8 days in Ireland Itinerary

Located at the estuary of the Brandon River, the historical fishing town of Kinsale nestles against hills that act as a natural shield against the open sea.

On the 18th (Fri), view the masterpieces at Kinsale Pottery and Arts Centre, take an in-depth tour of Kinsale Regional Museum, look for gifts at Kinsale Crystal, brush up on your military savvy at Irish Veterans Museum, then brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Kinsale Mead Co, and finally take in the exciting artwork at The Gallery Kinsale.

To see where to stay, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read our Kinsale travel planning website .

Houston, USA to Kinsale is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You'll lose 6 hours traveling from Houston to Kinsale due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Houston in January, things will get slightly colder in Kinsale: highs are around 47°F and lows about 38°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Fri) so you can drive to Kilkenny.

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.

On the 19th (Sat), browse the collection at Kilkenny City Library, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Capuchin Friary, stop by Kilkenny Handwrought Silver, then steep yourself in history at Kilkenny Castle, then explore the world behind art at Butler Gallery, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. John the Evangelist Church.

For other places to visit, maps, reviews, and tourist information, use the Kilkenny trip planner .

Traveling by car from Kinsale to Kilkenny takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Kilkenny can reach 47°F, while at night they dip to 39°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Ballina.

Straddling the River Moy near Ireland's northern Atlantic coast, the town of Ballina has roots dating as far back as 1375.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sun): don't miss a visit to Saint Mary's Well, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Rosserk Friary, don't miss a visit to Gore Knox Monument, see the interesting displays at The North Mayo Heritage Centre, then learn about all things military at Admiral Brown Centre, and finally take an in-depth tour of Hennigan's Heritage Centre.

To find more things to do, maps, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Ballina trip planner .

You can drive from Kilkenny to Ballina in 3.5 hours. In January, plan for daily highs up to 43°F, and evening lows to 36°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) to allow time to travel 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.

Dublin is known for museums, breweries, historic sites, nightlife, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: browse the exhibits of Kilmainham Gaol, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, ponder the world of politics at Dublin Castle, and make a trip to The Book of Kells and the Old Library Exhibition.

For ratings, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read Dublin day trip planner .

You can drive from Ballina to Dublin in 3.5 hours. In January in Dublin, expect temperatures between 46°F during the day and 36°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 24th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.