Skip to content Last Updated on 27/09/2025 by Eran Feit
Ireland is a dream for family road trips—short drives, cozy towns, castles, green valleys, and cliffside views that make everyone go quiet for a second. This itinerary is exactly what we did as a family, refined with lessons learned, prices, parking tips, and easy alternatives for rainy hours.
We designed this Ireland trip for scenery over city rush: five days of castles, mountain passes, ocean cliffs, and small-town evenings. After landing in Dublin we aimed the car southwest to the Rock of Cashel, then based in Killarney for a full Gap of Dunloe day—walk the valley, ride the lakes, and finish at Ross Castle. Next came the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive (Dunmore Head views, a quick stop at Dunquin Pier), followed by a fun medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle. We wrapped on the Atlantic: the Cliffs of Moher, lunch in Doolin, and a slow finish in Galway—Latin Quarter strolls, “Trad on the Prom,” and a local distillery.
5-Day Ireland Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Route | Drive Time* | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dublin → Rock of Cashel → Killarney | ~3–3.5h | Rock of Cashel, Killarney pubs |
| 2 | Killarney NP: Gap of Dunloe loop | Local | Kate Kearney’s → Lord Brandon’s (boat back) |
| 3 | Killarney → Dingle & Slea Head Drive | ~1–1.5h | Dunmore Head, Dunquin Pier, Murphys Ice Cream |
| 4 | Killarney → Cliffs of Moher → Doolin → Galway | ~3–3.5h | Cliffs walk, Doolin lunch, jams stop |
| 5 | Galway | Local | Latin Quarter, Trad on the Prom, Micil Distillery |
*Drive times are approximate. Always check current conditions.
I’m sharing our last trip to Ireland. We chose to skip Dublin and focus more on nature and landscapes. After landing in Dublin, we searched for the car rental stand. First, it’s essential to know that you don’t receive the car at the rental stand; instead, you need to take an elevator downstairs, turn left, and then left again. There’s a bus there that takes everyone to the car rental facility. This facility is relevant not only to Hertz but to all rental companies.
We rented the car in our home country. I must mention that I was surprised by the long queue to get the car; we waited two and a half hours to get it. In the end, we received a car in a slightly higher category.
Rock of Cashel + Killarney – The first day
After picking up the car, we headed west.
The first stop was the Rock of Cashel. It’s described as a special and significant site for the Irish people. The impression is very nice. There’s a nearby parking lot for 4 euros, and it’s recommended to book in advance, which reduces costs and shortens the entry time.
You can book a guided tour : https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/rock-of-cashel/
Rock of Cashel
Rising above the Golden Vale in County Tipperary, the Rock of Cashel is a dramatic limestone outcrop crowned with one of Ireland’s most striking medieval complexes. Within its walls you’ll find a well-preserved 12th-century round tower, the Romanesque Cormac’s Chapel with rare surviving frescoes, a vast Gothic cathedral open to the sky, and the Hall of the Vicars Choral. The setting is cinematic—green fields, grazing sheep, and the ruined Hore Abbey just below—so even a short stop delivers wow-factor photos and a real sense of Ireland’s ecclesiastical power in the Middle Ages.
Practical tips: aim for morning or late afternoon for softer light and lighter crowds, and allow about 60–90 minutes to explore the grounds and join a guided talk if available. Wear a layer—it’s breezy on the rock—and sturdy shoes for uneven stone. Parking is in the town below with a brief uphill walk. If you have extra time, stroll to Hore Abbey for a postcard view back toward the Rock, then grab a coffee in Cashel before continuing your route.
Heading to Killarney
From there, we traveled to Killarney, a lovely town, close to Killarney National Park. We stayed in the center, in a hotel with free parking. I highly recommend it, the breakfast is excellent and special.
Hotel link : https://booking.stay22.com/eranfeit/NAy89AJ4c9
In the evening, there are many pubs within walking distance with local music. It’s very nice.
Killarney
Killarney is your perfect base for nature by day and lively town vibes by night.
