7–14 November 2026 · Adam & Lucia

Ireland

Our plan

7–14 November · all times Ireland / Northern Ireland (GMT)

Our notes & little wishes

Map & directions

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Dublin city centre · Start and home base. Select a place to explore the map.

Travel legs in Google Maps

Travel links use public transport. Directions to a place start from your location in Google Maps. The coast tour has its own itinerary; use its meeting point above.

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Book & finish

Final check

The handoff includes your selected days, notes, estimates and open booking questions.

Original guide & planning notes

Earlier itinerary and source-document ideas. Use the live plan above for your selected dates, current estimates and booking checks. Precise old train times below are historical planning references.

Route

The plan

Reference only · edit the live plan above

The Ha'penny Bridge over the River Liffey at sunset, Dublin

Arrive & explore

AfternoonDrop your bags and take it easy.

EveningDublin by Night Fest, 18:00–22:00. Free; walk to Dame Street and College Green.

Calendar clash: the Young Founders Conference in Berlin is still tentative.

Details & alternatives

Arrive — and the city lights up

Arrive in Dublin · bags down · easy afternoon, no agenda
Night 1 stays Dublin · Kilkenny moves to Sunday — the fest is Saturday-only

Dublin by Night Fest One night only · Free

Sat 7 Nov · 18:00–22:00 ·
Dame St · College Green · Capel St · Parliament St
Live music · Street theatre · Market stalls · 30+ venues late
College Green closed 09:00 → 02:00 · diverted · walk in

Official event page →

Clash: Young Founders Conf. · Berlin 10:00–18:00 · tentative — Berlin = no Night Fest

Fest = Sat only → Dublin first

A day close to home

ExplorePhoenix Park, the old town and a coffee stop.

EveningCook at home.

Adam: Taley check-in, 11:30–12:30, from home.

Details & alternatives

Dublin — full programme, no travel

Phoenix Park · deer · coffee
Museums + old town · Temple Bar · Ha'penny Bridge
Cook at home · slow evening at the flat

Taley Weekly Check-in, 11:30–12:30 · remote from home.

Castle & medieval streets

TravelHeuston → Kilkenny: allow about 1¾ hours. Confirm the dated service.

ExploreCastle, cathedral and the Medieval Mile. Choose one Kilkenomics session.

EveningDinner in the old town.

Adam: Taley check-in, 11:30–12:30. Arrange Wi-Fi and a quiet spot.

Details & alternatives

Train down — Kilkenny, everything

Irish Rail · Heuston → Kilkenny · direct
09:10 → 10:48 · 13:15 → 14:48 · 15:15 → 16:50
€11–17 · web fares from €9.99
Kilkenny Castle + cathedral + old town · full loop · long lunch
Kilkenomics · economics × comedy · Sunday = final day · sessions + finale
Design Week exhibition · on in Kilkenny this week
Medieval Mile evening · pubs · dinner in the old town

Taley Weekly Check-in, 11:30–12:30 · remote from Kilkenny · needs Wi-Fi + Adam's laptop.

Quay Street in Galway's Latin Quarter, flags and café tents

Head west

TravelKilkenny → Galway via Heuston, about 5 h 20 min. Confirm the connection.

TravelDirect from Dublin to Galway, about 2 h 25 min.

ExploreSettle in, then Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter.

EveningChristmas Market, if open. Reconfirm the dates.

Details & alternatives

→ Galway

From Kilkenny · Irish Rail · via Dublin Heuston · no direct train
08:30 → Heuston ~10:00 · → Galway 11:30 → 13:51 · ~5h 20m incl. change
Early: 06:35 → Heuston · → Galway 09:25 → 11:50
Heuston arrival ~10:00 = approximate · confirm in Irish Rail journey planner
€23–35 not verified as through-ticket · book as 2 legs · confirm total at checkout
From Dublin · direct to Galway · Citylink / Irish Rail · ~2h 25m · €15–25
Check in · first stroll: Eyre Square + Latin Quarter
Evening: Christmas Market · Eyre Square · food stalls · lights

Route = via Dublin Heuston · 2 separate Irish Rail legs

Market: 6 Nov – 22 Dec 2026 · reconfirm dates

The Cliffs of Moher at sunset, County Clare

Coast & live music

MorningMeet Lally Tours at HYDE Hotel at 09:15.

