With sceneries of beauty, plenty of history, and warm hospitality, Ireland literally forms any traveler’s dream destination. From crowded streets in Dublin down to serene beauty at Wild Atlantic Way, ancient mystery in Ring of Kerry-this 10-day Ireland itinerary will take you through some of the best Emerald Isle has to offer.
Ireland Itinerary
Day 1: Dublin Arrival – A Cultural and Traditional City
A warm welcome to Dublin! Right from the arrival itself, we suggest that our guests start the Ireland itinerary on day one by getting themselves immersed through this capital city. Local Sightseeing: We begin the sightseeing with a visit to Trinity College, constituent college of the University of Dublin, home to the Book of Kells: An illustrated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels, preceded by prefaces and tables of contents. Pay a visit to the marvelous gardens before continuing on to the National Museum of Ireland to see the exhibits about the nation’s history.
Afternoon: Grafton Street is Dublin’s most famous shopping area, down to the historic St. Stephen’s Green. Later in the night, head for the famous Temple Bar area for some great live music and atmosphere.
Day 2: Dublin’s Literary Past
A UNESCO City of Literature deserves nothing but its connections with literature to be explored on the second day, or suitably more so. First places to start would be the Dublin Writers Museum and the James Joyce Centre.
Check out Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library, which has arguably one of the finest manuscript and book collections in the world. Cap off this day of literature with a pint at The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub, where giants like Joyce and Beckett really did love to pass time.
Day 3: Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough
Head south out of the hustle and bustle of the city into the Wicklow Mountains, so-named the “Garden of Ireland,” known for its rolling hills, glistening lakes, and amazing scenery.
A visit to the iced-age valley of Glendalough, housing a 6th-century monastery, is a must. Take in a walk on its green pathways and get a view of the Round Tower and St. Kevin’s Church. Whatever may be the case, the serenity of this place is going to emerge as one of the most poignant memories of your entire trip.
Day 4: Kilkenny – Medieval Marvels
From here, take a drive to the quaint medieval town of Kilkenny, where one travels right back in time. Go back in time and start off the morning by visiting Kilkenny Castle, built as far back as 1195; then learn about Ireland’s most interesting medieval past at the Medieval Mile Museum and St. Canice’s Cathedral.
There is a very active artistic scene in Kilkenny, so do pop into some of these local galleries or visit the Kilkenny Design Centre. You could dine in one of the many cosy pubs in the town and enjoy a traditional Irish meal.
Day 5: The Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle
Take the southward route and appreciate two of the most breathtaking historic sites in Ireland: The Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle. Of course, the famous Rock of Cashel is an icon of Ireland: ancient ruins atop a hill of limestone. Be certain to see the High Cross, Cormac’s Chapel, and the Round Tower.
Close by is Cahir Castle, which many boast as being the most complete example of a Norman castle in Ireland. Take a tour inside and enjoy the stunning views of this region.
Day 6: Cork and Blarney Castle
Day 6: Leave for Cork, the second most populated Irish city, in the morning. Not to miss – the visitation of the English market, one of the oldest in Europe, and degustation of several its specialities.
No visit to Cork will ever be complete without visiting Blarney Castle where you get to kiss the famous Blarney Stone they say imparts eloquence. You can spend your afternoon touring the beautiful gardens of the said castle then do some shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills.
Day 7: Killarney and the Ring of Kerry
On day seven, you will drive to Killarney, a small town that is located in Ireland, which is the local doorway into the Ring of Kerry. Your first stop for today includes visiting Killarney National Park; you will tour this beautiful Muckross House and Gardens. Alternatively, drive a jaunting car through the park or take a boat ride out on the lakes.
The Ring of Kerry-This is considered one of the most beautiful drives through some of the dramatic coastal views, charming villages, and ancient monuments for which Kery is noted. Popular sightseeing stops along the way include Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, and the Gap of Dunloe.
Day 8: The Dingle Peninsula
Today: Marvel at the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. Often described as one of the most beautiful places in the world, it certainly lives up to this reputation today with some of the most arresting scenery in Ireland on show and the Blasket Islands twinkling in the turquoise ocean just off the Wild Atlantic shoreline.
Oceanworld Aquarium is right at the heart of the Dingle town, and you can just take an easy walk around its colorful streets lined with shops and galleries. You won’t be able to miss seeing Fungie the Dolphin so well loved by the locals and one of the major attractions to the city. You can enjoy dinner of fresh seafood in one of Dingle’s many excellent restaurants.
Day 9: Cliffs of Moher and Burren
No tour to Ireland would be complete without paying a visit to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Standing astoundingly 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs afford spectacular views that give one the chance to capture a glimpse of Ireland’s rugged coastline at its finest.
Continue with a visit to the weird and wonderful limestone landscape of the Burren home to wild flowers and insects that live nowhere else in the world. Stop off at the ancient portal tomb known as Poulnabrone Dolmen and at Aillwee Cave, one of Ireland’s oldest caves.
Day 10: Galway – The City of Tribes
Begin the end of your Irish odyssey in Galway, literally known to man as the “City of Tribes.” This urbane town sells many reasons for fame-be it art happenings, traditional Irish music, or brightly colored buildings. Go on a guided walking tour around Eyre Square, Lynch’s Castle, and the Galway Cathedral.
This would wrap the night in city nightlife, with each pub and restaurant having live music sessions. Galway as a destination would be apt to end the journey with the memory of Ireland’s charm and culture along with scenery for life.
Conclusion
The Ireland tour showcases the essence of Ireland-from buzzing cities to serene countryside-on a 10-day journey. Every new day unfolds a different story-ancient artifacts, tales of Celtic mythology, soft strumming sounds of traditional music, and solid landscapes capturing Ireland. This is one journey that would send the history buff, the lover of nature, and the cultural enthusiast into spells-a sneak peek into the beauty and hospitality of the Emerald Isle.
