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 Kilmainham Gaol Museum. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Sheridans and Secret Book and Record Store. Next up on the itinerary: take a stroll through Temple Bar, sample the fine beverages at Jameson Distillery Bow St., stop by Kevin & Howlin, and stroll around Phoenix Park.

Before you visit Dublin, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Dublin is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Brasilia Standard Time to Greenwich Mean Time, which is usually a 3 hour difference. Traveling from Rio de Janeiro in December, things will get colder in Dublin: highs are around 10°C and lows about 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) early enough to go by car 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, then stop by Kilkenny Handwrought Silver, then look 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, then look 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 11°C in December, and nighttime lows around 6°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, then stop by Kinsale Crystal, then stop 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 10°C, and evening lows to 4°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 Dingle Record Shopfor 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. It doesn't end there: stop by Dingle Crystal and enjoy the music at Siopa Ceoil An Daingin - Dingle Music Shop.

For reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Dingle route builder.

Drive from Kinsale to Dingle in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In December, daily temperatures in Dingle can reach 12°C, while at night they dip to 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Tue) so you can 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 Lahinch Beach will get you outdoors. We've included these beaches for you: Salthill Beaches and Mulranny Strand. Explore Galway's surroundings by going to The Hungry Monk Art and Craft Gallery (in Cong), Westport (Lina Stein & Derryaun Crafts) and The Celtic T Shirt Shop (in Lahinch). There's still lots to do: stop by Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, tee off at Galway Golf Club, browse the range of quality goods at OMG Zhivago, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Kirwan's Lane.

To find more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Galway day trip site.

Traveling by car from Dingle to Galway takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Dingle in December, with highs in Galway at 8°C and lows at 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.