Planning a trip to southern Ireland? This ultimate travel itinerary will give you the best places to eat and top places to see!
Getting around southern Ireland is super easy. Rent a car and travel easily between stops. This also gives you the freedom of time. If you wish to stay longer in a certain area, no need to rush. Another great way is a guided tour. Rabbies has some fantastic southern tours! It is the perfect way to see all the major highlights and a little more through a local guide!
Day 1
Start the day by traveling from Dublin, to County Galway. Located on the shores of Galway Bay is the picturesque Dunguaire Castle. Built in 1520, you can experience the castle through a self-guided tour. If your time is flexible, stay for a banquet! In the tradition of the medieval ‘King Guaire,’ you are welcomed to savor a delicious four-course dinner. Enjoy fine wines, stories, and excerpts selected to lift the soul and lighten the heart. (7.50 Euro for the castle tour and 63 Euro for the banquet)).
One of the most popular sights in Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher. If you are lucky enough to get a clear day, the cliffs are jaw-dropping. Sunsets here are a mix of pinks, purples, and reds. From the visitor center, you can follow the Doolin Trail to O’Brian’s Tower. If you are up for the walk, Try Hag’s Head or the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. It is free to enter the walkways to the Cliffs, however, you will have to pay for parking (around 6 Euros).
Stay in Limerick
If you are looking for a B&B, check out Courtbrack Accommodation. Serving as student accommodation during the school year, the red-brick building is open to visitors in the summer. Includes laundry, continental breakfast, and wifi! If you are looking for a hotel stay, treat yourself to the No 1 Pery Square Hotel. Choose between their elegant club rooms or their classic period rooms.
Limerick is full of spots for the “Foodie” traveler. Focusing on Irish produce, Limerick has a thriving street food scene. Check out the local market, held every Wednesday. Or visit during their Food Truck Festival. A few other places to try are Azur (for a fancy night out), Hook and Ladder (for a relaxing dinner), or Curragower Bar (for an authentic Irish pub experience).
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It is essential you bring a rain jacket to Ireland. You should always have it handy for those unexpected Irish rain showers. My favorite rain jacket is the Venture from North Face.
Day 2
As you make your way through the Wild Atlantic Way, make your way to one of the highlights The Dingle Peninsula – Ireland’s most western point! Ancient landscapes, prehistoric rings, crosses, and holy wells, you will not want to miss this! Start by driving through Conor Pass. The views from the road are breathtaking, with a glaciated landscape of mountains, corrie lakes, and a broad sweeping valley spread out below. There are some very narrow sections where two cars cannot pass, so drivers need to keep their eyes peeled when driving and be ready to stop at the wider sections.
As you continue on to Slea Head, you will find The Fahan Beehive Huts. Comprised of 18 standing clochans (beehive huts). There are also inscribed stones, sculptured crosses, and earthen ring forts. The exact age of the houses is uncertain, and different theories date them anywhere from the eighth to 12th centuries AD. It’s likely hermit monks and followers of Saint Peter once lived in them, though pagans may have also called some of the cone-shaped structures home even earlier.
If you are up for an adventure visit the Great Blasket Islands. These stunning islands are renowned for their magnificent beauty and rugged wildness – seals, whales, and dolphins; puffins and an array of sea birds; the “Cathedral Rocks” of Inis na Bró; the most westerly lighthouse of Ireland – An Tiaracht; and our famous “Sleeping Giant”, An Fear Marbh (Inis Tuaisceart). Book a tour today!
Stay in Dingle
Check out Pax House for an outstanding B&B stay. Glass framed terrace and breakfast incorporate produce grown in its own garden, it is a treat to stay here! An ocean-like swimming pool, spa, and hot door hot tub are just some of the features of the Dingle Skellig Hotel. You will not regret booking a room for the night (or two).
Seafood is what stands out when dining in Dingle. Restaurants, cafes, and pubs – no matter what you choose, it will be delicious! Check out Chowder for an excellent lunch menu! Idas is a must-visit for an authentic Dingle cuisine experience! Finish off at Murphy’s for some sublime ice cream cones!
Day 3
On your final day in Southern Ireland, discover the Ring of Kerry. Windswept beaches, Atlantic waves, cliffs, and islands, not to mention the mountains and glinting loughs that can be seen as you journey around the Iveragh Peninsula. Valentia Island is a scenic highlight on the Kerry Ring. Some of it is accessible by boat, however, you can reach Valentia by a short bridge. (Or a summer car-ferry service). Shop, visit the Glanleam House and gardens, or take a cruise around the Skellig Islands.
One of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions is Blarney Castle. Visit the impressive 16-century tower, and gorgeous grounds! Make the ascent to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the Gift of Gab. (The climb is steep, and the stairs can be claustrophobic). But all is forgotten once you admire the stunning view as you descend the tower. I highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance as this is a popular tour bus stop. (Opens at 9 am and 8 Euros per person).
Stay in Cork
The Auburn House is the perfect B&B stay. With a warm family feel, you will feel right at home in your room with sweeping views of the city. The Imperial Hotel is a stunning 130-bedroom stay. Including a luxurious spa, a digital music library, and marble flooring is just a taste of how elaborate this space is.
The food scene in Cork is reason enough to visit. Cork Coffee Roaster is a perfect way to start the day! Fenn’s Quay is a great place to visit any time of day. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner this hidden gem serves the best local produce.
From Cork, you can make your way back to Dublin or head north for more adventures!
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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