Ireland Trip - Fall 2025

My dear friend and I decided to up our annual (or close to annual) girl's trip and go to Ireland to celebrate us turning 40! So funny story is that the week we flew into Dublin happened to be the same weekend that an American football game (apparently the first of it's kind) on Irish soil was happening. So Dublin was packed with American's when we first arrived. Knowing this detail when booking we decided to end our trip in Dublin rather than start. We also mapped out all the places we wanted to stay and the only feasible way for us to see and do all the things we wanted was to rent a car. I will say driving on the other side of the road wasn't bad; however, the very tiny "two-way" roads in the back country sides was terrifying and we booked bus tours to areas that I didn't feel comfortable driving, like the Ring of Kerry and the trip to the Cliffs  of Moher (which we saw multiple cars stuck on the side trying to make these crazy tight turns with limited space). We had great weather, only one day was a bit wet and cold and due to us essentially starting backwards and making a big counterclockwise loop and ending in Dublin we got lucky with lesser crowds and sites that could be viewed in all their glory. 

Our itinerary included the following:

Saturday - Land in Dublin and drive to Kinnitty; where we stayed in Kinnitty Castle (so magical)

Sunday - Leave Kinnitty and drive to Galway, where we stayed two nights in the middle of town walking distance to all the shops and restaurants

Monday - Took a Bus tour from Galway to see the Cliffs of Moher (boat tour), Burren National Park, Aran Islands, Doolin, and Dunguaire Castle

Tuesday - Left Galway and Stopped in Ennis, Limerick, and stayed two nights in Killarney (this was both of our favorite cities and would probably stay longer here)

Wednesday - Explored Killarney - Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, and pub eats and drink

Thursday - Took a bus tour from Killarney to see the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, and beautiful gardens; Torc Waterfall, Blarney Castle and the kissing stone, a very quick stop to Cobh, and left to head to Kilkenny

Friday - Explored Kilkenny this was another cute town that I would probably add an extra night or two as well; then we headed to Dublin

Saturday & Sunday - Explored and stayed in Dublin where we took a Haunted Tour, sawTrinity College, The Book of Kells, Long Library, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, and much more