8 day itinerary for Ireland

Itinerary

Here's a suggested itinerary for 8 days in Ireland that includes all of your constraints:

Day 1: Arrival in Dublin

• Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel in Dublin
• Spend the day exploring the city's history and culture, including a visit to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and a tour of the Guinness Storehouse for beer tasting
• For dinner, try some traditional Irish cuisine at a local pub or restaurant

Day 2: Dublin to Kilkenny

• Drive to Kilkenny, a charming medieval city known for its castle and historic buildings
• Visit Kilkenny Castle and take a walking tour of the city's historic sites
• For dinner, try some local whiskey at a pub or distillery

Day 3: Kilkenny to Cork

• Drive to Cork, a vibrant city known for its food and music scene
• Visit the English Market for a taste of local cuisine and explore the city's historic sites, such as St. Fin Barre's Cathedral and the Cork City Gaol
• For dinner, try some seafood at a local restaurant

Day 4: Cork to Killarney

• Drive to Killarney, a picturesque town located near the Ring of Kerry
• Visit Muckross House and Gardens and take a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry
• For dinner, try some traditional Irish stew at a local pub

Day 5: Killarney to Dingle

• Drive to Dingle, a charming town located on the Dingle Peninsula
• Visit the Dingle Distillery for whiskey tasting and explore the town's historic sites, such as the Gallarus Oratory and the Blasket Centre
• For dinner, try some fresh seafood at a local restaurant

Day 6: Dingle to Galway

• Drive to Galway, a lively city known for its music and arts scene
• Visit the Galway City Museum and explore the city's historic sites, such as the Spanish Arch and St. Nicholas' Church
• For dinner, try some traditional Irish music and food at a local pub

Day 7: Galway to Ashford Castle

• Drive to Ashford Castle, a luxurious castle hotel located in County Mayo
• Spend the day exploring the castle's grounds and taking part in activities such as falconry and archery
• For dinner, enjoy a gourmet meal at the castle's restaurant

Day 8: Ashford Castle to Dublin

• Drive back to Dublin and spend the day exploring the city's museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art
• For dinner, try some modern Irish cuisine at a local restaurant

I hope this itinerary gives you a good idea of what to expect during your 8 days in Ireland!