Dublin – Cliffs of Moher – Galway
A Journey to the Most Optimistic and Hospitable Corner of Europe
Dublin isn’t just a city. It’s an atmosphere that awakens all the senses. It’s the sounds of the city on the cobblestone streets and in the parks, the smell of fresh beer, the melodies spilling out of the pubs, and the smiles of the locals that make you feel right at home from the very first moment.
The Irish have an irresistible optimism, a genuine zest for life, and warm hospitality. Whether it’s a passerby who stops with a smile to give you directions, or the group at the pub that invites you to join their table, their positive energy is contagious and chases away even the clouds in the Irish sky!
Here’s what you can do on a 6-day trip to the Irish capital, including a day trip to the main land to get a taste of the Irish countryside at the Cliffs of Moher, Galway and the rugged Atlantic coastline!
Day 1: A first look at the city center and its lush green oases—St. Stephen’s Green & Merrion Square
We started with a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful 22.000 m² park in the heart of the city with picturesque ponds, bridges and lush greenery. On sunny days, you won’t find a single empty spot. Groups of people are everywhere on the grass and benches, chatting, listening to music, reading a book, or eating during their work break! The Park is linked to Ireland’s struggle for independence, as it was the site of the Irish Easter Rising in 1916, which aimed to end British rule and establish an independent Irish republic. Walk over to nearby Merrion Square, a square surrounded by imposing Georgian houses featuring Dublin’s magnificent colorful doors. Stop at the corner to see the famous bronze statue of Oscar Wilde, reclining leisurely on a rock. In the same area, you’ll find the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, the National Library of Ireland, and the National Gallery of Ireland. If you want to see them all in one morning, the best route is: St. Stephen’s Green → National Museum (Archaeology) → National Library → National Gallery → Merrion Square. They’re all within a 5–10 minute walk of each other, and you can explore them all comfortably without paying an admission fee!!! Be sure to stop for a coffee along the way!
In the late afternoon, take a stroll through the area south of Dame Street, in the city’s Georgian Quarter. There are plenty of options for food and beer.
Day 2: The Magic of Trinity College
In the same area as yesterday, but closer to the river, lies historic Trinity College. Be sure to book a guided tour in advance (students give wonderful tours of the Trinity gardens!). We booked the Trinity Trails Campus Tour and Book of Kells Experience (here: https://www.visittrinity.ie/ ) first thing in the morning. The entire experience takes at least two hours. It was more than worth it! The highlight of the day was, of course, the Book of Kells—a 9th-century illuminated manuscript of the Gospels that takes your breath away with its intricate detail. Entering the “Long Room—Old Library,” with its tall wooden bookcases housing 200.000 of the oldest books, felt like stepping into a scene from Harry Potter. 40 busts of great philosophers, writers, and prominent figures from the Western world and academia on both sides. A massive globe (Gaia) rotates high up on the impressive ceiling! With the same ticket, you also get access to the Red Pavilion, with its captivating digital exhibitions! The day was getting more and more impressive! Don’t miss it!
Just a 5-minute walk away is the O’Connell Bridge, which connects to the north side of the River Liffey. This is the O’Connell Street District, home to the historic General Post Office (GPO)—one of Ireland’s most significant historic buildings, as it served as the headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rising. Feel free to go inside and look around! And if you’re in the mood for shopping, you’ll find all the department stores right here! You’ll also see the tall metal Spire of Dublin. Locals usually just call it “The Spire,” aside from the nicknames they’ve given it!
Late in the afternoon is the perfect time to stroll around Dublin’s most touristy neighborhood, Temple Bar. Aside from the eponymous, bright-red Temple Bar, there are pubs everywhere—with or without live music. The area is so crowded, with such energy and architectural beauty! If you like a lively crowd, have an authentic Guinness while listening to live traditional Irish folk music and chatting with travelers from every corner of the globe. We drank our Guinnesses in a quieter setting at the Vat House Bar. We had some really good fish & chips and Irish stew. We weren’t too impressed with the music. On to the search for an authentic traditional pub the next day!