Daytime— nature hits within minutes
- Killarney National Park loop: Park at Muckross House (free grounds). Walk to Muckross Abbey (haunting, photogenic), then continue to Torc Waterfall (10–20 min walk). Drive (or take a bus) up to Ladies View for the classic panorama.
- Gap of Dunloe (half–full day): Start from Kate Kearney’s Cottage and walk/cycle through the glacial valley. The elegant finish is the boat across the Lakes of Killarney back to Ross Castle—saves time and feels epic.
- Ross Castle & Lakes: Short castle tour, then rent a boat/kayak or take a guided lake cruise. If calm weather, consider a boat to Innisfallen Island (monastic ruins + deer).
- Ring of Kerry sampler: If you don’t want the full loop, do a mini: Aghadoe Heights viewpoint → Gap of Dunloe entrance → Molls Gap → Ladies View → Muckross.
- Carrauntoohil (advanced): Ireland’s highest peak—only in good weather, proper boots, and with a very early start (or a guide).
- Family/easy options: Dinis Cottage tearoom on the lake, Muckross Traditional Farms, gentle cycles on dedicated park paths (bike rentals in town).
Nighttime — music, shows, and easy strolls
- Traditional music pubs: Try John M. Reidy’s (great atmosphere, multiple rooms), The Laurels, O’Connor’s, or Courtney’s (older, cosy). Arrive early for a seat; music usually kicks off ~21:00.
- Irish dance/music shows (seasonal): Celtic Steps often performs in Killarney—fun for visitors and kid-friendly. Check same-day availability.
- Casual food & craft beer: Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co. for pizzas and local brews; plenty of gastropubs do excellent chowder and lamb.
- Evening strolls: Walk the Demesne paths near town at golden hour or down to Ross Castle for sunset over the lake.
- Sweet stop: Murphys Ice Cream (Dingle brand) is a crowd-pleaser after the pub session.
- Concerts/events: Keep an eye on INEC (Killarney) listings—occasional big acts or comedy nights.
Gap of Dunloe – The second day
Most of the day was dedicated to the Gap of Dunloe, a very special place. We hiked the route, about 12 kilometers. We drove the car 5 minutes to Ross Castle and parked it there for free. From there, we took a bus to the starting point at Kate Kearney’s Cottage (a fifteen-minute ride). The route offers amazing lakes and landscapes, and it took us about two and a half hours to reach Lord Brandon’s Cottage.
Then we took a boat with a guide for about an hour, explaining the park and the views while sailing through the lakes back to our car at Ross Castle.
We booked through this site: https://gapofdunloetraditionalboattours.com/tour…/tour-6/
Later, we visited the Torc Waterfall. There’s a parking issue in the area, so we parked the car at Muckross House and took a half-hour walk to the waterfall and back. We also entered Muckross House (entrance fee). It was nice but nothing extraordinary.
Gap of Dunloe – Tips
The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow, glacial valley that runs between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Purple Mountain range—arguably the most photogenic day out from Killarney. The classic experience is a point-to-point traverse from Kate Kearney’s Cottage (north end) to Lord Brandon’s Cottage (south end), then a boat across the Lakes of Killarney back to Ross Castle. That loop gives you varied scenery (stone bridges, lakes, passes) without retracing your steps—and it saves a lot of time.
How to do it (options)
- Walk (most popular): 10–12 km one way, gently rising then descending. Plan 2.5–4 hours of walking, plus photo stops and lunch. Start early to have the road mostly to yourself.
- Cycle: Rent in Killarney and ride to the Gap (or have bikes dropped near Kate Kearney’s). Expect steep sections and sharing the narrow road with jaunting cars—confident riders only.
- Jaunting car (horse & trap): Good for families or if you prefer not to hike; arrange at Kate Kearney’s. You can combine it with the lake boat.
- Out-and-back: Park at either end and return the same way if you don’t take the boat. It’s still stunning, just longer.
The famous “Hike + Boat” loop
- Park at Ross Castle (Killarney) and take a shuttle/taxi to Kate Kearney’s Cottage (or drive and use a pre-booked transfer back later).
