take advantage of the airport's location, which is on the way to the city, and return the car today. Public transport between the airport and the center of Dublin is reliable and relatively fast.
Bus from the airport to the city center:
Bus 16 (Drumcondra → Parnell Square → O’Connell Street)
Bus 41 (Lower Abbey Street → O’Connell Street)
Stop - behind the parking garage (a pedestrian passage leads through it)
Frequency - approx. 10 min
Travel time to the center - approx. 50 min
Ticket - at the vending machine at the stop (cash or card) or exact cash in the vehicle (drop it into the box)
You can find information about bus transport in Dublin here https://www.dublinbus.ie/
NOTE: You can also use the Airlink express 747 and 757, but it costs around 8 EURO and the time savings are not significant (travel time approx. 30 min)
Journey from the center to the distillery:
It is easy to walk (from O’Connell Street it is about 1.5 km to the distillery), or you can take the tram from the city center:
Line: Red line running from east to west
Boarding stop: along the north bank of the River Liffey (e.g. O'Connell - GPO)
Alighting stop: Smithfield
Ticket: a single ticket costs 2 EUR (zone 1), or 2.6 EUR (zones 2 - 8) and you can buy it at each stop (the machine takes cash and card).
Info about tram transport here https://www.luas.ie/
Whether you decide to visit any of the offered (or other) attractions, a good starting point will be the city center. This is undoubtedly the bustling O'Connell Street and Parnell Square. From there, you can continue further.
In Tullamore, you have another unique opportunity to visit the renowned distillery here in Dublin. Although the production of the famous Jameson whiskey has now moved to Cork, in this building, a former production hall, you will find an interactive museum, which you can enter as part of a guided tour. There are several tours to choose from, and you can select and book on the website here. Of course, there is also a tasting.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00
If you don't want to walk, you can use the Red line tram again.
Departure stop: Smithfield
Arrival stop: James
The Irish are a nation of beer drinkers, and especially the dark stout beer Guinness is famous all over the world. Not only lovers of the foamy drink should consider visiting the birthplace of this beer. The brewery grounds are very extensive, but only one of the historical buildings called the Guinness Storehouse, hidden behind the legendary St. James's Gate, is accessible with a cleverly and simply created exhibition that takes you through the entire process of creating this delicious drink Guinness Storehouse on seven floors of the building. You can go through it yourself in peace without a guide. During the tour, you can go through a modern interactive exhibition and learn everything about beer from its production to distribution, and then end your visit with a tasting at the Gravity bar on the top floor overlooking the city.
TIP: avoid queues by buying your ticket online in advance for a specific time. You can book tickets here
!!ATTENTION!! During the visit, you will not get to the production areas as is usual with brewery visits. The Guinness Storehouse is more of a modern museum against the backdrop of a historic building
opening hours: MON – FRI: 10:00 -17:00, SAT: 9:30 - 18:00, SUN: 9:30 - 17:00
Art lovers can combine a visit to the brewery with the nearby Museum of Modern Art, which is located in the building of the former Royal Hospital Kilmainham from the 17th century. Here you will find the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country. Plus, admission is free. More here https://imma.ie/
Opening hours: MON closed, TUE – SUN: approx. 10:00 – 17:30
This historical complex of buildings once served as the seat of British rule and a defensive fortress. The buildings, constructed for various purposes and in different styles, appear somewhat disjointed, but today the castle complex has become one of the city's symbols and a major tourist destination. During the tour, you can admire the monumental State Apartments, which still host important state visits and are the site of inaugurations, the Royal Chapel, and adjacent museums.
Opening hours: 09:45 – 17:45 (last entry 17:15)
Avoid the queues by purchasing online in advance for a specific time. More here
On the way, you can stop at the Molly Malone statue.
The area of the university complex Trinity College, which is the oldest university in the country and is modeled after the world-famous universities of Oxford and Cambridge, is sought after not only by students but also by lovers of history and culture, especially thanks to the famous writings - Book of Kells - hidden in the Old Library. The university was attended by, among others, important Irish natives and artists Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. In addition to the Old Library with the Book of Kells, the parliamentary square and the Campanile bell tower standing on the site of the former monastery are also destinations for visits.
Book of Kells:
A world-famous manuscript containing beautifully illustrated gospels from the New Testament created by Celtic monks in the 9th century is admired especially for its beautiful handwriting, mysterious Celtic signs and colors. A visit to the Old Library and a tour of the writing is the main reason for visiting the university complex.
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Avoid queues by buying online in advance for a specific time. More here
Near the university are two of the buildings of the Irish National Museum complex (it is divided into several separate buildings, with the buildings near the university in Kirdale and Merrion streets being among the most important). In them you will find sections dedicated to archeology and the Natural History Museum. Another building located in the former Collins Barracks near the Jameson Distillery exhibits works of art. All buildings can be visited for free. More here https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/home
opening hours: TUE – SAT: 10:00 – 17:00, SUN – MON: 13:00 – 17:00
I definitely recommend ending your day (and, depending on the time of your flight tomorrow, perhaps your entire stay) right here - in the busiest district full of traditional Irish pubs, bars, cafes, and shops on the south bank of the River Liffey. The choice of establishments here is incredibly wide, and you can visit several in one evening. You might experience live music in one of the establishments or directly on the street. You can try, for example, the symbol of the district and indeed the whole city - The Temple Bar Pub. You won't miss the legendary red establishment on the corner of Temple Bar and Temple Lane (here).
!!ATTENTION!! Although the Irish know how to have a good time, a large number of establishments close before midnight.
Officially the Liffey Bridge, today nicknamed the Ha'Penny by locals (short for "Half Penny" after the toll previously charged for its use), is the most popular footbridge over the River Liffey, leading from the lively Temple Bar district to the north bank of the river. It is the most used footbridge over the river and a popular photo subject.
Today is reserved for the flight home, so it's time to say goodbye to this quirky country. Depending on your departure time and your preference, you can use any time to visit more of the many interesting places that Dublin offers and that you didn't manage to see yesterday or on the day of arrival.
