12 days in Ireland, Portrush & Belfast Itinerary

A history spanning over a thousand years, vibrant nightlife, and a mix of Georgian and modern architecture make Dublin a popular European tourist destination.

For more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Dublin driving holiday planner.

Washington, USA to Dublin is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is 5 hours. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Washington in July; daily highs in Dublin reach 68°F and lows reach 51°F. On the 6th (Thu), you'll travel to Doolin.

A world-famous center of traditional Irish music, Doolin occupies a dramatic location on Ireland's windblown Atlantic coast.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Dun Aonghasa as well as Doolin2Aran Ferries. And it doesn't end there: take some stellar pictures from Cliffs of Moher, take in the dramatic natural features at The Burren, take in the waterfront at Doolin Pier, and hike along Clare Coastal Walk Project.

To see ratings, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Doolin vacation builder app.

Traveling by car from Dublin to Doolin takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Doolin can reach 67°F, while at night they dip to 54°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can go by car to Galway.

A major hub for visitors exploring Ireland's western regions, Galway serves as a city of art and culture, renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals.

Your day by day itinerary now includes JT Equestrian. Kick off your visit on the 9th (Sun): pick up some new knowledge with JT Equestrian, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Galway Cathedral, and then make a trip to Quay Street.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Galway day trip website.

Getting from Doolin to Galway by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Galway are 63°F, while nighttime lows are 51°F. On the 10th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Sligo.

Despite its small size, Sligo serves as a major center of culture, commerce, and entertainment in the northwestern section of Ireland.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Thomas Connolly Sligo. Kick off your visit on the 10th (Mon): get a taste of local nightlife at Thomas Connolly Sligo.

To find traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Sligo itinerary planner.

Drive from Galway to Sligo in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. July in Sligo sees daily highs of 62°F and lows of 56°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) so you can drive to Portrush.

Portrush is a small seaside resort town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, on the County Londonderry border. Your day by day itinerary now includes Bushmills Distillery as well as Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. On the 11th (Tue), get behind the scenes with Giants Causeway Tours, step into the grandiose world of Dunluce Castle, and then brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Bushmills Distillery.

To find traveler tips, reviews, photos, and tourist information, read Portrush tour builder tool.

Getting from Sligo to Portrush by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 66°F in July, and nighttime lows around 56°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 12th (Wed) to allow time for the car ride to Belfast.

A city with character, Belfast remains a great place for a leisurely exploration, as it is still relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists, who usually opt to visit Dublin instead.

On the 12th (Wed), admire the sheer force of Gleno Waterfall.

To find reviews, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Belfast trip planner.

Getting from Portrush to Belfast by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 55°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Dublin.

You've now added Newgrange to your itinerary. See some other sides of Dublin: wander the streets of Temple Bar, make a trip to Merrion Square, stroll around Phoenix Park, and catch a live event at Croke Park Stadium Tour & GAA Museum.

For photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Dublin online vacation planner.

You can drive from Belfast to Dublin in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. On the 16th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.