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Ireland Itinerary 5 Days: Giant's Causeway & The Wild Atlantic Way
6 Days
4 Stops
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Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertClonmacnoise en route to Galway is the stop most Ireland itineraries skip, and shouldn't: round towers, high crosses, and a Shannon bend backdrop that places early medieval Irish Christianity in a way no Dublin museum can. Giant's Causeway before the visitor center opens: basalt columns at dawn, the Atlantic below the headland, morning light on the hexagonal forms. For Galway, save a weeknight evening for the Shop Street and Quay Street music sessions built around musicians rather than audiences; that's where the distinction between performance and spontaneous tradition becomes clear.
Clonmacnoise en route to Galway is the stop most Ireland itineraries skip, and shouldn't: round towers, high crosses, and a Shannon bend backdrop that places early medieval Irish Christianity in a way no Dublin museum can. Giant's Causeway before the visitor center opens: basalt columns at dawn, the Atlantic below the headland, morning light on the hexagonal forms. For Galway, save a weeknight evening for the Shop Street and Quay Street music sessions built around musicians rather than audiences; that's where the distinction between performance and spontaneous tradition becomes clear.
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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 Morgan Hotel
With a stay at The Morgan Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Dublin, steps from Trinity College and within a 10-minute walk of Dublin Castle. This hotel is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Christ Church Cathedral and 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Make yourself at home in one of the 168 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and espresso makers. 40-inch Smart televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature rainfall showerheads and designer toiletries. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks.
Your activity
The Guinness Storehouse experience
The Guinness Storehouse Experience
A visit to the home of magical Guinness is a must on any tour of Dublin. Guinness Storehouse is Ireland's top tourist attraction in the heart of the Guinness Brewery at St James Gate. Housed in a former fermentation plant, the seven-story visitor center tells the story of the world-famous drink.
It's a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends at the Gravity Bar, where visitors can enjoy a free pint of Guinness and relax while enjoying the spectacular views over Dublin. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and enter the building's giant pint-shaped glass heart. As you make your way through the Guinness Storehouse, you'll discover how the Black Stuff is made - the ingredients, the processes, the passion.
Start Time: see voucher
Belfast
Day 3
Prepare to be surprised by Belfast, a dynamic city nestled at the mouth of the River Lagan! Here, you'll discover a captivating blend of Victorian shops, trendy eateries, and impressive architecture waiting to be explored. Immerse yourself in the city's thriving traditional music scene and its vibrant creative community. Don't miss top-notch museums like the Ulster Museum, beautifully situated within the lush Botanic Gardens. Belfast's rich culture and lively entertainment scene shine throughout the year, offering something for everyone. We highly recommend you explore the iconic Titanic Belfast, wander through the vibrant Cathedral Quarter with the magnificent St Anne's Cathedral, and experience the exceptional acoustics of the Waterfront Hall. Belfast is a captivating city brimming with culture, creativity, and remarkable attractions just waiting for your visit.
Titanic Hotel Belfast
With a stay at Titanic Hotel Belfast in Belfast (Titanic Quarter), you'll be steps from Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices and Titanic Belfast. This luxury hotel is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from The Great Light and 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from W5 Interactive Discovery Centre.
Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.
Make yourself at home in one of the 119 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Your activity
Malahide Castle and Gardens
Malahide Castle & Gardens
This isn't just a castle tour - it's a journey through 800 years of history. Learn about the Talbot family and the historical events that shaped their lives, explore the private rooms, furniture and art collections, and hear stories of battles and feasts from our passionate guides. Your castle tour ticket includes entry to the Botanic Gardens and the Butterfly House.
A brief history....
The original fort built on the site was a wooden fort, but this was later replaced by a stone structure on the site of the current Malahide Castle. Over the centuries, rooms and fortifications were added, altered and strengthened until the castle took on its present form.
The Talbots are said to have been a diplomatic family, and during the eight centuries between 1185 and the 1970s their rule at Malahide Castle was only interrupted for a brief interlude between 1649 and 1660, when their lands were confiscated by Cromwell's soldiers and the castle was seized by Myles Corbet, Lord Chief Baron of Ireland.
The last Baron de Malahide, Lord Milo Talbot, lived in the castle until his death in 1973. His sister Rose inherited the property and subsequently sold it to the Irish state in 1975. Since then, Malahide Castle has played an important role in Ireland's political and social landscape, hosting international heads of state and summits and welcoming thousands of visitors from home and abroad each year.
Start Time: Mon – Sun, 9:30 – 17:30
Londonderry
Day 4
Northern Ireland's city of Derry, also known as Londonderry, invites you to explore its compelling story, etched in both its eventful history and the impressive 17th-century city walls that still stand proud. As you walk these remarkably well-preserved fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll gain a tangible sense of the city's past. The warmth and pride of Derry's residents are sure to make you feel welcome in their unique city. Beyond the significant historical insights it offers, Derry also pulses with a vibrant culture, a lively blend of music and art just waiting to be discovered.