Other places worth visiting include the cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick - the patron saint of the country, or a walk through the green heart of Dublin - Saint Stephen's Green Park. Shopping enthusiasts can head straight from the park to the adjacent shopping center.
If you have a really late departure time, the Temple Bar district in the city center offers an ideal opportunity to spend your last evening in the wonderful atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs with local people and live music, and will serve as a great place to say goodbye to this beautiful island.
The most popular city park is located in the heart of the city and is built in a traditional Victorian style. In addition to green areas suitable for picnics, you will find a lake, a waterfall, flower beds, bridges and shady avenues. The place is also popular with local runners and other athletes.
In the adjacent shopping center built in the spirit of Victorian architecture with a characteristic glass roof, you can visit one of the many restaurants and cafes, or go shopping. You will find shops of world-famous fashion brands and traditional Irish boutiques. More information can be found here https://stephensgreen.com/
opening hours: MON - WED, FRI - SAT: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM, THU: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM, SUN: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The main city cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint of the country, who, according to legend, baptized the local inhabitants here. During the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, the surrounding streets are filled with crowds of green-clad Irish people and are full of parades and processions with allegorical floats. Beer and whiskey flow freely from the early afternoon hours. More information about the cathedral can be found here.
Opening hours: vary depending on the day of the week, info here
bus from the center to the airport: bus 16, bus 41
stop - e.g. on busy streets like O'Connell Street and Parnell Square
frequency - approx. 10 min
travel time to the airport - approx. 50 min
ticket - exact cash in the vehicle (put it in the box)
Remember to be at the airport at least 2/3 hours before departure.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent flight, you have enough space for a final recap of your Irish adventure.
Although Ireland is not yet one of the main tourist destinations and is still somewhat in the shadow of famous European destinations, a visit to this island country will certainly be an experience you will not soon forget.
The unique landscape of evergreen meadows and pastures covered with lush vegetation contrasts with the vertical cliffs rising hundreds of meters above the blue surface of the turbulent Atlantic, creating wonderful scenery and rewarding targets for your cameras. The narrow paved roads winding through the beautiful rural landscape of the west coast are perfect for a classic road trip, and left-hand traffic adds the necessary dose of adrenaline. The pensive atmosphere of the landscape with heaths and low hills hidden under a misty haze is underlined by mysterious temples with Celtic crosses telling the story of ancient druids.
Constant (though often rainy) weather without significant fluctuations throughout the year, proud inhabitants singing traditional Celtic songs in cozy pubs over a pint of Guinness, and delicious whiskey from local distilleries are just a few of the reasons to visit this beautiful and proud land of Leprechauns.
So Slán, sons and daughters of St. Patrick!!
Ireland is often called the "Green" or "Emerald Isle," and you'll understand the origin of this name as soon as you leave bustling Dublin and head into the countryside. Thanks to the oceanic climate, there is sufficient rainfall throughout the year and small temperature fluctuations without significant extremes, which means the entire island is covered with lush green vegetation year-round.
The view of endless green meadows, which in higher altitudes are replaced by misty moors, is truly a feast for the eyes, but not only for them - while traveling along the narrow, winding roads of the Irish countryside that cut into the surrounding grassy slopes, you can observe the ubiquitous grazing sheep, which from a distance look like white beads scattered across the surrounding pastures. The grassy meadows and pastures then sharply transition into dramatic vertical cliffs on the west coast, sculpted over many years by the crashing waves of the wild Atlantic. The icing on the cake are the mountainous national parks, whose already beautiful foundation of green pastures and peat bogs has been further shaped by the receding glacier.
The island, with its dramatic coastline and roads that follow the coast with cliffs and hidden beaches, is an ideal destination for road trips and photography enthusiasts. On the way through the green interior, you will also come across many mysterious Celtic monasteries with cemeteries and typical Celtic crosses, where you can feel the mystery of the local druids. And because the country is a renowned producer of quality whiskey and beer, you should definitely not miss a visit to one of the many distilleries or breweries and then sit in one of the beautiful Irish pubs with live music performed by friendly and proud locals. If you plan your visit on the day of the most important holiday, St. Patrick's Day, you will experience something incredible.
Ireland is simply a completely unique country that is somewhat outside the usual European standards, and a visit will be an experience you will not soon forget. So, follow in the footsteps of this itinerary to uncover the secrets of Celtic ancestors on the green island of leprechauns, shamrocks, and fine whiskey.
Practical information about the country and traveling in Ireland can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! For a smooth entry to some attractions without waiting in line, it is good to book a ticket in advance, ideally even before the trip. Details are given directly in the itinerary.
Your arrival day is primarily for getting acquainted with Ireland and tuning into its unique atmosphere. The program for this day is intentionally flexible, and you can adjust it to the time of your arrival.
If you arrive early and have enough time, you can already be inspired by the program of the 7th day of the itinerary and visit some of the listed places according to your own choice. If you arrive later, we recommend heading straight to your accommodation and leaving the discovery of Dublin for the 7th day. Alternatively, on the day of departure, if you still have time for a short visit to the city before flying home. The itinerary is primarily focused on exploring the Irish nature and countryside, which is why Dublin is included mainly as an arrival and departure destination. Moving part of the program to these days is therefore very practical.
Hello! Welcome to Ireland. Upon arrival, pick up your car and head to the nearby center of Dublin, perhaps experiencing for the first time the unusual left-hand driving for most of the world, which you will soon get used to. First, head to your accommodation, where I recommend leaving the car in the parking lot and getting around the city on foot or by public transport. Most of the interesting places are located in the city center and can be reached on foot.
You'll head out first thing in the morning to see the first examples of typical Irish scenery, specifically to Wicklow National Park, which is only about half an hour's drive from Dublin. This glacier-carved upland covered with lakes and surrounding moorlands is a wonderful example of the local brooding landscape and offers beautiful treks through forests, heaths, past lakes and waterfalls, and more or less steep hills. At the center of it all stands a magnificent Celtic monastery, whose mysterious atmosphere, underscored by the surrounding dramatic landscape, is sure to leave a great impression on you. After you have sufficiently enjoyed the natural and spiritual beauty of the place, you will head to the pleasant historical town of Kilkenny, where you can spend a relaxing evening strolling through the cobbled streets of the center and end a successful day by drinking local beer in one of the many Irish pubs.