- Walk through the Gap: key waypoints are Stone Bridge, Black Valley, Head of the Gap, Auger Lake, and Lord Brandon’s Cottage (toilets, café).
- Boat to Ross Castle: pre-book a place on the open boat through the lakes and narrow channels (about 1 hour). On calm days it’s magical; in wind/rain bring a shell.
Timing & logistics
- Start time: 08:00–09:00 for the quietest road and softer light.
- Total day: 5–7 hours including transfers, walking, café break, and boat.
- Transfers: If you parked at Ross Castle, confirm your boat arrival time and a fallback shuttle. If you parked at Kate Kearney’s, arrange a pick-up at Ross Castle in advance.
- Food/water: Pack water and snacks; grab coffee or soup at Lord Brandon’s.
Safety & etiquette
- Weather changes fast—carry a rain shell, warm layer, hat, and sunscreen.
- The road is narrow; walk single file when a car, bike, or jaunting car approaches.
- Mobile signal can be patchy in the Black Valley; share plans with your group.
- Keep a respectful distance from horses and don’t block bridges for photos.
Best photo spots
- Wishing Bridge / Stone Bridge: classic valley frame with stream and peaks.
- Head of the Gap: the high point with sweeping views.
- Narrow lake channels on the boat ride back to Ross Castle—great reflections on calm days.
Seasonal notes
- Summer: busiest; start early or late afternoon.
- Shoulder seasons (May–June, Sep–Oct): often ideal—fewer crowds, moody skies.
- Winter: services and boats may run on reduced schedules; daylight is short.
Kids & families
- Pick the jaunting car + short walk + boat combo if little legs won’t manage the full traverse.
- Bring snacks, gloves, and waterproofs; there’s limited shelter along the route.
The Dingle Peninsula and along the Slea Head Drive – The third day
We drove towards the Dingle Peninsula and along the Slea Head Drive, a beautiful and recommended coastal route. Stops along the way included:
- The Famine Cottages: A site that tells the story of the Potato Famine (the Great Famine) that occurred in the 1800s in Ireland.
- Fahan Beehive Huts: Another stopping point (nice but optional).
- Cross of Slea: A large cross in the middle of the road with a chance to park the car and take a scenic view of the sea and continue.
- Dunmore Head (Star Wars): The place where scenes from Star Wars were filmed. It’s a must-stop to go up and see the scenery and the movie’s filming location.
- Dunquin Pier: A nice stopping point with easy access to the sea. The nearby coffee is excellent, especially the brownies.
Then we returned to Dingle and stopped to have ice cream at Murphys.
Slea Head Drive: the common stops (east → west → back to Dingle)
- Ventry Beach (Ceann Trá): long, calm bay—good first leg stretch. 10–20 min.
- Famine Cottages (Slea Head): small open-air stop telling 19th-century stories; quick, sobering context for the landscape. 20–30 min.
- Beehive Huts (Fahan): early Christian stone cells with sweeping sea views; short walk from the car park. 20 min.
- Slea Head Viewpoint: the classic panorama toward the Blasket Islands; tight parking—arrive early. 10–15 min.
- Coumeenoole Beach: dramatic cove under cliffs; steps can be wet/slippery, powerful surf—magnificent in any weather. 20–40 min.
- Dunmore Head walk (Star Wars point): easy-moderate 45–75 min loop over headlands to film locations and jaw-dropping vistas.
- Dunquin Pier (Dún Chaoin): iconic zig-zag path above an emerald cove (don’t drive down); best for photos, especially in late light. 15–25 min.
- Blasket Centre (Ionad an Bhlascaoid): beautifully curated museum on island life, language, and literature—great on windy/rainy days. 45–60 min.
- Clogher Head / An Fear Marbh viewpoint: short pull-off with thunderous Atlantic swells—wild and photogenic. 10–15 min.
- Gallarus Oratory (detour north): superbly preserved early Christian oratory; quick, worthwhile stop. 20–30 min.
- Eask Tower (return toward Dingle): 30–50 min hill walk to a 19th-century stone tower with 360° views over the harbour.
Food, coffee, and treats
- Dunquin / Ballyferriter area: small cafés and pubs for chowder, sandwiches, or a hot soup on blustery days.
