Beautiful hotels, historic streets, unforgettable scenery, and a few things I wish I’d known before visiting Ireland.
Ireland had been on my travel list for quite some time, and in May 2026, I finally had the opportunity to experience it as part of a ten-day trip through Ireland and Scotland.
My Ireland itinerary included Dublin, Galway, and a full-day excursion exploring the country’s beautiful western coastline before continuing on to Scotland.
I wanted a little bit of everything on this trip: beautiful hotels, historic streets, great food, charming pubs, and, of course, the gorgeous Irish countryside.
And while I absolutely loved visiting Ireland, there was one particular excursion I would caution travelers about, especially anyone who struggles with seasickness!
Here’s how I planned my Ireland itinerary, where I stayed, and what I would recommend after experiencing it myself.
First Stop: Dublin, Ireland
Where I Stayed: The Westbury Dublin
After an overnight flight from Tampa through Atlanta, I arrived in Dublin and headed to The Westbury.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this hotel!
Located just off Grafton Street, The Westbury was absolutely beautiful, and the location couldn’t have been more perfect for exploring Dublin.
What really stood out to me, though, was the incredible food and exceptional service. From the moment I arrived, the experience felt luxurious without being overly formal.
I love staying in hotels where I can walk out the front door and immediately begin exploring, and The Westbury delivered exactly that.
With shopping, restaurants, historic attractions, and beautiful streets just steps away, I couldn’t have chosen a better location for my first visit to Dublin.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. The Westbury was one of my favorite hotel experiences during this trip.
Exploring Dublin on Foot
One of the things I enjoyed about Dublin was how easy it was to explore the city on foot, particularly when staying somewhere centrally located.
My itinerary included several of Dublin’s most recognizable areas:
- Grafton Street: A lively pedestrian shopping street filled with restaurants, shops, and street performers.
- St. Stephen’s Green: A beautiful park right in the heart of the city.
- Temple Bar: Known for its colorful pubs, traditional Irish music, and energetic atmosphere.
- Trinity College: One of Ireland’s most historic universities.
I recommend leaving yourself some time to simply wander rather than scheduling every minute of your day.
Sometimes the best part of visiting a new destination is discovering the little streets, shops, and restaurants you hadn’t originally planned to visit.
Visiting the Guinness Storehouse
Of course, no first-time trip to Dublin would feel complete without visiting the famous Guinness Storehouse!
I included this iconic attraction in my Dublin itinerary, and it’s a fun experience to add even if you’re not necessarily a big beer drinker.
The attraction takes visitors through the history of Guinness and the brewing process, with the experience culminating at the famous Gravity Bar, which offers panoramic views across Dublin.
It’s a great way to experience another side of the city beyond its historic streets and pubs.
My travel tip: I recommend purchasing your Guinness Storehouse tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting during a busy travel period. I
Other Dublin Attractions Worth Considering
If you have additional time in Dublin, consider adding some of these popular attractions to your itinerary:
- Jameson Distillery Bow St.
- Trinity College and the Book of Kells
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Kilmainham Gaol
You can easily build a wonderful two- or three-day Dublin itinerary around these attractions.
Ireland Itinerary: Taking the Train from Dublin to Galway
Taking the Train from Dublin to Galway
After spending time in Dublin, I headed west to Galway.
Rather than renting a car, I took the train from Dublin Heuston Station to Galway Ceannt Station.
The journey takes approximately two and a half hours, making it a convenient way to travel between the two cities.
I personally love incorporating train travel into my European itineraries whenever possible. It’s an easy way to get from one destination to another without worrying about driving, parking, or navigating unfamiliar roads.
Where I Stayed: The Victoria Hotel Galway
For my time in Galway, I booked The Victoria Hotel.
One of the biggest conveniences of this property was its location, just a short walk from Galway Ceannt Station.
Galway has a completely different feel from Dublin. It’s smaller, colorful, and a wonderful base for exploring Ireland’s famous western coastline.