On the way from Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains, you can take a short detour and visit the beautiful Powerscourt House (here) - a country estate with a beautiful garden near the town of Enniskery. Details about his visit can be studied here.
Just a little further you will find one of the largest Irish waterfalls, Powerscourt Waterfall, beautifully accessible by a paved road. Location of the waterfall here. You can find details about his visit here.
Whether you've taken a detour to Powerscourt House or are heading straight to the mountains, you should definitely arrive via the Military Road leading from Dublin through the Sally Gap pass (location here ) offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding hills covered with peat bogs. From Sally Gap, continue south on Military road towards Laragh.
Another short detour will offer you a beautiful view of Lough Tay Lake, also known as Guinness Lake, thanks to the dark color of the surface contrasting with the white beaches resembling a glass of Guinness beer. The viewpoint overlooking the lake is right next to the parking lot, so it's worth taking this short detour. Location here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?q=Lough%20Tay&source=osm&id=6750804&ds=2&x=-6.2637000&y=53.1062214&z=16
This beautiful highland, covered with forests, lakes, and moorlands, declared a national park, begins right on the southern outskirts of Dublin. Despite not being a very high mountain range, you will find plenty of beautiful panoramic views here. In addition to walks through the local contemplative landscape, the drive through the park itself is interesting, with many interesting stops and views along the way. Due to its proximity to Dublin, it is a popular recreational destination offering hiking opportunities thanks to many marked trails leading around lakes and across hilly moorlands.
The best starting point is the village of Glendalough, located in a glacial valley with a famous Celtic monastery (see next place), from where many hiking trails lead.
The village in the middle of Wicklow National Park, located in a glacial valley, is an ideal starting point for treks through the countryside. There is a park information center and, above all, one of the oldest Celtic monasteries in the country, famous for its mysterious and spiritual atmosphere in harmony with the surrounding beautiful landscape. If fog falls on the monastery and the surrounding moorland (which is not unusual here), the atmosphere of the place is frighteningly gloomy.
The main goals of visiting the monastery with the adjacent cemetery covered with Celtic crosses should include the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the Round Tower or the Church of St. Kevin. The monastery complex is connected to the hiking trails by a bridge over the Glenealo River, after crossing which you can continue along the marked route towards the lakes to the west. Details about the monastery here.
You can find a suggestion for a nice route leading through interesting places here. During this route you will see the main attractions of the national park such as Glendalough Monastery, the Lower and Upper Lakes, views from the slopes covered with peat bogs, a waterfall or the old ruins of the Miners Village.
You can plan routes and viewpoints, or get more information about the national park here.
visitor center opening hours: 09:30 – 18:00 (mid-March - mid-October), the rest of the year until 17:00
monastery opening hours: during daylight hours
TIP: When using paid parking in front of the visitor center, you have free entry to the center
TIP: You can save on parking by using one of the car parks in the nearby village of Laragh, where you can park for free
On the way to Kilkenny, enjoy the last beautiful views of the Wicklow Mountains, including this pass.
A pleasant town dominated by the local castle with its extensive garden and the beautiful St. Canice's Cathedral. The city center, with its promenade along the River Nore and intricate network of streets lined with stone houses, offers a pleasant evening stroll, ideally rounded off with a visit to one of the Irish pubs, serving the local red ale Smithwick's from the local brewery. You can walk the famous Medieval Mile, which connects the main historical monuments (the area between the cathedral and the castle).
castle opening hours: 09:30 - 17:00 (October - March), 09:15 - 17:30 (April - September), last entry 30 min before
garden opening hours: depending on the season approx. 8:30 - 19:00, details here
TIP: Leave your car at the hotel and walk into town (or use public transport), avoiding the hassle of finding and paying for parking
Today will be dedicated to exploring the wild west coast. First, climb the rocky hill from which the main historical landmark of Ireland sternly looks down – the ruins of a castle and a Celtic monastery telling the legend of St. Patrick. After you have fully enjoyed the spiritual atmosphere of the place, drive through the Irish countryside to the wild coast, where you can enjoy dramatic views of the endless Atlantic, whose surf has shaped the steep cliffs and rugged bays. Take a walk along one of the many coastal paths leading along the edge of the cliff and discover one of the hidden beaches. Although the local sea is not very suitable for swimming, the beautiful views and the sound of the roaring surf create a wonderful impression, and especially photography enthusiasts will feel like they are in paradise.
One of the main cultural monuments and historical sites of the whole country is visible from afar. These ruins of a medieval castle with a monastery and surrounding cemetery stand on a rocky hill in the middle of an extensive plain, emphasizing the majesty of the place. On the hill you can admire especially these interesting buildings: Circular tower, Cormac's Chapel, Gothic Cathedral and, of course, the ubiquitous Celtic crosses with engravings. The place is associated with the legend of the local patron - St. Patrick.
More info here.
opening hours: 09:00 – 17:30 (17/3 - 15/10), 09:00 – 16:30 (16/10 - 16/3)
TIP: If you want to avoid paid parking, the nearby town of Cashel offers many free parking spaces (e.g. street parking or at St. Dominic's Abbey). However, it is better to watch out for signs informing about a possible ban or restriction of parking
The real road trip is just beginning. First, drive through the flat inland full of green meadows and pastures, and later, as you approach the west coast, the landscape will begin to rise dramatically.
I recommend not using the motorway via Cork, but taking the local roads through the town of Mallow. This way you will avoid paying motorway tolls, but mainly you will drive through more beautiful countryside with the possibility to stop and get out almost anytime.
