Spending one week in Eire is ample time to find the wonder and appeal that the Emerald Isle has to supply. In terms of breathtaking landscapes, wealthy historical past, and heat hospitality, Eire by no means disappoints.
From the colourful metropolis lifetime of Dublin to the fascinating cultural scene of Galway, this week-long itinerary guarantees an unforgettable journey via two of Eire’s most charming cities.
Get able to discover historical castles, enjoy conventional music, and savor the best Irish delicacies.
2 Days in Dublin
Two days in Dublin is nearly the proper size to discover the capital of Eire. It’s a culturally wealthy metropolis with quite a few museums and vacationer points of interest to go to. And naturally, it’s completely full of numerous bars and eating places.
Dublin Day 1 Itinerary
Take within the magnificence of Trinity School
A go to to Trinity School, Eire’s most prestigious College is an effective way to start your journey to Dublin. Right here you’ll be able to go on a tour of the ‘E book of Kells’. It is a medieval non secular manuscript thought of to be one of many oldest books on the planet.
It’s believed to have been crafted by Celtic monks again in a monastery on the Isle of Iona circa 800. The tour is a big vacationer attraction the place you’ll be able to be taught all in regards to the creation of the e-book in wonderful element.
And this tour additionally permits you entry to the principle chamber of the School’s Previous Library, generally known as the: ‘Lengthy Room’. This unbelievable 65-foot-long chamber is without doubt one of the most spectacular libraries on the planet and is solely an impressive sight to behold.
Though on the time of writing the Lengthy Room goes via an costly restoration course of, so almost the entire numerous cabinets are empty. However there are some books on show on the bottom ground, together with the oldest harp in existence.
Go to Oscar Wilde’s dwelling
Not too removed from Trinity School is one other cultural and historic focal point; Oscar Wilde’s childhood dwelling. It’s attainable to go to the inside of one among Eire’s most celebrated poets and literary darlings of the 1800s for the value of 12 Euros. There’s additionally the choice of a full guided tour that lasts 90 minutes and prices 20 Euros per particular person.
It is a fascinating alternative to realize perception into Oscar Wilde’s upbringing firsthand. The home is of Georgian structure and nonetheless options interval furnishings from his time there. And straight reverse the home, you will have Merrion Sq. Gardens.
It is a pretty park to walk round and also you even have a well-known sculpture of Oscar Wilde which is nicely price seeing as nicely.
By the best way, when you’re fascinated by structure and planning to go to Dublin, you gained’t need to miss this entire Dublin Structure Information.
Go to some Dublin museums
There are over 40 museums to find in Dublin, which is a big quantity and it’s unimaginable to find all of those in simply two days after all. Many of those museums are freed from cost as nicely.
Persevering with with our day one itinerary of Dublin, let’s discover two of the preferred free museums throughout the metropolis:
Nationwide Gallery of Eire
Primarily based simply throughout the highway from Merrion Sq. Gardens is the Nationwide Gallery of Eire, which is nicely price a go to when you like your artwork. The everlasting assortment is completely free to enter and options an in depth variety of Irish and European work relationship again to the Center Ages.
The constructing itself is a pleasure to stroll round and the gallery is taken into account among the finest in all of Europe. It’s extremely advisable to spend at the least 1-2 hours right here to understand all the good art work on present.
Nationwide Museum of Eire-Ornamental Arts & Historical past
Subsequent on our listing is the Nationwide Museum of Eire – Ornamental Arts & Historical past, positioned at Collins Barracks, a former navy barracks. That is one other completely free museum to enter, which focuses on historic and up to date collections and provides a deeper perception into Eire’s cultural heritage, navy historical past, and extra.
There are quite a few collections housed right here that are actually fascinating and you’ll simply spend a few hours appreciating the numerous antiques, costumes, and ornamental objects from Eire’s previous and current.
Expertise the numerous pubs of Dublin
After a busy first day experiencing the cultural highlights of Dublin, it’s time to finish it with visiting one (or a number of) pubs that may be discovered within the metropolis.
