As part of our annual, what’s a place that is cheap to fly to from the US and easy to do within 4 days trip, we stumbled across Ireland. People always rave about Ireland’s raw beauty, but pictures didn’t necessarily sway me. It was always grey and a lot of wet, dark hills and fields. What is this “raw beauty” people keep referring to that makes it one of the most beautiful places in the world? It’s hard to describe. Once there, you realize what everyone means. It’s not something that can be put into words, it’s something that you need to see for yourself to understand. If you’re not convinced, like I wasn’t, all it takes is a quick 4 days in Ireland to get a taste of this island (and yes – Ireland is an island!). It’s non-committal, it’s easy, and it’ll have you swayed to visit again.
The below is an example of an iconic, standard, first-timers 4 days in Ireland. It’s a travel itinerary that gives you a taste of city, coast and countryside manors filled with castles and mountains. It gives you a taste of everything in Ireland, which is why I like this itinerary so much.
FAQs:
Is 4 days in Ireland enough?
Absolutely not. Like I mentioned above, this is just if you’re not convinced on whether Ireland is for you or not. This 4 day in Ireland itinerary is a quick way to uncover whether the Éire, as they call it, is for you or not. A full 10 days would be better.
When is the best time to visit Ireland?
The best time to visit Ireland really depends on what your priority is. Do you want to prioritize good weather, but don’t mind the hoards of crowds? Then the summer months are for you. November to February is ideal if you want no crowds and low prices (this is when Pat and I went). But of course, the downside is it’s a bit cold, we didn’t mind honestly! If you’re going to visit a cold and rainy country like Ireland, you might as well do it during Christmas time when decorations and lights string from every building and Christmas markets take over cities. That being said, the best time to visit Ireland is similar to all other destinations in Europe – in the shoulder seasons. May, September and October are less crowds, not peak periods yet, and mild weather.
Quick Navigation
Day 3: Connemara
- Morning: Fort & Castle
- Lunch: Off the Square
- Afternoon: Explore Clifden
- Check-In: Ballynahinch Castle
- Dinner: At Castle
Day 4: Connemara
- Morning: Explore the Grounds
- Afternoon: Drive Sky Road Wild Atlantic Way
- Afternoon: Diamond Hill
- Dinner: Mannion’s Bar & Restaurant
4 Days In Ireland Map
Where & What to Eat in Megève
How To Get Around Megève
Important Things to Keep in Mind
For a recap of my 4 days in Ireland, see my TikTok below:
@svadore Searching for vacations abroad in March? Look no further. Here’s the perfect itinerary for your next trip to Ireland 🇮🇪🍀 #stpatricksday #ireland #dublin #galway #connemara #cliffsofmoher #itinerary #travel #traveltok #springbreak #abroad ♬ original sound – Sveva Marcangeli
~ Day 1: Dublin ~
1. Check-In: Trinity City Hotel
Where to Stay in Dublin: Trinity City Hotel
Early morning check-in at the Trinity City Hotel in the center of it all in Dublin. The hotel is near Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and other popular attractions. If you’re only spending one day in Dublin, it’s the perfect place to be. Some suites have a balcony overlooking the “Dublin skyline” – which is very different than any other skyline I’ve seen. The place also has a business center, restaurant, fitness center etc. for those looking for more amenities.
2. Breakfast: Bread 41
Bread 41: Get A Loaf Of This Before It Becomes Popular
We were one of the first to discover Bread 41’s pastries and breads and got a behind-the-scenes look at the bakery before it became all the rage in Dublin. Now, Ireland is not known for it’s fabulous baked goods. You think of France and Italy when you think of bakeries. But Bread 41 has broken the Irish mold and introduced the nation to one of the best bakeries I’ve visited to this very day. Pat and I ordered an almond croissant and a coffee. we had the privilege of meeting the head baker and owner of Bread 41, Eoin Cluskey. He had a minute to spare so was able to take us on a short BTS (behind-the-scenes) tour of his bakery! Before you proceed to read the full article, prepare yourself for a baker’s fairytale and story full of bread puns.