DayBurren and Cliffs of Moher, 09:30–about 17:30.

EveningJamie Duffy, Town Hall Theatre, 20:00.

Details & alternatives

The coast day

Lally Tours · meet HYDE Hotel, Forster St, 09:15
Burren + Cliffs of Moher · 09:30 → ~17:30 · cliffs entry included · €65
Clear day: Aran Islands out in the bay · Bad weather backup: Galway City Museum
Evening: Jamie Duffy · Town Hall Theatre, 20:00 · €32.65

From your docs: Connemara can replace this outing. For an independent Cliffs visit, use bus 350 or 351 and buy admission separately. See the alternatives.

The Temple Bar pub in Dublin lit up at night

Return home

TravelCitylink 09:45 → 12:15, or train 10:10 → 12:44.

AfternoonDrop your bags at the flat and keep it free.

EveningFounder Firesides, 17:00–19:00, or stay in together.

Details & alternatives

Galway → Dublin · back home

Option A · Irish Rail · Galway 10:10 → Heuston 12:44
Option B · Citylink 761 · Galway 09:45 → Bachelors Walk 12:15
Bags at the flat · own kitchen · slow afternoon
Evening: stay in / Adam solo out — Lucia's call

Founder Firesides · Dogpatch Labs · 17:00–19:00 · back 12:15 / 12:44

Only with a different return plan: Andy Irvine & Quilty is in Galway that evening. It would replace the return and Dublin evening above.

An unhurried day

ExplorePhoenix Park, coffee and neighbourhood favourites.

EveningCook at home.

Details & alternatives

Dublin — full programme at home

Phoenix Park · full loop · coffee
Museums + markets · neighbourhood favourites
Cook at home · evening at the flat

Only if extending Galway: TEDxGalway is on 12 November. It requires a different base and return journey.

One last wander

DayFavourite café, souvenirs and time to pack.

EveningWild Lights at Dublin Zoo. Choose a timed slot.

Details & alternatives

Last full day — Dublin, everything

Last stroll · souvenirs · favourite café again
Pack · at human speed
Date night: Wild Lights · Dublin Zoo · opens 12 Nov · timed slot

Titanic Belfast museum in the Titanic Quarter, Belfast, with the Harland and Wolff crane

Explore the city

TravelMorning Enterprise train from Connolly, about 2 hours.

ExploreTitanic Quarter and Cathedral Quarter.

EveningChoose a Sound of Belfast event.

Before booking: check UK entry requirements for both travellers.

Details & alternatives

Belfast — 4th city, full programme

Enterprise · Dublin Connolly → Belfast Grand Central
~2h 08m · roughly hourly Mon–Sat · morning departure
~€16 / leg early · up to ~€30 walk-up · per person
Online booking closes 80 min before departure
Titanic Quarter + Titanic Belfast
City centre + Cathedral Quarter · full loop
Evening: Sound of Belfast · festival, 5–15 Nov

Check passports, UK entry requirements and accepted Irish-residence evidence before booking.

Market, then home

MorningSt George’s Market and an Outburst festival pick.

AfternoonMurals or a black cab tour, if time allows.

EveningEnterprise back to Dublin. Leave time to pack.

Details & alternatives

Belfast — everything, then home

St George's Market · morning
Outburst festival · from 12 Nov · daytime picks
Black cab / murals tour · Falls + Shankill
Evening Enterprise → Dublin Connolly · ~2h 08m · sleep at home · pack Sat morning
~€16 / leg early · up to ~€30 walk-up · online booking closes 80 min before

Wild Lights Fri — you're in Belfast

For another itinerary: the second doc includes Giant’s Causeway via Coleraine. Plan it as its own outing, allowing for the return connection; it is not added to this day.

