14 days in Ireland Itinerary

The country's smallest city in terms of population, Kilkenny boasts a rich cultural heritage and diverse tourist attractions that include well-preserved medieval architecture, exciting nightlife, a vibrant culinary scene, and abundant shopping opportunities.

Step off the beaten path and head to Irish National Heritage Park and Smithwick's Experience. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kilkenny: Waterford (Bishop's Palace, Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum, &more), Hook Lighthouse (in Fethard On Sea) and Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience (in New Ross). There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of Medieval Mile Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Jerpoint Abbey, and make a trip to St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower.

To find traveler tips, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Kilkenny attractions website.

Dammam, Saudi Arabia to Kilkenny is an approximately 16-hour combination of flight and car. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Dammam to Kilkenny. When traveling from Dammam in January, plan for cooler days and a bit cooler nights in Kilkenny: temperatures range from 9°C by day to 4°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Wed) early enough to drive to Cork.

One of the country's major artistic and cultural centers, famed for its many annual festivals, Cork straddles the Lee River and boasts over 30 bridges.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Thu): get to know the resident critters at Fota Wildlife Park, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cobh Cathedral, and then sample the fine beverages at Jameson Distillery Midleton. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 8th (Fri): pause for some serene contemplation at St. Anne's Church, get engrossed in the history at Cork City Gaol, then gain insight at University College Cork (UCC), then stop by Iago, and finally browse the eclectic array of goods at The English Market.

To see maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Cork trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kilkenny to Cork takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January in Cork, expect temperatures between 9°C during the day and 3°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Killarney.

Continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period, Killarney draws visitors with its picturesque natural scenery, fine restaurants, and traditional pubs.

On the 9th (Sat), get interesting insight from Tours, admire the verdant scenery at Gap of Dunloe, then take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Mary's Church of Ireland, and finally stop by Aran Sweater Market. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the historical opulence of Ross Castle, then trek along Torc Mountain Walk, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Muckross Abbey, and finally don't miss a visit to Ladies' View.

To find maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Killarney road trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Cork to Killarney takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 10°C in January, and nighttime lows around 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Galway.

A major hub for visitors exploring Ireland's western regions, Galway serves as a city of art and culture, renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Mon): admire the landmark architecture of Galway Cathedral, then don't miss a visit to Quay Street, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Salthill Promenade, and finally explore the historical opulence of Oranmore Castle. On your second day here, cruise along Wild Atlantic Way, get curious at James Mitchell Geology Museum, then steep yourself in history at Poulnabrone Dolmen, and finally steep yourself in history at Parknabinna Wedge Tomb.

For traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Galway tour itinerary builder app.

You can drive from Killarney to Galway in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Killarney in January, things will get little chillier in Galway: highs are around 7°C and lows about 2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Tue) so you can drive to Dublin.

A history spanning over a thousand years, vibrant nightlife, and a mix of Georgian and modern architecture make Dublin a popular European tourist destination.

Explore hidden gems such as Beer Tastings & Tours and Food Tours. Next up on the itinerary: catch a live event at Croke Park Stadium Tour & GAA Museum, brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Teeling Whiskey Distillery, admire the masterpieces at National Gallery of Ireland, and don't miss a visit to Samuel Beckett Bridge.

To see photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Dublin trip planner.

You can drive from Galway to Dublin in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. January in Dublin sees daily highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.