Day 3: The Futuristic Side of Dublin in the Docklands
If you want to see the side of Dublin that looks straight into the future, a stroll through the Dublin Docklands is a must. The old industrial dock area with its stone mills has been transformed into Europe’s “Silicon Docks,” home to global tech giants. It’s a fascinating blend of old and new. Georgian-style buildings and imposing glass structures, futuristic offices and modern restaurants, young people from every corner of the globe filling the streets during their work breaks, boats, seagulls… The Grand Canal Square, with the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, is bustling with life, especially in the afternoon. It’s also the setting with the red pillars that’s particularly impressive at night when they’re lit up!
Enjoy your coffee with a beautiful view and then walk over to the Samuel Beckett Bridge (designed by architect Santiago Calatrava). It’s the harp-shaped bridge! Cross it over to the sailing ship you see on your left. It’s the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, a replica of the ship on which Irish immigrants traveled during the Great Famine. Immediately afterward, you’ll find yourself at the Famine Memorial (the statues on the banks of the Liffey), a harrowing outdoor sculpture on the banks of the River Liffey depicting emaciated people walking toward the harbor, commemorating the approximately one million Irish people who died and the many who were forced to emigrate during the Great Irish Famine (1845–1852).
Be sure to visit EPIC—The Irish Emigration Museum and enjoy a unique exhibition experience. This is no ordinary museum, but an interactive experience. You’ll learn the full story of the millions of Irish people who left their homeland during the Great Famine and how their culture influenced the entire world (from politics to music). When you leave, you’ll feel a deep respect for this people. We couldn’t believe how quickly an hour and a half went by! Of course, you have to book your visit in advance! Check out the special offers too! (HERE: https://epicchq.com/visit/tickets-and-tours/ ). Just a few steps away, admire the Custom House.
The day ends wonderfully at Cobblestone. An authentic Irish pub—just what we were looking for! Take the Luas from George’s Dock to Smithfield, then walk a few minutes, and you’ll see what we mean. The musicians start playing at noon. Every so often, more musicians show up to join the party! Be patient—find a seat or at least a spot to stand—and if you’re a fan of Irish music, you’ll really appreciate it! Just so you know, they don’t serve food there!
Day 4: In the Footsteps of Irish Whiskey at the Jameson Distillery
No visit to Dublin is complete without a taste of the famous “Water of Life” (Uisce Beatha). We spent the morning at the Jameson Distillery in the Bow St. area. At 10 a.m., we found ourselves diving right into the whiskey! Reservations are required, of course! We booked the Jameson Tasting Experience (HERE: https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/el-gr/visit-our-distilleries/jameson-bow-street-distillery-tour/ ). The tour of the old distillery was a feast for the senses. It started with a refreshing whiskey cocktail (I’ve never had a better one—with lemonade or with ginger and lime). Our amazing tour guide told us about the company’s history, explained the triple-distillation process that makes Jameson so smooth, and we compared flavors with the Black Barrel as well as the Special Edition (divine!)—and we left feeling very happy!
It’s right next to the Cobblestone Pub, so you can combine the two!
As you leave there, take the opportunity to walk past the Four Courts and cross to the opposite bank via the next bridge (O’Donovan Rossa Bridge). Look ahead up the hill at the magnificent Christ Church Cathedral and walk under the bridge (Cathedral Bridge). To its right is another magnificent building, Dublinia. Walk down Nicholas Street, and in 5 minutes you’ll be at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Park! Everything’s close by! Right next to it are the neighborhoods of Old Dublin (Medieval Dublin/Viking Dublin). Generally, it goes without saying that walking is necerrary if you want to see everything. It’s easier than it sounds, though!
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is Ireland’s largest cathedral. This is also where Jonathan Swift is buried. He wrote “Gulliver’s Travels”. People rave about the impressive stained-glass windows, the high ceilings, and the serene atmosphere inside. We didn’t go in! We sat at the café in the beautiful park next to the cathedral and had our coffee before moving on.
On the way to the city center, we passed Dublin Castle (temporarily closed to us). Via Dame Street, we reached the historic St. George’s Arcade (a covered market with small shops), and right around the corner the Castle Lounge with its famous Toastie. We tried it along with some beer. Delicious, but way too much onion! We continued on to Grafton Street. A leisurely stroll down the shopping pedestrian street where there’s always something going on. Musicians, events… That’s also where Riverdance is, if you’re interested in seeing the world’s most famous Irish dance theater show. It’s traditional Irish step dancing with fast, synchronized footwork. You have to book days in advance! Further down, the statue of Mary Mallone draws a crowd for photos.
