The Perfect 10: Ireland

4 Days in Dublin | 2 in Cork | 2 in Dingle | 2 on the Wild Atlantic Way — plus arrival and departure days

Day 1 – Arrival in Dublin

• Check into your hotel:
• Wren Urban Nest – stylish, eco-friendly, and perfect for solo travelers. (wrenhotel.ie)
• The Shelbourne – historic 5-star luxury overlooking St. Stephen’s Green. (marriott.com/shelbourne)
• The Morrison – modern riverside comfort. (hilton.com/morrison-dublin)
• Light walk around Grafton Street or St. Stephen’s Green.
• Dinner at Las Tapas de Lola — casual tapas with great wine. (lastapasdelola.com)

Day 2 – Dublin Highlights

• Morning: Guinness Storehouse Tour (book early — I can help arrange tickets).
• Lunch at Boss Stop (best Chinese in the city).
• Afternoon: Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral or the National Gallery of Ireland.
• Dinner at Chapter One — Michelin-starred fine dining. (chapteronerestaurant.com)
• ⚠ Reservations essential — book well in advance. I can assist with reservations.
• Evening: Traditional music at The Brazen Head or Devitts.

Day 3 – Dublin History & Culture

• Morning: 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour with my good friend Lorcan — a brilliant historian and entertaining guide. (1916rising.com)
• I can help book Lorcan’s tour in advance.
• Afternoon: Explore Dublin Castle or Kilmainham Gaol.
• Dinner at Bambino (NY-style pizza, takeaway if seats are full — picnic in St. Stephen’s Green is a local favorite).

Day 4 – Day Trip to Howth

• Morning: Take the DART train north to seaside Howth.
• Walk the cliff path with panoramic sea views.
• Enjoy fresh seafood in Howth Harbor before returning to Dublin.

Day 5 – Travel to Cork

• Morning: Train or drive south to Cork.
• Lodging: The Kingsley Hotel (thekingsley.ie) or a local Airbnb.
• Afternoon stroll through the English Market.
• Dinner along the River Lee.

Day 6 – Explore Cork & Surroundings

• Morning: Visit Blarney Castle (kiss the stone if you wish).
• Afternoon: Day trip to Kinsale (harbor town) or Cobh (Titanic history).
• Evening: Enjoy Cork’s lively pub and food scene.

Day 7 – Journey to Dingle

• Scenic drive west into the Dingle Peninsula.
• Stay at:
• Dingle Garden Townhouse — boutique guesthouse with homemade breakfast. (dinglegardentownhouse.com)
• Milltown House — charming, historic stay right on Dingle Bay.
• Evening pint at Foxy John’s Pub — half pub, half hardware store, and fully local. I took my dad here and it became a regular “thing” while we were staying in Dingle.

Day 8 – Dingle Adventures

• Hike the Dingle Peninsula trails for breathtaking Atlantic views.
• Wander Dingle town’s colorful shops and artisan studios.
• Dinner overlooking the harbor, with fresh local seafood.

Day 9 – Ring of Kerry & Blasket Center

• Drive the Ring of Kerry for some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery.
• Stop at the Blasket Center perched above the cliffs on the Dingle Peninsula. It’s gorgeous inside and on most days you can hike around the windy peninsula for some of the most stunning views of the wild Atlantic Ocean and wildlife.
• Return to Dingle for a relaxed evening or live trad music downtown. Be sure to check out Neligan’s or O’Flaherty’s

Day 10 – Harbor Farewell & Departure

• • • Morning walk by the harbor.
    • Farewell Irish breakfast at Keogh’s Café — famous for pastries and people-watching on the patio. (keoghscafe.ie)
    • Depart via Dublin Airport. Or Shannon if you plan to start your day leisurely in Dingle.