Itinerary
- Day 1
Dublin
You'll arrive in Dublin on your own schedule, which gives you flexibility to settle in at your own pace. Depending on when you get there, you might catch a hop-off bus tour to get your bearings around the city, or visit the Butlers Chocolate Experience to watch chocolate being made and sample some. Newbridge House & Farm is another option if you prefer something more low-key. You'll have two nights in the Dublin area, so there's no rush to do everything on day one.
Optional Activities
- Hop on - hop off tour of Dublin
- Butlers Chocolate Experience - watch chocolate making and tasting
- Newbridge House & Farm visit
Landmarks/POIs Butlers Chocolate Experience Newbridge House & Farm 
- Day 2
Dublin
You've got several directions to choose from today in Dublin. Dublinia gives you a window into Viking Age and Medieval Dublin with interactive exhibits. If your family enjoys games, there's a rainforest mini-golf course in south Dublin that's fun for all ages. The Leprechaun Museum offers a family-friendly look at Irish fairy lore and folklore. For a bigger adventure, you could take a full day trip by train and bus up to the Antrim Coast and Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Sports enthusiasts might prefer trying traditional Irish sports at Experience Gaelic Games instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Dublinia - Viking Age and Medieval Dublin exhibitions
- Rainforest mini-golf course
- Leprechaun Museum - family tour
- Day trip to Antrim Coast and Giant's Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site (train and bus)
- Experience Gaelic Games - learn and play traditional Irish sports
Landmarks/POIs Dublinia Leprechaun Museum Giant's Causeway Antrim Coast - Day 3
Dublin to Waterford
Today you're driving toward Waterford, with options to take the coastal route or cut through County Wicklow and the Wicklow Mountains (about 190 km, roughly 3 hours). Along the way, stop at Beyond the Trees Avondale to climb the 38 metre observation tower for wide views across the countryside. You could also visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship to learn about emigrant history, or check out the Irish National Heritage Park where replicas of old settlements show how people lived centuries ago. An adventure trip to the Saltee Islands is another possibility if timing works. You'll overnight in Waterford.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Beyond the Trees Avondale - 38-metre observation tower visit
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Slide descent at Beyond the Trees Avondale (weather-dependent, payable locally)
- Dunbrody Famine Ship - emigrant ship experience with stories
- Irish National Heritage Park - open-air museum with replicas of old Irish settlements
- Saltee Islands trip (not recommended for children under 10)
Landmarks/POIs Beyond the Trees Avondale Wicklow Mountains Dunbrody Famine Ship Irish National Heritage Park Saltee Islands - Day 4
Waterford to Killarney
You're driving west toward County Kerry today (about 220 km, approximately 3.5 hours), but first you'll spend time in Waterford. Explore the city with a guided tour or ride the historic Suir Valley Railway if it's running (seasonal from April through September). Reginald's Tower is worth a stop, the oldest fully preserved building on the island from the 12th century. After browsing shops and pubs, continue on to Killarney, a charming town right next to Killarney National Park with its three lakes and oak forests. Muckross House & Gardens is an optional detour depending on how much daylight you've got left. You'll stay two nights in the Killarney or Tralee area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- City tour of Waterford
- Suir Valley Railway ride (seasonal: approximately April-September)
- Muckross House & Gardens visit
Landmarks/POIs Reginald's Tower Waterford Killarney National Park Muckross House & Gardens - Day 5
Killarney
Today offers two different scenic routes, so choose based on what appeals more. The Ring of Kerry is a spectacular coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula (about 200 km, 3.5 hours) starting from Killorglin and passing through Cahirciveen. You'll hit Valentia Island with its unusual tropical vegetation and dramatic cliffs, then continue through Waterville and Caherdaniel on Derrynane Bay, finishing at the famous Ladies' View vantage point before heading back to Killarney. Alternatively, drive to the Dingle Peninsula with its long beaches, cliffs, and Gaelic-speaking villages (about 150 km, 3 hours). Stop at Inch for its beautiful sandy beach, or visit Tralee Bay Wetlands Center for a guided nature boat tour. Boat trips in Dingle Bay exploring the Blasket Islands are also on the table if you want to get out on the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Ring of Kerry scenic drive
- Valentia Island visit
- Ladies' View vantage point
- Dingle Peninsula drive
- Boat trip in Dingle Bay and Blasket Islands
- Tralee Bay Wetlands Center - guided safari nature boat tour
Landmarks/POIs Ring of Kerry Iveragh Peninsula Killorglin Cahirciveen Valentia Island Waterville Caherdaniel Derrynane Bay Sneem Ladies' View Dingle Peninsula Dingle Dingle Bay Blasket Islands Inch Tralee Bay Wetlands Center 
- Day 6
Killarney to Galway
You're heading toward Galway today through the Burren region, often described as lunar landscape because of its rocky terrain (about 230 km, 4 hours). The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see with views toward the Aran Islands and Connemara Mountains, though weather permitting is the key phrase here. If your family enjoys exploring, Aillwee Stalactite Cave offers an adventure into a main cave extending about 600 metres into the mountain. You'll stay two nights in the Galway area after you arrive.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Aillwee Stalactite Cave tour
Landmarks/POIs Burren Cliffs of Moher Aran Islands Connemara Mountains Aillwee Stalactite Cave - Day 7
Galway
You've got options for exploring Galway and the surrounding area today. Take a boat trip on Lough Corrib, venture into the wilderness of Connemara, visit the impressive Kylemore Abbey, or check out the sheep and wool center in Leenane. You could also just relax on one of the local beaches if you want a quieter day. If you explore the wider region, you're looking at about 160 km of driving and roughly 2.5 hours of travel time, so pick a couple of activities rather than trying to do everything.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Boat trip on Lough Corrib
- Connemara wilderness tour
- Kylemore Abbey visit
- Sheep and wool center in Leenane
- Beach time
Landmarks/POIs Lough Corrib Connemara Kylemore Abbey Leenane - Day 8
Galway to Dublin
Start with a morning shopping spree in Galway's lively city center, then head back to Dublin for your departure (about 230 km, 3 hours driving). This gives you a relaxed final morning before you hit the road, and it's a straightforward drive back to the airport or wherever you're heading from.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Shopping in Galway
Landmarks/POIs Galway City
