Join us as we continue our journey around the coast of Ireland! For those newly joining us, part 1 of this two part series can be found HERE. After stopping in Limerick, we traveled over to Killarney for one of my favorite days; exploring Killarney National Park using E-Bikes. After checking out a few more castles and abbeys, we headed back north into Dublin. Some tourist favorites include Blarney Stone, Rock of Cashel, Jameson Distillery, Guinness Brewery, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and The Book of Kells at Trinity College. Of course, I had to see Dave Mattews Band at least once internationally! This concludes the first half of our trip before we head over the pond to explore beautiful Scotland. Stay tuned for that upcoming AWF Scotland Itinerary!
7 Day Ireland Travel Itinerary
Day 4 - Limerick → Killarney
We stopped for breakfast at The Coffee Pot, near Limerick, before starting our Slea Head/Dingle Drive. I would have been happy with just the typical Irish Breakfast and scones, which were phenomenal; however, our day was made by our waitress, Chrissie. She was so sweet and so incredibly happy to see us, stating they need tourism to increase again after taking quite a loss after the COVID pandemic. We then started our Slea Head Drive from the town of Dingle. We made some well known stops at Dunquin Harbour, Dunmore Head, Slea Head Beach, and the Beehive Huts (known from the Star Wars movies) before staying the night at a small boutique hotel in Killarney. I will say, Killarney seemed incredible while we were walking around at night and I would definitely stay there for a couple of days upon a return trip to Ireland!
- Small little diner right on the main street as you’re heading out of town.
- The traditional Irish Breakfast was great but the french toast was simply incredible!
- Service was phenomenal. Very reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend for breakfast.
- Pretty well known and easily accessible drive starting in Dingle. Follow the blue road signs for “Slea Head Drive” with an ocean wave type image below.
- Given time constraints, we sort of made our own Slea Head Drive route, still stopping at some of the well known areas. The roads are narrow; however, the incredible views are well worth the drive. This reminded me so much of the Road to Hana drive I made in Maui, Hawaii.
- Our route below, starting/ending in Dingle
- Dingle→Ventry Beach→Beehive Huts/Ceann Sibeal→The White Cross→Dunmore Head Viewpoint→Coumeenoole Beach→Dun Chaoin/Dunquin Pier→Gallarus Oratory→Dingle
- Nicer restaurant within walking distance from our Air Bnb.
- Highly recommend the Shepard’s Pie and a pint of Killarney Brewing Company Scarlet Pimpernel IPA!
- A reservation wasn’t required when we went mid-week.
- Within walking distance from dinner at Cronin’s above and our Air Bnb.
- Right on the main street within Killarney.
- Handmade ice cream which reminded me of Gelato.
- Highly recommended as a refreshing treat!
7 Day Ireland Travel Itinerary
Day 5 - Killarney → Cork
This was probably one of my favorite days as we started off early in the morning, renting E-Bikes to self tour and explore Killarney National Park. The views were amazing! The e-bikes were a nice bonus and made it easy to cover quite a bit of ground, while also being able to park them on the side of the road near trails not easily accessible by a vehicle. We stopped at Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Lake, Muckross Abbey, and Moll’s Gap. We continued on towards Cork, with a late afternoon stop at the famous Blarney Stone and Castle. Yes, we did all in fact kiss the stone!
- Access to inside is by guided tour only. We elected to explore the surrounding grounds instead.
- Built in the late 15th century. One of the last castles to surrender to the Cromwell Army during the Irish Confederate Wars.
- Easily accessible, fairly large, parking lot with a short walk to the castle grounds.
- Guided tour is €5 per person ($5.50)
- One of my favorite locations and adventures on this trip!
- Highly suggest renting E-Bikes from Killarney Bike Rental. Parking lot is right across the street from a bike path into the national park.
- Helmet, bike, repair kit, and map all provided.
- €45 per person ($49) for an all day bike rental
- Reminded me of our E-Bike adventure touring the Azores in Portugal! (post found HERE)
- Some of our favorite stops are below. Moll’s Gap we ended up driving to by car and unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate for views as it started to rain as soon as we arrived.
- Muckross Abbey
- Muckross House & Lake
- Torc Waterfall
- Moll’s Gap
- Remnants of the castle include a 16th century tower for viewing. The adjacent gardens and grounds are well worth walking around.
- The famous “Blarney Stone” may be viewed after walking up narrow tower steps. Story says those who kiss the stone receive the gift of blarney, to include eloquence and persuasiveness.
- We booked our tickets ahead of time; however, no specific time slot or entry is required
- €22 per person ($24)
- A short drive into town from our nearby Air Bnb.
- Highly recommend their Irish Stew with a pint of Murphy’s!
- Murphy’s is brewed right in Cork! Similar to Guinness but typically much sweeter
7 Day Ireland Travel Itinerary
Day 6 - Cork → Dublin
Nothing says “exploring Ireland” like an early morning Jameson Distillery Tour with tasting at 10 AM! Even if you’re not a fan of whiskey, such as myself, this tour was very informative and interesting. Our tour guide was phenomenal and extremely friendly, as we witnessed most of the Irish locals to be. We headed Northeast towards Dublin with stops at Rock of Cashel and Hore Abbey before experiencing my first European Soccer/Football game watching the Shamrock Rovers F.C. It was such a fun time and glad I finally checked a match off my bucket list!
