Prior to arriving to Ireland, make sure you:

• Print and check off THIS International Travel Checklist.

• Check times/days for attractions you'd like to visit.

• Reserve your tickets to attractions and make dining reservations when possible.

• Purchase good walking shoes!

• Check your passport expiration date!

• Bring lots of layers! 

I recommend:

• Fly into Dublin Airport - Try to sleep on the plane! Consider bringing medication to help you fall asleep. Also, book a flight that leaves later in the day, closer to your normal bedtime. You may be arriving in Ireland in the morning or afternoon which means you'll have a full day before going to bed that night. Even a few hours of sleep on a flight can go a long way to help with jet lag. 

• Don't convert currency at the airport, go to a bank instead. You only need enough for tips as you go as most places will be able to take contactless payment methods. Tips aren't required, but if you do want to tip a tour guide or server, cash is preferred.

• Next, go to the Car Rental center to get your car. I recommend renting a car that is comfortable, as you'll be in it quite a lot on this particular itinerary. Due to the very narrow streets you'll be on, I recommend a small or compact car, and make sure you know what type of gas the car will need when you refill the tank.

• Head to your hotel to check in and make sure to hydrate often which helps with jet-lag.

DUBLIN, DISTILLERY AND DINNER

Depending on when you get to Dublin, take a walk around downtown Dublin or explore EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum (get your tickets HERE) before you head to Jameson Distillery Bow St for THIS tour (as long as you can make it there by their last tour that is usually at 4:30 pm). Enjoy learning about the history of Irish whiskey as well as a tasting at one of the world's largest distilleries. After your tour, I recommend dinner at the Fish Shop. 

DIY DUBLIN DAY

Dublin has so much to offer, so I recommend looking at the options below and planning ahead to make the best of your one full day in Dublin. 

RECOMMENDED COFFEE SHOPS

• Coffee Angel 

• Tang (Abbey Street)

RECOMMENDED TOURS

If you're in Dublin on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, take THIS tour.

If you're a major foodie, take THIS tour.

If you're on a Girls Trip, take THIS tour.

If you'd like to see Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems, take THIS tour.

Otherwise, you can explore the places that interest you!

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

• The Brazen Head - oldest pub in Dublin

• Bunsen Temple Bar - burgers

• The Shack Restaurant - Irish cuisine

• Tomahawk Steakhouse - steak

BREAKFAST - Arrive by 7:30 am

Have breakfast at Central Brew Coffee on your way out of Dublin. 

HARVEY'S POINT HOTEL - Arrive by 6:30 pm

Next, drive to Harvey's Point Hotel, check in, and freshen up before enjoying dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants. Be sure to make your dining reservations in advance.

I recommend staying here for 2 nights. 

TO DO FROM DONEGAL

Today, decide what you'd like to do from the following:

• TOUR - Take THIS day tour that guides you to the highlights of South Donegal.

• CASTLE - Visit the beautiful Gaelic castle (click HERE for more info)

• LIGHTHOUSE - Visit the Fanad Head Lighthouse.

• BEACH - Visit Murder Hole Beach. (Just know that after you park, it's about a 20 minute walk to the beach.)

• HIKE - Complete the Slieve League hike along the oceanfront.

• GOLF - Learn more HERE.

DINNER

For dinner, head to Flipside in Sligo for the "best burgers in Ireland" and consider popping into one of the following pubs for a pint while you're there:

• • Thomas Connolly

  • Shoot the Crows

  • Foleys

If you'd prefer to stay closer to your hotel, consider dining at the Cedars Restaurant located at the Lough Eske Castle.

MORNING

Grab breakfast at 8:00 am at Blas in Donegal before you continue to make your way to Downpatrick Head. This picturesque peninsula boasts breathtaking views of a towering solitary sea stack jutting from the ocean.

AFTERNOON

Next, drive to Westport to explore the town and grab lunch at either:

• Savoir Fare - bistro (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

• Friends Bistro - bistro (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

• Walsh's - pub

LATE AFTERNOON

After lunch, make your way through Doolough Valley, then to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, a haven of history, beauty and serenity nestled in the heart of Connemara. (Click HERE for tickets and info.)