3. Morning: Trinity College Library: The Long Room
Visit Trinity College Library, Dublin: The Long Room
Now this may sound strange, but when in Dublin, instead of heading to the bar, consider heading to The Long Room at Trinity College Library instead. For someone like Patrick, who is an avid reader and a love of printed books, the Trinity College Library built in the 18th century is a must-see attraction. Aside from being aesthetically a picture-postcard moment, it is also home to the famous Book of Kells written by monks in the 6th century. It’s like stepping into a Harry Potter book. It is not free so tickets do need to be purchased in advanced!
4. Lunch: Klaw’s The Seafood Café in Dublin
Eat at Klaw’s The Seafood Café in Dublin
We were really hoping to get a table at the famous Klaw restaurant, probably the smallest seafood restaurant in the world. It only has 3 tables and 1 counter to host 12 seats. We approached the hole-in-the-wall restaurant, but it was completely packed. The place is famous for being Dublin’s best seafood restaurant. Let’s face it, when you’re on an island (and yes remember that Ireland is an island!), you can’t not have the best seafood available. We were redirected to their new sister restaurant The Seafood Cafe that opened September 2019. It has more seating and is a bit more modern looking, but the chef and the menu are identical to Klaw. We ended up ordering a common Irish dish: Smoked pollock & cockle chowder.
5. Afternoon: Explore the Creative Quarter
5 Things to Do in the Creative Quarter, Dublin
The Creative Quarter is an area steeped in history with secrets around every corner. From secret pubs inside old Georgian townhouses that turn into dancing nightclubs to the oldest shopping centre, we stopped by 5 places and streets that we just couldn’t miss. The Creative Quarter can be considered Dublin’s “Soho.” Local artists, boutique and big name stores fill the streets, art galleries, restaurants and pubs. End the afternoon at Powerscourt Townhouse for some espresso and typical Irish soda bread. If you’re going to spend 4 days in Ireland, you can’t leave without having their famous Irish soda bread.
6. Dinner: L. Mulligan Grocer
Restaurants in Dublin: L. Mulligan Grocer
Irish pub fare just steps away from the chaos of the center of Dublin. Stoneybatter’s L. Mulligan Grocer is far from a grocery store, although it’s name might deceive you, but rather a pub with fresh and locally-sourced produce. One thing sets this pub apart from any other…L. Mulligan Grocer was the first pub in Ireland to not list Guinness in their beer list. The establishment only features craft brews such as Whiplash, Larkin’s Lager, and The White Hag. You’ll even find some curated craft brews created by one of the owners himself who visits international breweries and makes beer the old fashioned way. Menus are served in the form of old literary books…love the personal touch! The menu is seasonal and they change it every week. But the food of choice and must-have item here time and time again is the black pudding.
~ Day 2: Cliffs of Moher & Galway ~
1. Breakfast: Bread 41
Yea…I told you it was THAT good. Out of 4 days in Ireland, this was our breakfast twice. Who says the food in Ireland isn’t good? — Not me. We went back, had a ton of pastries, and took some to go to for our roadtrip to the Cliffs of Moher. And thank god we did to because we didn’t have lunch that day!
2. Morning: Drive to Cliffs of Moher
We then took a train to the airport and rented an automatic car…in Ireland. Yes, you drive on the opposite side of the road and on the opposite seat…but trust me, it isn’t as bad as you think. I’m saying that as someone who wasn’t the driver though haha! My husband, Pat, was driving and according to him it was trippy at first, but you get used to it fast. The good part is that Dublin Airport is right on the highway, so the minute you rent the car, you find yourself on an enormous like 4-5 lane highway with no cars on it and plenty of space to drive. It gives you a lot of time to acclimate yourself on the drive to Cliffs of Moher. If you’re spending 4 days in Ireland, you can’t not see the Cliffs of Moher, even if it’s December. On our way out of the airport, we even drove under a very distinct rainbow. What a good omen! Our day was off to a good start.