After about a two-hour drive west, you will arrive in the true rural landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula, with its very rugged landscape formed by unusually high mountains for this country, exceeding 1,000 meters above sea level, and especially a beautiful, rugged coastline that transitions into green meadows and pastures. The coast is followed by the famous Ring of Kerry, which offers incredible scenery and is an ideal place for a classic road trip. Along the way, on the sometimes very narrow and winding road, you will have breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean. However, it would be a shame to just drive through it. Along the way, you can stop at many viewpoints and take shorter or longer walks along the paths leading along the coastal cliffs and to hidden natural beaches. Interesting stops are listed as other places.
A picturesque village with characteristic brightly colored houses.
Another of the towns along the way offers particularly interesting surroundings with hiking trails along the coast and beaches (e.g., Derrynane Beach). Derrynane Bay is also interesting, offering a small peninsula, beaches, and the ruins of Derrynane Abbey.
The beautiful sandy beach offers views of the raging ocean and surrounding cliffs covered in lush greenery. You will find several historical monuments in the area. Everything falls under the protected area of Derrynane National Historic Park.
You can combine relaxing on the beach with a visit to the nearby abbey ruins located on a small island surrounded by bays with beaches.
Opening hours: NONSTOP, but you can only get here during low tide
A pleasant village located directly on the coast with a beach and a statue of Charlie Chaplin.
Perhaps the most beautiful section of the Ring of Kerry follows its side road called the Skelling Ring, which runs along the westernmost tip of the Iveragh Peninsula. Here you can admire beautiful cliffs and dramatic ocean views.
The town located on the Skelling Ring road offers the beautiful long sandy Ballinskelligs Beach with views of the castle ruins of the same name and hiking trails leading across the cliffs on the southwestern tip just outside the town.
A short path leads to the tip of the cliff, which offers a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean and, in good weather, also of the remote island of Skellig Michael with a monastery inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is hardly a better place to end the day watching the sunset.
Opening hours: 09:30 – 21:00
Start your day on the wild west coast with a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The route then turns inland from the coast, where the cliff landscape sculpted by the blue ocean is replaced by a glacial mountain landscape. Drive along a narrow mountain road winding through pastures, heaths and lakes surrounded by mountain ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramas of what many consider the most beautiful part of Ireland. In the nearby national park, you can then take one of the many hiking trails that will lead you to the shores of lakes, waterfalls, forests or the remains of Celtic buildings. At the end of the day, return to the coast and enjoy another of the many photogenic views from the cliffs overlooking the ocean during a road trip along the westernmost peninsula of Ireland.
Before you finally complete the Ring of Kerry, take at least a moment to stop at one of the rest areas along the coast and enjoy the view or a walk along the coast. A nice place is, for example, a small parking area with a view of the opposite sandy peninsula with Rossbeigh beach, which you can then drive to. With good visibility, you will also see the Dingle Peninsula - one of your next destinations.
In the opinion of (not only) the itinerary author, one of the most beautiful parts of the island. The narrow road leading around the western edge of Killarney National Park will take you through a beautiful landscape formed by a glacier. On the way, you will be surrounded first by vast pastures with sheep scattered on the grassy slopes like scattered white beads. In higher altitudes, you will then pass through a beautiful glacial valley with surrounding mountains covered with moorland and several glacial lakes. It would be a shame to just drive through the road, so take advantage of several parking options and take a walk through this beautiful landscape.
This beautiful stone bridge is a popular stop for cars, cyclists, and hikers. Together with the surrounding landscape, it creates a wonderful composition for photographs.
Another place with beautiful views of the surrounding green mountain ridges and valleys. Compared to the Gap of Dunloe, this pass is more accessible and is located at the intersection of two wide roads. It also has facilities in the form of a large car park and a cafe with a shop, toilets and the possibility of buying souvenirs. You can also stretch your legs on some of the trails.
One of the most beautiful viewpoints is located in the Killarney National Park and offers a view of all three main lakes (Upper, Middle and Lower) and the mountain valleys that surround them. You will also find small facilities in the form of a café and toilets (on the opposite side of the road).
A nice waterfall, about 20 meters high, easily accessible by a short (but steep) path from the main road with a parking lot.
From the parking lot, you can also take a circular trip around the lake - the route here. You can also start the route from another place.
A beautiful national park with excellent accessibility offers a combination of picturesque landscapes with mountain peaks that divide glacial valleys with many lakes, and historical monuments in the form of monastery ruins and noble estates. Everyone will find something to enjoy in the national park - hiking enthusiasts will appreciate one of the many marked trails along the lakes, while cyclists will love the rugged landscape with many passes accessible by a quality asphalt road. Moreover, most of the nicest places are accessible by car, so even avid drivers won't be disappointed.
This magnificent aristocratic residence, built in the picturesque countryside on the shore of Muckross Lake, offers beautiful gardens, an arboretum, and farms in addition to the interior of the main building itself.
Opening hours: depending on the season, you can find them here
More information can be found here
From Muckross House, you can take an easy circular trip along a flat route around the lake. The route is here
A beautiful historical site in the midst of untamed nature is this ruin of an old monastery, which was burned down and rebuilt several times in its turbulent history. Today, the remains of a roofless building stand here with a large courtyard with old trees, where you can admire ancient stone carvings.
Opening hours: NONSTOP
More information can be found here
A long sandy beach on a peninsula resembling a thumb. It offers beautiful views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
Another of the beautiful peninsulas in the west, Dingle, again offers a scenic drive along the road that follows the coast, where you can admire the cliffs carved by the waves of the Atlantic and stroll along one of the deserted natural beaches. A bonus is the picturesque villages and historical monuments in the form of monastery ruins and various excavations. The most beautiful section is the Slea Head Drive, which follows the westernmost promontory of the peninsula and offers beautiful views from the cliffs. It starts behind the port town of Dingle, the colorful main center of the peninsula.
A small historical fortress ruin on top of a rocky cliff offering breathtaking ocean views.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:00
Details here
Slea Head - a small rest area on the southernmost tip of the peninsula offers beautiful views from the cliffs of the ocean and the opposite Blasket Island. You will find a small pilgrimage site here in the form of a statue of Jesus Christ on the cross and the Virgin Mary.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland offers stunning natural scenery. However, swimming is not recommended due to the turbulent and cold water with currents. Enjoy sitting on the fine sand overlooking the endless ocean accompanied by the sound of waves and the roar of crashing surf.
