Ireland rewards unhurried travelers: ancient monasteries and Georgian squares, windswept cliffs and lively sessions of trad music where fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns spark to life. Vikings shaped Dublin, Spanish traders left their mark on Galway, and Cork’s rebel spirit still flavors its markets and music. Across the island you’ll find stout, whiskey, storytelling, and a welcome that’s famously warm.

In 14 relaxing days, you’ll savor Dublin’s must-sees (Guinness Storehouse, Trinity’s Book of Kells, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum), slow down in Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way, and finish in Cork with a culinary detour to Kinsale. You’ll also tick off the Cliffs of Moher and spend a special night in a castle—an Irish dream made real.

Practicalities: pack layers for changeable weather; the euro is standard (Northern Ireland uses GBP). Tipping is appreciated but modest (5–10% in restaurants if not included). If you rent a car for a day, remember to drive on the left. Live music often starts after 9 pm; arrive early for seats and mind the musicians’ session space.

Dublin

Dublin is a literary city with a musical heart: a place of storytellers, revolutionary history, and pubs knit into daily life. The city center is walkable, the coffee scene strong, and the museums excellent—perfect for a soft landing and slow exploration.

Base yourself near St. Stephen’s Green or Dublin 2 for easy walks to Trinity College, Grafton Street buskers, Temple Bar’s nightlife, and the Grand Canal. Save time for riverside rambles along the Liffey and a detour to leafy Phoenix Park.

Days 1–4: Settle in, sip, and see the classics

• Orientation & easy sightseeing: Start with a loop on the Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour for a relaxed overview and live commentary.

  

• Guinness & views: Book the Guinness Storehouse Experience. Explore seven floors of brewing history and pour a perfect pint before skyline views in the Gravity Bar.

  

• Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s & Dublin Castle: Secure timed access via the St Patrick's Cathedral, Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour to see the Long Room’s oak stacks and Ireland’s medieval seat of power.

  

• Something sweet & scenic: The Afternoon Tea Bus Tour pairs pastries with a gentle spin past Phoenix Park, Christ Church, and Georgian squares—very “treat yourself.”

  

• Museums & neighborhoods: Don’t miss EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum for moving stories of diaspora; stroll Temple Bar by day for galleries, then return at night for music. Wander Merrion Square’s Georgian doors, and if weather’s fair, picnic in St. Stephen’s Green.
• Trad music & nightlife: For authentic sessions, try The Cobblestone (Smithfield) and O’Donoghue’s (Merrion Row). The Stag’s Head is classic; Whelan’s hosts great gigs. The Brazen Head (claims 1198) mixes folklore and live tunes.

• Coffee & breakfast: Bewley’s Grafton Street (historic art deco café), Brother Hubbard (Middle Eastern-leaning brunch), and Keogh’s Café (scones with jam and cream).
• Lunch ideas: Tang (flatbreads and salads), Lemon Jelly (crepes), and Goose & Gander at George’s Street Arcade for casual bites.
• Dinner picks: The Winding Stair (Irish produce over the Liffey), Michael’s in Mount Merrion (seafood; book ahead), and Pickle (standout North Indian on Camden St.).
• Pints & places: The Palace Bar for literary vibes; The Long Hall for Victorian elegance; Temple Bar area for energy—pop into Temple Bar Pub knowing it’s touristy but fun.

• Stay in Dublin (mid-range budget focus):
  • Hotels/hostels: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection (classic; splurge), The Merrion Hotel (art-filled, refined), Clayton Hotel Burlington Road (excellent value), Generator Dublin (design-forward hostel).
  • Search more: Hotels.com Dublin or apartments on VRBO Dublin.

• Getting to Dublin: Fly into DUB. Compare fares and routes on Omio (flights to Europe). Airport to city: taxi (~25–40 minutes, €30–€40) or airport coach (~€8–€10).

Travel to Galway (morning of Day 5)

• By train: Dublin Heuston to Galway Ceannt ~2 hr 20 min, typically €20–€45. Check schedules and tickets via Omio (trains in Europe).
• By bus: ~2.5–3 hr, often €13–€25; compare options on Omio (buses in Europe).

Galway

Galway hums with street performers, arts festivals, and pub sessions that spill from the Latin Quarter onto cobblestones. It’s your gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and the legendary Cliffs of Moher.

Base near the Spanish Arch or Eyre Square to be steps from the harbor, Shop Street buskers, and Salthill’s sea air. Take it slow: walk the prom, linger over oysters, and let the music set your pace.

Days 5–8: Wild Atlantic wanderings

• Cliffs day trip, the easy way: Choose the Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour for limestone landscapes, cliff-edge views, and a Doolin stop.

  

• Aran Islands + cliff cruise: The Inisheer & Cliffs of Moher Day Tour pairs a ferry to the smallest Aran Island with a dramatic sea-level view of the cliffs on the return.

  

• Local gems: Stroll the Salthill Prom (kick the wall for good luck), admire the Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum, and browse Coffeewerk + Press for design-forward treats.
• Evenings of music: Tigh Neachtain (snug rooms and trad), The Crane Bar (serious sessions upstairs), Taaffes Bar (lively nightly tunes). For gigs: Róisín Dubh.

