|
|
A One to Three-Day Itinerary
Home » Ireland » Ireland - A One to Three-Day Itinerary » A One to Three-Day ItineraryWhen visiting the Emerald Isle, it may be hard to decide where to stay during your vacation, as there is so much this beautiful country has to offer its guests. You might first want to decide what is most important to you, as the land is full of charming towns and villages, impressive mountains, and historical landmarks. The itinerary below focuses on one to three days spent in Dublin, Ireland's exciting, urban capital, Wicklow, and Connemara.
Day One: Dublin
On day one, arrive at Dublin International Airport. Travel to the hotel of your choice for check-in and to unpack before exploring the city.
During the afternoon, enjoy the excitement of a walking tour of Dublin, Ireland's young and eccentric capital. Dublin stretches across the Liffey valley from the headlands of Howth in the north to Dalkey. The city itself is complex, with an idiosyncratic sense of humor, and idyllic to discover on foot.
The historic center of the city is found south of Liffey, and still possesses much of its original charm and character. Yet it is still buzzing with electricity due to the urban restoration it has undergone in the last decade of the 20th century. Temple Bar is the place to be in this section of town with its delicious dining choices, chic pubs, and discos. Visit Trinity College while in the area, the city's most popular landmark. Many famous people have graduated from the College, including Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett.
Next, travel west of Trinity College to Dublin Castle, the seat of British rule in Ireland. Proceed to Merrion Square, Dublin's most elegant region, with its classical Georgian houses graced with dramatic doorways and canopies. Within this square Oscar Wilde lived at 1 Merrion Square, Daniel O'Connell at 58, and WB Yeats, at 82.
Or, if sports are your thing, attend the races at Leopardstown. You may find you have the luck of the Irish. Golf is also a wonderful option, as some of the best golf courses in Europe are found in Ireland. Or, go to Croke Park and encounter Gaelic football and hurling in their true home.
If you have time, visit the National Gallery, which holds one of the most impressive collections in Europe, and houses works by Reynolds, Hogarth, and Gainsborough. Next, proceed to the National Wax Museum located at the corner of Granby Row and Dorset Street. Towards evening, stroll through Phoenix Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe, and watch the city unwind at the end of a long day. Dublin Zoo is found within the park.
At night, enjoy dinner and good conversation in a local pub. Abbey Tavern is an excellent choice with its original stonewalls, open turf fires, and live performances of traditional Irish music and dance nightly.
Day Two: Dublin to Wicklow
Begin day two by rising early in the morning and driving south of Dublin a few miles to the County of Wicklow. Keep in mind that many of Ireland's roads are very narrow and heavily traveled. Wicklow is affectionately coined the phrase "The Garden of Ireland", and is known around the world for its beauty. Spend the day basking in the beauty of this amazing countryside with its forests, waterfalls, mountains and lakes. Whether you desire to take a leisurely walk alongside a river or beside the sea, or embark on a trek over the mountains or through the forests, today is the day to do so. This county is replete with nature trails, old coach roads, and mountain paths used by medieval monks. In addition, there are numerous deserted settlements and forts.
At the northern end of Wicklow County, visit Bray, an energetic seaside resort with an ambiance of Victorian allure. Spend the afternoon on the beach, which not only provides a great sand area but also amusement arcades as well as the National Sea-Life Center.
Toward late afternoon visit Killruddery House Gardens with its beautiful formal gardens and Glencormac Gardens to the southwest of Bray. Or, explore the exquisite 18th-century house of Powerscourt. Be sure to take the footpath that guides guests to Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Ireland, dropping 400 feet high. In the evening visit Wicklow Historic Gaol where you are sure to hear stories of the dismal events of Irish history.
Day Three: Connemara
Spend your last day in Connemara, the most romantic area of Ireland. Connemara is an extensive peninsula surrounded by the arid and stony coastline of Galway Bay in the south. The rugged landscape provides diverse scenery with its majestic mountains protruding from a region decorated with numerous lakes, rivers, and bog lands. Don't be surprised if you run into some artists painting the landscape as artists travel to this region from all over the world.
Begin by stopping at Connemara National Park Visitor Center for some information on the area. Next, explore Connemara National Park as you cannot visit this region without seeing the Park. Diamond Hill, a mountain in the park, overlooks the area. The park offers an audio-visual show, self-guided nature tours, and a wonderful exhibition on Connemara's landscape. Pack a picnic lunch and stop in at one of the picnic areas in Connemara National Park. If you have time, visit Inishbofin Island, a magical island of rocky cliffs and pristine turquoise beaches. The natural harbor is truly breathtaking.
In the afternoon, cycle to the coastal fishing village of Roundstone. This village originated in the 1820's. Explore the Franciscan Monastery built in Roundstone during the 1830's. Next, meander through the cafes, craft shops, and art galleries in the village. Stop for dinner at one of the local pubs. Drive back to Dublin in the evening to catch your flight the following morning.
Related Ireland - A One to Three-Day Itinerary Articles