6 DAYS IN IRELAND
OVERVIEW
This can be a 6 or 7 night itinerary to see the Heart of Ireland. It is from Dublin to Dublin. I recommend a private driver over self drive. The driver can add so much to your tour of Ireland, recommending stops, restaurants and places that most tourists do not see.
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ITINERARY
Day 1 – Dublin
You will arrive in Dublin in the morning (from the US and overnight flight) You will not be able to check into you hotel, but they will be glad to take care of your luggage.
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Make this day low key. Maybe use the hop on hop off bus to get oriented with Dublin. It will take you past all the historical sites of the city. Make a stop at Trinity College; Ireland oldest college; and see the Book of Kells, a version of the gospels created in 800 A.D.
Next stop at the Temple Bar area, there are many art galleries and performance venues.
For the evening stop in an authentic Irish Pub, or restaurant.
Day 2 – Dublin
The Guinness Storehouse – You can take a self guided tour of the 7 floors, and learn the history of this one of a kind beer. At the end of the tour, you will be able to have a free pint of beer, and see the Panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar.
Kilmainham Gaol – (jail or prison) Visiting here will give a vision into the darker side of Irish history. It housed many of the leaders who fought for the Irish independence.
St. Patricks Cathedral – The largest Cathedral in Dublin. It is one of the most beloved Cathedral’s in the world. See the tomb of the famous Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver Travels.
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Old Jamison Distillery – In Irish whiskey is called uisce beatha and translates to “the water of life”. Learn the history of the Jamison Family and the “water they are known for”. Have a taste of course while you are there.
Tonight you will meet your driver for the rest of your tour.
Day 3 – Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cobh, Cork (if you are self driving you will pick up your car this morning.)
Making your way to Killarney you may want to make these stops.
As you make your way to Cork, you should stop in Kilkenny, Waterford and Cohn along the way)
Kilkenny – This is a medieval town in southeast Ireland. Visit the Kilkenny castle, built towards the end of the 12th century. The castle has been beautifully restored.
Rock of Cashel – More formally known as St. Patrick’s Rock. It is a combination of Celtic art and medieval architecture.
Waterford – Make a stop at House of Waterford Crystal. The art of fine crystal making is fascinating, see the blowers shape molten crystal, meeting the craftsman and learn the history of this art.
Cobh – The last port of call for the Titanic before it set sell for New York. Visit the Titanic Experience. Retrace the steps of the passengers, live their stories.
Overnight in Cork
Day 4 – Cork to Killarney
Macroon
Macroon Castle - Only a shell of a castle left today to explore. It was once the boyhood home of William Penn. There is a memorial plaque just inside the gate you must read to understand the history of the castle.
Kenmare
Quaint, picturesque little town, with breathtaking scenery. A great stop to do a little shopping and have lunch.
Muckross House – This is a nineteenth century beautiful Victorian mansion located in Killarney National Park, with beautiful gardens.
Torc Waterfall – You can spend a few minutes just viewing the beauty of the falls, or do some hiking as this is also part of the Killarney National Park.
Overnight in Killarney
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Day 5 - Killarney to Galway
Ring of Kerry – If you hire a driver, there is a way to do just part of the Ring of Kerry that will not take the whole day. If you want to see the entire Ring of Kerry you must spend two nights in Killarney.
Inch Beach – Beautiful beach for walking and exploring, sometimes you can see perfect waves.
Minard Castle – It sits on the Dingle Peninsula prominently on a hill overlooking a little bay with views of the Irish Sea.
Dingle Peninsula - On the Ireland Southwest Atlantic Coast. From Dunmore’s head Ireland’s most eastern point you see views of Blasket Island.
Behive Huts – also referred to as the Caher Conor complex. Probably once single family dwellings, attached to each other with inter-connecting doorways. Linking all the huts together. At one time the hillside had 400 of these huts.
Ballyvaughan – Located a few miles east of Ballyvaughan is Corcomroe Abbey, an early 13th-century Cistercian monastery
Cliffs of Moher – Experience the rugged cliffs encounter the vast ocean, this is one of Ireland’s natural wonders with spectacular views.
Overnight in Galway
Day 6 - Galway to Dublin
Galway Cathedral – The green dome of Galway Cathedral is the most iconic sight in the city.
St. Nicholas College Church – The largest medieval church in Ireland in the heart of the city.
Clonmacnoise – The beautifully preserved structures of Clonmacnoise Cathedral, Temple Doolin, Temple Hurpan and Temple Melaghlin will impress and leave those who visit Clonmacnoise with an authentic sense of the history of Ireland.
Make your way back to Dublin to spend the night by the airport to catch you flight.
