4 Day Weekend Getaway in Ireland
4 Day Weekend Getaway in Ireland International
Gabbro / Alamy Stock Photo Galway is a key stop along the scenic drive known as the Wild Atlantic Way.
Gabbro / Alamy Stock Photo Limerick’s iconic King John’s Castle is more than 800 years old.
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A Four-Day Getaway in Western Ireland
Travel beyond Dublin and visit the Emerald Isle' s charming smaller cities
Most Americans travel to the capital, but some of this cozy country’s most beautiful and uniquely Irish places are in the west and south — and you can cover a lot of ground here on a short trip.Gabbro / Alamy Stock Photo Galway is a key stop along the scenic drive known as the Wild Atlantic Way.
Day 1
Arrive at Shannon Airport and drive 52 miles north to Galway— one of the world’s friendliest cities and host to more than 120 festivals and events each year (including the big-deal , the place to see horse racing, Irish elites and exotic hats). Check into your hotel; consider the elegant and historic in the center of town or the ultramodern on the edge of the city’s shallow lake known as Lough Atalia. For lunch, stop by the at the free , which is packed with information on Galway history and the perfect place to begin your visit. Then consider a 90-minute scenic along the River Corrib or a culinary stroll with foodie Sheena Dignam of to sample local cheeses, chocolates, beers and more. If that doesn't fill you up, indulge in beef and Guinness stew (or just a pint) on Quay Street at the historic pub , or nosh on oysters at the 120-year-old — both great spots to hear traditional Irish music.Gabbro / Alamy Stock Photo Limerick’s iconic King John’s Castle is more than 800 years old.
Day 2
Drive about an hour and a half back down south to Limerick, where accommodations range from low-key B&Bs (check out the website ) to stylish hipster hangouts like the modern, centrally located . The city is probably best known as author Frank McCourt’s hometown — and yes, there's an Angela’s Ashes based on McCourt's famous memoir — but Limerick’s most iconic sites include the 13th-century and , founded in 1168. Also check out the , which displays Celtic antiquities plus works by Picasso and Renoir, then visit the Milk Market for local crafts and foods. If you really want to hang with locals, watch Limerick's Munster Rugby (one of four area rugby teams) play at 25,600-seat Thomond Park Stadium: The team’s passionate fans likely will sing “The Fields of Athenry,” an Irish folk ballad. Toward evening, good pub options include , offering live music, and the in the Medieval Quarter on the river Shannon (you can see the castle as you sip your pint). An excellent non-pub option is , named one of Ireland’s top restaurants (be sure to make reservations). Andrew Michael / Alamy Stock Photo Crawford Art Gallery showcases Irish art and welcomes at least 200,000 visitors each year.Day 3
Drive 63 miles south from Limerick to Cork, Ireland’s second-biggest city, where hotels with picturesque views of the river include the modern . Also consider a just outside the city for far less expensive lodging. Start your explorations with a stroll over the River Lee on scenic Patrick’s Bridge and head to the , a free museum that features not only some of Ireland’s greatest artists, but also a top-notch café. Don’t miss the bustling English Market, which opened in 1788 (Queen Elizabeth visited in 2011). The 140 stalls include everything from olive oil to smoked salmon to fresh breads, but if you’re interested in old-school Cork delicacies, stop by A. O’Reilly & Sons for blood sausage and tripe (cow’s stomach — yum). For an upscale dinner, there’s , specializing in seafood in the center of the city, or go more casual — and meatier — at the , which brews its own beer (but go early; they don’t take reservations). Giuseppe Masci / Alamy Stock Photo Built during the 6th century, the Church of St. Canice in Kilkenny still has worship services today.Day 4
Drive 97 miles northeast to Kilkenny, where you can begin by wandering the city’s compact Medieval Mile: Highlights include the 12th-century , the 13th-century (known for its spectacular stained glass), and . Be sure to climb the cathedral’s 9th-century Round Tower, which offers 360-degree views of the city (yes, it’s worth all those steps). For authentic Irish gifts — and to watch them being made — visit the Kilkenny Design Centre for jewelry, knitwear, crystal and pottery. You can finish your Irish adventure with a tour and tasting at the . Shannon Airport is about a two-hour drive west.Plan Your Trip
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