Now that’s not to say the drive isn’t easy. But it’s not why you think, it has nothing to do with driving on the wrong side of the road and car. The drive was supposed to take us 3.5 hours, it took us more like 4.5-5 after stopping for gas a few times and having to squirm our way through the narrow stone walled streets in County Clare. No one warns you that driving through Country Clare is one of the most nerve-wrecking moments in Ireland, especially if it’s your first day driving on the left of everything. If you have a large SUV, go the longer way because you’ll never make it through these streets.
3. Afternoon: Cliffs of Moher
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin in December
On this cold December day, we decided to brave the cold and do it all in one shot. It wasn’t so much the cold as it was the wind. I must say, even in winter, the Cliffs of Moher have this certain mystical beauty about them. I don’t now if it’s the faint fog, the rough winds and ocean, or the dreary and bipolar weather, but don’t skip out on the Cliffs of Moher in December. Fight the cold, come equipped with the right gear, and go see what some consider to be one of the world’s natural wonders.
4. Check-In: The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Hotels In Galway, Ireland: The Galmont Hotel & Spa
We were spending the night at the luxurious Galmont Hotel & Spa overlooking Lough Atalia, a four star hotel in the center of Galway. There were many thoughtful extras included in the room, including a complimentary Nespresso machine and tea station, bathrobes and slippers, use of the energize fitness & leisure space, and a deep sleep pillow spray by ThisWorks. I had never seen a deep sleep pillow spray before! What a unique addition. I took a quick warm bath before exploring Galway. The humid, cold air in Ireland goes straight to your bones! So I find that having a bathtub in your hotel is close to a necessity when traveling in Ireland in December.
5. Evening: Explore Galway
9 Things to Do in Galway, Ireland in December
Galway may be small, but if you know what streets and places to see you can easily find a long list of unusual and local things to do in Galway. Most of Galway is all pedestrian zones, so you can really walk in the middle of the tiny streets for the majority of the city. My favorite of all the stops had to be the Christmas Markets at Eyre Square.
6. Dinner: Le Petit Pois
Pat and I weren’t craving hearty Irish food fare and a lot of the places we had looked at were completely booked on Friday. Luckily, a French Restaurant named Le Petit Pois was open. We’re so grateful they took our reservations, it was like it was meant to be. Who knew that you’d find such amazing French food in Galway? The restaurant was top notch.
~ Day 3: Connemara ~
1. Morning: Stop by A Fortress and Mini-Castle
On our drive from Galway to Connemara, we passed by several medieval fortresses, castles, and ruins that were available for people to visit. There are too many to count and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Pat and I stopped by one and went for a quick tour. It’s crazy to think people stayed in these way back when while traveling, during the war, etc.
2. Lunch: Off the Square
You can’t go wrong with all the places to eat in Clifden. They’re all homey, almost all locally sourced, and have high quality, hearty meals. Of all the restaurants available in Clifden we stopped by 2 during our time there. We ate at Off the Square for lunch the first day in Clifden. Pat had the Darne of fresh Atlantic salmon in a delicious dill and lemon butter sauce, while I had the creamy Atlantic seafood chowder. If you think that’s a fish in my soup, it’s not! It’s a cracker made to look like fish…how clever! Both were served with a side of Irish bread. The fish was as fresh as it could get, plus it’s location just off the square makes it perfect.
3. Afternoon: Explore Clifden
Best Things to Do in Clifden, Connemara, Ireland
Clifden paints its houses bright pink, banana yellow, lime green, melon orange, electric blue, and more to bring color to the town enveloped in the otherwise dreary and foggy Irish weather. The houses really lighten up the place and give Clifden a charming character! Its U-shaped main streets of Galway Road and Hulk Street are full of interesting cafes, galleries, pubs with live music, and gift shops selling typical local knits or souvenirs.