- Founded in 1780 by John Jameson, Jameson Whiskey is now known worldwide as one of the best Irish whiskeys.
- We booked the Midleton Distillery Experience Tour. Around 75 minutes, the tour details the distilling process, tours the grounds, and includes a whiskey tasting along with cocktail at the end.
- €26 per person ($28.25)
- A rather magnificent site to visit and walk around. The chapel is guided tour only; however, the remaining grounds are self guided.
- Comprised of a cluster of medieval style buildings including a round tower, the Tower House, Cormac’s chapel, a Gothic cathedral, abbey, high cross, and Hall of the Vicars Choral.
- Parts are said to date all the way back to 978, when Brian Boru was crowned High King.
- €8 per person ($8.75)
- Founded in 1272, just west of Cashel, by a group of monks from Mellifont Abbey.
- Comprised of a church, tower, square cloister, and adjacent living quarters.
- Free to tour and walk around. Unfortunately, we were unable to find any nearby parking so we observed from a distance. Still some amazing views from the street.
- Walking distance from our Dublin Air Bnb. Also, very close to the Luas Red Line Train Stop which brought us to the Football Match.
- Their soup of the day was phenomenal along with your typical fish & chips.
- Team within The League of Ireland Premier Division. Consistently, one of the top teams and football clubs.
- Current champions from 2023 and most championships overall with 21 titles.
- Their arena, Tallaght Stadium, is one of the largest in Ireland seating around 10,000 fans.
7 Day Ireland Travel Itinerary
Day 7 - Dublin
Another early morning found us exploring Dublin by foot, as the weather cooperated. This allowed us to save some money, and would be stress, associated with driving/parking in the city. We started at Guinness Brewery for a tour and pint. Another interesting history which makes you appreciate every sip of the famous beer! We then explored Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, walked around St. Stephen’s Green, and toured the amazing Book of Kells experience at the famous Trinity College Library. We enjoyed a bite to eat at Quays Irish Restaurant before a pint, or two, at Temple Bar which led us across the Ha’penny Bridge. Of course, a trip of mine would not be complete without seeing Dave Matthews Band! We were fortunate enough to have incredible seats at 3Arena for a different European show experience than what we’re used to here in the states.
- Known as Ireland’s most iconic beer, many may not know Guinness brews several other styles of beer in addition to its world famous stout.
- The brewery experience takes you behind the scenes of their brew process, along with the iconic history of the brewery and world famous beer.
- Self guided tour takes around 90 minutes. Includes a free pint of Guinness from the rooftop bar.
- €20 per person ($21.75)
- Dating back to 1204, this was the primary residence of the Viceroy of Ireland, the British Monarch’s Irish representative.
- In January 1922, the last ever Viceroy of Ireland handed the castle over to the government of the now independent Irish state.
- Over the years, successive Irish governments have used the State Apartments for national events, dinners, commemorations, and inaugurations of each of Ireland’s presidents.
- €8 per person ($8.75)
- Founded in 1191, the cathedral is one of the few buildings left from the medieval city of Dublin. It is said the Christian Baptisms date all the way back to 450 AD, some being performed by Saint Patrick himself.
- Self guided tour of the cathedral and grounds; however, guided tours are included free of charge for those interested.
- €10 per person ($10.85)
- Quite a historical park and garden right in the city centre of Dublin.
- Great for walking around, sitting on a nearby bench or open area of grass, enjoying an espresso or simply reading a book.
Trinity College Library/Book of Kells
- The Trinity College Library dates back to 1592 with the establishment of the college itself.
- Ireland’s oldest and largest library. Some say the library holds more than 6 million printed items including books, journals, maps, and manuscripts.
- Home of the 9th century Book of Kells manuscript, containing four Gospels.
- I honestly felt like we had walked right into a scene from Harry Potter within this library.
- Must purchase tickets and a specific time slot ahead of time. I recommend booking far in advance to ensure your specific date and time are available!
- €25 per person ($27.25)
Quays Irish Restaurant & Temple Bar
- Restaurant is right downtown in the heart of Dublin and adjacent to the famous Temple Bar.
- The “Famous Dublin Coddle” was incredible. Their traditional Irish stew topped with mashed potatoes and bangers (sausage).
- Obviously a pint is a must have for beer drinkers with any meal (or snack) while in Ireland!
- The oldest pedestrian crossing bridge in Ireland over the river Liffey. Dates back to 1816 when it was originally known as the Wellington Bridge.
- One of the earliest cast iron structures of its kind.
- An iconic bridge well known throughout Ireland and worldwide.
- Free to cross.
- Very easily accessible concert venue within a short walk from the last Luas Red Line Stop, The Point.
- Dave Matthews Band put on an incredible show, as always, with a very solid setlist.
- We had front row seats above the general admission and floor tickets. Interestingly, they won’t allow you to stand at all during the concert unless you’re down on the floor.
- They also set a fixed price for tickets and resale tickets with fines in place to deter ticket scalping. A different concert experience than the norm here in the states, but I definitely enjoyed it!
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