Not far from the beach, you'll find a small headland where you'll find yourself at the westernmost tip of not only the peninsula, but all of Ireland. You'll be surrounded by cliffs and you'll only see the ocean with small islands in front of you, the main one being the nearby Blasket Island. The parking lot for this headland and the beach is shared. Admission to the headland is officially free, only a symbolic 1 EURO is voluntarily paid as support when entering the Dunmore Head loop trail (approx. 2.5 km, elevation gain 200 m).
A beautiful stone church whose purpose is debated - was it a church, a burial chapel, or perhaps a pilgrim's shelter?
Opening hours of the information center: 10:00 - 18:00 (February - March), 9:00 - 20:00 (April - September), 11:00 - 16:00 (October - November)
NOTE: Access to the church via the public road from the small parking lot in the south is NONSTOP
More information can be found here
TIP: Admission is only charged if you use the official visitor center with parking to the west of the church. However, you can use the public road from the parking lot to the south of the church and then you do not pay admission. The location is here.
In the morning, you will board a ferry that will take you across the bay to explore the wild and beautiful west coast. Walk along endless trails through a lush green meadow to the very edge of the cliffs and gaze at the endless blue surface of the ocean from the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher - symbols of the island. Continue through the karst landscape of the Burren plateau, past eroded limestone boulders, to the mysterious Neolithic tomb. You can then spend your days in the wild nature of the west coast in one of the many bars in the beautiful city of Galway, famous for its rich cultural and gastronomic scene and vibrant nightlife, which will serve as an excellent stop to regenerate before further exploring the beauties of the island.
Tarbert ferry port → Killimer ferry terminal:
Frequency - depending on the season, generally runs every 30 minutes in the summer season, and every 1 hour in the winter season.
Journey time - approx. 20 min
Arrival at the terminal - I recommend arriving about 10 minutes before the sailing time for smooth boarding
Timetables for a specific month can be found by clicking on the "Ferry timetable" bar here https://www.shannonferries.com/
NOTE: you can of course also go around the bay on the mainland via Limerick, but you will extend the journey by about 2 hours, plus you will pay a toll for the section of the highway around Limerick and you will also miss out on the experience of a cruise.
The magnificent cliffs rising to a height of approximately 200 meters along the west coast for about 14 kilometers are one of the highlights of your visit to the west coast and all of Ireland. It is a local natural icon. The vertical cliffs rising from the blue surface of the Atlantic offer a magical sight and will surely enchant you. The contrast in the form of the turquoise blue water of the ocean and the gray-colored rocky subsoil of the cliffs, which immediately turn into lush green meadows at the edges of their peaks, creates a beautiful natural palette of colors. Take a walk along the narrow paths leading in the more remote parts of the cliffs away from the visitor center, which offers certain facilities and complements the experience with various exhibitions, but attracts crowds of people, which reduces the experience of this wonderful place. I recommend using the section from the Moher Tower in the south and continuing towards the information center. The views here are truly breathtaking, and in good weather you can see the distant Aran Islands.
visitor center opening hours:
08:00 – 19:00 (March - April, September - October)
08:00 – 21:00 (May - August)
08:00 – 17:00 (November)
Details about the cliffs and visitor center including ticket purchases can be found here
NOTE: outside the opening hours of the visitor center, the cliffs are freely accessible and you can visit them for free including parking. The visit to the cliffs themselves is not charged. The entrance fee covers parking, entrance to the tower and services in the visitor center (WC, information, interactive exhibition, etc.). A bonus is also smaller crowds. If you want to use this option, it is worth considering swapping the order of the visited places and first go through the Burren National Park, which is listed in the itinerary after the Cliffs of Moher. However, swapping the order is less advantageous in terms of travel time, where the difference is approximately 30 minutes and 50 km compared to the order of places listed in the itinerary.
TIP: If you want to use the entrance through the customer center, buy a ticket online in advance and save money
TIP: If you want to avoid the crowds that gather around the information center on the paved sidewalks towards O'Brien's Tower, or approximately 200 meters west of the information center, just walk a little further, where the paved paths end and you get to the natural paths leading along the entire cliffs to the Moher Tower at their southern end. Here you will meet a minimum of people and the views are no less impressive, moreover, thanks to the natural path through the green meadow, more authentic.
TIP: You can completely avoid the crowds and also the unnecessary payment for entry through the information center by parking near the Moher Tower at the southern end of the cliffs in a small parking lot with a fee of 5 EURO, which you throw into the box in cash. The location of the parking lot is here. From the parking lot it is less than 10 minutes walk to the cliffs. In this area you will probably have the cliffs almost to yourself. You can gradually reach the visitor center and further to O'Brien's Tower. I recommend choosing this option.
The limestone landscape on a gently sloping plateau is worth at least a short visit. When walking on the often sharp eroded stones with Neolithic monuments, I definitely recommend quality footwear. On the way to the parking lot at the starting tourist routes through the national park, you can stop in the village of Corofin, where the park's visitor center is located.
A good starting point with a parking lot located directly on several nice marked trails is this place.
To properly experience the landscape of the national park, I recommend taking this route.
This Neolithic tomb, located in the middle of the karst landscape of the Burren limestone plateau, is a place with a magical atmosphere.
The supposed capital of the west coast is one of the most magical and popular cities thanks to its amazing location near the most beautiful natural monuments and a pleasant seaside atmosphere with a rich nightlife. Leave your car parked at the hotel and take an evening stroll through the lively streets of the Latin Quarter. And since Galway is a well-known center of entertainment and culture, you will surely come across lively traditional music in one of the many pubs or even directly on the street. You may also come across real Irish, which is used here in the west more than is usual, e.g. in cosmopolitan Dublin. After a few days spent in the wilderness of the west coast, Galway with its bar scene is a great stop. Before you go out for nightlife, be sure to visit the magnificent Galway Cathedral.
