8 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.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): get engrossed in the history at Galway City Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Galway Cathedral, then stroll around Eyre Square, then explore the activities along Galway Bay, and finally explore the galleries of Galway Arts Centre. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Royal Abbey of Cong, explore the historical opulence of Ashford Castle, then don't miss a visit to Quay Street, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Salthill Promenade.

To find maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read Galway trip itinerary planner.

If you are flying in from United States, the closest major aiports are Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport and Cork Airport. In October, daytime highs in Galway are 54°F, while nighttime lows are 44°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Mon): step into the grandiose world of Dromoland Castle and then step into the grandiose world of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the striking landscape at The Burren.

For ratings, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Limerick trip planner.

Getting from Galway to Limerick by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 58°F in October, and nighttime lows around 47°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Wed): get into the urban bustle at Reginald's Tower, examine the collection at Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum, then explore the historical opulence of Kilkenny Castle, then admire the natural beauty at Rothe House and Garden, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower. On the next day, take in the spiritual surroundings of Black Abbey, then Head underground at Dunmore Cave, and then walk around Castlecomer Discovery Park.

To find photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Kilkenny itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Limerick to Kilkenny takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In October, daily temperatures in Kilkenny can reach 58°F, while at night they dip to 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) early enough to 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.

On the 28th (Fri), admire the landmark architecture of Trinity College Dublin, ride a horse along Racing Tours Ireland, and then see the interesting displays at Kilmainham Gaol Museum. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll the grounds of Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, then contemplate the waterfront views at Blessington Street Park (The Basin), and then explore the activities along The Forty Foot.

To see more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Dublin trip itinerary builder website.

You can drive from Kilkenny to Dublin in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. In October in Dublin, expect temperatures between 57°F during the day and 45°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) so you can go by car back home.