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5-Day Ireland Itinerary: Dublin & Galway Highlights
5 Days
2 Stops
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ExpertThe Burren deserves as much time as the Cliffs of Moher, rather than just a footnote to them, and it's the argument I always make to clients who want to rush it. The limestone pavement extending toward the Atlantic and the botanical wonders of Arctic and Mediterranean species growing side-by-side make it one of the most unique natural landscapes in Western Europe. Approaching the Cliffs of Moher from the southern Hag's Head end puts the full cliff face ahead of you in clean Atlantic light and avoids the arrival crowd. For Galway's traditional music, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings on Quay Street are when musicians play for each other rather than for visitors, and the distinction is audible.
The Burren deserves as much time as the Cliffs of Moher, rather than just a footnote to them, and it's the argument I always make to clients who want to rush it. The limestone pavement extending toward the Atlantic and the botanical wonders of Arctic and Mediterranean species growing side-by-side make it one of the most unique natural landscapes in Western Europe. Approaching the Cliffs of Moher from the southern Hag's Head end puts the full cliff face ahead of you in clean Atlantic light and avoids the arrival crowd. For Galway's traditional music, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings on Quay Street are when musicians play for each other rather than for visitors, and the distinction is audible.
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County Dublin
Day 1 - 2
Stretching along Dublin Bay on the east coast of Ireland, County Dublin is home to the vibrant city of Dublin, the country’s colourful capital. Aside from the lively capital, the county features rolling green hills scattered with a collection of character-filled villages, an array of beautiful beaches and a rich history. Visitors can enjoy an iconic black beer - the traditional Guinness; learn about Viking history at the Dublinia, a fascinating heritage centre; and discover the seaside towns of Malahide and Howth, which both offer scenic coastal paths to explore. Other highlights include the Ardgillan Castle and Demesne in the seaside town of Balbriggan, the charming seaside town of Skerries, and the bustling town of Swords.
The Grafton
The Grafton is located on Grafton Street in Dublin 2, within easy reach of Dublin's city attractions. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, desks, tea/coffee-making facilities and mini-fridges. You can enjoy delicious meals in the hotel's restaurant and refreshing drinks in the cocktail lounge. Other hotel facilities and services include free Wi-Fi, a terrace, a lounge and a fitness centre.
Your activity
St Patrick's Cathedral Dublin
Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. The parish church of Saint Patrick on this site was granted collegiate status in 1191, and raised to cathedral status in 1224. The present building dates from 1220. The Cathedral is today the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland (a church of the Anglican communion). St Patrick’s is Gothic in style and its splendid interior is adorned with funeral monuments, such as The Boyle Family Memorial and the grave of Dean Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels). Swift was dean here until his death in 1745. The Chancel has ornate stained-glass windows, and spectacular choir stalls, once used by the knights of St Patrick, adjoin the Altar. The massive west towers, houses a large peal of bells whose ringing tones are so much part of the character of Dublin.
Galway
Day 3 - 5
Set on the spectacular north shore of Galway Bay, where the River Corrib flows from Lough Corrib to the sea, Galway is a large, sprawling university city, commonly referred to as the 'most Irish' of Ireland's cities. Despite Galway’s considerable size, the historical city centre is tiny, with a bohemian atmosphere emanating from its colourful facades, buzzing markets and laid-back inhabitants. Dubbed ‘the city of festivals’, Galway is known as the liveliest place in the republic with its internationally acclaimed theatre scene, vibrant nightlife bolstered by a spirited student population, and plenty of quirky hidden cafes and restaurants with some truly excellent food. Highlights include: the constant impromptu performances of traditional music, the pretty Salthill beach with waters suitable for swimming, and beautifully wild surrounding nature.
Harbour Hotel
A stay at Harbour Hotel places you in the heart of Galway, within a 10-minute walk of Eyre Square and Quay Street. This hotel is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Galway Harbour and 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Lough Atalia.
