12 days in Ireland, Portrush & Belfast Itinerary

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

To find ratings, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, read our Dublin online trip maker.

Washington, USA to Dublin is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is usually a 5 hour difference. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Washington in July; daily highs in Dublin reach 68°F and lows reach 51°F. On the 6th (Thu), you'll travel to Doolin.

A world-famous center of traditional Irish music, Doolin occupies a dramatic location on Ireland's windblown Atlantic coast.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Dun Aonghasa as well as Doolin2Aran Ferries. There's still lots to do: stroll through Cliffs of Moher, don't miss a visit to Poulnabrone Dolmen, take a leisurely stroll along Doolin Pier, and explore the fascinating underground world of Doolin Cave.

For ratings, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Doolin road trip site.

You can drive from Dublin to Doolin in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Doolin are 67°F, while nighttime lows are 54°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can 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.

You've now added JT Equestrian to your itinerary. On the 9th (Sun), learn something new at JT Equestrian, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Galway Cathedral, and then make a trip to Quay Street.

To see reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Galway trip builder.

You can drive from Doolin to Galway in 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. July in Galway sees daily highs of 63°F and lows of 51°F at night. On the 10th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Portrush.

Portrush is a small seaside resort town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, on the County Londonderry border. Your day by day itinerary now includes Bushmills Distillery as well as Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. On the 10th (Mon), get in on the family fun at Barry's Amusements.

For photos, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Portrush itinerary maker site.

Drive from Galway to Portrush in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of taxi and train. July in Portrush sees daily highs of 66°F and lows of 56°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 12th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Belfast.

A city with character, Belfast remains a great place for a leisurely exploration, as it is still relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists, who usually opt to visit Dublin instead.

On the 12th (Wed), admire the natural beauty at Belfast Botanical Gardens.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Belfast trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Portrush to Belfast takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 55°F. You'll have a few hours on the 13th (Thu) to wrap things up before traveling to Dublin.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Newgrange. See even more of Dublin: take a stroll through Temple Bar, ponder the world of politics at Dublin Castle, don't miss a visit to The Spire, and stroll around Phoenix Park.

To see traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Dublin trip planning app.

Traveling by car from Belfast to Dublin takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. You will have some time to spend on the 16th (Sun) before leaving for home.