NIGHT

Next, drive to and stay 2 nights at the gorgeous Ashford Castle.

ASHFORD CASTLE

Explore the amenities you can find at Ashford Castle and partake in what you'd like! (Click HERE for more info and options.)

GALWAY CATHEDRAL - 9:00 am

Check out of the hotel and drive 45 minutes to the popular city of Galway and visit the Galway Cathedral. (They do not have an admission charge, but do ask for a €3 from all visitors to help with the ongoing upkeep of the building. Try to be here by 9:00 a.m.)

Once you finish, take a stroll down Shop St before going to Taaffes for an early lunch and Guinness. (Rumor has it... Guinness tastes best in Galway.) Try to be at Taaffes by 10:30 a.m. You'll want to leave around 11:15 a.m.

LIMERICK - 3:00 p.m.

Once you're finished, hopefully around 1:30 p.m., drive 1.5 hours to Limerick. There, tour St. Mary's Cathedral. You'll want to be there by 3 p.m. since it closes at 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. (Click HERE for more info and tickets.)

HOTEL

Make your way to the Cahernane House Hotel - Killarney Hotel and stay 2 nights.

RING OF KERRY

After breakfast at the hotel, drive the beautiful Ring of Kerry to the Skellig Ring (don't miss the turn). Get out of the car and look at the astonishing Kerry Cliffs. Also, don't miss the short hike to Torc Waterfall along your journey as well as a visit to Muckross Abbey.

You'll drive through the stunning Killarney National Park during the Ring of Kerry loop. 

LATE LUNCH

For lunch, go to either:

• J.M. Reidy's - Fun, unique pub experience

• Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder - opens at 1 pm - offers whiskey flights and delicious food

(Another option would be J.M. Reidy's, THEN Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder, if you'd like to try both!)

After lunch, walk around and explore the shops, I recommend Killarney Duck Store and the Aran Sweater Market.

DINNER

After lunch, consider taking a nap back at your hotel before freshening up and enjoying a gourmet dinner at Herbert Restaurant (located at your hotel). 

GOUGANE BARRA NATIONAL FOREST PARK

Check out of your hotel early and drive 1-2 hours to Gougane Barra National Forest Park  for a scenic morning hike (there is a 5 euro fee via contactless payment at the gate, but it's worth it). There are several trails that vary in difficulty, so pick the one that interests you!

KINSALE

After your hike, drive 1.5-2 hours to Kinsale for a delicious lunch. This city is the perfect place for a foodie! Some places to try for lunch include:

• Food U - seafood

• Fisherman's Catch (food truck) - fish and chips

• Lemon Leaf Cafe Bar & Townhouse - if seafood isn't your thing

CORK

Drive 1 hour drive to Cork, specifically the Blarney Castle & Gardens. (Click HERE for more info.)

TONIGHT'S OPTIONS

Depending on which you would prefer, choose from the following options for the rest of the day.

Enjoy breakfast before making your way to the airport and returning your car rental. Make sure to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to leave! Don't forget to check the flight status for your flight to make sure it is on schedule. 

If you have the opportunity for an exteded stay, consider adding some of the following places to visit:

• Portacloy Loop-Cliff Walk

• Achill Island (specifically Keem Beach)

• Powerscourt Estate

• Kilmainham Gaol - prison museum

• Skellig Michael

• Ballinastoe Woods

• Dublinia

• Croke Park

• Mullaghmore Head

• Ross Castle

• Horn Head - hike

• Downings

• Mount Errigal

• Ha'penny Bridge

• Devil's Chimney

• Benbulbin Mountain (hike - start at Luke's Bridge) or Forest Walk nearby

Bonus Tips:

• DO NOT FORGET your waterproof rain jacket and waterproof shoes!!!

• Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Bring many layers and prepare to keep going no matter what the weather is doing. 

• Make your reservations as early as you can, especially at peak times (holidays and summer).