A beautiful stone cathedral with a very tasteful interior, built on the site of a former prison on a small island separated by a water canal.
A lively district and the city's figurative soul, offering a rich bar, cultural, and gastronomic scene. This is where you should head, especially in the evenings. Find a nice pub or bistro offering products from the local sea and, of course, the local pride - beer and whiskey.
You'll say a final goodbye to the untamed landscape of western Ireland's wilderness in the first part of the day with a drive along scenic roads through the dramatic landscape of glacial lakes, mountains and fjords. In Connemara National Park, you'll sweat it out climbing to the top of a mountain to gaze at the beautiful mountain range surrounded by peat bogs and heather. You will walk along wooden walkways surrounded by wetland vegetation and enjoy true Irish nature. Later, you will exchange natural beauty for culture and spirituality in a mysterious monastery. You can end the day with a glass of one of the most famous whiskeys during a tasting in the pleasant town of Tullamore.
!!ATTENTION!! The itinerary includes a tour of the Tullamore whiskey distillery at the end of the day. However, this only takes place until 4 pm. If you are interested in a tour with tasting, due to the busy schedule it will be necessary to either skip some places or shorten the time of their visit so that you do not miss the tasting. Alternatively, take it the next day.
A beautiful photo stop (possibly supplemented by a short trip along the coast if desired) on the way to Connemara National Park can be this freshwater lake surrounded by the Twelve Bens mountain range, which together form an amazing panorama. Right on the N59 road you will find a parking lot with a popular viewpoint, which in addition to the view of the lake surface with mountains in the background also offers the nearby Pine Island. You can reach it after a short path and a bridge.
The beautiful scenic road, perfect for a road trip with views of the wild coastline and restless blue waters of the Atlantic, begins outside the town of Cliffden, which lies in an attractive location on the shore of a narrow fjord. It is definitely worth driving this short route at least, but it is better to occasionally stop at one of the car parks or on the side of the road (always free) and enjoy the views. The road then takes you back to the main route not far from Connemara National Park. The location of Sky Road is here.
The magnificent national park showcases the typical landscape of the island, consisting of lakes, heaths, and peat bogs covering a gently hilly terrain. You will find several trails of varying lengths and difficulties, and I definitely recommend choosing the longest one, which will allow you a very thorough and comfortable exploration of the park. The route is very pleasant, and a large part of it leads along wooden walkways to protect the local flora and fauna. You can reach the summit of Diamond Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the nearby rocky peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the surrounding peatland landscape of the national park. Especially in typical Irish weather (i.e., foggy, rainy weather with wind), the landscape looks mysterious and creates a truly authentic atmosphere typical of the higher altitudes of the island. The summit is easily accessible (although some sections involve climbing over boulders) and can be managed by any moderately trained individual. The unpredictable island weather can be a problem, which can make the journey very unpleasant or even impossible (the itinerary author experienced gusts of wind on the way to the summit that sometimes even knocked him off the path). The entire circuit from the visitor center over Diamond Hill and back is approximately 7 km long and, apart from the climb to the summit, does not contain significantly steep or challenging sections.
Recommended circular route via the Diamond Hill summit here.
Almost in the heart of the national park on the shore of the lake stands this monumental monastery (formerly the residence of a wealthy British politician built in the Victorian style). The building itself and its gardens, nestled in a beautiful wooded environment embraced by the lake and mountains, are very photogenic, but you certainly won't regret visiting the interior. The ticket allows you to tour the beautiful interior rooms with historical artifacts, complemented by an audio-visual guide, a neo-Gothic church with a mausoleum, and a beautiful Victorian garden. Be sure to take a pleasant walk along the promenade by the lake.
More information can be found here.
Opening hours: 9/3 - 27/10 - 10:00 – 18:00, rest of the year 10:00 - 17:00
The journey from Kylemore Abbey towards Clonmacnoise Monastery on the R344 road leads through beautiful scenery and is therefore popular for scenic road trips. First, it follows the coast of Lough Inagh, then winds around the coast of Derryclare Lake (yes, the lake you may have seen at the beginning of the day on the way to Connemara). Along the road, you can stop at several places and enjoy the beautiful views, or take a walk in the adjacent Derryclare Nature Reserve (location here). Parking along the R344 road is free everywhere.
Visit this well-preserved early medieval monastery on the banks of the River Shannon, with its adjacent castle ruins and cemetery. The atmosphere of these places with old Celtic monasteries surrounded by cemeteries with Celtic crosses and tombstones is simply captivating :) It is not just one monastery, but an entire complex comprising many churches, two round towers, and also interior spaces with an exhibition. Services are also held here. The monastery was formerly an important center of education.
More information here.
Opening hours: 6/3 - 31/5 - 10:00 – 18:00, 1/6 - 31/8 9:00 - 18:30, 1/9 - 31/10 - 10:00 – 18:00, November - 10:00 - 17:00
A tough day should be celebrated with a drink, and where better to stop at the end of the day than here - at perhaps the most famous Irish whiskey distillery. At the visitor center, you can purchase one of the many souvenirs related to this spirit - from small mementos with the whiskey logo to various gift packages with bottles of this liquor.
But mainly, you can step behind the scenes of its creation, including a tasting of the drink as part of a guided tour. This includes a detailed and engaging explanation of the whiskey production process with a welcome cup of Irish coffee, a tasting of whiskey straight from the barrel, and a tasting of three whiskey samples included in the price. A bonus (which you have to pay extra for) is the option to mix your own custom drink. The tour lasts approximately 100 minutes and is seriously amazing.
!!ATTENTION!! The distillery is located a bit further from the city center of Tullamore and your accommodation, so it is best reached by car. However, it also includes tasting alcoholic beverages, which, despite the tolerance of a certain level of alcohol in the blood while driving by the Irish authorities, is not ideal in the event of an accident and subsequent dealings with the insurance company. Therefore, consider parking your car in the hotel parking lot or in the city and transferring to the distillery by public transport or taxi.