- Dingle town (pre/post drive): outstanding options—Murphys Ice Cream for a sweet finish, plenty of gastropubs and seafood spots on Strand St./Main St.
Short hikes & beaches to consider
- Dunmore Head loop: best “wow per minute.”
- Coumeenoole Beach: short access; mind tides and swell.
- Eask Tower: quick climb with harbour panoramas.
- Brandon Point (farther north, optional): for a quieter cliff walk if you’re staying longer.
Practical tips
- Roads are narrow. Use pull-ins, don’t straddle the road for photos, and be patient with tour buses.
- Weather flips fast. Carry a rain shell, warm layer, and hat—even in summer.
- Parking: bring small cash for some sites; never block gateways.
- Safety: strong Atlantic surf—keep distance on cliff edges; watch for sheep on the road.
- Timing: early start avoids crowds; golden hour at Dunquin Pier or Eask Tower is magic.
Ireland medieval banquet – The rest of the day
From there, we traveled to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where we had a medieval banquet in the castle with costumes, music, and a meal. It was very special.
Link for booking medieval banquet in the castle : https://www.bunrattycastle.ie/medieval-banquet/
There are two sessions daily: we booked the 20:30 session.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a living time capsule just off the N18 near Shannon, pairing a fully restored 15th-century tower house with a 26-acre open-air museum of Irish village life. The castle interior is stacked with period furniture, tapestries, and a great hall set for feasts; staff guides weave quick stories about sieges, earls, and everyday life. Outside, the Folk Park recreates a 19th-century village—thatched cottages, a schoolhouse, a pub, a grocer, and working farms—with costumed interpreters baking bread, blacksmithing, or minding traditional breeds. It’s one of the most engaging heritage stops between Dingle/Clare and Galway, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
What to do in 2–4 hours
- Castle tour (45–60 min): Climb the tight spiral stairs to the battlements for River Shannon views. Check the great hall and private chambers; docents often do short talks.
- Folk Park loop (60–120 min): Wander the village street, pop into cottages (each region’s interior is different), and visit the walled garden and farmyards. Small playgrounds and friendly animals make it easy with families.
- Traditional stops: Peek into the schoolhouse, sample soda bread in a cottage when demonstrations run, and step into the old-style pub for a quick soft drink or tea (offerings vary by season).
- Photography: Best light is morning or late afternoon; shoot the castle from the green for a clean façade shot, then the battlements for landscape frames.
Medieval Banquet (evening experience)
The Bunratty Medieval Banquet runs most nights in the castle’s great hall. Expect musicians, ballads, storytelling, and a multi-course meal served “period style” (modern-friendly, of course). It’s touristy in the good way—well-produced and genuinely fun, especially after a day on the road. If you want a calmer alternative, look for seasonal Traditional Irish Nights in the Folk Park with music and dance in a more pub-like setting.
Tips: pre-book, arrive early for check-in, mention any dietary needs when reserving, and plan a nearby stay so you’re not driving far afterward.
With kids & accessibility
- Strollers are fine in the Folk Park’s main paths; some cottages have steps/thresholds.
- The castle has narrow spiral staircases—great for adventurers, tricky for anyone with limited mobility; consider splitting the group (one explores the village while others do the castle).
- Hands-on bits (schoolhouse, farm animals, baking demos) keep younger ones engaged.
Practical notes
- Time needed: 2–3 hours for a brisk visit; 3–4 if you linger, do demos, and take a tea break. Add evening if you book the banquet.
- When to go: Mornings are quieter. In wet weather, do the castle first and village interiors next; many cottages are cozy even on rainy days.
- Food & facilities: There’s a café on site and restrooms within the park; options vary slightly by season.
- Parking: Large on-site car park; keep small change just in case (policies can vary).
- Nearby: Durty Nelly’s is beside the entrance (classic stop), and Shannon Airport is a short drive—handy if you’re flying out next day.
Hotel near the Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
We took a room at a nearby hotel. It was nice, basic, and fine.
