Ireland is a place where old myths sit comfortably beside the modern. Monasteries hide in misty valleys, and high cliffs fall into an Atlantic that seems to have its own moods. In seven days you’ll sample the capital’s history and nightlife, then roll west to a small city with a giant heart and the most dramatic coastline in the country.

Dublin’s story stretches from Vikings to Joyce. Trinity College guards the illuminated Book of Kells; Georgian townhouses line elegant squares; and conversations in wood-paneled pubs last as long as the music. Galway, on the other hand, is all color—buskers on Shop Street, stone bridges over the Corrib, and oysters washed down with pints while fiddles spark late-night sessions.

Practical notes: Weather changes quickly—pack layers and a rain shell. Ireland drives on the left; trains and buses are easy between cities. Tipping is appreciated (10–12% in restaurants if service isn’t included). Expect hearty cuisine—seafood on the west coast, soda bread, stews, and world-class contemporary cooking in both cities.

Dublin

Dublin is compact, walkable, and endlessly talkative. Trinity College anchors the city center; the River Liffey splits north and south; and every neighborhood has a favorite café by day and a cherished music pub by night. Literary landmarks sit steps from lively markets and serious gastronomy.

• Top sights: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, the Guinness Storehouse, and Georgian Merrion Square.
• Why visit: Story-soaked streets, convivial pubs, and a food scene that runs from boxty to Michelin stars.
• Where to stay: Classic icons to cool hostels—see options below.

Book your stay in Dublin: Browse apartments and homes on VRBO Dublin or hotels on Hotels.com Dublin. Consider: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection (grand Irish heritage on St. Stephen’s Green), The Merrion Hotel (refined Georgian townhouses), Clayton Hotel Burlington Road (well-located and modern), or Generator Dublin (stylish budget near Smithfield).

Getting to Dublin: For flights within or to/from Europe, compare fares on Omio (Flights). If you’re flying from outside Europe, check Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. Dublin Airport is 25–40 minutes by taxi to the center; airport coaches run frequently.

Day 1: Arrival, Trinity to Temple Bar

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs around Trinity College, peeking at its cobbled quads and Long Room exterior before your formal visit tomorrow. Wander Grafton Street’s buskers and the leafy paths of St. Stephen’s Green.

Evening: Early dinner at The Winding Stair (seasonal Irish dishes; top view over the Ha’penny Bridge) or Gallagher’s Boxty House (potato pancakes filled with slow-cooked beef or wild mushrooms—an Irish staple). For a post-dinner pint and trad tunes, try The Cobblestone in Smithfield or O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row. Nightcap at Peruke & Periwig for creative cocktails in a Victorian setting.

Day 2: Book of Kells, Cathedrals, and Guinness

Morning: Dive straight into Dublin’s icons with a guided experience that threads the city’s medieval treasures together.

St Patrick's Cathedral, Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour

After, refuel at Queen of Tarts (legendary scones, quiches, and coffee) or 3fe Grand Canal (the city’s craft-coffee pioneer).

Afternoon: Continue to Ireland’s most visited attraction for stories of stout, coopers, and a 360° city view with your pint.

Guinness Storehouse Experience

Evening: Dinner choices: Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen (two Michelin stars; Irish ingredients reimagined), The Old Spot (excellent gastropub near Beggars Bush), or Etto-style small plates alternative—try Uno Mas for Iberian-leaning Irish produce. For live music, step into The Stag’s Head (Victorian bar, polished mahogany, classic atmosphere).

Day 3: Whiskey, Design Districts, and River Walks

Morning: Bow Street has been synonymous with Irish whiskey since 1780. Take a guided tour and tasting to learn why triple distillation matters—and how to nose for vanilla, spice, and toasted oak.

Dublin Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour and Tasting 45 mins

Brunch after at Brother Hubbard (Middle Eastern-leaning plates; superb granola, shakshuka, and pastries).

Afternoon: Explore the creative lanes around Drury Street and Powerscourt Townhouse for Irish design, tweed, and ceramics. If history calls, Kilmainham Gaol’s moving exhibits illuminate the fight for independence—book ahead. Coffee pick-me-up at Shoe Lane or Kaph.

Evening: Seafood at SOLE (oysters, Dublin Bay prawns) or The Seafood Café by Niall Sabongi in Temple Bar. For dessert, Murphy’s Ice Cream (Kerry sea salt, brown bread flavors). Consider a gentle stroll along the Liffey boardwalk or a night walk through Georgian doors around Fitzwilliam Square.

Day 4: Full-Day Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and Kilkenny

Today is a full-day guided excursion—no need to split into morning/afternoon/evening. Expect lakeside monasteries, mountain vistas, and medieval lanes.

Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour

Back in Dublin, keep dinner easy: Sano Pizza (fast, wood-fired, wallet-friendly) or Bunsen (short, perfect burger menu). Early night or an unamplified session at The Cobblestone if you have energy.

Galway

Galway is the west of Ireland in a single city: salt air, stone quays, and music that spills into the streets. The Latin Quarter’s shopfronts glow with color; swans idle under Wolfe Tone Bridge; and the bay flickers with sailboats on bright days.

• Top sights: Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral, Salthill Promenade, Latin Quarter, and day trips to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
• Why visit: Food-forward, art-loving, and the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way.
• Good to know: Evenings often mean live trad at Tigh Neachtain, The Crane Bar, or Monroe’s.

Travel to Galway (morning of Day 5): Take the train from Dublin Heuston to Galway (Ceannt). It’s about 2h20 and typically €20–40 if booked in advance—search on Omio (Trains). Buses take ~2.5 hours and can be great value—check Omio (Buses). Aim for a departure around 9:00 so you’re exploring by lunchtime.

Book your stay in Galway: See apartments on VRBO Galway and hotels on Hotels.com Galway. Top picks: The g Hotel & Spa (design-led, spa-focused), The Connacht Hotel (great value, family-friendly), Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway (modern, easy parking), or Kinlay Hostel Galway (social, central).

Day 5: Dublin to Galway, Latin Quarter and Salthill

Morning: Train or bus to Galway. Drop bags and grab coffee at Coffeewerk + Press (Scandi-leaning roastery-gallery) or Barista Bus by the Spanish Arch on sunny days.

Afternoon: Stroll the Spanish Arch and the Long Walk’s pastel houses. Duck into Galway City Museum (free, local history), then amble Shop Street for buskers and boutiques. If weather’s fair, walk the Salthill Promenade—locals “kick the wall” for luck at the end.

Evening: Dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmos (rustic plates, candlelit by the Arch) or Kai (seasonal, West Coast produce). For a casual bite, The Dough Bros (award-winning Neapolitan-style pizza). Music and pints at Tigh Neachtain (snug rooms, trad sessions) or The Crane Bar (upstairs sessions most nights).

Day 6: Full-Day Cliffs of Moher and the Burren

This is your west-coast showstopper—karst moonscapes, sea-cliffs, and story-rich villages. It runs most of the day, so no split schedule needed.

Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour

You’ll trace the Wild Atlantic Way, pausing at Dunguaire Castle, exploring Aillwee Cave, and standing atop 700-foot cliffs with puffins in season. If there’s time in Doolin, grab a bowl of seafood chowder before the coastal drive back.

Day 7: Markets, Cathedrals, and Departure

Morning: Start with Dela (brunch champions; house breads, house-cured salmon) or McCambridge’s (deli breakfasts, Irish cheeses to take home). Visit Galway Cathedral’s vast stone interior, then cross Salmon Weir Bridge for views of the Corrib.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in the Latin Quarter—woolens, tweed caps, and Irish crafts—before your onward travel. Trains and buses to Dublin for flights run roughly every hour (2h20–2h45)—compare on Omio (Trains) or Omio (Buses). For Europe-bound flights use Omio (Flights); intercontinental options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you’re lingering, early supper at McDonagh’s (classic fish and chips) or Oscar’s in the West End, followed by a quiet pint at Neachtain’s snug before you say slán to Galway.

Optional Add-Ons (time permitting)

• Dublin food crawl: Taste coddle, soda bread, oysters, and Irish farmhouse cheeses around the Creative Quarter—mix in a hot whiskey if it’s chilly.
• Docklands stroll: Cross Samuel Beckett Bridge at sunset; the river lights make a fine final photo stop.
• Sea dip: Brave locals swim at Salthill’s Blackrock Diving Tower; pack a towel and check tides.

At-a-Glance Transit Between Cities

• Dublin → Galway (Day 5 morning): Train ~2h20 (€20–40); see Omio (Trains). Bus ~2.5h (€13–25); see Omio (Buses).
• Galway → Dublin Airport (Day 7): Train/bus to Dublin, then airport coach or taxi; allow ~3.5–4 hours total buffer.

Extra Dublin Activities (if swapping days)

• Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway Day Tour from Dublin

  

• Dublin Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour

  

Where to stay if you add Cork or Killarney on a future trip: Cork—Hayfield Manor Hotel, The River Lee Hotel, The Metropole Hotel Cork, Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City. Killarney—The Europe Hotel & Resort, The Fairview Boutique Hotel, Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre.

In one week, you’ll have traced Ireland’s story from illuminated manuscripts to monastic valleys and Atlantic cliffs, with time for stout, whiskey, and songs you’ll hum on the plane. Dublin brings the history; Galway brings the heart; together they deliver the Ireland you imagined—and a little more.