Seven days in Ireland — culture, whiskey, wild coasts & ancient stone
About This Guide
This itinerary was built around the Go City Dublin Explorer Pass — a multi-attraction pass that pays for itself within a day or two. It pairs three full days of Dublin exploration with carefully timed day trips to Northern Ireland, the coastal villages north of the city, and the wild Atlantic at the Cliffs of Moher.
The pacing is intentional: active mornings, leisurely afternoons, and evenings close to the city centre where the best restaurants and pubs are within a short walk of Grafton Street. You won't feel rushed — but you also won't waste time backtracking.
Before You Leave Home
The Go City Dublin Explorer Pass covers dozens of attractions including EPIC, Malahide Castle, Little Museum of Dublin, Jameson Distillery, Teeling, and more. Download the app before arrival and add your pass — most venues scan directly from your phone.
Flying into Dublin Airport (DUB). Clear immigration on arrival and take an Uber or taxi directly to your accommodation in the city centre. Allow 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Monday · Arrival Day
Clear immigration and passport control. After a transatlantic overnight flight you'll be tempted to nap — resist. Get to the hotel, drop bags, and keep moving. The jet lag disappears faster if you stay awake until at least 8 PM local time.
Drop your bags even if your room isn't ready. The Grafton Street area is brilliantly central — almost everything on this itinerary is within walking distance. Grab a coffee at Bewley's Grafton Street Café if you need a boost before the tour.
Meet at St. Catherine's Church of Ireland on Thomas Street. This guided food tour takes you through Dublin's culinary history and hidden neighbourhood gems. Runs approximately 3 hours and ends near Trinity College — perfectly positioned for the afternoon.
One of Dublin's most acclaimed museums. Go City customers don't need to pre-book but may wait for the next available slot — admissions run every 15 minutes with last entry at 5 PM. Allow 60–90 minutes.
A replica 19th-century emigrant vessel at Custom House Quay with guided tours every 30 minutes. Open 10 AM – 4:30 PM. A powerful complement to the Emigration Museum just across the quay.
Walk the cobblestoned grounds of one of Europe's finest universities — free to enter. If time allows, stop into the Little Museum of Dublin (Go City, open until 5 PM) on the walk back toward St. Stephen's Green.
A short walk from the hotel with approachable prices and reliably good food. A welcome, no-fuss dinner after a long travel day. Many other restaurants are nearby if you'd rather window-shop first.
Tuesday · Go City Day 2
About a 10-minute walk from Grafton Street. Both open at 9:45 AM. The Chester Beatty Library — on the castle grounds — holds a world-class collection of manuscripts and art and is consistently rated one of Europe's best free museums. Allow 30–40 minutes each.
The most visited attraction in Ireland. Your guided tour ticket is pre-booked separately from Go City. The tour runs approximately 90 minutes, covering brewing history and culminating at the famous Gravity Bar with panoramic views over Dublin.
Two Pups Coffee is popular, casual and closes at 3 PM. Liberties Gate Bar and Restaurant is a solid alternative for something more substantial. Walk around the Liberties — one of Dublin's oldest and most characterful neighbourhoods.
Less than 10 minutes' walk from Two Pups. Dublin's first new whiskey distillery in over 125 years. The tour runs 60–75 minutes and includes a tasting. A genuine highlight — even for those who don't consider themselves whiskey drinkers.
Ireland's largest cathedral, standing here since the 12th century. Last admission is 4:45 PM. Budget about 45 minutes — the architecture and history reward a slow, unhurried visit.
A traditional Irish gastropub experience. Come dressed as nicely as you can. There is a minimum order of 3 dishes per person including a main course. Cancel in advance if plans change — they hold a credit card.
Wednesday · All-Day Tour · Bring Your Passport
Walk or Uber to the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square North. Arrive by 6:35 AM for a 6:45 pickup. Seats are reserved in the first three rows. The tour runs approximately 13 hours — pack water, snacks, and layers. You are crossing into Northern Ireland: passports are required.
Dunluce Castle is the dramatic clifftop ruin that inspired Game of Thrones' House Greyjoy. Then the Dark Hedges — a haunting tunnel of ancient beech trees lining Bregagh Road. Walk 100–200 metres down the lane; crouch low and shoot upward for the most dramatic canopy effect. Try a backward shot with the path trailing behind for added atmosphere.
Start at the Visitor Centre — use the restroom and grab a map but skip the full indoor exhibition to save time. Walk down to the iconic hexagonal basalt columns: consider taking the scenic Blue Trail down for clifftop views and the shuttle bus back up (cash only, approx. £1 each way). Key photo spots include low angles looking up from the columns, the "Organ Pipes" formation, and the outer edge facing the ocean. If you have energy, the Red Trail (162 steps) offers panoramic views of the whole formation.
Don't miss the Shipyard Ride (Gallery 2) or the Sinking gallery. The Seabed Floor Theatre — where you stand on glass above footage of the actual wreck — is the emotional highlight of the experience. The SS Nomadic (included) is right outside. Budget 80–90 minutes carefully; it goes fast.
A brief stop at the imposing City Hall. Key shots: the domed facade, the Titanic Memorial bronze, Queen Victoria statue, and the ornate gardens. Step inside briefly for the marble stairs and stained glass if time allows.
The bus returns to 12 Aston Quay in Temple Bar. Walk back toward your hotel and find dinner along the way. Bartley's Bar at The Grafton serves food until 9:30 PM if you want something close and easy. Pizza is also a great call after a long day — see the Dining Guide below.