Take in the views from a terrace and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and babysitting (surcharge). This hotel also features wedding services, tour/ticket assistance, and a banquet hall.
Make yourself at home in one of the 96 air-conditioned rooms featuring LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Your activity
Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
Experience the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
Visit the Cliffs of Moher - Ireland's #1 tourist attraction on the west coast. A tour of the Cliffs of Moher is a must for anyone traveling in Ireland. They recently appeared in Harry Potter's Half-Blood Prince and of course the classic film The Princess Bride. A hike along the edge of Ireland allows you to enjoy the beautiful, rugged coastline and views of the Atlantic. The unique landscape of the Burren is one of the many highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Along Galway Bay, you will first stop in the fishing village of Kinvara to visit Dunguaire Castle before continuing into the Burren. The Burren is home to 75% of Ireland's native flora and is home to numerous ancient monuments, many of which we will visit, including the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, the 5,800-year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort - home of the little men with green hats and orange beards.
Past Kilfenora, home of the famous Irish High Crosses, and Lisdoonvarna, the site of the world famous Matchmaking Festival, we drive to the coastal town of Doolin, where we have lunch before visiting the 200 meter high and 8 km long Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands, and take time to absorb the natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher (minimum 1.5 hour stay - entry is included in your ticket).
We return via the coastal road overlooking Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, making a brief stop to hike the Burren's lunar-like landscape and see sights such as Leprechaun Head before returning to Galway shortly after 6pm.
Did you know that in 2011 The Burren and Cliffs of Moher received Global Geopark status? UNESCO Geoparks are "areas where sites and landscapes of international geological importance are managed with a holistic approach of protection, education and sustainable development". There are only 127 geoparks in 35 countries.
Activity start time: 9.45am
Meeting point: Meet at Kinlay Hostel Merchants Road
From$1,805
per personAccommodations
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Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
17+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
8+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
5+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Two nights in Dublin, two in Galway, connected by the train west — a focused introduction to Ireland that covers the two most characterful cities without requiring a car. The Cliffs of Moher and Burren excursion from Galway is what elevates the itinerary beyond a simple city break; the Atlantic cliffs at 700 feet on a clear morning, with the Aran Islands visible offshore, are among the more genuinely dramatic things in Ireland.
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A detail worth knowing about the Burren: the limestone pavement landscape between Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna is as unusual as anything Ireland has to offer. The wildflowers that grow in the rock cracks in late spring — Arctic and Mediterranean species existing side by side — are found nowhere else in Europe. Even outside flowering season, the scale and strangeness of the terrain earns a proper stop rather than a drive-through.
Day 1–2: Dublin
Hotel: The Grafton
St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College are both best visited in the morning before the day-trip coaches arrive. The Guinness Storehouse, with the panoramic bar on the top floor, rewards a late afternoon slot when the light on the city is at its best. The area around Grafton Street and the Little Museum of Dublin fills any remaining time without effort.
Day 3–5: Galway
Hotel: The Hardiman
The Cliffs of Moher excursion earns a full day — Doolin, the Burren, and the cliff path toward Hag's Head are all part of the same coastal experience. The Hardiman is on Eyre Square, well-placed for the Latin Quarter, the Spanish Arch, and the music venues along Quay Street that fill the evenings without any particular plan being required.
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Frequently asked questions – Dublin & Galway itinerary 5 days
May through September is the most popular time, with mild weather and long daylight hours. Spring and autumn offer a balance of good conditions and fewer crowds, while winter is quieter but comes with shorter days.
Expect to spend around $600–$1,000 per person, depending on hotel choice and activities. Staying in B&Bs keeps costs lower, while guided day tours or upscale dining increase the budget.
In Dublin, explore Trinity College, Dublin Castle, or enjoy live music in Temple Bar. From Galway, consider a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara National Park, or the Aran Islands for extra variety.
Focus on two bases instead of trying to cover more ground. Book accommodations in advance, pack for changing weather, and consider guided day tours to maximize limited time.
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