Link for the hotel : https://booking.stay22.com/eranfeit/ZWbxhsvWVG
Cliffs of Moher – The fourth day
In the morning, we drove to the Cliffs of Moher (about an hour’s drive). We paid in advance, which is cheaper than paying on-site. At the entrance to the parking lot, they ask for the reservation number, and you enter easily.
We spent about two hours there.
You can book a tour from here : https://getyourguide.stay22.com/eranfeit/GJlKJWps6k
The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most famous sea cliffs—8 km of sheer sandstone walls rising up to ~214 m above the Atlantic, with nonstop views toward the Aran Islands and the karst plateau of the Burren behind you. The experience is more than a single viewpoint: there’s a safe, surfaced path north and south of the Visitor Centre, plus wilder stretches of the Cliffs Coastal Walk for longer hikes. Expect wind (often strong), fast-changing weather, puffins in season, and some of the loudest ocean you’ll ever hear.
Cliffs of Moher – How to plan your visit
- Best time: Early morning (before tour buses) or late afternoon/golden hour for softer light and fewer crowds. Sunset can be spectacular; fog happens—if it’s socked in, give it an hour and try again.
- Tickets & parking: Prebook a time-slotted ticket online for the Visitor Centre car park—it’s usually cheaper and faster. Your ticket covers parking + centre access + main paths and viewing platforms.
- Where to stand:
- Main Lookout & O’Brien’s Tower (north): the classic postcard angles; climb the tower (small extra fee) for a higher vantage.
- South Platform toward Hag’s Head: often quieter with sweeping, layered cliff lines—great for photos.
- Hag’s Head (alt start): park near Liscannor side and walk in on a quieter section (no Visitor Centre access from here unless you continue).
- How long: 1.5–2 hours for the Visitor Centre + short walks; 3–4 hours if you include Hag’s Head or a longer coastal stretch.
Walks & viewpoints
- Paved platforms (family-friendly): immediate WOW without straying near edges.
- Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk: a mix of surfaced and natural trails. If you go beyond the fenced zones, mind footing, wind gusts, and keep well back from edges—no hero shots.
- Boat view (Doolin): 1-hour cruises run seasonally beneath the cliffs—phenomenal perspective for photography and puffin/sea-bird watching on calm days.
Wildlife & seasons
- Puffins: usually April–July (peaks in May/June) nesting on ledges; bring binoculars.
- Other seabirds: razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes—sunny backlighting helps spot them.
- Weather: bring a rain shell, warm layer, hat; spray and squalls are common even in summer.
Photography tips
- Wide angle for the cliff sweep; a short tele (70–200mm) compresses layers and catches birds.
- Shoot south in the morning and north in late afternoon to keep sun behind you.
- On windy days, brace against fences/stone walls; avoid exposed edges. Polarizers help tame glare on the Atlantic.
Practicalities
- Facilities: Visitor Centre has exhibits, café, restrooms, and gift shop.
- Safety: Keep to paths, obey signage, and stay well back—undercutting can make cliff edges unstable. Children should be hand-held near drops.
- Accessibility: The surfaced areas near the Visitor Centre and to O’Brien’s Tower offer the easiest grades; staff can advise on best routes.
- Nearby add-ons: Doolin for lunch and craft shops, Burren National Park for short limestone walks, Doolin Cave (largest free-hanging stalactite in Europe) as a great fog-day Plan B.
Doolin
Then we drove to Doolin, a nice and small town. You can have lunch at local restaurants there. I recommend buying jams at The Clare Jam, about ten minutes before entering Doolin; there are signs.
Doolin is a tiny, colorful village on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way—famous for ferry trips to the Aran Islands, boat cruises under the Cliffs of Moher, and some of the best traditional music sessions in the country. It’s also a handy lunch stop between the Cliffs and the Burren, with craft shops, cafés, and a laid-back, walker-friendly vibe.
What to do (day)
- Cliffs of Moher boat cruise: 1-hour sail (weather-dependent) for epic cliff views and seabirds. Book ahead in peak season; bring a shell—spray is common.
- Aran Islands ferries (Inis Oírr best for short days): Rent bikes on arrival and loop beaches, the lighthouse, and Plassey shipwreck.
