4 Day Ireland Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors

Day 2: Dublin to Galway via Cliffs of Moher

On your second day, you’ll leave Dublin and head west to Galway, a charming and lively city on the Atlantic coast. But before you reach Galway, you’ll make a stop at one of the most spectacular and iconic sights in Ireland: the Cliffs of Moher.

The Cliffs of Moher are a series of towering cliffs that rise up to 214 meters above the sea level and stretch for 14 kilometers along the coast. They offer breathtaking views of the ocean, the Aran Islands, and the surrounding countryside. You can walk along the cliff edge, visit the visitor center, and take some amazing photos.

The Cliffs of Moher are about 3 hours drive from Dublin, so you’ll need to leave early in the morning to have enough time to enjoy them. You can either rent a car and drive yourself, or join a guided tour that includes transportation and admission.

After visiting the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll continue your journey to Galway, which is about 1.5 hours drive from the cliffs. Galway is a vibrant and colorful city with a rich cultural heritage and a lively music scene. It’s also a great base for exploring the nearby attractions such as Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, and the Aran Islands.

Here are some of the best things to do in Galway on your second day:

• Wander around the Latin Quarter, a historic and picturesque area with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, pubs, restaurants, shops, and street performers. You can also see some landmarks such as Lynch’s Castle, St Nicholas’ Church, and Spanish Arch.
• Visit Eyre Square, a large and green public square in the heart of Galway. It’s a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, and it hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. You can also see some monuments such as the Browne Doorway, the Quincentennial Fountain, and the John F Kennedy Memorial Park.
• Enjoy some traditional Irish music at one of Galway’s many pubs. Galway is known as the “City of Tribes” and has a strong musical tradition that dates back to medieval times. You can find some pubs that offer live music every night, such as Tig Coili, The Crane Bar, Taaffes Bar, and The King’s Head.

These are just some of the many things to do in Galway on your second day. You can also visit other attractions such as Galway Cathedral, Galway City Museum, Salthill Promenade, and more.

For more ideas on what to do in Galway, check out this comprehensive guide by The Planet D .

Where to Stay in Galway

Galway has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. You can find hostels, hotels, B&Bs, apartments, and more.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Galway according to Tripadvisor reviews .

• Budget: Kinlay Hostel . A modern and clean hostel with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, lockers, and laundry facilities. It’s located near Eyre Square and within walking distance from many attractions.
• Mid-range: The Galmont Hotel & Spa . A stylish and comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, cozy beds, and balconies. It’s located near Lough Atalia and has a spa, pool, gym, restaurant, and bar.
• Splurge: The Hardiman . A historic and elegant hotel with luxurious rooms, antique furniture, and marble bathrooms. It’s located on Eyre Square and has hosted many famous guests such as Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, and Princess Grace of Monaco.

  Day 3: Galway to Killarney via Ring of Kerry

  

  On your third day, you’ll leave Galway and head south to Killarney, a picturesque and lively town in County Kerry. But before you reach Killarney, you’ll drive along one of the most scenic and famous routes in Ireland: the Ring of Kerry.

  The Ring of Kerry is a circular road that loops around the Iveragh Peninsula, passing through some of the most stunning landscapes in Ireland. You’ll see rugged mountains, lush valleys, sparkling lakes, sandy beaches, charming villages, ancient ruins, and more.

  The Ring of Kerry is about 179 kilometers long and can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to drive, depending on how many stops you make along the way. You can either rent a car and drive yourself, or join a guided tour that includes transportation and commentary.

  Some of the best places to stop and see along the Ring of Kerry are:

  • Killorglin, a lively town that hosts the annual Puck Fair, a festival that crowns a goat as king for three days. You can also see the Laune Bridge, the River Laune, and some pubs and restaurants.
  • Glenbeigh, a seaside village that offers some of the best views of the Ring of Kerry. You can also visit Rossbeigh Beach, a long and sandy beach that is popular for swimming, surfing, and horse riding.
  • Cahersiveen, a town that is the birthplace of Daniel O’Connell, a famous Irish politician and leader of the Catholic emancipation movement. You can also visit Ballycarbery Castle, a ruined 16th-century castle that overlooks the sea.
  • Valentia Island, an island that is connected to the mainland by a bridge. You can also take a ferry from Reenard Point. You can visit the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre, a museum that showcases the history and wildlife of the Skellig Islands, two rocky islands that are home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site monastery and a colony of puffins.
  • Waterville, a coastal town that is known for its golf courses and fishing spots. You can also see the statue of Charlie Chaplin, who used to spend his holidays here with his family.
  • Sneem, a colorful village that is known as “the knot in the ring” because of its location on the road. You can also see some sculptures, gardens, bridges, and churches.
  • Kenmare, a charming town that is known as “the jewel in the ring” because of its beauty and location on the bay. You can also see some shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

  These are just some of the many places to see along the Ring of Kerry on your third day. You can also visit other attractions such as Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Gardens, and more.

  For more ideas on what to see along the Ring of Kerry, check out this comprehensive guide by Earth Trekkers .

  Where to Stay in Killarney

  Killarney is a popular tourist destination with a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. You can find hostels, hotels, B&Bs, apartments, and more.

  Here are some of the best places to stay in Killarney according to Tripadvisor reviews .