Detailed information about the tour can be found here.
Opening hours:
visitor center - MON - SAT 10:00 - 18:00, SUN and holidays 11:00 - 17:00
excursions - MON - SAT: 11:00 - 16:00 every full hour, SUN and holidays - 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00
!!ATTENTION!! In accordance with Irish law, the tour with tasting is possible from 21 years of age.
!!ATTENTION!! I recommend booking the tour in advance online for a specific time
The town famous for one of the most well-known types of whiskey - Tullamore D.E.W. The distillery is, of course, the main reason to visit, but the town center itself, with the Phoenix in its emblem, is worth at least a short visit. Leave your car in the hotel car park and head into town for sightseeing and tasting :)
After a few days spent exploring the beautiful nature of the west, the rest of your time on the island will be devoted mainly to culture, history and entertainment. Start with a full exploration of Ireland's most important archaeological site with magnificent burial mounds older than the pyramids themselves. You can soak up another dose of spiritual atmosphere on your way to Dublin in a mysterious Celtic monastery, where the story of the ancient druids will speak to you through every stone and cross. You will then spend the end of the day in Dublin, where, depending on your time and preferences (with regard to the activities chosen on the arrival and departure day), you will choose another program. There are plenty of options including museums, monuments, a visit to a distillery or brewery with tasting. In the evening I would recommend spending time in the Temple Bar district with a really bustling nightlife and a rich pub scene. The itinerary offers and describes in more detail various interesting places from which you can choose.
I recommend leaving the M6 motorway at junction 3 near Tyrrellspass and continuing on the N52 road to Mullingar. This will avoid a short but paid section of the motorway, and according to the map, it is the fastest route (the Worldee map shows a different route).
The most important archaeological site in Ireland, dating from the Neolithic period, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense importance. It is a complex of almost a hundred different monuments consisting of tombs, mounds and artistic relics in the form of engravings.
Main monuments:
Newgrange - a huge spherical mound with tombs and engravings is older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. It is interesting for its passage oriented so that it is illuminated by rays during the winter solstice
Knowth - another prominent mound hiding many tombs and one of the largest collections of Neolithic art
Dowth - a less visited smaller mound again hides tombs and beautiful engravings. Research is still ongoing here
Visits to these mounds take place with a guide, and you need to buy a ticket in advance for a specific time. More information including booking can be found on the website here.
Entrance and tour: From the car park, first go through the visitor center, where you report and show your ticket. First, you will go through the exhibition in the visitor center for about 30 minutes, then a guide will take care of you and you will move to the mounds by shuttle bus.
Opening hours:
March - April: 09:30 – 16:45, May - August: 09:00 – 17:45, September 9:00 - 17:00, October - January: 9:00 - 16:15
Another of the many beautiful monastery ruins with a magical atmosphere and a cemetery with magnificent Celtic crosses (especially the symbol of the place - the large sandstone cross Muiredach's High Cross decorated with motifs from the Bible and Celtic symbols) lies almost on the way to Dublin and is worth a short visit and a last breath of peace, mystery and spirituality before arriving in the big city.
Opening hours: it is a public place, i.e. probably NON-STOP, but after dark someone may close the entrance gate
A car in the center of Dublin would only be an obstacle, and you would also pay for parking and an unnecessary extra day of rental. So it is more practical to take advantage of the airport's location, which is on the way to the city, and return the car today. Public transport between the airport and the center of Dublin is reliable and relatively fast.
Bus from the airport to the city center:
Bus 16 (Drumcondra → Parnell Square → O’Connell Street)
Bus 41 (Lower Abbey Street → O’Connell Street)
Stop - behind the parking garage (a pedestrian passage leads through it)
Frequency - approx. 10 min
Travel time to the center - approx. 50 min
Ticket - at the vending machine at the stop (cash or card) or exact cash in the vehicle (drop it into the box)
You can find information about bus transport in Dublin here https://www.dublinbus.ie/
NOTE: You can also use the Airlink express 747 and 757, but it costs around 8 EURO and the time savings are not significant (travel time approx. 30 min)
Journey from the center to the distillery:
It is easy to walk (from O’Connell Street it is about 1.5 km to the distillery), or you can take the tram from the city center:
Line: Red line running from east to west
Boarding stop: along the north bank of the River Liffey (e.g. O'Connell - GPO)
Alighting stop: Smithfield
Ticket: a single ticket costs 2 EUR (zone 1), or 2.6 EUR (zones 2 - 8) and you can buy it at each stop (the machine takes cash and card).
Info about tram transport here https://www.luas.ie/
Whether you decide to visit any of the offered (or other) attractions, a good starting point will be the city center. This is undoubtedly the bustling O'Connell Street and Parnell Square. From there, you can continue further.
In Tullamore, you have another unique opportunity to visit the renowned distillery here in Dublin. Although the production of the famous Jameson whiskey has now moved to Cork, in this building, a former production hall, you will find an interactive museum, which you can enter as part of a guided tour. There are several tours to choose from, and you can select and book on the website here. Of course, there is also a tasting.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00
If you don't want to walk, you can use the Red line tram again.
Departure stop: Smithfield
Arrival stop: James
The Irish are a nation of beer drinkers, and especially the dark stout beer Guinness is famous all over the world. Not only lovers of the foamy drink should consider visiting the birthplace of this beer. The brewery grounds are very extensive, but only one of the historical buildings called the Guinness Storehouse, hidden behind the legendary St. James's Gate, is accessible with a cleverly and simply created exhibition that takes you through the entire process of creating this delicious drink Guinness Storehouse on seven floors of the building. You can go through it yourself in peace without a guide. During the tour, you can go through a modern interactive exhibition and learn everything about beer from its production to distribution, and then end your visit with a tasting at the Gravity bar on the top floor overlooking the city.
