9 Days in Ireland 2019

4 min read

EuropeIrelandItinerarySolo TravelUK

michael

Updated: December 8, 2023

Published: February 10, 2020

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Overview

This post is the main overview for my 2019 trip to Ireland.

There are separate posts for each of the 4 main cities I visited, which are linked below.

Quick Facts

Official Language: English
Currency: Euro for Republic of Ireland, Pound Sterling for Northern Ireland
Main Religion: Catholic
Visa info: visit dfa.ie for visa requirements

Other interesting facts about Ireland

Ireland is the 2nd largest island of the British Isles, the 3rd most populous island in Europe, and the 3rd most populous island in the world.

Ireland is divided into two countries: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is an independent country and is a member of the European Union, while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and is not a member of the European Union.

The Republic of Ireland is a member of the Schengen Area, while Northern Ireland is not.

Getting There

I booked Premium Economy on Air France for my ticket class, but because it was a connecting flight, the shorter 1 hour flight was in economy.

I’ve flown Premium Economy before with Delta and was blown away by their service through and through. In comparison, Air France’s hard product (the Prem. Economy seat and accompanying “extras” on this particular Boeing 777-200) was nothing special, and their soft product (the in-flight service including meals and - almost lack of - drinks) was, frankly, a huge let down. Considering the extra cost to fly premium, I expected much much more.

This was my one and only time flying Premium Economy with Air France, and I don’t think I’ll make that mistake again!

The Cities I Visited

The links below will take you to the 1st or main post for each of the cities I visited.

Dublin Itinerary

Dublin

Dublin was my 1st stop in Ireland, and served as my base for several tours. I spent a total of 4 days in Dublin, 2 of which were on all-day tours.

Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland. It’s located in the province of Leinster on the east coast of Ireland, at the mouth of the River Liffey, and bordered on the south by the Wicklow Mountains.

Day 1

Airport Express Bus to Dublin
- Booking link: dodublin.ie
- Price: €11
Check into Guesthouse
3-hour walking tour of Dublin
- Booking link: civitatis.com
- Price: free, but tips encouraged
The Counter
- Lunch: Build your own Burger
- Price: €20.15
Murphy’s Ice Cream
- Dessert: Ice Cream
- Price: €6.00
Exploring Temple Bar on my own

Day 2

Cliffs of Moher tour
- Booking link: getyourguide.com
- Price: €40
F.X. Buckley
- Dinner: Foie Gras with apricot chutney, Sirloin Steak, baked potato, and a glass of red wine
- Price: €74.60

Day 3

Guinness Storehouse
- Booking link: getyourguide.com
- Price: €18.50
Kilmainham Goal
- Booking link: kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie
- Price: €9.00
Carvery & Bubble Waffle Factory

Day 4

Giant’s Causeway Tour
- Booking link: getyourguide.com
- Price: CAD $92.11
Madigan’s Pub
- Dinner: Shepherd’s pie & Guinness
- Price: €27.35

Killarney Itinerary

Killarney

Killarney, my 2nd stop, is an absolutely stunning town in County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland.

It’s a stop on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, and the start and finishing point of the Kerry Way walking trail. It’s also a base for exploring the Killarney National Park, and the lakes and mountains of the surrounding countryside.

Day 5

Irish Rail: Heuston Station to Killarney Station
- Booking link: irishrail.ie
- Price: €35.99
Check into hostel
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour:
- Booking link: killarneytour.com
- Price: €12.50
Quinlans Seafood Bar
- Dinner: Fish and chips, and a pint of beer
- Price: €15.20

Day 6

Gap of Dunloe half-day walking & boat tour:
- Booking link: getyourguide.com
- Price: €29.95
Marguerite’s Bakery & Restaurant
- Dinner: Chicken curry and a pint of cider
- Price: €22.20

Cork Itinerary

Cork

Cork, my 3rd stop, is the 2nd largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and was originally a monastic settlement founded in the 6th century.

It’s a university city, with over 10% of the population being students at University College Cork (UCC) and Munster Technological University (MTU).

Day 7

Bus #40 to Cork from Killarney Bus Station
- Booking link: Bus Éireann
- Price: €19.00
Check into hostel
Blarney Castle
- Booking link: blarneycastle.ie
- Price: €24.00
  
  Note: I paid more due to buying my ticket at the site. It’s cheaper if you purchase online.
The English Market
- Lunch: Pork sausages and a pint of beer
- Price: €19.00
Cork City Gaol
- Booking link: corkcitygaol.com
- Price: €10.00

Kilkenny Itinerary

Kilkenny

Kilkenny, my 4th and final stop, is a medieval town in southeast Ireland, also dating back to the 6th century. One of its main attractions, Kilkenny Castle, was built in 1195 by Norman occupiers.

The town has deep religious roots and many well-preserved churches and monasteries. It’s also a crafts hub, with shops along its winding lanes selling pottery, paintings, and jewellery.

Nearby, the Black Abbey Dominican priory has been operating since the 13th century.