  • Budget: The Black Sheep Hostel . A cozy and friendly hostel with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, lockers, and laundry facilities. It’s located near Killarney National Park and within walking distance from many attractions.
  • Mid-range: The Lake Hotel . A beautiful and romantic hotel with lake views, comfortable rooms, and fireplaces. It’s located on the shores of Lough Leane and has a spa, restaurant, and bar.
  • Splurge: The Europe Hotel & Resort . A luxurious and modern hotel with spacious rooms, balconies, and jacuzzis. It’s located on the edge of Killarney National Park and has an indoor pool, outdoor pool, spa, gym, restaurant, and bar.

    Day 4: Killarney to Dublin via Rock of Cashel

    

    On your fourth and last day, you’ll leave Killarney and head back to Dublin, where your trip ends. But before you reach Dublin, you’ll make one last stop at one of the most impressive and historic sites in Ireland: the Rock of Cashel.

    The Rock of Cashel is a hilltop fortress that was once the seat of the kings of Munster, a medieval Irish kingdom. It’s also where St Patrick converted the king to Christianity in the 5th century. You can see the ruins of a cathedral, a chapel, a round tower, a high cross, and a cemetery. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

    The Rock of Cashel is about 2 hours drive from Killarney and about 2 hours drive from Dublin, so you’ll need to leave early in the morning to have enough time to visit it. You can either rent a car and drive yourself, or join a guided tour that includes transportation and admission.

    After visiting the Rock of Cashel, you’ll continue your journey to Dublin, where you’ll return your car or join your tour group. You can either catch your flight back home or extend your stay in Dublin or Ireland if you have more time.

    FAQs

    Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about traveling to Ireland and following this 4 day Ireland itinerary:

    • Q: When is the best time to visit Ireland?
    • A: The best time to visit Ireland depends on your preferences and budget. Generally, the peak season is from June to August, when the weather is warmer and drier, but also more crowded and expensive. The shoulder season is from April to May and September to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant, but also more unpredictable and rainy. The low season is from November to March, when the weather is cold and wet, but also less crowded and cheaper.
    • Q: How much does it cost to travel to Ireland?
    • A: The cost of traveling to Ireland depends on many factors such as your travel style, accommodation choice, transportation mode, food preference, and activities. However, as a rough estimate, you can expect to spend around €100-€150 per day per person for a mid-range budget. This includes accommodation (€40-€80), food (€20-€40), transportation (€10-€20), and activities (€30-€60). Of course, you can spend more or less depending on how you travel.
    • Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?
    • A: The visa requirements for traveling to Ireland depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Generally, citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and some other countries do not need a visa to enter Ireland for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. However, citizens of other countries may need a visa to enter Ireland for any purpose or duration. You can check if you need a visa and how to apply for one on the official website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service .
    • Q: What are some tips for driving in Ireland?
    • A: Driving in Ireland can be a great way to explore the country at your own pace and see some off-the-beaten-path places. However, driving in Ireland can also be challenging and stressful for some people, especially if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road or on narrow and winding roads. Here are some tips for driving in Ireland:
      • Rent a car that suits your needs and budget. You can choose between manual or automatic transmission, petrol or diesel fuel, compact or spacious size, etc. You can also rent a car with GPS navigation or use your smartphone with offline maps.
      • Get an international driving permit (IDP) if your driver’s license is not in English or from an EU/EEA country. You can get an IDP from your home country before you travel or from some car rental agencies in Ireland.
      • Follow the traffic rules and signs in Ireland. The speed limit is usually 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on regional roads, 100 km/h on national roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. The traffic signs are usually in both English and Irish languages.
      • Be careful of roundabouts, which are common in Ireland. You should always enter from the left lane and exit from the right lane, unless otherwise indicated by signs or markings. You should also give way to traffic coming from your right.
      • Be aware of toll roads, which are mostly on motorways. You can pay by cash or card at toll booths or by electronic tags that are attached to your car. You can check the toll rates and locations on the official website of Transport Infrastructure Ireland .
      • Be prepared for changing weather and road conditions. You should always check the weather forecast and road status before you drive and adjust your speed and distance accordingly. You should also carry some emergency items such as a first aid kit, a flashlight, a blanket, a spare tire, etc.

    For more tips on driving in Ireland, check out this comprehensive guide by The World Pursuit .

    Pre-Trip Checklist

    Here is a pre-trip checklist that lists some essential items that you should pack for your trip to Ireland:

    • Clothing (all seasons): waterproof jacket, fleece jacket, sweater, jeans, trousers, t-shirts, shirts, underwear, socks, shoes, boots, hat, scarf, gloves, sunglasses, etc.
    • Additional items (depending on weather and activities): swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, umbrella, rain poncho, hiking boots, hiking poles, etc.
    • Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, razor, shaving cream, comb, brush, hair dryer, etc.
    • Electronics: smartphone, charger, adapter, power bank, earphones, camera, memory card, laptop, tablet, etc.
    • Documents: passport, visa, IDP, driver’s license, car rental confirmation, flight tickets, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, etc.
    • Money: cash (euros), credit/debit cards, ATM cards, traveler’s checks, etc.
    • Health: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, band-aids, antiseptic cream, painkillers, allergy pills, etc.

    This is not a complete list of items that you may need for your trip to Ireland. You can customize it according to your personal needs and preferences.

    Conclusion

    I hope you enjoyed this 4 day Ireland itinerary and found it useful for planning your trip. Ireland is a wonderful country with so much to see and do that you’ll never get bored or run out of options.

    Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, you’ll find something that suits your taste and style in Ireland.

    So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Ireland today and get ready to have an unforgettable experience!

    If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family who are also planning to visit Ireland. And if you have any questions or comments about this itinerary or anything related to Ireland travel, please leave them below. I’d love to hear from you!

    Thank you for reading and happy travels! 😊