- Burren side trips: Short drives to limestone pavements, Poulnabrone Dolmen, and Ballyryan for quick cliff-top walks.
- Doolin Cave: Home to one of Europe’s largest free-hanging stalactites—excellent fog/rain backup plan.
- Crafts & coffee: Pop into local knitwear shops for Aran sweaters, then refuel at a café or bakery on Fisher Street or Roadford.
Evenings & music
- Traditional music sessions: Rotating live sets in pubs most nights in season. McGann’s, McDermott’s, and O’Connor’s are the big three—arrive early for a table. Sessions are informal; order, listen, don’t shout over the tunes.
- Food: Think chowder, mussels, fish & chips, lamb, and veg-friendly comfort plates. Many pubs take walk-ins; book weekends/summer.
- Strolls: Sunset light along Fisher Street with views toward the Cliffs is magic after dinner.
What to buy
- Aran knitwear & woolens: hand-knit or machine-knit sweaters, cardigans, scarves, hats, tweed caps. Look for “Made in Ireland” labels and natural fibers (merino or bainín).
- Celtic jewelry: Claddagh rings, triskele/Trinity-knot pendants, silver or bronze pieces from local makers.
- Pottery & crafts: Burren-inspired ceramics, woodturning, woven baskets, hand-poured candles.
- Irish music goods: tin whistles (Key of D for sessions), bodhráns, strings, tune books, local artists’ CDs/vinyl.
- Local food gifts: small-batch jams (e.g., “Clare” berry mixes), chutneys, honey, artisan chocolate, seaweed snacks/salts.
- Natural soaps & skincare: seaweed or peat soaps, hand creams—great lightweight gifts.
- Art & prints: coastal photography, watercolors of the Cliffs of Moher/Aran Islands.
- Books & maps: walking guides for the Burren/Cliffs Coastal Walk, Irish folklore, kids’ picture books.
- Practical gear: rain shells, wool socks, beanies—handy if weather turns.
After Doolin, we traveled to Galway for the day and a half, which is sufficient to explore the city.
We stayed at a recommended hotel, a 5-minute walk from the central square.
Link from Booking.com : https://booking.stay22.com/eranfeit/dyaVduyjR-
In Galway, there’s no need to drive; you can walk or use the Freenow app, similar to Uber. Galway has local attractions like the Latin Quarter, St. Nicholas’ Church (with a nice nearby market), and more, which I won’t detail here. There are ready-made articles with recommendations on travel websites.
Galway – The fifth day
We visited two more attractions:
- Trad on the Prom, an Irish dance show. You can order here : https://getyourguide.stay22.com/eranfeit/0__LxPcNz7
- A visit to the whiskey distillery: https://micildistillery.com/
What to see in Galway
Latin Quarter & Shop Street: colorful storefronts, street musicians, Lynch’s Castle façade, cafés, and pubs—this is the lively core.
Spanish Arch & Long Walk: short riverside stroll where the Corrib meets Galway Bay; great golden-hour photos.
St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church & Weekend Market (Sat/Sun): local produce, crafts, and street food beside a 14th-century church.
Eyre Square: central park, handy meeting point; seasonal markets occasionally set up here.
Salthill Promenade: seaside walk to the Blackrock diving tower—do the “kick the wall” tradition, then ice cream.
Galway City Museum: small, free, and perfect for context on the city and the bay.
Music & shows: pop into pubs for live trad (Tigh Neachtain, The Crane Bar, Tigh Coili). In season, Trad on the Prom (Leisureland, Salthill) is a polished dance/music show—book ahead.
Day trips: Connemara (Sky Road, Roundstone, Dogs Bay), Kylemore Abbey, Rossaveal ferry to the Aran Islands, or Burren loops if you missed them.
1-day Galway plan
Morning (09:00–12:30) — Old town & river
09:00 — Coffee + start at Eyre Square
Park at Hynes Yard or Eyre Square Car Park, then grab a coffee nearby.
