Itinerary for 8 day trip to Ireland

Ireland is a fantastic destination for families, and traveling by public transport can be a fun adventure in itself. Here’s a delightful 8-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, culture, and a bit of nature, all while being family-friendly. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Dublin

Morning: Arrive in Dublin and check into your family-friendly accommodation. The city has plenty of options, from hotels to cozy B&Bs.

Afternoon: Start your adventure with a visit to to see the stunning . The grounds are beautiful for a stroll, and kids will love the Long Room library!

Evening: Head to for dinner. There are many family-friendly restaurants, and you can enjoy some live music while you eat.

Day 2: Dublin Exploration

Morning: Visit the in . It’s one of the oldest zoos in the world and has a fantastic variety of animals.

Afternoon: After lunch, take a stroll through the park and maybe even rent bikes to explore. Then, visit the National Museum of Ireland (Natural History) – kids love the dinosaur exhibits!

Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner in the city. Consider trying some traditional Irish food at a local pub.

Day 3: Dublin to Galway

Morning: Take a train from Dublin to Galway (about 2.5 hours). The train ride is scenic and comfortable!

Afternoon: Once in Galway, check into your accommodation and then explore . It’s vibrant and full of shops, street performers, and cafes.

Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. Try some local seafood or Irish stew!

Day 4: Day Trip

Morning: Take a bus tour to . Many tours are available that cater to families, and you’ll get to see stunning landscapes, including .

Afternoon: Explore the abbey and its Victorian walled garden. There are often family activities available, so check ahead!

Evening: Return to Galway and enjoy a relaxed dinner. Maybe grab some fish and chips!

Day 5: Galway to Killarney

Morning: Take a bus from Galway to Killarney (around 3 hours). Enjoy the beautiful views along the way!

Afternoon: Once you arrive, check into your accommodation and then head to . You can rent bikes or take a horse-drawn carriage ride (jaunting car) through the park.

Evening: Have dinner in Killarney town. There are plenty of family-friendly options, and you might catch some traditional music!

Day 6:

Morning: Join a family-friendly tour of the . This is a full-day trip, but it’s worth it for the breathtaking views and charming villages.

Afternoon: Stop at places like and . Many tours include stops for lunch, so you can enjoy local cuisine.

Evening: Return to Killarney and have a relaxed evening. Maybe treat the family to some ice cream!

Day 7: Killarney to Cork

Morning: Take a bus from Killarney to Cork (about 1.5 hours). Once you arrive, check into your accommodation.

Afternoon: Visit the – it’s fascinating and has a great audio guide that kids usually enjoy. Afterward, explore the for lunch and some local treats.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in Cork. There are many family-friendly restaurants, and you can try some local dishes.

Day 8: Departure from Cork

Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit (just a short bus ride away). Don’t forget to kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence!

Afternoon: Head back to Cork city for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing before you catch your flight or train home.

Tips for Traveling by Public Transport:

Irish Rail and Bus Éireann are reliable for intercity travel.
Consider getting a Leap Card for easy access to public transport in Dublin.
Always check the schedules ahead of time, especially for buses to more rural areas.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Ireland! Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🍀✈️