Temple Bar Pub: I have this on the list because it is an iconic spot and one of the most popular bars in Dublin. Get a full Ireland packing list here. But no worries. First, if you order a sandwich and it comes with this little black or white paddy inside with small, white speckles in it, thats called black pudding. Below, you can pick a 3 days in Ireland itinerary kicking off in Mayo based on trip speed, your fitness and how youll get around (we explain how to browse the itineraries in this graphic). 9 BEST Tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher 2023, Ultimate Ireland Packing List: 22 Important Items Youll Need, 9 BEST Rated Cliffs of Moher Tours from Dublin in 2023. When it comes to fish and chips, few other places in the world rival that of Ireland. The guides are knowledgeable and typically quite humorous too! This temple of all things Guinness is a hit with teens and adults alike. If you have more than three days in Dublin, consider adding a day trip to your Dublin itinerary. Ireland Itinerary 3 Weeks Dublin Kilkenny Cork Killarney Galway Derry Belfast Ireland Itinerary 4 Weeks All destinations plus 2 extra days to spend where you please Recommended Ireland Trip Itinerary Ireland tourism always includes Temple Bar in Dublin. It has a special ingredient in the dough called baking powder (carbonate), also known as sodium bicarbonate, that causes this homemade treat to rise into fluffy goodness with an appealing golden-brown crust when cooked on top of or under heat. Pro Tip: If you are planning on staying close to Dublin for your 10 days Ireland itinerary, check out these 20 ultimate day trips from Dublin! Your gang will thrill in wandering this abandoned facility, including the ominous death row, the eerie execution courtyard, and the grand cavernous Victorian-era room where you will be surrounded by jail cells. This is one of the best places in the city to take pictures and to watch the sunset. Day 1 - Arrive at 9:40, rent car and drive directly to Newgrange. From the stunning scenery to the charming cottages and cow fields, there is no better place to bring home an original piece of artwork to hang on your wall. Youve never experienced anything like the energy in Temple Bar. Also bring along a bottle of water, snacks, and waterproof jackets. Closing times change based on the season, but the cathedral opens at 9:30am Monday through Saturday and at 12:30pm on Sundays. Its tip is the westernmost point in Europe, and prior to the 16th. Consider popping into the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Dublin City Gallery, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, or the Science Gallery. Whether you are into history, literature, nature, music, clubbing, politics, food, or shopping, Dublin deliversbig time! If you follow our route from Belfast, youll: If youre spending 3 days in Ireland and youre arriving into the ferry terminal at Rosslare, weve plenty of itineraries ready for you. Below is a list of the average cost for everything from accommodations to car rentals, meals, and attractions. Once you arrive back on land, youll be transported onto a new train where they will take you to your final destination in Dublin. Once those decisions have been made, map out an itinerary with all of the key points included on it (i.e., dont forget hotels!). Learn how your comment data is processed. If you follow our route from Cork, youll see: Although there likely wont be a huge number of people looking for a 3 day Ireland itinerary that starts in Knock, we felt it important to include it as a start-point. Over your time in Ireland, youll have the chance to see Blarney Castle, the Wild Atlantic Way, major cities including Dublin, Galway, and Cork, both the Cliffs of Moher and the cliffs of Sligo, as well as spend an ample amount of time in each place. If you are looking for the perfect Ireland itinerary, start in Dublin and then add on time in Northern Ireland, Kilkenny, Waterford, . I suggest using Skyscanner to research the cheapest dates and times for your trip! Or, step back in time as you stroll the lush 22-acre St. Stephens Green (younger children will enjoy the duck pond). Dont go up to the bar and order anything in ounces. Always order your stouts first or youll hear about it from the bartender. They work with all the big car rental agencies in Ireland. Ireland's Ancient East Itinerary. Follow this three-day Dublin itinerary to launch your trip to Ireland. Simply click one of the start points below and you'll be taken to 3 days in Ireland itineraries that start at that location: Dublin Shannon Belfast Cork Rosslare Knock Donegal 3 days in Ireland from Dublin Ireland can be seen on an affordable budget, youll just have to be mindful of where you spend your money. So, do yourself a favor, and dont shorten your trip too much! Your trip to Dublin would not be complete without experiencing the fabulous live music scene. Photo left: The Irish Road Trip. Trains and buses run strict schedules so youll be limited on when you go to each place and how long you get in each place. Irish