Ireland: Dublin, Galway and the Wild Atlantic Coast

Arrive at Dublin Airport and begin your journey west through Ireland’s scenic Midlands. Rolling green landscapes and charming villages provide a gentle introduction to the country before you visit Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most important early Christian settlements, set beside the River Shannon.

Continue to Galway, a vibrant coastal city known for its colorful streets and lively atmosphere. Spend the evening at leisure after your journey. You may relax, stroll through the Latin Quarter, or have dinner at one of Galway’s many welcoming restaurants.

Founded by St. Ciarán in the sixth century, Clonmacnoise became a major center of learning with students from across Europe.

Travel through Connemara and experience its wild beauty across rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, and sweeping Atlantic views. Unspoiled landscapes and traditional villages define this western region, capturing the distinctive scenery and character of the west of Ireland.

Visit Kylemore Abbey, an enchanting lakeside estate known for its romantic setting and history. The estate also features Victorian walled gardens and a picturesque Gothic church. After your visit, return to Galway and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Kylemore was built as a castle in 1868 and has served as a Benedictine abbey since 1920.

Begin in the Burren, where exposed limestone, rare flora, and ancient geological formations create a distinctive rocky landscape. Stop at Poulnabrone Dolmen, a remarkable prehistoric monument dating back more than 5,000 years and providing a direct connection to Ireland’s distant past.

Continue to the Cliffs of Moher, where dramatic cliffs tower above the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the spectacular views and capture memorable photographs before returning to Galway. Spend a relaxed evening unwinding and reflecting on the landscapes, geology, and prehistoric heritage experienced during the day.

The Burren’s limestone formed from sediments in a tropical sea approximately 350 million years ago.

Depart Galway and travel south into County Clare for a visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Experience a vivid presentation of traditional Irish village life through thatched cottages, period interiors, and costumed characters, with each element contributing to the site’s historical setting.

Continue into County Kerry, where mountains, lakes, and rolling countryside shape the changing landscape. Arrive in Killarney after your southbound journey from Galway and spend a relaxing evening in this lively and welcoming town.

The present Bunratty Castle was built for Maccon MacNamara during the 15th century. 

Set out from Killarney for a scenic journey along the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal routes. Follow the coastline and surrounding countryside while experiencing the panoramic landscapes that define this iconic route through southwest Ireland.

Take in breathtaking views from Moll’s Gap and Ladies’ View, overlooking the Lakes of Killarney within Killarney National Park. Appreciate the wide perspectives before completing the scenic journey back to Killarney. Your evening is at leisure, allowing you to relax after the day’s travels.

Ladies’ View takes its name from Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, who visited Killarney in 1861.

Travel through West Cork and discover its coastal beauty, colorful villages, and peaceful harbors. Continue to Glengarriff, where you board a boat for the short trip to Garnish Island. During the crossing, watch for seals, which may be visible along the way.

Arrive at Garnish Island, known for its lush gardens and distinctive microclimate. Experience the island setting before beginning the return journey to Killarney. Travel through scenic countryside as you leave West Cork behind and complete the day’s coastal and garden-focused route.

Garnish Island’s gardens resulted from the early 20th-century partnership of owners Annan and Violet Bryce with garden designer Harold Peto.

Depart Killarney and travel east through Ireland’s rolling countryside as you return to Dublin. Upon arrival, begin exploring the capital at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. Discover its history and take in the Gothic architecture for which the cathedral is renowned.

Continue to the Guinness Storehouse to learn the story behind Ireland’s most famous stout. Conclude the visit with panoramic views across Dublin from the Gravity Bar. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, dine in one of the city’s renowned restaurants, or experience the lively Temple Bar area.

The present St. Patrick’s Cathedral building dates from 1220.

Begin your final day in Dublin with breakfast before preparing for departure. After breakfast, take your transfer to Dublin Airport. This journey to the airport is the final scheduled transportation segment and follows your time in the capital, keeping the day focused on departure logistics.

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, continue with your departure and bring the eight-day journey through Ireland to a close. The airport transfer completes the itinerary’s return to Dublin and provides the final connection between the city and your onward travel.

Dublin Airport officially opened on January 19, 1940.