How to Spend Two Weeks in Ireland
Date of Trip April 2022
3-4 Days: Dublin
Transportation
While a taxi is of course always an option from the airport, I opted for the bus which was very quick and efficient to the city center. After clearing customs and leaving the airport, the bus stand is right in front with frequent departures so I did not sacrifice much on time choosing the bus vs a taxi. Also, the closest stop to my hostel was only about a block away so as far as airport buses go, Dublin’s is impressive.
Accommodation
I stayed at the Abbey Court Hostel, which is the perfect location by the O’Connell Bridge. The hostel was fine—served its purpose, but nothing to rave about. If staying elsewhere, I would recommend somewhere nearby as the location was perfect within walking distance of the main attractions.
Things to do
Guinness Storehouse
It is not a trip to Dublin without a visit to Guinness—and does not matter if you do not drink or like beer, the experience is worth the visit in itself (plus Guinness tastes better at the source)! There are tours that take you through the history and beer-making process, or you can self-guide through the exhibit. The tour will include the option to pour your own pint at the end which is a whole art in itself. Otherwise, you can buy a pint at the bar at the top which has a gorgeous view overlooking Dublin.
Free Walking Tour
I love doing a free walking tour in a new city—it’s a great way to get your bearings while also seeing some of the main sights. The guides are also good people to get recommendations for places to eat or go out at.
Trinity College
Usually not included in a free walking tour, Trinity College is worth the visit separately. I did not opt for a tour here, but walked around the campus and made the visit to the famous Long Room library.
3-4 Days: Galway
Transportation
From the Dublin Heuston station, take the Irish Rail train to Galway, which takes a little over 2 hours.
Accommodation
I stayed in the Galway City Hostel and loved it—great location and the hostel was helpful with organizing day tours as well as pub crawls most nights which was a great way to explore the nightlife in Galway and meet people. If not staying there, the location near Eyre Square was great for any alternatives.
Things to do
Cliffs of Moher & Connemara National Park
No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to the famous Cliffs of Moher! I booked a day tour through my hostel which recommended Galway Tour Company. I did both the Cliffs and Connemara tour through them and they were great! The guides were entertaining and knowledgable and the buses were comfortable. They also gave plenty of time at each of the stops so did not feel rushed during the day.
Pubs
Pub culture is amazing in Ireland and luckily most of the hostels will have pub crawls to experience a night out with a group. Some of my favorites included on the crawls were Skeff Bar, Dail Bar and the Front Door Pub.
3-4 Days: Killarney
Transportation
From Galway, I took a bus and even though Killarney is a national park, it was still easy to get around without a car. The town is right next to the park so easy to go by foot and there are boat transfers to deeper areas of the park.
Accommodation
I stayed at the Black Sheep Hostel which was highly recommended on HostelWorld. The hostel was clean and beds were comfortable, but was not my type of social vibe. It was also located on the outskirts of town and if I were to go back, I would stay more in the center close to the pubs and restaurants.
Things to do
Killarney National Park
From the town, you can walk to Ross Castle which will take roughly 45 minutes. This trail is gorgeous along the way and once you reach the castle you can take a boat to reach further areas of the park, or just take the boat for the views themselves.
Gap of Dunloe
When asking my hostel what is the one hike/excursion I should do while in Killarney, they answered without a doubt the Gap of Dunloe. I took the boat from Ross Castle which drops you off at Lord Brandons Lodge which is close to the trailhead. I walked to the trailhead, but there is also options for a horse carriage there or to take this for the whole trail. The hike ends at Kate Kearney’s Cottage which has a couple restaurants for a bite after and you can either hike back and take the boat back to Killarney, or if only wanting to hike one way as I did you can either take a taxi back or some parts of the year there is a shuttle that will go back to Killarney. The hike was not difficult and would say it is suited for most fitness levels—the direction from Lord Brandons Lodge to Kate Kearney’s Cottage is fairly flat and downhill.
Live Music at O’Donoghue Public House
My favorite pub I visited in Ireland was definitely O’Donoghue’s. While live music is popular everywhere, here was the best by far and came here every night I was here.
2-3 Days: Cork
Transportation
I took the train again to Cork, which was again very quick and comfortable. Once in Cork, the city is very walkable and can take trains or buses for day trips to surrounding towns.
Accommodation
I stayed at the Bru Hostel which was great and well located. I met some good people here and there is live music every night in the bar which gave a great social atmosphere.
Things to do
Day trip to Jameson Midleton Distillery
I started my trip with Guniess and ended with Jameson! I took the train to Midleton which drops you off right in town and a short walk to the distillery. Here there are multiple tours you can take and I chose the standard tour which was about an hour and included a tasting comparing Irish whiskey, Scotch whisky and American whiskey.
Blarney Castle
While I skipped this on my trip, most people come to Cork to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney stone for the gift of eloquence. Other popular day trips from Cork are also to Cobh which was also the last port of the Titanic and to Kinsale on the coast.