Dublin, Galway, and Belfast, Ireland
This Fi-tinerary is the perfect taste of Ireland! We made it a girls' trip, exploring the vibrant cities of Belfast and Dublin and the stunning landscapes of Galway. We embraced the jacket-and-wellies weather as we dove into the heart and soul of the two beautiful countries of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Day 1: A Proper Night Out in Dublin
We started the trip by stepping into the lively atmosphere of a Friday night in Dublin. After checking into the Generator Hostel, we got a warm introduction to how rowdy the city can get on the streets, with people spilling out of pubs. With pool tables and a buzzing bar, the hostel was the perfect spot to kickstart our evening. We ventured to Gallagher's Boxty House for dinner, where the aroma of corned beef dumplings and crispy French fries filled the air, offering a compelling curtain-raiser to Irish cuisine. Eager to explore Dublin's renowned nightlife, we embarked on the eclectic scene, from Bad Bob’s Temple Bar, a classic Irish pub, to Nolita's smooth saxophone tunes, each venue adding its unique flavor to Dublin’s party reputation.
Day 2: Road Trip to Cliffs of Moher and Galway
Dublin’s warm welcome encouraged us to hop on the road to embark on the scenic drive to the west coast of Ireland. Guein's Path was a tranquil haven embraced by nature's beauty. We chose to rent a car, but you can also opt for the train or get a driver. Once we arrived, we had a big stretch, a little downward dog, then headed to walk along the majestic Cliffs of Moher, marveling at the rugged coastline extending before us. Another hour on the road brought us to Galway, where we checked into the cozy Eyre Square Hotel. Dinner at McSwiggans was a delight, with oysters and steaks tantalizing our taste buds, followed by an evening of traditional music and lively conversations at Little Front Door, immersing us in another iconic Irish pub experience.
Day 3: Journey to Belfast
Fueled by a hearty Irish breakfast at Caprice of bacon, eggs, potatoes, beans, toast, tomatoes, and mushrooms, we strolled through Galway, admiring its charm and browsing souvenir shops with classic purchases such as Claddagh rings that are an Irish treasure. Then, we hit the road again to Belfast to visit the Titanic Experience. The museum's immersive exhibits vividly recounted the Titanic's story, from its construction to its tragic end. The list of lives lost was a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the legendary ship, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for history and the lives affected by the tragedy.
Day 4: Back again to Dublin
We returned to Dublin to round out the trip with the remarkable international city again. Engaging in Dublin's rich cultural tapestry, we ventured on a Guinness Storehouse tour's classic, tourist-to-do activity, tracing the heritage of Ireland's iconic brew. Each moment, we celebrated Ireland's brewing legacy, from the immersive exhibits to the panoramic views at the top of the building at the Gravity Bar. As evening descended, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham came alive with the rhythmic beats of Boy Genius, a testament to Dublin's vibrant music scene. If you plan accordingly, it is an incredible music venture that can be paired nicely with a road trip through Ireland.
Day 5: Dublin walking tour and Howth day trip
We savored the flavors of RoCo Cafe's morning treats before finally exploring Dublin’s daytime historic landmarks. We explored the city, uncovering the secrets of Dublin Castle, Dubh Linn Garden, and Trinity College.
We then embarked on an hour-long bus ride to Howth Summit in the afternoon. Upon arrival, the breathtaking ocean vistas left us in awe. Wandering through the charming fishing village, we explored cobblestone streets and quaint houses. The medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey captured our imagination, while a seafood lunch at a cozy local eatery perfectly complemented the coastal scenery. A leisurely post-lunch stroll along the coastline, with the rhythmic waves and sea breeze, was the perfect end to our adventure.
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Dublin with a final feast at the Old Mill Restaurant, savoring every bite of cottage pie and a breaded Brie salad. As we boarded our flight home, memories of laughter, music, and culinary delights lingered, promising a return to Dublin's welcoming embrace. Until then, farewell, Dublin!