Exploring Galway
My itinerary included time exploring Galway’s Latin Quarter and waterfront.
Some areas worth including in your visit are:
- The Latin Quarter: Colorful streets filled with shops, restaurants, and traditional Irish pubs.
- Spanish Arch: A historic landmark near the waterfront.
- Salthill Promenade: A beautiful coastal walk just outside the city center.
Galway is also a popular departure point for excursions to the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Connemara, and the Burren.
Which brings me to one of the more memorable experiences of my Ireland trip!
The Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour
Tour booked: Connemara, Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher & Burren excursion
One of the full-day excursions I booked while staying in Galway was a tour exploring Ireland’s western coastline, including the Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, and Burren region.
The scenery in this part of Ireland is beautiful, and I completely understand why so many travelers want to experience it.
However, there’s something I wish I’d considered a little more carefully before booking this particular excursion.
A Warning About the Aran Islands Ferry
If you’re someone who gets seasick, I would seriously reconsider booking a tour that includes the ferry to the Aran Islands.
Our boat ride was extremely rough, and several passengers became physically sick during the crossing.
It definitely wasn’t the relaxing coastal excursion you might imagine when looking at the beautiful promotional photos!
While I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience this part of Ireland, I personally would not recommend this particular excursion to someone who struggles with motion sickness.
Of course, sea conditions can vary, and other travelers may have a completely different experience.
My recommendation: If your primary goal is to experience Ireland’s dramatic cliffs and countryside, consider booking a land-based Cliffs of Moher and Burren excursion instead.
You’ll still have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular Irish scenery without committing to the ferry crossing.
Returning to Dublin for My Final Night
Where I Stayed: Marlin Hotel St. Stephen’s Green
After completing the Scotland portion of my trip, I returned to Dublin for one final evening before flying home to Tampa.
For my last night, I booked the Marlin Hotel near St. Stephen’s Green.
I liked the idea of staying in central Dublin rather than heading straight to an airport hotel. It allowed me to enjoy one final evening in the city before returning home.
Travel tip: Dublin Airport offers U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance, so allow plenty of time before your return flight to complete the necessary airport procedures.
My Ireland Hotels & Tours at a Glance
| Destination | Hotel / Experience |
|---|---|
| Dublin | The Westbury Dublin |
| Dublin attraction | Guinness Storehouse |
| Dublin to Galway | Train |
| Galway | The Victoria Hotel |
| Galway excursion | Connemara, Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour |
| Final night in Dublin | Marlin Hotel St. Stephen’s Green |
My Recommendations After Visiting Ireland
Splurge on a centrally located hotel in Dublin. The Westbury was absolutely worth it for the location, food, and exceptional service.
Take the train between Dublin and Galway. It’s a convenient way to visit both cities without needing a rental car.
Book the Guinness Storehouse in advance. It’s an iconic Dublin attraction and a fun addition to a first-time itinerary.
Think carefully before booking the Aran Islands ferry. Our crossing was very rough, and several passengers became sick. If you’re prone to seasickness, I would choose a land-based coastal excursion instead.
Leave room in your itinerary to explore. Dublin and Galway are both wonderful cities for walking around without a strict schedule.
Would I Visit Ireland Again?
Absolutely!
Between the beautiful countryside, historic streets, and wonderful hospitality, Ireland has so much to offer.
And if I return to Dublin, The Westbury will definitely be at the top of my hotel list.
Next on my itinerary was Scotland, where I traded Ireland’s lively cities for the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye.
Continuing your travels to Scotland? Read my Scotland itinerary: Edinburgh, the Highlands & Isle of Skye for hotel recommendations, tour experiences, and beautiful Scottish scenery.
Happy Travels,
Tracy
Travel Well with Tracy
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend experiences and accommodations I have personally enjoyed or believe may be helpful to fellow travelers.