Fly home

Before leavingCheck flight and terminal details. Allow time for city traffic.

AirportDublin Express or Aircoach. No other plans.

Details & alternatives

Fly home

Flight home · no events planned — on purpose
Airport: Dublin Express 782/784 · city stops → T1/T2 · every 10–15 min · ~30 min · from €9
Alt: Aircoach 700 · runs 24 hrs · €8
Rugby: Ireland v Fiji, Dublin, 20:10 · stadium + airport roads busy — leave early

Book & pack

Bookings & shared items

0 of 0 done

To-dos

Check flight times and airport terminals.
Book hotels: Galway (2 nights), Kilkenny (1 night), Belfast (1 night)
Book Sunday’s train to Kilkenny.
Book Monday’s connection via Heuston.
Book Monday’s direct journey to Galway.
Book the Belfast return trains.
Book the Belfast hotel.
Book the Cliffs tour, if choosing the guided option.
Book Wednesday’s return to Dublin.
Book Jamie Duffy, if going.
Book a Wild Lights time slot.
Check UK entry: passports and any ETA or visa required before booking Belfast.
Choose the coast option: guided tour or independent bus.
Check Leap Card credit for local buses.
Plan payment in pounds for Northern Ireland.

Packing — shared

Shared umbrella and dry bag.
Save tickets for offline use.
Offline map for the Burren.

Adam

0 of 0 done

To-dos

Resolve the Berlin / Dublin calendar clash.
Prepare laptop and Wi-Fi for Sunday’s check-in.
Choose and book one Kilkenomics session.
Check Sunday opening hours for Design Week.
Passport + residence evidence (Belfast)

Packing

Waterproof jacket + warm layers
Grippy walking shoes — slick cliff paths
Laptop + charger — Sunday check-in
1 smart outfit — concert evenings

Lucia

0 of 0 done

To-dos

Passport valid — check expiry now, not at the airport
Check UK entry: passports and any ETA or visa required before booking Belfast.

Packing

Waterproof layers + warm hat — Atlantic wind
Grippy, comfortable shoes — castle steps + cliff paths
1 evening outfit
Extra warm layer — Belfast nights

Travel times & booking links

Irish Rail Bus Éireann TFI Local Link Translink

Mon 9 Nov€15–25

Dublin → Galway

Citylink / Irish Rail · direct

Dublin → Galway Ceannt / Coach Stn
~2h 25m · frequent departures
Same service as Galway → Dublin, reversed
Per person, one-way

Times & booking ↗

Sun 8 Nov€11–17

Dublin → Kilkenny

Irish Rail · direct train

Heuston Station → Kilkenny MacDonagh
09:10 → 10:48
13:15 → 14:48
15:15 → 16:50
€11–17 · web fares from €9.99
Per person, one-way

Times & booking ↗

Mon 9 Novsee note ↓

Kilkenny → Galway

Irish Rail · via Dublin Heuston · no direct train

Workable: Kilkenny 08:30 → Heuston ~10:00
→ Galway 11:30 → 13:51
Total ~5h 20m incl. change
Heuston ~10:00 = approximate · confirm in Irish Rail journey planner
Early alt: Kilkenny 06:35 → Heuston → Galway 09:25 → 11:50
€23–35 not verified as through-ticket
Book as 2 Irish Rail legs · confirm total at checkout

Times & booking ↗

Tue 10 Nov · return€65

Galway → Burren & Cliffs

Lally Tours · coach day tour

Meet: HYDE Hotel, Forster St · 09:15
09:30 → ~17:30 · 8 hrs
Cliffs of Moher entry included · Aillwee Cave extra (~€12)
Per adult

