When faced with our first week as true empty-nesters, instead of moving our youngest into her university and going home to cry about it, we decided to hop on a flight to Ireland the next day and spend a week together. We highly recommend this as a first week of empty-nesting activity! Go Ireland! It sure did deliver.
Ireland’s magic lies in its cozy pubs, dramatic coastlines, and rich cultural history, not to mention it’s friendly, fun-loving citizens. If you’re dreaming of a trip where you can sip whiskey, stroll through medieval towns, and unwind in luxury resorts—all while avoiding crowds—this itinerary is your ideal inspiration. We went to see some college football in Dublin, because.. why not? We love football. Obviously, some items on the itinerary would require an actual game, but keep in mind that Dublin does host a college football game most years. We say don’t hesitate to go. It was a great time.
Day 1: Arrival in Dublin
Stay:
🛏️ The Morrison Dublin (Hilton) – A sleek, stylish hotel right in the heart of Dublin.
Activity:
- Land in Dublin at 8:45 am and head to the hotel to store your luggage.
- 1:30 pm – Visit the stunning Book of Kells at Trinity College.
- Evening – Experience the iconic Temple Bar where live music and pints abound.
- Highlight of the night – Kehoe’s pub, where we happened upon Pat McAfee and his entourage who were in town for College Game Day.
Special to This Place:
Dublin is the perfect mix of literary legacy and contemporary buzz. The Book of Kells is a must-see gem that bridges ancient history and fine artistry.
Day 2: Dublin Delights
Stay:
🛏️ The Morrison Dublin (Hilton)
Activity:
- 12:15 pm – Tour the iconic Jameson Whiskey Distillery
- 2–5 pm – Experience the vibrant energy of ESPN College Game Day and traditional music at the Smithfield Fleadh
- 5:00 pm – Watch FSU vs GT (Go Noles!)
- 9:00 pm – After game drinks and dinner at The Bank Bar & Restaurant
Special to This Place:
Smithfield Square comes alive with trad music—grab a pint and soak up Ireland’s living culture. Jameson’s heritage-rich distillery offers a smooth dive into Irish craftsmanship.
Day 3: Road to Dingle
Stay:
🛏️ Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa
Activity:
- Pick up your rental car and hit the road.
- Stop for lunch and a historical detour at the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most impressive medieval sites.
- Continue west to the cozy harbor town of Dingle.
Special to This Place:
The Rock of Cashel is a dramatic ruin with sweeping views. It’s one of those places where you can feel the centuries roll by under your feet.
Day 4: Dingle Adventures
Stay:
🛏️ Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa
Activity:
- 10:00–12:30 – Get up close with the wild Atlantic on a Sea Safari. NOTE: Our trip was canceled due to weather but we still highly recommend it.
- Enjoy lunch in Dingle Town and stroll its colorful streets
- Pub hop in the evening with live traditional music
Special to This Place:
Dingle’s charm is unbeatable. Friendly locals, dolphin sightings, and a relaxed vibe make it one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets.
Day 5: Dingle Way Hike & Kerry Coast
Stay:
🛏️ Parknasilla Resort & Spa
Activity:
- Taxi to Slea Head and hike a stunning 9-mile segment of the Dingle Way back to Dingle. We would skip the last three miles which are all road and no shoulder for the most part. Read about our Dingle Way experience for more details.
Tip: Ask the hotel ahead of time to arrange the taxi for you and keep the driver’s number. If you need a taxi in this area, this is how it is done. Everyone knows everyone. Think small town vibes. - Depart Dingle and drive to Parknasilla Resort
- 8:00 pm – Dinner at Doolittle, the elegant in-house restaurant
Special to This Place:
The Dingle Way offers world-class coastal hiking with sheep-dotted hills and sea cliffs. Parknasilla blends historic elegance with natural beauty.
Day 6: Relaxation in Sneem
Stay:
🛏️ Parknasilla Resort & Spa
Activity:
- 9:30–11:00 am – Attend a Falconry session to learn from the local expert who houses more than 40 birds on his property. He brings a few to the hotel to show and will even let you hold his prized owl, which we did.
- 3:00 pm – Unwind with a spa treatment
- 7:00 pm – Dine at Pygmalion, the hotel’s fine restaurant
Special to This Place:
Parknasilla is the place to slow down. Imagine soaring birds of prey and serene spa sessions—all nestled between mountains and the sea. The scenery even gives a little Hawaii feel in some spots.
Day 7: Ring of Kerry to Kilkenny
Stay:
🛏️ Butler House, Kilkenny
Activity:
- Drive the scenic Ring of Kerry en route to Portmagee
- Continue to Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval capital
- Explore the Medieval Mile, enjoy cozy pubs, and finish with dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, Campagne. Read about our experience in our Michelin Restaurants section.
Special to This Place:
Kilkenny’s historic charm is intoxicating—stone towers, winding lanes, and the perfect blend of heritage and modern cuisine. And don’t forget to look up it’s spooky tendencies…and read about our story here.
Day 8: Return to Dublin
Stay:
🛏️ Haddington House Hotel
Activity:
- Drive back to Dublin
- Spend your final evening soaking in city views, or enjoy one last pub session with traditional music
Special to This Place:
Wind down your Irish escape in Dún Laoghaire, just south of Dublin, where Haddington House offers sea breezes and quiet elegance.
Day 9: Departure
Activity:
- 11:00 am – Depart Dublin and arrive home in Atlanta at 2:45 pm
Special to This Place:
You’ll leave Ireland with unforgettable memories—and maybe a new taste for whiskey, wild coastlines, and warm-hearted conversations.