17 days in Ireland Itinerary

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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Galway: Irish Crafts - Doolin (in Doolin), Burren National Park (in Corofin) and Cliffs of Moher (in Liscannor). There's lots more to do: explore the historical opulence of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, stroll through Eyre Square, contemplate the long history of Galway Arts Centre, and kick back and relax at Salthill Beaches.

To find photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Galway trip planner.

Brussels, Belgium to Galway is an approximately 9.5-hour combination of flight and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Brussels to Galway. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Brussels in July; daily highs in Galway reach 20°C and lows reach 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Cork: Charles Fort (in Kinsale) and Gougane Barra National Forest Park (in Gougane Barra). The adventure continues: step into the grandiose world of Blarney Castle & Gardens, gain insight at University College Cork (UCC), look for gifts at Kinsale Silver, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Cobh Cathedral.

For traveler tips, maps, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Cork driving holiday planner.

Drive from Galway to Cork in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of taxi and train. In July in Cork, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) to allow time to drive 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Kilkenny: Ferns Castle (in Ferns), Tintern Abbey (in Wexford) and The National 1798 Rebellion Centre (in Enniscorthy). There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Kilkenny Castle, walk around Irish National Heritage Park, get outside with Go With The Flow - River Adventures, and enjoy the sand and surf at Curracloe Beach.

For other places to visit, photos, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Kilkenny day trip tool.

Drive from Cork to Kilkenny in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. July in Kilkenny sees daily highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Tue) so you can drive 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.

Dublin is known for museums, nightlife, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: examine the collection at Kilmainham Gaol Museum, walk around St Stephens Green, get your bearings at The Book of Kells and the Old Library Exhibition, and ponder the world of politics at Dublin Castle.

To find traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Dublin vacation planner.

You can drive from Kilkenny to Dublin in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Kilkenny in July since evenings lows in Dublin dip to 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.