stew, made with beef and potatoes is a popular dish in Ireland. Hundreds of rural villages and towns boast quintessential Irish ambiance with their stray sheep and cows, stone-bordered grass fields, rock and clay cottages, and panoramic vistas. Weve split up the different itineraries to ones for those of you using a car and ones for those of you that arent. There are plenty of restaurants and shops on either side of the bridge where you can have a delicious lunch or dinner. As always, weve split the different itineraries up into sections for those of you with a car and for those without. Stepping into one of the narrow cold cells provides a glimpse into what it would have been like to be a prisoner. But that is what makes it so much fun! On our most recent visit to the Emerald Isle, we spent two days in the city center and one on a whirlwind day trip to the countryside and Belfast. We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. Each city has its own bus system, and Local Link runs a rural bus service for smaller towns and villages. Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery and National Monument located in Connemara, County Galway. This expansive nature preserve is found at the southwestern edge of Irelands Ring of Kerry. Its known for its local pubs, vibrant townhouses, fishing boats, and live music scene as well as the Cliffs of Moher which are located eight miles away from the center of town. Dublin abounds with boutiques, markets, and department stores. Ireland is a very popular destination for both local and foreign artists to come to work. Here youll find plenty of lively nightclubs, traditional Irish bars, unique shops, and interesting cafes. Sligo has beautiful, rocky scenery with lots of greenery. These are the absolute best items to buy on your trip to Ireland! As we mentioned in this graphic, our fast 3 days in Ireland itineraries are for those of you looking to explore as much as possible and who dontmind moving about a lot. Be wary when driving at night. All you need to do to find your perfect itinerary is read the section belowcarefully. Enjoy a few pints while listening to live Irish music! For those of you using public transport, the route isverydifferent due to Donegals poor public transport. Plus, a trip to Northern Ireland meant we got to visit two countries in one weekend! Unless you are very keen on seeing the city, we suggest avoiding the tourist traps and getting out into the countryside as quickly as possible. Backpacker 389 Economy 589 Choose a Date Choose Pickup Point Backpacker x 1 One of the benefits of starting from here is that youre kicking off your 3 days in Ireland a stones throw from some of the countrys most popular attractions. Dont get me wrong, there are endless pubs galore and you could live in Ireland for a year without drinking at the same bar twice, but dont forget to include pieces of the beautiful countryside on your 10 days Ireland itinerary. The Georgian townhouse has more than 5,000 artifacts spanning three floors. However, it is overhyped, packed with tourists, and over priced drinks. One of the coolest cities in Ireland, Cork, is a small town with an abundance of culture and character. But, if you have the option of renting a car, we highly recommend it since youll have a more authentic and flexible experience! Not matter the time you visit, be prepared to experience a variety of weather during your 3 days in Dublin. If you are planning on visiting ticketed attractions on your vacation to Dublin, Ireland in 3 days, then it may be wise to invest in a Dublin Pass. Its a quintessential Irish town with its quaint, windy roads and mountainous landscape. In the section below, weve popped in the most FAQs that weve received. For more accommodation options in Dublin check out Booking.com. All opinions are her own. Gawk at the architecturally grand Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, a high-end boutique shopping center housed in a grand Georgian townhouse. Leave the heels, short-shorts, and spaghetti-strap tank tops at home. We've put together a recommended Dublin itinerary to help you get the most out of your 3 days in Dublin. James Joyce fans, like my daughter, should drop into the historic Victorian-era Swenys Pharmacy, featured in Joyces Ulysses. Some days the pharmacy even hosts group Joyce readings! Things in Ireland dont always happen quickly and efficiently, but thats all part of the experience. In one whirlwind day, we set off to experience abest-of tour of the Irish countryside. Waterford Crystal is one of the worlds most sought-after luxury glassware companies. After your self-guided tour there are plenty of restaurants, bars, or cafes on-site for you to enjoy. Ireland Itinerary Day 3: Co. Clare You should arrive in Doolin by lunchtime if you leave Dingle early enough, as the drive takes a little over 3 hours via N21. Depending on your travel style, how much time you want to spend traveling around the country, where you want to go, what you want to see, and how long you dont mind being away from home, this answer could change