Thursday · Day Trip by DART
About 10 minutes from Grafton Street. Buy a paper ticket at the station (required — don't assume you can tap a card). Board a northbound DART directly to Howth. The ride takes about 30 minutes with no transfers.
Two options: the Cliff Path Loop (3.7 miles, ~2 hours, green waymarkers — more scenic, dramatic ocean views) or the Howth Summit Walk (1.2 miles, ~1 hour, yellow route, starting from the summit car park). Both are rewarding — pick based on energy and weather.
Wander the harbour. Tram Coffee & Wine on Harbour Road is highly rated. The Doghouse Café is worth the wait if you've finished the hike early. Howth is famous for fresh seafood — keep an eye out on your walk through the village.
About 15 minutes by Uber from Howth. Show your Go City pass for entry. Gardens open 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM; last castle tour departs around 4 PM. Allow about 90 minutes to walk the grounds and take the castle tour.
Uber from Malahide to Skerries (about 20–25 min). Arrive by 3:30 PM — have a cream tea with a freshly baked scone in the on-site café first (the flour is milled on site), then join the 4 PM guided tour. Mills and café close at 5 PM.
The top-rated restaurant in Skerries, right at the harbour. Walk from Skerries Mills toward the water for a nicer approach. A wonderful spot for dinner before the train back to Dublin.
The 8:10 PM is a direct service back to the city. The next train is not until 9:27 PM and is not direct. Buy your return ticket in the morning to avoid the queue at Skerries station in the evening.
Friday · Go City Day 5
A 10-minute walk from Grafton Street. One of Dublin's two medieval cathedrals, with origins dating to 1030. Present your Go City pass at the welcome desk. Allow 30–40 minutes to walk through at a relaxed pace.
About 15 minutes' walk from Christ Church. Print your Go City booking tickets in advance — the Jameson requires paper tickets. A well-produced tour covering Irish whiskey history with a guided tasting. A nice contrast to Teeling's craft distillery experience from Day 2.
24 Drury Street, about a 20-minute walk from Jameson. A 2-hour hands-on silversmithing class where you design and craft your own silver ring to take home. One of the most tactile and memorable experiences of the week. Leave by 2:30 PM for the walk to Smithfield.
Starts at Utah Teapot in Smithfield and ends at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery. A guided tour of Dublin's bar and craft drinks culture. Runs approximately 3 hours. If you weren't happy with the Food on Foot Tour format, you can skip this and explore the evening independently.
Saturday · Full Day Tour
Leave the hotel and pick up a quick breakfast and snacks for the day. Have everything packed the night before — this is an early departure with a long day ahead.
Board at Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham (23 Upper O'Connell St) at 6:55 AM or the Ulster Bank bus stop at College Green at 7:00 AM. Arrive 10 minutes early with your voucher ready on your phone. Look for the grey Wild Rover Tours bus. Seats are not assigned — first on, best choice.
Use restrooms at the Visitor Centre, then walk south toward the South Viewpoint — less crowded and dramatically beautiful. Walk 30 minutes out, 30 minutes back. Then head to O'Brien's Tower (10 minutes from the Visitor Centre) for the classic panoramic shot. You don't need to pay to climb; the view from the base is excellent. Use the final 10–15 minutes for the café or gift shop near the entrance.
The bus parks near Eyre Square. Your guide may offer a complimentary 20-minute walking tour including the Spanish Arch and Lynch's Castle. Walk Shop Street → High Street → Quay Street toward the river. Stop at the Spanish Arch and River Corrib for great photos. Java's Crepes on Abbeygate Street is a standout food stop if you need lunch.
Return from Eyre Square. Approximate arrival back in Dublin (Temple Bar area) is 7:40 PM.
After a long day on the road, simple is smart. BAMBINO on Stephen Street Lower is well regarded for large New York–style slices. DiFontaine's on Parliament Street in Temple Bar is an excellent alternative right on the walk back to your hotel.
Sunday · Departure Day
Settle your bill and arrange bags. Leave promptly — you need to be at Dublin Airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow time for US pre-clearance.
Take an Uber directly to Dublin Airport. The journey is approximately 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Book in advance if possible, especially on a Sunday morning.
Dublin Airport has US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance — a major travel advantage. You clear US immigration before boarding, arriving at your US destination as a domestic passenger. Allow extra time as queues can be long, especially on weekend mornings.
Flight departs Dublin. Thanks to pre-clearance, you'll land at your US destination and walk straight out — no immigration queues on the other side. Safe travels.
My Life Happens Travel · Dining Guide
Casual, well-priced, and close to the hotel. A reliable option after a long travel day when you want something satisfying without a fuss.
Reservation via OpenTableA beloved Dublin café with a strong brunch menu. Closes at 3 PM — time your arrival after the Guinness Storehouse tour accordingly.
A proper Irish gastropub experience. Dress well, come hungry — minimum 3 dishes per person including a main is required.
Reservation · Credit Card HeldAfter 13 hours on a bus, simple and close is the right call. Bartley's serves food until 9:30 PM. BAMBINO and DiFontaine's are both great for late-night pizza.
The top-rated restaurant in Skerries, right on the harbour. Classic Irish food in a wonderful setting — a highlight of the coastal day trip.
Reservation via OpenTableNew York–style pizza slices, late hours, no fuss. Perfect end to a long tour day. DiFontaine's on Parliament Street is a solid alternative.
Michelin-recommended modern Indian. One of Dublin's most acclaimed restaurants. Book well in advance — this one fills up fast.
Advance Reservation RequiredOpens at 6 AM — a lifesaver on early tour departure days. Highly rated for coffee and breakfast. Note the location before your Northern Ireland and Cliffs of Moher days.