Guide Around the Coast of Ireland

Morning: Settle into your hotel, The Chancery. It is close enough to walk everywhere, while also being tucked away for a quiet night's rest. Grab a bite to eat at the Metro Cafe or Balfes (if you are a fan of Thin Lizzy, the Phil Lynott statue is right nearby!)

Afternoon: Now that you are nourished, time to explore Dublin’s historic treasures, like the Dublin Castle, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Evening: Walk to the Guinness Storehouse for a deep dive into arguably the best Ireland brew. You can even get your face printed on a Guinness! Finish out the night with a meal at a traditional Irish Pub – many options a short walk away in the Temple Bar region.

Morning: Before leaving the city, catch a tour at the Kilmainham Gaol, a prison where many Irish revolutionary leaders were held and executed.

Afternoon: Time to hit the scenic road on your way to Cork! Along the route, you will stop at Powerscourts House & Gardens (cafe onsite for lunch), Glendalough (early medieval monastic settlement) and Kilkenny Castle.

Evening: Finish out your drive to Cork — be sure to pick up some Waterford Strawberries on the side of the road! Arrive at The Montenotte Hotel. You can go down to the Harbor to explore the English Market, Fin Barre’s Cathedral and enjoy a meal at Electric or Ristorante Rossini. Be sure to make your way back to the hotel before sunset for incredible views of the sunset from the Terrace at the hotel — they also serve wonderful drinks!

Morning: Wake up to one of the best breakfasts - great service and unlimited specialty coffee and tea (for those who need the early-morning caffeine). Leave the hotel early to ensure you get to beat the crowds to the Blarney Castle! Time to kiss the stone to ensure you are endowed with the gift of gab — I honestly did not think I would kiss the stone, but going through the stone line is the best way to also see the inside of the castle. If you are claustrophobic, I would recommend skipping this part!

Afternoon: Get ready to see one of the cutest seaside towns - Cobh Harbor! Here you can visit St. Colman’s Cathedral, the Titanic Museum, Spike Island and just enjoy the beautiful views and weather of Cobh. If your family immigrated from Ireland, there is a good chance it was from this harbor! It is also known for being the final port of call for the Titanic.

Evening: End the day with a little trip to the Jameson Midleton Distillery. It holds the world’s largest pot still and has a very intimate premium whiskey tasting. Head back to Cobh for dinner at a seaside restaurant then cuddle into bed at the WatersEdge Hotel. It is right on the water with sliding glass doors so you can feel the ocean breeze.

Morning: Time to start your drive around the famous Ring of Kerry on your way to Killarney National Park. Key stops to hit: Ross Castle, Muckross House & Gardens, Torc Waterfall and Ladie’s View. Then continue to Moll’s Gap before stopping in the cute town of Kenmare for lunch.

Afternoon: Continue driving around the ring until you get to the Portmagee to take a boat tour of the Skellig Islands. Truly one of the most magical parts of the trip — the islands are home to thoughts of puffins and gannets, as well as an early Christian monastery. You may recognize these islands from both Star Wars and Harry Potter.

Evening: Finish out the day by driving to the small town of Dingle, where you can settle into your hotel, find great traditional Irish food and drink, as well as see one of the most stunning sunsets at the end of the peninsula at Dunquin Pier.

Morning: Now it is time to start the drive on the Wild Atlantic Way and see the Cliffs of Moher. We enjoyed a lunch stop along this route at Hook and Ladder in Limerick. After seeing the cliffs, continue driving along the Wild Atlantic Way to Galway and checkin to the Galmont Hotel.

Afternoon: Drop off your bags and explore this charming city — see Eyre Square and Galway Cathedral (be sure to take the walkway along the canal).

Evening: A great place to find good food, drink and lively music is the Latin Quarter. There is great craft beer at the Salt House Galway Bay Brewery and great live music at The Quays and The Front Door. If you have energy and it isn’t raining, walk down the bay to Salthill Promenade for sunset.

If you are interested in seeing the Northern part of Ireland:

Day 6: Drive through Connemara National Park by way of the Sky Road. Be sure to see Kylemore Abbey and consider taking a boat tour of the Killary Fjord. Optional hike at Devils Chimney or on Benbulbin Mountain before arriving at the Lough Eske Castle. Enjoy a beautiful bike ride on the grounds, a trip to the spa pool and steam room, and end the night with a beautiful dinner and drinks at the Castle restaurant.

Day 7: Morning drive to Glenveagh National Park and Horn Head before stopping in Derry City for lunch. Time to start the Causeway Coastal Route with many optional stops (including Giants Causeway — any Led Zeppelin fans? Cover of Houses of the Holy was taken here).

Day 8: Continue along the Causeway Coastal Route on your way to Belfast. If you are a fan of the Chronicles of Narnia, I highly recommend afternoon tea at The Lamppost Cafe before exploring the city’s attractions – Titanic Museum, St. George’s Market, Cathedral Quarter and Belfast City Hall.