Highlights of Ireland

Arrive in Dublin at any time. Most international flights land in the morning, leaving a full afternoon to settle in. Drop your bags and head out; the city is compact and walkable. A stroll through the Temple Bar district or along the River Liffey is a good way to get oriented before the trip begins in earnest.

A full free day to explore Dublin. Focus on the Medieval Quarter to see the city's oldest architecture, including its castles and cathedrals. A tour of a major distillery is a classic Dublin stop. In the evening, the pubs and live music scene in the Temple Bar district are the main draw, though quieter options are easy to find just a few blocks away.

The trip moves south today, with a four to four-and-a-half-hour overland journey from Dublin to Killarney. The 300km drive cuts across the country's interior, trading cityscapes for rolling green countryside. After settling in, the afternoon is free to explore the town itself or head straight into Killarney National Park, which borders the town and is easily accessible on foot.

A full day trip driving the Ring of Kerry, a 179km scenic loop that follows the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula. This is a classic Irish road trip, passing through small fishing villages, past Iron Age forts, and along steep coastal cliffs. The drive itself is the main event, with multiple stops at viewpoints and small towns before returning to Killarney for the night.

Travel north from Killarney along the Wild Atlantic Way to the Cliffs of Moher (188 kilometres from Killarney). At the cliffs, a two- to three-hour hike follows the trail along the edge, which reaches a height of 214 metres above the Atlantic. A 19th-century tower near the midpoint offers a solid vantage point over the sea and the Aran Islands on a clear day. The day ends with the final leg of the drive to Galway for the night.

The day starts with a one- to two-hour walking tour through Galway's medieval core, getting a feel for the city's layout and history. The rest of the afternoon is free. It's a good chance to explore the colourful streets around the Latin Quarter, browse the shops, and find a pub for some live music. The city is known for its bohemian, artistic atmosphere and is easy to navigate on foot.

A long travel day covering 330km from Galway to Belfast. The route pushes north, crossing the border into Northern Ireland. There's a stop for lunch in the historic city of Derry, a good opportunity to stretch your legs and see the city's famous walls. A short detour then leads to the Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees known for its otherworldly appearance. The day concludes upon arrival in Belfast.

A day trip out of Belfast, starting with a 96km drive to the Giant's Causeway on the Antrim Coast. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a field of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. After exploring the causeway, the route continues to nearby Bushmills for a tour of Ireland's oldest working distillery, which includes a whiskey tasting. The day ends back in Belfast.

The trip concludes in Belfast. There are no planned activities, leaving the day free for packing up and heading to the airport. Depart at any time.