• Coffee & breakfast: Dela (farm-to-brunch), Urban Grind (espresso purists), and Gourmet Tart Co. (pastries).
• Lunch: McDonagh’s (classic fish & chips), Ard Bia at Nimmos (seasonal, riverside), TGO Falafel Bar (budget-friendly).
• Dinner: Kai (creative, local), Hooked (seafood), and Aniar (Michelin tasting menu if you fancy a splurge).

• Stay in Galway: Good mid-range and social picks abound. Try The g Hotel & Spa (design-forward spa hotel), The Connacht Hotel (great value with pool), Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway (reliable and walkable), or hostels like Kinlay Hostel Galway and Snoozles Hostel Galway City. For more, browse Hotels.com Galway or apartments on VRBO Galway.

Day 9: Castle Stay en route to the south

Make your Ireland dream night come true with a castle hotel between Galway and Cork. Two classic options: Dromoland Castle (County Clare) for manor-house grandeur and woodland walks, or Ballyseede Castle (County Kerry) with peacocks on the lawn and candlelit dinners.

• How to plan it: By public transport, go Galway → Ennis/Tralee and taxi to the castle; by car, it’s ~1.5–2.5 hours drive depending on choice. For public transport legs, compare on Omio (buses in Europe) and Omio (trains in Europe).
• Booking tip: Search around “County Clare” or “Tralee” to price a one-night treat on Hotels.com (County Clare), Hotels.com (Tralee), or browse homes on VRBO County Clare.
• Dinner & unwind: Many castle hotels include afternoon tea or set menus; dress smart-casual, book spa time, and enjoy a slow morning before heading to Cork.

Travel to Cork (late Day 9 or morning Day 10)

• From Galway (direct): Bus ~3.5–4 hr (€20–€30) via Omio (buses in Europe). Train with a change (often Limerick) ~4–4.5 hr (€25–€45) via Omio (trains in Europe).
• From castle in Clare/Kerry: Short taxi to nearest town station/stop, then bus/train to Cork. Total ~2–3.5 hr depending on location.

Cork & Kinsale

Cork calls itself the “real capital”—a compact river city with character, creativity, and superb food. The English Market anchors daily life, while trad sessions pour from candlelit pubs like Sin É.

Kinsale, a 30–40 minute hop south, is a postcard harbor town and Ireland’s foodie capital. Walk the pretty streets, tour Charles Fort, and feast on seafood with ocean views.

Days 10–14: Food, forts, bells, and a seaside day

• English Market & city stroll: Graze on farmhouse cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh breads under Victorian ironwork. Nearby, explore Crawford Art Gallery and the riverside lanes.
• Shandon & city views: Climb the Shandon Bells (St. Anne’s) and ring a bell over the city, then wander to Cork City Gaol for evocative history.
• Kinsale day trip (relaxed): Bus from Cork’s Parnell Place (~€10–€15 return). Ramble colorful streets, loop Scilly Walk to The Bulman pub, and tour star-shaped Charles Fort. Eat well—Kinsale excels at seafood and wine bars.
• Blarney & Cobh option: If you want a guided day combining Blarney Castle and Kinsale from the port, consider the Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale – Shore Excursion.

  

  Or do it independently: Blarney Castle & Gardens in the morning, Kinsale in the afternoon.

• Coffee & breakfast (Cork): Three Fools Coffee (latte art and people-watching by the Grand Parade), Filter (single-origin focus), and Liberty Grill (New England-style brunch).
• Lunch: Farmgate Café (above English Market; traditional dishes), Izz Café (Palestinian flatbreads), and Miyazaki (tiny, fantastic ramen/udon counter).
• Dinner: Market Lane (seasonal Irish plates), Cafe Paradiso (legendary vegetarian), Elbow Lane Smokehouse & Brewery (house-brewed ales, chargrilled mains).
• Pubs & music: Sin É (session stalwart), Mutton Lane Inn (candlelit laneway pub), Coughlan’s (great small-venue gigs), and Franciscan Well Brewery (pizza and pints in the beer garden).

• Kinsale eats: Fishy Fishy (seafood institution), The Black Pig (wine bar with tapas), and The Bulman (sea-view pub by Charles Fort).

• Stay in Cork:
  • Hotels: Hayfield Manor Hotel (leafy, serene), The River Lee Hotel (riverside, great pool), The Metropole Hotel Cork (central), Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City (value near Shandon).
  • Hostel: Kinlay House Cork (budget base).
  • Search more: Hotels.com Cork or apartments on VRBO Cork.

Return to Dublin or fly out

• Cork → Dublin: Train ~2 hr 30 min (€20–€40) via Omio (trains in Europe); bus ~3.5 hr (€12–€25) via Omio (buses in Europe).
• Departures: If flying from DUB or ORK, compare routes on Omio (flights to/from Europe).

Optional extras if you add a day

• Wicklow & Glendalough from Dublin: Valley lakes, monastic ruins, and sheepdog demos on a gentle countryside day (consider guided options on Viator from Dublin if you extend).
• Howth coastal walk (Dublin Bay): Cliff path, lighthouse views, and fish-and-chips—perfect on a sunny afternoon.

With Dublin’s museums and nightlife, Galway’s music and the Cliffs of Moher, a castle hotel dream, and Cork’s markets plus Kinsale’s seafood, this itinerary balances iconic Ireland with local life. Expect relaxed days, memorable meals, and music-filled nights you’ll hum long after you’re home.