40 days in Ireland, Bushmills & Belfast Itinerary

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

Explore hidden gems such as Kilfenora Cathedral & Crosses and Burren way. There's lots more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Cliffs of Moher, learn the secrets of beer at Ollie's Tours - Doolin, admire the natural beauty at Doolin Garden and Nursery, and take in the waterfront at Doolin Pier.

To see where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Doolin trip planner.

Tampa, USA to Doolin is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is 5 hours. Expect cooler temperatures when traveling from Tampa in August; daily highs in Doolin reach 65°F and lows reach 54°F. On the 20th (Sun), you're off 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.

Museum-lovers will get to explore Michael Davitt Museum and James Mitchell Geology Museum. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to The Irish Workhouse Centre and Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church. Change things up with these side-trips from Galway: Knock Museum (in Knock), Royal Abbey of Cong (in Cong) and Portumna Castle (in Portumna). The adventure continues: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, learn insider's secrets on a distillery tour, and examine the collection at The Galway Fisheries Watchtower Museum.

To find more things to do, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Galway trip planner.

Drive from Doolin to Galway in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. August in Galway sees daily highs of 62°F and lows of 51°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sun) so you can travel to Inishmore.

Inishmore represents the largest of the Aran Islands and has a strong commitment to maintaining the Irish language, culture, and ancient attractions.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Dun Aonghasa and Na Seacht Teampaill (The Seven Churches). Your inner history buff will appreciate Dun Duchathair and Dun Eoghanachta. There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Kilmurvey Beach, stop by Lia Arann, discover the deep blue sea with Dive Academy - Scuba Diving School, and make a trip to Teampall Bhean'in.

To find reviews, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, go to the Inishmore trip maker tool.

Getting from Galway to Inishmore by combination of bus and ferry takes about 3.5 hours. In August, daily temperatures in Inishmore can reach 65°F, while at night they dip to 54°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can travel to Sligo.

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

Visit Donegal Castle and Creevykeel Court Tomb for their historical value. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Strandhill Beach and Ross Beach. Explore Sligo's surroundings by going to Spas (in Bundoran), Ballina (Connacht Whiskey Company & St. Muredach's Cathedral) and Rossnowlagh Beach (in Rossnowlagh). There's still lots to do: stroll through Dunmoran Strand, stop by Liber, take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and steep yourself in history at The High Cross.

To find photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Sligo route planner.

Traveling by combination of ferry and bus from Inishmore to Sligo takes 6 hours. In August, plan for daily highs up to 62°F, and evening lows to 55°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Mon) early enough to drive to Bushmills.

Bushmills is a village on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Get some historical perspective at Downhill Demesne & Hezlett House and Lissanduff Earthworks. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Causeway Coastal Route and Ballycastle Beach. There's lots more to do: brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Bushmills Distillery, explore the ancient world of Dunseverick Castle, kick back and relax at East Strand, and stroll through Portrush West Strand.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Bushmills using our trip planner.

Traveling by car from Sligo to Bushmills takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In September, daily temperatures in Bushmills can reach 62°F, while at night they dip to 53°F. On the 9th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive 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.

Popular historic sites such as Springhill House and Crumlin Road Gaol are in your itinerary. You'll discover tucked-away gems like SS Nomadic and HMS Caroline. Change things up with these side-trips from Belfast: Downpatrick (The Saint Patrick Centre, Down County Museum, &more) and Seamus Heaney HomePlace (in Bellaghy). The adventure continues: examine the collection at Titanic Belfast, gain a rich perspective with a tour of cultural highlights, learn about all things military at Northern Ireland War Memorial, and take in the pleasant sights at Grey Point Fort.

For more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Belfast trip maker tool.

Drive from Bushmills to Belfast in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In September in Belfast, expect temperatures between 62°F during the day and 52°F at night. On the 16th (Sat), you're off to Dublin.

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

Let the collections at Guinness Storehouse and Chester Beatty capture your imagination. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Kilmainham Gaol Museum and Dublinia. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Dublin: Duleek Abbey (in Duleek), Bray Head (in Bray) and Donore (Bru na Boinne & Newgrange). The adventure continues: take an in-depth tour of The Jeanie Johnston: An Irish Famine Story, examine the collection at Croke Park Stadium Tour & GAA Museum, explore the world behind art at Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, and explore the galleries of 14 Henrietta Street.

For more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Dublin trip maker website.

Traveling by car from Belfast to Dublin takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In September in Dublin, expect temperatures between 62°F during the day and 48°F at night. You will have some time to spend on the 23rd (Sat) before leaving for home.