Bishop's Gate Hotel
With a stay at Bishop's Gate Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Londonderry, steps from Derry City Walls and Walled City. This luxury hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from The Masonic Hall and 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from St. Columb's Cathedral.
Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services. This hotel also features a fireplace in the lobby and a banquet hall.
Stay in one of 30 guestrooms featuring Smart televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature showers, designer toiletries, and hair dryers. Conveniences include complimentary bottled water and irons/ironing boards, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Your activity
Giant's Causeway Visitor Center
Giant's Causeway
The Giant's Causeway is one of Ireland's most treasured landmarks and Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 40,000 basalt columns, formed around 60 million years ago, testify to an important stage in the Earth's evolution....
Flanked by the wild Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's Causeway has inspired artists, stimulated scientific debates and captured the imagination of all who see it for centuries.
Visit Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn Hear how the Causeway came to be from one of our award-winning storytellers by booking visitor experience tickets. We offer guided tours every hour. Or you can take an audio guide and explore the mysteries of this landscape at your own pace, with information in 11 languages and options for all ages.
Start time - 9am
Galway
Day 5 - 6
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.
The Hardiman
With a stay at The Hardiman, you'll be centrally located in Galway, steps from Eyre Square and within a 10-minute walk of Galway Harbour. This luxury hotel is 0.5 mi (0.7 km) from Galway Bay and 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Galway City Museum.
Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and supervised childcare. The beach shuttle (surcharge) makes getting to the surf and sand a breeze.
Make yourself at home in one of the 97 individually decorated guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and electric kettles.
Your activity
Walking tour of Derry's city walls
Embark on a captivating half-day private tour of Derry in the company of a knowledgeable local driver guide who brings the city’s rich and complex history to life. As you travel through one of Northern Ireland’s most historic cities, you will discover the iconic Derry City Walls, remarkably preserved and offering insight into centuries of conflict, resilience, and cultural identity. Continue to the Bogside, where powerful murals tell the story of the city’s more recent past and its journey toward peace. The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Guildhall, a symbol of civic pride and architectural elegance at the heart of the city. To round off your experience, enjoy a leisurely stroll across the Peace Bridge, a modern landmark representing connection and reconciliation, while taking in scenic views of the River Foyle. This private tour can be fully customized to suit your interests, allowing you to explore Derry at your own pace and focus on the stories and sights that matter most to you.
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Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
26+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
12+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
7+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Dublin to Belfast, then along the northern coast to Derry, and west to Galway — the private driver handles the transitions, which means your attention can stay entirely on what's in front of you. The Giant's Causeway on day four is one of the most physically striking sites in Ireland and earns the northern detour on its own. The Clonmacnoise stop en route to Galway is the kind of addition that separates a good itinerary from a thoughtful one.
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A detail worth knowing about Derry: the full circuit of the city walls takes about an hour and is best done early in the morning before the tour groups arrive. The views over the Bogside are quieter then, and the experience is more reflective.
Day 1–2: Dublin
Hotel: Brooks Hotel
The Brooks Hotel is on Drury Street, within walking distance of Trinity College, Grafton Street, and Temple Bar. The Book of Kells at Trinity is worth an early arrival — the queue builds fast after 10 a.m. The Guinness Storehouse and the Malahide Castle visit fill the second day without over-packing it.
Day 3: Belfast
Hotel: The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
The Fitzwilliam Hotel is a well-regarded address in the city center. One night in Belfast works best as a foundation for the Titanic Quarter and the maritime heritage around it — the city's shipbuilding history is more compelling than most visitors expect, and the Titanic Belfast museum does it real justice.
Day 4: Londonderry (Derry)
Hotel: Bishop's Gate Hotel
The Bishop's Gate Hotel sits inside the old city walls — one of the most complete sets of intact walled fortifications in Europe. The Giant's Causeway on the coastal drive in is the day's centerpiece: 40,000 interlocking basalt columns at the edge of the Atlantic, formed by ancient volcanic activity, and genuinely unlike anything else on the island.
Day 5: Galway
Hotel: The Galmont Hotel & Spa
The drive from Derry to Galway with a stop at Clonmacnoise is a full and varied day. Clonmacnoise, on a bend of the Shannon River, is one of the most significant early Christian sites in Ireland and consistently missed by travelers taking the main western road. Galway itself is best explored on foot in the evening — the Latin Quarter, the Spanish Arch, and the waterfront all reward an unhurried walk.
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Frequently asked questions – Ireland itinerary 6 days
The ideal months are May through September, when the days are long and weather is mild for exploring. Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and lower prices, while winter is quieter but with shorter daylight.
On average, travelers spend between $750 and $1,200 per person, depending on accommodation, transport, and activities. Staying in B&Bs keeps costs down, while private tours and upscale hotels increase the budget.
Focus on one region or a compact route rather than the whole country. Combining Dublin with a west coast highlight such as Galway or the Cliffs of Moher works well. Planning travel times carefully helps maximize your days.
Alongside sightseeing, consider a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, hiking in Connemara, or enjoying traditional music in Dublin pubs. Outdoor activities and cultural experiences fit nicely into a 5-day schedule.
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