4. Check-In: Ballynahinch Castle
Stay In A Castle In Ireland: Ballynahinch Castle
Growing up, we all dreamed of living in a castle at one point or another and roaming around the grounds like royalty. What if I told you you could make your childhood dream come true? At the top of my list of things to do in 4 days in Ireland, staying in a Castle was number 1. Ireland is home to a number of these accommodations, but only one offers the beauty of the rural countryside accompanied by activities like fly fishing, walks and hikes around the castle grounds, guided boat tours, and woodcock and clay shooting—Ballynahinch Castle. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect place for a couples or guys/girls weekend getaway? I think so. The castle was built in the 1756 and was home to the Ferocious O’Flaherty clan. The property has strong literary ties and has served as an inspiration to many writers and poets who have stayed at the property.
5. Dinner: Ballynahinch Castle
Stay In A Castle In Ireland: Ballynahinch Castle
That night, we indulged in dinner at the Fisherman’s Pub and Ranji Room, which only uses local products and fresh caught fish. After dinner, we decided to explore the inside of the castle. It was Christmas time and decorations were abound. In the halls, on the staircases, Christmas trees and lights in every room, Garland that wraps every fireplace and staircase in the building. It felt like I was at Hogwarts. I just kept hearing that song play in my head by John Williams, “Double Trouble.”
~ Day 4: Connemara ~
1. Morning: Explore the Grounds
Stay In A Castle In Ireland: Ballynahinch Castle
After a hearty poached egg breakfast overlooking the lake, we set off the explore the Ballynahinch grounds. We were determined to explore the 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of river and lakeside paths that the estate owns. he property features terraced gardens, a labyrinth garden, tennis courts, and the 10 kilometers of river and lakeside paths. It was perfect for a romantic, quiet, and reflective stroll through nature. We followed the walking map and made our way around the entire estate. We spent a good 2 hours of our morning if not more, exploring the area. In the summer, there are bikes for hire, fly-fishing for salmon on the famous Ballynahinch River, Equestrian programs, tennis courts, and more. You could spend an entire week here just drinking Teeling Whiskey and enjoying all the activities the property has to offer.
2. Afternoon: Driving Sky Road Wild Atlantic Way in Connemara, Ireland
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way Connemara Loop, Ireland
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way via the Connemara loop that includes Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey, a hike in Connemara National Park, a drive through the Twelve Bens, and more. When in Connemara, we explored the route called Connemara Loop even further North. The drive on Connemara Loop within the Wild Atlantic Way takes about an hour to an hour and half depending on how long you want to make the drive. Here are some can’t miss stops along the way.
3. Afternoon: Diamond Hill
Explore Connemara National Park: Diamond Hill
Don’t let my thrilling and nail-biting story of my hike up Diamond Hill Trail in Connemara National Park deter you. In peak conditions, the views are breathtaking and a can’t miss in the area as you will see in my article.
4. Dinner: Mannion’s Bar & Restaurant
Our flight was late that night, so after freezing our ears off and risking our lives on these beautiful trails and roads in Connemara, we decided to get one last stew in us post-flight. The last night we ate at Mannion’s Bar & Restaurant in Clifden. This was the perfect last meal for our Irish trip. We had just come from a freezing cold and windy hike up Diamond Hill Road in Connemara National Park and I needed something to warm me to my bone. The traditional Irish stew slowly cooked with lamb, celery, carrots, onions, and potatoes was exactly what I needed. It was by far my favorite meal in Ireland.
~ 4 Days in Ireland: A First-Timers Guide Map ~
~ How to Get Around Ireland ~
Can you visit Ireland without a car? It’s possible, but I would in no way recommend it. If you want to be tied to tourist schedules, timetables, and buses along with a bunch of other people, then avoid. You really want the flexibility when in Ireland, especially if you’re only doing 4 days in Ireland. You never know where the moment will take you. You may decide to veer off to see an old castle or ruin, or pull over to take some beautiful pictures of a cliff or manor, or stop by a pub to grab a beer or lunch. Don’t be tied to someone else’s schedule, it doesn’t allow you to explore.
~ Important Things to Keep In Mind ~
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