29 days in Ireland 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Bram Stoker's Castle Dracula Dublin and Loughcrew Cairns. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Drimnagh Castle and St. Mary's Church Haddington Road. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Dublin: Killiney Hill (in Killiney) and Causey Farm (in Navan). There's lots more to do: examine the collection at Windmill Lane Recording Studios, savor the flavors at Food & Drink, explore the world behind art at Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, and browse the collection at National Library of Ireland.

To find where to stay, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Dublin road trip planning website.

Charleston, USA to Dublin is an approximately 14-hour flight. You'll lose 5 hours traveling from Charleston to Dublin due to the time zone difference. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Charleston in December; daily highs in Dublin reach 10°C and lows reach 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Waterford.

Ireland's oldest city, Waterford maintains its small-town charm and attracts a growing number of travelers with its rich history, lively nightlife, and thriving festival scene.

You'll explore and learn at Bishop's Palace and Irish Museum Of Time. Your inner history buff will appreciate St. Aidan's Cathedral and William Vincent Wallace Plaza. Change things up with these side-trips from Waterford: Curracloe Beach (in Curracloe), The Twin Churches: Church of the Assumption and Church of the Immaculate Conception (in Wexford) and Mayfield Birds of Prey (in Kilmacthomas). There's lots more to do: see the interesting displays at King of the Vikings, admire the masterpieces at Ros Tapestry Exhibition Center, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, and stop by Hibernian Gifts.

For where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read our Waterford trip planner.

Traveling by car from Dublin to Waterford takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of train and taxi. In December, plan for daily highs up to 11°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) early enough to drive to Cork.

One of the country's major artistic and cultural centers, famed for its many annual festivals, Cork straddles the Lee River and boasts over 30 bridges.

Let the collections at Nano Nagle Place and The Gallery Kinsale capture your imagination. Camden Fort Meagher and St Colman’s Cathedral will appeal to history buffs. Get out of town with these interesting Cork side-trips: Kinsale (Kinsale Pottery and Arts Centre & St Multose Church). Next up on the itinerary: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, stop by Wild Design Cork, and contemplate the long history of Old Cork Waterworks Experience.

For maps, photos, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Cork trip itinerary maker app.

You can drive from Waterford to Cork in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Cork can reach 10°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Bantry.

Bantry is a town in the civil parish of Kilmocomoge in the barony of Bantry on the coast of West County Cork, Ireland. For shopping fun, head to Bantry Market or Issie's Handmade Chocolate. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Bantry Bay Charters and Glengariff Woods. Change things up with these side-trips from Bantry: The Sheeps Head Way (in Kilcrohane), Dzogchen Beara Daily Meditation Classes (in Allihies) and Rosscarbery (Warren Beach & Owenahincha Beach). There's lots more to do: brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Clonakilty Distillery, identify plant and animal life at Glengarriff Nature Reserve, take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, and make a trip to Kealkill Megalithic Stone Circle and Standing Stones.

To find traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Bantry tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Cork to Bantry in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 10°C in January, and nighttime lows around 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Caherdaniel.

Caherdaniel is a village in County Kerry, Ireland, located on the Iveragh peninsula on the Ring of Kerry. Start off your visit on the 6th (Fri): trek along Irish Fairy Trails, then step off the mainland to explore Abbey Island, then discover the deep blue sea with Sea Synergy Marine Awareness and Activity Centre, and finally look for gifts at Skellig Gift Store. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: kick back and relax at Ballinskelligs Beach, step into the grandiose world of McCarthy Mor Tower House - Ballinskellig Castle, then stroll the grounds of Ballinskelligs Abbey, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Waterville Beach.

To find more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Caherdaniel trip itinerary website.

Traveling by car from Bantry to Caherdaniel takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 10°C in January, and nighttime lows around 5°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can go by car to Dingle.

Located on Ireland's western coastline, Dingle sits between scenic mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Visit Minard Castle and Riasc for their historical value. Let the collections at Harry Clarke Stained Glass Windows and Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse & Jail Museum capture your imagination. Venture out of the city with trips to Listowel (Kerry Writer's Museum & Listowel Military Museum), St. John's Church (in Tralee) and Glanteenassig Wood (in Castlegregory). Next up on the itinerary: explore the wide array of goods at Strand House Cafe, browse the exhibits of Greenlane Gallery, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Mary's Church.

For photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Dingle trip planner.

Traveling by car from Caherdaniel to Dingle takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In January, plan for daily highs up to 10°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) to allow time to travel to Clifden.

The town of Clifden represents a beloved Victorian style and is known for its position along County Galway's coast.

Get outdoors at Aillebrack Green Coast Beach and Mannin Bay Blueway. Step off the beaten path and head to Connemara Seaweed Baths and Whitethorn Gallery. Get out of town with these interesting Clifden side-trips: Coral Strand (Tra an Doilin) (in Carraroe), Loch Measc Distillery (in Tourmakeady) and Cong (The Cong Heritage Trail & Abbaye de Cong). Next up on the itinerary: view the masterpieces at Roundstone Ceramics, explore the galleries of Lavelle Art Gallery, and stop by Connemara Blue.

To find more things to do, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Clifden tour itinerary planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Dingle to Clifden. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) so you can go by car to Achill Island.

Dramatic rocky cliffs, rolling green hills, and a meandering coastline buffeted by a wild ocean make a trip to Achill Island one of the best opportunities to snapping memorable photos of classic Irish landscapes.

Popular historic sites such as Deserted Village and Sli Grainne Mhaol are in your itinerary. Escape the urban bustle at Keel Beach and Woodland Faerie Trail. Explore Achill Island's surroundings by going to County Mayo Library (in Castlebar) and Newport (Newport Church & Rockfleet / Carraigahowley Castle). And it doesn't end there: view the masterpieces at Ronan Halpin Gallery, enjoy the sand and surf at Mulranny Strand, stop by Alt na Croi Pottery, and get engrossed in the history at Achill Heritage Centre.

To find reviews, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Achill Island trip builder tool.

Drive from Clifden to Achill Island in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January, daytime highs in Achill Island are 7°C, while nighttime lows are 2°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can travel back home.