Day 5: Strolling Along the Banks of the Liffey & Crossing the Ha'penny Bridge
The penultimate day was dedicated to the very “heart” of the city: the River Liffey. We walked along the river, admiring the contrasts between the city’s old and new architecture. We had a quick coffee on the river deck next to O’Connell Bridge and then crossed the famous Ha’penny Bridge (named after the half-penny that passersby used to pay to cross it). What a unique railing! This is the bridge that leads to the heart of Temple Bar. Head out onto Dame Street and take South William Street. Stop for a nice brunch, coffee, or whatever you’d like at Metro Café. What a lovely bistro with its outdoor tables! Then, via Grafton Street, we arrived at Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. The building stands out for its Victorian style, with a glass roof, iron bridges, and interior balconies reminiscent of an old shopping arcade.
At the other end of Grafton Street lies College Green, one of the most famous intersections in downtown Dublin. It is an open public space that connects many of the city’s most important landmarks (the main entrance to Trinity College Dublin, the imposing Bank of Ireland building—which was the former Irish Parliament—and the beginnings of Grafton Street, Dame Street, and Westmoreland Street).
We bought souvenirs from Carroll’s, which are everywhere, and called it a day. A full-day excursion is on for tomorrow!
Day 6: Day Trip — Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic Way & Galway
For the last day, we booked a day trip to the west coast of Ireland—and it turned out to be the most breathtaking experience of the trip!
Setting out early in the morning from Dublin, we drove through the Irish countryside toward the Cliffs of Moher. After the good weather we’d had all the previous days, we ended up with a rainy day that didn’t let us see even half a cliff! Even so, the scenery was unique amid the thick fog, wind, and rain. No one was deterred, and we walked all the way to the edge of the cliffs, which rise 200 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. We climbed O’Brien’s Tower, which stands on the headland overlooking the Aran Islands. The Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world, more than made up for it as we drove through the unique landscape of the Burren. The green pastures dotted with cows (so many!!) alternated with picturesque villages, such as the fishing village of Kinvara, castles, and lakes. And then there’s Galway, the cultural capital of western Ireland.
With its festivals in Eyre Square! We strolled through the colorful pedestrian-only alleys of the Latin Quarter with the street musicians (buskers) and around the picturesque harbor. We had cod at McDonagh’s (perfect—big portion—long line to order), had one last Guinness, and enjoyed the must-try ice cream made with Irish milk from Kerry cows at Murphy’s Ice Cream, before heading back to Dublin. The 12-hour tour was very well organized, with an engaging tour guide who kept us thoroughly informed. (Tour Operator: Wild Rover Tours).
From the historic alleys of Dublin to the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic, it’s a trip you’ll never forget. Ireland combines history, culture, and wild natural beauty in a unique way. Dublin doesn’t have to try very hard to win you over. It’s a welcoming, warm city full of stories just waiting to be discovered around every corner. But what impressed us most were the people—with their cheerfulness, humor, and self-deprecating wit, as well as their optimism and calm demeanor!
Sláinte! (Cheers!)
TIPS
- Other popular distilleries: Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Whiskey Distillery. Be sure to book your tickets days in advance.
- Don’t be intimidated by the distances or travel times shown on Google Maps. If you walk in a regular pace, you’ll get there in half the time! Everything is very close together!
- Use public transportation. We found the buses and the Luas (tram) very convenient. Get a Leap Card or a TFI Leap Visitor Card (a rechargeable card for buses, trams, and trains—HERE: https://www.transportforireland.ie/fares/leap-card/ ) and download the app to check your balance and see where the buses are in real time. Very frequent service everywhere with stop notifications! Be sure to say “thank you” to the driver every time you get off!
- Getting into the city from the airport is easy and affordable via the Dublin Express, Dublin Bus, or, if you prefer, a taxi (€35–45 depending on the time and distance). You can book online or at the airport.
- General dining overview: food is pricey at sit-down restaurants (expect to pay 40 euros for just two plain servings), coffee is average, and beer is cheap (1 pint (568 ml) of Guinness usually costs: €6.50–€7.50 in most pubs—and cheaper in the neighborhoods), water at €1.50–€2 per half-liter (tap water is safe to drink, though), supermarkets are affordable. In Galway though, everything was much cheaper.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need! The Irish are more than willing to help you! You won’t believe their willingness!
PHOTO CLIFFS OF MOHER
https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/attractions/cliffs-of-moher/