In fact, no journey to Dublin is full with out savoring a pint of Guinness in one among Dublin’s many pubs. The thought of offering hospitality with a drink and a spot of relaxation is deeply ingrained into Irish historical past.
Ingesting institutions actually grew to become modern in Dublin again within the seventeenth and 18th centuries and so they’re nonetheless simply as widespread to today. The town’s Temple Bar district is the liveliest place you possibly can want to uncover, positioned on the south financial institution of the River Liffey.
This space is filled with conventional Irish pubs, most of which function dwell Irish conventional music. Probably the most well-known of those pubs is after all Temple Bar, which all the time seems full and filled with vacationers having fun with a somewhat expensive pint of the black stuff (round 9-10 Euros right here!).
However there are a complete host of bars which are simply as full of life and entertaining and have cheaper Guinness (sometimes round 6 Euros). Getting some typical Irish meals comparable to Irish stew and a drink on this district is a should!
Dublin Day 2 Itinerary
Dublin Fort
Day two in Dublin begins with a go to to Dublin Fort, a historic web site with exceptional structure and exquisite gardens. The fortress is the very best level in all of Dublin and relies handily within the metropolis middle.
It’s one of the necessary websites within the metropolis with an extended, advanced historical past relationship all the best way again to 1204. You possibly can be taught all in regards to the fortress on a self-guided tour right here and tickets price 12 Euros for adults.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
After Dublin Fort, the subsequent cease is a go to to the magnificent St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a shocking instance of Gothic structure. Primarily based within the historic Liberties District of Dublin, the Cathedral was based in 1191 and is legendary for its each day choir and its gorgeous inside.
There are each day, free guided excursions of the Cathedral which you’ll request prematurely by way of the Cathedral’s web site, and entry is free when you’ve got a Dublin Go which you should purchase prematurely as nicely. In any other case, it prices 9 Euros to enter for adults, and round an hour ought to suffice to soak up all of its glory.
Guinness Storehouse Manufacturing facility Tour
Following lunch, it’s time to take pleasure in a tipple or two of the black stuff on the well-known Guinness Manufacturing facility or Storehouse because it’s referred to as lately. This place is without doubt one of the high vacationer points of interest in all of Dublin, as after all, Guinness is its most well-known product that it’s given to the world.
The storehouse consists of a number of flooring filled with historical past in regards to the well-known Irish beer, all throughout the manufacturing facility that has been producing it for over 250 years. On the highest ground is what’s referred to as the Gravity Bar, which options superb 360 views of Dublin.
Tickets price round 29 Euros which is a bit steep, however you do get a complimentary pint of Guinness upon reaching the Gravity Bar.
Jameson Whisky Distillery Tour
And having skilled the Guinness Manufacturing facility, you’ll be able to comply with that up with a tour of Dublin’s different favourite drink on the Jameson Distillery Whisky Manufacturing facility. Based in 1780, right here you’ll be able to be taught all about this well-known Irish spirit. Plus, you’ll be able to discover ways to make your personal whisky and get to style a few of it as nicely!
Tickets price 25 Euros per grownup, which much like the Guinness Manufacturing facility worth is definitely not low-cost, however an pleasing and enjoyable expertise nonetheless.
Touring from Dublin to Galway
After two days in Dublin sampling all of its many delights (and doubtless recovering from these delights too!), it’s time to go over to the west coast of Eire, to the gorgeous metropolis of Galway.
Touring from Dublin to Galway is comparatively simple. The best choice, if counting on public transport, is to catch a practice from Heuston Station, which is located simply exterior of town middle and definitely inside strolling distance.
The practice journey to Galway takes round three hours and is a nice journey, passing via a number of Eire’s superb countryside and stopping off at a number of small cities. Tickets price round 30 Euros and the practice itself has comfy seating with loads of area.
You possibly can catch a bus to Galway which is cheaper however takes longer and the views are fairly as aesthetically pleasing.
