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 Trinity College Dublin. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Sheridans and Secret Book and Record Store. And it doesn't end there: examine the collection at Kilmainham Gaol Museum, tour the pleasant surroundings at Dollymount Strand, wander the streets of Temple Bar, and sample the fine beverages at Jameson Distillery Bow St..

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- hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight, bus, and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 3 hours traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Dublin. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Rio de Janeiro in December, with highs in Dublin at 10°C and lows at 3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Wed) so you can catch the bus 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.

To find ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Kilkenny day trip planning site.

Traveling by bus from Dublin to Kilkenny takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. 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 find more things to do, reviews, 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 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 Record Shop and listen to music at Siopa Ceoil An Daingin - Dingle Music Shop.

For other places to visit, reviews, maps, 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 do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 12°C in December, and nighttime lows around 7°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: Mulranny Strand and Salthill Beaches. Explore Galway's surroundings by going to Lahinch (Lahinch Beach & The Celtic T Shirt Shop), The Hungry Monk Art and Craft Gallery (in Cong) and Westport (Lina Stein & Derryaun Crafts). There's much more to do: stop by Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, get to know the fascinating history of Kirwan's Lane, and browse the range of quality goods at OMG Zhivago.

For where to stay, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Galway trip itinerary maker website.

Drive from Dingle to Galway in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Dingle in December, expect Galway to be a bit cooler, temps between 8°C and 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.