17 days in Ireland Itinerary

A history spanning over a thousand years, vibrant nightlife, and a mix of Georgian and modern architecture make Dublin a popular European tourist destination.

Get a sense of the local culture at Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar. Popular historic sites such as Kilmainham Gaol Museum and Trinity College Dublin are in your itinerary. Next up on the itinerary: sample the fine beverages at Jameson Distillery Bow St., look for gifts at DesignYard, and stroll around St Stephens Green.

To see maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Dublin trip planner.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Dublin is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. Traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Dublin, you'll lose 3 hours due to the time zone difference. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Rio de Janeiro in December, with highs in Dublin at °C and lows at °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) 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.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Thu): step into the grandiose world of Kilkenny Castle, thenstop by Kilkenny Handwrought Silver, thenlook for gifts at Kilkenny Design Centre, and finally stop by MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. Keep things going the next day: look for gifts at Kilkenny Crystal, sample the tasty concoctions at Smithwick's Experience, thenlook for gifts at Darcys Treasures, and finally look for gifts at Kittys cabin.

For maps, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Kilkenny day trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Dublin to Kilkenny takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around °C in December, and nighttime lows around °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Kinsale.

Located at the estuary of the Brandon River, the historical fishing town of Kinsale nestles against hills that act as a natural shield against the open sea.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Sat): steep yourself in history at Charles Fort, look for gifts at Stone Mad Gallery, stop by Aunty Nellie's Sweet Shop Kinsale, thenstop by Kinsale Crystal, thenstop by Giles Norman Photography Gallery, and finally stop by Kinsale Silver.

To see photos, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Kinsale trip maker app.

Traveling by car from Kilkenny to Kinsale takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to °C, and evening lows to °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) early enough to drive to Dingle.

Located on Ireland's western coastline, Dingle sits between scenic mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Head to Strand House Cafe and NU goldsmithfor plenty of shopping. Relax by the water at Inch Beach and Coumeenoole Beach. Spend the 13th (Tue) exploring the striking scenery along Slea Head Drive. Next up on the itinerary: look for gifts at Dingle Crystal and listen to music at Siopa Ceoil An Daingin - Dingle Music Shop.

To find more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Dingle trip itinerary maker site.

You can drive from Kinsale to Dingle in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around °C in December, and nighttime lows around °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Galway.

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.

Visiting Cliffs of Moher and Galway Golf Club will get you outdoors. We've included these beaches for you: Lahinch Beach and Mulranny Strand. Explore Galway's surroundings by going to Westport (Lina Stein & Derryaun Crafts), The Hungry Monk Art and Craft Gallery (in Cong) and The Celtic T Shirt Shop (in Lahinch). There's much more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Salthill Beaches, stop by Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, explore the wide array of goods at OMG Zhivago, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Kirwan's Lane.

For reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Galway trip itinerary maker tool.

Traveling by car from Dingle to Galway takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, train, and taxi; or do a combination of bus and train. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Dingle in December: high temperatures in Galway hover around °C and lows are around °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.