3 Days in Galway
So how does Galway evaluate to Dublin? It’s a a lot smaller metropolis however nonetheless has loads to supply. It jogged my memory just a little little bit of what Brighton is to London in England; it’s a distinct vibe, quirky but historic as nicely. It feels extra like conventional Eire in comparison with Dublin, which after all is a serious European metropolis.
3 days in Galway is an effective size of time to find the entire metropolis’s many points of interest. Let’s take a look at a number of the many issues that there are to do and see on this full of life, coastal metropolis.
Galway Day 1 Itinerary
Galway Metropolis Museum
The easiest way to begin your itinerary in any metropolis for my part is to be taught a bit about its historical past, and there’s no higher manner to try this in Galway than a go to to the Galway Metropolis Museum. It is a actually good museum that has three flooring of fascinating exhibitions.
These exhibitions delve into Galway’s previous, with numerous fascinating artifacts and historic objects. The exhibitions clarify what life was like for the Gaelic folks a number of hundred years in the past, as much as the previous century, and the political revolutions that town has skilled.
It additionally options Galway’s proud musical historical past and the numerous well-known rock bands which have performed right here through the years. It’s free entry into the museum and you’ll simply spend 1-2 hours right here educating your self.
Go to the Magnificent Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral might be town’s most spectacular constructing to go to. It’s a Roman Catholic Cathedral that was once town’s jail till it was transformed in 1958.
The inside of the Cathedral is really a spot of surprise. It’s an enormous area inside with superb brickwork and stained glass home windows. Entry to the Cathedral is free, although donations are appreciated.
Benefit from the Ambiance of the Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is undoubtedly the beating coronary heart of Galway Metropolis. It’s identified for its vibrant, colourful streets, boutiques, and conventional Irish pubs, most of which have dwell music most nights.
This could be a surprisingly busy place, in the midst of August all of the bars and eating places have been packed to capability, with lots of people queuing exterior ready for a desk. I’d go as far as to say it was busier than Dublin, with vacationers from everywhere in the world having fun with the Latin Quarter.
It’s a full of life previous place with nice nightlife, making for an pleasing finish to your first day in Galway.
Galway Day 2 Itinerary
Go on the Lengthy Stroll of Galway
Shifting on to day two of our Galway itinerary, and we’re beginning it with some train on what’s generally known as the ‘lengthy stroll’ of Galway. You possibly can start the lengthy stroll by passing below the Spanish Arch; which was in-built 1584 the place items have been transferred from ships to the quays.
After passing via the arch you’ll be able to proceed down the Lough Corrib, the place you’ll cross by a row of conventional colourfully painted homes, with views of Galway’s harbour the place you’ll see a number of fishing boats.
Should you’re nonetheless feeling energetic then you’ll be able to proceed throughout the harbour all the best way to Mutton Island Causeway. Though you’ll be able to’t truly enter Mutton Island, the causeway affords stunning ocean views, with Salthill seen within the distance.
Bask within the solar at Salthill Promenade
Good climate isn’t essentially the very first thing you consider when planning to go to Eire, however chances are you’ll be in for a shock! Should you go to Galway throughout the peak of summer season then it’s attainable chances are you’ll take pleasure in some good sunshine and exquisite blue skies if the climate Gods are sort to you.
Visiting Eire in Winter? Verify this out
Don’t anticipate tremendous excessive temperatures, however chances are you’ll expertise some good days round 20-25 levels Celsius. And if that is so, then there’s no higher place to take in the rays than Salthill Promenade, positioned simply exterior of Galway.
There are just a few sandy seashores alongside the promenade, in addition to outlets, eating places, and cafes.
Go on a Nature Hike to Menlo Fort
To complete off a full day of train, you’ll be able to stroll (or possibly bike) a nature path that results in Menlo Fort. It is a pretty, peaceable nature stroll alongside the River Corrib and in addition passes a number of College campuses.
