Route Overview
A complete loop around Ireland visiting major cities, coastal attractions, and cultural sites.
Suggested Timeline
- Minimum: 10-14 days for full loop
- Comfortable: 3 weeks for relaxed pace
- By Section: 2-4 days per major region
Northern Coast
Giant's Causeway
- UNESCO World Heritage site
- Unique hexagonal basalt columns
- Best visited early morning or late afternoon
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Thrilling rope bridge experience
- Stunning coastal views
- Book tickets in advance for summer
Dark Hedges
- Game of Thrones filming location
- Iconic beech tree tunnel
- Visit early morning for photos
Dublin - One Day Itinerary
Daily Schedule
9:00 AM
Trinity College & Book of Kells
12:00 PM
Dublin Castle
1:00 PM
Lunch at Temple Bar
2:30 PM
Guinness Storehouse OR Kilmainham Gaol
5:00 PM
St. Stephen's Green & Grafton Street
6:30 PM
Dinner & Traditional Music
Key Attractions
Trinity College & Book of Kells
- Book online in advance (€26 adults)
- Allow 1.5 hours for full experience
- 9th-century illuminated manuscript
- Stunning Long Room Library
Dining Options
- Gallagher's Boxty House - Traditional Irish boxty
- The Brazen Head - Ireland's oldest pub (1198)
- Chapter One - Michelin-starred dining
- The Winding Stair - Riverside location
Howth (Dublin Day Trip)
Getting There
Take the DART train from Dublin (30 minutes) - most comfortable and scenic option
Cliff Walk
- Spectacular coastal trail
- Allow 2-3 hours for full loop
- Multiple difficulty levels available
Top Seafood Restaurants
- King Sitric Seafood Bar - Fine seafood since 1971
- Aqua Restaurant - End of West Pier with harbor views
- Octopussy's Seafood Tapas - Fresh daily catch
- The Brass Monkey - Seafood tapas
- Beshoff Bros - Famous fish & chips
Cork City
Must-Visit Attractions
- English Market - Historic market since 1788
- Blarney Castle - Kiss the famous stone (15 mins from city)
- Cork City Gaol - Victorian prison museum
- St. Fin Barre's Cathedral - Gothic architecture
- Nano Nagle Place - Restored convent and gardens
English Market Highlights
- Farmgate Café - Traditional dishes upstairs
- Alternative Bread Company - Artisan breads
- O'Flynn's Gourmet Sausages - Local specialties
Nearby Day Trips
- Kinsale (30 mins) - Historic port town
- Cobh - Titanic's last port of call
- Midleton - Jameson Distillery Experience
Limerick
Milk Market
Historic farmer's market serving since 1852
Market Schedule
Friday
Outdoor café 11am-3pm
Saturday
Famous Food Market 8am-3pm (main day)
Sunday
Outdoor café 11am-3pm, regular fairs
Notable Vendors
- Country Choice - Local produce
- Alternative Bread Company - Artisan breads
- Green Saffron - Spices and Indian food
- The Soupermarket - Fresh soups
- Bon-Appétit Crêperie - French crepes
Location
Cornmarket Row, Limerick City
Parking: Denmark Street and Michael Street car parks
Aran Islands
Ferry Options
From Doolin (County Clare)
- Doolin Ferry Co. - 15 min to Inis Oírr, 35 min to Inis Mór
- Can combine with Cliffs of Moher cruise
- March-November operation
- €18-45 return depending on island
From Galway
- Aran Island Ferries
- Rossaveel (40 min) or Galway City (90 min)
- Year-round from Rossaveel
- Parking €7/day at Rossaveel
Which Island to Choose?
- Inis Mór (largest) - Most amenities, Dún Aonghasa fort
- Inis Meáin (middle) - Quietest, most traditional
- Inis Oírr (smallest) - Relaxed atmosphere, Plassey Shipwreck
On the Islands
- Bike rental available at all ports
- Minibus tours with local guides
- Traditional pony & trap rides
- Multiple restaurants in Kilronan (Inis Mór)
- Aran Sweater Market for authentic knitwear
Galway City
Attractions
- Latin Quarter - Medieval streets
- Spanish Arch - 16th century landmark
- Galway Cathedral - Impressive architecture
- Salthill Promenade - Seaside walk
Dining
- Kai Restaurant - Farm-to-table cuisine
- Ard Bia at Nimmos - Riverside location
- McDonagh's - Traditional fish & chips
- The Dough Bros - Award-winning pizza
Travel Tips
Transportation
- Rental car recommended for flexibility
- Drive on the left side
- Many narrow roads in rural areas
- GPS essential for navigation
Weather
- Pack layers and rain gear
- Weather changes quickly
- Summer (June-August) busiest season
Booking
- Book accommodations in advance
- Restaurant reservations recommended
- Some attractions require advance tickets
Useful Irish Phrases
- Dia dhuit (DEE-ah gwit) - Hello
- Slán (slawn) - Goodbye
- Go raibh maith agat (guh rev mah a-gut) - Thank you
- Sláinte (SLAWN-che) - Cheers!