41 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Guinness Storehouse and 14 Henrietta Street. Let the collections at Kilmainham Gaol Museum and Chester Beatty capture your imagination. Go for a jaunt from Dublin to Malahide to see Malahide Castle about 34 minutes away. There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of Dublinia, examine the collection at National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, see where the action happens at Croke Park Stadium Tour & GAA Museum, and take a stroll through Temple Bar.

For traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read Dublin trip planning site.

Kalamazoo, USA to Dublin is an approximately 16-hour flight. Traveling from Kalamazoo to Dublin, you'll lose 5 hours due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Kalamazoo in April, plan for a bit cooler days in Dublin, with highs around 53°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can drive to Vale of Glendalough.

If you're seeking a view of Ireland's sweeping scenery, visit the rugged and romantic Vale of Glendalough, a glacial valley known for its medieval monastic settlement.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Sat): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Wicklow Mountains National Park. On the 9th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the long history of The Mill Store, Cafe & Visitor Centre, steep yourself in history at Glendalough Cathedral, and then do a tasting at Wicklow Way Wines.

Plan my day in Vale of Glendalough using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Klarna Trips.

You can drive from Dublin to Vale of Glendalough in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In April in Vale of Glendalough, expect temperatures between 54°F during the day and 38°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) so you can go by car to Kilkenny.

The country's smallest city in terms of population, Kilkenny boasts a rich cultural heritage and diverse tourist attractions that include well-preserved medieval architecture, exciting nightlife, a vibrant culinary scene, and abundant shopping opportunities.

Get in touch with nature at Castlecomer Discovery Park and Rock of Dunamase. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Cahir Castle and Hore Abbey. Change things up with a short trip to Rock of Cashel in Cashel (about 56 minutes away). There's still lots to do: get a new perspective on nature at Medieval Mile Museum, explore the historical opulence of Kilkenny Castle, get a dose of the wild on Hawkeye School of Falconry, and indulge your thirst for a good beer at Smithwick's Experience.

For other places to visit and more tourist information, refer to the Kilkenny trip planner.

You can drive from Vale of Glendalough to Kilkenny in 1.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. In April in Kilkenny, expect temperatures between 54°F during the day and 43°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can catch the bus 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Hook Lighthouse and Tintern Abbey. Popular historic sites such as Reginald's Tower and Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity are in your itinerary. Explore Waterford's surroundings by going to Enniscorthy Castle (in Enniscorthy), Mayfield Birds of Prey (in Kilmacthomas) and Curracloe Beach (in Curracloe). And it doesn't end there: explore the landscape on two wheels at Waterford Greenway, see the interesting displays at Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum, walk around Irish National Heritage Park, and don't miss a visit to Viking Sword & Longboat.

For where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Waterford road trip planning tool.

Take a bus from Kilkenny to Waterford in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In April in Waterford, expect temperatures between 54°F during the day and 43°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can drive to Cobh.

Although Cobh played a major role in the story of Irish emigration to America, most people know it as the final port of call for the ill-fated Titanic.

Get outdoors at Fota Wildlife Park and Spike Island. Do some cultural sightseeing at Titanic Experience Cobh and Old Church Cemetery. Explore Cobh's surroundings by going to Ballycotton Cliff Walk (in Ballycotton) and Birds of Prey Educational Centre (in Midleton). There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Cobh Cathedral, appreciate the history behind Lusitania Memorial, contemplate the long history of Titanic Memorial Garden, and deepen your knowledge of military history at Haulbowline Island.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Cobh tour itinerary builder website.

Traveling by car from Waterford to Cobh takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In April, daytime highs in Cobh are 52°F, while nighttime lows are 40°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Killarney.

Continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period, Killarney draws visitors with its picturesque natural scenery, fine restaurants, and traditional pubs.

Step off the beaten path and head to Gap of Dunloe and Climbing Tours. Popular historic sites such as Ross Castle and Charles Fort are in your itinerary. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Killarney: Cork City Gaol (in Cork), Ballinspittle (in Kinsale) and Blarney Castle & Gardens (in Blarney). Spend the 19th (Wed) exploring nature at Killarney National Park. There's much more to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Killarney Falconry, hike along The Kerry Way, steep yourself in history at Muckross Abbey, and take in the pleasant sights at Muckross House.