Tour & booking ↗

Wed 11 Nov€15–25

Galway → Dublin

Irish Rail / Citylink 761 · direct

Option A · Irish Rail: Galway 10:10 → Heuston 12:44
Option B · Citylink 761: Galway 09:45 → Bachelors Walk 12:15
Per person, one-way

Times & booking ↗

Thu 12 → Fri 13 Nov~€16–30 / leg

Dublin ↔ Belfast

Enterprise train · direct · Ambitious only

Dublin Connolly ↔ Belfast Grand Central
~2h 08m each way
Roughly hourly Mon–Sat
Out Thu morning · back Fri evening
~€16 per person / leg booked early · up to ~€30 walk-up
Online booking closes 80 min before departure

Times & booking ↗

Sat 14 Novfrom €9

Dublin → Dublin Airport

Dublin Express 782 / 784 · airport coach

George's Quay + city stops → Terminal 1 / 2
Every 10–15 min · first coach 03:28
~30 min · fastest run 14 min
Alt: Aircoach 700 · 24 hrs · €8

Times & booking ↗

More ideas & practical notes

Belfast — added at Ambitious

Ambitious only — Thu 12 + Fri 13 · 1 night
Sound of Belfast 5–15 Nov · Outburst from 12 Nov
Titanic Quarter · St George's Market
Enterprise · Connolly ↔ Grand Central · ~2h 08m · ~hourly Mon–Sat · back Fri evening
~€16 / leg early · up to ~€30 walk-up · online booking closes 80 min before
Belfast Market opens 14 Nov, 12:00 — too late

Belfast entry

Carry valid passports. Check Lucia’s UK ETA or visa requirement. If Adam uses the Irish-resident ETA exemption, he needs accepted, valid original evidence issued by the Irish government.

Official UK entry guidance

Before booking

Check: flight times · Mon 9 connection · room costs
Backup stays: cancel only when confirmed
Prices = listings, not checkout quotes

November

Waterproof + grippy shoes — non-negotiable
Coast day Tue fixed · check forecast Mon night
Next trip: Cork · Kerry · Aran Islands

From your two planning docs

The current plan stays above. These are alternatives and useful notes from Ireland Travel Plan and Lap of Ireland Itinerary.

Another coast day

Connemara can replace the Burren outing. An Aran Islands visit needs its own ferry and weather plan; seeing them from the coast is a different option.

The Cliffs by public bus

Routes 350 and 351 connect Galway with the Cliffs. Buy admission separately and check the return service first. This replaces the guided tour.

Official bus and arrival information

If you stay longer in Galway

Andy Irvine & Quilty, 11 November, or TEDxGalway, 12 November. Both need a different return plan; they do not fit the current return on Wednesday morning.

The original, slower proposal

The first doc suggests two nights in Kilkenny, four in Galway and one near Dublin. Its Belfast option replaces Galway. The current route selector uses a different plan and offers Belfast as an extra stop.

Practical transport tips

Use Leap for local buses in the Republic; it is not for Northern Ireland. Bus Éireann’s Leap discount excludes Expressway. Use pounds in Northern Ireland, and check Translink’s ticket collection instructions when booking.

Leap Card details

The full island loop · a separate trip idea

Dublin → Waterford → Cork and Cobh → Killarney → Limerick → Galway → Sligo and Drumcliff → Donegal and Slieve League → Derry → Belfast and Giant’s Causeway → Dublin.

Keep this as its own route to plan. Adding it to the selected week would require replacing the itinerary.

The second doc’s roughly €1,122 total is an August example for transport, seven nights and entries, excluding food. It is not a budget or price quote for this trip.

Accommodation references from that doc: Copley Court; No. 1 Pery Square; Queen Street Place; Tranquility B&B; Riverside House; The Quarter by Warren Hotel. Availability and prices have not been checked.

For rural trips, save both outward and return timetables. The doc highlights limited buses at Slieve League and connections at Coleraine for the Causeway; its old departure times are not current bookings.