drastically. This secluded coastal haven with only around 100 inhabitants during winter still manages to attract thousands of travelers every day who are drawn by natural wonders like limestone pinnacles or legendary places such as The Poulnabrone Portal Tomb. They are incredibly hospitable and offer the most amazing full Irish breakfast in the morning! You can use the audio guide available through their free app as well as a brochure on the State Apartments to act as your guide. Once your dinner is done, those of age should consider ending the night at the same restaurants uber-cool hidden speakeasy called The Blind Pig! I then share these custom-crafted itineraries to make travel planning easier for you! Tickets for a guided tour start around 20.00, but sometimes they offer discounted rates when you book on their website. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. Please check your entries and try again. After taking a peek at the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells, Irelands best-known cultural treasure and one of the worlds most famous medieval manuscripts, enter the highlight of the Trinity experience the Long Room of the Old Library. It goes towards Leopardstown and can get you to Trinity College/Grafton Street in around 30 minutes. The Aran Islands have been renowned for generations for their wool sweaters and scarves. Day 2: Donegal to Galway. It consists of meat like lamb or mutton along with root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and onions that are often accompanied by parsley sauce. If you are interested in history and culture, then Dublin is the place for you. Irish tradition dictates that the unique stitch patterns on each garment were passed down from mother to daughter, so every sweater tells a story about its wearers ancestors. Sites in Walking-distance in Dublin city centre Flying into Dublin there are many options to get you into the city centre (including the comfortable, reasonably priced and WiFi-equipped Aircoach ), and once there, it's easy to get around! Lastly, dont be rude. Other places to explore depending on your interests include the James Joyce Center, the Dublin Writers Museum, and the National Library of Ireland. We hope our suggested three-day tour itinerary provides just the right mix of vibrant city life, traditional and historic Ireland, and of course the stunning natural wonder our little island is so famous for. 3-day Irish tour; Cliffs of Moher and Slea Head Drive 3-day guided bus tour of Southern Ireland from Dublin. It was originally built during King Cormacs reign in approximately 1101 AD to serve as both his palace and Tipperary Countys cathedral church. Dublinia opens every day (with the exception of December 24-26) at 10:00am. This lovely seaside town has an abundance of pubs serving traditional Irish fare for lunch or dinner as well as many shops selling unique souvenirs like hand-woven Celtic jewelry. Now, you can opt to buy the handcrafted pottery mugs from the local shops (which I highly suggest as they are unparalleled), or if youre looking to stay on a tighter budget, there are plenty of souvenir shops that sell manufactured coffee mugs that are also quite nice. You can buy a sweater or other fashionable items made from the tweed, or if youre interested in creating your very own piece of clothing, the tweed is for sale at a variety of places in Ireland. My three days in Ireland itinerary ensured I could be back in London just in time for an England World Cup match! Tickets on-site are 9.00, but you can get them for less if you book online. After the tour head over to Irelands Harvard equivalent, the famed and picturesque Trinity College. It provides very little of what Ireland has to offer and can leave you with a bad taste in your mouth if you dont enjoy thousands of drunk adults and teenagers walking through the streets on any common Friday night. Ireland Itinerary 10 Days. Airbnb is also a good option, with tons beautiful vacation rentals in Dublin to choose from. 3-Day Ireland Itinerary: FLIGHT This 3-day Ireland itinerary starts off in Dublin (and eventually makes its way back to Dublin). If you are looking for the perfect Ireland itinerary, start in Dublin and then add on time in Northern Ireland, Kilkenny, Waterford, Killarney, and explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Learn some interesting history about the city and do a little bit of shopping on your second day in the Irish capital city. They truly care about your experience and invite you into their homes (b&bs) with open arms and full hearts! Its the oldest bar in Ireland that dates back to over a thousand years ago and is full of Irish charm. No matter what season you decide to visit Ireland (though I urge you to consider the shoulder seasons) these are the most important items to include on your packing list for Ireland. All Rights Reserved. Its settlement is placed on top of beautiful hills with lush vegetation and its surrounded by the beautiful Pollacapall Lough Lake. This is a common concern among travelers who are visiting Ireland for