After round half-hour of strolling, you’ll see reverse the river the stays of Menlo Fort. Though it’s not attainable to enter the fortress because it’s simply ruins, it’s nonetheless a formidable sight even from throughout the river.
The fortress dates again to the sixteenth Century and is a reminder of Galway’s wealthy historical past. It’s the proper place to soak up Galway’s pretty countryside as nicely, particularly on a pleasant sunny day.
Galway Day 3 Itinerary
A Day Tour to the Cliffs of Moher
The cliffs of Moher are Eire’s most well-known pure attraction, and a go to there’s the proper ending in your final day in Galway.
It’s attainable to journey there by public bus, however I’d extremely advocate reserving a day tour prematurely. There are numerous excursions to select from and a number of them embrace numerous vacationer spots that you simply’ll go to in your option to the cliffs of Moher.
My tour was an eight-hour spherical journey that left Galway at 10 a.m. The tour information (who was additionally the bus driver) was very informative all through the journey, giving data on the quite a few villages that you simply drive via and the historical past behind them.
Let’s have a look at a number of the stops you’ll be able to anticipate to make in your option to the cliffs:
Dunguaire Fort
This was the primary cease on the tour and we got round 20 minutes to discover the fortress. Dunguaire Fort is without doubt one of the most well-known castles in all of Eire. It overlooks the shores of Galway Bay and dates again to 1520.
There are a few reward outlets contained in the fortress and you’ll pay to go as much as the highest degree of the fortress to have a greater view of the shoreline.
Poulnabrone (Portal Tomb)
The second cease on the tour was Poulnabrone, a portal tomb that’s the oldest megalithic monument in all of Eire. It dates again to the daybreak of man and is a captivating web site when you think about that’s it older than the Egyptian Pyramids!
What precisely is a portal tomb I hear you ask? Effectively, it’s a prehistoric stone chamber consisting of two upright slabs and a vertical slab on high, which resembles a desk, type of. They have been used for a number of totally different causes, with Poulnabrone being a burial web site.
That won’t sound very fascinating, however when you think about the traditional historical past of those portal tombs then it’s fairly an astonishing factor to behold. There are round 180 portal tombs scattered round Eire as nicely and they’re a singular glimpse into the nation’s ancestral previous.
Lunch at a Conventional Irish Pub
After visiting Poulnabrone, it will likely be time for lunch. Included in my tour was a fast cease at a conventional Irish pub. Contemplating there have been round 60 folks on the tour, the employees on the pub we visited was extraordinarily environment friendly and the meals (and the Guinness) was superb too. The value of the lunch wasn’t included within the tour worth nonetheless, which is price protecting in thoughts.
Cliffs of Moher
After lunch it’s time for the principle attraction; the long-lasting cliffs themselves. Count on dramatic and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, which actually are breathtaking. There are two routes you’ll be able to take on the cliffs; in direction of the proper, you’ll be able to head in direction of O’Brien Fort which has an commentary tower when you actually need probably the most spectacular views of the cliffs.
I visited the cliffs in the midst of August and there have been a number of vacationers there, which meant an extended queue to entry O’Brien Fort. The opposite route is over the principle cliffs and stretches for a number of kilometers.
It’s attainable to do that however keep in mind how a lot time you need to spend at Moher; our tour had two hours so not sufficient time to finish the hike over the cliffs. There’s additionally a restaurant, reward outlets, an data middle, and even a small cinema that has been constructed into the cliffs.
They are surely awe-inspiring and spending a complete day to see them is completely price doing and a robust suggestion.
Conclusion
This one-week itinerary for exploring each Dublin and Galway offers a balanced mix of historical past, tradition, pure magnificence, and native experiences.
Eire’s appeal is really charming, and whether or not you’re wandering via the bustling streets of Dublin or embracing the creative spirit of Galway, every day guarantees a brand new journey and a deeper reference to this enchanting land.
Preserve studying:
Mark Jeavons runs Solo Journey Man