TIP: avoid queues by buying your ticket online in advance for a specific time. You can book tickets here
!!ATTENTION!! During the visit, you will not get to the production areas as is usual with brewery visits. The Guinness Storehouse is more of a modern museum against the backdrop of a historic building
opening hours: MON – FRI: 10:00 -17:00, SAT: 9:30 - 18:00, SUN: 9:30 - 17:00
Art lovers can combine a visit to the brewery with the nearby Museum of Modern Art, which is located in the building of the former Royal Hospital Kilmainham from the 17th century. Here you will find the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country. Plus, admission is free. More here https://imma.ie/
Opening hours: MON closed, TUE – SUN: approx. 10:00 – 17:30
This historical complex of buildings once served as the seat of British rule and a defensive fortress. The buildings, constructed for various purposes and in different styles, appear somewhat disjointed, but today the castle complex has become one of the city's symbols and a major tourist destination. During the tour, you can admire the monumental State Apartments, which still host important state visits and are the site of inaugurations, the Royal Chapel, and adjacent museums.
Opening hours: 09:45 – 17:45 (last entry 17:15)
Avoid the queues by purchasing online in advance for a specific time. More here
On the way, you can stop at the Molly Malone statue.
The area of the university complex Trinity College, which is the oldest university in the country and is modeled after the world-famous universities of Oxford and Cambridge, is sought after not only by students but also by lovers of history and culture, especially thanks to the famous writings - Book of Kells - hidden in the Old Library. The university was attended by, among others, important Irish natives and artists Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. In addition to the Old Library with the Book of Kells, the parliamentary square and the Campanile bell tower standing on the site of the former monastery are also destinations for visits.
Book of Kells:
A world-famous manuscript containing beautifully illustrated gospels from the New Testament created by Celtic monks in the 9th century is admired especially for its beautiful handwriting, mysterious Celtic signs and colors. A visit to the Old Library and a tour of the writing is the main reason for visiting the university complex.
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Avoid queues by buying online in advance for a specific time. More here
Near the university are two of the buildings of the Irish National Museum complex (it is divided into several separate buildings, with the buildings near the university in Kirdale and Merrion streets being among the most important). In them you will find sections dedicated to archeology and the Natural History Museum. Another building located in the former Collins Barracks near the Jameson Distillery exhibits works of art. All buildings can be visited for free. More here https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/home
opening hours: TUE – SAT: 10:00 – 17:00, SUN – MON: 13:00 – 17:00
I definitely recommend ending your day (and, depending on the time of your flight tomorrow, perhaps your entire stay) right here - in the busiest district full of traditional Irish pubs, bars, cafes, and shops on the south bank of the River Liffey. The choice of establishments here is incredibly wide, and you can visit several in one evening. You might experience live music in one of the establishments or directly on the street. You can try, for example, the symbol of the district and indeed the whole city - The Temple Bar Pub. You won't miss the legendary red establishment on the corner of Temple Bar and Temple Lane (here).
!!ATTENTION!! Although the Irish know how to have a good time, a large number of establishments close before midnight.
Officially the Liffey Bridge, today nicknamed the Ha'Penny by locals (short for "Half Penny" after the toll previously charged for its use), is the most popular footbridge over the River Liffey, leading from the lively Temple Bar district to the north bank of the river. It is the most used footbridge over the river and a popular photo subject.
Today is reserved for the flight home, so it's time to say goodbye to this quirky country. Depending on your departure time and your preference, you can use any time to visit more of the many interesting places that Dublin offers and that you didn't manage to see yesterday or on the day of arrival.
Other places worth visiting include the cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick - the patron saint of the country, or a walk through the green heart of Dublin - Saint Stephen's Green Park. Shopping enthusiasts can head straight from the park to the adjacent shopping center.
If you have a really late departure time, the Temple Bar district in the city center offers an ideal opportunity to spend your last evening in the wonderful atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs with local people and live music, and will serve as a great place to say goodbye to this beautiful island.
The most popular city park is located in the heart of the city and is built in a traditional Victorian style. In addition to green areas suitable for picnics, you will find a lake, a waterfall, flower beds, bridges and shady avenues. The place is also popular with local runners and other athletes.
In the adjacent shopping center built in the spirit of Victorian architecture with a characteristic glass roof, you can visit one of the many restaurants and cafes, or go shopping. You will find shops of world-famous fashion brands and traditional Irish boutiques. More information can be found here https://stephensgreen.com/
opening hours: MON - WED, FRI - SAT: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM, THU: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM, SUN: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The main city cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint of the country, who, according to legend, baptized the local inhabitants here. During the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, the surrounding streets are filled with crowds of green-clad Irish people and are full of parades and processions with allegorical floats. Beer and whiskey flow freely from the early afternoon hours. More information about the cathedral can be found here.
Opening hours: vary depending on the day of the week, info here
bus from the center to the airport: bus 16, bus 41
stop - e.g. on busy streets like O'Connell Street and Parnell Square
frequency - approx. 10 min
travel time to the airport - approx. 50 min
ticket - exact cash in the vehicle (put it in the box)
Remember to be at the airport at least 2/3 hours before departure.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent flight, you have enough space for a final recap of your Irish adventure.
Although Ireland is not yet one of the main tourist destinations and is still somewhat in the shadow of famous European destinations, a visit to this island country will certainly be an experience you will not soon forget.
The unique landscape of evergreen meadows and pastures covered with lush vegetation contrasts with the vertical cliffs rising hundreds of meters above the blue surface of the turbulent Atlantic, creating wonderful scenery and rewarding targets for your cameras. The narrow paved roads winding through the beautiful rural landscape of the west coast are perfect for a classic road trip, and left-hand traffic adds the necessary dose of adrenaline. The pensive atmosphere of the landscape with heaths and low hills hidden under a misty haze is underlined by mysterious temples with Celtic crosses telling the story of ancient druids.
Constant (though often rainy) weather without significant fluctuations throughout the year, proud inhabitants singing traditional Celtic songs in cozy pubs over a pint of Guinness, and delicious whiskey from local distilleries are just a few of the reasons to visit this beautiful and proud land of Leprechauns.
So Slán, sons and daughters of St. Patrick!!