09:20 — Latin Quarter & Shop Street
Stroll past street musicians and colorful shopfronts. Pop by Lynch’s Castle façade and a couple of craft stores (great for Claddagh rings/woolens).
10:15 — St Nicholas’ Church & Weekend Market (Sat/Sun)
Short visit to the 14th-century church; sample a pastry or local cheese at the market when it’s on.
11:00 — Spanish Arch & Long Walk
Walk the riverside to the Arch, then along the Long Walk for classic bay photos. Optional 30–40 min stop at the Galway City Museum (free, compact).
Lunch (12:30–13:30)
- McDonagh’s (classic fish & chips) or
- Ard Bia at Nimmos (by Spanish Arch) for Irish-modern plates.
If weather turns, linger here a bit—it’s cozy.
Afternoon (13:45–17:30) — Salthill Prom & bay views
13:45 — Walk or bus to Salthill
- Walk: 25–30 min scenic riverside/bay route.
- Bus 401: 10–12 min from Eyre Square.
14:15 — Salthill Prom → Blackrock Diving Tower
Do the local tradition: “kick the wall” at the end of the prom. Great sea-air reset after lunch. Grab an ice cream or coffee along the way.
Optional add-ons (choose one):
- Dip your toes or watch brave jumpers at Blackrock (tide/wind permitting).
- Short beach pause on Ladies Beach.
- Mini detour to Circle of Life Garden for a quiet green stop.
16:30 — Head back to town
Bus or walk back; quick rest at your car/hotel if nearby.
Evening (18:00–22:30) — Food & music
18:00 — Dinner
- Kai (seasonal creative Irish) or
- Quay Street Kitchen (cosy, reliable) or
- Tigh Neachtain area for gastropub plates.
20:00 — Trad music
- Tigh Coili, The Crane Bar, or Tig Neachtain for live sessions (arrive early for seats).
- If in season and you prefer a show: Trad on the Prom at Leisureland (Salthill)—prebook.
22:00 — Night stroll
Back to the Long Walk/Spanish Arch for reflections over the water, then return to Eyre Square.
FAQs :
- What’s the best month for a family road trip in Ireland?
April–October for long days and open attractions; pack layers year-round. - Is driving in Ireland difficult for first-timers?
You’ll drive on the left; roads are narrow in rural areas—keep speeds moderate and use pull-ins. - How many days do I need for this itinerary?
Seven days fits comfortably; add 1–2 nights if you want Connemara or the Aran Islands. - Are the Cliffs of Moher safe with kids?
Yes if you stay inside barriers, hold hands, and avoid cliff edges on windy days. - Should we book Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in advance?
Pre-booking helps on weekends/holidays and if you want an early castle slot. - Can we do the Gap of Dunloe without the long hike?
Yes—walk the first scenic kilometer, take a pony & trap, or do the boat route back to Ross Castle. - Is Dingle’s Slea Head Drive doable in a day with kids?
Totally—go clockwise, stop at Inch Beach, Coumeenoole, Dunquin Pier, and Gallarus Oratory. - Where should we base ourselves for the Cliffs of Moher?
Doolin works great—close to the cliffs, ferries, music pubs, and Burren day trips. - What souvenirs are worth buying in Doolin/Galway?
Aran knitwear, wool scarves, Claddagh rings, Celtic knot jewelry, Connemara marble. - Do we need cash, or is card enough?
Card/contactless is standard; keep €20–€40 for small rural stops or parking.
Planning a trip and want ideas you can copy fast?
Here are three detailed guides from our travels:
• 5-Day Ireland Itinerary: Cliffs, Castles, Pubs & Wild Atlantic Views
https://eranfeit.net/unforgettable-trip-to-ireland-full-itinerary/
• My Kraków Travel Guide: Best Places to Eat, Stay & Explore
https://eranfeit.net/my-krakow-travel-guide-best-places-to-eat-stay-explore/
• Northern Greece: Athens, Meteora, Tzoumerka, Ioannina & Nafpaktos (7 Days)
https://eranfeit.net/my-amazing-trip-to-greece/
Each guide includes maps, practical tips, and family-friendly stops—so you can plan in minutes, not hours.