21 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.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sun): walk around Phoenix Park and then explore the galleries of Kilmainham Gaol Museum.

To find other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Dublin tour itinerary planner.

San Francisco, USA to Dublin is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. You'll lose 8 hours traveling from San Francisco to Dublin due to the time zone difference. Traveling from San Francisco in January, things will get slightly colder in Dublin: highs are around 46°F and lows about 36°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sun) 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've now added University College Cork (UCC) to your itinerary. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Fota Wildlife Park and Inchydoney Beach. Your inner history buff will appreciate Cobh Cathedral and Cork City Gaol. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Cork: Ballynamona Beach (in Midleton), Titanic Experience Cobh (in Cobh) and Kinsale (Charles Fort, Kinsale Pottery and Arts Centre, &more).

To find ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Cork itinerary maker app.

Traveling by car from Dublin to Cork takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 47°F, and evening lows to 37°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Killarney.

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

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Banna Strand and Kerry County Museum. Visiting Garinish Island and Gougane Barra National Forest Park will get you outdoors. Change things up with these side-trips from Killarney: Molly Gallivan's Cottage & Traditional Farm (in Kenmare) and Original Kerry Craft Centre (in Castlegregory). The adventure continues: take in the pleasant sights at Muckross House and browse the exhibits of The Back Lane Gallery.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Killarney trip itinerary planning website.

Drive from Cork to Killarney in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 48°F in January, and nighttime lows around 41°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Limerick.

Founded by Vikings over a thousand years ago, Limerick sits at the head of the Shannon River's broadening estuary.

On the 15th (Sun), take in the dramatic natural features at The Burren. On the next day, explore the historical opulence of Dromoland Castle and then appreciate the views at Glen of Aherlow.

To see maps, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Limerick trip planner.

Traveling by car from Killarney to Limerick takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In January, daily temperatures in Limerick can reach 48°F, while at night they dip to 38°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can 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.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Galway City Museum and Galway Arts Centre. Visiting Galway Bay and Salthill Beaches will get you outdoors. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Galway: Coole Park Nature Reserve (in Gort) and Doreen Drennan Art Studio, Garden & Lodge. (in Lisdoonvarna). Spend the 17th (Tue) exploring nature at Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Quay Street, play a few rounds at Galway Golf Club, walk around Eyre Square, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Corcomroe Abbey.

To see more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Galway trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Limerick to Galway by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Limerick in January: highs in Galway hover around 43°F, while lows dip to 36°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Fri) so you can drive to Westport.

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

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sat): see the interesting displays at Jackie Clarke Collection, head outdoors with Belleek Castle Museum, examine the collection at Michael Davitt Museum, then examine the collection at National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Ballintubber Abbey. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun): stroll through Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre and then experience rural life at The Farmyard.

To find other places to visit, photos, maps, and other tourist information, use the Westport travel route planner.

You can drive from Galway to Westport in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In January in Westport, expect temperatures between 43°F during the day and 35°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) to allow time to drive to Dublin.

Museum-lovers will appreciate Kilmainham Gaol Museum and Croke Park Stadium Tour & GAA Museum. Popular historic sites such as Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glasnevin Cemetery Museum are in your itinerary. Explore Dublin further: stroll around St Stephens Green, admire the landmark architecture of Trinity College Dublin, take in nature's colorful creations at National Botanic Gardens, and brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Jameson Distillery Bow St..

For reviews, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, use the Dublin road trip planning site.

Drive from Westport to Dublin in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight back home.