the first time. You can often order this kind of breakfast at most hotels and upscale accommodations as well as any breakfast restaurant. The glass and iron structure is topped by an impressive glass dome, and the orange brickwork gives it a historic feel while also blending it in with the surrounding Georgian and Victorian architecture. Hey, I'm Emily! Check rates, read reviews, and see photos on TripAdvisor. At the southernmost extremity of the Burren, Doolin is a world-renowned center for live Irish music, thanks to the town's many notable pubs. Purchase a 10-day Ireland road trip itinerary with 37 pages of day-by-day instructions, daily itineraries, tested tours, and maps! The 213-foot-long Long Room is the main chamber of the Old Library. This busy and trendy upscale Asian restaurant full of native Dubliners offers a fabulous menu and the most personable staff. January and February are typically the coldest months. I am often traveling the world or exploring nearby New England, both on my own o with my family. We have focused this article on the Republic of Ireland, but if youre looking to visit Belfast and the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland we highly suggest it! If your 3 day Ireland itinerary kicks-off in Knock, youre in luck Mayo is home to an endless number of adventure opportunities. Each and every day included driving multiple hours and jumping from one place to the next with little sleep in between. On Ireland's southwest coast, about a two-hour drive from Cork, the Dingle Peninsula stretches 30 miles into the Atlantic. The interior is absolutely stunning, with the highlight being the crypt, as its the largest in the country and the earliest surviving structure in the city. Yes, the country may be small, but it is packed full of incredible places! Their tours frequently sell out too. Then again, we dont mind traveling this way as backpackers, but for those looking for a relaxing vacation 7 days is a tight squeeze for Ireland. Scarves, sweaters, and gloves are the most common options and they are well worth the splurge. Its home to numerous sites of historic and natural interest including the Blasket Islands and stunning landscapes. It has beautiful open spaces and many local shops to visit. Our itineraries from Cork then take you around the coast, into Kerry and up towards Limerick before heading to Dublin and back to Cork. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If this doesnt scare you away, then we highly suggest renting a car! On top of the ultimate routes for your itinerary, I have also provided insider tips for visiting Ireland, the best foods to try, how to get around, where to stay, a full, downloadable packing list, great souvenir ideas, what to avoid, AND the best tours to go with if you plan on making a full-day trip to the Cliffs of Moher! My main focus is seeing Ireland's natural beauty and hiking; other interests include history and faerie folklore. Belfast is a great starting point for a road trip as you can explore the Antrim Coast before continuing on to Derry and Donegal. Youre best off following one of our itineraries in this guide. This Victorian park is one of Dublins largest at 22 acres. A lot of people start their 3 day Ireland itinerary from Shannon due to the convenience of flying into Shannon Airport. The charming town has a stunning cathedral and vibrant streets that are sure to keep you walking up and down its cobblestone streets for days on end. A solid mid-range option is Jurys Inn Dublin Christchurch, which puts you just opposite of Christ Church Cathedral and right near all the action. From there, youll need to arrange to take a bus or a private vehicle to get you to smaller towns. Kids (and adults!) Simply wander around campus or join the thirty-minute light-hearted tour, where a co-ed will keep you entertained while highlighting the schools history, neoclassical architecture, and countless legends. As you can see, we have 3 day Ireland itinerary guides that cover every angle we could think of. Along with the historical reenactments, youll have the opportunity to see a medieval view of this modern city, explore the life of a history hunter, and much more. The opening hours are from 10:00am 6:00pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 10:00am 7:00pm Friday and Saturday. . Ireland has very temperamental weather due to the Atlantic Oceans influence, however, overall it tends towards being milder than most of Europe during the winter months but colder than England in the summers. Once you leave the Little Museum of Dublin, youll get to Stephens Green Shopping Centre in less than five minutes. In addition to its vibrant scenery and charming streets, Cobh, also known as Queenstown in 1897, was the last port of call for the Titanic. Small, local shops scatter the country selling unique (and expensive) dish sets, vases, bowls, and almost anything else you can think of! It also goes by the name The Burren because it was once covered completely by limestone boulders and cliffs. 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