9 Days Around Ireland: First Time Girls Trip

Catch an overnight flight and arrive in Dublin, ready to begin your adventure. To ward off the jet lag, grab a quick lunch and a cup of coffee, then take a relaxing walk through the park next to Staunton’s on the Green. Book an afternoon tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Trinity College. GO TO THE LIBRARY! After exploring the sights, stop at a cozy pub like Doheny & Nesbitt’s to soak in some local atmosphere. Finally, head back to your hotel for some much-needed sleep, resting up for the exciting days ahead.

Start your day by waking up and grabbing some delicious Rolling Donuts — perfect for a sweet breakfast. Find a cozy spot in a nearby park to enjoy your treat before catching the 30-minute train to Howth. Once there, we went on a guided tour and coastal hike, which was made even more memorable with the company of adorable puppies! After the tour, we had plenty of time to explore the charming town, grabbing lunch at a local pub. I highly recommend trying the beer and the fresh salmon — both are local favorites. As you wander through the town, take in the sights at your own pace. When you're ready to return to Dublin, hop on the easy train ride back and cap off your day with a hearty dinner at The Harry Lemon in the lively Temple Bar area. Try a baby Guinness, you won't regret it!

We kept things open for some leisurely exploring and frolicking around Dublin. We wandered through the city’s vibrant streets — Dublin is such a walkable city, making it easy to enjoy every corner at your own pace while feeling safe and comfortable. We spent some time vintage and thrift shopping, picking up unique finds before heading to the Guinness Storehouse. There, we took the class on how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, complete with a certificate to show for it! Pro tip: Be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time on their website to avoid any long lines. It was a fun and educational experience, making it a highlight of our Dublin. On the final day of our adventure, we took a trip to Johnnie Fox's, one of Ireland’s most famous and oldest pubs, located just outside Dublin in the scenic Glencullen area. Known as "the highest pub in Ireland," Johnnie Fox's offers a cozy, authentic Irish atmosphere, complete with live traditional music and hearty pub fare.

Ready to make your way to Galway?! We hopped on the train from Dublin, which took us about 3 hours. Once we got to Galway, we stored our luggage near the train station and headed to HYDE, where we had an amazingly aesthetic brunch. I can’t stress enough how much of a "girliness overload" this place is — it’s perfect for the best Insta stories and photos, with its chic décor and trendy vibe. After enjoying the delicious brunch, we took a 45-minute taxi ride to Cong, a picturesque village that's perfect for relaxing and exploring. The train ride and brunch set the tone for a wonderfully scenic and laid-back adventure in Ireland. After our scenic taxi ride, we finally arrived at the storybook-worthy Ashford Castle. Nestled in the heart of the Irish countryside, the castle looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, with its grand stone façade, turrets and lush, sprawling grounds. The moment you step onto the property, it feels like you've been transported to another world — one filled with elegance, history and natural beauty. We took a leisurely stroll through the castle grounds, exploring the manicured gardens, serene lakeside views and wooded areas. As the evening approached, we enjoyed a delicious dinner on-site at one of the castle’s many exquisite restaurants, each offering a unique atmosphere and a taste of Ireland’s finest cuisine.

Our next few days at Ashford Castle were filled with a variety of activities, but we made sure to take full advantage of the relaxing atmosphere, spending three days and two nights here. Whether lounging, reading or simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings, there was something for everyone. Some of our party enjoyed the morning walk around the grounds with the dogs, taking in the fresh air and scenic views. Personally, I highly recommend the Hawk Walk at the School of Falconry. This unique experience allows you to get up close and personal with majestic hawks while learning about the ancient art of falconry. After that adventure, we indulged in a traditional Afternoon Tea at the castle, complete with delicate pastries and a selection of fine teas. Later in the day, we took a 45-minute taxi ride from Ashford to Galway, where we checked into our next stay, ready for the next chapter of our trip.

Once in Galway, we hopped on a bus to enjoy a charming brunch at Blackrock Cottage, a cozy spot with delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. After filling up, we explored the local scene, browsing through record shops and bookstores that captured the city's artistic spirit. Galway is full of hidden gems, and wandering through its streets is always an adventure. After a leisurely walk back to Galway, we freshened up and headed out for a delightful dinner at Kai, a restaurant known for its creative, seasonal dishes. The food was incredible, highlighting the best of local ingredients. After dinner, we ended the evening with some live music at Crane Bar, followed by a stop at Fiddlers to enjoy the vibrant pub scene. It was the perfect way to experience the lively nightlife and rich culture of Galway!

For our full day adventure, we set out to explore the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most iconic natural wonders. Standing at the edge of the cliffs, the views were absolutely stunning — vast, rugged coastlines meeting the Atlantic Ocean, creating an unforgettable experience. Interestingly, this is also the area where J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia, used to hike together for inspiration. After soaking in the beauty of the cliffs, we made our way back to Galway for a delicious dinner at McDonagh’s, a historic spot famous for its fresh fish and chips. The seafood was incredible, especially the oysters, which were an absolute must-try. After a day of exploring and indulging in local delicacies, it was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Galway.

The next morning, we started the day with a cozy breakfast at Dela’s or John Keogh’s, both known for their great food and inviting atmospheres. After fueling up, we caught the 1:30 pm train from Galway to Dublin, enjoying the scenic ride back to the city. We arrived around 4:00 pm and checked into the Maldron Hotel, where we could relax and freshen up before our evening plans. For the night, we decided to dive into Dublin’s literary history with a Literary Pub Crawl at 7:15 pm. It was a fun and interactive way to experience the city's rich literary tradition, with stops at famous pubs and tales of Dublin’s most renowned writers. It was the perfect way to round off our time in the city!