For more things to do, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Killarney route tool.

You can drive from Cobh to Killarney in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. April in Killarney sees daily highs of 56°F and lows of 42°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) early enough to go by car to Dingle.

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

Visiting Slea Head Drive and Conor Pass will get you outdoors. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Dolphin & Whale Watching and Gallarus Oratory. Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Inch Beach, meet the residents at Dingle Oceanworld, cruise along Dingle Peninsula, and trot along with a tour on horseback.

To see other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Dingle tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Killarney to Dingle takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In April, daytime highs in Dingle are 56°F, while nighttime lows are 42°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive 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.

King John's Castle and Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Escape the urban bustle at Wild Atlantic Way and Cliffs of Moher. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Galway: Lahinch Beach (in Lahinch), Ballyvaughan (Burren Birds of Prey Centre & Aillwee Cave) and Doreen Drennan Art Studio, Garden & Lodge. (in Lisdoonvarna). And it doesn't end there: appreciate the extensive heritage of Salthill Promenade, examine the collection at Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre, step into the grandiose world of Aughnanure Castle, and admire the striking features of Galway Cathedral.

For traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Galway itinerary maker site.

Getting from Dingle to Galway by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. When traveling from Dingle in April, plan for slightly colder days in Galway, with highs around 51°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 38°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) so you can drive to Clifden.

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

Visit Coral Strand (Tra an Doilin) and Roundstone Bay for some beach relaxation. Get in touch with nature at Dog's Bay Beach and Aillebrack Green Coast Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Clifden: Scubadive West (in Renvyle), Leenane (Glassilaun Beach & Killary Sheep Farm) and Silver Strand (in Louisburgh). There's still lots to do: admire the natural beauty at Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, play a few rounds at Connemara Championship Golf Links, explore the striking landscape at Diamond Hill, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Lettergesh Beach.

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

Drive from Galway to Clifden in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Wed) 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.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Thu): delve into the distant past at Dun Eochla, then see some colorful creatures with Dive Academy - Scuba Diving School, then delve into the distant past at Dun Aonghasa, and finally don't miss a visit to Teampall Chiarain. Here are some ideas for day two: kick back and relax at Kilmurvey Beach, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Na Seacht Teampaill (The Seven Churches), explore the ancient world of Dun Eoghanachta, then explore the ancient world of Dun Duchathair, and finally let the kids burn off some steam at Inishmore Playground.

For photos, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Inishmore trip itinerary planning website.

You can do a combination of taxi and ferry from Clifden to Inishmore in 2.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of bus, taxi, and ferry. In May, plan for daily highs up to 60°F, and evening lows to 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Westport.

Renowned for its Georgian architecture, Westport sits in the shadows of Croagh Patrick, considered the holiest mountain in Ireland.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Sat): see the interesting displays at Michael Davitt Museum, take an in-depth tour of National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, then steep yourself in history at Jacks Old Cottage, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Croagh Patrick, and finally explore by horseback at Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre. On the 7th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: enjoy the sand and surf at Keel Beach, cruise along Atlantic Drive, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Westport House, and finally grab your bike and head to The Great Western Greenway.

To find maps, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Westport online journey builder.

You can do a combination of ferry and taxi from Inishmore to Westport in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry, taxi, and bus. In May, daytime highs in Westport are 56°F, while nighttime lows are 44°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Sligo.

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

Glenveagh Castle and Rathcroghan Royal Site & Visitor Centre will appeal to history buffs. Explore hidden gems such as Eagles Flying and Glenveagh National Park. Get out of town with these interesting Sligo side-trips: Donegal Town (Church of Ireland & Donegal Castle) and Kinnegar Brewing (in Letterkenny). Next up on the itinerary: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Benbulben, stroll the grounds of Yeats's Grave, admire the masterpieces at Sligo County Museum and Niland Gallery, and make a trip to Knocknarea.

For more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Sligo trip itinerary builder app.

You can drive from Westport to Sligo in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Sligo when traveling from Westport in May, with lows around 50°F. You'll set off for home on the 12th (Fri).